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The Power of Prayer

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

A Praying Church and God’s Power

Book of Acts Chapter 12

Our lesson today is about prayer.

If we are truly the children of God, then we know that our prayers to our Holy God are necessary.

In its simplest form prayer is having a conversation with our Heavenly Father.

We cannot talk to our Heavenly Father unless we have God the Holy Spirit living within us for, He will not hear us.

The one exception being the sinner’s prayer.

The ears of God are always open to the cries of the oppressed, especially those oppressed of the Devil.

We will not get an answer to any prayer that is not prayed in the name of God the Son, Jesus Christ!

Joh 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
Joh 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Why is prayer so necessary?

Jas 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Prayer is the source for receiving all things from God but especially help in our time of need!

Having a good prayer life is how we draw near to God because it is by prayer, we show our faith!

Heb 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

If our faith is wavering, we will not get an answer to our prayers.

Most of the attacks we have seen so far against the Church has been from the chief priests and elders of Judaism, but today we see where the politicians have decided to join in ridding the world of the Church.

We see some of our own politicians trying to do the same thing in our nation today and all around the world.

The Kings of the Jews were appointed by Rome during this time and most all of them were wicked rulers.

This grandson of Herod the Great, who was as wicked as his father and his grandfather found that he could gain favor with these wicked Jews if he persecuted the Church, especially the Apostles.

Now when I say the Jews, I am not talking about the people but only those that hated the Church and hated the truth of Jesus Christ.

So he rounded up James the brother of John and murdered him, for James had done nothing wrong except to preach Jesus Christ.

This pleased those wicked Jews so much that Herod decided to murder Peter and he had Peter arrested.

Ww should be able to see that the Apostles of the Lord Jesus had been free to go where they pleased.

The politicians had to be very careful with these type things because much of the people were on the side of the Apostles of Christ.

Herod had to pick the right time to kill Peter.

Peter was guarded by sixteen soldiers to make sure he did not escape.

These four-man units extended from battle formations.

Peter may have been in prison, but the Church had determined that the best thing to do for him was to pray.

Prayer should not be the last thing we think to do but the first thig we think to do.

Prayer is our greatest weapon against this evil, wicked, world.

We must keep in mind that there was great persecution taking place against the Church and believers were afraid for their lives in Jerusalem.

The Church at Jerusalem had become an underground church meeting behind closed doors and in hidden places.

The Apostles would still go in and out of the Temple but even this was about to end.

The whole Church was praying for the release of Peter.

*Act 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him”.

Prayer for Peter was earnest and it was continuous, and probably in many private houses.

Peter was guarded by sixteen soldiers, probably four at a time and around the clock. The politicians were still embarrassed about the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. They had never found the body of Jesus Christ.

They either had to accept the truth or make up some lie about our risen Savior.

We might ask ourselves why the Church met in earnest for Peter, yet we do not read of the same thing for James.

The only conclusion we can come to is that it was time for James to home to be with the Lord, but it was not time for Peter, the work of James being complete.

Now we must not get confused with this James the brother of John, and another James who is step-brother to the Lord Jesus Christ who will become the Pastor of the Jerusalem Church.

Maybe the Church had not gathered for James as they had for Peter, but we know that the Lord is no respecter of persons and James would be far better off than Peter and Peter’s work was not yet done.

Both of the wrists of Peter were chained to one of the wrist of two different soldiers at all times.

*Act 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

We will see that Peter knew what had happened to James but even being chained to two different soldiers and more soldiers standing guard, Peter was so content that he could sleep and sleep peaceably.

The whole Church was praying.
The Church was doing all it could, praying specifically for Peter’s deliverance.
The Church was praying fervently, earnestly, and continuously!
Crying out to God for sovereign deliverance of Peter.

This is the type of praying that we do not do enough of. I know I do not and not many of us practice fasting.

Peter’s only hope was truly for God to intervene!

Here on the night before he was to be executed Peter was so at peace that he could sleep even in his situation.

We see that the Lord Jesus Christ was meeting the needs of his servant Peter!

You see it is God’s “Grace” that gives us the strength and the peace to endure the persecutions of this world!

We cannot face the trials of this life without the peace that comes from our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ!

This is because we have confidence in the truth of God.

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isa 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

And behold the Angel of the Lord.

*Act 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Next, we see a pattern of God’s miraculous work along with Peter’s obedience.

Peter could not have been delivered without his own obedience to the Lord and the Lord’s ministering angel!

We will notice as we read through this passage that this angel did not do for Peter what Peter could do for himself.

God will never do what we can do ourselves!

Peter had to obey the commands of this angel.

Anytime we find ourselves in communication with the Lord, the Holy Spirit, our Heavenly Father, or one of His angels, we need to obey any commands we receive.

We will also notice that once Peter was delivered and out of danger, he was left on his own to work out his own deliverance.

Php_2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Peter would return to the Church before seeking a better place to serve the Lord and escape the politics of Jerusalem.

Peter should seek the Lord in making any other decisions.

God’s deliverance involved only what Peter could not do for himself!

We should understand that Peter was full of confidence that he would live to be an old man but Peter still had to do his part.

