Expositional Excerpts
By Matthew Pilch
The aim of this is to make the Bible accessible to virtually any audience and to keep it on the shorter side. Each episode will normally be between 10-20 minutes, though there may be some rare exceptions.
Expositional ExcerptsApr 15, 2024
Revelation 0.3 - Introducing Revelation Part 4
Today, we start discussing the background to the book of Revelation. Namely, the authorship, location and circumstance of writing. And we start in on the various views of interpreting the book, only beginning with the Preterist view.
Revelation 0.2 - Introducing Revelation Part 3
Today, we continue our introduction of this book by discussing 1) The Subject and Contents of Revelation.
Revelation 0.1 - Introducing Revelation, Part 2
In today's episode, we pick up where we left the previous episode and give a broad overarching view of some of the things that the book covers, arguing that there will indeed be a last generation on this present earth someday. And, for that generation, they have hope that they won't experience the outpouring of God's wrath on the world, and they should also be extremely motivated to declare the Gospel so that others may be spared the wrath to come as well.
Revelation 0:0 - Introducing Revelation, Part 1
Today we begin to introduce the book of Revelation by examining a brief history of the world in the past and present.
1 Timothy 6:21
1 Timothy 6:20-21 covers "Charges to the Christian, Pt. 5" where Timothy is encourage to "Stay the Course."
Having established that the entire epistle is working with the idea that Doctrine is Important, we are examining what that looks like.
In 1 Tim. 6:20a we learned that 1) The believer must recognize the value of the Gospel.
Then, in 1 Tim. 6:20b we learn that 2) The believer must not associate with false teachers.
Today, we see in 6:21a that 3) The believer must recognize the danger of false teaching.
And finally, in 6:21b, 4) The believer must recognize that God is with them.
1 Timothy 6:20b
1 Timothy 6:20-21 covers "Charges to the Christian, Pt. 5" where Timothy is encourage to "Stay the Course."
Having established that the entire epistle is working with the idea that Doctrine is Important, we are examining what that looks like.
In 1 Tim. 6:20a we learned that 1) The believer must recognize the value of the Gospel.
Now, in 1 Tim. 6:20b we learn that 2) The believer must not associate with false teachers.
1 Timothy 6:20a
1 Timothy 6:20-21 covers "Charges to the Christian, Pt. 5" where Timothy is encourage to "Stay the Course."
Having established that the entire epistle is working with the idea that Doctrine is Important, we now begin to examine what that looks like.
In 1 Tim. 6:20a we learn that 1) The believer must recognize the value of the Gospel.
1 Timothy 6:20 - Introduction
This episode will serve as the introduction to 6:20-21 where we set up the final two verses by discussion the overarching theme of 1 Timothy that DOCTRINE IS IMPORTANT! Is it really important? Yes, and I hope that we will have established that premise through this episode.
1 Timothy 6:18-19
1 Timothy 6:17-19 comprises the forth installment of "Charges to the Christian." Here we are looking at "The Charge to the Wealthy."
We are governed here by the idea that We ought to think Biblically about riches in this world!
In v. 17 we learned that 1) Believers who are presently rich may face unique temptations that others don't face.
Now, in v. 18 we see that 2) Believers who are presently rich should use their wealth to glorify God.
Then, in v. 19 we learn that 3) Believers who are presently rich can use what god has given them for their eternal good.
1 Timothy 6:17
1 Timothy 6:17-19 comprises the forth installment of "Charges to the Christian." Here we are looking at "The Charge to the Wealthy."
We are governed here by the idea that We ought to think Biblically about riches in this world!
In v. 17 we learn that 1) Believers who are presently rich may face unique temptations that others don't face.
1 Timothy 6:16
1 Timothy 6:15b-16 covers the third part of "Charges to the Christian" with the subtitle here of "Christ, Before Whom We Are Charged."
In this passage we are working with the idea that Our view of God should motivate us to keep the charge!
