Rev. 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
First begotten according to his promises. Jesus is the first begotten of the dead in that he is the first to resurrect from death on his own power. We see in 1 Cor. 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. Jesus is the exemplar of the truth of resurrection of which Paul said he was appearing in judgment before the people of Israel. Those who slept are those who have already died and are still in their graves. They will, if they trusted Christ, be resurrected according to his promises. He promised Abraham a city whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). Job knew that in his flesh he would see God (Job 19:26).
First begotten accord to his purpose. John Gill says on this verse, "This character supposes that he died, as he did, for the sins of his people; and that he rose again from the dead, as he did, for their justification;" Therefore, he became the firstfruits of his purpose, for he came to die that we might live (Mark 10:45). He laid down his life for his sheep (John 10:15).
First begotten accord to his prospect. Jesus is the first begotten of all those who have trust in him, whether they are dead or alive. He promises that we will be with him prospectively. The prospect for the thief on the cross was Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43). The prayer that Jesus prayed to his Father was Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24). In John 14 Jesus tells us that he will return one day and receive us unto himself that where he is there we will be, also (John 14:3).
First begotten accord to his principles. Therefore, shall we always preach this same message of the resurrection to the lost; for Jesus came, not just to redeem us from our sins, but that he may teach us through the apostles and through his church to teach others the true principles of Christian doctrine, which is at its base the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that he is truly the first begotten of the dead. He resurrected first; therefore, we may also be resurrected by the power of God.
Let us be as the apostle Paul and say as he did in 1 Cor. 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #1
In this study we will see Jesus in the book of Revelation. Sometimes
we get so involved in the prophecies of this great book of the Bible
that we fail to see Jesus Christ himself. I intend to take many of the
words and phrases which either name Jesus or describe him and have
some simple devotions pertaining to Jesus himself in the book of
Revelation.
The first of these will be taken from Rev 1:1 where we read The
Revelation of Jesus Christ. We will take up, first of all the name
Jesus Christ. This denotation is mentioned six times in the book of
Revelation. In Rev. 1:1 we see that a revelation has been given to
Jesus Christ so that he can give it to John the revelator.
John bare record or witnessed of the message that God gave to Jesus
Christ to give to John. This gives us assurance that the message in
this book has good authority and is correct whether we understand it
or not.
The second time the expression Jesus Christ is used in this book is
in Rev. 1:2, which speaks of Jesus’ testimony. All the time he was
here on earth, he was a testimony of his Father; but now he is a
witness of things that must shortly come to pass. John is the
recipient of this testimony and must give it true.
Notice Rev. 1:5 where we are told that Jesus Christ is the faithful
witness, who witnesses what the Father tells him (John 8:28). He
sees what the Father sees, and he hears what the Father hears; and he
gives his prophets this witness so that we can hear it from the
apostles and prophets. We will speak of the other names in verse
five later.
In Rev. 1:9 we read this appellation again, Jesus Christ. He speaks
here of the “patience of Jesus Christ.” This is patience that Jesus
Christ had as the Son of God, and it was also the patience of the
believers that Jesus gave to them when he saved them by his grace.
This patience is shown in John in stating that he was in the isle of
Patmos for the word of God (I think for preaching the word of God),
for the testimony of Jesus Christ. If it had not been for the grace of God, John
would never have made it off the isle of Patmos, and we would never
have known the wonderful blessings of this precious book. It is all
of God’s grace and to his glory.
Rev. 12:17 uses this name again, Jesus Christ, and again the idea of
“testimony” is mentioned. He speaks of the saved, who have the
testimony of Jesus, the believers who believe what Jesus says and
depend upon his word rather than the word of men.
The last time we see this appellation is in Rev. 22:21, the closing out
of the book of Revelation, where John desires that the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with those who read the book. Certainly Jesus
is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2); he is the medium
of grace from God our Father.
Jesus is the Messiah (the meaning of the word Christ). He is the
promised One, and it is only by him that we can have eternal life. He
is the only mediator between men and God (1 Tim. 2:5). In this title
we see Jesus, the man, who came to earth and was made like unto
sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3), lived and died that we might have life (Matt.