Joh 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but “when thou shalt be old”, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
Joh 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

We can see that Peter did not think he was old at this time.

Peter was so sound in his sleep that this angel had to awaken him.

The angels are not only ministering spirits, but they are for the deliverance of God’s people.

Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

A bright light shone in this prison though it was a dark and dreary place.

These guards who kept Peter must have been struck into a deep sleep by the Lord.

This angel awakened Peter by giving a blow to his side.

This angel helped Peter to rise up because Peter was between two guards and said “Arise up quickly” and then those chains that bound Peter just fell away silently.

Then the angel said for Peter to dress himself.

*Act 12:8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Act 12:9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

Notice Peter was told to dress himself for Peter did not know what to do except to obey this angel.

We should understand that when we are helpless then God will help us, but God will not do what we can do for ourselves.

Peter had not awoken to the reality of what was going on around him and he still felt he was just seeing a vision or as if he was dreaming.

Peter continued to follow this angel.

As we follow this story in the Bible, we must cling to the fact that all these things were happening because of prayer by this Church.

To think otherwise would be to think wrong.

When we pray and we see the results of our prayer we must praise the Lord for what He has done.

We may not see immediate results to all our prayers, and we must remember, going home to Heaven is still far better than remaining in this world.

As long as we have a work to complete, we will remain upon this earth.

*Act 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
Act 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

We can just imagine Peter following this angel quickly through this prison and when those iron gates open under their own power, Peter began to realize the truth that he was being freed from prison.

It was only after they passed that first street in the city that Peter came to himself and this angel departed from him to go wherever the Lord would send him next.

Peter realized that none of this was a dream and that he was actually free.

Peter than fled the city because it would not be long before Herod would be seeking him again.

There is a lot of typology in this passage.

God’s deliverance of His people from the chains of sin.

The slumber of the Jews to the Word of God just two examples.

Peter was now fully awakened realizing what had taken place and Peter knew where the Church might be gathered.

*Act 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

What do we know about this Mary?

This Mary was a sister to Barnabas.

Col 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

This Mary was also the mother of John who we know as Mark who became very profitable to the Apostle Paul after a rough start.

2Ti 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

We know that it was Peter who led Mark to the Lord.

1Pe 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

This is the only clear mention of this Mary in the Bible, but we can see that she was a dear sister to the Church.

She must have been a widow for her husband is never mentioned,

She evidently was the owner of much property and a huge house large enough for the Church to gather safely in her home.

This maybe the place that is called the “upper room”.

The best thing that can be said about this mother was the fact that she was a godly mother who helped her own her son to become a missionary.

Her home had a gate like many of the places we see classified as places of the rich.

Luk 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Luk 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

*Act 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
Act 12:14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
Act 12:15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

Peter knocked at the door of the gate and a young lady named Rhoda came to the door.

We do not know if Rhoda saw Peter at this time but we do know she recognized his voice.

Out of her excitement she forgot to open the door of the gate and ran as fast as she could to tell the Church that Peter was free.

Peter also realized he was in great danger exposed to the people in the streets if someone saw him.

When Rhoda said that Peter was at the door, those within thought Rhoda was crazy and told her so.

It is a fact that we as the Church do not realize that God answers every prayer that reaches Him in Heaven.

Most of us do not give God the credit for answered prayers so, when we pray we probably do not pray with enough faith that our prayers will be answered.

This is what was happening at Mary’s house.

Maybe they prayed for James as they were praying Peter.

The one thing that makes a prayer happen is “faith”!

Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mat 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Someone finally goes to check to see if it really was Peter at the door and it was.

*Act 12:16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
Act 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Peter was left standing at the door, still knocking, still worrying that someone would come by and see him.

Peter was now a wanted fugitive.

As soon as the door was opened Peter stepped in. He was comforted and all their doubts disappeared, and everyone was full of joy.

Peter quickly gave an account of his miraculous deliverance.

James the stepbrother of Jesus was now the Pastor at the Church in Jerusalem and James needed to know the Peter had been freed because of prayer.

James’ father was Joseph while the Holy Spirit cause the birth of our Savior.

Mary was the mother of them both.

We all need to believe this truth!

Peter then departed and the Bible does not tell us where Peter had to go for his safety.

We should clearly understand that the Lord God of Heaven does certainly answer every prayer that gets to Him.

Our job is to live our lives so that our prayers are always answered.

God will still answer in a way that suits Him according to His plan, but He will answer.

God is not ever going to say yes to every prayer we pray.

We are not always going to get an answer that we want.

God will answer every prayer of faith at His own terms.

No matter how God answers our prayers, we are to offer our thanks.

In fact, we just as well thank Him before time, because if we are living righteously then we know our prayer will be answered.

Not many remember to give God thanks for what He has done as He answers our prayers.

Whatever God does in response to our prayers will always be the right thing to do!

God must always get the glory for everything that He does!

Peter’s church friends and family were excited that Peter was free but Peter’s enemies were just the more confused.

We live in a confused world today because the Word of God is rejected.

Amen

From Saul to Paul

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

The Enemy is Changed

Book of Acts Chapter 9

In the Bible, Paul is first known by the Greek equivalent of his Hebrew name which is Saul. Paul is best known by his Latin Roman name Paul.

