True Authority Of The Church

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus In Every Chapter
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2015
Chapters: The Book of 1 Timothy
Message Title: True Authority Of The Church

Hello My Friend,

The Book of 1 Timothy is the fifteenth book of the New Testament, the fifth-fourth book of the Bible and contains six chapters. The author of this epistle is Paul and it was written to Timothy, his adopted son in faith, it was written approximately 63AD. The purpose of the letter was to address some of the problems and needs which existed in the church. What we are to learn from the book is that not every church is a genuine church of Christ and we should live our lives as an example as a true believer of Christ. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” - 1 Timothy 4:12.

You may not realize this, but churches have bylaws to follow and if you want to join the church you must agree to the bylaws. While everyone ought be welcome to come to church and grow in Christ, every member ought to be likeminded, and likewise every church ought be under the same authority, which is the word of God. Timothy was a young pastor given the difficult task of pasturing the church at Ephesus. Word got to Paul that some of the pastors, deacons, and women of the church were doing some questionable things, he wrote Timothy on how he can identify true men and women of God, what their role is in the church, and why there were laws made.

“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;” - 1 Timothy 1:3-10.

“that the law is not made for a righteous man,” While some laws seem silly, they really aren't. Think about this, how many laws are given that seem like common sense to us, but someone actually did it? One of the bylaws at my church is that you agree that marriage is to be between one man and one woman. Now, to those of us who know that marriage is between one man and one woman we think this law to be silly, but to the world, and even worldly Christians, it is an offense. Why such a law? Our courts have recently forced a law in our government that says anyone can marry, this has opened doors to incest, polygamy, as well as homosexual marriage, and all these things go against the morals of God. It is important that the church teach the right doctrine and set the right example for Christians to follow, whether a preacher, teacher, or janitor we are representing Christ and need to always present ourselves as such.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-4,9-12.

“But I suffer not a woman to teach,” Do you know how many people throw this verse around when they hear a woman teaching the Bible, especially men under their own convictions? As a woman who is a missionary and does it all on her own, I can attest that women should not be in authority over a church. Women are natural born teachers, they have a big influence on everyone around them, if they are not living godly lives then they will bring others down with them. Here is the truth, women are allowed to be teachers of the Bible, but not allowed to be head of a church nor argue with a man of God over what he teaches (that is where being silent in the church comes). Women are to be modest, godly examples to all, but not too be head of a church. Why? This goes all the way back to when Eve was first deceived by the devil and enticed Adam to sin. We are the example. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” - Proverbs 31:30.

Now, we have to be careful about those laws of the church, some are not of God, but of man, and I suggest if you want to join a church you ask for a copy of the bylaws to see if it matches up with the word of God. As Paul continues instructing Timothy, he cautions him on allowing these strict laws and also mixing of faiths. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” - 1 Timothy 4:1-6,16.

“giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” Did you ever hear of a Christian Wiccan? Yes, there are people who say they are saved that practice witchcraft. Catholics forbid anyone serving in their church to be married, and yet allow gay priests (go figure). Muslims teach they must kill anyone who is not a believer, yet claim peace. These are all doctrines of the devil that have nothing to do with God, yet use Him as the decoy to bring them into their cults. We need to pay attention to what is being taught in our churches, and get our of there if it doesn't use the word of God as their authority. “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. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.” - 1 Timothy 5:21-25.

“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake” God doesn't want us just drinking water to keep us filled, He wants us filled with the wine of Christ, it's the only way we learn to live under the authority of the Bible and become effective ministers. Regardless of whether we are a man or woman or work in the ministry, we are not perfect, we have this flesh, we are going to mess up, the great thing is that we can learn from our mistakes. God doesn't want perfect people (we are made perfect through His Son), He wants willing souls who believe in His Son to get lout there and teach His truths to a lost and dying world. And by the way, it's Christ we will answer to if we are teaching something else.

“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” - 1 Timothy 6:3-8,12.

Today's Prayer: God, It is still amazing to get up every morning knowing that it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. He has turned my life completely around as I learn the truth from Your Word and live in obedience to it. Lord, I know I am going to mess up, but I am trusting You to lead me and guide me in whatever will that You have for me. Show me the way, help me understand, and never let me cease from developing that personal relationship with Christ that shows me I can do all things through Him. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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