Man – Woman Forms
 - Quickly write down a characteristic, trait or role that you associate with each word.
 
Timothy had no doubt heard Paul’s testimony before, but Paul apparently never tired of telling the story of the power of God’s grace in his life.

• No matter where you came from or what you did, if you trust in Jesus as your substitutionary sacrifice, you too have a testimony of grace to proclaim.[1]

PAUL’S TESTIMONY
1 Timothy 1
12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry--13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man.

• Persecutor – hunted down Christians like wild animals. Violent man – bully.
• Paul was describing his life before his conversion.
• “I am the worst of all sinners.”

But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

• Paul received grace first, then faith and love was established in Paul through Jesus’ presence in him.

15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them.

• The only time Paul refers to himself as a sinner.

16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.

• Quote from Augustine: “God does not choose a person who is worthy, but by the act of choosing him he makes him worthy [translation mine].”[2]

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
 
ENGAGE IN BATTLE
18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you,

• Most likely Paul is referring to an experience in Timothy’s early days whereby he was recognized to have received the gift of the Spirit for ministry, a recognition that was made clear through some prophecies.[3]

so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and have shipwrecked their faith.

• There is always going to be distractions and distortions in teaching Scripture.
• Biblical worldview – so many interpretations.

20 Among them are Hymenaeus (him-men-nay-us) and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme. [4]

• They will not repent, so Paul has no other choice but to put them out of the church because they are damaging the faith of some of the believers. (2 Tim 2:17-18)
• Delivered to Satan – handed over.
• There was nothing Paul could do because they weren’t even listening to Paul.
• Sounds evil, but I’ve heard it said, “I am here to feed sheep, not coral goats.”
• Paul was encouraging Timothy to make the best of his time and energy.

 
INSTRUCTIONS ON PRAYER
2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,

• “Then” – In reference to the 2 men who had been turned over to Satan because of their lack or repentance.
• He was not outlining church organization, but he was confronting errors and heresies already underway[5]
• “First of all” – Pray
• “everyone” – For God so loved the world!

2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

• Godless Emperor Nero was on the throne at that time, and yet the believers were supposed to pray for him!
• We are on the verge of WWIII. We need to be praying for Putin and Zelensky.
• Even when we cannot respect men or women in authority, we must respect their offices and pray for them.[6]
• Praying for them is for our own good – to live in peace with ourselves.

3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,

• Because our lives would be based upon love and respect.
• “I can’t respect…” still focused on you.
• You miss this and you live in torment… not peace.

4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

• The term “all/everyone” in v. 4 must refer to the same group as the reference to “everyone” in v. 1.
• The petitions of v. 1 are to include all human beings, and the objects of Christ’s death must include the same group.
• It would certainly include all persons without distinctions of race or social standing, but it also refers to all persons individually[7]

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,

• “Mediator” necessary
• “mankind” – identifies with us

6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

• John 3:16 – “that He gave His only Son…”

7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

• If God did this for Paul, then certainly there is hope for everyone.

 
INSTRUCTIONS TO MEN AND WOMEN
8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

• Morally pure hands
• Not in dispute with others.
• Sometimes this is a posture in prayer.
• Our traditional posture of bowing the head, folding the hands, and closing the eyes is nowhere found or commanded in Scripture.
• Actually, there are many prayer postures found in the Bible: standing with outstretched hands (1 Kings 8:22); kneeling (Dan. 6:10); standing (Luke 18:11); sitting (2 Sam. 7:18); bowing the head (Gen. 24:26); lifting the eyes (John 17:1); falling on the ground (Gen. 17:3).
• The important thing is not the posture of the body but the posture of the heart.[8]