Paul went from being the most hated persecutor of the Church to being the great Christian and Apostle to the Church that belongs to Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul was the most dominate missionary to the Gentiles.

To the Church Paul was a murderer and he was certainly a murderer.

It was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who came to Paul and brought salvation to him.

It is only the Lord Jesus Christ who can save anyone.

1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

It was the Lord Jesus Christ that cleansed Paul from his sin of persecuting and murdering the Church.

We can be sure Paul had other sin.

Paul hated the Church and wanted to destroy the Church.

When we persecute the Church, we are actually persecuting the Lord Jesus Christ for He is the Head of the Church!

*Act 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Act 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Paul burned with a flaming fury against the Church and all Christians.

It is Christians that make the Church. The Church is not a building!

Paul was consumed with fierce anger and that fierce anger was against Christ Jesus and His disciples.

Paul hunted down and slaughtered all the believers he could find, and we can be sure the world helped him.

The followers of Jesus Christ were called “the way” before the term Christianity was used.

Act 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of “that way” before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

Act 19:23 And the same time there arose no small stir about “that way”.

Act 22:4 And I persecuted “this way” unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Act 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after “the way” which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

Act 24:22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of “that way”, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

The teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ were not pictured as a religion and Christianity is not a religion!

The teachings of the Lord were not pictured as rules and regulations for they are simply the truth of God.

The teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ were seen as “the way of life’ according to our Heavenly Father.

Not just that but also the “course of life”, “the means of life”, “a condition of life”, and “an experience of life”.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who showed us “the way” of salvation!

Act 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us “the way” of salvation.

It was the Lord Jesus Christ who showed us the “way of the Lord”.

Act 18:25 This man was instructed in “the way” of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has shown us how to have peace in our lives!

Luk 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into “the way” of peace.

Rom 3:17 And “the way” of peace have they not known:

It was the Lord Jesus Christ who has shown us “the truth” of God’s creation.

2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom “the way of truth” shall be evil spoken of.

This is what Paul was doing. He was speaking evil of the way of truth!

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has shown us “the way of righteousness”.

2Pe 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Paul was about to see “the way” himself and what it means to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

What is the truth of our Savior? God can save anybody, anywhere, at any time!

Saul was going to Damascus to slaughter Christians and wipe out Christianity.

Right in the middle of doing this evil, Paul was saved.

A light appeared suddenly, out of nowhere and unexpectedly. A light brighter than the noon day Sun!

Act 22:6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

Act 26:13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

Paul saw the Lord standing in the middle of this light.

1Co 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

This light was the Glory of the Lord!

1Ti 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1Ti 6:16 Who only hath immortality, “dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto”; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Just the power of this Light struck Paul down to the ground.

Act 26:14 And when “we were all fallen to the earth”, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

The truth is, the Glory of God must shine in our hearts before we can be saved.

2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Glory of God!

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord of Heaven!

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God Himself!

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Savior to all those who believe, there is no other Savior.

Isa 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Paul is converted from Judaism to Christianity.

By the way, to be a Christian is to do the best we can to be like the Lord Jesus Christ and we can only do this by being filled with God Holy Spirit!

*Act 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Act 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Paul had realized he had seen the Lord and now realized that He was hearing the Lord speak.

Paul was not alone but he was the only one who heard the Lord speak all the others heard was a mighty sound, but they could not distinguish the words spoken by Jesus.

What was Paul’s sin?

Paul was opposing and persecuting the Lord Jesus Christ!

Joh_16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Paul was treading on dangerous ground and every soul upon this earth will get to meet our Savior.

Opposing Christ Jesus is serious, so serious it dooms a person to hell unless there is repentance.

This day was Paul’s chance to miss hell and Paul had to make the right choice.

This may have been Paul’s last day on earth had he remained rebellious.

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Paul knew these things happening around him were coming from Heaven.

When Paul asked “who art thou Lord”, he knew it was the Lord of Heaven and earth who was speaking to him.

Paul knew this person was the Lord of Heaven, but he did not know the Lord as his Savior but they are One and the Same.

It takes a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved.

Until you meet Jesus and recognize His glory, you will never understand this.

When a person really sees he has been rebelling against the Lord of Glory, the Savior, he will come under conviction.

Paul understood that what he was doing was opposing God who he had great faith in.

In Judaism it is Jehovah who is worshipped and Jehovah and the Lord Jesus are the same Deity.

Paul began to understand that he was lost, separated from Jehovah God and doomed to Hell.

Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

It is hard to kick against your own conscience.

“To kick against the pricks” is a picture of a stubborn ox being goaded with a long stick that was sharp on its end.

It was hard for the ox to kick against the goad for he would only feel more pain.

Paul was questioning himself over the truth.
Paul was fighting himself over the truth.
Paul was struggling within himself with the truth of the Scriptures which he knew very well.

When the Light of the Gospel finally breaks through our sinful darkness, we will begin to know the truth.

Everyone who chooses to go against the Lord Jesus has chosen a hard way of life!

They will never know if they have chosen right, and it will affect everything they try to accomplish.

