Day 20 - I Timothy 4:1-2

A Daily Devotional Study of I Timothy

Don't be Deceived

1 Timothy 4:1-2

¹Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ²Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.

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cripture clearly teaches that the last days will be a time of great deception. When asked by His disciples about the sign of His coming and the end of the age, Jesus replied, Take heed that no one deceives you (Matt. 24:3-4). Paul makes the same point in this passage. It should be noted, however, that the last days began with the coming of the Messiah and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. For example, when asked the meaning of the speaking in tongues on the Day of Pentecost, Peter replied that it was a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy: It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:17). Paul, no doubt, considers the false teaching he is confronting in Ephesus to be a fulfillment of what the Spirit has said about the latter times. Since we are probably living at the latter end of the latter times, these passages are even more relevant today.

Departing From the Faith

The word “depart” is from the Greek word apostesontai, which means “to withdraw or abandon.” It is the word from which we get “apostasy.” What is being abandoned is not just their faith or trust in God, but “faith” with the definite article, i.e., the Faith. When used with the definite article, the Faith refers to the body of teaching that is essential to the gospel. What is at stake with the false teaching in Ephesus is the very gospel itself.

Deceiving Spirits & Doctrines of Demons

Paul says that those who depart from the Faith do so by giving heed (paying attention) to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Remember that Satan does not come in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork; rather, he comes as an angel of light to deceive (2 Cor. 11:14). Deceiving spirits love to play on human ego and pride and the fleshly desire for something new, novel, and sensational. We must be alert! Everything that glitters is not gold! Only as we arm ourselves with a love for the truth can we avoid Satan’s snares.

Speaking Lies in Hypocrisy

The words “hypocrisy” and “hypocrite” come from hupocrates, which referred to the actors in Greek theater. These actors often played their roles behind large masks that extended from head to foot. Jesus used this word for the religious leaders of His day, reproaching them for not being real and for playing pompous roles behind religious masks. In this passage, Paul uses the word to describe those who are propagating the false teaching. He is saying that they are acting or pretending to be something they are not. Because they have lived in violation of what they know to be right and wrong, their consciences have become seared or deadened, i.e., they no longer feel any shame or compunction for their evil words and deeds.

Avoiding the Great Deception

We can avoid the deception predicted in Scripture by making it our goal to know truth and to walk in it. May God give us all a burning love for truth. Speaking of the last days in 2 Thess. 2:10, Paul says that people will be deceived because, they did not receive the love of the truth that they might be saved. On the other hand, Jesus promised in John 8:31-32, that if we would continue in His word, we would be His disciples indeed, And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.

Reflection & Prayer

O Lord, in these days of great confusion and deception, create in us a love for the truth. And grant us the courage to walk and speak the truth all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!

Day 19 - I Timothy 3:16

A Daily Devotional Study of I Timothy

A Great Message of Hope & Salvation

1 Timothy 3:16

¹⁶And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

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aul now makes a sweeping declaration of the essence of the Christian faith, referring to it as the mystery of godliness. The Biblical word “mystery” does not refer to a riddle or puzzling question, but to something that has been hidden and is now being brought into the open. Paul uses it here to express the transcendent majesty of the gospel message that once was hidden in God but is now revealed and being proclaimed to the nations. Because of the rhythmic patterns in this passage, most New Testament scholars believe this was a hymn sung and repeated by some of the earliest believers in Jesus.

God Was Manifested in the Flesh

The word “manifested” is from the Greek word phaneroo, which refers to something that is invisible being brought out into the open where it can be seen. It is the verb form of the noun that is used in 1 Cor. 12:7 of the gifts of the Spirit. It is used here to make the point that God, Who is pure Spirit, became Incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. This is the essence of the Christmas story: God the Creator took on human flesh and has become one of us in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Justified in the Spirit

The NIV may have captured the sense more clearly with its translation of this passage as vindicated by the Spirit. In other words, the profound claims of Jesus that, as the Son of God, He would die and then rise from the dead, were all vindicated when it actually happened by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Rom. 1:4, Paul says that Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power . . . by the resurrection from the dead. His resurrection also validated everything else He taught, such as a future judgment, a future resurrection, and His return to earth.

Seen by Angels, Preached among the Gentiles

Seen by Angels probably refers to the activity of angels in the life of Jesus; for example, at his birth, during His temptation in the wilderness, in the Garden of Gethsemene, and at His resurrection. Preached among the Gentiles refers to the fact that this Jewish Messiah is being proclaimed to all races and peoples. What we proclaim is not a creed, religion, or philosophy, but a Person.

Believed on in the World

This preaching of Christ produces faith, enabling people everywhere to believe and be saved. Believed on in the world emphasizes the universality of the gospel. This is not a local or regional religion. It is for the whole world.

Received up in Glory

“Received up” in this verse is the same Greek word, analambano, that is used in Acts 1:2 of Jesus being “taken up” into heaven. “In glory” is the heavenly realm where He now sits at the Right Hand of God, making intercession for you and me, and from whence He will come again to receive us unto Himself.

What an incredible story! What an awesome message we have to give the world!

Reflection & Prayer

Gracious God, to whom all praise is due, we stand in awe of You! O Lord, we stand in awe of You, and of Your wonderful salvation. Thank You for saving us and allowing us the privilege of proclaiming Your salvation to the whole world. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Day 18 - I Timothy 3:14-15

A Daily Devotional Guide to I Timothy

Living as Members
of God’s Household

1 Timothy 3:14-15

¹⁴These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; ¹⁵But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you to ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

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hat is appropriate conduct for a Christian? This is what Paul addresses throughout this letter to Timothy. It is not Timothy’s conduct that Paul has in mind, but the conduct of those in Ephesus to whom Timothy is ministering. As we read, we can almost see Paul writing these words, knowing that Timothy is going to read them in the gatherings of believers in Ephesus.

