Upon Further Review

“For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control” (1Tim 2:13-15).

“The play is under review.” With those words, the game on the field comes to a halt and we wait for a ruling from the replay booth. Did the ball carrier step out of bounds in his TD run down the sideline? That’s the question. 

Here in Paul’s letter to Timothy, the play is under review. In this case, the play is what’s infamously become known as the Fall. “For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if hey continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control” (v13-15). The apostle wants us to watch the replay closely. Instead of running down the middle of the field, Eve chose to tip toe down the sideline of sin. Upon further review, she’s out of bounds. WAY out of bounds.

We need to get something on the table right from the get-go. There’s stuff here in these verses that folks with more degrees than Fahrenheit have been trying to figure out since the apostle’s ink was still drying on the parchment. His buddy Peter even said that some of the stuff Paul wrote made his head hurt (2Pet 3:15-16). This seems to be the kind of thing Pete’s talking about. So please don’t base your interpretation on these verses on what you read here. We’re going to do a little digging in the original Greek. I think it will help us try to unpack what Paul is saying. But understand, the following is worth what you paid for it.

What we can be sure about is the purpose of the passage. Paul is explaining why church leadership is structured as it is. Men should stop fighting and start praying (1Tim 2:8). Women need to quit worrying about image and wardrobe and start doing good works that never go out of style in God’s eyes (1Tim 2:9-10). He then goes on to explain that the reason men teach and lead in the local church goes back to the original created order. He wants us to check the replay of Genesis 1-3 to see why.

Call it distant replay. We need go back to the opening pages of the Bible. “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (v13). Paul reminds us that God is our Creator and we’re His creation. Yahweh formed Adam from the dirt (Gen 2:8) and then crafted Eve from Adam (Gen 2:18, 22). The apostle wants us to see the craftsmanship and care God uses to create our first parents. He uses the verb “formed” (Gr. plasso), which describes molding, shaping, and crafting like a potter. As a matter of fact, that’s exactly how its used the only other time it shows up in Scripture. “But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder (Gr. plasso), ‘Why have you made me like this?’” (Rom 9:20).

Upon further review, we see how God created the combo of Adam and Eve in the image of the Triune God (Gen 1:26). There’s no reason for guys to get cocky here. Adam doesn’t have more of this divine image because God formed him first. And Eve doesn’t get Adam’s leftovers. TOGETHER they carry His image as a team. “Male and female He created them” (Gen 1:27). What happened at the fall had nothing to do with any kind of male superiority. Get that out of your head right now.

As the replay rolls on, we see that “Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived” (v14). The Greek word translated “deceived” here is apatao, which means to cheat, beguile, fool, trick, mislead, or outwit. This term only shows up four times in the entire Bible. Two of those are here in these verses. One of the other appearances is in another letter from Paul to the very same church at Ephesus where Tim now serves as pastor. “Let no one deceive (Gr. plasso) you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Eph 5:6). The other mention is by Jesus’ kid brother James. “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives (Gr. plasso) his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26).

Adam didn’t fall for the lies of the satanic serpent, BUT he was standing right there and didn’t do anything to stop it! His passivity led directly to Eve’s rebellion of God’s goodness. As her husband, he completely failed to lead her and protect her. Adam wasn’t duped, but he was totally accountable and clearly responsible (Rom 5:12-21; 1Cor 15:21-22). Adam failed to man up and consciously ate the sinful fruit salad. His wife may have sinned first, but his failure to be her protector dropped a nuke on God’s relationship with the human race.

Guys, that’s REALLY what it means to be the husband and spiritual head of the home. You are responsible and accountable for leading, guiding, and protecting your wife. We’re to mirror what Jesus did for His bride (Eph 5:23, 24-32). It’s time to come in from recess and be the husband God called you to be and your wife needs. For too long, many of us (me included!) forced our wives into a leadership role they didn’t want. Sacrifice for her. Serve her. Love her. Lead her. Protect her. It’s what Jesus did for His wife.

Eve may have been snookered by the slimy one (v14) but she knew the forbidden fruit was out of bounds (Gen 2:17; 3:3). WAY out of bounds. It was then that she “became a transgressor” (v14). Paul doesn’t use the usual word for sinner but the Greek word parabasis. It pictures someone overstepping the boundary with intent, a purposeful deviation, or willful disobedience. It’s a compound word that literally means “near (para-) stepping (-basis). 

Picture a ball carrier streaking down the sidelines for the score. The replay shows that he stepped out of bounds. While the replay can’t see his intent, God can. He knows Eve’s heart and sees that she didn’t just run too close to the boundary and step out accidentally. It’s not like Urkel who would famously make a mistake and drop his signature line, “Did I do that?!?” Upon further review, Adam’s wife stepped out of bounds on purpose. 

That’s what happens when play to close to the sideline of God’s rules. In sports, defenders want you near the sideline. They almost invite you to get the ball to the edge of the playing field or court. They use the boundary as to their advantage. The closer we are to where we shouldn’t be, the more tempting it is to step over the line. That’s why the best place to break down a defense is often right down the middle! 

Eve intentionally stepped out of bounds and we stayed there rebelliously. That’s why Jesus had to come. He never even close to the sideline of sin and disobedience. God’s law “was added because of transgressions (Gr. parabasis)” until our Savior came to our rescue (Gal 3:19). According to the writer of Hebrews, Jesus “is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions (Gr. parabasis) committed under the first covenant” (Heb 9:15). 

