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The Spiritual Battle for a Healthy Church

This was an important series for our church as we approach our 175^th Anniversary next year. For a church to last 175 years, the principals in 1 Timothy must be present. We’ve learned how to combat false teaching, how to make the Gospel the foundation of the church, how to build our church on prayer, we’ve learned about the proper leadership structure of a healthy church, the role of the pastor, how to care for widows and the vulnerable, and how to avoid the love of money.

175 years is great … but what would it take for us to double that number? What would it take to reach 350 years? In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul tells us what it takes. This verse is a charge to Timothy … and us. MBC, to make it to our 350^th Anniversary we must …

Fight the good fight of the faith. (1 Timothy 6:12, ESV)

Fight the good fight of the faith! It is so easy to get swept away by new teachings that seem right … but beware, Christian! You need to always be prepared for spiritual battle.

Are any of you facing a battle with the serpent today? Does it feel like the anaconda is lurking nearby? You need to be prepared, with the sword of the spirit to fight the good fight.

I do want to offer a word of caution as we begin. It’s been noted that in Ephesians 6, Paul makes clear who we battle against. “Not flesh and blood … but the spiritual forces of darkness.” We must be careful to not make people, who do not know Jesus yet, our enemies. They are souls who need to be saved and have the veil removed from their eyes. And that presents a tension and a danger for many of us in the church …

First, when it comes to this spiritual battle, some of us fight TOO MUCH. We pull out the sword too quickly. We can easily become captured by the CULTURE WAR that rages in our world. We can begin caring about issues that don’t matter in the long run. To be sure, there are core doctrines and key creational issues that must be advocated for in the public square. However, be careful you don’t fight for fight’s sake.

Second, out of fear or rejection, some of us fight TOO LITTLE. Whenever an opportunity to present the Gospel appears before us … we shirk. We stay silent because we don’t want to upset a relationship. Or, if there is an injustice in this world—we walk away because it is too controversial. We don’t fight the spiritual battle … when we should.

In today’s passage, Paul is going to show us the things we must fight for if we are the preserve the faith once and for all delivered to the saints. A healthy church will fight for these things. What are they?

What should the church FIGHT for? As Christians, we are often looking for things to fight against. I’d like to frame it positively today—what are we fighting for? Paul offers three pursuits: What does Paul say? (1) Public VIRTUE (2) Pure OBEDIENCE. (3) Passionate PRAISE. If we fight for these three things … the church will be strong.

Public Virtue

The first thing we should fight for is Public Virtue. A virtue is … “moral excellence and righteousness; goodness.” If you are a virtuous person, people will see there is something different about your life. Paul wants Timothy and the church at Ephesus to be different than the false teachers and worldly people living in their midst. Their virtue should be seen publicly!

Also, it should be noted that contextually, the second half of 1 Timothy 6 is linked to the first. Two weeks ago we unpacked and defined the “love of money as a root of all kinds of evil.” By contrast, 1 Timothy 6:11-16 counters this line of thinking. Let’s read v. 11:

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11, ESV)

But … as for you … FLEE THESE THINGS! Paul might as well have stated: “Be Different! Don’t be like them!” And then he goes on to outline a VIRTUE list which should characterize the Man of God and his church. So let’s break down this important verse.

“O Man of God” is an important title. While this is a key biblical title, it is the only time the expression is used in the NT. If you were a first century Jew reading or listening to this letter, it would have brought to mind MOSES, who was called the Man of God in the OT. Also, the prophets Elijah (1 Kgs. 17:18) and Elisha (2 Kgs. 8:4) were called the “Man of God,” not to mentioned King David himself (1 Chr. 8:14)! This is not to say that Timothy is the new Moses. Rather, it indicates the gravity of the tradition he carries … he is the leader of God’s people at Ephesus—The Man of God!

And what is this man of God to do? FLEE! These things. What things? Everything Paul just outlined in 1 Timothy 6:3-10. He warned about the WORLDLY CRAVINGS of the false teachers and their followers. They engaged in unhealthy controversy. Then there was the people who CRAVED MONEY and all the worldly power, possessions and prestige it offers. FLEE THESE THINGS!

The Greek word for “flee” is a fun word to say … it is the word “FUEGO!” Let’s say it together: “Fuego!” I’m not talking HUGO. I’m not talking about PUGO. Paul doesn’t say its “In Fuego.” No … he says you have to FUEGO! Tell your neighbor to FUEGO! Look we have some developing Greek scholars today! Flee those worldly cravings in your life!

At the same time, Paul follows this with an equally sharp word: PURSUE … these other things. Don’t just FLEE … PURSUE! Many times, we can easily run away from something that scares us … but we also have to run to something better. For example, when it comes to relationships—yes you should flee worldly immoral relationships … but you should not live alone. You should pursue good, God honoring relationships.

What do you need to flee … what do you need to pursue? Paul says … pursue VIRTUE! Paul lists six virtuous characteristics which, I would say, should encompass both our public and private lives. Christian … you should be known for these things! It is worth noting that these six virtues are a direct contrast to the five vices associated with the false teachers in vv. 4-5. Don’t be like them!

Fight The Good Fight

Instead, you need to take action. What does Paul say?

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12, ESV)

And now we come to the fight. And it is a GOOD fight. There are so many bad fights that happen in our world … but this is a good fight. What makes it good? It is the stakes. At stake is the very faith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the cause that makes it good.

The last part of v. 12 points to the reason we do baptisms here at MBC. Timothy made his good confession through the waters of baptism. He told people he was with Jesus. Baptism is a public profession, a confession, of the inward change that has happened in your life. It is done in the presence of many witnesses. Friends, have you made the good confession? We have had many powerful testimonies of changed life this past year … and we have many more baptisms coming up this summer … perhaps it is your time to get in the waters.

Baptism is also spiritual warfare. The last thing the enemy want you to do is get in this tank and take a stand for Jesus. The Greek word for fight is “AGONIZOMAI,” where we get our English word “Agonizing.” This is an agonizing, ongoing battle to preserve the pure and true Gospel of Jesus. This command is focused on doctrine, not courageous action with religious sincerity.[1] The word for “good” could also be translated as “valiant … this is a valiant fight.” It is the message Paul has been conveying to Timothy the whole letter. And if your doctrine falls astray … so will your life.

Pure Obedience

And this second one is difficult because we live in a world that loves rebellion. Our fallen world is composed of sinful people who rebel against God in thought, word, and deed. More than that, our world tells us that it is good to rebel against God. To be a rebel, to be part of the resistance, gives us purpose and can be intoxicating. Instead, you are your own God—the ruler of your life! This is the message of the expressive individualism moment that we live in.

So … when we talk about a biblical imperative to “pure obedience,” modern ears shutter. This requires repentance and confessing we are sinners—something is wrong with us. Biblical obedience requires a confession: Christ is King! In American we really don’t know what it’s like to have a king. We have an elected President, or Governor, who is accountable to the people. But a King … he rules and we must obey. Listen to what Paul says in v. 13-14:

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, (1 Timothy 6:13, ESV)

Notice … the repetition of the phrase good confession. It is the same words used in the previous verse of Timothy. Jesus offered himself as an example to follow. The word, “charge,” is in the emphatic position. It means to give a “command with force.” And then, he bolsters the weight of this charge by invoking the name of God the Father, “who gives life to all things.” Notice, also, this description of God follows a verse which commanded them to take hold of “eternal life.” Who gives that eternal life? God. He also appeals to the example of the Son, Christ Jesus—who is the manifestation of God in the flesh. What did he do? He stood before Pontius Pilate, stated who he was (Luke 23:3), and went to the cross where he was crucified for us. This was a reminder that Jesus sacrifice was a public event in real history. Christ paved the way for what Timothy must do. Timothy stood for the truth just as Jesus stood for the truth.

Paul means business here. He is not playing games. This sets the stage for v. 14:

[…] to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time. (1 Timothy 6:14-15a, ESV)

So, notice, we have a charge and we have a command. They are complementary—the charge requires the command. The word used for “command” means a “stern order.” It is not optional. What is the command? Everything Paul has just stated in vv. 11-12: FLEE these things … PURSUE these things. Fight the Good Fight of the Faith … TAKE HOLD of eternal life.

How do you hold on? How do you remain obedient when the Anaconda attacks and the storms of life rage? You might be saying, “Pastor Bob, this is too hard at times. How can I hold on in pure obedience when so many things are thrown at me?” Let me give you and image and some categories to help.

Too many of us think following Jesus needs to be constant mountain peaks and valleys. In fact, if you want to keep your heart healthy, many doctors will recommend engaging in consistent, moderate exercise of at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes a day. This could be walking on the treadmill at 3.5 miles an hour to get your heart to 60-70% of your max heart rate. As you do that, your heart stays strong—its consistent and you must do it over the long haul. Keeping the command … following Jesus is like that.

And if you keep your heart healthy, you will keep holding one when the challenges arise. Because one day the snake will attack and try to consume you. Here are three ways the snake attacks:

First, there are the natural TRIALS that come into our lives. This could be the breakdown of relationships, the disappointments of failure in school or work, or the pressure of finances. When those trials come, it is so easy to give up on Jesus and run to another solution. It could be a series of new romantic relationships. It could be sacrificing your family on the altar of work. It could be running to alcohol, or endless entertainment, every night to numb your pain. But that solution will ultimately fail you. You have to hold on!

Second, there are TEMPTATIONS. There will be many temptations that come in life—and they will make promises that pull you away from your faith. In our younger years, the pull of sexual temptation in dating is particularly powerful. I have watched many people walk away from the faith because they got into a relationship with someone who was not walking with the Lord. After marriage, I know of many stories where the temptation of pornography has created mistrust and temptation. The Anaconda captures you … and you don’t fight! The temptation could be gambling, or buying that bigger thing to keep up with everyone else. You have to hold on!

Then finally there is TRAGEDY. Sadly, I have watched too many people walk away from Christ because a tragedy came into their life … and they didn’t think God answered their prayers. A loved one died. The baby didn’t make it. You got diagnosed. Those are the moments to hold on … but too many people flee from God.

