How to spot irreverent babble

 

We live in a world with a lot of talk. Which can be great – sometimes. But it can also be unhelpful and distracting. The church at Ephesus, where Paul’s protégé Timothy pastored, was being derailed with troublemakers. Throughout his first letter to Timothy, Paul warns about “irreverent babble and contradictions” that cause us to swerve from the faith (1 Timothy 6:20-21). According to 1 Timothy, here are four ways to tell if the cause or conversation you’re falling prey to amounts to “irreverent babble and contradictions.”

 

1.  If the cause or conversation glorifies man rather than exalting Jesus and glorifying God, it may be “irreverent babble.”

2.  If the cause or conversation isn’t borne out of prayer and rooted in Scripture, it may be “irreverent babble.”

3.  If the cause or conversation is about greedy gain versus eagerness to give, it may be “irreverent babble.”

4.  If the cause or conversation doesn’t promote godliness, it may be “irreverent babble.”

 

For more explanation and specific scripture references, you can review yesterday’s sermon here. 

Honor and the Friendship Community

 

Paul advises Timothy to honor the widows in his church with equity vs. equality, partnership vs. paternalism, and discipleship vs. discipline. Paul doesn’t suggest a one-size-fits-all solution for the widows in 1 Timothy 5:3-16. They are treated equitably, not equally. Secondly, the widows are not service projects. Rather, they are valued partners in the ministry of the church. Lastly, Paul’s overarching concern is not discipline of some and reward for others. The equitable, partnering relationships are ultimately aimed at discipleship and spiritual growth. These biblical principles are the building blocks for honorable relationships toward those in need in God’s friendship community.

 

If you missed yesterday’s message, you can catch it here!

Power of Example

While the CLPC pastors and ministry team staff were on retreat this weekend, elder Jimmy McGregor* preached on 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 14-15. At first blush, Paul’s words about leadership in this chapter seem incomplete or out of date. A closer look, however, reveals Paul’s concern for the character of a leader within God’s friendship community, the Church. Character flows from the heart. Godly leaders are ones whose hearts are shaped in relationship with Jesus. 

I Timothy 3 isn’t just about formalized leadership positions within the church. It’s about all of us. You are a leader. Right now. Today. In the home, at school, or in the marketplace, someone is watching your example and following your lead. Therefore, our character (molded in the life-giving rhythms of Jesus’ Kingdom) matters. If you missed this Sunday’s message, you can catch it here.

*Jimmy McGregor, a former staff member with Clear Lake Presbyterian (CLPC), currently serves as the Chairman of Lighthouse Christian Ministries. He also leads a CLPC Connect Group that partners with Lighthouse in serving alongside our neighbors in Bayview, Bacliff, and San Leon. You can learn more about this Connect Group here.