Christ's Law

[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:7 . . An overseer must also have a good reputation with outsiders

You know; that's all a church needs is to install a new officer only to find out later
he's his neighborhood's worst nightmare.

The new guy might be a one-eyed Jack in church, but the kids on his street, and
the people whose property adjoins his, the post man, the convenience store, the
gas station, the super market, the department store, the drive-up at Burger King,
the trick-or-treaters, the bank, the paperboy, etc, have all seen the other side of
his face.

It had better match the one he's shown you or your church's overall influence in the
community will be in the tank; and you will have a man in a key spot whom Christ
does not approve, and with whom he does not care to associate.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:8-9 . . Deacons likewise must be men of dignity; etc, etc.

"dignity" is from a Greek word that means venerable, i.e. deserving honor and
respect, especially by reason of age; viz: esteemed.

The Greek word for "deacons" means an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at
table or in other menial duties).

Deacons aren't necessarily clergy. In point of fact, many are laymen because theirs
is a support role rather than a shepherd's role. And "deacon" isn't a career track,
rather, deacons are typically uncompensated volunteers.

It would be very difficult, if not impossible, for a church's officers to run the
operation all by themselves without a ready pool of reliable grunts and go-fers; viz:
men who'll step up to unglamorous routine tasks. (a.k.a. scut).
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:10 . . And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if
they are beyond reproach.

The vetting process must of necessity include interviewing people who've had
experience with a candidate; for example:

"Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by
the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being
neglected in the daily distribution.

. . . And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not
right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore,
brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and
of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to
prayer and to the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:1-4)

The men considered for deacons in that passage were not only above average
spiritually, but also "of good repute". In other words: men being considered for
deacons really ought to be required to provide some character references from
among the congregation.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:11 . . In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect;
not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

Though an applicant for deacon may himself be a pious man, he's to be disqualified
if his wife's piety isn't on a par with his own.

I think that may be based upon Gen 2:18; where it's stated that a wife's purpose is
a supporting role rather than a co-starring role. An impious wife is probably not
going to be very enthusiastic about her pious husband's devotion to the care and
function of a church.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 3:12-13 . . Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers
of their children and their own households.

Qualifications for deacons are very similar to those for the officers they assist. (cf.
1Tim 3:2 & 1Tim 3:4-6)

Monogamy is a practical consideration. Keeping it down to one wife, rather than
more, results in fewer distractions and less misery for church men to cope with.
Sister wives don't always make for a peaceful home; and in some areas polygamy
is illegal so let's be careful out there. (Rom 13:1-5 & 1Pet 2:11-15)
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 4:7a . . Have nothing to do with the worldly fantasies of withered old
women.

I think this refers to spiritual traditions that the seniors and elders of every
generation customarily pass down to the young; thus perpetuating cultural
beliefs and practices rather than those in the Bible.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 4:7b-8 . .Train yourself to be pious. For physical training is of some value,
but piety has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the
life to come.

The Greek word translated "train" refers to the conditioning that athletes underwent
in order to be in top form during competition, viz: practice.

Webster's defines piety as devoutness, i.e. committed or devoted to religion or to
religious duties or exercises; also: devoted to a pursuit, belief, or mode of behavior.

James wrote that faith without works is dead, and encouraged his readers to put
Christ's ways into practice rather than just study them in Sunday school. (Jas 1:22
25)

I'm pretty sure that one of the things "promise for the present life" refers to is
providence, which works to our best advantage when we're pious rather than
worldly. (John 14:21-23, 1John 1:6)

NOTE: There was a Christian formula circulating back in the day that went
something like this: "Practice the presence of Christ." Well that's all well and good
as far as it goes, but I would rather encourage practicing piety instead.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 4:11 . . Command and teach these things.

The Greek word translated "command" basically refers to a teaching method that
not only gives instructions, but also urges the hearers to comply. It's a kind of
teaching that makes demands on folks. For example:

"Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise
man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and
the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its
foundation on the rock.

. . . But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into
practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the
streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a
great crash." (Matt 7:24-27)

"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready, or does not do
what his master wants, will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not
know, and does things deserving punishment, will be beaten with few blows. From
everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one
who has been entrusted with much, much more will be required." (Luke 12:47-48)

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:17)
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 4:12 . . Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech,
conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

It's commonly assumed that Paul's instructions were in reference to Timothy's age;
but I suspect it had more to do with his looks.

