In our most recent Bible Discussion Meeting at Yelvertoft we have been reading and discussing Paul's Pastoral Letters. 1 Timothy and Titus were written earlier than 2 Timothy but all three were written during times of imprisonment. Paul's ability to visit churches and to do things himself was restricted and he was dependent on others, including these two whom he considers sons in the faith.
I have toyed with the idea of writing a simple commentary on all three letters and entitling it "Letters from an Anxious father". Our discussion group has got a wonderful amount out of these discussions and have found there are various ways in which we can reflect on what Paul writes. It was Titus that surprised us. In our first meeting we considered the first chapter. Titus, who had apparently done responsible work at Corinth earlier, had now been sent by Paul to Crete to ensure that everything was in order. Elders were to be appointed in every town (we wondered how many towns) and an appropriate standard was defined by Paul. We are a mixed group and our different traditions had different understandings of what elders are. We focused on function rather than status. Elders were essentially overseers and we noted that the term elder is also interchangeable with bishop, meaning shepherd.
But it was our second meeting that surprised us all. We read the whole letter through and noted that it said almost nothing about doctrine or church order but was almost entirely about how people should behave. Paul urged Titus to be a good teacher but what he exhorts him to teach is how older men and women, younger men and women, children and parents, masters and slaves should all behave to one another.
None of us (including the preachers among us) could ever remember hearing a sermon in church on how to behave. But at the time of writing, while Paul was also concerned about soundness of faith and avoidance of false teaching, he majors on behaviour. Even rebuking and correcting has to be tempered with humility and gentleness. We noted that in the churches there was no room for a persistently divisive character. Why does Paul seem so concerned about behaviour? It is so that the testimony of Christ is not dishonoured.
I visit some churches for whom particularity in doctrine is the most important thing. I visit others that seem to be mostly concerned about worship and inspired revelation. I cannot remember visiting a church that deliberately majors on behaviour. Have we been getting it wrong? But then how much did Jesus teach about doctrine or worship? He seemed to have more to say about behaviour and attitudes.
The sad thing is that when I bump into people who used to go to church but no longer do so, it is usually bad behaviour in church that caused the offence. It also seems to be a major factor in discouraging people to join a church. Perhaps we could all do with hearing a few sermons on behaviour. Perhaps this is what the world is waiting for, that is to say for us to behave as we ought.
I have toyed with the idea of writing a simple commentary on all three letters and entitling it "Letters from an Anxious father". Our discussion group has got a wonderful amount out of these discussions and have found there are various ways in which we can reflect on what Paul writes. It was Titus that surprised us. In our first meeting we considered the first chapter. Titus, who had apparently done responsible work at Corinth earlier, had now been sent by Paul to Crete to ensure that everything was in order. Elders were to be appointed in every town (we wondered how many towns) and an appropriate standard was defined by Paul. We are a mixed group and our different traditions had different understandings of what elders are. We focused on function rather than status. Elders were essentially overseers and we noted that the term elder is also interchangeable with bishop, meaning shepherd.
But it was our second meeting that surprised us all. We read the whole letter through and noted that it said almost nothing about doctrine or church order but was almost entirely about how people should behave. Paul urged Titus to be a good teacher but what he exhorts him to teach is how older men and women, younger men and women, children and parents, masters and slaves should all behave to one another.
None of us (including the preachers among us) could ever remember hearing a sermon in church on how to behave. But at the time of writing, while Paul was also concerned about soundness of faith and avoidance of false teaching, he majors on behaviour. Even rebuking and correcting has to be tempered with humility and gentleness. We noted that in the churches there was no room for a persistently divisive character. Why does Paul seem so concerned about behaviour? It is so that the testimony of Christ is not dishonoured.
I visit some churches for whom particularity in doctrine is the most important thing. I visit others that seem to be mostly concerned about worship and inspired revelation. I cannot remember visiting a church that deliberately majors on behaviour. Have we been getting it wrong? But then how much did Jesus teach about doctrine or worship? He seemed to have more to say about behaviour and attitudes.
The sad thing is that when I bump into people who used to go to church but no longer do so, it is usually bad behaviour in church that caused the offence. It also seems to be a major factor in discouraging people to join a church. Perhaps we could all do with hearing a few sermons on behaviour. Perhaps this is what the world is waiting for, that is to say for us to behave as we ought.
From my Diary
Sorting out the Children's Department of Sunrise Ministries has continued to take up time in the past week. We definitely plan to build on the vision and work that Monica had for the UK. This was to enable rural churches to develop and sustain their own appropriate and effective programmes for ministry to and with children. With possibly one and a half million children living in rural Britain we need missional churches that show the love of God and share the gospel of Jesus. I need another partner to replace Monica as soon as possible.
I have also been involved in advising Friends of Obambo regarding maintaining Monica's work in Kenya.
Also this week I was part of a group drafting By laws to go with a new governing instrument for the Free Churches Group (the working part of the Free Church Council of England and Wales).
Prison Ministry: J for whom I asked prayers was back with us this week. Please keep him in your prayers as he has been through a hard time.
This week I anticipate being mainly desk-bound but there is much important work including getting used to a new bookkeeping programme, so I value your daily prayers please.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Barry
I have also been involved in advising Friends of Obambo regarding maintaining Monica's work in Kenya.
Also this week I was part of a group drafting By laws to go with a new governing instrument for the Free Churches Group (the working part of the Free Church Council of England and Wales).
Prison Ministry: J for whom I asked prayers was back with us this week. Please keep him in your prayers as he has been through a hard time.
This week I anticipate being mainly desk-bound but there is much important work including getting used to a new bookkeeping programme, so I value your daily prayers please.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Barry
No comments:
Post a Comment