This something each Christian understands!

Psa 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psa 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Psa 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Psa 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Psa 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

There was only one thing Paul could do, he had to obey the Lord.

*Act 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Paul had to surrender to the truth that he was the greatest of all sinners.

Gal_1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Paul was hardly able to bear up under the weight of his sin!

We all get this way when we realize we are just dirty rotten sinners.

These things became part of Paul’s testimony.

Paul became a shattered man, and it would take some time in prayer and meditation to clear his mind so he could learn the truth.

Paul needed the companionship of another believer who had been through similar things.

Paul had been converted and a radical change was taking place within him.

It would take proof of his conversion for the Christian community to receive him.

There were some who witnessed this event that happened to Paul.

*Act 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

There were some witnesses, but they did not know what was really happening.

In typology, we would say they were a type of the world we live in.

The world listens to false science and lies and reject the truth so the world cannot know the truth.

The world is aware of the miracle of conversion, but the world refuses to open their eyes to the truth but cling to the lies of false science.

We have to open our hearts to see the Light of the Lord Jesus.

We have to silence ourselves and our thoughts to hear the voice of God.

We have to make ourselves available to confront the Lord.

We have to be prepared to surrender if we call upon the Lord.

Act 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Act 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

2Co 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2Co 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Paul could only do as the Lord instructed him. It is called obedience!

*Act 9:8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
Act 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Paul was blind and he did not know if it was temporary or forever.

Paul was helpless and had to be led by others.

Paul could do nothing else but to think about what had happened to him.

Paul became ashamed for what he had been doing.

Paul needed some help from a Christian!

Paul thought his purpose was to eliminate Christianity, but Paul now had no purpose in his life.

Paul wondered why the Lord Jesus had chosen him.

Paul wondered what the Lord Jesus wanted with him, and he wondered what the Lord Jesus was going to tell him to do.

Paul was unable to eat or drink for three days and Paul became exhausted with no strength at all.

We must understand that once the Lord Jesus has forgiven us, He no more remembers our sin and it is best we forget that old sin.

God sent Paul a brother in Christ named Ananias.

*Act 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Act 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

What Paul needed most was the need to experience the help and ministry of a fellow Christian.

As Christians we all know we are only sinners saved by the “Grace” of God!

Paul needed to see the faith of a brother in Christ.

Paul needed to know that he was also a brother in Christ.

Paul needed to feel the power of God and a glorious healing.

Paul needed to feel the power of the Holy Spirit.

Many ask, just when was Paul saved?

Was Paul saved on the Damascus Road or when he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Paul knew that awesome Light was from Heaven.
Paul knew that voice he heard was from Heaven.
Paul knew who ever was speaking to him was of Heaven.
Paul called this Heavenly being “Lord”.

Paul was surrendering to the Lord when Paul asked Him “What will you have me do”?

Paul did not have a personal relationship, but he knew it was the Lord God of Heaven.

Paul called Him Lord a second time.

Paul realized his only help was to obey the Lord God of Heaven as he surrendered to the Lord.

Paul prayed and the Lord Jesus heard him.

Act 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, “he prayeth”,
Act 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

It is evident that Paul surrendered to the Lord Jesus on the Damascus Road.

Does not sound a whole lot different from many of us who prayed the sinners pray and many pray and never give themselves to the Lord Jesus.

We now have Paul’s history of how he served the Lord in the New Testament.

Paul could now eat because he was settled in his faith.

*Act 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

Paul was a changed man because he had been “Born Again”!

We see that a Church had been established in Damascus and now Paul was identified with other believers.

Paul was a true believer; his old man had surely died!

Paul became a follower of “The Way”.

Paul became a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Act 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Paul preached Christ, the Messiah.

Paul no longer preached religion, or tradition, or ceremony or ritual.

There is a great significant difference between the two!

Paul also did not preach his firsthand experiences, his visions, his praying.

Paul preached Christ. It takes a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ to know the truth!

2Co 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily

Paul preached Christ the Son of God:

Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

The people were amazed at the change in Paul. We could say Paul made a 180 degree turn rom his old life.

*Act 9:21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Paul stood as a testimony to the change that comes about when the Holy Spirit moves in and we are “Born Again”.

The people in the synagogues and in the public were amazed at what they saw in the new Paul.

They were expecting all the things they had heard about in Jerusalem to take place.

They had known about the mission of Paul and how he treated men and women Christians.

Paul now identified as a Christian himself.

Paul would later declare to the Romans that he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

And to the Christians at Corinth:

1Co 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
1Co 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

Paul became steadfast and faithful to the cause of Christ and his old friends became his enemies.

*Act 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Act 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

Paul continued to grow in his faith and his zeal was now for the truth of Jehovah who is the Messiah who came to our world to save us.

Paul grew Spiritually. We can have no strength that can compare to “Spiritual Strength”.

The Bible we have today is rich in the work of the Holy Spirit.

We should never forget the Holy Spirit is one third of the Triune God.

The Holy Spirit is not the influence of God, the Holy Spirit is God with His own work in our lives to accomplish and the power of the Holy Spirit showed mightily in the Apostle Paul.

The more Paul grew in the Lord the more he was able to confuse those who opposed the “Gospel.”

Paul could take the Scriptures and prove that the Lord Jesus was the true Messiah!

Paul grew in strength because his “faith” grew greatly every day.

Paul had been studying the Old Testament since he was a child, but he now knew the truth of the Messiah.

What is the truth of the Bible?

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

So the same ones who had encouraged Paul to persecute Christians now plotted to kill Paul.

God was not about to allow this to happen.

*Act 9:24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Act 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

We would wonder why they would hate Paul with such a vengeance.

They then considered Paul to be a traitor to Judaism.

When Paul escaped, this is probably the time when Paul went to spend some time with the Lord.

Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Gal 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Where did Paul get his message?

Paul says not from man.
Paul did not immediately go back to Jerusalem to learn from the Apostles.

Paul went to Arabia where he stayed about three years. The same amount of time the other Apostles spent with Jesus.

It is after this he returned to Damascus.

Many times we just need to get alone with God and just talk to Him.

He is always ready to hear from us!

It is probably on his return to Damascus that verse twenty-three kicks in and this passage we are on now.

There are different theories about Paul’s time in Arabia.

The point being Paul spent some quality time with the Lord Jesus and became a much more mature Christian and it was time for the Lord to use Paul in a mighty way.

Even after returning from Arabia it was still 12 years before Paul went to the missionary field.

Paul fled from assassination all the remaining days of his life.

Paul was run out of Jerusalem and did not get to go home very much.

Paul went to his childhood home in Tarsus until he was called to the mission field.

The message of the “Gospel” convicted and threatened the followers of Judaism, and it still does today.

Christianity is not a growth from Judaism but in fact all those in Judaism will have to convert to Christianity which will take place after the “Rapture of the Church.

The Apostle Paul is an example for us all of the change that takes place after we are saved and the work that we need to be doing as disciples.

Paul was not some fanatic no more than a Christian is today, witnessing for our Lord and Savior.

God will always make a way to escape when we are true witnesses for the Lord.

God will deliver us from difficulty when we true witnesses.

God will carry us through to His presence when death comes.

2Ti 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

You see this is the truth of the Scriptures!

The Truth of God is in the Scriptures not in the World

/ Bobby Mayfield / 1 Comment

Faithful Interaction

1 Timothy 5

We should understand as Christians we must certainly share in the responsibility for each other in times of need and all other times.

Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, “especially unto them who are of the household of faith”.

Just as we have this responsibility in times of need, we have this same responsibility, “in times of discipline”.

The truth of the church is the fact that we are all in the same family, the family of God, the household that has Jesus Christ as the Head!

The one thing we must always remember is, that the preaching and the teaching of the “Gospel” of the Lord Jesus Christ is always the first priority over any so called “social gospel” of its members.

The church must get out of the social gospel business, and the political false truth business and get back to teaching the “Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ”!

Those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, will be more suited in obeying all the Word of God!

Those who are right with God, will know what to do in most all circumstances and all questions will be answered by the Scriptures!

The Word of God is alive and even more true today because it was written for the latter days, the days we now live!

*****1Ti 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
1Ti 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Paul is still writing to Timothy about church organization and simply “how we as Christians are to act in the house of God”.

The “elders” in this Scripture refer to the older Christian men. It is normally true that older Christian believers have more wisdom in dealing with life.

Not only Christian life, but also of the things of this world.

We must also be aware that they may not be right all the time!

We must not forget that a false “Gospel” was being preached in the Church at Ephesus and those doing so, were to be rebuked and excommunicated if need be!

We simply cannot allow those who reject the truth to bring their own false message into the House of God!

Timothy might certainly have to rebuke some elderly men in this church. These elders may have had many years in the Scriptures or very little, but they still had the wisdom of experience more than this young Pastor.

Many say that Timothy was only 23 years old at this time, but he was on fire for God!

In a real sense, Paul was saying to respect those who are older than you, Timothy and at the same time, even some of these may need to be rebuked.

The elder members of any church are never to be ignored, nor neglected, nor bypassed, not overlooked nor ever be set aside as useless!

They should be treated as fathers, with respect and honor.

The church needs to know their opinions and they need to be involved in all decision making.

It is true that many of them may be set in their ways and close-minded to new ideas or new ministries.

The point of the Apostle Paul is that, if and when one of these elders needed to be rebuked, they still needed to be treated as a father and not as an enemy.

We should understand that the Holy Spirit must always be followed!

Lev 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Those that respect their elders will have a better chance respecting our Heavenly Father!

The younger men are to be treated as brothers. It is our younger men and our younger generation who one day will keep the church going so they are also never to ignored or bypassed.

These younger men many times will need direction and they may not accept it, if they have not seen this in the family at home.

The church is to always function as the family of God because we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ freed us from the chains of Satan.

God the Father holds all the answers to the prayer life of the Church!

The Lord Jesus Christ as the Head and the Foundation of the Church, and our Intercessor between each member and Our Holy Father.

The Lord Jesus is the only Advocate to defend us from the continuous accusations of Satan.

The Holy Spirit is the power behind the church because He not only abides in each believer, but He also causes conviction of sin to the lost!

The church is a most powerful weapon against evil when it functions properly! This is where the problems lie today as the church gives in to political correctness, which goes against the Word of God.

Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Just as the elderly men are to be treated as fathers, then the elderly women are to be treated as mothers!

We all have a mother who in most cases keeps our family functional and it will be no different in a working church!

God will hold the church responsible for those who mistreat its mothers!

If some of these need to be rebuked, it must not be done in contempt but in total respect.

Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Younger women are to be treated as sisters, but in all purity remembering they are also “born again” onto a new life.

There must be no immoral thoughts, when thinking about the physical attractiveness of these younger women!

Not many men will cause harm to their daughters nor their sisters!

They are all to be protected and guarded and nourished with the Word of God, just as all others in the House of God!

It is the church and the family that are to prepare those future virtuous women.

Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Pro 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

When there are young and old of each sex, there will many families but as time goes by there will also be more widows!

It seems that the women will normally live longer than the men! We men need to find this secret of longer life, but it matters not to the child of God.

*****1Ti 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.

Many times, there are church mothers who no longer have families outside of the church.

Many of these become desolate when they have no one to help them meet their needs.

Deu 14:29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

We all think about the blessings of God but when we do not do right in the church, we are losing those precious blessings that we could have had as a church and as a family!

A widow indeed, is a widow who has no means of support outside the church. It is these women of the church that the church is to help.

BUT, this widow should, if able, still be involved in the ministries of the church!

*****1Ti 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

Just so we are clear, God began the family before He began the Church. Every family is to operate as a miniature Church.

Children are to take care of their elderly parents!

The very first duty of any child, is to honor their parents! Nothing that is done in the church by these who are children of widows can take the place of honoring their parents.

The true believer is to be a Christian at home before he is a Christian anywhere else!

There is no other action by children where is says that it “is good and acceptable before God”.

There is also this of the parents. Widowed parents are to live their remaining years above reproach!

They must be true to Christ and still trust in the Lord for their provisions!

God will meet the needs of His older children and His younger children alike!

*****1Ti 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
1Ti 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
1Ti 5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

A true widow is that person male or female who have no relations to provide for them and are wholly devoted to God. These dear people can be the greatest prayer warriors in the church!

A widow, male or female, who has not been faithful to the church all their days should not be considered a “widow indeed”!

We must understand that no matter our age we are still to place our faith in our Savior and every added day can still be a blessing!

We see that Timothy, the new in Pastor in Ephesus, is to preach the whole counsel of God, to whoever sits in the pews of this church, young or old.

It is a sad thing, but many widows seem to feel blessed that they no longer have that partner in life!

It is sometimes understandable when there has been much time with bad health, but the blessing comes from know that they no longer suffer!

These are those who live in pleasure, being released they have given themselves over to the world.

The truth is, the world of pleasure is a region of death and a life of pleasure is living in death!

We must understand, that we are to obey these instructions in the church and God gives us a very good reason.

“That we will be blameless” when the Lord returns, and we meet Him at the “Judgment Seat of Christ”.

We will all meet Jesus either at the Judgment seat of Christ, or at the White Throne Judgment and we make this choice ourselves!

The church that knows the truth of the Scriptures and makes application of the truth of God, is the Church that is a weapon against the evil of this world!

We will all be held accountable for the things we have done after we are saved! Not for punishment but for the loss of rewards we cannot lose the free gift of our salvation at any time!

It is so easy to lose a reward by the actions we take in the treatment of our elderly parents! Those who are widows indeed have no one to support them!

These things are written to the Church and to the Pastors of those churches!

Those children of the church, who do not take care of their elderly parents, especially those of their immediate family, are denying the faith!

They are worse than and an infidel or an unbeliever which is the truth of God! These are very strong words from the Holy Spirit!

*****1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Again, we must remind ourselves that God created the family before He created the Church!

The responsibilities of the Christian family are to never cease as long as we are alive.

In the Old Testament all transgressions against the family were severely punished and these things were not to change in the New Testament.

What did Jesus say?

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

When we deny our parents, we have denied the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ, because we have rejected true love!

*****1Ti 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1Ti 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1Ti 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

It should be obvious that the early church put those who were “widows indeed” to work in the ministry. I’m sure that there were the children because there are always children in the families but there are always other things these widows could do to spread the “Gospel” of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Once a widow, who was a widow indeed had recovered from the loss of that spouse they could give themselves fully to the ministry!

Today we do not see these things that often, but it does still happen.

Threescore years old would be 60 years of age. In the time of Christ, the life span of the people was not as long as it is today.

You may not be aware of it this number is slipping backwards today and this is because of the trend of Insurance and Medicare to pull back from the care of those over 70 and in bad health. This is the truth of Obamacare, feed them with medications and ignore major surgery of the elderly.

These would only be those who are already active in the church before the loss of their spouse.

These are those who had lived in a lawful marriage whether it be with one person or more successively but even that person has died.

These were to be women of good character and there is no one more special than that godly woman who has stayed by the Lord even when all her family were gone.

These are the same widows who treat the children of the church as their own.

These are the same ones, who can comfort all those in the church because they know what to be comforted really means.

These are the same ones who come to help others when there is a need.

Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Mat 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

These are the same ones that the young people of the church should look up to as those who have stuck by the Lord since the time of their salvation!

Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

The Holy Spirit suggest that those under 60 years old may not devote themselves to the Church because they are looking for someone else to wed, whereas those above 60 years old may not be interested in seeking another spouse.

The older widow would find all comfort in just God Himself and devote herself to Him.

The younger widow may also find all comfort in the Lord and devote herself to just the Lord but as time goes by she finds a new spouse it would be as if she had broken a vow to the Lord.

Deu 23:21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

As we see, it could be very hard for a young widow to keep a vow she has made to the Lord.

We will see that this is the sin of the Church in Ephesus in the end, leaving their first love.

*****1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

When we pray in faith for the Lord to come into our heart and save us, we are making a vow to the Lord and when we break that vow we will suffer the consequences as the Scriptures have said.

This does not mean we have loss our salvation for that is impossible. We may forsake the Lord, but He will never forsake us, and He will never leave us because this is also what the Scriptures teach.

1Pe 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

The best thing that can happen to these younger widows is that they remarry but only in the church!

*****1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
1Ti 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

First, it is not wrong for anyone who has lost their spouse to stay single, but it is sometimes hard to do so without sin!

These younger widows, if supported by the church, would soon find the work of the church boring as they go from house to house in visitation.

These visits would become more about gossip, than contributing to the work of the church.

The Jews called these “gadding widows”, having nothing else to do but gossip and tattle everything they learned of people.

They would always have some news to tell about others as they try to interfere in matters which did not concern them.

These things would not be written if they were not true!

We must understand God knows more about us then we can know ourselves!

Idleness is not good for anyone and the purpose of the church is not to be involved in such things and certainly not to support those widows caught up in those things.

They would go from being useful to becoming useless in the work of the church. Those outside the church would take notice of these things and ruin the name of the church. The church must never support such things as these!

These women had become widows through no fault of their own and certainly they would need some help.

The Holy Spirit says that they should remarry, bare children and be the head of that household and this would keep them busy enough to stay out of temptation.

Notice here we have another place where God does not condemn a second marriage in the church but actually encourages it.

Above all the things we do, let us never give occasion for Satan to exploit the church or the work of the church!

It is also a sad thing that many widows will leave the church when their spouse dies. Some just get mad at God and reject their salvation and reject their Christian life.

*****1Ti 5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

We should understand Satan is that roaring lion, walking about to see who he can destroy and when we get mad at God we open the door for Satan to step in.

Eze_16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

We seem to forget that God simply does not do bad things, and He will never tempt us to do evil.

Jas_1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Jas_1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

As Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit, he says some in the Church have already turned aside after Satan and there are some of these in most every church.

It is we who give into the works of Satan. Keep the inner doors of your heart to the outside world closed and locked always and do not provide even a crack where Satan can enter in.

2Pe 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2Pe 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

It is the Church family that is to come to the rescue of the widow whose only help is the church while they are still living.

*****1Ti 5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

If you believe in the truth of the Scriptures, then we are to take care of the widows in our own families and never send them to the responsibility of the church!

We must always keep in mind that it is the family that God created first and the actions of that family are to carry over into the church.

When believing families do not obey God in these things certainly the church cannot function as it should!

The family is to operate as a church within the church for the church to be the true “Bride of Christ”!

Isa 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

*****1Ti 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1Ti 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
1Ti 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

We began this lesson talking about elders. Those were mainly just the aged.

Here as we begin this Scripture we see the elders of the church, those who preach and teach in the house of God and deacons and other who hold offices in the church.

We must remember that after Christ Jesus ascended back to Heaven, the 12 Apostles chosen by the Lord were the foundation of the Church!

The Church of today is still to preach the Apostles Doctrine, given to them by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Act_2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Since these 12 men chosen by the Lord are now in Heaven, it is the job of the elders of the church to assist the Pastor in teaching the Apostle’s Doctrine.

We must also remember these words of Jesus:

Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

The modern-day church is now rejecting the Apostle’s Doctrine because these words do not set well with those sitting in the pews nor does this doctrine fit in with the political correct societies of today.

It is these elders of the church (Pastors, Teachers, Leaders) that will be held accountable for the words they teach!

Act 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Those elders who have been faithful stewards of the true Word of God and have proven to above approach, should be counted worthy of a double honor and respect, but only if they rule well by the Scriptures.

It is the job of these men to be on guard against any error of the teaching of the Word of God!

Each one will be held accountable at the Bema Seat of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Of course, any who are not saved will go to Hell having no excuse for not believing of the truth.

When we see this word “honor” we should understand that means payment to that Pastor that and it says double honor or double the salary!

God will always deplore the money grabbing Pastor:

1Ti 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, “not greedy of filthy lucre”; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

God also deplores those churches that do not take care of that Pastor financially, when they are able to do so.

Every true Pastor is called and approved of God, if he preaches the whole counsel of God then he should be rewarded for his effort!

Deu 25:4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.

Those that labor in the Word of God and preaching, making sense of the Word of God, should be as that ox and taken very good care of.

The true Pastor is a treasure to any true church!

1Co 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
1Co 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
1Co 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

No doubt the church that has such a Pastor, that Pastor could be accused of wrong doing in an attempt to be rid of him.

God says there must be two or three reliable witnesses to that wrong doing or it should not be brought before the church!

And if these accusations are found to be true, they need to be brought before the church!

*****1Ti 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

We should clearly understand the instructions of the Lord should be followed at all costs or the church will be just as guilty as that one who had done that evil.

Disobedience is disobedience no matter who does the evil!

We should keep in mind, Timothy is going to Ephesus to root out false teaching!

We should also remember that we all are sinners only saved by the “Grace” of God.

If the honor of the true Pastor is being double value, then the rebuke of the false Pastor should also be of double value!

Then those who have heard and even approved of that false teaching may then repent and be restored to the truth of God.

*****1Ti 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

We will all stand before God one day and be judged for the things we have done, good or evil, since being saved by God’s “Grace”.

Each Pastor is to minister without showing partiality in the church and to rebuke without showing partiality.

With Timothy being so young, Paul cautioned him to not shrink back from reproving men of weight and influence, which means those who were of high standing outside the church.

This may the biggest problem in the church today, Pastors who refuse to preach all the truth of God because of influential men in the pews.

Timothy like all Pastors will answer to the Lord when He returns.

When Timothy stepped up to the podium and looked out over his flock, he must not immediately judge his congregation, he was to preach to them what God had laid on his heart.

Our first thing to do in the church is to worship the God of the Bible, in Spirit and Truth because this is the only worship that God will accept!

God says many times that He does not show partiality and we are to do the same!

Deu 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
Deu 1:18 And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.

The Church should never make decisions or choices because some powerful man in the church insist on it!

The Pastor must preach all the Word of God without being partial to a few in the church.

The Pastor must not accept the favor of men just because of their wealth or their standing.

The Pastor must not give his attention to one group of people above another.

Pro 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
Pro 24:22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
Pro 24:23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
Pro 24:24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
Pro 24:25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

The Pastor must at all costs keep himself pure!

*****1Ti 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

When Timothy gets to this church in Ephesus, it is very probable that he does not know who is distorting the Word of God until he has been there for a while.

The laying on of the hands was used to ordain Pastors and maybe some elders.

Paul is teaching Timothy that he should spend some time there before he could be able to ordain a Pastor, or Deacon, or other man by the laying on the hands.

We also know that the laying on of the hands is done for the sick.

There is no power in “the laying on of the hands” because the power is in that prayer that is made during the laying on the hands!

The best example of one who is partaking of another man’s sins would be Paul himself at the death of Stephen.

Act 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Act 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
Act 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
Act 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Paul was just as guilty of the death of Stephen, as was those who threw the stones that killed him.

This church in Ephesus was a young immature church that possibly did not have a mature Christian in their group.

The truth is God will hold us responsible for the failures of unfaithful workers and any false teachers we have approved!

Each Pastor is to keep himself pure not only inside the church but outside the church!

According to some, these passages also prove that a fallen Pastor can be restored to his ministry or at least to some ministry in the church.

Again, let’s look at that word “wine”.

*****1Ti 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.

This is one of the most favorite passages for those who insist that God approves of drinking alcohol.

I personally disagree that this wine was used as a medicine, when combined with water.

Those who traveled outside of America have found that the drinking of water will cause terrible stomach problems, and this is what was happening to Timothy.

The fruit of the grape, grape juice, was made drinkable buy mixing one-part grape juice to two parts water to drink when traveling in those days.

The Roman soldiers would take the left over from wine that had turned to vinegar and had no alcoholic value and add water to drink in every nation for this same reason.

The Lord said not to even look at wine:

Pro 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

The point Paul is making is, that it was very important for each Pastor to take good care of their health.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

What would Timothy expect to see in this church?

*****1Ti 5:24 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
1Ti 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

Paul told Timothy that many of the men in Ephesus did not hide their sinful ways and certainly none of these should be chosen to serve in the ministry.

Timothy was not to judge them, except to know that they were not fit to serve the Lord at this time!

It is God Himself who will judge the sinner and He already has:

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Why would we even try to judge someone who is already sentenced to death?

Timothy was to also expect to find men who would try to hide their sin. This is what we all have done in our past!

These men would not be able to hide their sin for very long once Timothy preached the whole counsel of God.

We should also understand that the good works of some are clearly seen, while others have good works that are not known to others or to just a few.

As we live in the church family we still cannot see into the hearts of other believers, it is their actions that we can see.

The only judgment we can make on others is by the Word of God and even then, we must be certain.

It is God who will Judge this world and even then, He can only judge by the Written Word because this is what He said Himself!

What was Paul saying to Timothy?

Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.

We can also know that there some of God’s people who would work in a ministry but are just never able for some human reason, but God knows these also and they will still receive a reward.

1Ki 8:17 And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.
1Ki 8:18 And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.

King David truly wanted to build a Temple but because of David’s bloody hands, God would not allow it.

But it was well that it was in the heart of David to do so!

Amen

Let’s Pray!