Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope...

1 Timothy 1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope...1 Timothy 1:1

This morning I embark on a study of 1 and 2 Timothy as my church seeks nominations for deacons - a key leadership position within the church.  As such, I seek Godly wisdom on what scripture indicates as key qualifications for leadership generally, and the deacon position specifically, and 1 Timothy offers such text.  For my study this morning, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book video series, starting with the video for 1 Timothy 1:1-2, Part 1. Excerpts from the video:

• Paul writes Timothy as both an apostle and as father to a child, balancing his role as a church authority and his role as a mentor (discipleship maker) of Timothy, whom Paul loves dearly and in whom Paul sees great potential
• in v1, Paul is writing Timothy by command of Jesus; John Piper refers us to Luke 6:13 where Jesus set aside twelve of his disciples as apostles; these are authoritative representatives of the sender (Jesus)
• Paul describes his own grace-filled arrival as an apostle in 1 Corinthians 15:7-9
• The special role of apostles is described in John 16:12-13 where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to guide the apostle in their words; promise from Jesus; see also John 14:26 where Jesus makes His own provision of His voice through the Holy Spirit to the apostles 
• 1 cor 14:37-38 describes the authority of an apostle
• The apostles became the foundation of church Ephesians 2:19-20; as such the New Testament and the Apostolic writings are foundation of church
• Paul's role as an apostle described in Acts 9:1-16 where we see Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus road; here Paul is commanded into his role
• 1 Timothy 1:12-14 Paul thanks Jesus as commands can be described as merciful

This video provides an excellent example of how the Bible itself is the inerrant Word of God - apologetics. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who uses human agents to lead the church and serve as the foundation for Your Word to reach all of humanity - a mission You gave the apostles and the church. Thank You for the apostles and for how You give us commentaries and other tools to give us for a better understanding of Your Word and for us to see Your Word as the inerrant Word of God.  I am not deserving of this blessing nor any blessing You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Day 288 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* further describes the historical interlude or intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments which is attributed to the period 425 B.C. to B.C. Although many exiled Jews returned to Palestine, "[m]any Jews choose not to return and are still living in Babylonia, Egypt, and other areas as well....Thus the law’s influence itself has diminished....Of course local religious beliefs have a profound effect, as already seen when the Jews intermarried with those involved in idolatry and various pagan practices. Also of significant impact are the Persian beliefs in astrology and the occult. As a result, when many Jews read their Scriptures in this post-exilic period, they attach special meanings to any passage dealing with demons and angels, or light and darkness." A number of cultural and political influences are noted, including the rise of the synagogue (vs the temple), the role of the rabbi (vs high priest), and sectarianism which significantly impacts the Jews' unity and strength - and most importantly their faith, particularly to see and coalesce around the Messiah as the promised king so prophesied many times during Jewish history and in the Bible.  Additionally, my commentary describes how the crumbling of the Assyrian empire leads first to the rise of the Greek, then the Roman empire. Of course the Jews are described as being caught in the middle as empires around them rose and fell, and "[w]ithout doubt, the Jews’ only hope is the coming of the conquering king they have been promised, and what better time than now? It may be this very thinking which, just over a century from now, will be a significant factor in how the Jews of that day react to an unassuming man of peace who claims to be their king."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

This morning, I think of a study recently completed on the topic of Christian apologetics where we reviewed John Piper's book Why We Believe the Bible. I am also drawn to scripture that refers to the inerrancy of scripture.

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6

 

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. Psalm 12:6

  

For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You and Your Word are indeed one and the same and both are flawless.  We can trust in You as You are faithful.  I am grateful Jesus for how You saved me, sustain me, and You never leave or forsake me.  I am not deserving of such a God.  I worry and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.