The Household of God

Modern readers often interpret house of God in v. 15 as referring to a church building. However, there is no evidence of a church building for the first 200 years of the church’s existence. The church in Ephesus met in homes and sometimes in public venues, such as the lecture hall Paul rented while in Ephesus (see Acts 19:9; 20:20). The earliest believers did not see church as a building, but as the people of God gathered together in the name Christ. Also, the Greek word translated “house” is oiko, which literally means “household.” For example, in Acts 16:31 when Paul, told the Philippian jailer that if he would believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, he would be saved and his house (oiko), it is obviously a reference to all the people that made up the jailer’s household.

The Responsibility of Being a Member of God's Household

In the ancient world, the household was more extensive than the nuclear family today, consisting of extended family, tutors, slaves, and servants. Although most were smaller, a household could be large with hundreds of members. Some households gained fame because of the success and exploits of its members. Pride and status became associated with belonging to certain households, and certain standards of behavior were expected of their members. So, Paul is here talking about how believers should behave, not in a church building, but as members of God’s household.

The Church Is God’s Household

Paul says that the household of God is synonymous with the Church. I like to say that the family is a little church and the church is a big family. At least, that is how it should be! Paul also says that the church, which is the household of God, is the pillar and ground of truth. A pillar gives support. “Ground” is a translation of the Greek word edraioma, which literally means “a bulwark or fortification.”

Our Conduct Guards the Truth

Paul’s point is that, as members of God’s household, we have responsibility to live our lives in ways that reflect the character and honor of that household. Paul says, in fact, that the household of God is the bulwark or fortification where truth is kept safe in the earth. This truth is protected, not by mere statements of doctrine and faith, but by the conduct of those who live the truth as members of God’s household. Ephesians 2:19 says that we, who were once foreigners and strangers, have now been made . . .members of the household of God. What a wonderful privilege and sobering responsibility!

Reflection & Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for placing us in Your household and making us a part of Your great family—sons and daughters of the Almighty. What a wonderful privilege and sobering responsibility. May we live lives that honor You and bring glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen!

Day 17 - I Timothy 3:5-7

A Daily Devotional Study of I Timothy

More Characteristics of Biblical Leadership

1 Timothy 3:5-7

⁵For if a man does not know who to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God. ⁶Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. ⁷Moreover, he must have a good report testimony toward them that are without, lest he fall into the reproach and snare of the devil.

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uch leadership in the Church is carried out from position, power, office, and title. Biblical leadership, however, is carried out from character and the call of God. Designations of leadership in the New Testament, such as episcopas, (bishop) are rooted in function and responsibility, not in status and power. Henri Nouwen got it right when he said, "Much Christian leadership is exercised by people who do not know how to develop healthy intimate relationship and have opted for power and control instead." Augustine, often considered the greatest of the church fathers, pointed out that the etymology of episcopas (bishop) refers to responsibility and not to authority. “Therefore,” says Augustine, “He who loves to govern rather than to do good is no bishop.”

God Has Not Banned Women from Leadership

Paul presents additional qualities for those who would have oversight in the Church. The role of oversight is obviously not limited to men, for Paul uses generic language throughout the discussion. For example, the word "man" is not in the Greek in either verse 1 or verse 5. In both places, “man” is a translation of the Greek pronoun tis, which literally means “anyone.” The NIV translators got it right this time! (see yesterday’ post) Also of interest is the fact that the Greek word for “rule” in verse 5, prostenai, is used of a woman in Rom. 16:1-2, where it is translated as “helper” in the NKJV.

The fact that Paul, in verse 2, says the episcopas  (bishop) must be the husband of one wife was not an exclusion of women. Since there are not separate words in Greek for man-husband and woman-wife, this verse could also read that the bishop must be a man of one woman. I suggest that there is a cultural element here for in the Greco-Roman world of the 1^st century it was culturally acceptable for a husband to have sexual affairs and keep mistresses; but it was not acceptable for a wife to to do the same. It was, therefore, necessary for Paul to include this one criterion that related particularly to men, that they be, literally, “a one woman man,’ or “the husband of one wife.”

The Home, a Proving Ground for Leadership

Paul presents the home as a proving ground for ministry. Marriage and the home constitute the most intense relationships we know and experience. If our faith works at home, it will work anywhere. If we can walk in love and peace at home, we can walk in love and peace in any situation. This doesn’t mean that a leader’s marriage and home have to be perfect, but that there must be an obvious integrity and loyalty in these most important relationships. This is in line with v. 2, where Paul says the episcopas must be the husband of one wife. Paul’s point is that, if a leader is not trustworthy in the marriage relationship, it is questionable whether or not he or she can be trusted in other relationships.

We Must Lie Low at the Feet of Jesus

In v. 6, Paul says that the episcopas (bishop) should not be a novice. A novice is a person who is new to the faith. Much damage has been done in the body of Christ by new believers being thrust into the spotlight simply because they were a celebrity, i.e., a famous athlete or entertainer. Paul says that a novice is liable to become proud and then fall into the same condemnation as the devil. This is probably a reference to Isaiah 14:12-15 where Lucifer was cast down from heaven because of pride. Gordon Lindsay, one of the most prominent leaders in the healing revivals of the 1940s-50s, observed several well-known healing evangelists fall because of pride. Based on his observations, he declared, "As one rises higher and higher in spiritual blessing and power, he must ever seek to become lower and lower and lower and lower." Leaders must avoid pride and continually lie low at the feet of Jesus.

Reflection & Prayer

Oh Lord, I pray that you will raise up a new generation of leaders in Your Church—men and women who are not looking for personal advantage but are committed to serving You and helping your people grow into Your likeness. I pray this in Jesus’ name! Amen!