Last Sunday, we noted three important texts from these three letters by Paul. They were 2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Tim. 2:10, and Titus 2:11-14. Here are a few more.

"Study (be diligent) to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 T 2:15.)

Though this statement, in a general sense, applies to all Christians, it was addressed first of all to Timothy as a proclaimer of the Gospel. This is the work of preachers---to show diligence in their studies so that they can properly handle the word of God. While in prison, Paul asked for his books so he could continue his studies. (2 T 4:13.) In a similar passage, Paul directed Timothy to "meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine, continue in them for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee." (1 Tim. 4:15-16.)

"Rightly dividing the word" means much more than knowing that there are two different covenants that make up the Bible. Understanding that relationship between the first and second covenants requires diligence. (1 T 1:8.) It means handling it properly. Here are some other examples. Paul referred to several topics that Timothy and Titus would need to be able to handle. Some teachers, Hymenaeus and Philetus, were saying that the resurrection was past already, overthrowing the faith of some. (2 T 2:18.) Some even to this day, holding to the preterist view of prophesy, say that the second coming and the resurrection occurred in the events surrounding AD 70. How could the resurrection of the dead be past? Obviously, they are not referring to a physical resurrection. Also, the Jewish teachers were continuing their recitations of long genealogies trying to prove that they were children of God based upon a physical lineage. (1T 1:3-4.) I wonder how Timothy fared trying to convince them that the physical lineage was absolutely useless. Now, if a person is in Christ, he is Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. (Gal. 3:28.) Others were making arguments based upon science, falsely so-called. (1 T 6:20-21.) Based upon 21st century standards, think about how incomplete and unreliable their science was in the 1st century! Think about how incomplete ours is today! There is nothing in true science that will ever conflict with Scripture. Science may conflict with what I think the Scriptures teach (that the world is flat and the planets revolve around the earth). Science thinks occasionally that they have discovered something that proves the Bible wrong. Paul called that false science. Other errors mentioned in Paul's letters are: the eating of meats and forbidding to marry. (1 T 4:1-5.)

Today our churches are being destroyed over insignificant things that have been elevated to the weight of eternal issues. Many major in little things while neglecting things far more important. Jesus referred to some who "strain at gnats and swallow camels." (Matt. 23:24.) Some will refuse fellowship with you if you read from the NIV publicly. In their undying support of the KJV, they seem not to realize that before 1611, Christians used other versions. We need more Christians who understand the difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. There are three texts in the New Testament, which mention this distinction. (2 Cor. 3:6, Rom. 2:28-29, Rom. 7:7.) We must give diligence to understand grace and works in our salvation. Paul made a distinction between the righteousness of the Law and righteousness that comes by faith. (Phil. 3:9.) This is not a "gnat issue." What is the relationship between "clean hands and a pure heart; outward and inward purity?"

What is the role of the minister in a congregation? We debated the "located preacher" issue in the past. (Timothy and Titus were "located preachers" at Ephesus and Crete.) Recently we discussed the evangelistic authority approach of some churches of Christ. The other extremity is to almost ignore the preacher as if he has no place and no voice in the local congregation. There is still an uneasy relationship especially between ministers and elders. No one seems to know the role of the minister. Where does he belong? What voice does he have in a planning session? We are much more comfortable when the worship service starts. Now we know where we belong! Allow me to offer an explanation.

Preachers possess authority through the Gospel that they proclaim and according to the weight of their service to others. To the degree that they have earned respect and appreciation, to that degree others will listen to them. Paul wrote, "Let no man despise thy youth." But how is this accomplished? By being an example to the believers in word, conduct, charity, spirit, faith, and purity. This goes for elders and deacons as well. Leaders should not expect others to respect them by demanding respect.

"This is a faithful saying and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and acceptable to men." (Titus 3:8.)

This is the last of the true and faithful sayings in these three letters. Those who believe in God should be careful to maintain good works. We are not saved based upon how many good works we accomplish. If we could be saved by our good works, then Jesus would not have come to earth and died for mankind. If redemption is by works, then it is not by grace. Listen to Paul. "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works. Otherwise, grace is no more grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace. Otherwise, work is no longer work." (Rom. 11:6.) Redemption is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us. (Titus 3:5.)

Having stated that significant message at length in Romans and Galatians, Paul does not hesitate to talk freely about the role of works. There is a valid role for good works. Paul said that we should maintain them. From the Scriptures, we know the role of good works. Here are some proper roles: 1)Good works help the ones to whom they are directed, 2)Good works keep believers focused and busy, 3)Good works show that our faith is real (James), 4)Good works is the opposite of evil works, 5) Good works is what Jesus did on earth (He went about doing good---Acts 10:38), 6)Goods works show that we are not greedy for filthy lucre (those who love money do good works for pay; we do them for free).

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor. 15:58.)

"For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph. 2:8-10.)

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 5:16.)

". . . that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Col. 1:10.)

It is interesting to note the two obvious things that the passages above say about good works: 1) We should do good works, and 2) we are not saved by good works. We can conclude that good works do not form the foundation for our salvation. One is not lost because one falls from good works, but rather because one falls from grace! (Gal. 5:4.) There is a noted difference.

"Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand, and they that are otherwise cannot be hid." (1 Tim. 5:24-25.)

This passage puts good works over against sins. It helps us to understand the way "good works" is used by biblical writers. We should do good deeds, not evil ones. This is one of the clearest statements about the conduct of man and the coming judgment of those deeds. Some deeds, whether good or evil, are known by men before God makes them known in judgment. Others are hidden from the eyes of men, but they will not remain hidden forever. Paul wrote, ". . . their conscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; in the day when when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel." (Rom. 2:16.) The character of many wicked men is now clearly known, and they stand condemned by the Word of God. For this reason, civil governments may determine the innocence or guilt of such people and meet out appropriate judgment. In addition, churches can see the fruit of the lives of its members and apply the proper discipline. The Bible declares that sin will find the sinner out. (Numbers 32:23.) In a real sense, wickedness cannot be hidden. Sin and right conduct affect the character of people in such a way that it becomes evident.

There may a more specific application of these passages. The discussion above is general and applies to everyone. But in the context (5:17-25), Paul is cautioning Timothy about those who are appointed to serve as elders. Note the things said: 1) Some elders rule well and should be counted worthy of double honor, 2) It is proper to paid elders who both shepherd and minister the Word, 3) Be careful about receiving accusations against elders (must have two or three witnesses), 4) Those who have sinned according to the testimony of two or three witnesses rebuke before all, and 5) Do not lay hands upon men hastily, appointing them to the task of shepherding. Then we have these passages about the openness of the deeds (character) of some and the hiddenness of the real character of others. Some people by their nature are more transparent and open. It is easier to know them. They allow people to see into their hearts more readily than others.

The point is clear. It is best to know those who are appointed to serve as shepherds of the flock beforehand. If there are serious character flaws (a brawler, greedy of money, incompetent to handle affairs of his household, too young, given to wine, etc.), it is best to know that beforehand and not appoint them to this work. The church will suffer if strong-willed, self-willed, immature people are appointed.

A friend and a Gospel preacher, Harvey Starling, once said that leaders rise to the top like cream on milk rises. If they do not rise, they should not be selected to serve.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out." (1 Timothy 6:6-7.)

We must not encourage discontentment. All humans naturally feel a degree of vulnerability and a need for security in life. But there is no greater security than faith in God, who has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. We should be highminded and trust in uncertain riches, but we should trust in the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (6:17.)