Some men age well; for instance the actor Rob Lowe. As of today, he's 60 years
old; but honestly doesn't look it. Rob is one of those lucky guys who seem to be
forever 21; and handsome too.

I think Timothy may have been like that. He just didn't look old enough to take the
reins of a church, let alone an entire diocese. In other words: it could be that
Timothy didn't look the part so he was going to have to really mean business if he
was to win people's respect. I would say that preventing folks from looking down on
one's youthfulness means: don't give 'em a reason to.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 4:13 . . Focus upon the public reading of scripture, and to preaching and
teaching.

Public reading was necessary because of the scarcity of Bibles in print those days.
All were hand-written; none were mass-produced like now. But even with the ease
of access to Bibles nowadays, the danger lies in Christians becoming self-taught if
church officers neglect to preach and teach. (cf. Eph 4:11-16)

Scripture in those days would have been pretty much limited to the Old Testament
since the New Testament's canon had not yet been compiled. The Old Testament is
very important because it is impossible for believers to obtain a full understanding
of The Lord's mission and purpose without a comprehensive knowledge of the Old
Testament.

● Luke 24:44-45 . . And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto
you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in
the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then
opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.

The Old Testament is also very useful for other purposes too.

● 2Tim 3:15-17 . . The holy scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly furnished unto all
good works.

● Rom 15:4 . . For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our
instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the scriptures we
might have hope.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 4:15-16 . . Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so
that everyone may see your progress.

Goods and services are often advertised by means of comparisons; i.e. before and
after, e.g. weight loss programs, age resisting cosmetics, hormone replacements,
house paints, etc.

Well; Christianity is reputed to be not only a life-changing religion, but also a
person-changing religion. For example:

"If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised
Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His spirit, who
lives in you." (Rom 8:11)

"Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day
by day." (2Cor 4:16)

Of all the people in church, its officers really ought to be living exhibits of before &
after results of their own religion.

* I should think it needless to say: when a church officer is involved in political
activism and/or civil disobedience; he will fail to be diligent in these matters and
give himself wholly to them.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 5:1a . . When speaking to an older man, appeal to him respectfully as
though he were your own father.

Children are not their parents' peers; no, parents are their children's betters. It's
an insolent demonic dunce who treats their parents with no more respect than a
college beer buddy.

I was in a Sunday school class one morning where a young fellow substituted for
the regular teacher. After practically every sentence during his lecture, the fellow
would pause, tighten his lips, turn down the corners of his mouth, squint his eyes
into narrow slits, and look around the room with a fierce scowl on his face; and
better than half that room was older than he was. I don't know about the rest of
the group, but as a man easily twice his age; I deeply resented the looks that
youngster was giving us.

NOTE: Disrespect for elders, especially one's own parents; was very prevalent
during Mao Zedong's so-called cultural revolution.

Some and/or all of Mao's principles are still practiced in various societies around the
globe where the powers that be encourage children to spy on their parents-- to rat
them out as enemies of the State --thus effectively breaking up family solidarity;
which can result in frightful consequences. (cf. Matt 10:34-36 & Malachi 4:5-6)
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 5:1b . .Speak to the younger men as you would to your own kin.

In this case, the "kin" would be sort of like a man's younger siblings; viz: his kid
brothers. Young boys look up to their big brothers; who by all rights should be
setting the example as role models that a growing boy can be proud of. Big
brothers ought to be available too, and not treat their younger siblings as excess
baggage and/or uncool nerds and morons beneath their dignity to be seen with.

* Church officers who grew up in dysfunctional homes, where human relationships
were an ongoing cold war, are going to find that 1Tim 5:1b is very difficult to obey
in a manner that exemplifies peace, love, and understanding. But were they to
speak to the younger men in church the very same way that they're accustomed to
speaking to their families growing up; it would produce disastrous results.
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[Olde Tymer]

.● 1Tim 5:2a . . Speak to the older women as mothers,

Honoring one's mother means giving her the respect that her age and her maternal
position deserve. It means watching your language, and it means keeping a civil
tongue in your head. It means speaking to her as a grown-up instead of a child. It
means treating her as one's better instead of lesser. It means deferring to her
wishes instead of demanding your own.

