Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

(1Ti 6:3) “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4)  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5)  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”  Compare the wholesome (healthy, those good for the soul and spirit) teaching to verses 4-5. What is the difference? One builds the flesh and the other the spirit. False teachers easily gain followers because they appeal to the flesh. The road of Christ is narrow and not appealing to the flesh, for it says, “Mortify (render as dead) the flesh.  

 (1Ti 6:2) “And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.”  It is easy for we who are flesh, to lose sight of the spiritual. Sometimes bosses do things we resent. But a saved boss is our brother/sister. They are beloved of our Savior. They will share our inheritance that is soon to come. Look past the flesh and love them. Work hard for them. Do all for the Lord’s sake!  

(1Ti 6:1) “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.”  Today people tend to only show respect to those with authority over them if they deem them worthy of respect. The believer is to be so concerned for souls that they are willing to show respect and even concern. An even greater reason is given – the reputation of God and Christianity! Don’t let your actions join those who have harmed work of Christ.

(1Ti 5:24)  “Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. (25)  Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.”  Those professing faith in Christ seem to live very carelessly before Him, not walking in the fear of the Lord (which is the beginning of wisdom Psalm 111:10). No one escapes judgment for sin. Yes, the saved soul is secure, destined for eternity with God. Yet, if that soul sin there is chastening here or a judgment there.

 (1Ti 5:23)  “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” “Thine often infirmities”: here is one of God’s called, separated unto the gospel, yet physically suffering. He is even serving under the Apostle Paul. If sickness is not to be for the saved, then why has not Paul healed this man and why is he suffering? Sickness is the curse upon this body. My Lord overcame death and now never leaves the saved, aiding them through this life. The freedom from this sinful body promised comes the moment we close our eyes in death. Glorious day! 

(1Ti 5:23)  “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” Although this could easily be speaking of grape juice, there is certainly a place for that which God supplied to be used strictly and rightly for health reasons. Christians are not to partake unless for health. Why not? Even one drink lowers the inhibitions – self restraint: (Pro 23:33) “Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.” True believers put walking rightly before their God over self’s desire

 (1Ti 5:22) “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”   It seems plain, “Don’t join another in sin.” We can do this unknowingly. Example: it is right to take up the offenses of another. Yet, remember, there are two sides to everything. I have seldom, in my many years of ministry, had an individual who came to me and said, “I am at fault.” Taking someone’s word for an event can quickly get us into trouble with God. Be wise. Be careful. Seek out the truth.

(1Ti 5:22) “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”  To lay hands speaks of confirming one to the ministry. The laying on of hands speaks of evidence of approval, that the person is called and doctrinally sound. A minister is responsible before God for his actions of approving another. So, we are not to do so “suddenly”, without proper knowledge of the person.  

(1Ti 5:21)  “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.”  “Partiality”: our fallen nature does not naturally love all people. We love them who love us. Yet, Jesus said we are to even love our enemies. These referred to are blood-bought brothers and sisters. We must be careful to include all in our conversations, our fellowship. The house of God is the one place upon this earth where every person should be excepted and loved.