1 Timothy

1 Tim. 1:1-20

[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,

* “Paul?” Why not “Saul?”
* “God our Savior.”
* But isn’t Jesus our Savior?
* Did the early Church believe Jesus was God?
* Can you think of any passages of Scripture which might support your view?

[2] To Timothy, a true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
[3] As I urged you when I went into Macedonia–remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, [4] nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. [5] Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, [6] from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, [7] desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. [8] But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, [9] knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, [10] for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, [11] according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.

* Who specifically do you suppose Paul is talking about here?
* Do we have these same sort of people in the Church today?

Titus 3:9-11
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. [10] Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, [11] knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Galatians 1:6
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

* What are the dangers of false doctrine?
* From what sources can we expect to hear false doctrine?
* What defenses can we use to protect ourselves from false doctrine?
* How might we identify someone who is carrying false teaching into the Church?
* How might we differentiate between a stickler for doctrinal purity and a legalist?
* Are there dangers in teaching no doctrine at all?
* Can you identify someone or group who might be categorized as someone outside CVCC who carries false doctrine, no doctrine?

[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, [13] although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. [14] And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. [15] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

Paul’s view of himself c. 56 a.d.
1 Cor. 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Paul’s view of himself c. 61 a.d.
Ephes. 3:8
To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Paul’s view of himself c. 63 a.d.
1 Tim. 1:15
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

* As we grow and mature as Christians, should we expect a better self-image or a lesser one?
* The fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Gal. 5:22-23, does the list include a good self-image or good self-esteem?
* What are the problems connected with an inflated amount of self-esteem?
* Why do you suppose God did not include high self-esteem as a fruit of the Spirit?
* Why do you suppose our culture places so much importance on it?

[16] However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. [17] Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

* So, one reason God drew Paul to Jesus was as an example of “No valley so low…?”

[18] This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, [19] having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, [20] of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

* How do we “wage the good warfare?
* How do we “have faith and a good conscience?
* Paul names names of those who would defeat the Gospel

2 Tim. 2:16-18
But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. [17] And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, [18] who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

2 Tim. 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.

* When is it alright to name names and when is it not?
* Is it ever really necessary to name people?

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Prayer, Praise, and the Sexes

1 Tim. 2:1-15

[1] Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, [2] for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

  • Is there ever a leader for which we should not pray?
  • How should we pray for corrupt leaders?
  • How should we pray for evil, insane, murderous leaders?
  • How should we pray for godly leaders?
  • Is it God’s plan for us to live peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence?
  • How does that relate to serving in the military during a war?

 

[5] For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, [7] for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle–I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying–a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

 

  • How can Jesus be God and be the Mediator between God and men?
  • How is the Man Christ Jesus the Mediator between God and men?
  • If Jesus gave Himself as a ransom, He raised Himself from the dead. Didn’t he take back that ransom He had paid?

 

Psalm 49:7-8

None of them can by any means redeem his brother,

Nor give to God a ransom for him–

[8] For the redemption of their souls is costly,

And it shall cease forever–

 

  • Is Jesus a man today? Is there a flesh and bone man in heaven named Jesus?

 

1 Cor. 15:50

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

 

Rev. 1:17-18

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, [18] and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

 

  • When Jesus died, what died, His body, His soul, His spirit?
  • Isn’t that which died, also that which was raised?

 

[8] I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; [9] in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, [10] but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. [11] Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. [12] And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve. [14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. [15] Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

 

  • Why aren’t men told here to dress modestly as the women are told?
  • “A man” in vs. 12 is translated 52 times in the NT as “husband” and 143 times as “man” or “men.” How do you believe it is used here?  Knox and Williams even translate it “husband” in this passage.

 

Robertson says this:  ” Autodikeo was the literary word for playing the master while authenteo was the vernacular term. It comes from aut-hentes, a self-doer, a master, autocrat. It occurs in the papyri (substantive authentes, master, verb authenteo, to domineer, adjective authentikos, authoritative,…”

 

  • Does Paul say women are inferior to men in this passage?
  • Does Paul allow women to teach in the Church?
  • What reasons does he give?
  • Are we to take this passage at face value?
  • Can you suggest other passages which seem to support or seem to refute this passage?
  • Do you believe this is a problem of language?
  • Do you believe this is a problem of culture?
  • Do you believe we should take Scripture for what it says until further evidence appears which might better explain the difficult passage?
  • Just how would you interpret this passage?

 

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1 Tim. 3:1-16

This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. [2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; [3] not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; [4] one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence [5] (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); [6] not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. [7] Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

 

  • Isn’t it a little conceited to think you might qualify to become an elder in the church?
  • Should there be ambition within the church structure?
  • Do you see an elder as a high position within the church?

