KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 5:22 KJV” Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”

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Apostle Paul continues with his instructions to Pastor Timothy. This time, he tells him not to lay his hands suddenly on anyone.What do we make of the statement  the Lord Jesus made in Mark 16? That says believers shall lay hands on the sick ,and they shall recover. In Paul’s instruction, he tells him not to suddenly lay hands on any  man. Is there any contradiction here? No, there is no contradiction. In the first laying on of hands instructed by the Lord Jesus, it is to bring healing to the sick. In Paul’s advice to Timothy, he is talking about laying hands to commit to ministry or laying on of hands to bless in marriage. How do we come by these interpretations? The subsequent statement shows us. It says neither be partaker of other men’s sin.

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Laying on of hands is a doctrine according to Heb 6:2. To lay your hand on an individual, you fully identify yourself with the one. When the Lord laid his hands on the leper, he identified himself with him. But because of the higher grace on him, the   leprosy in the man was destroyed by the life in Jesus. When people are ordained into ministry, hands are laid on them, making the minister identify himself with the person he is laying hands on. If the man is mischievous and you lay hands on him, committing him to the ministry, you have fully identified with his nature and life( in a sense, you have approved of his lifestyle)

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Paul’s advice is that you do not lay hands SUDDENLY, implying you make a little enquiry about the person before laying your hands to commit him into the ministry, so that if he is a pretender, you do not become one with his sins.

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The same goes for married couples. It must be done by making enquiries about who these people are  through premarital counselling. By this, you become certain of the people you are dealing with, and if they have been living in fornication, you do not become part of their sin. During counselling, all these would come up, and you would lead them through confessing their sins and denouncing that lifestyle before they are formally blessed by the laying on of hands.

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THOUGHT: KNOW VERY WELL THE PEOPLE YOU COMMIT TO MINISTRY OR MARRIAGE

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Phi 2:19 KJV” But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state.”

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Heb 6:2 KJV Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

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KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 5:21 KJV “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.”

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Apostle Paul charges Timothy before God ,the Father, the Lord Jesus, and the elect angels to observe all that he had instructed him. To charge him before all these means, he can not do anything under cover but is very open to all these persons. A leader who is partial is in partnership with devils. Devils will always want to mistreat  others. To be partial is to mistreat other individuals. God hates it

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God is never partial. Act 10:34 KJV Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:God responds to all out of His love. Rom 9:16 says it is not of him that wills or runs, but of God who shows mercy. Now let’s consider Jacob and Esau. Esau had no value for Holy  things but was only carnal. Consider how he could sell his birthright for a bowl of meal. Jacob, although his  name meant a cheat, valued spiritual and Holy things. From all that we learned about Jacob ,we see that  God was right in choosing him above Esau. His  choice to love Jacob was not partial because He   knew what ruled each of them.

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The above establishes the fact that God would never be partial. You, as a pastor, must treat all the same. God would judge you if you prefer one above the other. The rich and the poor are all the same in respect to the application of the disciplines of God. None  should be preferred over the other. Always remember that there is a final judgment awaiting each of us. The pastor’s revelation of truth to all prepares all to stand perfectly before the  judge of all flesh that day.

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Please note also that certain privileges vary by virtue of the love each person shows. The centurion who built the temple attracted the Lord’s ready help, while the Syrophoenician woman did not have it that easy, yet her faith made a way for her.( Matt 8:8-10, Matt 7:26) These privileges are different from applying the disciplines of the word.

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THOUGHT:THE DISCIPLINES OF THE WORD HAVE NO FAVOURITES.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Jas 2:4 KJV” Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are you become judges of evil thoughts?”

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Jas 3:17 KJV” But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

[3/24, 10:35 AM] S.A: SIMPLE TRUTH

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KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 5:20 KJV “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.”

