When the Outside Looks In

1 Timothy 3:6-7

Non-Christians should be able to look at a Christian leader and say that he lives according to his profession and is quick to repent when he fails to do so. Yet all believers should be known by their exemplary lives, ...Read More

Caring for God’s Church

1 Timothy 3:4-5

John Calvin comments that Paul recommends for eldership a man “who has learned to govern a family by wholesome discipline.” If you are a parent, are you consciously trying to lead your child in the faith in a way that ...Read More

An Example to Be Followed

1 Timothy 3:2-3

As we consider the qualifications for the offices of elder and deacon over the next few days, note that what the church is to look for is the quality of life since the candidate has professed faith. A man married ...Read More

The Desire for Ordination

1 Timothy 3:1

John Chrysostom notes that in wanting the office of elder “what is terrible is to desire the absolute authority and power of the bishop but not the work itself” (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NT vol. 9, p. 168; ...Read More

Order in Creation

1 Timothy 2:13-14

As we consider the many cries for equality in our day, we must always test them against the authority of Scripture. Equality of worth is not grounded in the ability for men and women to serve in any office they ...Read More

Female Authority

1 Timothy 2:11-12

Dr. John MacArthur says, “Paul is forbidding women from filling the office and role of the pastor or teacher. He is not prohibiting them from teaching in other appropriate conditions and circumstances” (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1,783). All of ...Read More

Perceiving the Power of Preaching

Thank God for the supernatural power of preaching that effected the drama of redemption in your life.Read More

Remembering the Poor

Galatians 2:10

Martin Luther comments, “After the preaching of the gospel, the office and charge of a true and faithful pastor is to be mindful of the poor.” Our pastors and leaders must lead the people of God in assisting the impoverished, ...Read More

The Marks of the Church

1 Corinthians 11:17–34

First Corinthians 11:17–34 gives us the marks of the church specifically and through good and necessary deduction. The whole passage concerns the Lord’s Supper, a reference to the sacraments. Paul also gives the words of institution, a reference to the ...Read More

Servants of the Lord

Philippians 1:1

That we are all servants of the same Lord and master forbids us from ever thinking that certain people or deeds are beneath us. It also means that whatever we do, we must do it unto the Lord with our ...Read More