Bible Thoughts

December 16, 2001

It is very easy to get in the habit of reading the New Testament scriptures as if they were laws written on stone, handed down from Mt. Sinai. This kind of attitude is something that we must constantly guard against. The letters of Paul (and the other apostles) are just as authoritative as the Law of Moses, but their emphasis is entirely different. When Moses’ law was given to him directly from God it was the first unveiling of God’s specific law for the Hebrew people. Not so with the letters of Paul, the laws of Christ were already to have been written on the hearts and minds of Paul’s audience(2 Corinthians 3:3). As such, Paul’s letters serve to explain and clarify concepts and principles with which his audience should already have been familiar. Often it was necessary for Paul to give the practical application of those principles since the people failed to grasp the ramifications of their commitment to the Lord.

Just as Paul’s audience sometimes failed to grasp Christ’s message, we may overlook the meaning of what Paul was writing in this passage to Timothy. Often these verses are used solely to authorize the manner of dress in which women may cloth themselves; by doing so the point of what Paul was writing is missed altogether. First, we must recognize that Paul was writing this letter to his friend and student, Timothy. This letter was to instruct and encourage Timothy. In it Paul informs Timothy of the type of attitudes he must build in his follow Christians. Accordingly we must understand that this passage is relevant for all Christians, not just women, but men and women. Why? Obviously verse 8 is directed to men and verses 9-10 are directed to women; but what is the fundamental truth that these verses reflect?

Who are Christians representatives of? Christ. Who serves as a Christian’s example and guide? Christ. When people observe a Christian, who are people supposed to see? Christ. The fundamental truth that this passage expounds upon is this: Christians were dead in sin but now they live because they were purchased with the blood that Christ shed. They belong to him, body and soul. Appropriately, the thoughts of every Christian should focus first and foremost on how they may present the magnificence and glory of Christ to others. That is the basis of what Paul is writing here as indicated by “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth”(1 Timothy 2:4)

To this end, men are to turn to God in all circumstances, adopting an attitude of peacefulness and confidence. In like manner also women are to adopt an attitude of humility and restraint. The “like manner also” of verse 9 is very important. It informs us that Paul’s instructions to women are the same manner of thing as his instructions to men, they have the same root. By the dictates of society and culture men and women have different concerns and temptations but nonetheless they both have the same obligation as Christians—to live Christ night and day. Christians, men and women alike, are to proclaim Christ’s glory through every word and deed, and to look to his return with fervent expectation and joy.-Scott Huston

Some translations of the Bible are decent commentaries on a text. However, one must be careful of modern translations due to the paraphrasing of those who "translate." The New Living Translation has verses that help to clarify meanings, but have others that contain denominational error. One must be careful in the use of such and compare the words with those translations that are reliable.

The verse quoted above teaches that one is not to be quarrelsome(not speaking of "contending for the faith"-Jude 3), but rather a person whose attitude is wrong. The admonition is to be "kind" to those with whom we associate. It is certainly right to treat others as we want to be treated. However, there are those who need to be rebuked, while keeping in mind one's own attitude. Effective teaching by word or example requires a proper approach to each individual.

When teaching and guiding others, it takes patience. Especially with "difficult people." Some are easier to persuade than others; some need to be skillfully guided into the truth; some need to be rebuked. The conduct and attitude of one whom you are trying to teach governs the way in which you teach the learner. Some are difficult because they are ignorant. Some are difficult because they are prejudiced. Some are difficult because they will not listen and reason in a proper manner.

Those who teach and preach the gospel find it difficult to guide people(even Christians) in the way of truth when prejudice interferes. Others will not listen because they want their own way, no matter what the passage teaches. Others are difficult because they are unwilling to accept the consequences of what is taught in the word of God. Some become unreasonable in their approach to New Testament teaching, twisting verses to suit their own theories. Hence, it is difficult to reason with such a mindset.

Difficult people can be a challenge to Christians. We can recognize that an opportunity exists to teach someone the truth. Patience is needed in such cases. However, there may be a point where it is time to use one's energies and efforts with someone else. When it is evident that no progress can be made with one you are trying to teach, find someone who will listen. Pray for the one who needs to change while seeking others who will listen and accept the truth. The world is filled with people who will take the time to study the truth; it is our responsibility to do all we can to find them.

Keep in mind: For every spiritual problem there is a Bible answer. One may not know it is there, but with an open, searching mind, it can be found. Have you searched lately?