9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

• Acceptable standards of modesty will vary with place and generation.
• Most people can even see through “classy”.
• Paul’s point is that genuine faith in God should display itself in holiness.[9]
• He did not forbid the use of nice clothing or ornaments.
• He urged balance and propriety, with the emphasis on modesty and holy character.[10]
• Women will pursue other women.
• Do you want to be pursued because of your style or behavior?
• Do you want to be pursued because of your maturity and wisdom?
• We must never underestimate the important place that godly women played in the ministry of the church.
• The Gospel message had a tremendous impact on them because it affirmed their value before God and their equality in the body of Christ (Gal. 3:28).
• Women had a low place in the Roman world, but the Gospel changed that.
• There were devoted women who ministered to Jesus in the days of His earthly ministry (Luke 8:1–3).
• They were present at His crucifixion and burial, and it was a woman who first heralded the glorious news of His resurrection.
• In the Book of Acts we meet Dorcas (Acts 9:36ff), Lydia (Acts 16:14ff), Priscilla (Acts 18:1–3), and godly women in the Berean and Thessalonian churches (Acts 17:4, 12).
• Paul greeted at least eight women in Romans 16; and Phebe, who carried the Roman epistle to its destination, was a deaconess in a local church (Rom. 16:1).
• Many believing women won their husbands to the Lord and then opened their homes for Christian ministry.[11]

11 A woman is to learn quietly with full submission.

• “Silence” is an unfortunate translation because it gives the impression that believing women were never to open their mouths in the assembly.
• This is the same word that is translated “peaceable”[12]
• Paul was not demanding physical silence but a teachable spirit.[13]
• “Submission” – We have made this such a negative term in relation to women. I get it.
• But we have also distorted the idea of “submission”
• It is about the rank of the “role”… not the rank of value or ability.
• You submit every day… if you don’t… you can look at the news and see what happens.
• Submit to what? Those who were in Biblical authority.
• They were being taught freedom with the Gospel but they interpreted that as “freedom with their flesh” rather than “freedom with their spirit”.

12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet.

• It’s not a rule. Paul says he does not allow.
• What is his reasoning?
• Women are permitted to teach.
• Older women should teach the younger women (Titus 2:3–4).
• Timothy was taught at home by his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15).
• But in their teaching ministry, they must not “lord it over” men.
• There is nothing wrong with a godly woman instructing a man. (Acts 18:24–26 - 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was competent in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only John’s baptism. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.[14])
• But the women never assumed authority in the church and try to take the place of a man.
• She should exercise “quietness” and help keep order in the church.[15]
• This would be referring to the gossip of the church.

13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.[16]

• She will receive fulfillment through her role as a parent in the household.

How I led my youth ministry for years has influenced how I lead Leavener currently.
 
How I lead my family will influence my family to come.

• Cory

1.      How would you describe how your Mom and I manage our family?
•   When things hit the fan, Dad usually steps up to the crisis.
•   Mom handles on the day to day basis that fits her skills.
•   Kids pick and choose who they go to during emotional crisis… depending on situation.
•   To Mom when health issues and stressful… Dad when he has relationship problems or need to fix something.
•   Day to day roles are divided
2. Who is the teacher?
•   Both are teachers… it was hard to learn from you when I was kid.
•   Mom helped me school stuff more… Mom taught Bible stories… Dad taught more spiritual stuff
•   Mom taught me how to do daily essentials… laundry, cooking, etc… Dad was more technical.
3. What is the one thing that defines our marriage?
•   Never gave up on each other… focused on importance on being one… always being on the same page… one flesh.
4. What is the one thing I could work on in our marriage?
•   What Mom would want… words of affirmation. You are never ooey gooey with Mom.
5. What would it look like if Mom was the leader?
•   It would shut you down which would be problematic and make it uneasy in the house. It wouldn’t be natural… awkward situations.
6. What is the one thing that has been modeled that you want to carry on to your family?
•   You guys had times when you didn’t get along but you never did that in front of us. You created a sense of stability and peace. You have to be evenly yoked.
7. What is the one thing that has been modeled that you don’t want to carry on to your family?
•   Can’t think of anything…Involved al ot at church because of job… extracurricular activities
8. Would you say your mom submits to me?

• Yah

9. Is it a bad thing? Why?
•   No… I think you submit to each other… but at the same, when you have a family or a group of people, you have to have a person who makes decisions.

