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Deacons, Likewise: Considerations for Transitional Churches in 1 Timothy 3
After stating the character qualifications for pastoral candidates, Paul inserts qualifications for deacons. Not all ministry involves pastoral work, strictly speaking. There are also deacons. In some way, the deacon office is like that of an overseer or pastor—but not the same. Paul exhorts the church through Timothy, Deacons likewise must be men of dignity,…
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God’s Covenant Faithfulness According to The Law: The Psalmist’s Reflection in Psalm 119
The psalmist continues to look for encouragement in Psalm 119. He is surrounded by enemies. He feels dead. He wants to feel alive again and has dedicated himself to God’s ways rather than his own. God’s ways bring happiness, life, peace, and justice. They are good for him and all of society. As a repentant…
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Understanding the Providence of God in Our Lives: Psalm 119
How many of us have planned out our lives according to our desires? In Psalm 119, the psalmist has been talking about how his plans and ways did not really work out for his own happiness or the good of others. God’s ways are better. He consistently asks God to teach him the divine way…
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Considering the Qualifications for Pastors and What We Strive for as Mature Christians: 1 Timothy 3
In the seasons of appointing pastors, Paul has already reminded the church through Timothy that humility and patience are key. No one should be seeking self promotion. We should not neglect considering the needs of one another. We should continue caring more about others than ourselves. Be quiet. Be humble. Love one another. Only after…
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Instructions for Women During Times of Transition: Continuing Paul’s Humility Discourse in 1 Timothy
Men have a tendency to feel a pressing need to get things done. So, Paul reminded them to be quiet and pray. Women are notably different than men, not only physiologically but psychologically. So, Paul treats them differently in 1 Timothy than he does the men. Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper…
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Why Does God Permit Bad Things?: The Psalmist’s Confession in Psalm 119
The psalmist in Psalm 119 has come to a significant point in his life, recognizing God’s ways as better than his own. He thought his own ways were good, but discovered they brought unhappiness for his own life and facilitated injustice in the world. The psalmist has asked God’s forgiveness according to His lovingkindness as…
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To the Men of the Church in Transition: Reflecting on 1 Timothy 2
In 1 Timothy, Paul is giving explicit instructions to Timothy—whom he left in Ephesus to instruct and appoint pastors for the churches there. Paul hasn’t really gotten to what to look for in pastors or how to promote them yet. He has emphasized the importance of humility, patience, and love. We can easily get caught…
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God’s Generosity in Salvation: Reflecting on the Praise of Psalm 119
God’s Law is good. It facilitates blessing in our lives and prosperity, peace, justice, and equality for society. The Law does not exist apart from the promise of salvation for those who love God relationally. The Law tells us about God’s lovingkindness—His forgiveness by grace for those who love Him. The psalmist continues to reflect…
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Fighting the Good Fight in Transitional Seasons: Notes from 1 Timothy 1:15-20
Love from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith is the most important thing churches in transition should remember (1:3-7). Paul also warns about immoral men sneaking in and turning the churches toward fruitlessness and sin (1:8-11). At the end of his first chapter, Paul uses himself as an example—not because he is qualified…
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God’s Lovingkindness According to His Law: Reflecting on Psalm 119
The psalmist reflects on the Law of God. The Law is good. It provides the path to happiness and satisfaction in life. It even facilitates a just and equal society. The Law has many benefits, but I have to wonder about salvation. No one perfectly keeps the Law. All people sin and fall short of…