In v. 15b we learned that 1) God is the perfect ruler. In this portion of the verse we saw four different aspects of his rule.
Now, in v. 16 we see 2) God is set apart.
Then, we also learn that 3) God is worthy of proper recognition.
And finally, we learn that 4) God is certain in His portrayal of Himself to us.
1 Timothy 6:15b
1 Timothy 6:15b-16 covers the third part of "Charges to the Christian" with the subtitle here of "Christ, Before Whom We Are Charged."
In this passage we are working with the idea that Our view of God should motivate us to keep the charge!
In v. 15b we learn that 1) God is the perfect ruler. In this portion of the verse we see four different aspects of his rule.
1 Timothy 6:13-15a
1 Timothy 6:13-15a covers the second installment of "Charges to the Christian."
We see that 1) The Believer has been charged.
Then, we see that 2) The Charge is qualified.
Thirdly, 3) The Charge is articulated.
And finally, 4) The Charge has a target.
1 Timothy 6:12
Today, we continue discussing "Charges to the Christian, Part 1" in 1 Tim. 6:11-12.
In v. 11a we learned that 1) The Godly must live differently than the wicked.
Then, in v. 11b we saw that 2) Believers have targets on which to expend their energy.
Now we see in v. 12a that 3) Believers must remember that they are in a spiritual battle.
And finally, in v. 12b, 4) Believers must live their spiritual reality in this life!
1 Timothy 6:11
Today, we begin discussing "Charges to the Christian, Part 1" in 1 Tim. 6:11-12.
In v. 11a we learn that 1) The Godly must live differently than the wicked.
Then, in v. 11b we see that 2) Believers have targets on which to expend their energy.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
Today, we continue this section that goes from 6:5b-10 which is addressing the subject of "Profiteering Preachers."
We are still working with the proposition that we need to think rightly about false teachers.
We have already seen
1) The Character of the Content of the false teaching in 6:3
2) The character of the false teacher in vv. 4-5a
Now, we are looking at 3) The Motivation of the false teacher in vv. 5b-10
First, we saw a) They make a false connection between godliness and financial gain in v. 5b.
Then, we saw b) True godliness does equal gain and contentment, but not the kind that false teachers and their disciples crave in vv. 6-8
Lastly, we note that c) The desire for riches is a snare to many false teachers in vv. 9-10
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Today, we continue this section that goes from 6:5b-10 which is addressing the subject of "Profiteering Preachers."
We are still working with the proposition that we need to think rightly about false teachers.
We have already seen
1) The Character of the Content of the false teaching in 6:3
2) The character of the false teacher in vv. 4-5a
Now, we are looking at 3) The Motivation of the false teacher in vv. 5b-10
First, we saw a) They make a false connection between godliness and financial gain in v. 5b.
Now, we see b) True godliness does equal gain and contentment, but not the kind that false teachers and their disciples crave in vv. 6-8
1 Timothy 6:5b
Today, we start a new section that goes from 6:5b-10 and is addressing the subject of "Profiteering Preachers."
We are still working with the proposition that we need to think rightly about false teachers.
We have already seen
1) The Character of the Content of the false teaching in 6:3
2) The character of the false teacher in vv. 4-5a
And now, we begin to look at 3) The Motivation of the false teacher in vv. 5b-10
In today's episode we see a) They make a false connection between godliness and financial gain in v. 5b.
1 Timothy 6:4b-5a
1 Timothy 6:3-5a comprises a section on "The Implications of Preaching a False Gospel." We discover that there are two components that we see in this passage that help us as we work with the idea that We must think rightly about false teachers!
In v. 3 we noted that 1) There is the Character of the Content.
Now, we continue the discussion on 2) The character of the false teacher.
In the first part of v. 4 we note two characteristics of the false teacher that give us one side of the equation of figuring them out.
We see the first characteristic on the first side is a) He is puffed up with conceit.
