Advice from the Apostle Paul
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Scholars Crossing SOR Faculty Publications and Presentations 3-1985 Advice from the Apostle Paul Paul R. Fink Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/sor_fac_pubs Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, Epistemology Commons, Esthetics Commons, Ethics in Religion Commons, History of Philosophy Commons, History of Religions of Eastern Origins Commons, History of Religions of Western Origin Commons, Other Philosophy Commons, Other Religion Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Fink, Paul R., "Advice from the Apostle Paul" (1985). SOR Faculty Publications and Presentations. 94. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/sor_fac_pubs/94 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in SOR Faculty Publications and Presentations by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INTERVIEW 'I Advice from the Apostle Paul compiled by Paul R. Fink What is the most important thing Deacons must be grave, not double I can do in starting a new church? tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the First of all, supplications, prayers, mystery of the faith in a pure con intercessions, and giving of thanks science. And let these also first be should be made for all men; including proved; then let them use the office of kings, and all that are in authority; that a deacon, being found blameless. Even you may lead a quiet and peaceable life so must their wives be grave, not slan in all godliness and honesty. This is derers, sober, faithful in all things. Let good and acceptable in the sight of God the deacons be the husbands of one our Saviour; who will have all men to wife, ruling their children and their be saved, and to come to the knowledge own houses well. They that have used of the truth (1 Tim. 2:1-4). the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great What kind of characteristics boldness in the faith which is in Christ should I cultivate in the men of my Jesus (1 Tim. 3:8-13). church? Suppose a young man, two months Men that pray every where, lifting I will probably be younger than shy of graduating from seminary and full up holy hands, without wrath and many people in my church. How shall of all the apprehension that comes with doubting (1 Tim. 2:8). I seek to be perceived by them? entering the pastorate, had the oppor tunity to seek advice from the apostle I understand that you use the word Let no man despise thy youth; but Paul. What would the student ask? How "bishop" (overseer) to emphasize the be an example of the believers, in would Paul reply? (References have been responsibilities of the pastor of the word, in conversation, in charity, in slightly edited for readability.) local church. What are the minimal spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Tim. 4:12). qualifications one must meet to be a pastor? How may I make sure that I am an If a man desire the office of a example of all of those things to the bishop, he desireth a good work. A people of my congregation? bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of Neglect not the gift that is in thee, good behaviour, given to hospitality, which was given thee by prophecy, with apt to teach; not given to wine, no the laying on of the hands of the striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but presbytery. Meditate upon these things; patient, not a brawler, not covetous; give thyself wholly to them; that thy one that ruleth well in his own house, profiting may appear to all. Take heed having his children in subjection with to thyself, and unto the doctrine and all gravity; (For if a man know not how continue in them (1 Tim. 4:14-16). to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride How should I deal with discipline he fall into condemnation of the devil. problems? Should I treat everyone the Moreover he must have a good report same-or are there special considera of them which are without; lest he fall tions I should give in some situations? into reproach and the snare of the devil (1 Tim. 3:1-7). Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as What about deacons? What are the brethren; the elder women as mothers; minimal qualifications one must meet the younger as sisters, with all purity to be a deacon? (1 Tim. 5:1-2). 36 Fundamentalist Journal .. How should I react when someone Is it really right for the pastor to What advice would you give me in brings an accusation against a fellow be paid a salary? conducting my life in general? pastor? Let the elders that rule well be Flee also youthful lusts: but follow Against an elder receive not accusa counted worthy of double honour, righteousness, faith, charity, peace, tion, but before two or three witnesses especially they who labour in the word with them that call on the Lord out of a (1 Tim. 5:19). and doctrine. For the scripture saith, pure heart. But foolish and unlearned Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that questions avoid, knowing that they do What kind of characteristics should treadeth out the com. And, The laborer gender strifes (2 Tim. 2:22-23). I cultivate in the women of my church? is worthy of his reward (1 Tim. 5:17-18). Study to shew thyself approved un to God, a workman that needeth not to Women that adorn themselves in be ashamed, rightly dividing the word modest apparel, with shamefacedness of truth. But shun profane and vain bab and sobriety; not with broided hair, or blings: for they will increase unto more gold, or pearls, or costly array; but ungodliness (2 Tim. 2:15-16). (which becometh women professing god liness) with good works (1 Tim. 2:9-1O). As you know, sir, there is quite a bit of conflict between Christian leaders Should women be put into places of in the community. What advice do you leadership in the local church? have about separation and unity? Suffer not a woman to teach, nor to Let nothing be done through strife or usurp authority over the man (1 Tim. vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let 2:12). each esteem other better than them selves. Look not every man on his own Why do you hold that view? things, but every man also on the things of others (phil. 2:34). Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the Should I have any involvement with woman being deceived was in the trans unbelievers, Liberals, or the s<H:alled I probably won't have the highest "ecumenical movement?" gression (1 Tim. 2:13-14). salary in the world. Should that be a concern to me? Be ye not unequally yoked together How will women who desire to with unbelievers: for what fellowship have any influence in the local church But godliness with contentment is hath righteousness with unrighteous be fulfilled? great gain. For we brought nothing ness? And what communion hath light into this world, and it is certain we can with darkness? And what concord hath The younger women should marry, carry nothing out. And having food and Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he bear children, guide the house, give no raiment let us be therewith content. that believeth with an infidel? And what occasion to the adversary to speak re But they that will be rich fall into agreement hath the temple of God with proachfully (1 Tim. 5: 14). The aged temptation and a snare, and into many idols? For ye are the temple of the liv women ... may teach the young women foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown ing God; as God hath said, I will dwell in to be sober, to love their husbands, to men in destruction and perdition. For them, and walk in them; and I will be love their children, to be discreet, the love of money is the root of all evil: their God, and they shall be my people. chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient which while some coveted after, they Wherefore come out from among them, to their own husbands, that the Word of have erred from the faith, and pierced and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and God be not blasphemed (Titus 2:3-5). themselves through with many sor touch not the unclean thing; and I will rows (1 Tim. 6:6-1O). receive you, and will be a Father unto What about the older godly widows you, and ye shall be my sons and daugh who may be in my church? Is there any Where should I devote my energies ters, saith the Lord Almighty (1 Cor. way I can use them to enhance our in my ministry? 6:14-18). ministry? Thou therefore, my son, be strong Any concluding thoughts? But jf any widow (be over 60 and in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And desolate) let (her) be taken into the the things that thou hast heard of me But watch thou in all things, en number (of those supported by the among many witnesses, the same com dure afflictions, do the work of an church).