20:28) , and promises to take us to Heaven to live with him eternally
(John 14:2-3; John 6:44).
Jesus, the man, and Christ, who is God. This makes our salvation
worthy of thanksgiving to God through his grace and mercy. This
makes us love Jesus the more because of what he has done for us (1
John 3:16). The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are the children of
God through Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26).
we get so involved in the prophecies of this great book of the Bible
that we fail to see Jesus Christ himself. I intend to take many of the
words and phrases which either name Jesus or describe him and have
some simple devotions pertaining to Jesus himself in the book of
Revelation.
The first of these will be taken from Rev 1:1 where we read The
Revelation of Jesus Christ. We will take up, first of all the name
Jesus Christ. This denotation is mentioned six times in the book of
Revelation. In Rev. 1:1 we see that a revelation has been given to
Jesus Christ so that he can give it to John the revelator.
John bare record or witnessed of the message that God gave to Jesus
Christ to give to John. This gives us assurance that the message in
this book has good authority and is correct whether we understand it
or not.
The second time the expression Jesus Christ is used in this book is
in Rev. 1:2, which speaks of Jesus’ testimony. All the time he was
here on earth, he was a testimony of his Father; but now he is a
witness of things that must shortly come to pass. John is the
recipient of this testimony and must give it true.
Notice Rev. 1:5 where we are told that Jesus Christ is the faithful
witness, who witnesses what the Father tells him (John 8:28). He
sees what the Father sees, and he hears what the Father hears; and he
gives his prophets this witness so that we can hear it from the
apostles and prophets. We will speak of the other names in verse
five later.
In Rev. 1:9 we read this appellation again, Jesus Christ. He speaks
here of the “patience of Jesus Christ.” This is patience that Jesus
Christ had as the Son of God, and it was also the patience of the
believers that Jesus gave to them when he saved them by his grace.
This patience is shown in John in stating that he was in the isle of
Patmos for the word of God (I think for preaching the word of God),
for the testimony of Jesus Christ. If it had not been for the grace of God, John
would never have made it off the isle of Patmos, and we would never
have known the wonderful blessings of this precious book. It is all
of God’s grace and to his glory.
Rev. 12:17 uses this name again, Jesus Christ, and again the idea of
“testimony” is mentioned. He speaks of the saved, who have the
testimony of Jesus, the believers who believe what Jesus says and
depend upon his word rather than the word of men.
The last time we see this appellation is in Rev. 22:21, the closing out
of the book of Revelation, where John desires that the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with those who read the book. Certainly Jesus
is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2); he is the medium
of grace from God our Father.
Jesus is the Messiah (the meaning of the word Christ). He is the
promised One, and it is only by him that we can have eternal life. He
is the only mediator between men and God (1 Tim. 2:5). In this title
we see Jesus, the man, who came to earth and was made like unto
sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3), lived and died that we might have life (Matt.
20:28) , and promises to take us to Heaven to live with him eternally
(John 14:2-3; John 6:44).
Jesus, the man, and Christ, who is God. This makes our salvation
worthy of thanksgiving to God through his grace and mercy. This
makes us love Jesus the more because of what he has done for us (1
John 3:16). The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are the children of
God through Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26).
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
A Prayer For Preachers
We pray today, Oh God Almighty
That preachers stay involved
With reading scripture, praying oft,
And therefore be resolved
To stay the path and not turn back
From all that has been given
Them to guard and preach and tell
So men can go to Heaven.
Give strength to them, Oh Lord Divine
And give them what they need
To preach the word and not withhold
The everlasting seed.
Give them joy in God’s own word
And fill them with your love.
Show them how to preach with power
The truths down from above.
And if we can, who older be,
Encourage them to stay
In God’s firm word and in His will
And never stray away.
Amen.
That preachers stay involved
With reading scripture, praying oft,
And therefore be resolved
To stay the path and not turn back
From all that has been given
Them to guard and preach and tell
So men can go to Heaven.
Give strength to them, Oh Lord Divine
And give them what they need
To preach the word and not withhold
The everlasting seed.
Give them joy in God’s own word
And fill them with your love.