Passionate Praise

Friends, know this … worship is warfare! There is battle, right now, in our world for worship. Will you worship the true God … or a false god? There is a famous story in 2 Chronicles 20. The kingdom of Judah, under the reign of King Jehoshaphat, is attacked by the Moabites and Ammonites. In this time of distress, Jehoshaphat and the people pray to God and prepare for battle. The next morning, the King has the worship leaders go out on the frontlines of battle. Listen to this:

And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22, ESV)

 Did you hear that church? When Israel went to battle … the worshippers went first. Here at MBC we have a fabulous worship team led by John Bonaventura. They are going to come back up in just a few minutes. Whenever John and the team get up here … they are leading you into battle. Have you ever thought about that before? John’s the guy on the front lines.

Church … worship is warfare. Worship is insheathing the sword of the Spirit and proclaiming the glory and greatness of our God … and the snake flees! If there is one thing we must fight for in our lives, and in the church, it is a passionate praise of the only one who is worthy of worship. The world teaches us that we should be at the center. “It’s all about you. Follow your heart! Do whatever makes you happy.” But the Gospel tells that Jesus … Jesus is King and worthy of our worship. He is worthy of all praise. That is where Paul finishes his letter—with a final hymn of praise:

[…] he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16, ESV)

After all his instructions on the structure and foundation of the church—Paul keeps the main thing the main thing. Church, you can have all the best programs in the world. You can have the most updated production equipment. You can even have all the Bible knowledge in the world … but if it doesn’t light your heart on fire to praise the God of the Bible … what good is it? What good is it!

Church … our doctrine must lead to DOXOLOGY! That’s why Paul ends like this! Praise and worship of God and God alone! And you know what … the best songs, the best hymns, the best worship music also teaches us about who God is and what he has done.

Church … how are you fighting? As we come to the end of series, I would exhort you that the journey towards a healthy church is just beginning. We must prepare for battle because the challenges will come. And yet, 1 Timothy 6:11-16 offer solutions to the challenges we will face. Let me leave you with those three categories of challenges and show you how 1 Timothy shows us how to fight against them.

If you are here today and you are struggling with TEMPTATION—you are not alone. There may be battles which are lifelong or you haven’t faced yet. For you, the fight must focus on Public VIRTUE. You need to focus on the these and FLEE … pursue the six virtues of v. 11. If this is you, this week, I want to challenge you to meditate on those six virtues every day. Memorize them. Ask God to help you live them out. Memorize 1 Timothy 6:11-12.

If you are here today and you are encountering many TRIALS, know that you are not alone. The cares of this life can be overwhelming. Maybe it revolves around taking care of your kids or what college you will go to. For you, PURE OBEDIENCE will be key. The cares of this life and the trials they bring may cause us to give up on faith because something is not working. This week, I challenge you to go home and journal about those trials. Bring them to the Lord. But when you are done, always remind yourself that God is greater!

Finally, if you are here today and you are grieving or facing a TRAGEDY, know that you are not alone. As a church, we want to come alongside you and help you. We want to help you grieve … we want to be there for you. For you, in this moment, the most helpful, yet counterintuitive, thing you can do is engage in PASSIONATE PRAISE. What did Job say when tragedy struck his life? “The Lord gives … and the Lord takes away … blessed be the name of the Lord.” I encourage you to praise him this week and ask Him to come close. As you praise him, ask the Spirit to bring comfort beyond what you can imagine.

Guard The Deposit

Like the worshippers of Israel … they are coming to lead us to battle. As they come, I want you to think about the battles that are raging in your life right now. Think about the snake. How is he trying to deceive and consume you? Remember the charge that Paul gives to Timothy: Fight the good fight of the faith Christian! Don’t swerve from the faith. Instead, cling to the final words of Paul’s letter to Timothy:

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you. (1 Timothy 6:20-21, ESV)

Church, guard the deposit that has been entrusted to you.

Don’t get swept away by the false knowledge of the world.

Hold on. Fight the Good Fight.

Grace be with you. Amen.

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[1] Robert Yarborough, 1 Timothy (PNTC), 6:12.

Sermon Summary

July 6, 2025

In the early 1500s, a German farmer named Fritz Erbe was imprisoned in a dungeon for refusing to baptize his infant son. He believed baptism should follow personal faith, and for that conviction, he spent 16 years in isolation—never once wavering. His courage reminds us that biblical convictions are worth suffering for, even in the darkest places.

In today’s church landscape, many congregations are dropping denominational labels in favor of trendier names—“Mosaic,” “The Table,” or “Anchor Church.” While these can be creative and appealing, at Millington Baptist Church, we’ve chosen to keep “Baptist” in our name. Why? Because it tells a story. It carries theological convictions. And it helps define the blueprint for how we do church—not based on convenience or culture, but grounded in Scripture.

Just as every building needs a blueprint, so every church should follow one too. Ours is drawn from the Bible and expressed through what are known as the Baptist Distinctives. These convictions aren’t about pride in a label—they’re about our understanding of how Christ calls us to live and function as His people. To explore these, let’s walk through the acronym B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S.

B – Biblical Authority

Baptists are first and foremost “Bible people.” The Bible, not tradition, hierarchy, or current trends, is our final authority. Paul exhorted Timothy to “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, and to teaching” (1 Tim 4:13). That’s why the preaching of the Word is central in our worship services.

Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher of the 1800s, once stood nearly alone against theological liberalism in what was called the “Downgrade Controversy.” His stance? That any “advance” beyond Scripture was actually a downgrade into compromise. That legacy reminds us that we don’t edit God’s Word—we uphold it, whatever the cost.

A – Autonomous Congregationalism

Unlike denominations with bishops or presbyteries, Baptists believe that the local congregation is the final earthly authority under Christ. We see this in Matthew 16 and 18 where Jesus gives the “keys of the kingdom” to the gathered church, not to a pope or denominational leader.

In Baptist churches, the members—not just pastors—are responsible for safeguarding doctrine, disciplining members, and discerning truth. This is why members vote on things like the calling of a pastor or major budget items. It’s not bureaucracy—it’s stewardship.

P – Priesthood of All Believers

Every Christian is a priest with direct access to God through Jesus Christ (1 Tim 2:5). That means you don’t need a mediator in a collar to confess sins or pray for you. In Baptist theology, every member is a minister.

This belief shapes our emphasis on church membership—not as a formality, but as a covenant commitment. Just as a body part is vitally connected to the rest of the body, so church members are meant to be deeply joined to one another, loving, serving, and building up the church together.

T – Two Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Jesus gave the church two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Unlike sacraments in other traditions, we don’t believe these ordinances confer saving grace—but they are powerful signs of the gospel.

Baptism, by immersion, follows personal faith and publicly identifies a believer with Christ’s death and resurrection. The Lord’s Supper unites the church in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and recommits us to Him and to one another.

These ordinances turn individual Christians into a visible, covenantal church.

I – Individual Soul Freedom

Baptists believe every individual is personally accountable to God. Faith cannot be coerced or inherited. Romans 14 teaches that each one “will give an account of himself to God.”

This is why Baptists have long championed religious liberty—even for people we disagree with. We don’t ask the government to enforce Christianity. We don’t use the state to silence other faiths. The gospel does not advance through coercion but through proclamation and persuasion.

S – Saved Church Membership (Jer 31:31-33)

Church membership isn’t for everyone—it’s for believers. The Baptist church is meant to be a community of the regenerate, not just the religious.

That’s why we practice believer’s baptism and require a credible profession of faith before someone can join the church. In contrast to traditions that include unconverted infants or nominal Christians, Baptists emphasize that the church is for those who know and follow Christ.

This conviction shapes how we disciple, how we protect the gospel, and how we carry out church discipline. A church is not just a gathering—it’s a committed family of faith.

T – Two Offices: Elders and Deacons (1 Tim 3)

The New Testament outlines only two offices in the church: elders and deacons (1 Tim 3, Phil 1:1). Elders lead and teach; deacons serve and support. We do not have bishops, cardinals, or a clerical hierarchy.

Leadership in a Baptist church is not about power—it’s about equipping the saints and protecting the flock. It’s servant leadership modeled after Christ.

S – Separation of Church and State

Jesus said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). Baptists believe the church and the state have separate God-given roles.

We’re not anti-government. We pay taxes, we vote, and we serve our communities. But we don’t look to politics to do the work of the Spirit. The church must remain a prophetic voice—not a political pawn.

This legacy goes back to early Baptist leaders like Roger Williams, who argued for religious liberty and founded the First Baptist Church in America. He believed the state should never control the conscience—and he was right.

Why It Matters

These distinctives shape how we gather, how we govern, and how we grow. They are not just historical preferences—they are biblical convictions.

Are other denominations wrong? Not necessarily. In fact, many share elements of this blueprint. But the Baptist tradition uniquely pulls them all together into one coherent ecclesiology. That’s why we keep the name—and more importantly, the convictions.

We’re Baptists not just because of history, but because of fidelity to Scripture.

And like Fritz Erbe, a simple farmer imprisoned for refusing to baptize his infant son, we believe convictions matter. Truth matters. Even when it’s costly.

May we be found faithful in upholding these truths—not to preserve a label, but to exalt the Lord of the church, Jesus Christ.

The F.I.R.E. Movement

In the financial world, there is a growing movement known as F.I.R.E. Have you heard of the FIRE movement? It stands for Financial Independence Retire Early. F.I.R.E is “A movement of people devoted to a program of extreme savings and investment that aims to allow them to retire far earlier than traditional budgets and retirement plans would permit.” IOW, the people in this movement want to have enough money in their investments, that they can live off the growth at an early age.

Some of you are saying—is this even possible? I’m not sure I’m ever going to have enough money to retire. Indeed, some people are able to achieve this goal. However, the sacrifice needed is enormous—most save and invest up to 75% of their annual income! Wow—that is commitment! This movement has gained enough traction there are several variations: (1) First, there is the FAT FIRE. These people are high income earners with 9-5 jobs. They want to save enough to maintain their current standard of living. (2) Second, there is LEAN FIRE. These are people devoted to a minimalist lifestyle who, somehow, live on less that $25k per year. (3) Finally, there is BARISTA FIRE. Maybe this should be known as STARBUCKS Fire. This person wants to quit their 9-5 job and live off a combination of savings and part time jobs … like Starbucks 😊.

Now, maybe you haven’t heard of the FIRE movement before today … but it sounds attractive. How many out there would love to retire early? Quite a few. If that is you, it begs a question: (1) Are you willing to sacrifice to save that much money? (2) What would you do if you don’t work? Some young people have the goal of achieving FIRE in their 30s … with quite a long life ahead of them.

Do you know what I also notice—when it comes to my money, it’s usually later in the process that I ask: What does God want me to do? We will invite Jesus into many areas of our lives—but when it comes to our money … we don’t want to give Jesus that multi-factor authentication.

And yet, ironically, this passage and the F.I.R.E. movement have a principal in common: Sacrifice now … enjoy life later. The only difference is this: the Christian hope points to enjoyment in eternity. Which allows us to sacrifice more now.

How Much is Too Much?

Paul writes this in 1 Timothy 6:10,

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:10, NLT)

Over the centuries, this verse has been misunderstood and misapplied. Does this verse say that money itself is evil? No—money is a necessary part of the world economy. And, of course, it is not simply about money—rather it is about the “stuff” money can get us … like early retirement 😊.

I hope, however, that reading a verse like 1 Timothy 6:10 causes you to see that our relationship to money is deeply spiritual. After all, what does it mean to “love money … and why is it a root of evil?” That is some pretty harsh language from Paul. Are people in the fire movement … evil? Are you evil because you want to ascend in your career and make a higher income? Am I evil because I like to buy unnecessary coffee at the local coffee shop on a regular basis … purchase a nicer car or a bigger house … take a lavish vacation? Is that evil?

Not necessarily. But the reality is all of us have a certain number of resources to live in this world AND invest in the kingdom of God. If you are a growing Christian, you have likely wrestled with a pointed question: How much is too much? Put another way … how much should I keep … and how much is God calling me to give away? Does money, or the things money affords me, have a controlling position in my heart? Do I trust my money more than Jesus’s provision?

And then, of course, we have passages like this one in Proverbs 30:8-9, where King Solomon writes:

First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name. (Proverbs 30:8-9, NLT)

These two verses capture the tension of money and God’s kingdom beautifully. Give me neither poverty nor riches! Why? If I am too poor to live … I may be tempted to steal for life’s necessities. If I am too rich … I may be tempted to think I don’t need God because I’m good on my own. Lord … help me trust you to meet my needs … help me to be generous … but don’t make me so rich I forgot who blessed me with that wealth.

This concept causes us tension. What does this look like? In 1 Timothy 6:3-10, Paul is going to disciple us towards a proper relationship with money and wealth. While people in the FIRE movement want to sacrifice to retire early, God is looking for a different kind of FIRE in our lives … FIRE for his kingdom. Money is a necessity in life … but … sacrifice now and you will enjoy eternity later.

Obsession with Worldly Cravings

How do we avoid the LOVE of money? Paul outlines the problem … he offers a solution. I’m going to make it simple—we’ve got two main points today! What are they? (1) The Problem: Obsession with Worldly CRAVINGS. (2) The Solution: Focus on Eternal CONTENTMENT. If we follow his teaching, we can avoid the love of money and invest more in God’s kingdom.

Obsession with worldly cravings, however, can very much take our eyes off Jesus. This is what Paul starts to communicate in 1 Timothy 6:3-5. He returns to the topic of false teachers at Ephesus and applies this principal to them.

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. (1 Timothy 6:3-4, ESV)

Notice, vv. 3-5 are a call back to the opening of the letter. In chapter 1:3-4 Paul charges to Timothy to guard against people who teach a “different doctrine.” When say says, “If anyone teaches,” he clearly has the false teachers at Ephesus in mind since he has been referencing them throughout the letter. After he addressed the teachers, he defines the false doctrine itself—anything that goes against the teaching of Jesus himself and the truth of his Gospel … that is not sound teaching. That word, “Sound,” was a medical term. It refers both to the type of instruction, as well as the effect it has on the lives of the listeners. And, you can see, when people ingest “unsound teaching” they become conceited … and understanding nothing. In other words, their spiritual lives are unhealthy.

This is why, at MBC, we take very seriously the sound teaching of the word of God. In the age of the internet, social media and YouTube, there are plenty of dietary options out there. If you want to hear Bible teaching, you can listen to Pastor Dave and myself on a Sunday morning … and then ingest a popular YouTuber in the evening for dinner. But if that YouTube teacher is not feeding you a wholesome meal … you should get indigestion!

Beware! Bad teaching can make you conceited and seriously impact your relationships. Good teaching challenges our worldly cravings. That is what Paul addresses next:

He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. (1 Timothy 6:4-5, ESV)

What is the first fruit of “unsound teaching?” It is an “unhealthy craving for controversy.” It can also be translated, “An unhealthy interest in disputes.” Do you know anyone like this? Now, I want to pause and ask why that is? Why does bad teaching produce unhealthy controversy? Because the person is sick … they are ill.

Have you met any “sick” people in your church life? Perhaps you’ve been wounded by “Christians craving unhealthy controversy.” I’m sorry if you have. Maybe you’ve attended a public church meeting where members of a church said nasty words to each other and quarreled. Maybe you’ve raised legitimate concerns to someone and they minimized you for their own gain. In our modern world, these unhealthy controversies play out on social media sites—have you seen some of the arguments? It’s amazing what people will say when they are not face to face with someone. Do you have an unhealthy craving for controversy? It can destroy a church.

Now, that does not mean there are not legitimate concerns and questions to raise. But they should be done in a respectful way with a desire to build up the body of Christ. If you’ll remember, back in 1:5 Paul outlines the aim of the Gospel …

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5, ESV)

Money has a way of getting to our hearts. All of us, especially right now, are acutely aware of money. We’ve felt inflation’s sting. Do you remember the $10 eggs? Can’t afford a home … or car? All of us wish, at some level, as Rockefeller once said, we had just “a little bit more.”

Paul closes with a warning about the desire for wealth …

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. (1 Timothy 6:9, ESV)

Do you notice anything about this verse? It is tempting to read a verse like this and think—“oh yeah, Paul is coming after those millionaires and billionaires—a pretty soon those trillionaires! He’s giving those 1 percenters the business!” But is that who he is talking to here? Perhaps it applies to people in those categories … but does Paul say, “the rich fall into temptation?” No. He says, “those who desire to be rich” fall into temptation. And, my friend, that could be anyone. You could have a negative net worth and simultaneously desire to be rich. John Stott argues that these verses are directly at the “covetous poor.”

Focus on Eternal Contentment

Helpfully, Paul does not leave us hanging with all our problems. In v. 6, he offers a solution. Now, before I read this verse, I want to say I believe this is an extremely important verse for all of life. In fact, the topic raised in v. 6 is one my wife and I speak about regularly. Whenever I get an idea for a new project or endeavor … she will challenge me with this topic. Are there any achievers out there today? You never feel like you have enough money? You always feel like you have the next mountain to climb, problem to solve or challenge to conquer? 1 Timothy 6:6 is for us. Paul in grand fashion, gives us the solution to many of our problems. What is it?

But godliness with contentment is great gain, (1 Timothy 6:6, ESV)

Godliness with contentment is great gain. What did Paul just say? I want you all to sit with this verse for just a moment. It is not just godliness that is great gain … Paul pairs it with contentment. So let’s talk about contentment. How many of you sitting here today, or listening at home … how many of you are content with your life? How many of you are discontented with you life? Why? Why are you content or discontent?

Friends, my prayer for you today is that you would find contentment in Christ. What we need in the church is more Christ Sufficient Contentment! How do we get that? You must tap into the BLESSINGS you have in Christ. Christian, do you realize that you have been UNITED to Jesus Christ? All of his riches are yours. He opened you access to heaven. And he left a deposit in your heart—the blessed Holy Spirit—until the day he returns to this earth. You ARE rich in Christ! Paul continues this challenge in vv. 7-8:

for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (1 Timothy 6:7-8, ESV)

Is this verse as mind-blowing for you as it is for me? Think about your life for just a moment. Do you realize that many of us—especially in central New Jersey—spend our whole lives acquiring stuff? Over the course of our lives we acquire grades in school, we acquire degrees, professional accolades, we acquire cars and homes and clothes and books and toys. We will sacrifice time and money and effort to acquire the resources to get these things … because at some level they are important to us. By the way—none of these things are necessarily bad.

But here’s the crazy part … one day we will all die. We will die one day … and all those things we acquired … you can’t take it with you. It’s gone. “You can’t take it with you!”

And what Paul is saying in this verse is that—the eternal reality of our lives should reshape our view of contentment and satisfaction.

Avoiding Money Love

So … how do we avoid money love? Let me leave you with four diagnostic actions for this week rooted in our three points for this morning. I encourage you to find a space in your journal, take some time to pray, and listen for the voice of the Spirit.

First, get out your JOURNAL. List your CRAVINGS. Let’s just be honest—we all have them. It doesn’t need to be In N Out Burger. There are things of this world that we are drawn to which become pre-eminent in our lives. They take the place of Jesus. Those cravings are enflamed by the false narratives of the world. Just like certain foods are addictive—so are the worlds stories. Many of today’s narratives are focused on our individual desires where we become the center of the universe. What are your cravings—list them and recognize where you are tempted.

Second, PRAY. Ask Jesus for CONTENTMENT. I am giving that action because I assume ALL of us wrestle with this point. As I mentioned, many of us live discontented lives. But if you are a follower of Christ, there is a better way. Take the road to Jesus. Phil Ryken writes, “Discontent is life’s burglar.” Don’t let comparison with others and obsession with your wants rob you of joy. Ask Jesus for a content heart.

Third, ACT. Remove the TRAPS from your life. Beware the Snare friends! Some of us know the snares, the traps, the places where are desires are tempted. Maybe it is the circle of friends you run with. It could be the investment or gambling websites you visit. Where do you feel tempted to get rich at the expense of following and trusting in Jesus? Remove those traps and place your eyes back on Jesus, the one who is sufficient to bring your contentment and provision this week and always.

Finally, ASPIRE. Orient your life towards SIMPLICITY. Have you noticed that the reason we often need more money is because our lives become more complex? When I was in college … I was happy with water and ramen noodles. Now … I have 100 things I need to pay for every month. I make more money than I ever have in my life … and I’m always finding more things to use it for—anyone else? What if we simplified our lives? Perhaps money would have less chances to grab a hold of our hearts. Seek simplicity this week.

