What are his commandments?

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294» 1Tim 5:1b . .Speak to the younger men as you would to your own kin.

In this case, the "kin" would be sort of like a man's younger siblings; viz: his
kid brothers. Young boys look up to their big brothers; who by all rights
should be setting the example as role models that a growing boy can be
proud of. Big brothers ought to be available too, and not treat their younger
siblings as excess baggage and/or uncool nerds and morons beneath their
dignity to be seen with.

* Church officers who grew up in dysfunctional homes, where human
relationships were an ongoing cold war, are going to find that 1Tim 5:1b is
very difficult to obey in a manner that exemplifies peace, love, and
understanding. But were they to speak to the younger men in church the
very same way that they're accustomed to speaking to their families growing
up; it would produce disastrous results.
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295» 1Tim 5:2a . . Speak to the older women as mothers,

Honoring one's mother means giving her the respect that her age and her
maternal position deserve. It means watching your language, and it means
keeping a civil tongue in your head. It means speaking to her as a grown-up
instead of a child. It means treating her as one's betters and you as the
lesser. It means deferring to her wishes instead of demanding your own.

NOTE: In some cultures, elders have to earn respect, i.e. they have to
deserve it; whereas in Christianity their respect is taken for granted; they
don't have to earn it. For example: according to Lev 19:32 the younger
generation is expected to honor the older; not because they deserve it, but
because God requires it. Why? Because He too is an elder. The Bible places
quite a bit of importance upon things like seniority, age, parenting, and
primogeniture.
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296» 1Tim 5:2b . . Speak the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Officers should especially avoid speaking to the young women in church as if
they've met in a beer joint or a bowling alley.
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297» 1Tim 5:3-4 . . Give proper recognition to those widows who are really
in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, her kin should learn
first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and
so repaying their parents and grandparents; for this is pleasing to God.

A widow in real need would be one who is unable to work and has no one of
her own to look out after her. Here in modern America that situation isn't
nearly as serious as it is in third world countries where there are no
government assistance programs for senior citizens. So you can see that in
those circumstances a widow's church may be the only thing between her
and grinding poverty and/or a homeless life on the streets.

A widow's Christian progeny have a sacred obligation to provide for their
aging ancestor.

● 1Tim 5:8 . .Those who won't care for their own kin, especially those living
in the same household, have disregarded what we believe. Such people are
worse than infidels.
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297» 1Tim 5:5-7 . .The widow who is really in need, and left all alone, puts
her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for
help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give
the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame.

The New Testament Greek word for "pleasure" means voluptuous; which
Webster's defines as luxury and/or sensual gratification.

People who live only for the best that life has to offer generally regard
religion as a ball and chain holding them back from living their lives to the
fullest. Well; not everyone has access to either the means or the
wherewithal to live life to the fullest. For some, life offers no options other
than a tin shack, a dirt floor, and a bowl of white rice; if that.

Basic necessities aren't the issue here, rather, the goal to satisfy one's
appetite for the best that life has to offer. It's said that one cannot serve
God and money, well neither can one serve God and one's inherent cravings.
True, it's difficult to stop one's self from craving the best that life has to
offer; but one can choose whether to let the satisfaction of those cravings be
the dominant force in their life.

● Mark 4:18-19 . . Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;
but the concerns of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for
other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
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298» 1Tim 5:9-10 . . No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she
is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her
good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the
feet of the saints, helping those in trouble, and devoting herself to all kinds
of good deeds.

There are unprincipled individuals out there who love nothing better than
taking advantage of a church's good nature, and its desire to be helpful.
Following Paul's directive is a good way to avoid being victimized by one of
them. (cf. Ruth 2:11)
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299» 1Tim 5:11 . . Refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun
to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation
because they have cast off their first faith.

The Greek words for "first faith" don't necessarily have to do with
chronology. They also can refer to priority, i.e. order of importance.