NOTE: In some cultures, elders have to earn respect, i.e. they have to deserve it;
whereas in Christianity their respect is taken for granted; they don't have to earn it.
For example: according to Lev 19:32 the younger generation is expected to honor
the older; not because they deserve it, but because God requires it. Why? Because
He too is an elder, viz: disrespect for an elder on Earth is felt by the elder on the
throne in Heaven, i.e. the Bible places quite a bit of importance upon things like
seniority, age, parenting, and primogeniture.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 5:2b . . Speak the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Officers should especially avoid speaking to the young women in church as if
they've met in a beer joint or a bowling alley.
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 5:3-4 . . Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But
if a widow has children or grandchildren, her kin should learn first of all to put their
religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents
and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

A widow in real need would be one who is unable to work and has no one of her
own to look out after her. Here in modern America that situation isn't nearly as
serious as it is in third world countries where there are no government assistance
programs for senior citizens. So you can see that in those circumstances a widow's
church may be the only thing between her and grinding poverty and/or a homeless
life on the streets.

A widow's Christian progeny have a sacred obligation to provide for their aging
ancestor.

"If any provide not for his own, especially for those of his own house, he has
repudiated the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1Tim 5:8)
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 5:5-7 . .The widow who is really in need, and left all alone, puts her hope in
God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow
who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these
instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame.

The New Testament Greek word for "pleasure" means voluptuous; which Webster's
defines as luxury and/or sensual gratification.

People who live only for the best that life has to offer generally regard religion as a
ball and chain holding them back from living their lives to the fullest. Well; not
everyone has access to either the means or the wherewithal to live life to the
fullest. For some, life offers no options other than a tin shack, a dirt floor, and a
bowl of white rice; if that.

Basic necessities aren't the issue here, rather, the goal to satisfy one's appetite for
the best that life has to offer. It's said that one cannot serve God and money, well
neither can one serve God and one's inherent cravings. True, it's difficult to stop
one's self from craving the best that life has to offer; but one can choose whether
to let the satisfaction of those cravings be the dominant force in their life.

"Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the concerns of this
life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke
the word, making it unfruitful." (Mark 4:18-19)
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 5:9-10 . . No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over
sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such
as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping
those in trouble, and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

There are unprincipled individuals out there who love nothing better than taking
advantage of a church's good nature, and its desire to be helpful. Following Paul's
instructions is a good way to avoid being victimized by one of them. (cf. Ruth 2:11)
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 5:11 . . Refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow
wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation because they
have cast off their first faith.

The Greek words for "first faith" don't necessarily have to do with chronology. They
also can refer to priority, i.e. order of importance.

The passage seems to me a caution that there's always the possibility that young
widows will want to get married bad enough to do so contrary to Christ's wishes
(2Cor 6:14, 1Cor 7:39) thus failing to maintain their submission to a higher power.
(cf. Luke 14:26-27)
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[Olde Tymer]

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● 1Tim 5:14 . . I will that younger women marry, have children, manage their
homes, and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.

The Greek word for "younger" actually means new and unused; so I'd say that
Paul's orders are for girls not yet married and settled down, and maybe thinking of
putting all that off awhile for careers, adventure, and/or whatever.

A very real danger for young single women is immorality. Desire, loneliness, and
longings for appreciation, have a way of building up to unbearable levels in
unattached girls; and just about that time, along comes a really great somebody
who maybe breaks down their defenses and gets a little too chummy. That can be a
difficult moment.

"To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have
her own husband." (1Cor 7:2)

NOTE: Immorality isn't the only danger related to long-term celibacy. Those who've
decided on that path need to think rationally and objectively about their future; and
ask themselves: Do I really want to live out my youth without someone; alone and
unloved in the world? Can I bear up without a nervous break-down and/or turning
to alcohol, Prozac, and overeating? Will I become irritable and difficult, and/or end
up resenting the existence of men like aunt Lucy?

Have to be brutally honest with these questions because one's mental health is on
the line here. It's very possible for a woman to wake up one day and realize, with
terrible regret, that the aging process has set in and she's allowed the very best
years of life for love and family to slip through her fingers.
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