Ques. Please explain 1 Tim. 5:8. J, G M.
Ans. This verse occurs where the laborer in the Lord's work was intrusted in arranging matters of detail in the assembly. This verse teaches us that though our blessings are spiritual and heavenly, yet we must take care not to neglect the duties connected with our own household, in caring for and providing for them. To neglect our own, makes us worse than the unbeliever in our conduct, for he cares for his own. His may be a selfish motive; ours should be because the Lord has given us our household to care for for Him. (Eph. 5:22 to 6:9; Col. 3: 18 to 4:1.)
Ques. What is the import of the words, "Lay hold on eternal life?" 1 Tim, 6:19, and what does "this commandment" refer to in verse 14? H. M. F.
Ans. This passage can be read, "Lay hold on what is really life." It is in contrast with the mind being set on present things. From verses 17 to 19 those who are rich are addressed to not let their minds be set on, nor trust to their riches, but to the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy, and shows their privilege to use their money in view of eternity. By this means, they will lay hold of what is "really life" in the sense of "real enjoyment of life in communion with God."
Verse 14 refers to the good confession Timothy had confessed before many witnesses, and he is to keep it without spot, and unrebukable, so that in the day of Christ's appearing, the day of manifestation, it will have His approval.
Ques. What do the Philistines represent as our enemies? G.
Ans. The Canaanites represent Satan's power over which the people of God have gained the victory, counted and dealt with as enemies. The land was taken from them, and the Philistines migrated into the land, and were thorns and distress to Israel. So to us, they represent the allowed evil of Satan's power, which distresses us, and hinders us from enjoying our heavenly blessings.
Jonathan, in the energy of faith in God, fought the whole camp with success (1 Sam. 14), but he lacked prayer and separation to God, and so eventually fell a victim to them (1 Sam. 31:2).
Samuel, a man of prayer, was ever successful against them (1 Sam. 7:12, 13).
Also David, as type of Christ, conquered them.
The energy of faith, given by the Spirit in prayerful dependence on God, alone can keep these enemies subdued.
Ques. Why do the disciples pray to do signs and wonders in the name of the "Holy Child Jesus," instead of the name of the Lord Jesus? (Acts 4:27 and 30). C.
Ans. The word "Child" should read `Servant." Jesus was the Holy Servant, that was raised up as a servant to deliver Israel. (See Acts 3:22, 26; 10: 38; 13:33. Note the word "again" is to be left out. It is in these verses, raised up a servant in His lifetime. See N. T. and Revised Version). The disciples, in accordance with His place as Jehovah's servant (Isa. 49:6), pray now, as servants of like character, for boldness to witness for Him, and to do the greatest works of which He foretold (John 14:12).