Sept. 11 1 Corinthians 7

Sept. 11

1 Corinthians 7

1Co 7:1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman.

1Co 7:2 But, because of sexual immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

1Co 7:3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection owed her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.

1Co 7:4 The wife doesn't have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise also the husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but the wife.

1Co 7:5 Don't deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn't tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

1Co 7:6 But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

1Co 7:7 Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.

1Co 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I am.

1Co 7:9 But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn.

1Co 7:10 But to the married I command--not I, but the Lord--that the wife not leave her husband

1Co 7:11 (but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife.

1Co 7:12 But to the rest I--not the Lord--say, if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she is content to live with him, let him not leave her.

1Co 7:13 The woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he is content to live with her, let her not leave her husband.

1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.

1Co 7:15 Yet if the unbeliever departs, let there be separation. The brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us in peace.

1Co 7:16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

1Co 7:17 Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies.

1Co 7:18 Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.

1Co 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

1Co 7:20 Let each man stay in that calling in which he was called.

1Co 7:21 Were you called being a bondservant? Don't let that bother you, but if you get an opportunity to become free, use it.

1Co 7:22 For he who was called in the Lord being a bondservant is the Lord's free man. Likewise he who was called being free is Christ's bondservant.

1Co 7:23 You were bought with a price. Don't become bondservants of men.

1Co 7:24 Brothers, let each man, in whatever condition he was called, stay in that condition with God.

1Co 7:25 Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be trustworthy.

1Co 7:26 I think that it is good therefore, because of the distress that is on us, that it is good for a man to be as he is.

1Co 7:27 Are you bound to a wife? Don't seek to be freed. Are you free from a wife? Don't seek a wife.

1Co 7:28 But if you marry, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have oppression in the flesh, and I want to spare you.

1Co 7:29 But I say this, brothers: the time is short, that from now on, both those who have wives may be as though they had none;

1Co 7:30 and those who weep, as though they didn't weep; and those who rejoice, as though they didn't rejoice; and those who buy, as though they didn't possess;

1Co 7:31 and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away.

1Co 7:32 But I desire to have you to be free from cares. He who is unmarried is concerned for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;

1Co 7:33 but he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife.

1Co 7:34 There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world--how she may please her husband.

1Co 7:35 This I say for your own profit; not that I may ensnare you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend to the Lord without distraction.

1Co 7:36 But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn't sin. Let them marry.

1Co 7:37 But he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own heart, to keep his own virgin, does well.

1Co 7:38 So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn't give her in marriage does better.

1Co 7:39 A wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whoever she desires, only in the Lord.

1Co 7:40 But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God's Spirit.

"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY" Chapter Six by Mark Copeland

                     "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

                              Chapter Six

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To note the warnings about being obsessed with disputes and
   arguments over words, wranglings of men, etc.

2) To appreciate the counsel given to those who desire to be rich, and
   to those who are rich

3) To consider what the man of God is expected to flee and to pursue

SUMMARY

This final chapter begins with instructions concerning servants and 
their duties toward their masters, especially toward those masters who 
believe (1-2).  A description then follows of those who might teach 
otherwise and not consent to the wholesome words of our Lord and His 
doctrine which is according to godliness (3-5).  Mentioning the value 
of godliness when accompanied by contentment, Paul warns of the need 
to be content with food and clothing, and the danger facing those who 
desire to be rich (6-10).

Timothy is then charged to flee such things and to pursue things
becoming a man of God.  He is encouraged to fight the good fight of
faith, and to lay hold on eternal life.  He is then solemnly urged by
Paul to keep the commandment without spot and blameless until our 
Lord's appearing, whom Paul describes in the most amazing terms 
(11-16).

The epistle ends with instructions for Christians who are rich in this 
world, and with an impassioned plea for Timothy to guard what was 
committed to his trust, avoiding profane and vain babbling over false 
doctrine which has led others away from the faith (17-21).

OUTLINE

I. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING SERVANTS (1-2)

   A. HOW THEY SHOULD REGARD THEIR MASTERS (1)
      1. As worthy of all honor (1a)
      2. So that God and His doctrine might not be blasphemed (1b)

   B. HOW THEY SHOULD REGARD BELIEVING MASTERS (2)
      1. Not to be despised because they are brethren (2a)
      2. But to serve them, remembering that those who are benefited 
         are believers and beloved (2b)

II. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING TEACHERS MOTIVATED BY GREED (3-10)

   A. SUCH TEACHERS DESCRIBED (3-5)
      1. Anyone who does not consent to the wholesome words of our 
         Lord, and to the doctrine according to godliness (3)
      2. He is proud, knowing nothing (4a)
      3. He is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words (4b)
         a. From which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions
            (4c)
         b. From which come useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds
            and destitute of the truth (5a)
      4. Who supposes that godliness is a means of gain (5b)

   B. THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTENTMENT (6-8)
      1. Godliness with contentment is great gain (6)
         a. For we brought nothing into this world (7a)
         b. And it is certain we can carry nothing out (7b)
      2. Thus we should be content with food and clothing (8)

   C. THE DANGERS FACING THOSE WHO DESIRE TO BE RICH (9-10)
      1. Those who desire to be rich fall...
         a. Into temptation and a snare (9a)
         b. Into many foolish and harmful lusts (9b)
         ...which drown men in destruction and perdition (9c)
      2. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (10a)
         a. For which some have strayed from the faith in their 
            greediness (10b)
         b. And have pierced themselves with many sorrows (10c)

III. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE MAN OF GOD HIMSELF (11-16)

   A. GENERAL EXHORTATIONS (11-12)
      1. Flee the things described before, such as the desire to be
         rich (11a)
      2. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love patience, 
         gentleness (11b)
      3. Fight the good fight of faith (12a)
      4. Lay hold on eternal life (12b)
         a. To which you were called (12c)
         b. To which you have confessed the good confession in the
            presence of many (12d)
      
   B. A SOLEMN CHARGE (13-16)
      1. Urged by Paul in the sight of...
         a. God, who gives life to all things (13a)
         b. Jesus Christ, who witnessed the good confession before
            Pontius Pilate (13b)
      2. To keep the commandment without spot, blameless until the 
         Lord's appearing (14)
         a. Which He will manifest in His own time (15a)
         b. Who is then described as:
            1) The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and 
               Lord of lords (15b)
            2) He who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable
               light, whom no man has seen or can see (16a)
         c. To whom be honor and everlasting power (16b)

IV. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE RICH (17-19)

   A. WHAT TO COMMAND THEM (17)
      1. Not to be haughty, nor trust in uncertain riches (17a)
      2. But to trust in the living God, who gives us richly all things
         to enjoy (17b)

   B. WHAT TO ENCOURAGE THEM (18-19)
      1. To do good, to be rich in good works, ready to give, willing 
         to share (18)
      2. Storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to
         come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (19)

V. CONCLUDING CHARGE TO TIMOTHY (20-21)
   
   A. A FERVENT PLEA TO TIMOTHY (20-21a)
      1. To guard what was committed to his trust (20a)
      2. To avoid the profane and vain babbling and contradictions of
         what is falsely called knowledge (20b)
      3. For by professing such, some have strayed concerning the faith
         (21a)

   B. A FINAL BENEDICTION:  "GRACE BE WITH YOU. AMEN" (21b)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Instructions concerning servants (1-2)
   - Instructions concerning teachers motivated by greed (3-10)
   - Instructions concerning the man of God himself (11-16)
   - Instructions concerning the rich (17-19)
   - Concluding charge to Timothy (20-21)

2) How were servants to consider their masters?  Why? (1)
   - As worthy of all honor
   - That the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed

3) What were the servants who had believing masters cautioned against
   doing? (2)
   - Despising them because they are brethren

4) How is one described who does not consent to the words of our Lord,
   and to the doctrine which is according to godliness? (3-4)
   - Proud, knowing nothing, obsessed with disputes and arguments over
     words

5) What is of great gain? (6)
   - Godliness with contentment

6) With what should we be content? (8)
   - Having food and clothing

7) What happens to those who desire to be rich? (9)
   - They fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
     harmful lusts

8) What is a root of all kinds of evil? (10)
   - The love of money

9) What have some done in their greediness? (10)
   - Strayed from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many
     sorrows

10) What is the man of God to pursue? (11)
   - Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness

11) What is the man of God to fight, and to lay hold of? (12)
   - He is to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal
     life

12) What did Paul urge Timothy to do? (13-14)
   - To keep the commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord's
     appearing

13) How does Paul describe our Lord Jesus Christ? (15-16)
   - The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of 
     lords
   - Who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light

14) What was Timothy to command the rich? (17-19)
   - Not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the
     living God
   - To do good, to be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to
     share
   - To store up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come,
     that they may lay hold on eternal life

15) What was Timothy to avoid?  Why? (20-21)
   - Profane and vain babbling and contradictions of what is falsely
     called knowledge
   - By professing such things, some have strayed concerning the faith

16) What was Paul's final benediction to Timothy in this letter? (21)
   - Grace be with you

Of corn cobs and heroes

This answers the question: How do you get corn off the cob without biting it?  Yet, I know another way.  A way I will never, ever forget.  A man now long since dead taught me how to do it when I was about 6 or 7 years old.  His name was Tom Horn and he wasn't much to look at.  He couldn't have been more than about 5 foot tall and I remember him as being well over 55 and the only hired help I can remember on my grandmother's farm.  He smoked corn silk in corn-cob pipe and chewed tobacco and was unusually quiet and shy.  I remember he used a big jack-knife that he kept in his work overalls to remove the kernels from the cob because he had very few teeth and couldn't bite well.  One day, something happened in the family and one of them took it out on me.  I had been beaten before, but the savage nature of this time was too much for me.  I cried uncontrollably and began to violently shake without realizing what I was doing.  Then Tom stepped between me and my abuser.  He said: "If you want to beat someone... beat me instead"!!!  And he was beaten until he was unconscious. He left the farm the next day and I never saw him again until years later.  It was at the Schaghticoke fair about 1970, but didn't have a chance to speak to him because the retirement group he was part of was boarding a bus to return to the home.  He had aged terribly, but I knew who it was... my hero.  He did something only a select few have ever done; he suffered for me and as long as I have breath I will remember him fondly.  His memory reminds me of this passage from the book of Isaiah...

Isaiah, Chapter 53

  1 Who has believed our message?
To whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed?
 

 2 For he grew up before him as a tender plant,
and as a root out of dry ground.
He has no good looks or majesty.
When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
  

 3 He was despised,
and rejected by men;
a man of suffering,
and acquainted with disease.
He was despised as one from whom men hide their face;
and we didn’t respect him.
 

 4 Surely he has borne our sickness,
and carried our suffering;
yet we considered him plagued,
struck by God, and afflicted.
 

  5 But he was pierced for our transgressions.
He was crushed for our iniquities.
The punishment that brought our peace was on him;
and by his wounds we are healed.

 Three people have suffered for me: Tom Horn, my maternal grandmother and most of all... Jesus.  My grandmother loved me, Tom Horn pitied me, but Jesus cared for me more than them all.  Why? Because HE knows me better than anyone ever could and loved me anyway!!!!  Those of you who know me well, are aware of how much I love gadgets and the one in the picture is a marvelous invention, but to me a jack-knife is much better because it reminds me of self-sacrifice.  Now, I hope that your life does NOT have abuse in it like mine has, and I know you will never meet either Tom Horn or my grandmother, but if you get to know Jesus, you will have a hero in your life!!! Someone who can change your life for the better... permanently!!!  Think about it, investigate it and live life anew!!! Really!!!   

Sept. 10 Psalms 55-57

Sept. 10

Psalms 55-57

Psa 55:1 Listen to my prayer, God. Don't hide yourself from my supplication.

Psa 55:2 Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan,

Psa 55:3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me.

Psa 55:4 My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me.

Psa 55:5 Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me.

Psa 55:6 I said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest.

Psa 55:7 Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness." Selah.

Psa 55:8 "I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm."

Psa 55:9 Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

Psa 55:10 Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her.

Psa 55:11 Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don't depart from her streets.

Psa 55:12 For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, then I would have hid myself from him.

Psa 55:13 But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend.

Psa 55:14 We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God's house with company.

Psa 55:15 Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them.

Psa 55:16 As for me, I will call on God. Yahweh will save me.

Psa 55:17 Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice.

Psa 55:18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me.

Psa 55:19 God, who is enthroned forever, will hear, and answer them. Selah. They never change, who don't fear God.

Psa 55:20 He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant.

Psa 55:21 His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

Psa 55:22 Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

Psa 55:23 But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.

 

Psa 56:1 Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me.

Psa 56:2 My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me.

Psa 56:3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

Psa 56:4 In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Psa 56:5 All day long they twist my words. All their thoughts are against me for evil.

Psa 56:6 They conspire and lurk, watching my steps, they are eager to take my life.

Psa 56:7 Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, God.

Psa 56:8 You number my wanderings. You put my tears into your bottle. Aren't they in your book?

Psa 56:9 Then my enemies shall turn back in the day that I call. I know this, that God is for me.

Psa 56:10 In God, I will praise his word. In Yahweh, I will praise his word.

Psa 56:11 I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psa 56:12 Your vows are on me, God. I will give thank offerings to you.

Psa 56:13 For you have delivered my soul from death, and prevented my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

 

Psa 57:1 Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.

Psa 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who accomplishes my requests for me.

Psa 57:3 He will send from heaven, and save me, he rebukes the one who is pursuing me. Selah. God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.

Psa 57:4 My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Psa 57:5 Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be above all the earth!

Psa 57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps. My soul is bowed down. They dig a pit before me. They fall into its midst themselves. Selah.

Psa 57:7 My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.

Psa 57:8 Wake up, my glory! Wake up, psaltery and harp! I will wake up the dawn.

Psa 57:9 I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples. I will sing praises to you among the nations.

Psa 57:10 For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies.

Psa 57:11 Be exalted, God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth.

Sept. 10 1 Corinthians 6

Sept. 10

1 Corinthians 6

1Co 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?

1Co 6:2 Don't you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

1Co 6:3 Don't you know that we will judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

1Co 6:4 If then, you have to judge things pertaining to this life, do you set them to judge who are of no account in the assembly?

1Co 6:5 I say this to move you to shame. Isn't there even one wise man among you who would be able to decide between his brothers?

1Co 6:6 But brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers!

1Co 6:7 Therefore it is already altogether a defect in you, that you have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?

1Co 6:8 No, but you yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that against your brothers.

1Co 6:9 Or don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals,

1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.

1Co 6:11 Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.

1Co 6:12 "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything.

1Co 6:13 "Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods," but God will bring to nothing both it and them. But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

1Co 6:14 Now God raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.

1Co 6:15 Don't you know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!

1Co 6:16 Or don't you know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, "The two," says he, "will become one flesh."

1Co 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.

1Co 6:18 Flee sexual immorality! "Every sin that a man does is outside the body," but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

1Co 6:19 Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own,

1Co 6:20 for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY" Chapter Five by Mark Copeland

                     "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

                              Chapter Five

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To appreciate the responsibility we have toward our families, 
   especially widows

2) To consider under what circumstances widows may be "taken into the 
   number"

3) To note the distinction between the work of the church, and the 
   responsibility of individual Christians

4) To review our responsibilities toward those who serve as elders

SUMMARY

This chapter contains Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding various 
members of the congregation.  He starts with the members in general, 
counseling Timothy to consider them as family, and exhorting them 
accordingly (1-2).  A major section is then devoted to the care of
widows, in which some may be "taken into the number".  What this phrase
refers to is unclear, but it may involve congregational support on a
long-term basis.  Only those who are truly widows (as defined in verse 
5) and who meet certain qualifications (listed in verse 9-10) are to be
so honored.  Younger widows are expected to remarry and have children, 
while widows with children and grandchildren are to be supported by 
their own family rather than burden the church (3-16).

Several remarks are then made regarding elders (not just older 
Christians, but those serving as overseers).  Elders who rule well are
to be worthy of financial support, especially if they are laboring in
the word and doctrine.  Accusations against an elder are not to be
taken seriously unless there be two or three witnesses.  Those elders 
who are sinning need to be publicly rebuked so that the rest may fear 
(17-20).

Paul then gives Timothy a solemn charge to be free from prejudice and
partiality as he goes about his duties.  He is also to be cautious 
about those he may commend, being careful to keep himself pure from 
others' sins.  The chapter concludes with advice for treating Timothy's
stomach ailment, and a reminder that both sins and good works will 
eventually become evident (21-25).

OUTLINE

I. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE MEMBERS (1-20)

   A. EXHORTING THE MEMBERS (1-2)
      1. Older men as fathers, younger men as brothers (1)
      2. Older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all
         purity (2)

   B. HONORING WIDOWS (3-16)
      1. Honor those who are truly widows (3)
      2. Widows with children or grandchildren should be taken care of
         by them (4)
         a. That they may learn to show piety at home and repay their
            parents
         b. This is good and acceptable before God 
      3. Contrast between a true widow and one who is not (5-6)
         a. A true widow (5)
            1) One who is left alone (5a)
            2) One who trusts in God (5b)
            3) One who continues in supplications night and day (5c)
         b. The one who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives (6)
      4. Command these things that people may be blameless (7)
      5. One who does not provide for his own, especially his 
         household... (8)
         a. Has denied the faith 
         b. Is worse than an unbeliever 
      6. Regarding the church support of widows (9-16)
         a. Qualifications for those who can be taken into the number
            (9-10)
            1) Not under sixty years of age
            2) The wife of one man
            3) Well reported for good works
            4) Has brought up children
            5) Has lodged strangers
            6) Has washed the saints' feet
            7) Has relieved the afflicted
            8) Has diligently followed every good work
         b. Reasons to reject younger widows (11-13)
            1) When they begin to grow wanton against Christ, they
               desire to marry
            2) Casting off their first faith, they have condemnation
            3) They learn to be idle, wandering about from house to
               house as busybodies and gossips
         c. Counsel for younger widows (14-15)
            1) To marry, bear children, manage the house
            2) To give no opportunity for the adversary to speak 
               reproachfully
            3) For some have already have turned aside after Satan
         d. Those widows with believing children (16)
            1) The children should relieve them
            2) Do not burden the church, that it may relieve those who
               are truly widows

   C. TREATMENT OF ELDERS (17-20)
      1. Those who rule well (17-18)
         a. They are counted worthy of double honor
         b. Especially those who labor in word and doctrine
         c. Scriptural basis for supporting elders:
            1) "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the
               grain"
            2) "The laborer is worthy of his wages"
      2. Those who don't rule well (19-20)
         a. Don't receive an accusation against an elder except from
            two or three witnesses (19)
         b. Elders who are sinning (20)
            1) Should be rebuked in the presence of all
            2) So that the rest may fear

II. FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS RELATED TO TIMOTHY (21-25)

   A. THE CHARGE GIVEN HIM BY PAUL (21)
      1. Given before God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels
      2. To observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing
         without partiality

   B. WARNINGS AGAINST HASTY RECOMMENDATIONS (22)
      1. Don't lay hands hastily on anyone
      2. Don't share in other people's sins
      3. Keep yourself pure

   C. COUNSEL FOR ALLEVIATING HIS STOMACH PROBLEMS (23)
      1. No longer drink only water
      2. Use a little wine for the sake of the stomach and frequent
         infirmities

   D. REMINDER CONCERNING SIN AND GOOD WORKS (24-25)
      1. Some sins are clearly evident, others we learn after the
         judgment (24)
      2. The same is true regarding good works (25)   

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Instructions concerning the members (1-20)
   - Further instructions related to Timothy (21-25)

2) How was Timothy to exhort the members of the congregation? (1-2)
   - The older men as fathers, the younger women as brothers, the older
     women as mothers, the younger women as sisters, in all purity

3) Why are widows with children or grandchildren to be taken care of by
   them? (4)
   - So that the children may learn to show piety at home and repay
     their parents
   - For this is good and acceptable before God

4) Who is truly a widow? (5)
   - One left alone, who trusts in God, and prays night and day

5) What is said of one who will not provide for his own family? (8)
   - He has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever

6) List the qualifications for a widow to be "taken into the number"
   (9-10)
   - At least sixty years old
   - The wife of one man
   - Well reported for good works
   - Has brought up children
   - Has lodged strangers
   - Has washed the saints' feet
   - Has relieved the afflicted
   - Has diligently followed every good work

7) What are the younger widows to do?  Why? (14)
   - Marry, bear children, manage the house
   - To give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully

8) What two groups of widows are NOT to be "taken into the number"?
   (14,16)
   - Younger widows
   - Widows with believing children who can provide for them

9) How should elders who rule well be considered, especially if they
   labor in word and doctrine? (17)
   - Counted worthy of double honor

10) What basis does Paul give for compensating elders? (18)
   - The Old Testament scriptures (Deut 25:4)
   - The sayings of Jesus (Lk 10:7)

11) What is necessary to receive an accusation against an elder? (19)
   - Two or three witnesses

12) What should be done with elders who are sinning? (20)
   - Rebuke them in the presence of all, that the rest may fear

13) What serious charge was given to Timothy before God, the Lord, and
    the elect angels? (21)
   - To observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with 
     partiality

14) What words of caution does Paul give Timothy? (22)
   - Don't lay hands on anyone hastily
   - Don't share in other people's sins
   - Keep yourself pure

15) What advice does Paul give Timothy for his stomach ailments? (23)
   - No longer drink only water
   - But use a little wine

16) What is true in regards to both sin and good works? (24-25)
   - Some are clearly evident, and some will not be known until after
     the judgment day

A simple choice and a hard choice.

I wish I could remember the name of the game show this came from, but I can't.  If anyone out there knows, just comment on the picture, in the place provided on the blog.  Thanks!  Anyway, this picture is a little confusing to me.  Its not the answer, but the selection of "D".  In four seemingly identical answers; why "D"?  perhaps its just because most people choose it, but there may be another reason... I wish I knew!!!  Sometimes we simply do not know the "why" of things; we just have to take them at face value.  So, my next step was to find the following passage of Scripture...

John, Chapter 15

 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.  13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.  14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.  15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.  16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.   17 “I command these things to you, that you may love one another. 

Why did Jesus choose the disciples?  I have no idea; it just doesn't make sense, because these were unlearned, flawed human beings.  For that matter, so are we, but God loves us anyway and those who choose to obey the Gospel are chosen by Him to be loved and to love.  Frankly, I can think of no higher calling; no greater honor, no greater blessing!!!  God was us to love him and our brethren.  The choice is simple and straightforward; either we will or won't.  Unlike the picture, the choice will not only affect this life, but the next as well!!!  Choose wisely; your life depends upon it!!!!!