[1] Evans, T. (2019). The Tony Evans Study Bible (p. 1432). Holman Bible.
[2] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 73). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Fee, G. D. (2011). 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus (pp. 57–58). Baker Books.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 1:12–20). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, pp. 84–86). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 215). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 89). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 216). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Ti 2:10). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[10] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[11] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[12] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[13] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 98). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[14] Christian Standard Bible (Ac 18:24–26). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[15] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[16] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 2:1–2:15). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

James (The Lord’s Half-Brother) Is Martyred

• Porcius Festus dies in office. (Roman provincial governor)
• This account comes from the Jewish historian Josephus and the church historian Eusebius.
• Albinus is slated to replace Festus.
• But it will take at least five weeks for the news to travel from Judea to Rome and at least five more weeks for Albinus to travel from Rome to Judea.
• During this three-month waiting period, Ananus the high priest convenes the Sanhedrin and brings “James the Just” (the half-brother of Jesus) and some others in Jerusalem before the council.
• Before the Sanhedrin, Ananus accuses James of blaspheming the Law.
• James is brought to the pinnacle of the temple, thrown down, and is clubbed and stoned to death.
• Since James was held in high regard in Jerusalem as being a “Torah-true Jew,” the fair-minded Jews in the city are offended by his execution.
• Albinus takes office, and Ananus is deposed for illegally convening the Sanhedrin.

 
63 AD – 70 AD

• Peter and Silas have been spending time traveling in northwest Asia bordering the Black Sea (modern Turkey)—specifically the regions of Pontus, North Galatia, Cappadocia, and Bithynia where there are churches mixed with Jewish and Gentile believers. (1 Peter 1:1)
• Peter and Silas now come to Rome where they join John Mark. (1 Peter 5:12-13)