Show them how to preach with power
The truths down from above.
And if we can, who older be,
Encourage them to stay
In God’s firm word and in His will
And never stray away.
Amen.
Instructions For A Young Preacher #25
1 Tim. 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane [and] vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
As an apostle of Jesus Christ, vindicated by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Paul tells Timothy to keep or guard the things that he has committed to Timothy's trust. Of course, we know that God is the one who calls into the ministry, but Paul entrusted these instructions to Timothy somewhat in the same way that we as teachers and preachers of the word of God entrust them to the younger preachers, praying that they will stay with the stuff and guard the instructions that come from the word of God in order that they may teach them to others (2 Tim. 2:2).
We have spoken a little already concerning vain things. In chapter four, Paul speaks of "old wives' fables," etc. Here he speaks of babblings, or nonsensical words, words which do not bring glory to God and words which are contrary to truth. To avoid these things means to turn aside from them or ignore them as truth, for God's truth is the only real truth. This does not mean that we should not learn as much as we can, but we should always turn aside from those things that are false. This can be determined only from being faithful to the study of God's word.
We should also avoid "oppositions of science falsely so called." The word science here is the Greek word GNOSIS, and it has to do with general knowledge. Sometimes, however, general truth is given for real, firm and eternal truth; thus, it is fasely named, which is the meaning of "falsely so called" from the Greek word PSEUDONOMOS (false name).
Evolution is a great example of this. The study of evolution is an effort at discovering the origin of man, but it is not true; because it is not based upon God's word. The first effort at teaching evolution, in fact, was done in order to destroy the foundational truth of creation by the word of God. The study of evolution has accomplished much of its goal, mainly because many preachers have succumbed to this teaching, leaving the word of God by explaining away the truth of creation. Liberal preachers are a prime example of what Paul did not want Timothy to do.
We must "keep" or guard the truth of creation and many other things that man has tried to destroy, such as salvation by grace, the blood atonement, the precious word of God, and eternal security. Those who have turned from these teachings have not kept the faith. They have turned aside to vain jangling (1 Tim. 1:6) and have turned aside after Satan (1 Tim. 5:15). Let us not do the same.
As an apostle of Jesus Christ, vindicated by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Paul tells Timothy to keep or guard the things that he has committed to Timothy's trust. Of course, we know that God is the one who calls into the ministry, but Paul entrusted these instructions to Timothy somewhat in the same way that we as teachers and preachers of the word of God entrust them to the younger preachers, praying that they will stay with the stuff and guard the instructions that come from the word of God in order that they may teach them to others (2 Tim. 2:2).
We have spoken a little already concerning vain things. In chapter four, Paul speaks of "old wives' fables," etc. Here he speaks of babblings, or nonsensical words, words which do not bring glory to God and words which are contrary to truth. To avoid these things means to turn aside from them or ignore them as truth, for God's truth is the only real truth. This does not mean that we should not learn as much as we can, but we should always turn aside from those things that are false. This can be determined only from being faithful to the study of God's word.
We should also avoid "oppositions of science falsely so called." The word science here is the Greek word GNOSIS, and it has to do with general knowledge. Sometimes, however, general truth is given for real, firm and eternal truth; thus, it is fasely named, which is the meaning of "falsely so called" from the Greek word PSEUDONOMOS (false name).
Evolution is a great example of this. The study of evolution is an effort at discovering the origin of man, but it is not true; because it is not based upon God's word. The first effort at teaching evolution, in fact, was done in order to destroy the foundational truth of creation by the word of God. The study of evolution has accomplished much of its goal, mainly because many preachers have succumbed to this teaching, leaving the word of God by explaining away the truth of creation. Liberal preachers are a prime example of what Paul did not want Timothy to do.
We must "keep" or guard the truth of creation and many other things that man has tried to destroy, such as salvation by grace, the blood atonement, the precious word of God, and eternal security. Those who have turned from these teachings have not kept the faith. They have turned aside to vain jangling (1 Tim. 1:6) and have turned aside after Satan (1 Tim. 5:15). Let us not do the same.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Instructions For A Young Preacher #24
1 Tim. 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Bro. Clarence Walker used to say that two things can destroy a preacher: women and money. I think this was very good advice. I don't know whether someone taught this to him or whether he just saw it in preachers as he grew older, but I remember it well; and it would do every preach well to remember these two culprits.