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Dear reader, if you happened to be reading this devotional for the first time, or a patron, I wish to  remind  all readers that  we are taking an expository study on Apostle Paul’s first letter to Pastor Timothy. The main theme is “proper running of God’s  church”.At this instant, he advises him on correcting acts of sin in the church. He tells him to openly rebuke the sinful act so others may not go that way. This is very important advice and creates sanctity in the house of God. Please note that the church of God is called the pillar and ground of truth.1 Timothy 3:15. Acts of sin should not be tolerated in the midst of the saints of God.

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Sin is contagious, and many would easily go down the wrong path if it is not shown as an act which is not acceptable in the midst of the people of God.

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The question that comes to mind is which kind of sin ought to attract such public rebuke. I do not think acts like gossiping , outbursts of anger and certain attitudinal slips should be brought to the public domain, although they are all serious acts that need not be tolerated in any way. I will suggest that the following acts should be critically treated with great sternness.

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1 Sexual sins. It is the category that the scripture itself places in a special position 1Co 6:18 KJV “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” It says every other sin does not affect the body ,yet sexual sins affect the body. Sexual sins or fornication include sex between a  man and a woman who are not married. Lesbians, homosexuals, etc.

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2 Insobodination of the young to  elders or pastors. This concerns open rebellion. 1Sa 15:23 KJV For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. Open pride and insubordination are very serious acts that must be stopped before others go that way

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3.Brawling: When two brethren physically exchange blows in the church or before a number of the church members. Such brethren must be openly rebuked  since it is a great reproach to the name of Christ.

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My counsel about doing some of these disciplines is to consider the maturity level of the individuals involved in some of these things. If the person is a convert who commits any of these things, he or she must be spoken to in private, since rebuking them openly may cause them to leave the church and go back into the world again. Those who have been in the church for some years should be openly rebuked when they commit some of the acts described above.

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THOUGHT:OPEN REBUĶE  DEFINITELY CREATES  FEAR IN OTHERS

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Pro 27:5 KJV Open rebuke is better than secret love.

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Pro 27:6 KJV: Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 5:17 KJV” Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”

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Apostle Paul asks a few questions in 1 Corinthians 9:7 as follows: ” Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Every farmer partakes of his fruits . The key scripture says every elder or pastor who rules well is worthy of double honour. To honour means to reward them. This is not the view of any man of God; it is God’s instruction. There are some men of God whose impact has reached very far, and so their honour or reward is also very large.

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I would advise that Christians should stop attacking such men if they are not involved in all kinds of wrong schemes. Please just consider the Lord Jesus answer to Peter when Peter remarked, what would we get after leaving everything to follow Jesus. Mar 10:30 KJV “But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”The Lord clearly stated that such men would be greatly honoured or rewarded.

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Now, looking at our key scripture has two sides to it

1. The elder, or man of God, must rule well. He is a good presenter of the truths of scripture. This is what the scripture calls labouring in the word. This man or woman must be diligent in labouring in the word,so that he can bless his audience very well.

2 The second part of the scripture is therefore the responsibility of those who are taught in the word. They must give their best to him.

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Please note that there is a blessing in honouring what the word says. There are some congregation members who have decided they would never give to the man of God, but would rather find a poor man somewhere and give to him. It is always good to give to the poor, but it is acting against God’s direct instruction not to give to His servants who are labouring diligently in the house of God. Mat 10:41 KJV “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” Giving to the servant of God brings you a prophet’s reward. True prophets are extremely blessed people, and it is amazing to partake of their reward.

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THOUGHT:IT IS NOT MAN WHO INSTRUCTED THAT GOD’S  DILIGENT SERVANTS BE HONOURED WELL, BUT GOD

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Gal 6:6 KJV “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”

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1Co 9:11 KJV “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?”

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KEY SCRIPTURE 1Ti 5:13 KJV” And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.”:

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Apostle Paul further describes the condition of the young widows. He said they just idle around, not involved in anything enterprising. They not only idle but are tattlers. These are people who get themselves involved in silly, foolish things. To sit and find a bad thing to label any person who passes by.To become a gossiper. Please note that these widows are members of the congregation, that is, they are supposed to be Christians. He added that they are also busy bodies. People who get themselves involved  with others’ affairs that bring no positive impact to themselves or the people.

