TodaysBriefs2020

04/12/2024

04/12/2024

31/10/2024

What Is The Biblical Understanding Of The Wrath Of God?

Wrath is defined as “the emotional response to perceived wrong and injustice,” often translated as “anger,” “indignation,” “vexation,” or “irritation.”

Both humans and God express wrath.

But there is vast difference between the wrath of God and the wrath of man.

God’s wrath is holy and always justified; man’s is never holy and rarely justified.

In the Old Testament, the wrath of God is a divine response to human sin and disobedience.

Idolatry was most often the occasion for divine wrath.

Psalm 78:56-66 describes Israel’s idolatry.

The wrath of God is consistently directed towards those who do not follow His will (Deuteronomy 1:26-46; Joshua 7:1; Psalm 2:1-6).

The Old Testament prophets often wrote of a day in the future, the "day of wrath" (Zephaniah 1:14-15).

God’s wrath against sin and disobedience is perfectly justified because His plan for mankind is holy and perfect, just as God Himself is holy and perfect.

God provided a way to gain divine favor, repentance,which turns God’s wrath away from the sinner.

To reject that perfect plan is to reject God’s love, mercy, grace and favor and incur His righteous wrath.

The New Testament also supports the concept of God as a God of wrath who judges sin.

The story of the rich man and Lazarus speaks of the judgment of God and serious consequences for the unrepentant sinner (Luke 16:19–31).

John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

The one who believes in the Son will not suffer God’s wrath for his sin, because the Son took God’s wrath upon Himself when He died in our place on the cross (Romans 5:6–11).

Those who do not believe in the Son, who do not receive Him as Savior, will be judged on the day of wrath (Romans 2:5–6).

Conversely, human wrath is warned against in Romans 12:19, Ephesians 4:26, and Colossians 3:8-10.

God alone is able to avenge because His vengeance is perfect and holy, whereas man’s wrath is sinful, opening him up to demonic influence.

For the Christian, anger and wrath are inconsistent with our new nature, which is the nature of Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17).

To realize freedom from the domination of wrath, the believer needs the Holy Spirit to sanctify and cleanse his heart of feelings of wrath and anger.

Romans 8 shows victory over sin in the life of one who is living in the Spirit (Romans 8:5-8).

Philippians 4:4-7 tells us that the mind controlled by the Spirit is filled with peace.

The wrath of God is a fearsome and terrifying thing.

Only those who have been covered by the blood of Christ, shed for us on the cross, can be assured that God’s wrath will never fall on them.

“Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!” (Romans 5:9).

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

30/10/2024

What Does Revelation Chapter 12: Mean?

In Revelation chapter 12, John sees a vision of a woman "clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Revelation 12:1).

Note the similarity between this description and the description that Joseph gave of his father Jacob (Israel) and his mother and their children (Genesis 37:9-11).

The twelve stars refer to the twelve tribes of Israel. So the woman in Revelation 12 is Israel.

Additional evidence for this interpretation is that Revelation 12:2-5 speaks of the woman being with child and giving birth.

While it is true that Mary gave birth to Jesus, it is also true that Jesus, the son of David from the tribe of Judah, came from Israel.

In a sense, Israel gave birth—or brought forth—Christ Jesus. Verse 5 says that the woman’s child was "a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne."

Clearly, this is describing Jesus. Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11) and will one day establish His kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:4-6), and He will rule it with perfect judgment (the “rod of iron”; see Psalm 2:7-9).

The woman’s flight into the wilderness for 1,260 days refers to the future time called the Great Tribulation.

Twelve hundred, sixty days is 42 months (of 30 days each), which is the same as 3 1/2 years.

Halfway through the Tribulation period, the Beast (the Antichrist) will set an image of himself up in the temple that will be built in Jerusalem.

This is the abomination that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14.

When the Beast does this, he breaks the peace pact he had made with Israel, and the nation has to flee for safety—possibly to Petra (also see Matthew 24; Daniel 9:27).

This escape of the Jews is pictured as the woman fleeing into the wilderness.

Revelation 12:12-17 speaks of how the devil will make war against Israel, trying to destroy her (Satan knows his time is short, relatively speaking—see Revelation 20:1-3, 10).

It also reveals that God will protect Israel in the wilderness. Revelation 12:14 says Israel will be protected from the devil for "a time, times, and half a time (“a time” = 1 year; “times” = 2 years; “half a time” = one-half year; in other words, 3 1/2 years).

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

30/10/2024

What Is The Day Of The Lord?

The phrase “day of the Lord” usually identifies events that take place at the end of history (Isaiah 7:18-25) and is often closely associated with the phrase “that day.”

One key to understanding these phrases is to note that they always identify a span of time during which God personally intervenes in history, directly or indirectly, to accomplish some specific aspect of His plan.

Most people associate the day of the Lord with a period of time or a special day that will occur when God’s will and purpose for His world and for mankind will be fulfilled.

Some scholars believe that the day of the Lord will be a longer period of time than a single day, a period of time when Christ will reign throughout the world before He cleanses heaven and earth in preparation for the eternal state of all mankind.

Other scholars believe the day of the Lord will be an instantaneous event when Christ returns to earth to redeem His faithful believers and send unbelievers to eternal damnation.

The phrase “the day of the Lord” is used often in the Old Testament (e.g. Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 13:5, 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7,14; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:5) and several times in the New Testament (e.g. Acts 2:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10).

It is also alluded to in other passages (Revelation 6:17; 16:14).

The Old Testament passages dealing with the day of the Lord often convey a sense of imminence, nearness, and expectation:

“Wail, for the day of the Lord is near!” (Isaiah 13:6); “For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near” (Ezekiel 30:3); “Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming.

It is close at hand” (Joel 2:1); “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!

For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14); “Be silent before the Lord God!

For the day of the Lord is near” (Zephaniah 1:7).

This is because the Old Testament passages referring to the day of the Lord often speak of both a near and a far fulfillment, as does much of Old Testament prophecy.

Some Old Testament passages that refer to the day of the Lord describe historical judgments that have already been fulfilled.

In some sense (Isaiah 13:6-22; Ezekiel 30:2-19; Joel 1:15, 3:14; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18), while others refers to divine judgments that will take place toward the end of the age (Joel 2:30-32; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:1, 5).

The New Testament calls it a day of “wrath,” a day of “visitation,” and the “great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14) and refers to a still future fulfillment when God’s wrath is poured out on unbelieving Israel (Isaiah 22; Jeremiah 30:1-17; Joel 1-2; Amos 5; Zephaniah 1) and on the unbelieving world (Ezekiel 38–39; Zechariah 14).

The Scriptures indicate that “the day of the Lord” will come quickly, like a thief in the night (Zephaniah 1:14-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:2), and therefore Christians must be watchful and ready for the coming of Christ at any moment.

Besides being a time of judgment, it will also be a time of salvation as God will deliver the remnant of Israel, fulfilling His promise that “all of Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26),

Forgiving their sins and restoring His chosen people to the land He promised to Abraham (Isaiah 10:27; Jeremiah 30:19-31, 40; Micah 4; Zechariah 13).

The final outcome of the day of the Lord will be that “the arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day” (Isaiah 2:17).

The ultimate or final fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the day of the Lord will come at the end of history when God, with wondrous power, will punish evil and fulfill all His promises.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

30/10/2024

What Does The Bible Say About Demonic Oppression?

There is strong biblical evidence that a Christian cannot be demon possessed.

The question then arises regarding what influence/power a demon can have over a Christian.

Many Bible teachers describe demonic influence on a Christian as “demonic oppression” to distinguish it from possession.

The Bible says that the devil seeks to devour believers (1 Peter 5:8), and Satan and his demons “scheme” against Christians (Ephesians 6:11).

As Satan attempted with Jesus (Luke 4:2), demonic forces tempt us to sin and oppose our efforts to obey God.

Should a Christian allow the demons to succeed in these attacks, oppression results.

Demonic oppression is when a demon is temporarily victorious over a Christian, successfully tempting a Christian to sin and hindering his ability to serve God with a strong testimony.

If a Christian continues to allow demonic oppression in his/her life, the oppression can increase to the point that the demon has a very strong influence over the Christian’s thoughts, behavior, and spirituality.

Christians who allow continuing sin open themselves up for greater and greater oppression.

Confession and repentance of sin are necessary to restore fellowship with God, who can then break the power of demonic influence.

The Apostle John gives us great encouragement in this area:

“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him” (1 John 5:18).

For the Christian, the power for victory over and freedom from demonic oppression is always available.

John declares, “The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

The power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9) is always available to overcome demonic oppression.

No demon, not even Satan himself, can prevent a Christian from surrendering to the Holy Spirit and thereby overcoming any and all demonic oppression.

Apostle Peter encourages believers to resist the devil, “standing firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:9).

Being firm or steadfast in the faith means relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to successfully resist demonic influence.

Faith is built up through the spiritual disciplines of feeding on the

Word of God, persistent prayer, and godly fellowship.