Then, the second characteristic on the first side is b) He understands nothing.
These characteristics are absolutely true and must be properly understood. Once they are (go to the previous episode), then we are set up to understand the other side of the equation which gives us a further set of characteristics that flow from the first two.
Today, we see that c) He has poor appetites.
d) He revels producing sin rather than solace.
Which leads to the summary statement that we find in the beginning of 6:5.
1 Timothy 6:4a
1 Timothy 6:3-5a comprises a section on "The Implications of Preaching a False Gospel." We discover that there are two components that we see in this passage that help us as we work with the idea that We must think rightly about false teachers!
In v. 3 we noted that 1) There is the Character of the Content.
Now, we begin a discussion on 2) The character of the false teacher.
In the first part of v. 4 we note two characteristics of the false teacher that give us one side of the equation of figuring them out. These characteristics are absolutely true and must be properly understood. Once they are, then we are set up to understand the other side of the equation which gives us a further set of characteristics that flow from the first two, which is where we will pick up the discussion after this episode.
1 Timothy 6:3
1 Timothy 6:3-5a comprises a section on "The Implications of Preaching a False Gospel." We discover that there are two components that we see in this passage that help us as we work with the idea that We must think rightly about false teachers!
In v. 3 we note that 1) There is the Character of the Content.
1 Timothy 6:2
We continue our discussion of 1 Timothy 6:1-2 where we are being governed by the idea that As followers of Christ, we must understand that the Gospel is at stake in every circumstance of our lives!
In v. 1 we learned that 1) Believers must be driven by their theology when faced with an unjust situation.
In v. 2a we see that 2) Believers must resist a sense of entitlement based on their position in Christ.
Then, in v. 2b we learn that 3) Believers must serve in the position where God has placed them to their best ability!
And, in v. 2c we see that 4) Believers need to be continually reminded that the Gospel alone takes absolute precedence in all of life!
All of this to say: If you are known for anything, let it be that you are known for the Gospel!
1 Timothy 6:1
Today, we begin a discussion of 1 Timothy 6:1-2 where we are being governed by the idea that As followers of Christ, we must understand that the Gospel is at stake in every circumstance of our lives!
In v. 1 we learn that 1) Believers must be driven by their theology when faced with an unjust situation.
1 Timothy 5:24-25
1 Timothy 5:22-25 comprises part 5 of "Conduct in the Church" and we're looking specifically at the conduct of the elder in this section.
We slightly modified the proposition for this section so that we are governed by the idea that There is room for extra caution when considering someone to a position of leadership in the church.
In v. 22 we learned that 1) Three imperatives guide the church and her leaders through this process.
Then, in v. 23 we see 2) There is an illustration of the extent one should be willing to go to for the sake of purity.
Finally, in vv. 24-25 we learn that 3) Both good and bad can take time to come to light. Not all can be known at the first.
1 Timothy 5:23
1 Timothy 5:22-25 comprises part 5 of "Conduct in the Church" and we're looking specifically at the conduct of the elder in this section.
We slightly modified the proposition for this section so that we are governed by the idea that There is room for extra caution when considering someone to a position of leadership in the church.
In v. 22 we learned that 1) Three imperatives guide the church and her leaders through this process.
Now, in v. 23 we see 2) There is an illustration of the extent one should be willing to go to for the sake of purity.
1 Timothy 5:22
1 Timothy 5:22-25 comprises part 5 of "Conduct in the Church" and we're looking specifically at the conduct of the elder in this section.
We slightly modified the proposition for this section so that we are governed by the idea that There is room for extra caution when considering someone to a position of leadership in the church.
In v. 22 we learn that 1) Three imperatives guide the church and her leaders through this process.
1 Timothy 5:19-21
This next section of 1 Tim. 5:17-21 comprises part 4 of "Conduct in the Church" found in this chapter. Here we are looking at the topic of "Honoring the Elder."
