Christ's Law

[Olde Tymer]

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● 2Thess 3:14 . . If anyone does not obey our commands in this letter, take special
note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.

Back then when churches were small cells meeting in private homes rather than
auditoriums seating hundreds of people, it was easy for church officers to hold their
congregation's feet to the fire. Nowadays, forget it. Church sizes are such that
officers haven't a clue what's going on in the lives of their membership roles. As a
result, modern churches are permeated with conduct unbecoming.

● 2Thess 3:15 . .Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Mandatory consequences were usually for the purpose of discipline; viz: child
rearing. So when officers ostracize one of Christ's followers, they should keep in
mind that the errant follower is one of their own: a sibling around the table in God's
home. So wayward followers shouldn't be permanently culled from the herd as if
they're the devil in disguise. They aren't devils; no, they're just naughty kids that
deserve grounding, so to speak. (cf. 2Cor 2:6-11)

NOTE: Quite a bit of the material in the apostle Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus
contain written instructions for church officers; but as his instructions are very
likely of interest to seminary students on a path towards becoming church officers;
they bear repeating on the internet just in case one or more wanna-bees happen to
be looking in. If so, then please consider our comments merely a primer, i.e. a
taste of the really good stuff available from seminary faculties.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 1:3-5 . . As I urged you when I went into Macedonia-- remain in Ephesus
that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to
fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification
which is in faith.

Compare 2Thess 2:15 where it says:

"So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught,
whether by word of mouth or by letter from us."

NOTE: The epistles of Timothy and Titus are sometimes called pastoral epistles
because Paul's instructions address mainly church managers rather than
congregations.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 2:8-9 . . I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy
hands, without wrath and evil thoughts.

Lifting up one's hands is the posture of an anxious beggar seeking charity and
compassion. Holy hands are loyal hands. Other kinds of hands should be kept at
one's side till such a time as they qualify as true blue, thru and thru.

The Greek word for "wrath" means hot desire. It's sometimes translated anger,
indignation, and vengeance. The idea is that a believer should never pray out of
spite and/or use prayer as a tool to hurt somebody's feelings. That is the ugliest
abuse of the privilege of prayer that I can possibly imagine. In my opinion, people
who pray out of spite are no different than slanderers, witches, sorcerers, and
voodoo priests. Especially annoying are people who can't keep a civil tongue in their
heads, and then have the nerve to say "you're in our prayers"
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 2:9-10 . . In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or
pearls, or costly array; but (which becomes women professing piety) with good
works.

The Greek word for "sobriety" basically means soundness of mind; viz: mature,
sensible, and self controlled rather than impulsive.

Some folk, obsessed with asceticism, use that verse to prove it's wrong for women
to use cosmetics and dress themselves in current fashions. But the passage doesn't
forbid that. What it forbids is a woman putting a higher priority on her appearance
than her character.

The old adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" applies here as well as in
literature. I've met women with tattoos, studs in their tongues, multicolored hair,
fishnet stockings, outrageous earrings, tight-fitting concert tee shirts, low-slung hip
huggers, and black lipstick that were really peaches while I've met elegant, neatly
dressed women with horrible personalities. They say a rose in any language is still a
rose; yeah, well, a pig, no matter how it's dressed, is still a pig whether in belly
shirts and flip-flops or haute couture.

"An attractive woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout. (Prov
11:22, cf. 1Pet 3:1-6)

The Greek word for "shamefacedness" basically means bashfulness, i.e. diffidence;
which is just the opposite of insolence, impudence, and brazenness. Bashful people
have a hard time looking people in the eye because they are so shy, non
confrontational, timid, self conscious, and non-assertive. What we're looking at here
relates to one of The Lord's beatitudes.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:3)

That's a very comforting beatitude because it confirms that there's coming a day
when difficult people will be eradicated.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 2:11 . . Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.

The Greek word for "submissiveness" basically refers to subordination; in this case
voluntary.

That word appears in a number of applications. In Matt 22:12 it means tongue tied.
In Mark 4:39 it means calm down. In 1Tim 5:18 it infers suppression. In 1Tim 2:15
it means to negate, i.e. render invalid and/or unworthy of consideration.

During my 80+ years on this planet; I've encountered quite a few women that
enjoy debating with men; and especially pointing out men's faults and/or proving
men wrong. I don't know why they're like that, I guess it's just a female thing. But
Christ doesn't allow it.

If 1Tim 2:11 is telling me anything at all it's that Christ doesn't want to see
Christian women debating, quarreling, or arguing with men in church; and that
includes Sunday school discussions. In point of fact, according to 1Cor 14:35,
women aren't even allowed to raise their hands and ask a question in co-ed Sunday
school classes.

Gender equality is a big issue out in the world; but God forbid it should become an
issue in church because divine edicts trump human politics.

"Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the
earth." (Ps 16:11)
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 2:12-15 . . I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a
man, but to remain quiet.

The "my church" that Christ spoke of at Matt 16:18 isn't meant to be steered by
personal opinions, popular culture, and/or political correctness. He has some say
about it and his say is the final word.

In the "my church" males are the gender designated to captain the ships; not the
females. I don't trust a church supervised by female managers and pastors. Why?
Because it tells me that Christ isn't supreme among those people-- they've as much
as voted him out.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 2:15 . . Women shall be preserved through the bearing of children if they
continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

In other words, it isn't necessary for women to be pastors, deacons, and/or adult
Sunday school teachers in order to serve Christ faithfully, loyally, and effectively.
Homemaking is just as high a calling as any in church.

Can a female church manager or a pastor; continue in faith, love, and sanctity with
self-restraint? In point of fact, it is a non sequitur to say a female church manager
or pastor continues in faith. If she did, she would be neither a church manager nor
a pastor. This is precisely why God rejected Cain's offering. It was a perfectly good
offering, and no doubt Cain had brought God the very same thing in the past, but
God rejected it that time because Cain failed to offer it in faith. (Gen 4:7, Heb 11:4)
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:2a . . An overseer, then, must be above reproach

The Greek word for "overseer" is basically refers to supervisors.

Why must they be above reproach? Because the work they do is a "good" work
(1Tim 3:1) but much good can be ruined by even a little wickedness.

"Dead insects will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes, an ounce of
foolishness can outweigh a pound of wisdom and honor." (Ecc 10:1)

Before the wonders of modern chemistry, perfumes were made (and many still are)
from animal and vegetable sources. Those, being 100% organic in a time when
chemical preservatives didn't exists, could spoil if the perfumer wasn't careful to
keep his product protected from exposure to temperature, insects, dirt, moisture,
and other contaminants. All the skills and patience and knowledge exercised in the
making of expensive ointments could be completely annulled by simply forgetting
to put the cap (or the cork; whatever) back on a jar.

Anyway, Ecc 10:1 certainly rings true in this day and age as Christianity's credibility
steadily diminishes because of its ongoing morality scandals, embezzling, and
deplorable cover-ups.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:2b . . An overseer, then, must be the husband of one wife

That directive is a bit ambiguous. Some feel it says that a church officer can have
only one wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says that he can
be married only once in a lifetime; viz: not a widower or a divorced man.

Seeing as how this is ambiguous; I suggest letting church boards decide it for
themselves among themselves.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:2c . . An overseer, then; must be temperate

This kind of temperance relates to extremes of behavior or expression, e.g.
outbursts of hostility, rage, shouting, tantrums, militant demands, and
obnoxious remarks. In other words: an overseer has to be somebody not
easily provoked, i.e. mellow.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:2d . . An overseer, then; must be self controlled.

The Greek word translated self controlled also means circumspect; which basically
pertains to considering the possible ramifications of one's conduct, i.e. prudence:
the very opposite of an impulsive personality which doesn't stop and think about
what they're doing.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:2e . . An overseer, then; must be respectable

The Greek word translated "respectable" basically means orderly, viz: decorous.

Webster's defines decorous as marked by propriety; viz: correct; and exhibiting
good taste in conduct, language, or appearance. A decorous person is-- among
other things --neat, tidy, well-mannered, well-groomed, and polite. They bathe
often too.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:2f . . An overseer, then; must be hospitable

The Greek word translated "hospitable" basically means fond of guests.