Sacrifice Now, Enjoy Life Later

We began with the F.I.R.E. movement—financial independence retire early. That movement has a key principal that we can learn from: Sacrifice Now, Enjoy Life Later.

That’s actually a Biblical principal—but we a vastly different motivation. Jesus wants us to have FIRE in our lives … but a very different kind of FIRE. He wants to set our hearts on FIRE so that we will sacrifice now for the sake of the kingdom. Then, we will enjoy an eternal retirement with Christ. Give … generously. Then, later, more people will enjoy the benefits of eternal life with Jesus. This life is not the end … one day we will be with him. Paul comes back to this theme later in chapter 6, and further develops this theme …

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19, ESV)

 Did you read that? Sacrifice now … don’t focus on riches now … focus on God—the one who provides for us. Instead … do good. Be rich … in good works. Be generous … share your blessings. And as you do this you are laying a foundation for … when? The future. The future. The future.

The future … when we will take hold of eternal life. When you get that truth down in your heart … you can avoid money love now as you focus on the forever love of Jesus Christ. And that will bring the greatest satisfaction … ever.

By Pastor Dave Hentschel | June 15, 2025

1 Tim 5.17-6.2

This week, a familiar name in Christian music made headlines—Michael Tait, lead singer of the Newsboys and former member of DC Talk, publicly admitted to recent allegations of sexual misconduct and substance abuse. His confession brought a flood of emotions, not least because of a haunting DC Talk song from 1995: “What If I Stumble?”

The chorus still echoes:

“What if I stumble? What if I fall?
What if I lose my step and make fools of us all?”

The song opens with Brennan Manning’s stark quote:

“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle.”

Nearly 30 years later, those lyrics feel less like a warning and more like a lament. Michael Tait has stumbled. Kevin Max has walked away from the faith. TobyMac has endured deep personal loss. Brennan Manning, whose voice introduces the track, battled addiction much of his life. These aren’t abstract failures—they’re real people, with real wounds, in real need of grace.

And that brings us to 1 Timothy 5:17–6:2, a passage where the apostle Paul speaks directly to the heart of Christian integrity, especially in leadership—but also in everyday life.

1. Leaders and Compensation (1 Tim. 5:17–18)

Paul begins by saying that elders who lead well should be considered “worthy of double honor”—which includes both respect and financial support. Those who labor in preaching and teaching deserve provision, not neglect.

2. Leaders and Accusation (1 Tim. 5:19–21)

Paul also acknowledges the unique vulnerability of leaders: they can become targets for false accusations, or worse—untouchable when sin is real. That’s why he lays out clear boundaries:

• Don’t receive a charge without evidence.
• But if sin is confirmed, it must be dealt with publicly and without partiality.

Integrity is not just about guarding a leader’s reputation—it’s about guarding the church’s witness. Integrity builds trust. Hypocrisy destroys it.

3. Leaders and Ordination (1 Tim. 5:22–25)

Paul warns Timothy: don’t be hasty in laying on hands. Don’t rush leadership decisions. Why? Because a person’s character is like the tide—it eventually shows itself. Some sins are obvious, others hidden. But in time, everything comes to light.

4. Leaders and Vocation (1 Tim. 6:1–2)

At first glance, it seems odd that Paul shifts to talking about bondservants and masters—but there’s a theme running through it: how we live out our faith in daily work matters.

Paul says those who work under authority should show respect—not just to honor people, but to honor God. Why? Because our witness is always on display. The gospel doesn’t just transform our beliefs—it transforms our behavior, including how we work, lead, and respond to those in authority.

Integrity vs. Hypocrisy

If we had to sum up the theme of this passage in one word, it’s integrity—being the same in public and private, in belief and behavior. And the opposite of integrity? Hypocrisy—pretending to be one thing while living another.

Paul’s concern is not just about church structure—it’s about spiritual health. Because when integrity collapses, trust is broken and the gospel is tarnished. That’s true for pastors. It’s true for fathers. It’s true for every follower of Jesus.

What If I Stumble?

Let’s go back to that song. “What if I stumble? What if I fall?” The truth is—we will. You will. I will. Every leader, every father, every Christian stumbles at some point.

But integrity isn’t about never stumbling. It’s about how we respond when we do. Do we hide it? Spin it? Minimize it? Or do we own it? Confess it? Repent and get back up, clinging to grace?

Whether you’re leading in a church, a business, or a home—your integrity matters. The gospel calls us to be the same person behind the scenes as we are in public.

Let’s be men—and women—who walk in integrity, so that when the question comes: “What if I stumble?”—we can answer with the cross. There’s grace. There’s restoration. And there’s strength to get back up.

The Loneliness Epidemic

Have you ever felt … alone? Maybe you are lonely right now … longing for deeper relationships. You long for the roots of the other trees in your life. Well, you are not the only one. Loneliness is more than a feeling; it’s a public health crisis.

Several years ago, then U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy raised awareness about the American loneliness epidemic and its serious consequences. In his 2023 report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” Murthy highlighted the links between loneliness and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. Young people are especially affected, with 79% of adults aged 18-24 reporting feeling lonely, compared to 41% of those 66 and older.

What is the solution? Murthy suggests we foster deeper connections with others through relationships, service, and community. .That sounds like something the church can offer. Murthy said, “Building community is one of the most important things we can do for our health and wellbeing.” By prioritizing genuine connections and collective purpose, we can address loneliness and its widespread impact on mental and physical health.^[1]

Can the church cure loneliness? I believe it can. Paul believed it can. In 1 Timothy 5:1-16, Paul offers four guidelines for life in God’s family. If we follow those guidelines … we can produce an antidote to loneliness. What are they? (1) Relational RESPECT. (2) Practical PROVISION. (3) Esteem Your ELDERS. (4) Participate with PURPOSE. If we follow those guidelines … the church can show the world sometime different—an antidote to loneliness.

Relational Respect

As we enter chapter 5, Paul begins to outline this intergenerational relational respect in the family of God. Look how he begins:

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. (1 Timothy 5:1-2, ESV)

Wow. So these verses come on the heels of 1 Timothy 4:12. There, Paul told Timothy, a young man, the example he should set. But how does that play out? He gives examples in vv. 1-2 moving from older to younger and male to female.

First, in the family of God, treat older men as if they were your father. Do not “rebuke” and older man, he says. This is not to say that an older man never needs correction. However, the ESV obscures the sharpness of this word. It should read, “do not rebuke an older man harshly.” Why? Because this would communicate disrespect. Correct … but gently in love. Younger people have an opportunity to set an example in SPEECH.

Second, treat younger men as brothers. How many of you out there have younger brothers? How many of you are younger brothers? Its very easy for the older siblings to look down on their younger brothers … who can be a bit rowdy. This clause is a challenge for the older members of the congregation—don’t dismiss younger men—they are your brothers!

Third, Paul moves onto the older women and younger women. They are to be considered mothers and sisters. He adds an important clause here—“with all purity.” Timothy is to set an example in PURITY. This is a reminder to set up appropriate guardrails so that there are no temptations for inappropriate romantic relationships. You must respect relationships with both older women and younger women.

Paul’s challenge for us in these first two verses is this: develop respectful intergenerational relationships. This is a key component to curing loneliness. In our world, it is so easy to break into our age groups and complain about others. And then, add social media in the mix and people use their platforms to tear others down. The older people complain about the younger people and their music choices! The younger people complain about the older people and their inflexibility!

Let me offer two popular examples: The BOOMERS and the ZOOMERS. I’ll bet we have representatives of each in the room.The “Baby Boom Generation” and the “Gen Z” generation often trade barbs at one another through online memes. The generation following “Gen Z,” my kids generations, is being called “Gen Alpha.” I’m sorry … but if you call someone part of the Alpha Generation we are already setting them up for narcissistic tendancies. “I’m the Alpha.”

But back to the boomers and zoomers. When the younger people don’t want to hear from the other people … what is the popular insult? “Ok, Boomer.” In other words … you don’t know what you are talking about. And then the Boomers look at the Zoomers and say, “You don’t know what you are talking about.” Then the GenX and Millenials start to get in on the action as well. Do any of these conversations communicate respect?

Practical Provision

Beginning in v. 3, Paul offers a practical way the church is called to help those who are lonely and hurting. He offers an extended treatment of how to care for widows. While this is the example, the principal centers on caring for the most vulnerable among us … especially in your own family.

A very practical example is widows. Paul writes this:

Honor widows who are truly widows. (1 Timothy 5:3, ESV)

I want you to notice two clauses. The first is the command: “Honor Widows.” This is an imperative in the Greek—a command. The fact that Paul addresses this topic—and spends 12 verses discussing it—means that it was an issue in the Ephesian Church. A “widow,” if you don’t know, is a woman whose husband has died and she has not remarried. The word, “honor,” meant to give them what they are due—particularly as it related to finances. Because the husband often earned the money, widows in the ancient world often had no way to earn money … and they needed help. That word can also be used of “honoring the gods,” which shows up in the next verse where Paul makes this a matter of religious duty.[2] Second, the qualification, “who are truly widows,” may seem a bit perplexing. What did this mean? Isn’t it clear who the widows are? The phrase means, “the widows who are really in need.” In other words, this applies to widows who have no family to care for them—then the church must step in to help.

This introduces an important principal: Family are the first responders! Your family is a mini church. Before the church was formed, there was the family—and it serves as a picture of God’s family. But you must care for your family first. Paul continues in this line:

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. (1 Timothy 5:4, ESV)

Notice the important principals outline here: children and grandchildren are called to provide practical provision for their parents and grandparents who may be widows. What are they called to do? Show godliness … “to their own household” … and make a return to their parents. If you do this … God is pleased. The word, “honor,” in verse 3 echoes the fifth commandment—honor your father and mother. That command, of course, has a qualification to it—“honor your father and mother … that it may go well with you (Eph. 6:3).” Why are widows mentioned … but not the men? A little cultural background would be helpful …

In the Greco-Roman world, men were the ones who made financial provisions for the family. As such, women whose husbands died could find themselves with no means of support, especially if children would not help. This was the background for the first deacons in Acts 6. In the ancient world, widows were particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Jesus himself recognized this and denounced the religious leaders who “devoured widow’s houses (Lk. 20:47).”