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There are presently lots of Christians who are very idle and so get themselves involved in unproductive acts. In our times, social media is the number one point that most people are occupied with. As Christians, our lives are on a mission for the Lord. Everything we do, even if it is employment that earns us some  money, must be a tool to bring glory to God. Our number one focus in life as Christians is to bring men to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Jesus said my meat is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish it. It is said that the devil finds work for idle hands. There is so much for you as a child of God to do    for the Lord. How on earth can you be idle? There are moments to read the bible, times to pray and intercede for many in difficult circumstances that need God’s intervention. You can share God’s word with others through these modern communication means.

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The plain truth about the idle person is that he or she does not have any personal relationship with the Lord. If you find yourself living that way, then confess your sins and repent from that. Seek help from a more informed brother or sister.

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THOUGHT:DECIDE TO FOLLOW GOD WITH A SINGLE HEART AND BE FREE OF IDLENESS

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Deu 6:5 KJV “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

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1Pe 4:15 KJV” But let none of you suffers as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 5:12 KJV “Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.”

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In 1 Tim 5:11 Apostle Paul advices Timothy not to accept the younger ladies who become widows.He said if they are accepted into the group of women who  are widows, they would soon break their vow of absolute commitment to the Lord and marry.This means widows vow to God to seek his face in intercession and supplication.1Ti 5:5 KJV “Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.” An example of this was Anna the prophetess who waited in the temple till Jesus was born.Luk 2:37 KJV And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

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We realise that these elderly widows vow to remain celibate after the death of their husbands. Unfortunately, most of the young girls do not keep to their vows. The bible said in our key scripture that the result of their unfaithfulness is damnation. Damnation is a decision by the judge of all men to condemn the guilty. This is a very serious state to place yourself in.

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Sadly, there are so many instances when people vow unto God to do certain things, yet in the next moment, or under a little pressure,  they break their vow and do the very opposite.

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What are some of the areas in which people make vows ?

1. People may   vow to donate some money to the Lord.

2. They vow to be dedicated to playing  a particular role in the house of God.

3. They vow to stay faithful to their spouse. Mal 2:14 KJV “Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant”

4 The vow of widowhood.

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The bible says a vow is a commitment of faith, according to 1 Tim 5:12 .It does not matter if it is a word you gave a friend, a pledge of faith in God to take a particular stand,or a public declaration to keep faith in doing a particular thing; God remains a witness to that vow. Breaking it leaves you accused before God. A real problem  proceeding from this is demons that take advantage of your slip to attack,judging that,  since you are guilty, you deserve to be punished. Rev 12:10. Satan is described as the accuser of the brethren. Give him not that opportunity to  make the enemy have an advantage over you.

Another problem that results from breaking your vow is that you weaken your inner resolve to overcome difficult times. This is what gives the enemy an advantage over you.

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THOUGHT:Honouring a vow honours your efforts

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Deu 23:21 KJV” When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.”

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1Sa 1:21 KJV” And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 5:9 KJV “Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,”

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Apostle Paul clarifies the instruction about widows. Widowhood is a very sensitive condition that needs the right care, yet the complexity of our world demands that the right people who are real widows receive that attention. If that is not done, people who are leading a very unscriptural life or  are unqualified would attract that attention. The scripture gives the cut-off age  for one to be acknowledged as a widow . She must be  sixty years old or above. Anyone less than sixty years old does not qualify to be a widow who should attract the church’s  support.

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The scripture added that she should be the only wife of his husband. This means she can not be accepted as a widow in the church if she were a second wife. What about the woman who was the first wife, yet the husband married a second woman in addition. I think she should be considered if her age is sixty. I said so because she had no hand in her husband marrying a second wife.

