The Decalogue, or the Ten Commandments, has always been a very controversial document. The Israelites welcomed these moral standards, but then went right out and violated them! In Jesus’ time they were mistakenly seen as a means of salvation and right-standing before our holy God (works-righteousness). In our own day the Ten Commandments are rejected by some as being antiquated (antinomianism) and are emphasized by others with a legalistic zeal (hypernomianism). Just what is the serious Christian to think of the Ten Commandments? Should you ignore them? Should you heed them? Answers to these questions are found in the both the Old Testament (Deut. 5:1-5) and in the New Testament (Matthew 5:17-20). Therefore, let us examine all that God has said so that we might honor, obey, and please Him.
The Main Point of this Text:
“Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them.” Deut. 5:1
With the large number of marriages that end in divorce, it seems reasonable to question the entire institution of matrimony. Some might say, “Why even bother with it?” However, as Christians we must remember that God is the One who instituted marriage between a man and a woman. The Bible teaches that God established marriage for three reasons: (1) for lifelong companionship, (2) for the bringing-up of children, and (3) for instructing us in self-sacrifice. Thus, there was and is a divine intent for marriage, and this truth should cause us to reflect upon its benefits and blessings. This particular passage (cf. Ephesians 5:31-33) is one of the most revealing in the Bible, because it shows us the what, the why, and the how of marriage. Therefore, let us resolve as Christians to contemplate upon God’s intent for marriage, and then to apply these truths to our own marriage relationship.
The Main Point of this Text:
“This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:32
Here at the end of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he gives one final sweeping exhortation to the youthful pastor of Ephesus. Paul strongly urges him to “guard the deposit entrusted unto you” (vs. 20). By this phrase Paul means that Timothy must courageously defend the Gospel from all attackers and despisers. This is a tall order for such a young man, but evidently Paul is confident that Timothy can accomplish this very thing. In his following letter Paul instructs Timothy in how to accomplish this goal (2 Timothy 2:15):
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
In this one sentence Paul reveals an extremely important method for gaining expertise in the Bible—you must constantly read it and thoroughly study it! Only in this way will you understand and appreciate the truths that you must contend for, by serious reading and reflection. With God’s help let us do it!
The Main Point of this Text:
“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you.” 1 Timothy 6:20a
“Handling Treasure”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 October 18, 2009
Pastor Marcus J. Serven
Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)
In a previous portion of his letter Paul warns Timothy about the devastating consequences of loving and pursuing money (6:6-10). Those who “desire to be rich”, he says, will fall “into a snare”. He does not say that all riches are inherently evil, but that the “love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”. Christians, therefore, should learn to be content with what God has given them and not be overly desirous of becoming rich. Now in this passage Paul addresses the question of how those who are already rich should handle their treasure. There were people in the Bible who were very rich—Job, Abraham, Solomon, Lydia, and Philemon. No doubt, each one of them would testify that riches are not a pathway to true happiness. And so, if you are rich—in that you possess more money than what is required for the essentials of life—then how do you handle those riches? Listen to Paul’s counsel…
The Main Point of this Passage:
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them…to set their hopes…on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17
1. A Danger to Avoid, (vs. 17a)
2. A Promise to Enjoy, (vs. 17b)
3. A Duty to Fulfill, (vs. 18)
4. A Prospect to Consider, (vs. 19a)
5. A Delight to Anticipate, (vs. 19b)
Throughout the Old Testament there are several individuals who are referred to by the noble title “Man of God”—Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, and various lesser known prophets (e.g. 1 Kings 13:1-26). Thus, when Paul uses this same term to refer to Timothy it communicates his very high regard for the young pastor. Paul, though, is not trying to flatter Timothy, instead he trying to exhort and encourage him to persevere in his pursuit of “godliness”. This same word of exhortation and encouragement could surely be given to all disciples of Jesus Christ regardless of gender—whether they are a man or woman (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Nevertheless, in this passage it seems to address those men who serve as spiritual leaders; in other words those men who are responsible for the spiritual welfare of others (e.g. pastors, teachers, missionary/evangelists, elders, deacons, husbands, and fathers).
What should the attitude of the Christian be towards money? Well, it is certainly one of the necessary things of life that is used to purchase food, clothing, transportation, shelter, and services of various kinds. It is also used to bless others by meeting their needs. Moreover, we are commanded by God to regularly bring our tithe into the Lord’s house and thereby receive his blessing. Yet, we should also know that money can be a temptation, and snare and a pathway that leads to our own destruction. Jesus warned his disciples “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money” (Matt. 6:24). And so, we would do well to take Jesus’ admonition to heart and resolve by God’s grace to practice generosity, learn Christian contentment, and rejoice in God’s promises–of these actions God greatly approves!
Every year each Israelite male was required by the Lord to make three pilgrimages to Jerusalem; for Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (see Exodus 23:14-17, 34:22-24; and Deuteronomy 16:16-17). As Israel’s borders grew it became very difficult to make these lengthy journeys, and so it was customary for the people from the outlying areas to go Jerusalem only once a year. The Law did not require women and children to make this arduous trip, however in many devout households all family members would go. You may remember that the Lord Jesus went on one of these pilgrimages when he was a young boy (see Luke 2:41-51). The route to Jerusalem could be filled with adventure and danger. But, when the hills of Jerusalem came into view the pilgrim’s hope would rise to the point of great expectation and joy! In this Psalm there are lessons for each of us—in how we deal with adversity, in how we prepare to worship our God, and in how the Lord keeps us safe throughout the pilgrimage we all make to the heavenly Jerusalem.
If you know your Bible well, then you can spot a false teacher by his doctrinal aberrations and irregularities (cf. Deuteronomy 18:20-22; Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Galatians 1:8-9; 1 John 4:1-6; 2 Peter 2:1-22; and Jude 4, 8-16). But what sort of marks does the false teacher manifest in his character? Apparently, the Apostle Paul was concerned that Timothy, the young pastor, and the church in Ephesus might not be able to spot a false teacher until it was too late and the damage had already been done! In this particular passage Paul identifies certain marks in a man’s character that Timothy should watch out for. These seven marks are as true today as they were back then. Let us resolve, then, to learn these for our own protection, as well as for the protection of our young adults and little children.
The Main Point of this Passage:
“He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce…constant friction” 1 Timothy 6:4-5
Welcome!
Thanks for visiting our website. We minister to families and individuals in the greater St. Louis region. Our vision is to be a faithful, loving, and mature Reformed & Presbyterian Church centered on Jesus Christ and his gospel. We promote family discipleship within our church families and practice family-integration in all of our church activities. All are welcome to visit with us!
Core Beliefs:
These seven "rallying cries" arise from the writings of the Protestant Reformers. They nicely summarize what the Bible teaches regarding the doctrine of salvation and the Christian life...
- “By Christ Alone” (Solus Christus)
- “By Grace Alone” (Sola Gratia)
- “By Faith Alone” (Sola Fide)
- “Scripture Alone" (Sola Scriptura)
- “Glory to God Alone” (Soli Deo Gloria)
- "Living Before the Face of God" (Coram Deo)
- "After Darkness, Light" (Post Tenebrus Lux)
Worship Times:
Please join us for worship on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-3:15 PM.
Fellowship Meals:
Following our worship service we have a full dinner on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 3:30-5:00 PM. All are welcome to attend as our guests.
Sermon Series:
Pastor Marcus Serven is currently preaching verse by verse through the Paul's Letter to the Romans.
Verse of the Month: “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13
Hymn of the Month:Trinity Hymnal #556 “Though Yours Sins Be as Scarlet”. This fine hymn extols the atoning work of our Lord on the Cross for the sake of his people. It speaks to our present reality and our future hope—that our sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ (cf. Isaiah 1:18; Hebrews 9:11-14; 1 John 1:7).