 
63 AD

• After spending two years of house arrest in Rome, Paul is released for lack of evidence to convict him.
• Upon his release, Paul makes his long-awaited trip to Spain. (Romans 15:24)
• The visit is brief, and no churches are planted. (There are no records of Pauline origins)
• Paul travels southeast and meets Titus on the Island of Crete.
• Both men minister to the churches on the island.
• The churches are undergoing an assault of false teaching.
• As a result, they are falling apart.
• Paul leaves Titus on the island to strengthen the churches and to select overseers (elders) who will be able to care for the church when Titus leaves.
• Paul travels northeast and spends some time in Asia Minor.
• He visits Miletus where he begins preaching the gospel.
• Paul sends a message to Trophimus in Ephesus to meet him in Miletus to help with the work.
• Trophimus joins him and a church is planted in Miletus—a community who expresses Jesus Christ.
• Regrettably, Trophimus gets sick.
• Paul heads off to Colosse as he had promised, (Philemon 22)
• But he leaves Trophimus behind in Miletus. (2 Timothy 4:20)
• Timothy sends word to Paul in Colosse that the Ephesian church is being ravaged by false teachers.
• Paul meets Timothy in Ephesus and excommunicates two men from the church, Hymenaeus and Alexander.
• These men are blaspheming and teaching that the resurrection of the believers has already passed.
• They will not repent, so Paul has no other choice but to put them out of the church because they are damaging the faith of some of the believers. (1 Timothy 1:20 & 2 Timothy 2:17-18)
• Alexander, who is a metal-worker, retaliates by opposing Paul’s message and causing him great harm. (2 Timothy 4:14-15)
• A brother in the church in Ephesus named Onesiphorus is of great help to Paul. (2 Timothy 1:16-18)
• Paul leaves Timothy in Ephesus and instructs him to combat the false teachers in the church who are ambitious to teach the Law (yet know little about it).
• These men are teaching myths that pervert the creation account and they are debating over genealogies. (1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 4:4)
• Paul heads off to Macedonia.
• On his way to Macedonia, Paul visits the church in Troas and stays in the home of Carpus. Paul departs Troas, but he leaves behind his winter coat, some scrolls, and some parchments at Carpus’ home.
• Paul arrives in Macedonia and visits the church in Philippi as he had planned to do while in prison.
• Crisis in Ephesus Despite Timothy’s attempt to re-center the church of Ephesus back on Christ, the problems worsen.
• Paul’s warning to the elders in Ephesus is finally coming to pass.
• Five years earlier he forewarned the Ephesian elders that wolves would penetrate the church and draw disciples after themselves with perverse teachings. (Acts 20:28-30)
• The wolves have appeared in Ephesus. (1 Timothy 1:3-7; 6:3-5)
• The heresy they are teaching is a kind of Jewish proto-gnosticism. (Gnosticism will make its appearance in the second century. According to gnosticism, full salvation comes through special knowledge—gnosis—that only the initiated possess.
• In Ephesus, an embryonic form of the heresy has emerged.) (1 Timothy 6:20)
• Here is what they are teaching:
• 1) It is a sin to eat meat and to engage in marriage. (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
• 2) Eve is both a mediator and redeemer figure who pre-existed Adam. (1 Timothy 2:5, 13-14)
• 3) Man came into existence because of a woman, and he was given enlightenment through the woman.
• 4) Since Eve was the first to take a bite from the Tree of Knowledge, she is the bearer of special spiritual knowledge (called gnosis).
• 5) Women are called to lead people to the illuminating gnosis which was represented by the Tree of Knowledge.
• Redemption completely reversed the effects of the Fall so that men are no longer subject to earthly authorities and women are no longer subject to their husbands. (Paul refutes this in 1 Timothy 2:9-15)
• Those in the Ephesian church who are accepting this heresy prefer the leadership of women over men.
• Male teachers were the first to spread the false doctrine in Ephesus. (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17)
• But it finds fertile ground among the women in the church. (1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 3:6-9)
• The homes of the Ephesian women provide a network by which the heresy is spread rapidly through “gossip.” (1 Timothy 3:11; 5:13-15)
• Some of the women are teaching the heresy in the church meetings and are lording it over (dominating) the men.
• They have also accepted the ideals of the “new women” of the Roman Empire.
• They are dressing in an immodest and exploitive way (like that of prostitutes) and are defying other accepted norms regarding marriage and family.
• There is also a problem with respect to how the widows are being cared for in the church.
• 40% of women between the ages of 40 and 50 are widows.
• As a group, they compromise 30% of women in the ancient world.
• The Christian community in Ephesus decided that only women who were at least 60 years old should be supported by the Church.
• Some of the widows have adopted the heresy, and others have family members who are able to care for them.
• Still worse, some of the younger widows who decided not to remarry are acting promiscuously.
• Consequently, Timothy wants to know which widows the church ought to be responsible for.
• Further, some of the rich brethren in the church are trusting in their riches and are influencing their poorer brethren to desire wealth.
• The church in Ephesus is in crisis and Timothy writes Paul about it.
• Upon hearing the news, Paul wishes to return to Ephesus. But he cannot.
• So he responds to Timothy by letter.

 
From: Philippi in Macedonia
To: Timothy who is in Ephesus
Provocation: In this letter, Paul reminds Timothy how the believers ought to behave themselves in the community (3:15).

• He encourages Timothy to be faithful to his ministry, and exhorts him to combat the proto-gnostic heresy that is spreading like a cancer in Ephesus.
• Paul gives Timothy practical instructions on how to do it.
• One solution is to forbid the women who are peddling the false doctrine from teaching in the meetings.
• He also addresses the problem of the Ephesian women accepting the ideals of the “new women” in their dress (2:9ff).
• Paul calls for the need to select new overseers (3:1ff) and exhorts the church to give respect to those overseers who are serving well (5:17ff).
• He exposes the spirit behind the present heresy and predicts that it will increase in the future (4:1ff).
• Paul exhorts Timothy to let no one despise his youth, but rather, to boldly proclaim the truth in the face of error.
• He also gives Timothy instructions on caring for the widows (5:1ff).
• Paul closes the letter by admonishing the contentious and the rich (6:3ff).
• Luke is with Paul and serves as his recorder to pen the letter.
• This letter, along with Titus and 2 Timothy, are written to Paul’s coworkers rather than to a church.
• This fact, along with Luke’s penmanship, account for the uniqueness of vocabulary and style in the so-called “Pastoral Epistles.”
• While Paul was responsible for the content, Luke shaped the vocabulary and style.