Women who were really in need were lacking support from their relatives … they needed the church’s help. Paul seems to be challenging individual Christians here—take care of your family! However, he is also challenging the church—take care of those who don’t have a family!

Church, God’s heart is for the widows. Care for orphans and widows receives sizeable attention throughout the Old and New Testament. Most notable is how God himself is described in Psalm 68:5. God is …

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5, ESV)

God is a protector of widows. (Pause) And if God is a protector of widows … should not his church do the same as a reflection of his character? Additionally, Jesus himself cared about widows by citing them in his parables (Lk. 18) and highlighting their faith (Lk. 21). Now, why is God’s heart, in particular, drawn to widows and orphans—why do they get so much of his attention in scripture? Because they are amongst the most vulnerable classes of people. They have experienced the effects of the fall in a tangible way. And God’s heart is drawn to the vulnerable—never forget that.

Esteem Your Elders

Our American culture idolizes youth. Does anyone else feel that? This is not as big a problem in other cultures who esteem their elders far better than we do. In other cultures … it’s the opposite. Have you ever seen the Disney movie Encanto? Who runs the family and garners the respect? Abuela. Age and experience is something to be attained. But in America, people are always trying to look younger … stay younger … dress younger. How much money do we spend trying to look younger than we actually are? Advertisers want young people hooked on their products. Politicians are trying to capture the youth vote. At some point … you just need to act your age friends. This is a problem that is felt outside the church …

In a New York Times article, actress Frances McDormand spoke out against what she called Hollywood’s and America’s “perverse fixation on youth.” McDormand said:

“There’s no desire to be an adult. Adulthood is not a goal. It’s not seen as a gift. Something happened culturally: No one is supposed to age past 45—[in terms of dress, cosmetics, or attitudes]. Everybody dresses like a teenager. Everybody dyes their hair. Everybody is concerned about a smooth face.”[3]

“There is no desire to be an adult.” Let me just say … we need more adults. We need more people with life experience who can offer wisdom. But if you are a senior … Paul now offers a challenge for you:

Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. (1 Timothy 5:9-10, ESV)

Notice here that Paul offers further qualifications for supporting widows. The first one has to do with age. Why? In Roman society, age 60 was thought to be the cut off for widows to remarry. Or, if you were under 60, you could potentially work. In other words, if you were under 60, you could fend for yourself or find another husband. This age requirement was an issue of qualification. The church had limited resources and wanted to steward them well—they wanted to help those who really needed it.

What’s interesting, now, is that Paul offers some more qualifications that sound like deacons from chapter 3. This widow should have been a “one-man woman.” Her life should have been marked by fidelity in her marriage. Her reputation should be one of good works. What are those good works? She raised children, was hospitable, washed the feet of saints—which was an ancient custom of showing honor—and she helped those in need.

The end of v. 10 is a summary—she has devoted herself to “good work or good deeds.” Now, you may be asking, why is there a long list of qualifications? Paul is likely offering a type of policy for who should be prioritized in support since the church has limited resources.

Participate with Purpose

v. 9-10 serve as a guideline for the type of widow the church should support. They also serve as an example for younger widows to follow. Paul has some sharp words for younger widows in the final verses of this chapter:

But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. (1 Timothy 5:11-12, ESV)

Woah … hold up Paul! What do you have against the younger widows in the church? Don’t they deserve help as well? I know at face value in the English, this verse sounds harsh. However, there is more to his reasoning. It was common for enrolled widows to take a pledge of singleness—the word for “faith (Pistis)” in this verse. It is most likely that Paul did not think younger widows—who could remarry—should be bound by that pledge. His concern was that they would not be able to keep their oath of singleness and would marry anyway—possibly to an unbeliever—thus bringing judgment on themselves by walking away from Jesus.

Paul highlights more concerns in vv. 13-15:

Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. For some have already strayed after Satan. (1 Timothy 5:13-15, ESV)

Paul’s concern in v. 13 is that younger widows would not be able to concentrate of responsible service. They would get distracted by worldly concerns. They would be “idlers, gossips and busybodies.” The idea of “gossip” conveys a meaning of speech similar to Paul’s concern for the false teachers. In fact, it might mean that these women have been won over by the false teaches and have abandoned the true gospel. As Paul says in v. 15—“some have strayed after Satan.”—they are outside the faith. In sum, the point here is a lack of productive service to the kingdom.

A Ministry of Benevolence

So what does this all mean for me? There are three key principals from this passage I want you to takeaway with you. Three principals that should guide us individually, and corporately, as we think about caring ministries.  This passage captures the essence of benevolence minstry for the Christian. Benevolence simply means to perform kind and charitable acts—to give generously.

First, when it comes to care, Family are First Responders. What does that look like … for you? I want to challenge you individually to think about benevolence. Are there ways you need to provide for your family now? Are there future preparations you need to make to care for your parents or grandparents? God puts us in families and gives responsibilities to care for them—so take some time to plan. If there are needs down the road, planning can make a big difference. It can help your loved one feel cared for and not alone. By being proactive, you are participating in God’s ministry of care with purpose. There is beauty in the sacred duty of caring for your parents who once cared for you.

Second, the church is a second line safety net. In other words, we can’t help everyone … so we need to care for people when their relatives cannot. At MBC, we have two monetary funds that serve in this capacity. First, we have our ENCOURAGEMENT FUND, which focuses on smaller gifts to help people with groceries, or let them know we are thinking about them. Generally, these gifts are no more than $500.00. Second, we do have a BENEVOLENCE FUND to assist with larger needs. And, much like Paul outlined a process for choosing which widows to support, we do have a Benevolence Team and application to assess who we will help. If you are in need of assistance, you can contant Gary Isler who heads up that team.

Finally, Paul calls us to priortize care for the most vulnerable among us. In this passage, widows were the case study. However, there are more marginalized people. Ask yourself this week—are there vulnerable people I can help? Are there ministries that serve the vulnerable I can support? All of our local partner ministries, including Feeding Hands, help the vulnerable. First Choice protects the unborn. Young Lives helps teenage moms. City Relief helps the unhoused. Market Street ministers to those in addiction. A ministry like Joni and Friends cares for the disabled. How can you priortize the vulnerable? And when you do … ministry to the lonely will come center stage.

Can the church cure loneliness? Yes … yes it can. If we follow God’s guidelines for the family: respectful relationships, practical provision, esteem your elders, and participating with purpose. By living that out, we become the hands and feet of Jesus to those we love.

***********************************************************************************************************

[1] Aditi Shrikant, “U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy: This is ‘one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness’,” CNBC (1-6-25)

[2] Kostenberger, 5:3

[3] Frank Bruni, “A Star Who Has No Time for Vanity,” New York Times (10-15-14)

By Pastor Dave Hentschel | June 1, 2025
Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

What does it mean to be a faithful pastor? It’s a question that has shaped my own heart for ministry—and one that Paul addresses so powerfully in 1 Timothy 4. In this chapter, he reminds Timothy—and all of us—what matters most for spiritual leaders in the church.

You might wonder: “I’m not a pastor. Does this even apply to me?” Yes! Because while this chapter is about pastors, it’s really about spiritual leadership. Every small group leader, every elder, every Sunday school teacher carries this charge: to shepherd those entrusted to their care.

So what does that charge look like? Paul lays out three essential responsibilities:

1. Protect the Sheep (1-5)

Paul begins with a sober warning: “The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith.” False doctrine isn’t just an intellectual issue—it’s a spiritual battle. Paul says it’s the work of “deceitful spirits” and even “teachings of demons.”

That’s a strong statement! But it underscores the stakes. When leaders fail to correct false teaching, people’s faith is on the line. Some may “depart from the faith,” turning from the truth of Jesus to embrace distortions that can never save.

As pastors—and as people of faith—we are called to discern truth from error. That’s not about paranoia, but about clarity and courage. Just like a shepherd fends off wolves, a spiritual leader must guard against teachings that pull people away from Christ.

In Timothy’s day, some false teachers taught that marriage and certain foods were inherently unspiritual. But Paul counters with the truth: “Everything created by God is good.” God’s good gifts—like marriage and food—are to be received with gratitude. False teachers, by contrast, impose rules that look holy but ultimately deny God’s good design.

This matters for us today, too. We live in a world awash with spiritual confusion. Many Christians can’t clearly explain the gospel or essential truths of the faith. Studies show that even in Bible-believing churches, key doctrines—like the deity of Christ and the reality of original sin—are often misunderstood.

That’s why Paul tells Timothy: protect the sheep by teaching the truth. False teaching will always find a platform, but faithful shepherds stand as a line of defense, upholding the gospel and safeguarding the souls of God’s people.

2. Lead the Sheep (6-12)

Shepherds don’t just guard the sheep from danger—they lead them forward in faith.

Paul says, “If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus.” Spiritual leadership isn’t about being impressive—it’s about faithfully pointing people to Jesus.

How does a pastor—or any spiritual leader—do that? By setting an example in both doctrine and life. Paul tells Timothy to “train yourself for godliness.” This is more than head knowledge; it’s a daily practice, like an athlete training for a race.

Paul contrasts physical training with spiritual training. Physical fitness is valuable, but godliness is even better—it has “value in every way,” for this life and the life to come.

I love that Paul acknowledges that spiritual maturity isn’t tied to age. “Let no one despise you for your youth,” he tells Timothy. Spiritual leadership is about character—about speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. It’s about living in a way that models the gospel.

That’s a challenge for all of us, no matter our role. Whether you’re leading a Bible study, raising kids, or just trying to live as a faithful witness at work—ask yourself: “Am I training for godliness? Am I growing in the kind of character that reflects Jesus?”

3. Feed the Sheep (13-16)

Finally, Paul tells Timothy to devote himself “to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” The shepherd’s ultimate task is to feed the sheep with the word of God.

Why? Because God’s word is life. In a world full of distractions and half-truths, only God’s word can truly nourish the soul. As H.B. Charles once said, “We don’t come to church to hear a preacher’s opinion—we come to hear news from another network: heaven.”

A pastor’s job isn’t to entertain or impress. It’s to open the Scriptures and show people Jesus. And that’s not just for preachers—every believer who opens God’s word with someone else is helping to feed the flock.

Paul urges Timothy: “Do not neglect the gift you have… Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Day by day, as we stay rooted in God’s word and apply it to our lives, we grow in Christlikeness.

