Page 67 - Biblical Ethics Course

1 Timothy 5:1–25 Be wise in dealing with people for the sake of Gospel.
1. Respect people of all ages.
2. Honor widows who are widows indeed
3. Teach them to be responsible
4. Rebuke sinners in the presence of all.
5. Do nothing in a spirit of partiality.
6. Be defend your faith by your words and Character. (1 Timothy 6:20)

Paul insists that we look to Christ as our foundation and walk away from evil (2 Peter 2:19). We are called to be
ready in and out of season to proclaim the gospel, and this means passionately advocating for the truth (2 Peter
4:1–4). A worker for the gospel does not look back—they press forward.

The letter to Titus is about the integration of right belief and right action.

Throughout this letter Paul emphasizes that the motivation to do good emerges from a true understanding of
God and what He has done for us in Christ and through the Holy Spirit. Believing Christ ought to result into good
deeds.

Titus 1:16 (NASB95)
16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless
for any good deed.

Titus 2:7–8 (NASB95)
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7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech
which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Titus 2:14 (NASB95)
14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own
possession, zealous for good deeds.

Titus 3:1–2 (NASB95)
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1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign
no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

Philemon

The main theme of Philemon is the gospel’s power to transform people and relationships. Onesimus’ name
means “useful,” but before becoming a Christian he had been useless to Philemon This letter was written to a
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slave owner named Philemon, who was part of the church in Colossae. Philemon was converted under Paul’s
ministry, and Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, either ran away or absconded to Paul, and was converted also. Paul
writes to Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother in the Lord and tacitly asks Philemon to release
Onesimus to Paul’s care. The letter provides wonderful remarks on fellowship, love, and brotherhood.
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33 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016).

34 Michael F. Bird, “Paul’s Letters,” in Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016).

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