There is nothing wrong with women, and there is nothing wrong with money in themselves. The problem comes with the wrong use or the wrong attitude about them. Paul here instructs young Timothy to charge those who are rich not to be high-minded. I suppose this is a very likely temptation for those who are rich, not that I would know from personal experience.
There will be some people in the church who have a little money. Sometimes a church will have some rich people. If so, it is the preacher's job to remind them from time to time not to let their money go to their heads. This is not easy for a young preacher to do. Those with money usually speak with authority and act with authority, but there is no authority greater than the word of God. We must all be humble in attitude one toward the other.
All riches belong to the Lord, so we have no claim to authority for it. All good and perfect gifts come from above (James 1:17), wisdom comes from above (James 3:15). that is why Paul tells Timothy to charge people to trust in the living God, who gives us all things to enjoy. Everything we enjoy (little or much) comes from God.
Timothy is to instruct the rich to be rich in good works. Notice he does not ask the rich to give up their riches--there is nothing wrong with being rich. He just charges them to recognize the riches that we have in the living God. He also is to instruct the believers who are rich that they should be willing to distribute, or to help others with their riches and not horde it themselves. They are to be willing to communicate, or keep in touch with the church in such a way that they know when a need arises so that they may help those who are less fortunate.
Verse 19 goes on to say that the rich should lay up for themselves a good foundation, a spiritual foundation against the coming day of judgment, so that they may lay hold on eternal life; that is, not to lay hold on this life but to let it go and look for much better things to come through the promise that is in Christ Jesus.
Rich men may well lay claim to the world, but the world is not theirs. It belongs to those who are meek, seeking Christ for their riches, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith. I am not rich in the things of the world, but I know that I am rich in spiritual blessings of God. One day I will see an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fades not away, one that is preserved in Heaven for me (1 Peter 1:3-5).
Once the preacher and all believers in the church get their minds off their worldly riches and onto God's riches, the churches of the Lord will have revival.
Bro. Clarence Walker used to say that two things can destroy a preacher: women and money. I think this was very good advice. I don't know whether someone taught this to him or whether he just saw it in preachers as he grew older, but I remember it well; and it would do every preach well to remember these two culprits.
There is nothing wrong with women, and there is nothing wrong with money in themselves. The problem comes with the wrong use or the wrong attitude about them. Paul here instructs young Timothy to charge those who are rich not to be high-minded. I suppose this is a very likely temptation for those who are rich, not that I would know from personal experience.
There will be some people in the church who have a little money. Sometimes a church will have some rich people. If so, it is the preacher's job to remind them from time to time not to let their money go to their heads. This is not easy for a young preacher to do. Those with money usually speak with authority and act with authority, but there is no authority greater than the word of God. We must all be humble in attitude one toward the other.
All riches belong to the Lord, so we have no claim to authority for it. All good and perfect gifts come from above (James 1:17), wisdom comes from above (James 3:15). that is why Paul tells Timothy to charge people to trust in the living God, who gives us all things to enjoy. Everything we enjoy (little or much) comes from God.
Timothy is to instruct the rich to be rich in good works. Notice he does not ask the rich to give up their riches--there is nothing wrong with being rich. He just charges them to recognize the riches that we have in the living God. He also is to instruct the believers who are rich that they should be willing to distribute, or to help others with their riches and not horde it themselves. They are to be willing to communicate, or keep in touch with the church in such a way that they know when a need arises so that they may help those who are less fortunate.
Verse 19 goes on to say that the rich should lay up for themselves a good foundation, a spiritual foundation against the coming day of judgment, so that they may lay hold on eternal life; that is, not to lay hold on this life but to let it go and look for much better things to come through the promise that is in Christ Jesus.
Rich men may well lay claim to the world, but the world is not theirs. It belongs to those who are meek, seeking Christ for their riches, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith. I am not rich in the things of the world, but I know that I am rich in spiritual blessings of God. One day I will see an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fades not away, one that is preserved in Heaven for me (1 Peter 1:3-5).