The passage seems to me a caution that there's always the possibility that
young widows will want to get married bad enough to do so contrary to
Christ's wishes (2Cor 6:14, 1Cor 7:39) thus failing to maintain their
submission to a higher power. (cf. Luke 14:26-27)
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298»1Tim 5:14 . . I will that younger women marry, have children, manage
their homes, and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.

The Greek word for "younger" actually means new and unused; so I'd say
that Paul's orders are for girls not yet married and settled down, and maybe
thinking of putting all that off awhile for careers, adventure, and/or
whatever.

A very real danger for young single women is immorality. Desire, loneliness,
and longings for appreciation, have a way of building up to unbearable levels
in people who live alone; and just about that time, along comes a really
great somebody who maybe breaks down their defenses and gets a little too
chummy. That can be a difficult moment.

● 1Cor 7:2 . . To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let
every woman have her own husband.

NOTE: Immorality isn't the only danger related to long-term celibacy. Those
who've decided on that path need to think rationally and objectively about
their future; and ask themselves: Do I really want to live out my youth
without someone; alone and unloved in the world? Can I bear up without a
nervous break-down and/or turning to alcohol, Prozac, and overeating? Will I
become irritable and difficult, and/or a chronic man-hater like aunt Lucy?

Must be brutally honest with these questions because one's mental health
is on the line here. It's very possible for a woman to wake up one day and
realize, with terrible regret, that the aging process has set in and she's
allowed the very best years of life for love and family to slip through her
fingers.
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298»1Tim 5:16 . . If any believing man or woman have widows, let them
relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them
that are widows indeed.

A widow indeed, as defined by 1Tim 5:9-10, is usually a woman facing destitution
who's lost her husband and has no one else, and/or nowhere else, to turn to for
assistance.
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299» 1Tim 5:17-18 . .The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are
worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and
teaching. For the scripture says: "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading
out the grain" and "The laborer is worthy of his hire."

The Greek word for "elder" basically identifies aldermen; which Webster's
defines as members of a legislative body. In other words; elders enact and
enforce the proprietary rules and bylaws that govern everybody in a local
church; including its pastor.

In some churches those rules and bylaws are called a covenant; which new
members are required to accept. The aldermen are also responsible for
settling disputes between church members (1Cor 6:1-5) so that they
correspond to "the church" that Christ spoke of at Matt 18:15-18.

Aldermen aren't peculiar to Christianity. Councils pre-existed amongst
Moses' people prior to Moses' commission (Ex 3:16). Anon, seventy of
Israel's elders were established by God as a supreme council (Num 11:16
17). One's failure to cooperate with their church's aldermen is grounds for
removing their name from the role. (Matt 18:15-18)

Since Christian aldermen sometimes wear more than one hat as preachers
and teachers; then it's very possible in a large church for them to have time
for nothing else, like for instance holding down a job. For that reason, their
constituents should try and compensate them with a decent standard of
living. I mean, after all, if their service to a local church is invaluable, then
by all means the congregation should do whatever it takes to keep them on
staff where they can devote all of their time and energy towards governing
(that is; if you feel your church is a worthwhile endeavor).

Let's say for example, that one of your church's aldermen is a retiree trying
to survive on Social Security and a diminished 401K. He'll be a lot more
effective towards your church's good if the congregation, whatever its size,
pitches in to help him make ends meet; and the outside world surely won't
blame your church for doing so unless of course they're as callous towards
the needs of a senior citizen as the heels of a hobnailed jackboot.

But beware that the congregation doesn't overcompensate its aldermen to
the point where they can afford to drive a Cadillac Escalade, wear a Rolex,
and own an expensive home in an up-scale district. That will really make
Christianity look bad, and actually work against Christ's best interests.
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300» 1Tim 5:19 . . Do not accept an accusation against an elder except
before two or three witnesses.

The Old Testament requires a minimum of two witnesses in capital cases
(Deut 17:6-7). But the Greek word for "accusation" doesn't specify capital
crimes. It can apply to every variety of conduct unbecoming.