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The scripture stated the following  as further criterion to qualify one as a widow who would need the church’s support.1Ti 5:10 KJV Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

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This verse adds that she must be reported for good works by the brethren. This testimony about her reveals that she is a child of God and lives to please God. Secondly, she must have brought up children. This means she has raised children. The children may not necessarily be her biological children, yet she raised them. Again, one other quality that she must have had is that if she received strangers, it was a normal practice among the first-century church to be hospitable. The persecution of Christians made them homeless, and therefore, they must seek habitation among other brethren. It was expected that such an elderly Christian lady would have welcomed such brethren into her home. The next act of good deed that an acceptable widow might have done is if she had washed the feet of the Christians who visited her home, either for habitation or just a visit. Once again, in the early church ,there were no tarred roads as we have these days. The roads were very dusty . Their feet were very dusty, which had to be washed anytime they visited any home. Remember, the jars of water that the Lord turned into wine were for that purpose.

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Some of these requirements may not be applicable in our time, but  the general principle for one to be accepted as a widow who needs the support of the church is that she must  be sixty years old and should have lived as a true Christian.

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THOUGHT: THE FOCUS OF THE CHURCH IS NOT JUST RELIEF BUT THE ETERNAL SALVATION OF PEOPLE

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Jer 49:11 KJV” Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me.”

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Act 6:1 KJV And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 5:8 ISV” If anyone does not take care of his own relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

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Today, we make a follow-up to our previous discussions. Some concerns arose  out of our previous discussions. Some of these questions came because of certain peculiar cultural or experiences that have occurred. A question that came up was, a nephew gave her widowed aunt some items. This woman was not happy with it because she thought the nephew gave better things to his own mother. What should this young man do with such an ungrateful aunt? I would suggest he should not be offended by her ingratitude, since there is no other support from anywhere. Since she did not reject the items, you may keep supporting her. If she rejects what you gave her, then she is on her own. Do not be concerned about giving such a person.

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The next observation or question that came up was that some of the aunties in some African countries are so petty and evil that they take what is given to them without showing any sign of gratitude, but would later place a curse on the nephew or niece who gave them that gift or money. There have been cases of certain young men losing their entire business because of a kind deed they did. What should such people do? In the first place, any Christian who is affected by such operations of the wicked lacks a certain understanding of the truth of God’s word. That is the reason any evil scheme or projection could affect him. As Christians, we share or have inherited the authority of our Lord Jesus, Matt 28:18;Luke 10:19. Our union with Jesus makes us one in spirit with Him, 1 Corinthians 6:17. No evil scheme must be able to affect you. Those wicked works can affect you if you do not know these things.

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Another reality that every Christian ought to know is that we may have the same authority from the point of the scriptures, but one may function in a higher power than the other. The bible says he that prays in an unknown language or prays with the spirit builds himself up. There are always different levels that people build up for themselves. The man who spends longer times praying with the spirit builds himself bigger or stronger than he who prays for shorter. The man who has proper knowledge of his authority in Christ and prays effectively cannot be affected by such people. Your security is to know the scriptures for yourself and exercise yourself in the Spirit.

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The next piece of advice is to pray about giving to certain people who are not your biological mother or father. If the Holy Spirit  gives you the nod to give ,then go ahead and give. In any case, do not take chances, but make some declarations over whatever you are giving to such people. Plead the token of the blood of Jesus over it. The token of the blood means Jesus has already died in your place, and no other punishment can come from anywhere to you. Say this, “I plead the blood of my Lord Jesus as a token for my life and everything that concerns me.” By this declaration, nothing of yours can be affected by any evil scheme.

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THOUGHT: ALWAYS SECURE YOURSELF BY KNOWING THE TRUTH AND THEN BUILDING YOURSELF STRONG IN THE SPIRIT

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FURTHER STUDIES

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1Co 14:4 ISV “The person who speaks in a foreign language builds himself up, but the person who prophesies builds up the church.”

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Luk 10:19 ISV” Look! I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to destroy all the enemy’s power, and nothing will ever hurt you.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 5:8 KJV” But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

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Paul the apostle now encourages the brethren to be responsible for their homes. I wish to say that it is rather a big irony for anyone to join a particular denomination only to label their relations as strangers because they have not joined that particular denomination. This kind of teaching is not a Christian doctrine in any way. This is a manipulative way for the leaders of such groups to fully control those members. Such a group is a cult and not a Christian organisation. The Lord God strongly opposes irresponsibility in close family relations.