In this section we are governed by the idea that Believers should be deliberate in their conduct towards their leaders.
In vv. 17-18 we saw that 1) Believers ought to value the faithful ministry of the Word of God.
Now, in vv. 19-21 we learn that 2) Believers ought to be cautious when considering discipline of an elder.
1 Timothy 5:17-18
This next section of 1 Tim. 5:17-21 comprises part 4 of "Conduct in the Church" found in this chapter. Here we are looking at the topic of "Honoring the Elder."
In this section we are governed by the idea that Believers should be deliberate in their conduct towards their leaders.
In vv. 17-18 we see that 1) Believers ought to value the faithful ministry of the Word of God.
1 Timothy 5:11-16
1 Tim. 5 covers the topic of "Conduct in the Church" and we are being governed by the idea that We need to strive to conduct ourselves honorably in the church!
In vv. 1-2 we saw that 1) Believers ought to be Encouragers.
Then, in vv. 3-8 we learned that 2) Believers are called to Honor specific groups within the church.
Now, we finish this next section, from vv. 9-16 where we are learning that 3) Believers ought to have a conduct toward Widows which is informed by their conduct.
- vv. 9-10 teach that they can only be enrolled with qualifications.
- And vv. 11-16 teach that the church should refuse to enroll widows with disqualifications.
1 Timothy 5:9-10
1 Tim. 5 covers the topic of "Conduct in the Church" and we are being governed by the idea that We need to strive to conduct ourselves honorably in the church!
In vv. 1-2 we saw that 1) Believers ought to be Encouragers.
Then, in vv. 3-8 we learned that 2) Believers are called to Honor specific groups within the church.
Now, we begin a new section, from vv. 9-16 where we learn that 3) Believers ought to have a conduct toward Widows which is informed by their conduct.
- vv. 9-10 teach that they can only be enrolled with qualifications.
1 Timothy 5:3-8
1 Tim. 5:1-8 covers the topic of "Conduct in the Church" and we are being governed by the idea that We need to strive to conduct ourselves honorably in the church!
In vv. 1-2 we saw that 1) Believers ought to be Encouragers.
Now, in vv. 3-8 we learn that 2) Believers are called to Honor specific groups within the church.
1 Timothy 5:1b-2
1 Timothy 5:1-8 form the parameters of this next section of Scripture. Here we are governed by the idea that We need to strive to conduct ourselves honorably in the church!
Today in vv. 1-2 we finish discussing the idea that 1) Believers ought to be ENCOURAGERS.
1 Timothy 5:1a
This next section is comprised of the first eight verses of 1 Timothy 5. Here we are governed by the idea that We need to strive to conduct ourselves honorably in the church!
In vv. 1-2 we begin discussing the idea that 1) Believers ought to be ENCOURAGERS.
1 Timothy 4:16
1 Timothy 4:11-16 covers the topic of "A Pattern of Godliness." While the preceding section emphasized "Training for Godliness," this section looks at what that training will produce. Therefore, we are governed by the idea that We all must establish a pattern of godliness in our lives. In these verses there are NINE imperatives that will help of accomplish this goal which are broken down into four categories.
In v. 11 we looked at the first two imperatives with the idea that 1) We can establish a pattern of godliness by becoming teachers of godliness.
In v. 12 we saw that 2) We can establish a pattern of Godliness by being a living example of it.
Then, in vv. 13-15 we learned that 3) We can establish a pattern of Godliness through consistent devotion to the affairs of the Church.
And now, in v. 16 we see that 4) We can establish a pattern of Godliness through constant accountability.
1 Timothy 4:13-15
1 Timothy 4:11-16 covers the topic of "A Pattern of Godliness." While the preceding section emphasized "Training for Godliness," this section looks at what that training will produce. Therefore, we are governed by the idea that We all must establish a pattern of godliness in our lives. In these verses there are NINE imperatives that will help of accomplish this goal which are broken down into four categories.
