Ancient Anglican

From our perspective, 1 Timothy is written to a vestry member or any church leader. 2 Timothy is written to someone whose faith has lagged, who is burned out on church and God, and who is spiritually tired. 2 Timothy is written for most every one of us.

Like slavery in Roman society, the very basis of our economic system is wealth accumulation. Although no other economic system has brought more people out of poverty, how do we reconcile our American capitalist system with the teachings of Scripture?

How are we to handle these verses supporting slavery? 

The question is how to separate out the practical teachings which are given to a specific people at a specific time in a specific place from the underlying universals which are applicable to all people, at all times, in all places.

As we have discussed before, what happens when people take advantage of the church’s sacred duty?

From athletes to musicians to soldiers, people train themselves so that they can perform at the highest level when required. The spiritual life is no different. We should always press on towards the goal which is to be like Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:14.

God’s creation is good, and that God has given us every plant for food. (Gen 1:29-31). . . . for “it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out the mouth.” Matt 15:10-20.

He was revealed in the flesh, and justified in the spirit, He appeared to the angels, and was announced to the nations, He was believed in the world, and elevated into glory.

Paul’s concern is that congregational leadership must represent Christ to his flock and also must be a good witness for Christ in the larger community.

Jesus Christ “has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and delivered me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.” – Martin Luther

These verses should challenge us. Too often, we in the church seek to explain away Biblical teachings we do not like while loudly proclaiming those verses with which we agree.

When we pray for the President, we pray for his well-being for he too is a child of God and we pray for his leadership that will seek the common good. When we pray for our President we are praying for our nation, our society, and ourselves.