 

The Qualifications of an elder:

 

  1. A bishop must be ______________________
  2. The ______________________ of one wife
  3. _________________________
  4. ____________________________-minded
  5. Of good ________________________
  6. ________________________
  7. Able to __________________________
  8. Not given to ______________________
  9. Not _____________________________
  10. Not greedy for _____________________
  11. But ______________________________
  12. Not ______________________________
  13. Not ______________________________
  14. One who rules his ____________________________ well, because:
  15. Not a __________________________ because:
  16. Must have a good testimony among _____________________________________ because:

 

  • Are these good qualifications for all Christians?
  • Should we strive to fulfill these even if we don’t wish to be an elder?
  • What sorts of spiritual gifts do you suppose would be well used in the office?
  • What sorts of spiritual gifts do you suppose would make functioning as an elder difficult if not impossible?
  • Is there a benefit mentioned to the man who fills the office of elder?

 

[8] Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, [9] holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. [10] But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. [11] Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. [12] Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. [13] For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

Qualifications of a deacon:

 

Both sexes?

 

  1. Deacons must be ____________________________
  2. Not _______________________________________
  3. Not given to much ___________________________
  4. Not greedy for ______________________________
  5. Holding the mystery of the faith with(in) a ______________________
  6. Let these [candidates] be ____________________________________
  7. Then let them ________________________ as deacons if they are _____________________________________________________

 

Women?: (here and in Rom. 16:1)

 

  1. Likewise __________________________ must be ____________________
  2. Not ____________________________
  3. ________________________________
  4. _______________________ in all things

 

Men?

 

  1. _________________________ of one wife
  2. Ruling their children and ______________________________ (not ruling the wife?)

 

  • Are these good qualifications for all Christians?
  • Should we strive to fulfill these even if we don’t wish to be an deacon?
  • What sorts of spiritual gifts do you suppose would be well used in the office?
  • What sorts of spiritual gifts do you suppose would make functioning as an deacon difficult if not impossible?
  • Is there a benefit mentioned to the person who fills the office of deacon?
  • What differences if any, do you see in the qualifications of these two offices? (Acts 6:1-6; Titus 1:5)
  • From what you know of the Bible, can you define any differences in the duties of these two offices?

 

Elders:

Preach and teach:  1 Tim. 5:17

Pray for the sick:  James 5:14

Shepherd the flock:  1 Peter 5:1-2

Pass on the office?:  1 Tim. 4:14

 

Deacons:

Serve: Acts 6:1-6

 

  • Do you see a balance here?
  • Do you see anything in this passage which tells us eldership is mandatory as the church’s form of government?
  • Can you think of denominations which do not use an eldership?
  • Can you think of some which do?

 

[14] These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; [15] but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. [16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

 

  • What was the purpose of this epistle?

 

God was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory.

 

  • Does your translation read the same as this?
  • Why? Or Why not?

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Apostasy, Prevention, and Perseverance

1 Tim. 4:1-16

 

The Last Day’s Apostasy:

 

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, [2] speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, [3] forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. [4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; [5] for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

 

  • What should we expect in the latter days of this age?

 

  1. Some will depart from the faith
  2. Some will give heed to deceiving spirits
  3. Some will follow the doctrines of demons
  4. These doctrines will be false and hypocritical
  5. Some will have their conscience seared with a hot iron
  6. Some groups will forbid their people to marry
  7. Some groups will command to abstain from certain foods

 

  • Do you see any significance or symbolism to “the hot iron” mentioned here?
  • How many of these have not been fulfilled?
  • Are we in the last days?
  • When did these last days begin?

 

1 John 2:18

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.

 

  • How many of these symptoms have been fulfilled only recently?
  • Do we see these symptoms within the Church?
  • Can you identify these symptoms with any groups within or without the Church?

 

 

Apostasy Prevention within the local church:

 

[6] If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. [7] But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. [8] For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. [10] For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. [11] These things command and teach.

 

  • How do we inoculate our local church against the apostasy to come and which is already here?

 

  1. Have an informed body (“…instruct the brethren”)
  2. Be nourished in the Word and in sound doctrine.
  3. Carefully follow that teaching.
  4. Reject profane and old wife’s tales.
  5. Exercise yourself toward godliness.
  6. Labor and suffer reproach
  7. Trust in the Living God

 

  • What does it mean to “Exercise yourself…..?”
  • What I could find showed that we are to “train” ourselves as a personal discipline to be godly
  • What can we do to cultivate godliness in our lives?
  • Can we do things outside of the Church to do this?
  • Are there things we can do in our daily lives to cultivate a godly character?

 

Personal Perseverance:

 

[12] Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. [14] Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. [15] Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. [16] Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

 

  • What can we do personally to assure our own perseverance through the apostasy?

