Here’s a Trustworthy Saying, part 2

Posted by on February 21, 2010 under Sermons

further studies in I Timothy

Salvation

  • Trustworthy Saying 1 – Christ came into the world to save sinners
  • But some have shipwrecked their faith
  • Exclusive, sectarian, legalist
    • Anti-Gentile
    • Anti-grace

The “Certain Ones”

  • putting value on controversy: myths and endless genealogies which amount to speculation (1:4);
  • engaging in empty discussion (1:6);
  • responding to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (4:1);
  • guided by the hypocrisy of liars (4:2);
  • forbidding marriage and promoting abstinence from foods (4:3);
  • emphasis on godless and silly myths (4:7);
  • desire for controversy and disputes about words (6:4);
  • believing godliness is a means for gain (6:5)

Conduct of the Saved

  • Pray for everyone without exclusion (2:1)
  • Peaceful lives, quiet, godly, holy (2:2)
    1. It pleases God who wants all to be saved
    2. The work of the one mediator (Christ) gave himself as a ransom for all
    3. Paul’s mission was to proclaim this to all, not a select few

Conduct in God’s Household

  • I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household – I Timothy 3:14-15

Problems

  • Disputes, controversies
  • Hatred, gossip
  • Immodesty, trouble-making
  • Disruption of households
  • Shame in families and community

Men, Women, Salvation

  • Men: Lift hands in prayer, not anger
  • Women: Dress modestly, not gaudy and extravagant
  • Let women learn in quiet and submission [See I Timothy 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 1 Peter 3:4, Titus 2:2, 2 Thessalonians 3:12]
  • Order of creation argument

Genesis and 1 Timothy

  • Genesis 4 – Anger and violence
  • Genesis 3 – Deception and shame
  • Saved through (the) child-bearing
  • Poetic Statement: Eve brought Adam down, but through Eve, Adam is ultimately saved

What’s Wrong With the Women?

  • Artemis Cult
  • Women influenced by disruptive teachers
  • Self-indulgent (5:6)
  • Gossiping (5:13)
  • Some follow Satan (5:16)

Blameless Leaders

  • Trustworthy Saying 2 – Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task (3:1)
  • Family and Character
  • Deacons: Worthy of Respect
  • Deaconess or Wives?