The way I see this: it isn't required that two or three witnesses accuse the
elder, but that an accuser do so in the hearing of two or three witnesses.
The witnesses are not there to testify against the elder; rather, to testify
against the accuser in the event it's discovered that he's the perpetrator of a
slander.

* The Old Testament requires that false accusers be punished with the very
same punishment that they expected for their victims. (Deut 19:16-21)
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301» 1Tim 5:20 . .Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also
may fear.

Once it's discovered that an accuser's allegations are libelous, then it's time
to get up in front of the entire congregation and expose him for the cheap
goods he really is because nobody's reputation is safe in the hands of
someone like that. This is where the testimony of the aforementioned two or
three witnesses comes into play.

● 1Cor 5:11-13 . . I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone
who calls himself a brother but is a slanderer. With such a man do not even
eat. Expel the wicked man from among you.

A congregational roast can be a very humiliating experience for a church
member, and when the others see how it goes, they'll think twice before
making spurious allegations against aldermen.
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302» 1Tim 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.

NOTE: The Greek word translated "angels" is somewhat ambiguous and
doesn't necessarily refer to celestial beings. It basically pertains to
messengers, i.e. delegates; both natural and supernatural. For example Matt
11:10 where it refers to John the baptizer, and Luke 7:24 where it refers to
John's assistants, and Luke 9:52 where it refers to Jesus' assistants, and Jas
2:25 where it refers to Joshua's scouts. The angels of the seven churches
per Rev 1:11-3:22 are likely church managers but it's difficult to be certain.

I seriously doubt that very many modern Christian churches are following
Paul's instructions in regards to spurious accusations against elders. They
probably find it much easier to just gloss over issues rather than comply
with the mandatory procedure for roasting and expelling. (as if any of this is
ever optional and/or negotiable)

Another thing that modern churches are very good at these days is covering
up an elder's indiscretions when what they really deserve is a public
hanging, so to speak. Happens all the time.
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[Bruce_Leiter]

People took their sins to the high priest at the temple in Jerusalem, but in Psalms 110:4 we read that God spoke to Christ telling him He was our high priest forever.

Christ never changed anything of the commandments, bur there was a change, it changed the commandments given through the flesh to those commandments given through the spirit of the Lord. Christ lived as a man, he was tempted as we are so he understands and rules as our high priest with mercy and grace.

Hebrews, the 4th and 5th chapter explains. Now, we have the same rules of the OT, but through the heart and the spirit of Christ. All the commands given come from the greatest commandment. They are no longer freshly rules, but the spirit of God.

The greatest commandment scripture is found in the Bible, in the book of Matthew 22:37-4012, and Mark 12:28-3134. Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind, and the second is like it, thy shall love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

I think after much meditating, studying, teaching, and preaching of God's inspired Word that the outward legal form of the OT laws are done away with because of Jesus' death (Colossians 2:13-14), but the inner principles and intentions of those laws remain for us to follow in the power of Jesus' resurrection (Colossians 1:1 with the rest of the chapter as Paul's commands based on verse 1).

 

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303» 1Tim 5:22a . . Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily.

The laying on of hands was a commissioning ritual back in the day. (Acts
6:1-6, Acts 13:1-3)

The ruling seems primarily concerned with the avoidance of fast-tracking
candidates for aldermen, senior pastors, associate pastors, deacons, and
deaconesses; in other words: church officials; whether high ranking or low.
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304» 1Tim 5:23 . . No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the
sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

In the days prior to the proliferation of antiseptics, antibiotics, inoculations,
and a host of other mass-produced treatments; wine was an important
remedy for just about everything from tummy aches to open wounds. (e.g.
Mark 15:23, and Luke 10:34)

Medicine has come a long ways in the last 2,000 years so that even if a little
wine would still help whatever ailed Timothy, there's probably much better
over-the-counter, non-alcoholic remedies available for his condition in our
day.

