Sundry Teachings from First Timothy

By Ron Thomas
    “...holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith...” (1 Timothy 1:19 ASV). Most understand that when the Lord warns Christians about staying away from danger, if Christians do not, there is a consequence when one fails to obey. Sometimes a consequence amounts to falling away from the Lord’s secure hold. This is what Paul addressed in this verse when he said of some having made shipwreck of their faith; this is another way of saying they have turned their back to the Lord and fell from grace.    “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). This short little verse is a powerful reminder that it is not the Lord’s desire for any to perish without salvation. He made His will known to us through the Scriptures. If we take time to understand it, make an application, then the Lord is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. On the other hand, He will do nothing for us if we refuse to hear and heed His Word. God has done what He will do, now it is up to us to respond to His invitation.    “Women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things” (1 Timothy 3:11). This is a passage that allows three interpretations. First, it refers to the wives of those men who would serve as elders or deacons (ESV, KJV, Moffatt, New English Bible, NIV). Second, it refers to women in general (RSV, ASV, NASB, Jerusalem Bible, Phillips, Wuest). Third, it refers to women deacons (Williams New Testament translation, G. C. Brewer). The term wives fits very well with the sense of the context; woman not as well. What about women deacons. G. C. Brewer wrote, there is some evidence in favor of the idea (The Model Church, p. 101), but “there is probably no way definitely to decide the question” (ibid). When Paul addressed his letter to the church at Philippi, he addressed the bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1). If the females of 1 Timothy 3:11 had a special role, it would have pertained to the women of the congregation.    “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). Too many preachers want to keep a close watch on others but are slow at watching themselves. Sometimes they write periodicals and articles for others to read. This is a real problem, for it stirs controversy and causes division. Those who fail to keep an eye on themselves and those quick to point out the failings of others in print never see themselves as a problem. Paul was mindful of it with regard to himself; every preacher would do well to give more attention to himself than to others.    “The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later” (1 Timothy 5:24). Facades are attractive on hot sunny days and in bad weather, but not so much when the stormy wind beats down violently. In Hosea 8:7, the Lord said with regard to some, “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: he hath no standing grain; the blade shall yield no meal; if so be it yield, strangers shall swallow it up.”    “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). Some preachers will not preach unless they make a certain amount. Some churches refuse to support unless a preacher is willing to take less, sometimes a lot less. Both churches and preachers can be guilty of failing to be mindful of this exhortation.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com