Finally, Paul’s charge is for all of us: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.” Right doctrine and right living go hand in hand. It’s possible to be doctrinally sound but cold in heart—or full of passion but off-base in belief. God calls us to both: to be humble about what we don’t know, and firm in what we do know.

A Call for All of Us

What does all this mean for our churches today?

It means we need leaders—pastors, teachers, mentors—who will protect, lead, and feed the flock. Leaders who will stand firm in the gospel, lead by example, and nourish people with the living word of God.

But it also means each of us has a role. Because every believer is called to pursue godliness, to test what they hear against Scripture, and to live out their faith with love and integrity.

Behind every faithful pastor stands the Chief Shepherd—Jesus, who laid down his life for the sheep. He protects us, leads us, and feeds us by his Spirit. And as we follow him together, we become a church that reflects his heart to the world.

So let’s pray for our pastors, let’s support them, and let’s commit to being a people shaped by the truth of God’s word. Because when Christ is at the center, and his word is our guide, we will be a healthy, thriving church.

Amen.

The Measure of Success

What makes a good leader? There is a famous scene in chapter 10 of Mark’s gospel. Jesus is walking along the road with his disciples. James and John come up to Jesus and start jockeying for special treatment. They want to sit at his right hand in glory. This request garners jealousy and indignation from the rest of the disciples. James and John want a special place next to the powerful and charismatic leader. Jesus uses this as an opportunity to teach them about power and leadership. He says, essentially, this request for power is something the pagans want. Jesus tells them to pursue a different path …

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:43-45, NIV)

Not so with you. Don’t seek power … become a slave … become a servant. After all, this is the model Jesus himself gave us. And yet, that often doesn’t sit well with us. In our 21^st Century American world, it’s all well and good to serve people … but the metrics better match up. The sales need to increase, the organization needs to grow, your platform needs to garner followers and views. And it that is not happening … well … you are probably not a good leader. You may have high sales … but you have little influence.

Additionally, due to the internet and social media, we live in an era of Celebrity Pastors. Over the past decade, how many of these gifted leaders have fallen due to character issues? And yet, we are often drawn to their ministries over the faithful, ordinary shepherds who engage the day in, day out work of pastoral ministry.

What Jesus is saying, and what Paul will say is this: Character comes before competence. In the church, and I would argue, in the world, if you don’t have character … whatever natural competency you have will be seriously diminished.

The Character of The Elder

In a natural progression, Paul now speaks about the specific leadership positions, or offices, within the church. He begins in 3:1,

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. (1 Timothy 3:1, ESV)

Here, in v. 1, we meet the first office in the church: The Overseer. That is a rather intimidating title—the overseer. What are they doing? Looking over your shoulder? Standing in the balcony peering down on the congregation from their God-Given perch? Not exactly. It’s worth setting the stage by getting some clarity on the word that is translated, “overseer.”

In 1 Timothy 3:1, the word for overseer is “episkopos,” which is sometimes translated, “bishop.” You’ve probably guessed, this is where the Episcopal Church gets its name. You might ask, “Well if that means overseer and bishop, where do the elders come in?” Great question. In other Scriptures, this word is synonymous with the Greek word, presbyteros, which is often translated as “elder.” That, of course, is where the Presbyterian church gets is name. In the cultural context of 1 Timothy, the term presbyteros had a Jewish origin, while the word episkopos had a Greek origin. As such, it makes sense that these words were both used to describe the same role.

Where are the Baptists, you might ask? To make things more confusing, there is a third word, poimen, which is translated as “pastor” or “shepherd.” The point is this: those three words are use interchangeable in the Scriptures and convey a similar meaning. The best example of this interchangeable use is found in 1 Peter 5:1-2, where Peter discusses the role of elders:

So I exhort the elders (presbyteros) among you, as a fellow elder (presbyteros) and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd (poimen) the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight (episkopos), not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you […] (1 Peter 5:1-2, ESV)

As you can see, all three words are being used to describe the office and work of the elders. For example, “elder” refers to the life stage or commensurate experience of the person. “Oversight” is the function of watching over the church and its doctrine. “Pastor/Shepherd” refers to the personal care given to the members of the church.

Later on in 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul will use the word, presbyteros, to describe the work of the elders as well. Before we dive into the character of these elders, let me sketch out the Biblical picture of the office of elder:

1. First, we see a plurality of elders in the NT. In 1 Tim 4:14, Paul speaks of a “council of elders” who lay hands on Timothy. The 1 Peter passage, along with Phil 1:1, Titus 1:5, and Acts 20:17, all describe more than one, or a plurality of elders.
2. Secondly, the office of elder is restricted to qualified men. Both 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 describe the elder as being the husband of one wife.
3. Finally, all the elders rule, or oversee the church, but some are given greater responsibility in teaching. 1 Timothy 5:17 describes this dichotomy.

The elders of the church give spiritual oversight and protection to the flock whom God has entrusted to them. Paul takes this role very seriously, as do we here at MBC. It is a “noble task” as Paul describes in v. 1, to be “aspired to.”

Character comes before competence. I will also say, that some of us in the room may have experienced hurt because our leaders did not display these qualities. That is why Paul makes a big deal about this list—our leaders need the character of the office. This is leadership as it should be. Paul writes:

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (1 Timothy 3:2-3, ESV)

These two verses describe the Elder’s morals and ministry. This is a sobering list. I want you to think back to our opening case study with Hitler and Desmond Doss. Often we pick people for leadership who are charismatic and naturally gifted. They are very competent … but their character may be lacking. This list is a guard against that in the church. As a leader, these morals and ministry action should be your first priority.

The Heart of The Deacon

The Elders are the leaders tasked with shepherding the church and offering spiritual oversight. However, there are many practical and physical tasks that need to get done to care for the body of Christ. This is where the office of Deacon comes in. The word, “Deacon,” comes from the Greek word, diakonos, which is roughly translated as “servant or minister.” The first deacons appear in Acts chapter 6. The Apostles were confronted with an increasing need the care for the physical needs of the widows of the church body. What was the solution? We read this in v. 2:

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (Acts 6:2-3, ESV)

So, leaders of the church recognized that caring for those in need was a necessary task, but it would take them away from spiritual oversight of the church. So … they chose the first deacons and appointed them to this role. They were servants who assisted the elders in this important task. Although the word deacon is not present in this text, this is thought of as the beginning of the role. Interesting, this is the same word that Paul uses in Romans 13 about the government officials, often called ministers in today’s world. They are civil … servants.

The Deacons display the heart of service in their leadership calling. Paul highlights this office in 1 Timothy 3:8,

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. (1 Timothy 3:8, ESV)

Notice that connector, “likewise.” This points back to the role of the elder, but Paul is introducing this new role. The Deacon is not responsible for oversight of the church, but they are very important. As such, they are subject to many of the same character qualities as the elder. The elder should be above reproach … the Deacon should be “dignified,” a word that can be translated “worthy of respect.” How do they garner that respect? They are not hypocrites (double tongued), drunkards or greedy. Again, similar characteristics to elders. It is notable that the requirement of “teaching” is absent from the qualifications for Deacons, indicating the final authority on doctrine rests with the elders. V. 8 focuses on the Deacon’s ability to master his character. But Paul continues:

They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (1 Timothy 3:9, ESV)

While they are not required to teach, the Deacon should still have clear convictions about the Gospel, the Word of God, and doctrine. There were likely many who aspired to leadership in the church but did not hold to orthodox teaching—the Deacon stands in contrast to those false teachers. That word, “mystery” can also be translated as “deep truths,” which refers to the sum-total of all the truths of the faith. The deacon must have clear convictions. Additionally,

And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. (I Timothy 3:10, ESV)

There is a period of testing in the deacon’s life. In other words, if you want to serve as a deacon, your life will come under scrutiny. Here at MBC, we don’t have an official “office” of deacon, but we do have several teams that function in this capacity and must meet the qualifications of deacons. Our Care Leadership Team handles the practical needs of our church body. For example, they do visitation of the sick in hospitals or at home, they take meals from our shepherd’s freezer for people who are in need, they offer rides to doctor’s appointments.  Our Finance Team oversees the finances of the church. This includes, insurance, facilities, risk management, and many other items. Our Missions Team oversees our missionaries around the world ensuring that the Gospel goes forth into the world. If you want to serve on any of those teams … you must be a member and agree to our beliefs, as well as being tested and approved by our Elders. And if there is a concern about someone’s life, they may not be able to serve. The Deacon must be tested to prove themselves “blameless.”

The Mystery of Godliness

Now we come to the final segment that began all the way back in 2:1. It began with prayer. We learned about the differences between mean and women. We learned about applied leadership … but why does it all matter? Paul concludes:

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:14-15, ESV)

Paul is not sure when he is going to come to Ephesus … so he writes this section for two reasons: (1) ORDER. He wants Timothy and the church to know how to conduct themselves in the household of God. The church is not supposed to be a place of chaos … but order. You need leaders to maintain that order. You need to know the ground rules of behavior. This is partly why we have people go through membership class when you join MBC … so you know our expectations and beliefs. (2) TRUTH. Truth is at stake. Notice that he repeats the phrase he used back in chapter 1. This is God’s church … we are a Pillar and Buttress of the truth. You may remember that Pastor Dave explained the Pillar and the Buttress were the part of the structure that holds the building up. If you don’t have pillars or buttresses … the roof will collapse in on itself. The truth will be lost.

And this is why God gives Elders to the church: to make sure the church is holding fast to correct doctrine—we will not compromise on the Gospel or Biblical truth. Likewise … Deacons, through their acts of service, must also hold fast to the confession of the faith. If we lose the truth we believe … nothing matters. Those acts of service are of less effect if lives are lost and shipwrecked. The Devil wants to ensnare people and pull them away from the truth and we need  leaders who will fight for the Gospel and the hearts of God’s people. We need to proclaim the truth of the Gospel. And that is where Paul finishes chapter three. With a hymn … with a creed of the earlier church …

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: (1 Timothy 3:16a, ESV)

Through history, the church has developed confessions to hold on to the truth. This is a confession used in Ephesus to reveal the “mystery of godliness.” Again that word, “mystery” referred not to something unsolved … but to something long hidden now revealed. What was revealed? Listen …

He was manifested in the flesh,

    vindicated by the Spirit,

        seen by angels,

proclaimed among the nations,

    believed on in the world,

        taken up in glory.