In v. 11 we looked at the first two imperatives with the idea that 1) We can establish a pattern of godliness by becoming teachers of godliness.
Then, in v. 12 we saw that 2) We can establish a pattern of Godliness by being a living example of it.
Now, in vv. 13-15 we learn that 3) We can establish a pattern of Godliness through consistent devotion to the affairs of the Church.
1 Timothy 4:12
1 Timothy 4:11-16 cover the topic of "A Pattern of Godliness." While the preceding section emphasized "Training for Godliness," this section looks at what that training will produce. Therefore, we are governed by the idea that We all must establish a pattern of godliness in our lives. In these verses there are NINE imperatives that will help of accomplish this goal which are broken down into four categories.
In v. 11 we looked at the first two imperatives with the idea that 1) We can establish a pattern of godliness by becoming teachers of godliness.
Now, in v. 12 we see that 2) We can establish a pattern of Godliness by being a living example of it.
1 Timothy 4:11
1 Timothy 4:11-16 cover the topic of "A Pattern of Godliness." While the preceding section emphasized "Training for Godliness," this section looks at what that training will produce. Therefore, we are governed by the idea that We all must establish a pattern of godliness in our lives. In these verses there are NINE imperatives that will help of accomplish this goal which are broken down into four categories.
In v. 11 we look at the first two imperatives with the idea that 1) We can establish a pattern of godliness by becoming teachers of godliness.
1 Timothy 4:7b-10
1 Timothy 4:6-10 covers the topic of "Training for Godliness."
We are governed by the idea that We must invest the bulk of our energy on what is profitable for the life to come!
In v. 6 we learned that 1) A good believer will be both a learner and a teacher.
Then, in v. 7a we saw that 2) A good believer will teach fellow believers to avoid certain unprofitable activities.
Finally, in vv. 7b-10 we learn that 3) A good believer will train for godliness.
1 Timothy 4:7a
1 Timothy 4:6-10 covers the topic of "Training for Godliness."
We are governed by the idea that We must invest the bulk of our energy on what is profitable for the life to come!
In v. 6 we learned that 1) A good believer will be both a learner and a teacher.
Now, in v. 7a we see that 2) A good believer will teach fellow believers to avoid certain unprofitable activities.
1 Timothy 4:6
Today, we begin discussing vv. 6-10 of 1 Timothy 4 which covers the topic of "Training for Godliness."
We are governed by the idea that We must invest the bulk of our energy on what is profitable for the life to come!
In v. 6 we learn that 1) A good believer will be both a learner and a teacher.
1 Timothy 4:3-5
In 1 Tim. 4:1-5 we learn of "The Danger of Departing." In this text we come away with the idea that Believers should strive to avoid apostasy! So, what do we know about apostasy?
In vv. 1-3 we learn that 1) Apostasy is guaranteed.
Under this we learned about a) Spirit-led revelation
and that b) Departure from the faith is guaranteed.
Under this second sub-point we saw
i) The action: Definition of Departure from faith
ii) The time of the action.
iii) the means of the action (answers the question how will they depart the faith?). It is under this point that we get even deeper:
- By devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.
- Noting the Agents of demons: Liars
That brings us to today's episode, where we discuss
- The message of demons and liars (v. 3).
And finally, in vv. 4-5 we learn that 2) Avoiding apostasy can be accomplished by thinking biblically about creation.
1 Timothy 4:1b-2
In 1 Tim. 4:1-5 we learn of "The Danger of Departing." In this text we come away with the idea that Believers should strive to avoid apostasy! So, what do we know about apostasy?
In vv. 1-3 we learn that 1) Apostasy is guaranteed.
Under this we learned about a) Spirit-led revelation
and that b) Departure from the faith is guaranteed.
Under this second sub-point we saw
i) The action: Definition of Departure from faith
ii) The time of the action.
iii) the means of the action (answers the question how will they depart the faith?). It is under this point that we get even deeper:
- By devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.
