A note from our Pastor:

”If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.”

1 Timothy 4:6

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The term asceticism is an important one in understanding New Testament writings. The term means a form of severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence in order to avoid sin. John the Baptist, prior to exiting the wilderness and preaching the coming of Jesus, was a true ascetic. In contrast to John the Baptist, many false teachers in the early church were false ascetics. In other words, they created burdensome requirements similar to what ascetics would practice but they were for control, not righteousness. 

These false teachers were taking root in Ephesus where Timothy was ministering under the guidance of the Apostle Paul. While for the average person believing and following these teachings was likely done with good will it was ultimately destructive to the message of Jesus Christ. Thus, the Apostle reminds Timothy to put the members of the congregations he was ministering to in remembrance of the true doctrine of Jesus Christ.

Not only was Timothy supposed to address the false teachings of abstaining from marriage and certain foods, but he was also supposed to continually remind them of the larger truths of Jesus. He was supposed to start by reminding them of the great commandments for disciples. He was to enjoin that with reminding them of the fruit of the spirit. Most importantly, he was to remind them of the simplicity of the truth of Jesus Christ when it comes to eternal salvation.

The Apostle tells Timothy if he does these things he shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ. Note, Timothy was not nor is any other minister a minister of the church (as an organization). Ministers are made by God, called by God, and empowered to preach by God. The church may recognize their calling but their authority rests with God and not an earthly organization. Likewise, their responsibility and accountability rests with God as well. Thus, the Apostle tells Timothy if he stays focused on preaching the things of Jesus and in so doing countering the false teachings of men he is a good minister.

While the false teachings may look different in 2024 c.e. than they did in 60 c.e. the need to counter false ascetics and the burden they place on the people of God is no less. Furthermore, the need to keep the preaching of the word of God focused on the truth of Jesus Christ is still the primary role of the minister of God.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah