Day 342

(A) Book of 1 Timothy ~ cont.
3. Guidance for the young ministers ~ cont.
b. Work of a minister - 1 Timothy 5:1-25; 6:1-21
(B) Book of Titus
1. Selection of bishops and elders - Titus 1:1-16
2. Pattern for Christian living - Titus 2:1-15; 3:1-15


Widows - not to be taken into the church's provision unless they did not have children or nephews (thought that interesting, no nieces), over the age of 60 ~  had a reputation of good works ~ raised up children ~ lodged strangers ~  washed the feet of the saints (that would be any regenerate person - not someone 'specified' by the Roman Catholic Church) ~  relieved the afflicted ~  followed every good work.


Washed the saints feet - the other items are pretty self explanatory, but washing someones feet.  Some would contend that this was a practice done during that season of civilization which had dusty roads, people walked, wore sandals, etc.  Jesus did wash the apostles' feet (an act usually reserved for the lowest of slaves).


Hmmm....consulting better minds than I...Gill, Henry, Poole and a couple of others reference how washing the feet of guests in those hot countries to cleanse and/or cool them down would fulfill this requirement.  In addition, their commentaries expanded that concept to include that she was willing to do the most menial of tasks to bring comfort or relief to the saints.


Quite an outstanding list, I do not think I measure up very well, an excellent opportunity to evaluate whether I am availing myself of opportunities Father gives to bless the saints.  Not in order to 'check' something off a list.  For anything done without a spirit of love avails nothing.  No rewards, nothing, zero, zip, nada.  Whatever we do, it must be as unto the Lord.  I have failed miserably at this in so many areas of my life...**sigh**...Lord, forgive me.


But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  (1 Timothy 6:6-8)


The rich ~ fall into temptation ~ snare ~ foolish and hurtful lusts ~ love of money (root of evil, not the money).


Man of God to follow:  Righteousness ~ godliness ~ faith ~ love ~ patience ~ meekness.


I chuckled when I read this passage:  O Timothy (that O caught my attention for it implies, to me, a heart felt deep attachment), keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be thee. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:20-21)


I wonder if Timothy and Paul were having to contend with evolutionist type people?  'Science falsely so called' was the phrase which riveted my attention.  I had to chuckle over the commentaries as I compared my 'evolutionist' statement to what was written.  Those who think they have knowledge.  Those who claim that man, the world, everything that is known, came about from nothing, are like those who claim they have knowledge.


2Ti 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.


Qualifications for a bishop ~ husband of one wife ~ faithful children ~ not riotous or unruly (or accused thereof) ~ blameless ~ self willed ~ not soon angry ~ not given to wine ~ no striker ~ not given to filthy lucre ~ hospitable ~ lover of good men ~ sober ~ just ~ holy ~ temperate ~ holds the Word fast to exhort and convince gainsayers.


Aged men - sober ~ grave ~ temperate ~ sound in faith ~ charity ~ patient.


Aged women - not false accusers ~ not given to much wine (or other pain numbing substances) ~ teachers of good things ~ teaching young women to be: sober ~ love their husbands ~ love their children ~ discreet ~ chaste ~ keepers at home ~ good ~ obedient to husbands (why? that the Word of God be not blasphemed).


Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  (Titus 2:13-14)


Lord, help us Your Bride to be zealous of good works, to not be a by-word amongst the heathen.  Help Your people Lord to be set apart and holy unto You.  Not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is Your good and acceptable and perfect will.