Once the preacher and all believers in the church get their minds off their worldly riches and onto God's riches, the churches of the Lord will have revival.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Instructions For A Young Preacher #23
1 Tim. 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Some preachers, even after obtaining a good profession before many witnesses, have fallen down to the temptations of the world. This is always a sad thing. Sadly, part of being a preacher is having to watch as fellow preachers fall, and sometimes they never get back up. The Bible is clear as to what should be done in this case. The Bible says in Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. It will take a person who is spiritually strong to restore such a preacher as this.
The instruction here is to fight the good fight of faith. This intimates that the work of a preacher is a warfare. Paul gives instruction in other places of scripture how we should fight this fight. Notice 1 Cor 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? . . . . First, a preacher must fight this battle at the charge of God himself rather than having his own ministry. I have known of men who were set on building their own ministries, and sometimes one could tell that it was his ministry and not necessarily God's ministry.
Paul also tells the Corinthians what the weapons for the battle are. See 2 Cor. 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;). These weapons are not carnal; they are not made of wood and steel. We do not handle them in our hands, wear them on our body, or shoot them from guns. Our weapons are much more powerful than this. These weapons are listed in Ephesians chapter 6. It is an armor, which we all must wear. Eph. 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Our loins (waist) are to be girt about with truth; we are to have on the breastplate of righteousness, have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, and take the shield of faith. With this shield of faith we will be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked one. On the head is the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit is to be carried everywhere, which is the word of God.
Then, with all of this equipment, we are to pray always and watch with all perseverance. In this way we can fight the good fight of faith. Faith is the main thing, but we also need these other weapons, which are all spiritual. Sometimes we use our own weapons rather than the Lord's, and that is when we get discouraged.
The second part of this instruction is to "lay hold on eternal life." This means that we are to always have our goal, our sights, our desires on eternal life, for that is where our inheritance is, an inheritance which we have already. 1 Pet. 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
If we set our sights upon eternal life and realize the worth of it, then we will keep our eyes on it and continue to walk toward it. With our eyes on eternity, we will be less likely to find ourselves cast by the wayside and more likely to be useful in the Kingdom of God. The fight goes on, and preachers are to lead the charge, witnessing, studying, praying, preaching, and loving people. In this God is honored, and the people we meet will have great benefit from our witness. God has made the charge, now let us go forward!
Some preachers, even after obtaining a good profession before many witnesses, have fallen down to the temptations of the world. This is always a sad thing. Sadly, part of being a preacher is having to watch as fellow preachers fall, and sometimes they never get back up. The Bible is clear as to what should be done in this case. The Bible says in Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. It will take a person who is spiritually strong to restore such a preacher as this.
The instruction here is to fight the good fight of faith. This intimates that the work of a preacher is a warfare. Paul gives instruction in other places of scripture how we should fight this fight. Notice 1 Cor 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? . . . . First, a preacher must fight this battle at the charge of God himself rather than having his own ministry. I have known of men who were set on building their own ministries, and sometimes one could tell that it was his ministry and not necessarily God's ministry.
Paul also tells the Corinthians what the weapons for the battle are. See 2 Cor. 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;). These weapons are not carnal; they are not made of wood and steel. We do not handle them in our hands, wear them on our body, or shoot them from guns. Our weapons are much more powerful than this. These weapons are listed in Ephesians chapter 6. It is an armor, which we all must wear. Eph. 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Our loins (waist) are to be girt about with truth; we are to have on the breastplate of righteousness, have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, and take the shield of faith. With this shield of faith we will be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked one. On the head is the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit is to be carried everywhere, which is the word of God.
Then, with all of this equipment, we are to pray always and watch with all perseverance. In this way we can fight the good fight of faith. Faith is the main thing, but we also need these other weapons, which are all spiritual. Sometimes we use our own weapons rather than the Lord's, and that is when we get discouraged.
