CHIEF SINNER
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 1-2
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Odeon (Bouleuterion) in Ephesus. This building has the shape of a small theatre. It had a double function in use. First, it was used as a Bouleuterion for the meetings of the Boulea or Senate. The second fuction was the Odeum – a concert hall for performances. It was constructed in the 2nd century A.D by the order of Publius Vedius Antonius and his wife Flavia Paiana, two wealthy citizens in Ephesus. Paul assigned Timothy to remain and minister in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3-4).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Timothy 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.
The first and second letters to Timothy and Titus are the last letters Paul wrote. He was in the dungeon now, not the rented house where he served time earlier under house arrest. No doubt he expected his execution any day. These are the only letters addressed specifically to individuals. History proves that all human development for good or evil can be traced to the decisions of one person.
Our key verse is the most concise statement of the mission of Jesus on earth! Yes, He did come to earth to teach and to set the highest moral example as to how we should live our lives, but first and foremost His number one reason for becoming human was to save sinners! Until we trust Jesus for our salvation, we can’t even begin to follow in His steps. If Jesus had only come to show us how to live, we would have been frustrated and doomed, wallowing in our own constant failure! In spite of Paul’s great success as the Apostle to the Gentiles, and having won many to Christ, he never lost sight of his desperate need for the Saviour.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
O Holy God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I confess with Paul that I am the chiefest of sinners, and that You, Lord Jesus, came into the world to save me and all sinners who will believe on and in You (not just about You). As Paul wrote, Lord God, “For this reason I obtained mercy…” (1:16a). “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honour and glory forever and ever! Amen!!!” (1:17).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I can’t let this reading go by without reference to Paul’s words concerning women in ministry. I’ve mentioned before about Mrs. Willows from Winnipeg, whose ministry had a profound impact on my life. She was a powerful preacher/teacher. In the light of this fact, how do I understand Paul writing that women are “to be in silence” (2:12)? The golden rule of Bible interpretation is “Let the Bible interpret the Bible.” Because of Paul’s experience in Corinth with the husband and wife team of Priscilla and Aquilla, both of whom were teachers of God’s Word, we must draw the conclusion that Paul was dealing through Timothy with a circumstance culturally specific to Ephesus. In the worship of Diana, in her great temple in Ephesus, the leadership was provided by women priestesses. Also, there is the Orthodox Jewish approach to women in the Temple and in the synagogues that we should consider. In traditional Judaism women were forbidden from public ministry. Timothy had to balance these factors. Therefore, I conclude that these were not instructions for the whole Church, but specifically for the one person to whom Paul was writing, Timothy, and just for this specific congregation. In Acts 21:8-9 we find the four daughters of Philip were prophetesses.
Yours for ministry, public and private, by all God’s children,
David
Another view of the Odeon described in the photo above.
One of the main roads of ancient Ephesus that is just in front of the Odeon.
David, I agree with your thoughtful insight into the context of the passages regarding women. Also, I was interested in the commentary about “endless geneolgies” 1 Tim 1:4. Currently, I am attempting to witness to Mormon ladies that I have invited to my home every Sunday. They are very interested in talking about geneologies, as it is an important part of their religion. Does anyone have any thoughts, insight into how I should go about witnessing to these young ladies, they are extremely sincere in wish to serve God, but so misguided in their doctrine. Blessings to all through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Sherry you might like to check out : http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormon-Christian.html also, http://www.gotquestions.org (you can ask questions there and/or go on to a second more concise area by pushing the button and it will give even more options). I will pray for you for Sunday.
Thank you so much Doreen!
Your writing today is very timely Pastor David, as I am speaking in my church this Sunday morning and you have encouraged me. Please pray for me saints as I have a message to share. You know the difficulty Jesus had in His home town and the saying of his, “A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.”(Mark 6:4). Will remember your prayer requests too, Sah. As Jesus made saving souls his primary mission, so should we. Amen? I remember our Bible College teacher teaching on the verse 17 of Chapter 1 how the Apostle Paul broke forth into a doxology. God bless you saints!
Praying for you Ger.
God bless you, sister Ger!
Thank you David for shedding light on Ephesians 2:2 re the role of women in ministry. That is very helpful
Cordell R on Sept 3’2015 at 10 59 am
Blessings to pastor David and your lovely family to all saints on this blog
I have been so blessed by these teachings day by day I joined in your teachings and study since the beginning of this two year plan and I,ve been so blessed
But this my first time in replying to the comments.
All the way through I have been so blessed and encouraged by the teachings
From pastor David his family history and beautiful family pictures I could go on
And on but I will stop there for now
I am also blessed by the sharing, prayers and encouragements from all blog brothers and sisters
The blessings of our Heavenly Father be with us all as we travel this path and walk in the Light of our loving God
Love you all
I don’t quite understand your statement in the first paragraph of your blog today, David. You said, “History proves that all human development for good or evil can be traced to the decisions of one person”. What are you saying?
With regard to Paul’s teaching on women, Paul is teachings that God has a proper order. His teaching is not about the local culture. It is clearly the order of creation. Eve was complimentary to Adam. Which is the same as to day. Women play a complimentary role in the life of the church. This does not mean that women are not equal to men. As persons they are equal, but when it comes to their role in ministry they are complimentary in the ministry of the church. Prophetesses did proclaim a message from God. This did not put them in a position of authority over a man such as involved in the ministry of teaching or of being an elder or a bishop or a pastor/teacher
I am sure many will not agree with me, but you must take into consideration as to why Paul made reference to the order of creation of Adam & Eve.
Thank you Pastor David for your wisdom in having the Bible speak for itself in providing the correct interpretation of scripture. For indeed it is important to know what it is saying and for what reason and time in each situation. In this case Paul was giving Timothy instruction for the situation Timothy was dealing with.
The Purpose of the Law….Galatians 3:19-23…..24-25…
Galatians 3:24 “Therefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
(Gal 3:25) But after that faith has come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
(Gal 3:26) For we are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
(Gal 3:27) For as many of you who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.
(Gal 3:28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(Gal 3:29) And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Great pictures of the Odeon, especially the one with the view through the Arc…thank you Reynold!!!
Love the photos, today, and Paul’s words (minus his instruction about women). I have never done well with being given orders by a man and do not see that as very loving. Let the Bible interpret the Bible. Amen.
Wonderful photos, today. Thank you dearest saints for keeping me in your prayers and I pray for all of your needs; thinking of you, Mary; hope your surgery went well, that you are healing, and that the pain is quickly decreasing. The Lord’s most gentle blessings and angels’ wings of sleep.
I would also like an answer to Doreen’s question regarding Mr. Mainse’s comment in the 1st paragraph…….History proves………….
who is that one person…..is it Adam, or Jesus or????????????????
I have problems trying to hear chapters in the reading, I can hear Chapter 1, then it stops, I don’t know what to click to proceed to Chapter 2?
any ideas? thanks
Or was it Eve?
yes click on > and then click on < and it will skip to the next chapter. Trust me it works. Blessings to you Sah and to your prayers for all those around you!
I witnessed to my daughter tonight. She is 18 and heading out tomorrow for her first day of her first job as a dental assistant! God Bless her and Guide her and keep her Safe!!!
Blog is late today (September 4th) Hope everything is okay …
David, I want to thank you so much for being so dedicated to teaching the Word of GOD! I am so excited every morning to get up and dig into the Word of GOD and learn. David you and your family have such a rich history in following the LORD all the way, which is an enormous blessing! It is very encouraging to see and hear about the next generations of your family following The KING of kings. Thanks for sharing wisdom.
Keeping you in prayer David.