Excerpt from: Viola, Frank. “Untold Story of the New Testament Church.” Destiny Image, Inc., 2010-03-10. iBooks.
​
GREETING
1 Timothy 1
1 Paul,

• A missionary to the Gentiles and the writer of 13 NT letters. Paul’s ministry is the focus of Acts 13–28.

an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope:

• One commissioned for a particular task and given the authority to carry out the task.
• Having appointed Timothy as leader of the churches in Ephesus, Paul refers to himself as an apostle to remind those under Timothy’s leadership of his authority[1]

2 To Timothy, my true son in the faith.

• Timothy’s father was Greek
• Timothy’s mother was Jewish Christian (taught OT)
• Timothy became a believer in Lystra.
• Began traveling with Paul to Macedonia, Ephesus, Corinth & Asia Minor. Maybe even to Jerusalem.
• Was with Paul during his 1st Roman imprisonment.
• Ended up in Ephesus to deal with chaos.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
FALSE DOCTRINE AND MISUSE OF THE LAW
3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus

• At least 8 years after Paul’s 3 year stay in Ephesus.

so that you may instruct certain people not to teach false doctrine 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies.

• Don’t teach theology based upon man.
• Teach the doctrine that we have always taught.
• These false teachers have no good news for lost sinners.
• Instead of producing love, purity, a good conscience, and sincere faith, these novel doctrines were causing division, hypocrisy, and all sorts of problems.
• They seek instead to lead Christians astray and capture them for their causes.[2]
• We have no cause here at Leavener.
• We don’t need you for anything other than building community under the banner of Jesus.

These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith. 5 Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

• Where does a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith come from?
• W. Hendriksen calls the love:
• 1) “a personal delight in God,
• 2) a grateful outgoing of the entire personality to him,
• 3) a deep yearning for the prosperity of his redeemed,\
• 4) an earnest desire for the temporal and eternal welfare of his creatures.”[3]

6 Some have departed from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on. 8 But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately.

• They were leading believers out of the liberty of grace (Gal. 5:1ff) into the bondage of legalism, a tragedy that still occurs today.
• The flesh loves religious legalism because rules and regulations enable a person to appear holy without really having to change his heart.
• Paul listed fourteen kinds of people who were condemned by the Law

9 We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral and males who have sex with males, for slave traders, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.

• The lawful use of the Law is to expose, restrain, and convict the lawless.
• The Law cannot save lost sinners (Gal. 2:21; 3:21–29); it can only reveal their need for a Savior.
• When a sinner believes on Jesus Christ, he is freed from the curse of the Law (Gal. 3:10–14); and the righteous demands of the Law are met by the indwelling Holy Spirit as a believer yields to God (Rom. 8:1–4).[4]

[1] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Ti 1:1). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 211). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 68). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 211). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

• “What do you want for Christmas?”
• Bible talks about money about 800 times… Jesus talks about money about 25%

 
You have no idea how many times I hear…

• We come to Leavener because they don’t ask for money.
• You don’t take an offering. Do you have another job?
• Doesn’t God command/expect us to tithe?
• Aren’t you robbing the attender of an opportunity?
• Tithe was an OT Law – for the Levitical Preisthood
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.
• You don’t give to get back.

7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.

• “Give until it hurts”

8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.[1]

• You can’t find a command to tithe in any NT

 
APPRECIATION OF SUPPORT
PHILIPPIANS 4
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.

• Are you content? (phone upgrades, TV’s, stuff)
• Content – Understanding needs vs wants.
• This is not prosperity Gospel.
• What is it that causes us to move from “I want” to an “I need” mentality?
• A child cannot discern between want and need.

12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

• It was the power of Christ within him that gave him spiritual contentment.[2]
• When you get to the end of “yourself”… He’s there!
• Amplified - “I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency”
• Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.[3]

14 Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

• Paul is broke and in prison.
• Philippians is one of the most generous and giving churches.

 

• Leavener’s plan for giving… none/God…
• budget… none/God.