Strengthening our faith by these means enables us to put up the shield of faith with which we can “extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

30/10/2024

Have We Lost Our Minds? (Mind of Christ)

Today's topic is Have We Lost Our Minds (Mind of Christ)?

We begin with our educational system.

Not many years ago, the United States was number one in education.

We allowed Satan to remove prayer from the school system using separation of Church and State and now our rating in education is lower than many developing countries.

If you remember, English as we knew it has become whole English.

What has happened to the verb, adverb, noun, pronoun, adjective, preposition, etc.

To ask a student today to dissect a sentence, you might as well tell them to pull out their hair because they do not know how.

After allowing our language to be slaughtered, here comes Ebonics.

Have We Lost Our Minds?

Our youth now have turned to those that are incarcerated as a form of mentor ship.

Our youth are wearing pants down below their behinds emulating those that are in prison that are not allowed to wear belts.

The vocabulary of our youth has been saturated with filth, profanity so that adults are really fearful to approach youth today, regarding their language.

Have we lost our minds?

Politicians are bought and paid for before they begin to serve the citizens of the communities in which they represent.

They are bought out by special interests, groups, lobbyists and any organization that will provide them with funds for their campaign.

Have we lost our minds?

Colleges that use to be filled regardless whether they were using affirmative action has now lost their accreditation.

And most of our colleges and universities are bought and paid for by foreign entities.

Have we lost our minds?

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

30/10/2024

Can A Christian Be Demon Possessed?

While the Bible does not explicitly state whether a Christian can be possessed by a demon, related biblical truths make it abundantly clear that Christians cannot be demon possessed.

There is a distinct difference between being possessed by a demon and being oppressed or influenced by a demon.

Demon possession involves a demon having direct/complete control over the thoughts and/or actions of a person (Matthew 17:14-18; Luke 4:33-35; 8:27-33).

Demon oppression or influence involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and/or encouraging him/her into sinful behavior.

Notice that in all the New Testament passages dealing with spiritual warfare, there are no instructions to cast a demon out of a believer (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Believers are told to resist the devil (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9), not to cast him out.

Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).

Surely the Holy Spirit would not allow a demon to possess the same person He is indwelling.

It is unthinkable that God would allow one of His children, whom He purchased with the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19) and made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), to be possessed and controlled by a demon.

Yes, as believers, we wage war with Satan and his demons, but not from within ourselves.

The Apostle John declares, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Who is the One in us?

The Holy Spirit.

Who is the one in the world?

Satan and his demons.

Therefore, the believer has overcome the world of demons, and the case for demon possession of a believer cannot be made scripturally.

With the strong biblical evidence that a Christian cannot be demon possessed in view, some Bible teachers use the term “demonization” to refer to a demon having control over a Christian.

Some argue that while a Christian cannot be demon possessed, a Christian can be demonized.

Typically, the description of demonization is virtually identical to the description of demon possession.

So, the same issue results. Changing the terminology does not change the fact that a demon cannot inhabit or take full control of a Christian.

Demonic influence and oppression are realities for Christians, no doubt, but it is simply not biblical to say that a Christian can be possessed by a demon or demonized.

Much of the reasoning behind the demonization concept is the personal experience of seeing someone who was “definitely” a Christian exhibiting evidence of being controlled by a demon.

It is crucially important, though, that we do not allow personal experience to influence our interpretation of Scripture.

Rather, we must filter our personal experiences through the truth of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Seeing someone whom we thought to be a Christian exhibiting the behavior of being demonized should cause us to question the genuineness of his/her faith.

It should not cause us alter our viewpoint on whether a Christian can be demon possessed / demonized.

Perhaps the person truly is a Christian but is severely demon oppressed and/or suffering from severe psychological problems.

But again, our experiences must meet the test of Scripture, not the other way around.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

29/10/2024

How Did The Apostle Paul Die?

The Bible does not say how the Apostle Paul died.

Writing in 2 Timothy 4:6–8, Apostle Paul seems to be anticipating his soon demise:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

Second Timothy was written during Apostle Paul’s second Roman imprisonment in AD 64—67.

There are a few different Christian traditions in regards to how Apostle Paul died, but the most commonly accepted one comes from the writings of Eusebius, an early church historian.

Eusebius claimed that Apostle Paul was beheaded at the order of the Roman emperor Nero or one of his subordinates.

Apostle Paul’s martyrdom occurred shortly after much of Rome burned in a fire, an event that Nero blamed on the Christians.

It is possible that the Apostle Peter was martyred around the same time, during this period of early persecution of Christians.

The tradition is that Apostle Peter was crucified upside down and that Apostle Paul was beheaded due to the fact that Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:28), and Roman citizens were normally exempt from crucifixion.

