Mentorship: 1 Timothy 5

1 Timothy 5English Standard Version (ESV)

Instructions for the Church

5 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband,[a] 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15 For some have already strayed after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

       Here Paul is teaching Timothy how to treat different people who will make up the church. Timothy is a young man and probably appreciated the guidance of how to treat someone who was his elder. Widows will make up a part of the church, how to provide for them in a constructive way is important. The church is a place where needs should be met and charity should abound, that charity should not encourage laziness or not caring for ones own family. Also the widows that can take care of a family and work should be working. This is not Paul being harsh to widows, but is meant to be a means to protect them from sin and to give them a purpose/value. The character of an Elder is discussed before hand, thus it is important their work not be hindered... This means by helping to support them financially and protecting them from false accusations. Lastly Paul encouraged Timothy, in the same vain go thought as not getting caught up in "vain discussion", to not be partial or not get caught up in the emotion. (This doesn't mean Timothy should never participate in laying on hands; however, to do it in an orderly, reverent manner.) This may give Timothy time to see the truth in actions and evaluate good works vs sin. 

      Dear Holy Father, show me how to treat each member of the body of Christ. Help me to honor and value each of them. Create in me a heart that honors and values You. Give me wisdom in discerning conspicuous good works and sin. Help me to honor and value my husband. In Jesus name, Amen.        

Mentorship: 1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4English Standard Version (ESV)

Some Will Depart from the Faith

4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

6 If you put these things before the brothers,[a] you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive,[b] because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,[c] so that all may see your progress. 16 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.

Paul has talked about praying for people (especially kings), false teachers and what they look like, qualifications for deacons, qualifications for elders/overseers, Christ coming to save sinners, the mystery of God, and warning some will depart from the faith. Not everyone will pursue truth and Godliness. While that is disappointing, we Christians need to be aware of our own hearts and the hearts of others. We all long to be seen as prestigious people and as smart aka. "teachers of the law". Being aware of how our own hearts can get caught up in "silly myths" and "vain discussions". Paul's solution is to focus on the truth of God and exercise the truths of God in our minds. As a weight lifter works out everyday, I should be working out the truths of God every day and preaching the gospel to my self and others. 

       Dear Father, I thank You for the protection of Your law. I thank You for the promises we can look upon, both fulfilled and unfulfilled. Please use these to preach truth to my heart and the gospel to my heart. Enable me to share the gospel with those around me. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mentorship: 1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3English Standard Version (ESV)

Qualifications for Overseers

3 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,
    vindicated by the Spirit,
        seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
    believed on in the world,
        taken up in glory.

Here Paul is going solid advice on the type of people who should be leaders within the church. Many will want the prestige of a position; however, these positions are how people should be serving and examples for the church. Paul mentions that in verse 13 the benefits of being given the responsibility of these positions; therefore there needs to be some selection for these positions. When I am serving Christ intentionally, it makes me feel closer and surer of Him. The same with those serving as deacons. This gave the men and women goals on how to behave. 

Dear Father, I thank You for giving us the greatest example of all, Your son Jesus Christ. I want to be more and more like Him every day. Work in my heart that I will know You and be molded into who You want me to be. May I be respectable wife for my husband and may be both lead each other into righteousness. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mentorship: Paul to Timothy

1 Timothy 2English Standard Version (ESV)

Pray for All People

2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man[a] Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

As Christians we are commanded to pray, supplicate, and intercede for everyone, especially people in government, those making our laws. It comforts my heart that God wants all people to have knowledge of Him and be saved. Paul gives the gospel by recounting how Jesus is our mediator. It is good for us to roll this idea over in our minds. It is good for us to tell it to others and give thanks for how God has provided for us. Paul then gives us a very controversial paragraph for our modern day culture. He segways with he hopes the message of gospel inspires men to "pray, lifting holy hands" and then he transitions to how the gospel should inspire women. There are couple thoughts I have formed while agonizing over this passage.... I will not always like what God has to say. It is my job to make sure that I am still honoring what He is saying.... I need to not misread this passage or discount it as no longer relevant. The word of God is still active and can teach us.... 

So that being said I want to give some thoughts about how Paul is discussing women. Women, we are capable of portraying great beauty, should not get distracted or be distracting. Women should profess godliness with good works. This makes sense. I do not like the word submissiveness.... I think this is partial because I have seen people misuse submission to abuse women and because of the cultural context we have given this concept. Another question is to who do women need to be submissive? Their father, their husband, the elders in their church? I have also seen in the inverse where women take control where they should let the men lead. I want to acknowledge this is and will continue to be a struggle, but historically women were not even suppose to be seen. The fact that Paul wanted their good works to be seen and admired in the church is a great thing for that time. I want to lead in my church, but as I read this passage I see Paul showing me the way to do that is with good works which God has given me to do. The last part of this chapter talks about women and childbearing. We know that being pregnant will not bring salvation to any woman. We do know that women play an active role in their children's faith as they mentor, act out their faith, and tell of the good things God has done for them to their children. Men cannot have children, so reminding women of the special role God has give them  honors them. 

Father, help me as I wrestle with these difficult concepts. May the words of my mouth praise You. May I constantly be recounting the many ways You bless me, care for me, and bring me salvation. Give me clear good works to do for you. Give me people to tell of Your salvation. Give me a praying heart. I am so thankful for the people who have mentored me through this passage. I apologize for my unsubmissive and unrepentant heart. I thank You for being my mediator. I thank You for sharing knowledge about Yourself. May I not take it lightly. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mentorship: Paul to Timothy

1 Timothy 1English Standard Version (ESV)

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Warning Against False Teachers

3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship[a] from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion,7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers,[b] liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound[c] doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.[d] Amen.

18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

I have prayed about being mentored by God-fearing women for many years. God has given me many people who have encouraged my faith. Paul starts off his letter guiding Timothy on how to encourage and lead the church in Ephesus. He starts with reminding Timothy that main thing is love that stems from Christ Jesus. Paul says this is so easy to swerve away from and people will use rules and false doctrine, encouraging Timothy to be aware of the these things. Adding or taking away from the gospel will cause people to "shipwreck". Paul will later end with these same themes in chapter 6. In later chapters he will give Timothy specifics on how to encourage and lead the church with how to pray for the church, how women should participate in the church, and qualities elders and deacons should exemplify. 

Heavenly Father, as I look at the mentoring Paul gives Timothy, open my heart to Your teachings. Don't let me add or take away from Your gospel. Keep my heart away from false doctrine. Thank You for the many people You have given to encourage me. Bless this time in the word. May it bear fruit. Amen