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In the context of our study, you are worse than an unbeliever if you neglect your widowed mother. As the scripture said in verse 4  “But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” What is your attitude to your parents? Sadly, there are many who have absolutely forgotten about their parents and are living happily in other cities. The church may come in as a secondary support when the widow has no support from any other source. In light of what the scripture says, if you neglect your own family relations, especially your widowed mother or father who has no support, then you are worse than an infidel. This statement is a very serious one. You bring yourself under a curse if you live in such a way. This act is a dishonour to your parents, which has a promise to it. Eph 6:2 KJV” Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)” The promise is that it shall be well with you. If you fail to honour them, then you are flouting the scripture that would certainly become a curse to you.

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The instruction also applies to all other members of your home, that is, your wife, children and other dependants in your home. From the scriptures, your aunties who have no children to take care of should attract your help. 1Ti 5:4 KJV” But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” From this verse, you are a nephew to your aunt, and you must not neglect her as well as an uncle who has no support from anywhere. One may ask,   what about your aunties whose children have become irresponsible and, as a result, are having things very badly. From the scriptural instructions, your aunties and uncles who are not being cared for become your responsibility. Do not neglect them. This  instruction goes for men and women who are in a position to support them.

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THOUGHT: CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

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FURTHER STUDIES

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1Ti 5:16 KJV “If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.”

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Isa 58:7 KJV” Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”

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DEDICATED TO GOOD WORKS

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KEY SCRIPTURE: 1Ti 2:10 KJV But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

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Apostle Paul once again instructs that women must demonstrate godliness and be full of good works. This very instruction is a direct follow-up to his statement in the earlier verse where he tells women not to focus their attention  on themselves by wearing very expensive dresses, costly ornaments and braids . In that verse, he advises that they be very modest . He then states further that they would rather focus on living a life of dedicated service.

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Our Lord Jesus chose twelve men, and there were others who were added to his team of disciples. The bible said certain women ministered to him with their substances. Luk 8:3 KJV” And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.” These women  used their money to minister to the Lord . I believe they even cooked for the apostles and that the Lord as well. One may ask, were women involved in telling others about the saving power of the Lord? All these are involved in good works. I think it is just perfect for women to share the gospel as well. Act 18:26 KJV And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. This verse clearly states that the apostle Paul was instructed by this couple. Please note that he did not say only Acquila but used the signifying both husband and wife. In Rom 16:8, he writes in his letter to the Romans that Priscilla and Aquila, his helpers in the Lord, be greeted for him. How did they help him? They could have helped him in another way, such as financially or otherwise. What the scripture makes clear to all of us is that the couple rightly instructed him in the way of the Lord. I brought in Priscilla’s name because she is a woman, and Apostle Paul had instructed that women must learn in silence and not talk or teach in the church. 1Ti 2:12 KJV “, But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”]

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It is clear that if the woman is well informed, God would use her to teach the man who may be  less informed. A typical  example is when the Lord appeared to Mary Magdalene, who waited desperately, enquiring about where they had taken the body of the Lord. Please read John 20:1-14. The Lord appeared to her and said to her go to His  brethren  and tell them He ascended unto the Father. Why did the Lord not wait for a man to go and announce such important news, but asked a woman to break the news to the men who were not diligent in waiting? God always makes use of vessels that are available.

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What do we make of apostle Paul’s instruction to the women who must learn in silence and not teach in church? Apostle Paul’s instruction was right and perfect so long as those women did not have any special mandate from the Lord. If they have, then the men would even testify that they needed the ministry of such women .

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THOUGHT:WOMEN HAVE A VERY SPECIAL ROLE OF SERVICE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD, AND MUST AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THAT.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Jdg 4:4 KJV “And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.”

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Act 1:14 KJV” These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.