There are times I wish Paul had been content with giving Timothy sermon tips but, instead, he has tackled some of the major areas of controversy today. A few weeks ago, it was the role of women in church. Today, it is three in a row: slavery and freedom, false teaching, and wealth. I’ll be glad when we are done and we can move on to 2 Timothy and Paul’s final words to his beloved friend. ”All who ...[Read More]

If you wanted a neat summary of these two chapters it would probably be: character. We might call it godliness, or setting an example, or virtue.  Both of these chapters are concerned with the development of character. First, in the life of Timothy himself because the character of the leader is critical to the character of the organization.  How does he develop character? Having a good conscience ...[Read More]

1 Timothy 2 We should have had this lesson last week when Franklin Graham’s call to pray for President Trump specifically was all in the news.  As you would expect, I had trouble with that because of Franklin’s deep partisanship and attachment to this particular President.  I don’t recall his asking for special prayer for President Obama, President Clinton or President Bush but I should probably l ...[Read More]

Having just turned over the leadership of The Gathering, I am reading Paul’s letters to Timothy with a new interest and perspective. What does the older man say to the younger that is helpful but not micromanaging? What are the few things the younger man needs to hear and what will be useless until he has been in the job for a few years? What is wisdom gained from experience and what is meddling? ...[Read More]