The accuracy of this tradition is impossible to gauge.

Again, the Bible does not record how Apostle Paul died, so there is no way to be certain regarding the circumstances of his death.

But, from all indications, he died for his faith.

We know he was ready to die for Christ (Acts 21:13), and Jesus had predicted that Apostle Paul would suffer much for the name of Christ (Acts 9:16).

Based on what the Book of Acts records of Paul’s life, we can assume he died declaring the gospel of Christ, spending his last breath as a witness to the truth that sets men free (John 8:32).

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

29/10/2024

What Are The Pastoral Epistles?

The Pastoral Epistles are three letters written by the Apostle Paul.

The Pastoral Epistles are 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.

All three are letters from an old man at the close of his ministry who is concerned for his successors in the pastorate.

As such, the letters concern the things that would be crucial for the young pastors to understand, church organization and discipline, including such matters as the appointment of elders and deacons, the opposition of rebellious members or false teachers, and the maintenance of doctrinal purity.

Titus was written by Apostle Paul to encourage Titus, his brother in the faith, whom he had left in Crete to lead the church Apostle Paul had established there on one of his missionary journeys (Titus 1:5).

Apostle Paul wrote 1 Timothy to Timothy to encourage him in his responsibility for overseeing the work of the Ephesian church and possibly the other churches in the province of Asia (1 Timothy 1:3).

His second letter to Timothy was written in approximately AD 67, shortly before the Apostle Paul was put to death.

Imprisoned in Rome, Apostle Paul felt lonely and abandoned and recognized that his earthly life was likely coming to an end soon.

The book of 2 Timothy is essentially Apostle Paul’s “last words.”

Apostle Paul looked past his own circumstances to express concern for the churches and specifically for Timothy.

Apostle Paul wanted to use this last opportunity to encourage Timothy, and all other believers, to persevere in faith (2 Timothy 3:14) and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 4:2).

As instructional letters to younger pastors, Apostle Paul’s Pastoral Epistles are invaluable today.

These letters are full of the heartfelt warnings and instructions that characterize Apostle Paul’s ministry, revealing his pastor’s heart in caring for the churches he founded.

Whether he is speaking of church organization (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:1–16), addressing the role of women in ministry (1 Timothy 2:12), revealing Christ as the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), encouraging believers to persevere in the faith (2 Timothy 2:14) and to remain firm in sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:1–2, 13–14), verifying the inspiration of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), or warning against false and apostate teachers (2 Timothy 3:1–17), the Pastoral Epistles are the “how-to” manual for pastors in all places and for all time.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

29/10/2024

What Does It Mean That God Is Not Mocked?

To mock God is to disrespect, dishonor, or ignore Him.

It is a serious offense committed by those who have no fear of God or who deny His existence.

The most easily recognized form of mockery is disrespect typified by verbal insults or other acts of disdain.

It is associated with ridicule, scoffing, and defiance.

Mockery is a dishonoring attitude that shows low estimation, contempt, or even open hostility.

In the Bible mockery is a behavior and attitude shown by the fool (Psalm 74:22), the wicked (Psalm 1:1), the enemy (Psalm 74:10), the hater of knowledge (Proverbs 1:22; 13:1), the proud (Psalm 119:51; Isaiah 37:17), and the unteachable (Proverbs 15:12).

A mocker goes beyond mere lack of judgment to making a conscious decision for evil.

Mockers are without a spirit of obedience, teachability, discernment, wisdom, worship, or faith.

Those who mock God will mock the people of God as well.

The prophet Jeremiah "became the laughingstock of all my people" and was mocked "in song all day long" (Lamentations 3:14).

Mockery of God’s prophets was commonplace (2 Chronicles 36:16). Nehemiah was mocked by his enemies (Nehemiah 2:19).

Elisha was mocked by the youths of Bethel (2 Kings 2:23).

And of course our Lord Jesus was mocked, by Herod and his soldiers (Luke 23:11), by the Roman soldiers (Mark 15:20; Luke 23:36), by a thief on a cross (Luke 23:39), and by the Jewish leaders who passed by the cross (Matthew 27:41).

It is easy for us as believers to point the finger at those outside the church who mock God.

But the most subtle mockery of God, and the most dangerous, comes from those of us sitting in church.

We are guilty of mockery when we behave with an outward show of spirituality or godliness without an inward engagement or change of heart.

Charles G. Finney, a preacher in the 1800s, wrote about the effects of mocking God:

"To mock God is to pretend to love and serve him when we do not; to act in a false manner, to be insincere and hypocritical in our professions, pretending to obey him, love, serve, and worship him, when we do not.

Mocking God grieves the Holy Spirit, and sears the conscience; and thus the bands of sin become stronger and stronger.

The heart becomes gradually hardened by such a process."

God warns that mockery of what is holy will be punished.

Zephaniah predicted the downfall of Moab and Ammon, saying, "This is what they will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the Lord Almighty" (Zephaniah 2:10).

Isaiah 28:22 warns that mockery will cause the chains of Judah’s sin to become stronger and that destruction will follow.

Proverbs 3:34 says that God will mock the mocker but give favor to the humble and oppressed.

Second Kings 2:24 records the punishment that befell the youths who jeered Elisha.

This is what it means that God is not mocked.

There are repercussions for ignoring God’s directives and willfully choosing sin.

Adam and Eve tried and brought sorrow and death into the world (Genesis 2:15–17; 3:6, 24).

Ananias and Sapphira’s deception brought about a swift and public judgment (Acts 5:1–11).

Galatians 6:7 states a universal principle:

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.

A man reaps what he sows."

God cannot be deceived (Hebrews 4:12–13).

Achan’s sin (Joshua 7) and Jonah’s flight (Jonah 1) were not unknown to God.

Jesus’ repeated words to every church in Revelation 2—3 were, "I know your works."

We only deceive ourselves when we think our attitudes and actions are not seen by an all-powerful and all-knowing God.

The Bible shows us the way to live a blessed life, sometimes by the good examples of godly men and women and sometimes by the negative examples of those who choose to follow another path.

Psalm 1:1–3 says, "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither, whatever they do prospers."

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

29/10/2024

Summary Of The Book Of 1 Timothy

Author:

The Book of 1 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 1:1).

Date of Writing:

The Book of 1 Timothy was written in A.D. 62-66.

Purpose of Writing:

Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him in his responsibility for overseeing the work of the Ephesian church and possibly the other churches in the province of Asia (1 Timothy 1:3).

This letter lays the foundation for ordaining elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7), and provides guidance for ordaining people into offices of the church (1 Timothy 3:8-13).

In essence, 1 Timothy is a leadership manual for church organization and administration.

Key Verses:

1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

1 Timothy 2:12, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent."

1 Timothy 3:1-3, "Here is a trustworthy saying:

If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money."

1 Timothy 4:9-10, "This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe."

1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of the faith.

Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

Brief Summary:

This is the first letter Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a young pastor who had been a help to Paul in his work. Timothy was a Greek.

His mother was a Jewess and his father was Greek.

Apostle Paul was more than just a mentor and leader to Timothy, he was like a father to him, and Timothy was like a son to Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 1:2).

Apostle Paul begins the letter by urging Timothy to be on guard for false teachers and false doctrine.

However, much of the letter deals with pastoral conduct.

Apostle Paul instructs Timothy in worship (chapter 2) and developing mature leaders for the church (chapter 3).

Most of the letter deals with pastoral conduct, warnings about false teachers, and the church’s responsibility toward single members, widows, elders, and slaves.

All throughout the letter, Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to stand firm, to persevere, and to remain true to his calling.

Connections:

An interesting link to the Old Testament in the book of 1 Timothy is Apostle Paul’s citation of the basis for considering church elders to be worthy of “double honor,” and deserving of respect when it comes to being accused of wrongdoing (1 Timothy 5:17-19).

Deuteronomy 24:15; 25:4; and Leviticus 19:13 all speak of the necessity to pay a worker what he has earned and to do it in a timely manner.

Part of the Mosaic Law demanded that two or three witnesses were necessary to bring an accusation against a man (Deuteronomy 19:15).

The Jewish Christians in the churches Timothy pastored would have been well aware of these Old Testament connections.

Practical Application:

Jesus Christ is presented by Apostle Paul as the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), the Savior to all who believe in Him.

He is Lord of the church, and Timothy serves Him by pastoring His church.

Thus, we find the main application of Apostle Paul’s first letter to his “son in the faith.”

Apostle Paul instructs Timothy on matters of church doctrine, church leadership, and church administration.

We can use those same instructions in governing our local assembly today.

Likewise, the work and ministry of a pastor, the qualifications for an elder, and the qualifications of a deacon are just as important and pertinent today as they were in Timothy’s day.

Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy amounts to an instruction book on leading, administrating, and pastoring the local church.

The instructions in this letter apply to any leader or prospective leader of Christ’s church and are equally relevant today as they were in Apostle Paul’s day.

For those not called into leadership roles in their church, the book is still practical.

Every follower must contend for the faith and avoid false teaching.

Every follower must stand firm and persevere.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor