Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry
  • Home
    • Podcast Archives
  • About
    • About Wittenberg CoMo
    • Support Us
    • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • Greek Tutorials
  • Blog
  • Calendar
    • Events
  • Sandbox

1 Timothy 3:1-13 - Lectionary for Pentecost 16C, Proper 21C

9/25/2019

0 Comments

 
9/25/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our Epistle lesson this week is able to strike fear into countless men of God. Here we find the apostle Paul’s list of qualifications first for the people the New Testament calls alternatively a bishop, an overseer, or an elder, commonly interpreted today to indicate any sort of pastor; then second for those called deacons. Christians, of course, consider the Scripture not only to be the words of the human authors but also the divinely inspired word of God. So we find here God’s qualifications for some of the people who will serve Him.

On one level, we could probably agree these are positive descriptions for any godly man, with the possible exception of the fact that both the elder and the deacon seem expected to be married and some men do not marry. Some people have also made a point about the description of the elder governing his children, implying that a person who is childless cannot serve God as an elder. This is a matter for discussion and debate, but not here and now. Suffice it to say that the characteristics described fit in with being a mature and godly person. There’s an air of dignity, honesty, self control, responsibility to family and community, and humility.

What makes the elders and deacons around the world tremble is the fact that God’s Word holds them to account to live this way. They serve as an example for others, a burden which can be daunting. On many occasions, when in a gathering I am feeling tired, impatient, and ready to tell everyone else in the world to get lost and leave me alone, someone will caution others along the lines of, “There’s a pastor here, you’d better behave.” They may even do things that would be provoking, since they know the elder or deacon is a very patient and kind person. What about the times I don’t want to manage my household well? What about the times when, no matter what I do, some portion of the “outsiders” will not “think well” of me? 

The work of an elder or a deacon is a noble one. It comes with many responsibilities, but allows the elder or deacon to have a hand in forming godly character in others. It’s a good thing, not to be despised. May the Lord work to raise up many more leaders who can shepherd His flock.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

0 Comments

1 Timothy 2:1-15 - Lectionary for Pentecost 15C, Proper 20C

9/18/2019

0 Comments

 
9/18/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

We live in a culture of outrage. This came home to me when a friend on social media, one I actually know in real life, made a non-self-conscious comment about something not being his “outrage of the day.” The apostle Paul has a good bit to say about this attitude in our Epistle this week, from 1 Timothy 2:1-15. How is the Christian to deal with these admittedly tough siguations, when it may appear that society, culture, and politics all head in a negative direction?

Rather than screaming, shouting, and breaking things, Paul urges prayer and thanksgiving. Yes, even for those who might thank us not to pray. Even for those political leaders who scorn God, His Word, and His kingdom. Especially for them. The practice is nothing new. In my church tradition, virtually every Sunday the prayers of the church include our governmental officials, including those who make, administer, and enforce laws. This is a challenge. I will candidly admit to having very sharp disagreements with my elected officials dating back for more than a quarter of a century, and even before that. How do we deal with it? We pray that our officials will have the wisdom from the sovereign, wise, and good God to do what is best. We pray that where they fail they will be confronted by the God who rules consciences, and that they will find repentance, forgiveness, and change. We pray for their good health and that of their families, because they are engaged in very difficult and stressful work. We pray that when they have done what is good they will rest well with a clear conscience. 

Paul gives us a particular outcome we can hope for when praying for our leaders. We pray “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v. 2, ESV). Is this our prayer or what we hope to receive as a side effect? I think it is a side effect. When our leaders do well, we all do well.

Ready to pray?

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

0 Comments

1 Timothy 1:5-17 - Lectionary for Pentecost 14C, Proper 19C

9/11/2019

0 Comments

 
9/11/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our Epistle reading for this week, found in 1 Timothy 1:5-17, speaks to the purpose of God’s Law. It is there for the lawless (v. 9). Who are these lawless people? Paul gives a list of several types of lawbreaking, and the fact is that most of us would say we don’t fit into those categories, at least not normally.

Before we breathe too big a sigh of relief, we should notice Paul’s self-assessment, in verse 15. He considers himself to be among the sinners, and those of the worst kind. We would normally want to disagree. After all, this is Paul, God’s apostle, the man who dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel! He’s one of the good guys!

We have to look not only at our history but also at our internal attitudes to sort this out. We want to make our own laws (v. 9), ignore some of God’s lawful character, we find ourselves curious about and even delighting in that which disrespects God. We become angry with others and wish ill even on our family. We wish to use other people and even the truth itself for our own selfish purposes (v. 10). While we don’t often act on these attitudes we have them, and they condemn us before God. Paul is condemned by God’s law, and it condemns us as well.

What hope do we have? Only this. In verse 15 we read that Jesus came to save sinners. In verse 16, Jesus delights in showing his patience and mercy to those who believe in Him. This is a hope that will not perish or diminish. It burns brighter day by day, casting off the shadows of our sin, skulking in the corner, trying to hide from God’s law.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

0 Comments

1 Timothy 3:1-13 - Lectionary for Pentecost 19 C

9/21/2016

0 Comments

 
9/21/16
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

This week’s Epistle reading from 1 Timothy 3:1-13 speaks about the biblical qualifications of elders and deacons. The term used for “elder” (ἐπισκοπής) is also often translated “bishop.” Literally, it means “overseer.” This is the person who would watch over the work of the Church, making sure all is well. The term for “deacon” (διάκονος) indicates someone who would serve others.

Notice that all the character qualities listed for these people are qualities which we would really expect to see in just about any godly man in a congregation. The statement which makes me suggest “man” is that he is the “husband of one wife.” While there is some debate about the role of females as elders or deacons, we’ll leave that for another time and place. Are the qualities (except for being a husband of one wife) generally those of a mature believer in Christ? They certainly are. The elders and deacons are simply mature, responsible people who take their identity in Christ seriously.

The New Testament uses terms for “elder,” “overseer,” and “pastor” interchangeably. Somehow in many circles elders have come to be elected by a popular vote for a particular term of office. Some church congregations specify a number of people who will be elders. In doing so, this distances the elder from the biblical pattern, which indicates someone who would be responsible before God to lead Christ’s people well, especially feeding them in Word and Sacrament. I’d love to see us return to a view which says the office of elder is critically important and that the person who desires it is doing 1) a good thing and 2) will knock himself out to accomplish the tasks.

Is the deacon a second-class leader? Not at all, but the deacon is not an elder. The deacon is not charged with teaching God’s people. This is not an inferior office in any way. It is simply a different role within the body.

Lord, raise up elders and deacons within your Church. Use them powerfully so that your kingdom may come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

​
0 Comments

1 Timothy 2:1-15 - Lectionary for Pentecost 18C

9/14/2016

0 Comments

 
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our Epistle reading for this week, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, discusses the prayer life of the Christian and the general demeanor and attitude which Paul considers appropriate for Christians. Let’s look at the first portion of the passage. It calls for prayer for all sorts of leaders, in order that we may have a “quiet” life. Just as we pray for our friends and neighbors, we are also to pray for kings and other leaders. They all need prayer. In this world, Paul observes quite rightly, there is not one person who does not need God’s wisdom and grace. While the challenges and temptations faced by different sorts of people will be different, all people face trouble.

Paul doesn’t really tell Timothy what kind of prayers to pray for rulers. He just tells him to pray. However, immediately after the command, we have some hints about the content of the prayers. The outcome of the prayers is that we can live a quiet and peaceful life. Maybe we pray that our leaders will have the wisdom to keep us out of war and turmoil. Paul also moves on to talk about Jesus as the mediator between God and man. Jesus’ desire is that all should be saved. This, again, points to the desired content of our prayers.

What about the situation in which the leaders are evil? Paul was certainly familiar with that situation. He was executed in prison by imperial command. The truth of his political climate did not change Paul’s resolve that God’s people should pray for their leaders. Just as Jesus cares about Nero, he cares about the leaders of our modern societies.

So let’s pray! All levels of our society, from the unemployed and homeless to the CEO to the political leader, require prayer.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

0 Comments

1 Timothy 1:12-17 - Lectionary for Pentecost 17 C

9/7/2016

0 Comments

 
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

This week’s reading from 1 Timothy 1:12-17 sees the apostle Paul reminding Timothy, a younger pastor, of the extent of God’s forgiveness. The Bible often speaks about how serious our sin is. Our failure to fulfill God’s will, our neglect of God’s Word, our rejection of God’s people, all our failure is clear to us. However, we often  try to ignore one simple fact. The Bible says that all sin is worthy of death (Ezekiel 18:20, Romans 6:23, etc.). How are we going to deal with this?

First, we should be moved to sorrow. Our sin is grievous. It is not acceptable in God’s sight for his people to be engaged in sin. There should be no question about that. Any awareness of our sin should rightly remind us of the curse of God against sin.

Second, we should realize the depth of Jesus’ forgiveness. This is the subject of our passage in 1 Timothy. The apostle Paul, before his conversion, was actively involved in hindering, discouraging, and even killing God’s people. Furthermore, he was doing this all in the name of God, thinking that the Christians were a fringe group who had wrongly identified the Messiah and needed to be silenced. Paul was guilty as guilty can be. However, he was confronted by Jesus, who showed him forgiveness, acceptance, and patience in all things.

The Bible depicts Jesus as willingly intervening to take sin away from sinners (v. 15). When we are confronted by our sin and shame, let us, like Paul, look to Jesus, the savior of sinners.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

​
0 Comments

    ​Help Fuel This Ministry by Clicking Here!

    All the work of Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry, including this blog, is supported by the generosity of people like you. Please consider joining our team of prayer and financial supporters. Read more here!
    Please Note: The opinions presented in blog posts are not necessarily those of Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry. Frequently we report on contrary views, often without comment. Please chime in on the discussion.

    About Throwing Inkwells

    When Martin Luther was dealing with struggles in his life he once saw what appeared to be an angelic being. Not trusting that he was going to be informed by someone other than the God revealed in Scripture, he took the appearance to be untrustworthy and hurled his inkwell at it. The chipped place in the plaster wall is still visible at the Wartburg Castle, though apparently the ink stain on the wall has been refreshed periodically by the caretaker.

    Blog Feeds

    RSS Feed

    Want to keep up with what's happening at Wittenberg Door? Subscribe to our mailing list!

    Categories

    All
    1 Corinthians
    1-john
    1-kings
    1-peter
    1-thessalonians
    1 Timothy
    2019-02-feb
    2-corinthians
    2-john
    2-kings
    2-peter
    2-samuel
    2 Thessalonians
    2 Timothy
    3-john
    Academic-success
    Acts
    Advent 1
    Advent-1-a
    Advent-1b
    Advent-1c
    Advent 2
    Advent-2-a
    Advent-2b
    Advent-2c
    Advent 3
    Advent-3-a
    Advent-3b
    Advent-3c
    Advent-4-a
    Advent-4b
    Advent-4c
    Alesso-2009
    Allitt-2010
    Amos
    Aristotle
    Augustine
    Baptism-of-christ
    Baptism-of-the-lord-b
    Belonging
    Boehme-2010
    Braaten 2007
    Bruce1988
    Bruce-1988
    Canonicity
    Capon1998
    Capon-1998
    Carson-1991
    Carson-moo-2005
    Catholicism
    Christmas-1b
    Christmas-1c
    Christmas-day
    Chronicles
    Circumcision-and-naming-of-christ
    Colossians
    Confessions
    Constanza-2013
    Daniel
    Deuteronomy
    Didache
    Diversity
    Dix2005
    Dix-2005
    Draper
    Easter-2a
    Easter2b
    Easter-2c
    Easter-3a
    Easter-3b
    Easter-3c
    Easter-4a
    Easter-4b
    Easter-4c
    Easter-5a
    Easter-5b
    Easter-6a
    Easter-6b
    Easter-6c
    Easter-7a
    Easter-7b
    Easter-7c
    Easter-b
    Easter-sunday-a
    Easter-sunday-c
    Ecclesiastes
    Eleutheria-2014
    Ephesians
    Epiphany-1c
    Epiphany-2-a
    Epiphany-2c
    Epiphany-3-a
    Epiphany-3b
    Epiphany-3c
    Epiphany-4-a
    Epiphany-4b
    Epiphany-4c
    Epiphany-5-a
    Epiphany-5b
    Epiphany-5c
    Epiphany-6-a
    Epiphany-6c
    Epiphany-7-a
    Epiphany-c
    Esther
    Eucharist
    Exodus
    Exodus-20
    Ezekiel
    Ezra
    Fagerberg1988
    Fagerberg-1988
    Flew-2007
    Forde-2007
    France-2007
    Galatians
    Genesis
    Gonzalez-2010
    Habakkuk
    Haggai
    Hebrews
    Henderson-1992
    Henderson-1992
    History
    Hoffman 1986
    Hosea
    Hutchens-2013
    Infertility
    Isaiah
    James
    Jeremiah
    Jerome
    Job
    Joel
    John
    Jonah
    Joshua
    Jude
    Judges
    Justin-martyr
    Kevil
    Kings
    Kleinig-2013
    Koch-2010
    Kolb2000
    Kolb-2000
    Kolbarand2008
    Kolb-arand-2008
    Kurekchomycz2009
    Lamentations
    Last-sunday-of-the-church-year-a
    Last-sunday-of-the-church-year-b
    Last Sunday Of The Church Year C
    Lectionary
    Lent-1-a
    Lent-1b
    Lent-1c
    Lent-2-a
    Lent-2b
    Lent-2c
    Lent-3-a
    Lent-3b
    Lent-3c
    Lent-4-a
    Lent-4b
    Lent-4c
    Lent-5-a
    Lent-5b
    Lent-5c
    Lessing2014
    Lessing-2014
    Leviticus
    Long-2009
    Luke
    Luther
    Maas-2014
    Malachi
    Mark
    Marty-2016
    Matthew
    Matthias
    Mcknight-2014
    Micah
    Milavec-2003
    Milavec-2012
    Mitch-2010
    Morris-1992
    Motyer-1993
    Music
    Nahum
    Nehemiah
    Newsletter
    Newtestament
    New Testament
    Numbers
    Obadiah
    Oldtestament
    Old Testament
    Ordination
    Orphan-hosting
    Osborne-2002
    Osborne-2013
    Ozment1980
    Ozment-1980
    Palm-sunday-a
    Palm-sunday-c
    Passionb
    Pentateuch
    Pentecost-10a
    Pentecost-10b
    Pentecost-10c
    Pentecost-11a
    Pentecost-11b
    Pentecost-11c
    Pentecost-12a
    Pentecost-12b
    Pentecost-12c
    Pentecost-13a
    Pentecost-13b
    Pentecost13c
    Pentecost-13c
    Pentecost-14a
    Pentecost-14b
    Pentecost-14c
    Pentecost-15
    Pentecost-15a
    Pentecost-15b
    Pentecost-15c
    Pentecost-16
    Pentecost-16a
    Pentecost-16b
    Pentecost 16C
    Pentecost-17a
    Pentecost-17b
    Pentecost 17C
    Pentecost-18a
    Pentecost-18b
    Pentecost 18 C
    Pentecost-19a
    Pentecost-19b
    Pentecost 19 C
    Pentecost-1a
    Pentecost-20a
    Pentecost-20b
    Pentecost 20 C
    Pentecost-21a
    Pentecost-21b
    Pentecost 21 C
    Pentecost-22a
    Pentecost-22b
    Pentecost 22 C
    Pentecost-23a
    Pentecost-23b
    Pentecost 23 C
    Pentecost-24a
    Pentecost-24b
    Pentecost-24-c
    Pentecost-25b
    Pentecost-25-c
    Pentecost-26b
    Pentecost-26-c
    Pentecost-2a
    Pentecost-2b
    Pentecost-2c
    Pentecost-3a
    Pentecost-3b
    Pentecost-3c
    Pentecost-4a
    Pentecost-4b
    Pentecost-4c
    Pentecost-5a
    Pentecost-5b
    Pentecost-5c
    Pentecost-6a
    Pentecost-6b
    Pentecost-6c
    Pentecost-7a
    Pentecost-7b
    Pentecost-7c
    Pentecost-8a
    Pentecost-8b
    Pentecost-8c
    Pentecost-9a
    Pentecost-9b
    Pentecost-9c
    Pentecost-b
    Pentecost-c
    Peterson2010
    Peterson-2010
    Philemon
    Philippians
    Philosophy
    Pieper1924
    Pieper-1924
    Preaching
    Proper-19c
    Proper-20c
    Proper 21C
    Proper 22C
    Proper 23C
    Proper 24C
    Proper 25C
    Proper 26C
    Proper 27C
    Proper 28C
    Prophets
    Proverbs
    Psalm
    Quintilian
    Receptivity
    Reformation
    Revelation
    Rhetoric
    Romans
    Rosenfeld-levene-2012
    Rueger-2016
    Ruth
    Sailhamer1992
    Sailhamer-1992
    Samuel
    Scaer2004
    Scaer-2004
    Schaff 2014
    Schaff-2014
    Schollgen
    Sermon
    Smith-2009
    Sommerville-2006
    Songofsongs
    Teaching
    Thielman-2010
    Transfiguration-a
    Transfigurationb
    Transfiguration-c
    Trinity-a
    Trinity-b
    Trinity-c
    Tuckett
    Van-de-sandt-2010
    Van-de-sandt-2011
    Veith1993
    Veith-1993
    Veith-sutton-2017
    Weston-2009
    Wilson2011
    Wilson-2011
    Wilson20113470b5cf10
    Ysebaert-2002
    Zechariah
    Zephaniah

Proudly powered by Weebly