The second part of this instruction is to "lay hold on eternal life." This means that we are to always have our goal, our sights, our desires on eternal life, for that is where our inheritance is, an inheritance which we have already. 1 Pet. 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
If we set our sights upon eternal life and realize the worth of it, then we will keep our eyes on it and continue to walk toward it. With our eyes on eternity, we will be less likely to find ourselves cast by the wayside and more likely to be useful in the Kingdom of God. The fight goes on, and preachers are to lead the charge, witnessing, studying, praying, preaching, and loving people. In this God is honored, and the people we meet will have great benefit from our witness. God has made the charge, now let us go forward!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Instructions For A Young Preacher #22
1 Tim. 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
The Greek word for godliness in this verse is EUSEBEIA, and it literally means "to fulfill a duty." The word is translate "godliness," but the word "God" is not in the Greek word. This Greek word indicates a fulfillment of duty, not only toward God, but also toward our fellowman.
So the first step in this instruction is that a preacher have godliness; that is, that the preacher fulfill his duty to both God and man. Some of the things we can do to fulfill our duty to man (both negative and positive) are mentioned already in this book. For example, "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies; Holding faith and a good conscience; Put the brethren in remembrance of these things; Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; Let no man despise your youth," etc. As far as our fulfillment toward God, we have already read several. For example, "Lifting up holy hands without doubting; Not a novice; behave thyself in the house of God; Well reported of for good works; Fight the good fight of faith," etc. Reading through 1 Timothy reveals enough things included in godliness to keep any preacher busy for a very long life.
But the important thing in this instruction is that godliness is to be done with contentment. The Greek word for contentment is AUTARKEIA and has to do with being self-sufficient. In other words, we should have godliness with maturity, where no one must constantly be reminding us what we should do. No preacher, board, or convention should have to tell us how to act; we should know enough from the study of God's word that we do not need someone else's guidance in these things. This is not to say we cannot learn these things from others, but it does mean that we must mature and be aware of godliness in our lives even when our teachers are not around.
To be content also means that we have no worry, no questions, no doubt. Every preacher should know where he stands and should have his manners mastered. Through this godliness we will be able to bring God the proper honor and glory and will be able to receive slander and persecution without being devastated. Notice what Paul said to the Corinthians in 2 Cor. 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
Having godliness with contentment is set down by Jesus as our example in his surrender of himself to his Father in Heaven. Notice, then, what Jesus said to us: Matt. 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. This is godliness with contentment.
The Greek word for godliness in this verse is EUSEBEIA, and it literally means "to fulfill a duty." The word is translate "godliness," but the word "God" is not in the Greek word. This Greek word indicates a fulfillment of duty, not only toward God, but also toward our fellowman.
So the first step in this instruction is that a preacher have godliness; that is, that the preacher fulfill his duty to both God and man. Some of the things we can do to fulfill our duty to man (both negative and positive) are mentioned already in this book. For example, "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies; Holding faith and a good conscience; Put the brethren in remembrance of these things; Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; Let no man despise your youth," etc. As far as our fulfillment toward God, we have already read several. For example, "Lifting up holy hands without doubting; Not a novice; behave thyself in the house of God; Well reported of for good works; Fight the good fight of faith," etc. Reading through 1 Timothy reveals enough things included in godliness to keep any preacher busy for a very long life.
But the important thing in this instruction is that godliness is to be done with contentment. The Greek word for contentment is AUTARKEIA and has to do with being self-sufficient. In other words, we should have godliness with maturity, where no one must constantly be reminding us what we should do. No preacher, board, or convention should have to tell us how to act; we should know enough from the study of God's word that we do not need someone else's guidance in these things. This is not to say we cannot learn these things from others, but it does mean that we must mature and be aware of godliness in our lives even when our teachers are not around.
To be content also means that we have no worry, no questions, no doubt. Every preacher should know where he stands and should have his manners mastered. Through this godliness we will be able to bring God the proper honor and glory and will be able to receive slander and persecution without being devastated. Notice what Paul said to the Corinthians in 2 Cor. 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
Having godliness with contentment is set down by Jesus as our example in his surrender of himself to his Father in Heaven. Notice, then, what Jesus said to us: Matt. 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. This is godliness with contentment.
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