Spiritual Health and Wellness

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1Tim 1:13).

With healthcare costs going into orbit, there’s a HUGE emphasis these days on staying healthy. If we don’t get sick in the first place, we don’t have to shell out the copay and the insurance company doesn’t have to pony up the rest. It’s all about health and wellness. You know the drill. Eat right. Get some exercise. (Don’t freak out. This isn’t some never-ending open enrollment meeting.)

So what in the Wide World of Sports does the frustrating world of health insurance have to do with Paul’s second letter to Timothy? So glad you asked. The apostle writes his spiritual son a prescription for a healthy lifestyle in Jesus. “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (v13). Eat right by consuming a high protein diet of God’s Word. Get some exercise as you trust Jesus and serve others. It probably comes as no surprise that they are the keys to a lifestyle of spiritual health and wellness.

But Paul’s not writing to Tim from some squeaky clean doctor’s office or ultramodern research hospital. He’s in jail. On Death Row to be specific. There’s no doubt he realizes his days are numbered (2Tim 4:6-7). He writes with a couple of important purposes. First, the apostle begs the young pastor to drop everything and come see him before its too late (2Tim 4:9, 21). Second, he writes critical instructions to his protege just in case they never see each other again (2Tim 2:1-4:5). 

Paul tells Pastor Tim, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me” (v13). The folks at the ESV make an interesting choice in using the word “follow” here. The original language is a command which is probably better translated as hold tightly or hang on securely. Whatever this is, don’t lose it, don’t drop it, don’t fumble it. Get a firm grip and don’t let go!

The apostle instructs his young friend to grab on to “the pattern of sound words” (v13). Here’s where the picture of spiritual wellness becomes clear. First of all, Paul talks about a “pattern” and uses the Greek word hupotuposis, which is literally a description of an outline or sketch. Tim has a basic outline of what to do. He doesn’t get a specific point-by-point to-do list. Think of it as rough instructions that apply to any and all circumstances. When we’re following Jesus and walking in His Spirit, there’s a LOT of freedom in how we do it. It’s a general prescription for spiritual health.

Tim is to follow the outline of Paul’s “sound words” (v13). And by “sound,” he uses a word (Gr. hugiaino) which certainly can mean accurate and correct. But it carries the idea of healthy and thriving. You see, it’s a medical term often thrown around by the apostle’s personal physician Luke. Dr. Luke knows all about wellness. He quotes Jesus’ words to the religious do-gooders at Levi’s big party, “Those who are well (Gr. hugiaino) have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Lk 5:31). 

Later in the good doctor’s bio of Christ, he describes how the Lord healed a Roman army officer’s civilian staff member without even making a house call. “When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well (Gr. hugiaino)” (Lk 7:10). Since Luke is currently the only person visiting him in prison (2Tim 4:11), it makes sense that Paul is using medical terminology.

In his prequel to Tim, the apostle describes our Savior’s teaching as “the sound (Gr. hugiaino) words of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Tim 6:3). There’s that phrase again. “Sound words.” Words of wellness from the Great Physician. The message of the Gospel is anything but a 98-pound wimp. The grace of Jesus is here to pump…you up! These are healthy words. Thriving words. Buff words. Words with six-pack abs.

The apostle reminds his protege how these are the same healthy words “that you have heard from me” (v13). Paul didn’t just think good thoughts. He said good stuff. Mentoring requires not only demonstration but explanation. Do it and then describe it. Give the “why” behind the “what.” If you’re the student in a discipling relationship, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know the reason why something is done. Actions do speak louder than words, but words explain your actions. Just like a good doctor with great bedside manner not only tells you to cut back on the french fries but why you should do it.

The two keys to spiritual wellness are “the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (v13). Faith is trusting totally in the Son of God as our cosmic Hero who came to our rescue. The Second Person of the Godhead left heaven to do for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves. He lived the life of 100% obedience to God’s commands that when we failed to do so. He died the death for our disobedience in our place. He rose to new life we certainly don’t deserve. And we trust Him to lead us by following His guidelines to an overflowing life.

But there’s a powerful connection between faith and love. Think of it like a spiritual drug interaction. Did you realize that trust in Christ produces love for people? So it’s no mistake that Jesus went out of His way to command His followers to love one another (Jn 13:34-35). And when the Lord and the human authors of Scripture talk about love, they’re not simply talking about the warm and fuzzy feelings you see greeting cards. Agape is like Boston’s song “More than a Feeling.” While there is certainly emotion involved, it’s a whole lot more. It’s love in action. Love that sacrifices. Love that does. Love that goes. 

Jesus clearly demonstrated His love for us by living and dying for us when we still a total dumpster fire of sin (Rom 5:8). Because of trusting in His ultimate act of love to us, we sacrificially love and serve the people He puts in our path. He calls me to a love-is-a-verb lifestyle. Someone once called it a “Me Third” attitude. God first. Others second. Me third. I worship God by getting my eyes off the doofus in the mirror and look around for whoever needs a hand. 

Our ultimate source of wellness is found “in Christ Jesus” (v13). Unlike the skyrocketing price of medicine, your spiritual healthcare costs are NOT going up. That bill was paid in full and paid in advance. Our Savior screamed it from the cross, “It is FINISHED!!!” (Jn 20:30, emphasis added). Believe it or not, there’s just one single word here (Gr. tetelestai). It’s no coincidence that this is the very same word someone in the first century would write on a receipt once the bill had been paid. Think of it as “PAID IN FULL.” There’s no payroll deduction or shared costs in God’s plan. He picks up the full tab for anyone and everyone who trusts in the sinless Son of God. Now THAT’S what I call universal health care!

Paul encourages Timothy to continue pursuing fitness by following this prescription through a healthy diet of the Gospel and getting plenty of exercise trusting Jesus and loving others. While there have been limitless breakthroughs in medicine since the apostle wrote his friend, these are timeless principles for holy health. So hang on tight to the words of spiritual health and wellness the apostle talks about. You know you’re trusting Jesus when you’re serving others. 

Wine and Wellness

“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1Tim 5:23).

Caution! The following may cause confusion, and in some cases, anger and irritability. Then again, a proper reading of Scripture will often do that. In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he brings up the subject of alcohol. Since this is the Bible, the apostle MUST be telling Pastor Tim to be a teetotaler, right? Wrong! In a verse that freaks out a good many fundamentalists, Paul tells Tim to make wine a regular part of his routine. What sort of madness is this?!? The next thing you know, somebody’s going to say the Bible encourages us to dance! (If that’s you, I’ve got some bad news for you.)

Here in a personal note to his pastoral protege, Paul writes, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (v23). This is no call for holy happy hour. Tim had some very particular health issues. The apostle wanted him to be proactive in his wellness. The illness is chronic. Stomach problems and a general sickliness. The treatment is simple. Wine. The dosage is important. Just a sip or two. 

Don’t forget the context of the verse. Paul is sending Tim a note of instruction as one pastor to another. The apostle has placed him as the servant/leader of the Ephesian church, a large, multicultural congregation on the west coast of what we know today as Turkey. Paul personally planted this church during his third Mediterranean tour (Acts 19) and actually stayed there for three years (Acts 20:30). 

At some point after he left town, false teachers weaseled their way into the flock and distracted folks from following Jesus with all sorts of bizarro myths, genealogical rabbit trails, and some doctrine that was downright demonic (1Tim 1:3-7; 4:1-3). With Paul on the road to Macedonia, the apostle leaves Timothy in charge to continue the process of getting the church back on track. Much of the letter has to do with practical steps of pastoral leadership like encouraging prayer in the church (1Tim 2:1-8), finding new leaders of integrity (1Tim 3:1-13; 5:17-22), and establishing a system of assisted living Gospel style (1Tim 5:3-16).

A lot of this note is also instruction for a pastor who’s up to his eyeballs in the mess of ministry. It’s baptism under fire and on the job training. But Paul doesn’t leave Tim hanging and has important points for how to teach the Bible, stay focused on the Gospel, utilize his spiritual gifts, and deepen his walk with Jesus (1Tim 4:16-16). The apostle doesn’t ignore the physical side of the young pastor’s life. “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (v23). If you don’t take care of yourself physically, you can’t take care of the church spiritually.

Shall we get the alcohol discussion out of the way now? There are many denominations and faith traditions that maintain a zero tolerance policy on drinking alcohol. While I appreciate the idea, I have a really hard time using Scripture to back that up. All throughout the Bible, wine flows freely and God doesn’t exactly stop pouring when we hit the New Testament. As a matter of fact, Jesus’ very first miracle is to keep the party rolling at a wedding reception by making more wine (Jn 2:1-11). Christ regularly taught using wine as part of His illustrations (Lk 5:37-39; Mk 2:22). He was such a regular guest at parties that He earned a rather dubious reputation (Mt 11:19). And you can’t ignore Jesus’ use of Merlot at the Last Supper (Mt 26:26-29; Mk 14:22-25; Lk 14:23; 1Cor 11:23-32). Jesus made it. Jesus drank it. And He goes so far as to say He won’t drink again until we’re all with Him in eternity (Mk 14:25). 

Don’t buy the lie that the wine in the Bible is little more than grape juice. If that’s the case, why are so many people getting wasted on Welch’s? There’s the time after the flood where Noah gets so drunk that he passes out naked (Gen 9:20-23), or is that “nekkid”? I wonder why they never taught us that part of Noah’s story in Sunday School? Over and over, Solomon warns his son against overconsumption. Be VERY careful when it comes to wine and beer (Prov 20:1; 23:21). Don’t hang out with folks who are always getting hammered (Prov 23:19-20). The king goes so far as describing what it’s like not just to be drunk but hung over (Prov 23:29-33).

Paul cautions the Romans not to spend the night on the town barhopping (Rom 13:13). Unrepentant alcoholics and addicts don’t have a spot in God’s kingdom (1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21). Don’t miss the fact there were plenty of folks in recovery who were part of the Corinthian church (1Cor 6:11)! People with addiction issues have no place in church leadership (1Tim 3:2-3, 8; Titus 1:7). And if you’re going to get drunk on anything, make sure it’s the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18)! If it’s a problem for you, avoid it. If you’re able to enjoy a glass, don’t get over-served. The bottom line is we also can’t ignore the dangers of alcohol and addiction.

But Paul’s point has less to do with whether or not a believer should drink wine but taking care of yourself physically. Remember, Tim and Paul are old friends. They met on the apostle’s second tour (Acts 16:1-3). The man from Tarsus is familiar with his traveling companion’s health issues. He has tender stomach as well as other problems that can’t be ignored. One way to head off any further problems is a regular does of wine. 

Paul was just following the guidelines for wellness back in the Greco-Roman world. Hippocrates said, “Wine is an appropriate article for mankind, both for the healthy body and for the ailing man.” And not much has changed a couple of thousand years later. According to Webmd, wine is good for digestive health. Believe it or not, scientists have just released a study saying that the resveratrol in a glass of red wine has the health benefits of one hour at the gym. Just a word of warning. Drinking the whole bottle of Cab by yourself is NOT the same as busting a P90X workout.

The bigger issue here is physical wellness. If your doctor has prescribed you medications, take them. If you need supplements or OTC meds, use them. Get regular exercise. Take care of your body. Paul tells his friends in Rome, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship” (Rom 12:1). He uses a word that describes our PHYSICAL form. Remember, we are fully integrated beings, created in both soul AND body. Since my physical body is the temple of the God’s Spirit (1Cor 6:19), I need to keep the joint in tiptop condition! If you don’t take care of yourself physically, you can’t take care of others spiritually.

Bullets and Blah, Blah, Blah

“and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (Titus 2:8)

Confession time. I talk too much. I’ve ALWAYS talked too much. Sure, I’m a social creature and a people person. I love hanging out and chatting it up. But the dark side of all this is that my lips are constantly flapping. Blah, blah, blah. Some of the stuff that comes out of my mouth is decent. Some of it builds up. Some of it encourages. Some of it is healthy. How I wish it all was! An unhealthy percentage of my words is just that, unhealthy. And by doing so, I hand folks the rocks to throw back at me. Blah, blah, blah.

In his letter to Titus, Paul gives his go-to guy some personal instructions when it comes to his own life. First, he tells the Big T to teach doctrine that is strong and healthy (Titus 2:1). Here he tells him HOW to teach (Titus 2:7-8). Live what you teach. Live with integrity. Live with dignity. And keep a handle on what you say. Use “sound speech that cannot be condemned, so than an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (v8). By getting a grip on my big yapper, I put a lid the damage that can be done. 

The apostle uses the phrase “sound speech” (v8). A closer look at the original text shows us a Greek word (Gr. hugies) that is very closely related to “sound” (Gr. hugiaino) used in the previous verses (Titus 1:9, 13, 2:1, 2). It describes something that’s healthy, hearty, and whole. Think ripped and robust. Every other use of this term in the New Testament has to do with health and wellness. When Jesus heals the disabled dude at the Bethesda pool, He sends him on his way by saying, “See, you are well (Gr. hugies)! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you” (Jn 5:14). Do you remember the time that the religious police got hot and bothered at Christ for healing instead of going to church? The Lord put them in their place by telling them, “Are you angry with Me because on the Sabbath I made a man’s whole body well (Gr. hugies)” (Jn 7:23). And how about the time those same religious bullies tried to intimidate Peter and John for using the power of God to heal. The dynamic duo let the Sanhedrin know that it is “by Him this man is standing before you well (Gr. hugies)” (Acts 4:10).

Are my words healthy? Are they whole? Or are they sick? Weak? Do they build up? Or do they tear down? Here in the 21st century, there’s something that Paul and Titus didn’t have to worry about. That’s the interweb. They weren’t constantly updating their Facebook status. They weren’t posting tweets every chance they got. They weren’t always uploading to Instagram. I’m not saying that social media is some demonic, dark world to avoid. But I am saying to be careful. VERY careful. King Solomon may not have  been on Vine or Pinterest, but he certainly was right when he warned his son about talking too much. “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Prov 10:19). The same came be said about stuff posted on the web. Whoever restrains his keyboard is just as prudent.

When I’m smart and economical with my words, I “cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (v8). How many times do you see a politician regretting what he or she had to say when their opponent throws it back in their face in a commercial? And we’ve all heard the stories of our enemies killing and wounding our soldiers with weapons made in the good ol’ U.S. of A. It’s the same with our words. Think of your speech as ammo. Be very careful with it. Don’t let it be used against us. All of my blah-blah-blah is potentially lethal. Paul makes it clear to Titus that he’s not just in danger of self-inflicted wounds. Our words can be used to hurt others around us. 

Don’t give the enemy any bullets. Don’t hand them the rocks to throw back at us. They will still try to talk trash about you, but they it will just be a bunch of hot air. They’ll “be put to shame” (v8). Guess I need to keep my trap shut and limit the blah, blah, blah.

Health Teachers

“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (v9).

Do you remember you favorite teacher growing up? I’m not talking about that “Hot for Teacher” crush you had. Get your mind out of the gutter. Instead, who was that person who did so much more than stand in front of a blackboard (yeah, I said “blackboard; I am THAT old!) and made sure you learned your multiplication tables? Sure the Three Rs are important, but there are those teachers that taught us the big lessons in life that we still use today. Here in his letter to Titus, Paul tells his protege to address the teacher shortage on the island of Crete. Specifically, he’s looking for health teachers. No, not some gym coach to teach health class. There’s a huge need for instructors who teach in a healthy and complete way. They don’t leave anything out. Their instruction is strong and accurate. 

The first item on the apostle’s to-do list for Titus is to find spiritual leaders for the local churches on Crete. The Good News has turned the island on its head. There’s a boatload of new believers, but no leaders. Paul tells the Big T to scour the place for “elders” (Titus 1:4), spiritually mature men of integrity who demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus. He lets his go-to guy know the “must have” qualities for leadership. That list concludes with the ability to teach people what they’ve learned about Jesus. 

So just what’s their lesson plan? What’s in the curriculum? Elders in the local church must “be able to give instruction in sound doctrine” (v9). Oh boy, there’s the dreaded “D” word. “Doctrine.” Most of us roll our eyes when the subject comes up. I know I did. For a lot of us, doctrine equals boring. For Pete’s sake, I’m didn’t enroll in seminary. I just wanted to get to know Jesus better. But a closer look at the original language tells us to cool our jets. The Greek word Paul uses for “doctrine” is actually didaskalia. It literally means the act of teaching or the content being taught. 

Let’s be clear about something. This is NOT about filling your head with all sorts of weird trivia from Leviticus. We’re not asking you to memorize how many cubits are in a homer (is that even a thing?). I’m not saying there’s not good stuff to be learned from some of the more obscure books of the Bible. But the big lesson we learn from the God’s Word is that there is one Hero of the story. The entire message of Scripture is about Jesus. In a nutshell, this is what the Bible tells us. God handcrafted a perfect and spectacular universe. Not long after He created us, we completely jacked up the whole deal and rebelled against our Creator. God then personally came to our rescue in the form of a Rabbi/Carpenter named Jesus. He lived the perfect life that we failed to live. He died the death for our rebellion and sin that we should have died. He rose to an amazing new life that we don’t deserve. He did all of that to fix what we broke and restore our relationship with God. Jesus is THE Hero of THE Story. Now THAT’S the curriculum! That’s doctrine! If you and I trust in what He’s done for us, you don’t have to worry what’s going to be on the final. And God promises there will be no math.

The backbone of teaching in the local church is to be the elders. And their curriculum must be “sound” (v9). Here Paul drops the Greek verb hugiaino. It’s actually a medical term that means to be whole, healthy, and strong. We shouldn’t be shocked that Dr. Luke uses this term when he writes. When the religious police get all hot and bothered when Jesus parties with the wrong crowd, He lets them know, “Those who are well (Gr. hugiaino) have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Lk 5:31). After Jesus healed the Centurian’s employee from long distance, when folks got back home to check on him, “they found the servant well (Gr. hugiaino)” (Lk 7:10). And in His legendary parable of the Prodigal Son, Christ tells the crowd how the father is ecstatic because his boy is back in one piece, “safe and sound (Gr. hugiaino)” (Lk 15:27). Teaching about Jesus certainly needs to be correct and accurate. But also must be in top shape. A weak gospel won’t do us any good when the fecal matter hits the whirling device. When life falls apart, I don’t want weeny doctrine. I desperately need it to be BIG and POWERFUL! 

Elders must possess a strong and healthy message about Jesus because they’re getting ready for a fight. Not a physical one anyway. They’re training for the time they must “rebuke those who contradict it” (v9). Paul literally calls these contradictors “back talkers.” There’s always going to be folks to challenge who Jesus is and what He’s done. Our spiritual leaders should have the skills and heart to lovingly but firmly confront those who attempt to challenge Scripture. This was a very big deal to believers on the island of Crete. The second item on Titus’ list of assignments is to shut up and shut down a crew of false teachers that are corrupting the Gospel (Titus 1:10-11). And these spiritual con artists and hucksters are still up to their tricks today. Elders need to be ready to step into the scriptural cage and put submission hold on these trouble makers. And that takes a strong and healthy understanding of the Gospel.

The Joint Is Jumpin'

...from Whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds up in love (Eph 4:16).

Long before a football player runs out the tunnel and hits the field, he spends hours and hours getting his body in tip top shape.  Pumping iron.  Stretching.  He knows that he can't perform at his best if his muscles aren't ripped and joints aren't limber.  Paul says the same thing about the local church in Ephesians 4:16.  He points out that Jesus' body needs to be in maximum physical condition for top performance.  Too much is at stake to limp onto the field.  It's only because Christ "from Whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds up in love" (v16).  Only when each one of us is strong, limber and serving is the joint really jumpin'!

From the top of the verse, Paul lets us know who's behind the growth and health of my church.  It's Jesus "from Whom...makes the body grow" (v16).  Christ is personally responsible for the health and maturity of His church.  He told His buddy Pete that this whole church building deal is on Him (Mt 16:18).  As a result, He gives spiritual gifts through His Spirit to equip His body.  He also handpicks His coaching staff, "the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds/teachers" (Eph 4:11).  This is like an NFL team providing the best facilities, coaches and equipment for their players.  Jesus personally provides everything His team will need to be successful on the field.

But like a winning team, your church needs all the players on the field, healthy and performing.  Paul says Jesus has put together the Ephesian squad and it's "joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped" (v16).  The word "joined" is the Greek verb sunarmologeo.  It means to fit closely together like parts of a building or body parts.  Christ has put together each roster at each local church exactly as He's planned.  He has just the right players at each position.  Jesus doesn't just bring us together, He keeps us together.  The apostle describes how we are "held together" (v16).  The Greek word sumbibazo means to cause to unite or gather or compact.  Paul encourages the players for Colossian franchise using the very same language (Col 2:19).  Jesus doesn't just assemble His team and hopes it stays together.  He personally works to maintain great team chemistry of the locker room.   

But a well-trained squad that has great chemistry off the field still must play well together on the field.  The local church only performs "when each part is working properly" (v16).  My church only functions at max capacity when everyone is doing what God has gifted them to do.  The local church is a joint venture.  (Yeah, I know.  That was bad.  VERY bad.)  But when each one of us is serving and using our God-given gifts, talents and abilities, we're "working properly" (v16).  When every ligament, every cartilage, every joint, every arm and every leg is doing its thing, the local church is in limber and strong.  If not, we limp and we stumble.  The church can't perform with a bum shoulder, cranky knee or gimpy ankle.  We can't end up on the DL.  We can't fly around the field wearing a big, clunky knee brace.  We need everyone serving in their gifts in order to be healthy and out on the field.

That's when is the joint really jumpin'!

So is your team at full strength?  Is everyone serving using the gifts Jesus has given?  Are YOU serving?  Are YOU ready to hit the field?  Paul told the team in Rome that their squad must have all of its players healthy and ready to play.  "For as one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another" (Rom 12:4-5).  The stakes of the game are too high to not have full, healthy roster.  There's a lost and dying world out there.  Eternity hangs in the balance.  

We need the joint to be jumpin'!