Free before God

Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 5-6
Lesson Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17-22; 6:1-6

Introduction

Free before God—encapsulated in those words is the hope and desire of the soul. In this lesson several aspects that undergird this blessed state of assurance will be considered. The focus will be on relationships, including those interactions we have with our elders. Relationships are good indicators of our spirit, our self-denial, and our standing before God. Keeping ourselves free before God will mean striving with faith and diligence to make our calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10).

Key Verse

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are known as the Pastoral Epistles, affectionate writings of instruction dedicated to the administration and furtherance of the early church. The lesson scripture enumerates details of spiritual government and includes exhortations to impartiality, carefulness in the selection of leaders, and proper regard and honor of the elders. The passage concludes with the profound statement that godliness and contentment are the true measure of gain.

The apostle Paul was Timothy’s mentor, and he was dedicated to the younger man’s spiritual success. In contrast to Paul’s writings addressing doctrinal matters and specific churches, his writings to Timothy were of a more personal nature. The instructions of the apostle remain useful and pertinent today. The all-important vision of a solid and stable church of inspired leaders and a dedicated laity remains as consequential as ever.

It is generally recognized that the epistles to Timothy were written toward the end of Paul’s life. He seems to understand that his course was nearing its end. There is a certain urgency in his message to his fellow worker Timothy. The great burden of Paul’s heart in his mentorship to Timothy was diligence in his pastoral duties. Paul had learned through his own experience that the well-being of the church required visionary leadership. He wanted the younger man to be able to recognize the spirits of the day and time but also to affirm godliness, harmony, and contentment within the brotherhood.

Already in the days of Paul and Timothy, heresies and deviations from the truth of Jesus Christ were cropping up: the evil, inherent pride of man, lack of submission, independent spirits, envy, and disputations born from deception and corrupt minds. The Christian is given the simple instruction to withdraw from these grave departures from the truth.

Despite these ever-present challenges, the true believer can breathe the clean, fresh air of holiness and freedom before God every day. However, it takes a humble and surrendered heart and wholehearted effort on multiple fronts. It takes humility to sincerely appreciate and support the elders, those who are entrusted with the spiritual oversight of the flock. To maintain this relationship is not a trivial matter and takes an effort on both sides. The oracles of God have been entrusted to the feeble tongues of men, and God blesses brethren who work together with respect and understanding.

The elders are not without imperfections or exempt from admonition. Paul did not espouse turning a blind eye to wrongdoing, but he wanted to get across to Timothy the need for careful proving of allegations. Accusations of misconduct are to be supported by multiple witnesses.

The passage of time brings progress and change, but the blueprint established by the early church remains authentic and effective, unhindered by culture, customs, and traditions. These instructions and safeguards remain applicable today. The passing of the torch to the next generation, whether of parents to children or of the elders to younger men, as Paul to Timothy, should not be a trial or frustration but a matter of loving concern. Leadership carries an inherent authority, but the best leaders are those with a teachable spirit who have been nurtured and taught at the feet of faithful men, walking in the way of God.

It is one thing to speak out about a subject; it is quite another thing to shoulder the burden of action. No matter what station in life one may hold, there is a place in the kingdom for all to fill. This place may be great or small, but a sacred duty accompanies each place. No true believer can evade such responsibilities or allow his lamp to run out of oil.

Practical Truths for Today

We need to seriously consider what it means to truly be free before God. Standing free before God is not just going to happen because we wish it to be so. Does our witness portray that we as the fathers and mothers of Israel are imparting spiritual vision to the younger generation? This vision includes a knowledge that prayer is much more than just asking God for favors. A spiritual understanding of our great purpose in life will bring honor and glory to God.

The enemy of our soul would have us believe that submission to the Holy Spirit is a matter of personal interpretation. To the flesh, submission appears as a chain that brings bondage. Submitting to one another and laying down our will for our brother is a very real part of being free. As long as we hold onto our own light, will, or superior knowledge, we will never be free. A teachable heart is essential and is an integral part of the narrow way. In the eyes of the world, the narrow way which puts self to death will never be a desired road.

To be free before God is conditional upon our voluntary choice. God will show us how to be set at liberty if we genuinely want to be free. God is not a hard taskmaster, but there is a standard of holy living that requires our attention. We need not think it strange when correction comes our way. God corrects his sons and daughters because He loves them. Those who refuse chastisement are referred to as illegitimate and not true sons and daughters (Heb. 12:8). How we accept and offer correction is an indicator of how free we really are.

Should it be necessary to present a correction to someone else, extra care must be exercised. Our words should be graced with gentleness, both in tone and content. Unfounded accusations, gossip, and hearsay must not be allowed utterance or influence, as these will bring us into bondage.

There is a time and place for social gatherings of similar age groups, but it is edifying to the church when spiritual discussions include a variation of age groups. Listening and conversing with the elderly can be a blessing to all. Are we able to listen with patience and respect, knowing there is wisdom in their hard-earned experience? Or is it a trial to sit with them and think that I know what they are going to say next? On the other hand, it is the elder’s responsibility to practice moderation, self-awareness, and empathy, being mindful of the tendency to repeat oneself. The elders may have the answers, but answers are more effective when the other party can discover them for themselves, even if a little help is necessary.

Christian life is a journey of diligence and discernment, and there are burdens of responsibility to be carried. It is in giving of ourselves that we find life’s greatest blessing. However, there are times when we feel like we do not fit in very well or are under a cloud of uncertainty. We need a little reassurance, a word of appreciation, or a hand on the shoulder. When we discern such a need, we can provide a little day-brightener, a heartfelt touch. It may be a way of helping another back into freedom and light. The brotherhood is a family and will prosper as we reach out to each other.

Finding the time and place to study the Word of God greatly contributes to our understanding of how we stand before God. Studying the Bible is more than a quick, cursory reading and then going about the day. It takes discipline, and we may not always feel so inspired. As we apply ourselves and become familiar with the ways of God explained through his Word, we are able to perceive his working in our lives. We can live and work within of the presence of God, understanding the relationship between his judgment and his mercy. God’s judgments need not make us uncomfortable or uneasy unless we are harboring sin. When we understand his mercy and love, we can appreciate the boundaries and judgments of God.

As we grow older, the fact that our time on this earth is limited comes into sharper focus. Someday we will answer for how we have used the time that was given to us. Either we engage in activities that are good and profitable to others, or we squander our precious time. In this uncertain world, one thing is certain: We have brought nothing into this world, and we will carry nothing out (1 Tim. 6:7). The only thing that goes out with us is the record of how we lived and what we did with what God gave us. In order to stand free before God someday, we will need to make right decisions for today. We cannot save ourselves by our good deeds, but the response, or works of our faith, are of utmost importance. Each one of us has a place of service, performing what is for us to do in humility and self-denial. In so doing, we will be free before God and be recipients of the blessed commendation: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matt. 25:21).

Illustrations

A leader brother was asked how he would react if a concern or admonition was brought to him. Without hesitation he responded that whatever was brought to him, he would look into the matter with utmost seriousness. May we all be of the same spirit, not withdrawing from the line of fire but willing to be vulnerable and humbly accept correction. Being free before God is more than lip service and good intentions; it involves obedience and submission from the heart.

Questions

1. We all take our turn at being humbled. As a young person within a peer group, why is this so difficult? Is it less difficult for older ones?
2. As you reflect over your life, what has brought you true contentment?
3. In a personal way, what does it mean to you to be free before God?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).