Christ's Law

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● 1Tim 2:8-9 . . I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy
hands, without wrath and evil thoughts.

Lifting up one's hands is the posture of an anxious beggar seeking charity and
compassion. Holy hands are loyal hands. Other kinds of hands should be kept at
one's side till such a time as they qualify as true blue, thru and thru.

The Greek word for "wrath" means hot desire. It's sometimes translated anger,
indignation, and vengeance. The idea is that a believer should never pray out of
spite and/or use prayer as a tool to hurt somebody's feelings. That is the ugliest
abuse of the privilege of prayer that I can possibly imagine. In my opinion, people
who pray out of spite are no different than slanderers, witches, sorcerers, and
voodoo priests. Especially annoying are people who can't keep a civil tongue in their
heads, and then have the nerve to say "you're in our prayers"
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● 1Tim 2:9-10 . . In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or
pearls, or costly array; but (which becomes women professing piety) with good
works.

The Greek word for "sobriety" basically means soundness of mind; viz: mature,
sensible, and self controlled rather than impulsive.

Some folk, obsessed with asceticism, use that verse to prove it's wrong for women
to use cosmetics and dress themselves in current fashions. But the passage doesn't
forbid that. What it forbids is a woman putting a higher priority on her appearance
than her character.

The old adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" applies here as well as in
literature. I've met women with tattoos, studs in their tongues, multicolored hair,
fishnet stockings, outrageous earrings, tight-fitting concert tee shirts, low-slung hip
huggers, and black lipstick that were really peaches while I've met elegant, neatly
dressed women with horrible personalities. They say a rose in any language is still a
rose; yeah, well, a pig, no matter how it's dressed, is still a pig whether in belly
shirts and flip-flops or haute couture.

"An attractive woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout." (Prov
11:22) cf. 1Pet 3:1-6

The Greek word for "shamefacedness" pertains to bashfulness, i.e. diffidence; which
is just the opposite of insolence, impudence, and brazenness. Bashful people have a
hard time looking people in the eye because they are so shy, non-confrontational,
timid, self conscious, and non-assertive. What we're looking at here relates to one
of The Lord's beatitudes.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:3)

That's a very comforting beatitude because it confirms that there's coming a day
when difficult people will be eradicated.
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● 1Tim 2:11 . . Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.

The Greek word for "submissiveness" basically refers to subordination; in this case
voluntary.

That word appears in a number of applications. In Matt 22:12 it means tongue tied.
In Mark 4:39 it means calm down. In 1Tim 5:18 it infers suppression. In 1Tim 2:15
it means to negate, i.e. render invalid and/or unworthy of consideration.

During my 80+ years on this planet; I've encountered quite a few women that
enjoy debating with men; and especially pointing out men's faults and/or proving
men wrong. I don't know why they're like that, I guess it's just a female thing. But
Christ doesn't condone it.

If 1Tim 2:11 is telling me anything at all it's that Christ doesn't want to see
Christian women debating, quarreling, or arguing with men in church; and that
includes Sunday school discussions. In point of fact, according to 1Cor 14:35,
women aren't even allowed to raise their hands and ask a question in co-ed Sunday
school classes.

Gender equality is a big issue out in the world; but God forbid it should become an
issue in church because divine edicts trump human politics.

● Ps 16:11 . . Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations,
exalted on the earth.
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● 1Tim 2:12-15 . . I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a
man, but to remain quiet.

The "my church" that Christ spoke of at Matt 16:18 isn't meant to be steered by
personal opinions, popular culture, and/or political correctness. He has some say
about it and his say is the final word.

In the "my church" males are the gender designated to captain the ships; not the
females. I don't trust a church supervised by female managers and pastors. Why?
Because it tells me that Christ isn't supreme among those people; they've as much
as voted him out.
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● 1Tim 2:15 . . Women shall be preserved through the bearing of children if they
continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

In other words, it isn't necessary for women to be pastors, deacons, and/or adult
Sunday school teachers in order to serve Christ faithfully, loyally, and effectively.
Homemaking is just as high a calling as any in church.

Can a female church manager or a pastor; continue in faith, love, and sanctity with
self-restraint? In point of fact, it is a non sequitur to say a female church manager
or pastor continues in faith. If she did, she would be neither a church manager nor
a pastor. This is precisely why God rejected Cain's offering. It was a perfectly good
offering, and no doubt Cain had brought God the very same thing in the past, but
God rejected it that time because Cain failed to offer it in faith. (Gen 4:7, Heb 11:4)
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer, then, must be above reproach

The Greek word for "overseer" is basically refers to supervisors.

Why must they be above reproach? Because the work they do is a "good" work
1Tim 3:1) but much good can be ruined by even a little wickedness.

"Dead insects will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes, an ounce of
foolishness can outweigh a pound of wisdom and honor." (Ecc 10:1)

Before the wonders of modern chemistry, perfumes were made (and many still
are) from animal and vegetable sources. Those, being 100% organic in a time when
chemical preservatives didn't exists, could spoil if the perfumer wasn't careful to
keep his product protected from exposure to temperature, insects, dirt, moisture,
and other contaminants. All the skills and patience and knowledge exercised in the
making of expensive ointments could be completely annulled by simply forgetting
to put the cap (or the cork; whatever) back on a jar.

Anyway, Ecc 10:1 certainly rings true in this day and age as Christianity's credibility
steadily diminishes because of its ongoing morality scandals, embezzling, and
deplorable cover-ups.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer, must be the husband of one wife

That rule is a bit vague. Some feel it says that a church officer can have only one
wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says that he can be
married only once in a lifetime; viz: not a widower or a divorced man.

Seeing as how this is debatable; I suggest letting church boards decide it for
themselves among themselves.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer, must be temperate

This kind of temperance relates to extremes of behavior or expression, e.g.
outbursts of hostility, rage, shouting, tantrums, militant demands, and obnoxious
remarks. In other words: an overseer has to be somebody not easily provoked,
i.e. mellow.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must be the husband of one wife

That rule is a bit vague. Some feel it says that a church officer can have only one
wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says that he can be
married only once in a lifetime; viz: not a widower or a divorced man.

Seeing as how this is debatable; I suggest letting church boards decide it for
themselves among themselves.
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[Odë:hgöd]

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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must must be temperate

This kind of temperance relates to extremes of behavior or expression, e.g.
outbursts of hostility, rage, shouting, tantrums, militant demands, and obnoxious
remarks. In other words: an overseer has to be somebody not easily provoked, i.e.
mellow.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must be self controlled.

The Greek word translated self controlled also means circumspect; which basically
pertains to considering the possible ramifications of one's conduct, i.e. prudence:
the very opposite of an impulsive personality who throws caution to the wind and
doesn't stop to think about what they're doing.
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[Mr GLee]

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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must be the husband of one wife

That rule is a bit vague. Some feel it says that a church officer can have only one
wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says that he can be
married only once in a lifetime; viz: not a widower or a divorced man.

Seeing as how this is debatable; I suggest letting church boards decide it for
themselves among themselves.
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Yes not a salvation issue. More of how can we hear His interpretation?

In respect the ceremonial laws, shadows of the eternal invisible as a sign to the world not a sign to the church.(themselves strange fire ) Like Aarons two sons.

The woman and man make up the ministry of one .Its always two working as one, empowered by the Love of Christ the husband .

The ministry never witness as one .

As a demonstration to the world. Two or three a family gather under the hearing of His faithful. "Let the be" and it was God alone good .

1 Corinthians 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

 

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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must be respectable

The Greek word translated "respectable" basically means orderly, viz: decorous.

Webster's defines decorous as marked by propriety; viz: correct; and exhibiting
good taste in conduct, language, or appearance. A decorous person is-- among
other things --neat, tidy, well-mannered, well-groomed, and polite. They bathe
often too.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must be hospitable

The Greek word translated "hospitable" basically means fond of guests.

In other words, church officers shouldn't be hermit types, or friendless loners
preferring solitude. Not that there's anything wrong with hermits and loners; it's
just that church officers are supposed to be shepherds, which requires them to
associate with the sheep entrusted to their care. A man who doesn't mingle easily
and comfortably really should consider taking a position in church where he doesn't
have to meet the public.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must be apt to teach

"apt to teach" is from a Greek word that basically means instructive, i.e. didactic.

That word is tricky. It's sometimes translated "able to teach". That's okay I guess,
but I suspect it also refers to role models, i.e. people whose manner of life
exemplifies Christianity. In other words; their teaching is in shoe leather rather
than only in a classroom.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must not be addicted to wine

Church officers aren't totally forbidden alcohol.

"No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your
stomach and your frequent ailments." (1Tim 5:23)

A "little" wine can lead to a lot for someone with a predilection to imbibe. For
people like that, it's best to avoid wine altogether rather than risk becoming a
candidate for AA.

For church officers with health issues, I suggest consulting a doctor because there
are much better treatments available in our day than there were back then.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must not be pugnacious

Webster's defines pugnacious as militant, defensive, warlike, combative, pushy,
assertive, intimidating, scrappy, and belligerent.

Some men are natural-born bullies and others are ready to "take it outside" at
every challenge. With them, turning the other cheek is not an option. Well; you
sure don't want personalities like that on the board of your church and/or helming a
pulpit. Heaven forbid!
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must be gentle, non contentious

Gentleness is an essential component of an effective priesthood.

"Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them
in matters related to God . . . He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant
and are going astray. (Heb 5:1-2)

The Greek word translated "ignorant" basically pertains to folks who haven't been
properly catechized and/or folks handicapped with a low IQ.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must be free from the love of money

That is a very, very important qualification because he'll be afforded many
opportunities for embezzlement.

I would highly recommend that a prospective church officer's background be
checked before proceeding with the interview process. Is his credit good? Does he
have gambling debts? Does he prefer gourmet foods and restaurants? Does he
wear Armani suits, hand-made shoes, a Cartier wrist watch, and drive a new Lexus?
What's his current home worth? What part of town does he live in?

Because, unfortunately, there are men out there seeking careers in the business of
religion, and are very good at finding ways to get their fingers in a church's
treasury-- and not a few are looking for lucrative wage and benefit packages
instead of an opportunity to serve Christ faithfully, loyally, and effectively; and
looking out for their own his best interests instead of his.
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● 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must manage his own family well, and see that his
children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage
his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

There's respect, and then there's "proper" respect; which has to be nurtured
because a father cannot get proper respect by coercion and/or intimidation; which
instead earn fear, suspicion, mistrust, and dread. Tyranny might be good
Machiavellian management, but should never be construed as good Christian
management; which the above defines as "care".
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