The early church began to feel the effects of the apostles being stretched too thin. They had too much to do and not enough time. They had too many people to lead and not enough leaders. The apostles could not be involved in every decision, respond to every problem, and serve in every ministry. And so, the apostles delegated responsibility to qualified individuals so that they could prioritize what only they could do. In the same way, elders of a church can delegate responsibility to qualified individuals so they can prioritize what only they can do. These individuals as called deacons. Deacons lighten the load of the elders. Because deacons report to the elders, work alongside the elders, and are delegated responsibilities by the elders, deacons must demonstrate similar qualities as elders.
Serve Well
March 3, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 3:8–13
Slaves and Masters
May 5, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 6:1–2
Slavery was a divisive relationship and a polarizing issue. Paul is speaking to slaves who associate the yoke of slavery with pain. Most Christians were in the lower class, which means that many early followers of Jesus were slaves themselves. The chief concern for Paul was the glory of God and the salvation of people, not freedom of the slaves or an increase in privilege for the owners. This doesn’t mean that Paul doesn’t want slaves to be free. He encourages slaves to be free if given the opportunity. This doesn’t mean that Paul is endorsing slavery. Paul “aimed to destroy slavery without waging a war to do so!” The relationship between slaves and masters should be symbiotic because all followers of Jesus are witnesses to the world of the saving, transforming power of the gospel of Jesus.
Be Generous with Honor and Grace
April 28, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 5:17–25
Those who lead, serve, and teach well should receive double honor. There are two levels of honor. (1) Honor in the sense that one who leads well is respected and appreciated, and (2) Honor in the sense that one who leads well is provided for financially. At the same time, leaders must be given grace. Grace is unnecessary favor poured out on the undeserving. Leaders will fail. Leaders will fall. As followers of Jesus, we should be generous with honor when they deserve it and we should be generous with grace when they don’t.