- Noting the Agents of demons: Liars
1 Timothy 4:1a
In 1 Tim. 4:1-5 we learn of "The Danger of Departing." In this text we come away with the idea that Believers should strive to avoid apostasy! So, what do we know about apostasy?
In vv. 1-3 we learn that 1) Apostasy is guaranteed.
Under this we learn about a) Spirit-led revelation
and that b) Departure from the faith is guaranteed.
This second sub-point is where the rest of verse 1 and vv. 2-3 will be spent, so we only begin it in this episode.
1 Timothy 3:16
Today, we're looking at The Confession of the Church. And we have as a governing proposition the idea that We must confess a biblical view of Christ (an orthodox Christology)!
In v. 16 we note that 1) The doctrine of Christ is a great mystery which we confess.
Then, we learn that 2) The doctrine of Christ must include several elements.
1 Timothy 3:15b
As we continue to discuss this passage remember that we are governed by the idea that Believers ought to take their responsibility to the Church with great sobriety!
In v. 14a we discovered that 1) Personal fellowship is important.
Then, in 14b-15a, we learned that 2) The written Word is powerful.
Now, in v. 15b, we note 3) The Church is identified.
1 Timothy 3:14-15a
By way of introducing this new section, we discuss a survey that was conducted by Ligonier Ministries on The State of Theology. This is important because the trend amongst professing evangelicals is worsening and more and more people clearly do not understand basic theology, nor the importance and function of the church, and that is what this section will address in part.
As we begin to discuss the passage we are governed by the idea that Believers ought to take their responsibility to the Church with great sobriety!
In v. 14a we discover that 1) Personal fellowship is important.
Then, in 14b-15a, we learn that 2) The written Word is powerful.
1 Timothy 3:10-13
We finish discussing The Office and Qualification of the Deacon in vv. 8-13.
In v. 8 we looked at 1) The Office of the Deacon
Then we looked at 2) The overarching Qualification of the Deacon, noting that there are qualities of this overarching qualification of dignity.
a) Netagive qualities.
b) Positive quality.
c) Omitted quality.
Now, in v. 10-12 we look at 3) the Testing of the Deacons.
And, in v. 13, we examine 4) the Reward of the Deacons.
1 Timothy 3:8-9
We begin discussing The Office and Qualification of the Deacon in vv. 8-13.
In v. 8 we look at 1) The Office of the Deacon
Then we look at 2) The overarching Qualification of the Deacon, noting that there are qualities of this overarching qualification of dignity.
a) Netagive qualities.
b) Positive quality.
c) Omitted quality.
1 Timothy 3:7
Today we finish the discussion of 1 Tim. 3:1-7: The Desire and Qualification of the Pastor.
In v. 1 we observed that 1) There is a Desire to serve in pastoral ministry.
Then, starting in v. 2, we see that 2) There are qualifications to serve in Pastoral ministry.
There is the overarching qualification of the necessity of no reproach, which is fleshed out in the pastor's local church.
What "above reproach" in the local church looks like is fleshed out in several positive and negative qualifications.
In vv. 4-5, we discussed 3) Family Qualification.
Then, in v. 6 we looked at the 4) Maturity Qualification.
Finally, in v. 7 we examine 5) The External Qualification
1 Timothy 3:6
As we continue the discussion of 1 Tim. 3:1-7 we are reminded that it covers The Desire and Qualification of the Pastor.
In v. 1 we observed that 1) There is a Desire to serve in pastoral ministry.
Then, starting in v. 2, we see that 2) There are qualifications to serve in Pastoral ministry.
There is the overarching qualification of the necessity of no reproach, which is fleshed out in the pastor's local church.
What "above reproach" in the local church looks like is fleshed out in several positive and negative qualifications.
In vv. 4-5, we discussed 3) Family Qualification.
Now, in v. 6 we look at the 4) Maturity Qualification.