(1 Timothy 3:16b, ESV)

The truth about Jesus Christ himself! This is why the church needs godly leaders … to hold fast to this truth! This is why all of us should aspire to live lives worthy of respect … so people will see something different about us and about this truth. Our lives literally can be used by God to save souls and point people to Jesus! What do we learn in these verses?

• INCARNATION: We learn about the incarnation … Jesus came to earth as a human being. He dwelt among us. He lived a perfect, sinless life. He died the death we should have died so that his blood could cover our sins. He made atonement for us and justified us before the Father.
• VINDICATION: But Jesus did not stay dead … he rose from the grave! By the Spirit he was vindicated! He defeated sin, hell, death and Satan by rising from the grave in victory!
• PROCLAMATION: This good news, the good news of the resurrected Jesus was proclaimed to the nations because in his name way are saved! That is what the early church did, they went around and proclaimed the truth about Jesus and salvation no matter the cost.
• BELIEF: And because they boldly risked their lives and held on to the truth … people believed … they believed in Jesus Christ for salvation!
• GLORY: Jesus Christ was taken up to heaven in glory and the future hope for all believers is that one day, one day, one day he will return in the same way he left to make all things right in this world! Church … that is our hope! It is the hope of the world and we cannot lose that truth!

That is why the church is essential! That is why leaders are essential! That is why we gather every Sunday to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel and the word of God!

What makes a good leader? First and foremost they place their trust in Jesus Christ and they live out the implications every day! They live for Jesus not themselves. Character comes before competence.

Some Bible verses make it onto coffee mugs and wall art. Others don’t.

One that probably never will is 1 Timothy 2:12: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” That’s a verse that often makes people uncomfortable—even Christians. It sounds foreign, even offensive, in our cultural moment. So why is it in the Bible? What does it really mean?

And more importantly—will we listen?

At our church, we’re in a series called “A Divine Blueprint: Practical Wisdom for Building Healthy Churches” based on Paul’s letter to Timothy. This past Sunday, we looked at one of the most debated, controversial, and misunderstood passages in the New Testament: 1 Timothy 2:8–15.

This text has divided churches, denominations, and families. But rather than avoiding it, we pressed in. And what we found wasn’t oppression or injustice—but a beautiful design from a good and wise God who loves both men and women deeply.

Equal in Value, Different by Design

Let’s start with what the Bible doesn’t say. It doesn’t say women are less intelligent, less spiritual, or less important than men. In fact, the Bible affirms the full dignity and value of women from Genesis to Revelation. Women were the first to witness the resurrection. Women supported Jesus’ ministry. Women are called image-bearers of God—just like men.

But the Bible also teaches that men and women are not interchangeable. We’re equal in worth, yet distinct in role and function. That’s not oppressive—it’s divine design. We see this in creation (Genesis 1–2), in the home (Ephesians 5), and in the church (1 Timothy 2–3).

In 1 Timothy 2, Paul addresses how men and women are to conduct themselves in the gathered church. And he offers a pattern that reflects God’s created order—not cultural preference.

Four Ways God’s Design Unfolds

1. A Lifestyle That Reflects Godly Beauty (vv. 8–10)
   Paul begins with a call to both men and women. Men are to pray—lifting holy hands without anger or quarrels. Women are to adorn themselves not with outward extravagance but with good works that reflect godliness.

In other words: Men, true strength isn’t in dominating others, but in humble dependence on God. Women, true beauty isn’t about being seen—it’s about reflecting the character of Christ. Both are called to holiness.

2. A Learning That Reflects Submissive Wisdom (v. 11)
   Next, Paul says, “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.” That might sound regressive at first—but don’t miss the radical part: Let a woman learn. In the first-century world, this was revolutionary. Christianity dignifies women as disciples, not spectators.

“Quietly” doesn’t mean silence. It means a peaceful, teachable spirit. And “submissiveness” isn’t about inferiority—it’s about alignment with God’s order. We’re all called to submit to someone: to elders, to God’s Word, to one another in Christ.

3. A Leadership That Reflects God’s Created Order (vv. 12–14)
   Paul then says that in the church, the role of authoritative teaching and governance is reserved for qualified men (as elders). Why? Because Adam was formed first, and Eve was deceived. He’s grounding his instruction not in local culture, but in Genesis.

This isn’t about competence. It’s about calling. Not about gifting, but about responsibility. Leadership in God’s design is not domination—it’s sacrificial service. And the call to submit is not about value—it’s about order. When that order is honored, the church thrives.

4. A Legacy That Reflects God’s Redemptive Plan (v. 15)
   Finally, Paul says that “women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness.” This isn’t about earning salvation. It’s about embracing womanhood as God designed it. Whether through motherhood or nurturing spiritual life in others, women play a powerful, irreplaceable role in God’s redemptive story.

Some scholars also see here a reference to the Childbearing—the birth of Christ through Mary. If so, it reminds us that salvation itself entered the world through a woman’s obedience.

Submitting to a Good God

Let’s be honest. Passages like this are hard. They challenge our modern assumptions. They confront wounds caused by abuse or imbalance. And they call us to surrender—especially when we don’t fully understand.

But that’s what faith is, isn’t it?

At the heart of this passage is a question for all of us—not just women: Will I trust God’s Word, even when it contradicts my preferences? Will I submit to His design, believing it is for my good and His glory?

Our world says freedom comes through self-definition. But Scripture says true freedom is found in submission to God. Not blind obedience. Not joyless compliance. But glad-hearted surrender to a God who designed us, knows us, and loves us.

When the Church Lives This Out…

When men lead with humility and strength—not passivity or control…
When women flourish in their God-given roles—not silenced, but celebrated…
When both serve with joy and mutual respect under the Lordship of Christ…

The church becomes radiant. The watching world sees a glimpse of the gospel.

This is not about power plays or platform politics. It’s about displaying something bigger than ourselves: the relationship between Christ and His bride. The dance of creation and redemption. The beauty of ordered partnership.

And in that divine design—everyone flourishes.

Let’s be that kind of church.
Let’s not be afraid of hard texts.
Let’s not conform to culture, but be transformed by God’s Word.
Let’s not grasp for position—but bow in surrender.

Because when God’s good design is embraced, everyone flourishes.

The Consequences of a Faulty Foundation

A healthy church has a solid foundation. However, if the foundation of any building is faulty, there are consequences. Let me offer an example. In June 2021, shockingly, part of a high-rise condo building in Surfside, Florida dropped into the parking garage below. The condominium tower was designed in the late 1970s and marketed as luxury living. During the investigation, engineers discovered that key decisions made during construction, while legal in the 1970s, compromised the building’s foundation and integrity. Did you hear that? The foundation … was compromised.

A Wall Street Journal article reported the problems this way:

[The original builders] skipped waterproofing in areas where saltwater could seep into concrete […] They put the building’s structural slabs on thin columns without the support of beams in some places. They installed too few of the special heavy walls that help keep buildings from toppling […] And they appeared to have put too little concrete over rebar in some places and not enough rebar in others.^[1]

I’m no building expert, but that sounds like a lot of missed problems to me. Problems which, had they been inspected over the years, could have been repaired. But the condo board failed to act. As a result, the consequences were severe. This tragic collapse caused the death of 98 people. It was a disaster without modern precedent in the US. If you have ever lived in a condominium complex … can you imagine?

The reason for the breathtaking tragedy … was a faulty foundation.

And this faulty foundation led to catastrophic results. Do you see the spiritual implications for the church of Jesus Christ? In the surfside condominium, people lost their lives. Likewise, the church has the ability to impact the eternal destiny of hundreds, maybe even thousands of people. If we build our church on the wrong foundation … lives could be lost … forever.

Reception of God’s Mercy

What is the foundation of a healthy church? First, healthy churches are filled with people who have received God’s mercy. More precisely, healthy churches produce Christians who understand and live out the implications of God’s mercy in their lives. God’s grace and mercy is undeserved. And yet God, through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ, offers us this transformative gift, not because we have performed the right rituals or lived a good life in the eyes of the world. Rather, we are saved by a sheer act of God’s underserved mercy.

Friends, God’s mercy found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church. As we continue in 1 Timothy 1, Paul shares his own encounter with God’s mercy …

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, (1 Timothy 1:12, ESV)

This verse is juxtaposed again our ending from last week. In 1:8-10 Paul is offering a justification for the law and it’s purpose. He speaks about the Gospel being entrusted to him in his mission. Now, he outlines three blessings from the Lord: (1) First, strength. He says, “God gave me strength through Jesus Christ.” (2) Second, faithfulness. More than strength, God judged him faithful to the mission of the Gospel message. (3) Finally, calling. God called Paul into vocational ministry service, and we are the benefactor of that work thousands of years later. But now comes the mercy—look how he continues:

though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:13-14, ESV)

Wow. That is a transformed life! Notice he says, “I received mercy …” he will repeat that phrase twice in this section. It can be translated, “I was shown mercy,” or as Puritan Thomas Goodwin wrote, “I was be-mercified.” I love it. Have you been be-mercified? I think this a moment to turn to your neighbor and say, “I was be-mercified!” Paul was man who experienced the reception of God’s underserved mercy.

Friends, when you understand and experience mercy you will help create a grace-shaped ministry in the church. However, if you don’t understand this central reality of the Gospel—it’s likely you will bring worldly habits into the church. The Gospel of Grace is the foundation for the church.

Why? Because of the Gospel—and that is what he outlines next:

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15, ESV)

There is it my friends—this is the Gospel message in a nutshell. Paul says, “I was the worst of sinners! If there was a captain of the sinning team … I would be it! Any sin you can do I can do better!” Notice also that his statement is in the present tense. “I am the foremost” of sinners. He does say he “was the foremost.” Paul is acutely aware of his sinfulness. And that is a mark of maturity—the closer we get to Jesus, the more sin gets exposed. It offers us a chance to repent more and turn from that sin. Paul is a sinner. We are sinners.

And yet, why did Jesus Christ come? To save sinners. To save sinners. To save sinners. That is why Jesus came. Jesus did not come to walk around Israel for 3 years and get some exercise. Jesus did not come to be a self-help guru who talked to people from a boat. Jesus did not come to teach Peter who to improve his fishing technique. Jesus Christ came … to inaugurate the Kingdom of God on earth by living as a human being and hanging on a cross to appease the wrath of the father against sin, give us his righteousness and adopt us into his family!