 

  1. Be an example to other believers in the Word
  2. Be an example in our conduct
  3. Be an example in our love
  4. Be an example in our spirit
  5. Be an example in our faith
  6. Be an example in our purity
  7. Read
  8. Exhort
  9. Examine our own doctrine

 

 

2 Cor. 13:5

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified.

 

  1. Do not ignore the spiritual gift(s) you have been given for the work of the ministry.

 

  • How do we examine our own doctrine?
  • Can Bible study help?
  • Can fellow Christians help?
  • Can non-believers help?
  • Can heretics help?
  • Can atheists help?
  • What benefit can the Church expect if you persevere and walk in godliness?
  • What detriment can the Church expect if you don’t?

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I Timothy 5

How are we to treat one another in the Church?

 

  1. What groups of people are treated with special favor in our society today?

* 2.   Whose responsibility is it to care for the needy?

  1. How much money do you think a pastor should make? Why?
  2. What adjectives would you use to describe our society’s morality?

 

 

1 Tim. 5:1-25

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, [2] older women as mothers, younger as sisters, with all purity.

 

  • So, how are we to picture the our relationship with other believers?

 

[3] Honor widows who are really widows. [4] But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. [5] Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. [6] But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. [7] And these things command, that they may be blameless. [8] But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

 

  • Is Paul addressing our relationship with other believers or with all people?
  • What does Paul mean by “widows who are really widows?”
  • What does Paul say about children’s responsibility toward their parents?
  • Do you think these responsibilities are/were to be understood as cultural?
  • What ways are we to provide for our own?

 

[9] Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, [10] well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. [11] But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, [12] having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. [13] And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. [14] Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [15] For some have already turned aside after Satan. [16] If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

 

  • Why not let widows under the age of 60 be taken care of by the church?
  • Why so many qualifications on those whom the church might help?
  • How do verses 11 and 14 work together? Don’t they contradict?
  • What does verse 16 mean when it says, “If any believing man or woman has widows….”

 

[17] Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. [18] For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

 

  • What do you suppose Paul means here by the term, “double honor?”
  • If it is money, then are we to have paid elders, and those who teach get double salary?
  • Were there paid clergy in the early church?

 

White suggests “remuneration” rather than “honour” for times (a common use for price or pay). Liddon proposes “honorarium” (both honour and pay and so “double”). Wetstein gives numerous examples of soldiers receiving double pay for unusual services. Some suggest twice the pay given the enrolled widows.  (A. T. Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament)

 

[19] Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. [20] Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. [21] I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. [22] Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure. [23] No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. [24] Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. [25] Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

 

  • Doesn’t there seem to be a real concern for caution in this chapter?
  • How are we to accept an accusation against an elder? Why?
  • Why should those who have sinned be rebuked publicly?
  • Why not lay hands on someone hastily?
  • Is Paul recommending wine here?
  • Do you think the Bible teaches it’s okay to drink wine or not okay?

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Employers, Employees, Rich and Poor, Blind and Sighted

 

1 Tim. 6:1-21

Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. [2] And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

 

  • In what ways do can we compare our employer or employees with the roles mentioned?
  • In what ways can we not compare them?

 

[3] If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, [4] he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, [5] useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. [6] Now godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. [9] But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 

  • How would you define “rich?”
  • How are we to view those who are wealthy?
  • How about the wealthy in the Church? How are we to view them?
  • Do you act differently around the wealthy or celebrities, or personal heroes of yours?
  • Why do you suppose that is?
  • Why do you suppose God speaks so poorly of the rich but makes some of His children so?
  • If you are or become wealthy, what should be your attitude toward that money?
  • How are the rich to use their wealth?
  • What are the advantages and dangers of wealth?
  • How many wealthy men can you name who were Jesus’ friends or disciples?
  • Can’t we all be seen as rich compared to the early Christians?

 

Some additional verses discussing “the rich man.”

 

Jeremiah 9:23

Thus says the Lord:

 

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,

Let not the mighty man glory in his might,

Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;

 

Matthew 19:23-24

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

 

Matthew 27:57

Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.

 

James 1:11

For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

 

  • Why does it seem the rich man is so often pointed to as a scoundrel?

 

[11] But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. [12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. [13] I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, [14] that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, [15] which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, [16] who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

 

  • Has anyone seen God?

 

John 1:18

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

 

1 John 4:12

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

 

Genesis 32:30

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”

 

Isaiah 6:1

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.

 

Exodus 33:21-23

And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. [22] So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. [23] Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

 

Genesis 18:1

Then the Lord appeared to him [Abraham] by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day.

 

  • So, what must Paul mean here when he says no one has seen God?

 

 

[17] Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. [18] Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, [19] storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

 

  • So, it seems, God uses the wealthy.
  • Do you see that to whom much is given much is expected here?

 

James 3:1

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

 

 

[20] O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge– [21] by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.