In other words, church officers shouldn't be hermit types, or friendless loners
preferring solitude. Not that there's anything wrong with hermits and loners; it's
just that church officers are supposed to be shepherds, which requires them to
associate with the sheep entrusted to their care. A man who doesn't mingle easily
and comfortably really should consider taking a position in church where he doesn't
have to meet the public.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:2g . . An overseer, then; must be apt to teach

"apt to teach" is from a Greek word that basically means instructive, i.e. didactic.

That word is tricky. It's sometimes translated "able to teach". That's okay I guess,
but I suspect it also refers to role models, i.e. people whose manner of life
exemplifies Christianity. In other words; their teaching is in shoe leather rather
than only in a classroom.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:3a . . An overseer, then; must not be addicted to wine

Church officers aren't forbidden alcohol; just too much alcohol.

"No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your
stomach and your frequent ailments." (1Tim 5:23)

A "little" wine can lead to a lot for someone with a predilection to imbibe. For
people like that, it's best to avoid wine altogether rather than risk becoming a
candidate for AA.

For church officers with health issues, I suggest consulting a doctor because there
are much better treatments available in our day than there were back then.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:3b . . An overseer, then; must not be pugnacious

Webster's defines pugnacious as militant, defensive, warlike, combative, pushy,
assertive, intimidating, scrappy, and belligerent.

Some men are natural-born bullies and others are ready to "take it outside" at
every challenge. With them, turning the other cheek is not an option. Well; you
sure don't want personalities like that on the board of your church and/or helming a
pulpit. Heaven forbid!
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:3c . . An overseer, then; must be gentle, non contentious.

A good church officer isn't what might be called shrinking; but rather, he's an
affable, lenient, courageous man who selects his conflicts carefully.

For some people, every disagreement is an act of war: they're assertive, reactive,
defensive, and confrontational not just some of the time; but all the time. They
debate trivia, and give petty issues an amount of undivided attention it doesn't
deserve.

A man whose composure is not easily lost is a good choice to chair a Sunday school
class because there's always at least one or more hecklers, fault-finders, and/or
know-it-all kibitzers in the room that are sure to try his patience.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:3d . . An overseer, then; must be free from the love of money

That is a very, very important qualification because he'll be afforded many
opportunities for embezzlement.

I would highly recommend that a prospective church officer's background be
checked before proceeding with the interview process. Is his credit good? Does he
have gambling debts? Does he prefer gourmet foods and restaurants? Does he
wear Armani suits, hand-made shoes, a Cartier wrist watch, and drive a new Lexus?
What's his current home worth? What part of town does he live in?

Because, unfortunately, there are men out there seeking careers in the business of
religion, and are very good at finding ways to get their fingers in a church's
treasury-- and not a few are looking for lucrative wage and benefit packages
instead of an opportunity to serve Christ faithfully, loyally, and effectively; and
looking out for their own his best interests instead of his.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:4-5 . . An overseer must manage his own family well, and see that his
children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage
his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

There's respect, and then there's "proper" respect; which has to be nurtured
because a father cannot get proper respect by coercion and/or intimidation; which
instead earn fear, suspicion, mistrust, and dread. Tyranny might be good
Machiavellian management, but should never be construed as good Christian
management; which the above defines as "care".
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:6 . . An overseer must not be a novice, or he may become conceited and
fall under the same judgment as the Devil.

According to Ezek 28:12-19, the Devil's fall was due to his insufferable superiority
complex; roughly defined as a sort of master-race mentality.

"By the grace given me; I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more
highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in
accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (Rom 12:3)

If an inexperienced Christian is advanced too soon in church, they could easily
become so proud of themselves that they regard their position as an achievement
instead of a sacred trust. When someone is promoted to a position in church they
ought not celebrate as if they won valedictorian in their senior graduating class; no;
they really ought to be nervous because God will be holding them to a higher
standard than the rank and file. (Luke 12:48, cf. Jas 3:1)
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