Jesus Centered Worship.

Paul writes this in 1 Timothy 1:17:

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17, ESV)

Amen. Here is the quick summary of this verse: Jesus is worthy of all our worship. A healthy church … worships Jesus with their whole life. But you don’t worship Jesus with you whole life … unless you know what it’s like to receive his mercy. I heard a pastor say one time, “you know if someone is really and truly saved by how they sing Amazing Grace.” If you are singing with you hands in your pockets looking bored, one might ask, “do you get it? Did Jesus make any difference?” But if you are crying out to God with tears, no caring what anyone thinks, because you know, you know what Jesus did and the change it made … you’ll sing differently. You’ll live differently.

But what does it mean to be Gospel Centered? In his new book, Lest We Drift, author Jared Wilson offers a history and critique of the recent “Gospel Centered Movement.” Still, he argues we should make the Gospel central. Paul tells us, in 1 Corinthians 15, that the Gospel message is of “first importance.” Wilson defines these parameters for Gospel centrality:

1. The whole Bible is about Jesus. The Biblical story leads to and flows from the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is king and our worship must center on him.
2. People change by grace, not law. As Pastor Dave said last week, the law has it’s place and purpose. But people really and truly change … when we understand that we don’t deserve God’s mercy. Then, we live thankful lives full of worship.
3. Our ultimate validation is found not in our performance, but in Christ’s. This is the point that many people don’t quite get. It is hard wired into our American mentality … that we must perform to be accepted and successful. We think it works the same way with God. We think we have to earn his favor through good works. However, I want you to ask yourself, who then are you really trusting for your salvation and security? If it is about your performance … aren’t you trusting in yourself? If that is the case … does Jesus’ work on the cross really mean anything?

Friends … the Gospel of Jesus Christ tells us that we are saved by Christ’s performance on our behalf. As a result you can rest … and worship him. Is your life marked by Jesus Centered worship? This statement is very true: we all worship something. This week, I would encourage you to take an inventory of your life and ask, am I worshipping Jesus with my whole life?

Faith Driven Warfare

Finally, Paul does not leave this section without giving Timothy a case study to think about. He outlines a scenario where hard leadership decisions were required. Look at vv. 19-20:

By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:19-20, ESV)

In these last two verses, we encounter the sad case of Hymenaeus and Alexander. We don’t get much more information about these two men, but what we are told is not flattering. In the first half of v. 19, Paul tells Timothy to hold onto his faith and a good conscious … but then he says that “some have rejected this…” specifically these two men. What was the result? Their faith was shipwrecked.

It is hard to capture this in the English, but if you look at the original language, the Greek word for “rejection” is very strong. It means to push something away … to repudiate it. John Stott notes the word implies, “violent and deliberate rejection.” This example is the equivalent of two church leaders, perhaps even a pastor or elder, not just leaving the church but strongly pushing away the Gospel or even advocating against Jesus.

These examples are to show a contrast to Timothy who is charged to keep the faith throughout the letter. It is like Paul is screaming, “Don’t be like these guys!” What are the consequences of their actions? Excommunication. This is also an example of what we would call church discipline. Paul says that these men were “handed over to Satan,” which sounds extremely harsh. This is same language he used in 1 Corinthians 5, and it referred to removing someone from the church and placing them back into the world. Paul was very concerned with protecting the church from false teaching. They were handed over so they “may learn not to blaspheme.”

Let me say a word about Church Discipline: Yes, this passage may sound harsh, but let me explain the purpose of discipline as the church has understood it. We also have a position paper that our elders crafted to guide how we operate as a church.

Church discipline is faith driven warfare in action. Why? Because it is about protecting the foundation of the church from people who seek to do harm to the bride of Christ. It should not be viewed negatively. Church Discipline, guided by Scriptures like Matthew 18 and 1 Cor. 5, is done for two main reasons: (1) It is to protect the flock from people who would cause the destruction of the church. Some people are a threat to the foundation of the church—false teachers, for example, can take people away from the one true Gospel. This is why the church is given ELDERS, overseers of the church to protect the flock. Paul will speak to that in chapter 3. (2) Second, Church discipline is meant, not primarily for punishment, but for restoration. When someone comes under church discipline, the Elders of the church are saying, “We can no longer validate this person’s profession of faith … because they are no longer acting like a Christian. We have confronted them about their sin … but they have not repented. And because they have not repented … we are treating them like an unbeliever.”

The end goal of the discipline is not to punish the person … it is to show them the error of their ways … and bring them back to the mercy seat of God. It is about fighting for the heart’s of God’s people! Let me share with you a story of church discipline going really well … and how it can illustrate the mercy of God:

Pastor Mark Dever once shared a powerful story from Capitol Hill Baptist Church. A husband in the congregation had been unfaithful to his wife and remained unrepentant. In accordance with Scripture and after much counsel, the elders placed him under church discipline.

Over time, however, the man came to genuine repentance and sought restoration. At a members’ meeting, Pastor Mark invited him to speak. The man humbly confessed his sin, explained how the Lord had brought him to repentance, and asked for the forgiveness of the church and restoration to fellowship.

After he spoke, Mark gently dismissed him from the room and turned to the members. He asked them to vote on whether they believed this brother should be restored to the fellowship. Every hand in the room went up. Then Pastor Mark said, “I’d like to take that vote again—this time with him in the room.”

They invited the man back in, and with tears streaming down his face, he stood before the congregation as they all raised their hands once again to welcome him home. He was restored to his church—and ultimately, to his marriage.

That’s the redemptive power of biblical church discipline—grace, truth, and restoration in action. Church discipline is spiritual warfare because it is about protecting the foundation and restoring people to the mercy of God.

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[1] Konrad Putzier, “Behind the Florida Condo Collapse: Rampant Corner-Cutting,” The Wall Street Journal (8-24-21)

 

By Pastor Dave Hentschel | April 27, 2025

When you hear the word church, what comes to mind?

A building with a steeple? A Sunday event? Maybe even memories of a place where you were hurt? In our new sermon series, A Divine Blueprint: Practical Wisdom for Building Healthy Churches, we’re returning to the basics to rediscover what the church is truly meant to be.

We have launched into the book of 1 Timothy — a letter from the Apostle Paul to his younger protégé, Timothy — and we asked a simple but foundational question:
“What is a church?”

Vince Lombardi, the legendary NFL coach, used to start each season by holding up a football and declaring, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Even professional athletes needed regular reminders to focus on the basics. In the same way, we as Christians sometimes need to be reintroduced to the basics of what church is all about.

The Purpose of 1 Timothy: Why This Letter Matters

Paul spells out the purpose of his letter in 1 Timothy 3:14-15:
“I am writing these things to you so that… you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

The church isn’t merely a building, an event, or an organization — it’s a living organism, a family of believers called out of the world to worship Jesus and steward the gospel. The Greek word for church, ekklesia, means “the called-out ones.” We are the people of God, gathered together to display His glory to the world.

Paul reminds us that the church is like a building with pillars and a foundation — something that must be built with care, following God’s divine blueprint. If we veer off course, even with good intentions, we risk building something unstable that can’t withstand the storms of life.

In our fast-paced, consumer-driven culture, it’s tempting to think newer is always better. New strategies, marketing techniques, and flashy programs can be alluring. But when it comes to building the church, we don’t need gimmicks — we need the Word of God to guide us.

Our calling isn’t to reinvent the church. It’s to rediscover it.

The People of 1 Timothy: Paul, Timothy, and the Church at Ephesus

The letter of 1 Timothy is deeply personal. It’s written by Paul — under the command of Christ — to Timothy, his “true child in the faith.” Timothy was a young pastor in the bustling, complicated city of Ephesus. He faced enormous challenges, including false teachers infiltrating the church and a congregation struggling with confusion and division.

Timothy’s background reminds us that strong spiritual leadership often begins in the home. His mother and grandmother taught him the Scriptures from a young age, planting seeds of faith that would bear fruit in his ministry. (Moms and grandmas, take heart: you may be raising the next Timothy!)

Ephesus was a major city in the ancient world, and its church was significant — but it was also vulnerable. False teachers were gaining influence, and Timothy’s job was to guard the truth and lead the people back to sound doctrine.

The Priority of 1 Timothy: Guarding the Gospel

Right out of the gate, Paul charges Timothy to “instruct certain people not to teach false doctrines.” (1 Tim. 1:3)

Some in the church were promoting myths, endless genealogies, and speculations instead of the simple stewardship of God’s truth by faith. Paul warns that these distractions only cause division and confusion.

At the heart of Paul’s charge to Timothy is a goal:
“The aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.” (1 Tim. 1:5)

Love is the mark of genuine Christianity. Right doctrine isn’t just about intellectual correctness — it’s about producing lives of love, integrity, and authentic faith. Paul describes a love that flows from:

• A pure heart — undivided and unobstructed by selfish motives.
• A good conscience — integrity that unites our beliefs and actions.
• A sincere faith — without hypocrisy, real and vulnerable before God.

False teaching, by contrast, leads to spiritual confusion and moral corruption. Paul gives a sobering list of sinful behaviors that arise when truth is abandoned, reminding Timothy (and us) that what we believe deeply affects how we live.

Why This Matters for Us

Today, just like in Timothy’s time, churches face challenges:

• Confusion about truth
• Distraction by fads and worldly philosophies
• Temptations to compromise for popularity or growth

We must remember:
The church is not a human invention. It’s God’s idea.
It is His household, built according to His blueprint, entrusted with His gospel.

And that means we each have a role to play. Whether you’re a pastor, a small group leader, a parent, or simply a faithful Christian, you are a steward of the gospel in your time and place.

Our church isn’t a stage show or a spiritual consumer product. It’s a family of believers — real people living real lives of love, committed to Christ and to one another. That’s why membership matters. That’s why presence matters. That’s why guarding the truth matters.

As we move forward in this series, we’ll continue to ask hard questions:

• How do we stay faithful?
• How do we love well?
• How do we build a church that will last another 175 years, if the Lord tarries?

But for today, it starts with remembering:

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is a church.”

Let’s commit together to rediscover God’s original design for His people — and to build faithfully according to His divine blueprint.