 

• How has Leavener, the community, ministered to people this past year?
• Our God is a giver… we are stewards
• Leavener – 77 givers in 2022 (26 families gave 80%) (33% of givers give 80%)
• Leavener gives to our community first – Then outside the community (other believers) and then even to the world (as the Spirit leads)
• This not boasting for me or Leavener
• Counseling for individuals
• Support for Jeff Pokone in general
• Scott Mescher – Missionary training around the world
• Support for former family who lost their wife/mother
• Youth for Christ Needs
• National Network of Youth Ministers for Indiana Lunch
• FUMC Food Pantry
• Car for Pinheads Employee
• Supported Pinheads employees (back surgery, mother, dining room table, gift cards)
• Meals for police / groceries for firemen
• 2 Kids who lost their father
• Friend in Ohio who had a liver transplant
• Friend in Texas who is homebound and dependent on machines to keep her alive
• FPU and coffee for Police
• Meals for Hamilton County Chaplains
• Lunches for Holio Road Pastors
• Helped our own families that are struggling
• Sticks & Stones
• Building a Refuge
• $3,600 database and App
• $900 Trailer Storage
• $180/wk for meals
• $35k – Camp expenses (53% is paid by Leavener)
• $3,500 – Sound Board & Monitor
• $1,300 - Camera

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account.

• (NLT) [17] I don't say this because I want a gift from you. What I want is for you to receive a well-earned reward because of your kindness.  (Message) [17] Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus (a good steward) what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

• My family is well taken care of.
• Not by you… but by God.
• It may come through you… but it is all His in the first place.
• History of personal provision – Elder Meeting
• “How much do you need?”
• “Error on the side of generosity”
• I don’t have another job… at least a paying job.
• I rarely take additional income from speaking opportunities, weddings or funerals, etc.
• I have never been in need.
• I have no debt.
• I receive a salary; it includes a housing allowance.
• I have medical insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
• I have life insurance.
• The elders are helping me catch up on my retirement.
• You care for us well in other ways.
• Gifts to travel
• Take care of my car when it breaks down.
• Wedding food…etc

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
 
FINAL GREETINGS
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

• Roman citizens, Roman guard… those guarding Paul?

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[4]

[1] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 9:6–8). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 98). Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 1:3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Php 4:10–23). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

Bad Christian news swirls quickly! – MinistryWatch

• Unity is necessary for the church (people don’t vote on the facts… they vote on their friends or who they like)
• Unity is gained slowly and lost quickly
• Division: Pride, sin (sexual, money, jealousy, bitterness), heresy (false teaching), legalism (judges others, religious), primary and secondary issues & distrust.

 
PRACTICAL COUNSEL
PHILIPPIANS 4
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner (deacon or elder), to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side (they were involved in ministry, what role?), along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.

• They are believers… probably mature believers.
• Conflict can start at leadership.
• The issue doesn’t matter because it is not mentioned.
• Paul is saying these two women need a mediator… this is what Jesus did. (1 Timothy 2:5 - For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,[1])


• Two sides have to agree on two things:
  • 1) we will meet &
  • 2) we will do what the mediator tells us… based on trust.
• Sometimes this is needed in a marriage… sometimes in a divorce with kids.

 

• Anxiety… dealing with issues
• Right now, nearly 40 million adults (18 and older) (19.1% of the population) are living with a serious anxiety disorder.
• According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this disorder is highly treatable, but only around 37 percent of those affected actually receive treatment.
• “Anxiety disorders cost the US more than $42 billion a year, almost one third of the $148 billion total mental health bill for the US.”
• THE POINT: Life causes anxiety
• What causes anxiety? (non clinical definition) – Anticipating the future, in the worst possible scenario… and freaking out about it.
•    1) It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and you force it to happen
•    2) You wear yourself out to the point of anxiety.
• Causes of anxiety: Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
• Family history of mental health problems
•  Screen time (24 hour lifestyle, facebook, e-mail, cell phones),
• On average, the generational cohort born in and after 1996, dubbed "Gen Z," watches of 7.2 hours of video on their screens per day.
• With content constantly available, many Gen Zers find themselves "doomscrolling" on TikTok and Instagram.
• Smartphones and social media have become ubiquitous, and algorithms condition young people to stay glued to their phones.
• Strategically curated feeds coupled with doomscrolling can be detrimental to mental health, not to mention a major time sucker.
• Traffic (license numbers should be cell phone numbers), fractured family systems (holidays), lonely, isolated, financial pains, works 60-80 hours a week, success (have to perform even more), strained personal relationships (family, co-worker, roommate)
• How do you know you are stressed? Unusual mood swings, anger, depressed, exhausted, fragmentation, disassociation or withdrawing, body changes (tongue), paranoia & suspicion, weight gain, panic, panic attics, insomnia (mattresses with instructions), too frequent use of substances: alcohol, drugs, diet coke, caffeine (Starbucks), comfort foods, general irritability, reckless driving, change in sexual desire, health related issues, irritated bowel syndrome, ulcers, victim mentality, shopping sprees and unnecessary spending (what do I need?)
• Time magazine says you need: behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, antidepressants, minor tranquilizers, exercise, eat properly and alternative procedures such as yoga, aromatherapy & acupuncture.
• Does God have anything to say about anxiety?

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Paul knew you would question this, so he said it twice) 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

• Only 21% of men say they received emotional support from a friend within the past week, compared to 41% of women, according to a 2021 survey by the Survey Center on American Life.
• Similarly, just 25% of men say they've said "I love you" to a friend recently, as opposed to 49% of women.

6 Don’t worry about anything,

• What if I have a good reason… Paul was in prison and possibly to be put to death… he gets it)
• What is worry? The Greek word translated “anxious” (careful) in Philippians 4:6 means “to be pulled in different directions.”
• Our hopes pull us in one direction; our fears pull us the opposite direction; and we are pulled apart!
• The Old English root from which we get our word “worry” means “to strangle.”
• If you have ever really worried, you know how it does strangle a person! [2]

but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true,

• Dr. Walter Cavert reported a survey on worry that indicated that only 8 percent of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern!
• The other 92 percent were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway.[3]

whatever is honorable, whatever is just,

• Worthy of respect and right.

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.

• You come to Church this morning and you hear encouragement from the Word of God.
• Tonight, you end your day watching the Grammy’s, Tulsa King, 1923 and Mayor Kingstown and what are you going to be dwelling on when you go to bed.
• You’re going to be dreaming about Taylor Swift, Lizzo and Beyonce shooting each other in long dresses over a bag of weed and then end up getting killed in prison.
• Or you can dwell on moral excellence and have the potential to sleep peacefully.
• Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living;
• or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry.[4]

9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.[5]

• The result is that the “peace of God” guards the heart and the mind.
• We experience “peace with God” (Rom. 5:1); and the “peace of God” takes us a step farther into His blessings.
• This does not mean the absence of trials on the outside, but it does mean a quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people, or things.[6]

 
What do you do?
It is a lifestyle issue… It is a mindset.

• Michelle does the iPod.
• Keith… Connie reads the Bible to him.

 
Paul’s list of encouragement to the church
        1) Anchor your joy in Jesus… not circumstances. (Reasons to complain or reasons to rejoice; rejoicing cultivates a heart of hope)
         2) Respond gently/reasonably… I DEMAND!!! FREAKING OUT… chill out
         3) Jesus is always with you… He never leaves you… when you are lonely
         4) Prayer allows you to be conversational with your Savior. Who do you call?
         5) Choose to be anxious about nothing… sometimes it is a difficult battle.
         6) Meditate… mentally… stay focused on Jesus. Think… dwell… in order to respond.
         7) Live according to the Truth you know rather than your anxiety
         8) Plug into the church… we do this as a community… walk with each other.
         9) Accept the peace of God… it is a gift from God that you already have.

Paul writes this to the church because he loves them… and I tell you these things because I love you.

• I’ve responded both ways… one way I typically regret… the other way I have learned to rest.
• I’ve learned to say “I love you” more.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 2:5–6). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 94). Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 95). Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 96). Victor Books.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Php 4:2–9). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 95). Victor Books.