Paul mentioned that his friend had other problems too. I have no clue what
those might have been; but I have to ask: Why didn't Paul utilize his
apostolic gift of healing to cure his friend? My answer is: probably because
Timothy's problems didn’t require a miracle. For example Mark 16:13 where
Christ' men utilized oil to treat certain people rather than miracles.

In many, many cases; people don't need a miracle; they just need medicine.
For example: yours truly takes pills for thyroid, blood pressure, cholesterol,
acid reflux, and kidney function. That's not counting vaccines for tetanus,
flu, pneumonia, and shingles, etc, etc.

What else might be taken from 1Tim 5:23? Well; I would say DO NOT rely
upon so-called faith healing. Too many children are being lost to treatable
conditions these days because their parents are putting so much trust in
their church's interpretation of passages like Jas 5:14-15. If Paul
recommended a remedy for Timothy's tummy; don't you think he would
recommend a remedy for a child's treatable condition? Yes; of course he
would. In many, many cases; people don't need a miracle; they just need a
doctor.
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305» 1Tim 6:1-2 . . Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their
own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our
doctrine may not be spoken against. And let those who have believers as
their masters not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but let
them serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are
believers and beloved.

I've heard that Masons practice favoritism; but Christians should never
impose upon a fellow believer in that manner. Give your Christian employer
the respect and subordination due his position; and give him a full day's
work for a full days' pay. People are watching, and they pick up on things
like disparity.

NOTE: I have yet to come upon a passage of scripture that condemns
slavery. I'm not saying there isn't one; only that I've yet to see it. Civil
rights activists insist slavery is evil, but from what I've seen in the Bible;
God's primary concern is in how slaves are treated.
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306» 1Tim 6:2 . .Teach and preach these principles.

Pastors should ensure their congregations are taught these things even
when they don't care to hear them; and should never let the indifference of
their flocks suppress the voice of God.

● 2Tim 4:1-2 . . I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ
Jesus-- who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and
His kingdom --preach the word; be ready in season and out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

. . . For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
desiring to have their ears pleased, they will accumulate for themselves
teachers in accordance with their own longings; and will turn away their ears
from the truth, and will turn aside to fiction.

To be "ready in season" likely speaks of windows of opportunity. In other
words; pastors may have their people's attention for now, but shouldn't take
their attention for granted. The old saying, "strike while the iron is hot" is
just as apropos in church as it is in parenting.

* The same can be said for internet forums. As they are today, even the
lowliest of Christians can discuss their religion with anyone in the world by
just a few clicks of the mouse, but we mustn't assume this advantage will
always be available. Carpe Diem.
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307» 1Tim 6:3-6 . . If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not
agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the
doctrine conforming to godliness; he is conceited and understands nothing;
but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about
words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and
constant friction between men of depraved minds and deprived of the truth.

I'm pretty sure that the "conceit" Paul wrote about is relative to self-taught
experts; with them there is no such thing as a second opinion. And like the
man said: they tend to be quarrelsome, i.e. perpetual debaters, constantly
arguing, going off on tangents, and never getting to the bottom of anything.
Their discussions (if we can call them that) are typically garnished with
denigrating comments and unkind remarks.
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308» 1Tim 6:8 . . Having food and raiment let us be content therewith.

According to 1Tim 1:1-3, this epistle wasn't written to a church, rather, it
was written to one of Paul's contemporaries-- a fellow church officer --so
when he uses a pronoun like "us" I think it's safe to assume, unless
indicated otherwise, that he's not speaking to a congregation.

Paul's instructions are handy for steering church officers away from wanting
too much out of life.

● 1Tim 6:6 . . Piety with contentment is great gain.

The Greek word for contentment is sometimes translated "sufficient". In
other words, when good is adequate, better isn't necessary. Good is easier
on budgets than better too. So then: if a church officer can get by with
things that are less than best, then he shouldn't waste time and energy
concerning himself with improving his situation; because, after all, their lives
here are transient.

● Heb 13:14 . . For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to
our city in heaven, which is yet to come.
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