As if understanding Paul’s teaching here isn’t tricky enough, he writes a line that theologians have been trying to figure out before his ink was even dry on the parchment. “Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness” (v15). What the what?!? Clearly we’re not saved through childbirth. Well, at least I hope not. Fifty percent of the human race is in big trouble if that’s the case. No, clearly God saves us by His grace through our faith in who Jesus is and what He has done for us (Eph 2:8-9).

Let me take a stab at what the apostle is trying to get across. PLEASE don’t hold me to this. I’m just spitballing here. Part of the problem with this verse is that the pronouns are all over the place. First Paul’s talking about “she” then he suddenly writes about “they.” Who “she”? Who “they”? Kinda sounds like chant you’d hear at a New Orleans Saints game. (Are you getting the idea that every analogy I have comes back to sports?)

“She” is Eve. By giving birth to her own children, she is first in a long line of moms who will eventually give birth to the baby Jesus. When the time was absolutely perfect, “God sent forth His Son, born of a woman” as our Savior (Gal 4:4-5). Throughout history God promises that He will bless the entire world through His Seed or Offspring (Gen 3:15; Gen 12:7; 13:15; 2Sam 7:12; 22:51). It’s through childbirth that God sends His Son into this world.  

The apostle goes on to say “if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control” (v15). The “they” of which Paul writes would seem to be every who has a mom. If you’re scoring at home, that would be all of us. We’ll experience a saving relationship with God when we realize three things. First, continue to trust in what Jesus has done for us. Second, be firehoses of love to both God and people. In other words, we fulfill the Greatest Commandment Jesus mentions (Mt 22:37-40; Mk 12:29-31). Third, we pursue holiness by joyfully and willingly doing what the Lord tells us to do. All of this is under the heading of self-control. In other words, we experience the abundant and overflowing life God intends for us (Jn 10:10) when we live our lives focused on these goals. Trusting in Jesus. Loving God and others. Doing what He tells us.

Let’s take one last look at the replay. God created Adam and then Eve. We jacked up His perfect universe when our first dad neglected his wife and she willfully stepped out of bounds. WAY out of bounds. But it was through her role as the first mom that started the progression that led to the birth of the God-Man who never went anywhere near the sinful sideline. His score counts when ours was called back.

Upon further review, the ruling stands as called. We sinned. Jesus saves.

Strolling through the Land Mines

“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet” (1Tim 2:11-12).

Click. You’ve seen it happen if you’ve ever watched a movie about war. A soldier on patrol with his buddies suddenly realizes he’s stepped on a land mine. Everyone freezes. One false move and he’s a goner. Well, we’ve come to one of those scriptural land mines that we like to avoid. It’s particularly tricky for an old white dude to talk about the role of women in worship. (Just to be clear, a coworker’s daughter recently saw me and asked her mom if she knew the “old white dude.”)

But rather than give you my opinion, let’s look at the context of these verses scripturally, culturally, and historically. It’s not just Paul’s opinion. This isn’t just the ramblings of a single guy back in the first century who has it out for women. Remember, he’s an apostle. That means he’s Jesus’ handpicked personal rep with all the authority of the One who chose him. Ultimately, let’s hear what God has to say. Not you. Not me. God. 

Okay, here we go. From somewhere on his Macedonian mission, Paul writes back to Timothy, the past of the Ephesian church. “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather she is to remain quiet” (v11-12). Click. Everybody remain calm while we go all Hurt Locker on what the apostle has to say.

Let’s remember why Paul wrote this little letter in the first place. He planted this church a few years back during his third Gospel tour of the Mediterranean Rim (Acts 19). The apostle spent three years in this massive port city telling folks all about Jesus and about how the Jewish Messiah has thrown the doors open to God’s kingdom to non-Jews everywhere. After spending a few years behind bars falsely accused, Paul is back on the road with the Good News, this time to Macedonia. He’s tapped his spiritual son Timothy as the new pastor of this growing church (1Tim 1:1-3). 

But things aren’t all that rosy in E City. A team of spiritual snake oil salesmen has weaseled their way into the church (and you thought one of your friends trying to sell you multilevel marketing products was annoying!). These hucksters have distracted Jesus followers from, well, following Jesus. Paul has already given the boot to the Despicable Duo of Hymenaeus and Alexander (1Tim 1:20). Now it’s up to Tim to clean up the mess they’ve left behind (1Tim 1:3-7).

They must have had quite an impact on worship in the Ephesian church. Gatherings that should be focused on Jesus are out of control. Men are duking it out instead of praying it up (1Tim 2:8). Women have transformed into a fashion show as they show off their best threads, hairstyles, and bling (1Tim 2:9). What should be all about Jesus instead is all about who’s on the Ephesus best dressed list. Paul wants the ladies to realize the only essential items in any wardrobe from Christ’s perspective are good works (1Tim 2:10). It’s a classic look that never goes out of style.

So the frame of reference for these verses is all about worship. Not work. Not politics. Worship gatherings. Got it? Good. With that as background, Paul writes, “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man; rather she is to be quiet” (v11-12). Okay, everybody just take a breath. We’re going to be alright. 

Cultural and historical context are also HUGELY important here. Back in the day, Ephesus was the home of a world famous temple to Greek goddess Artemis, the daughter of Zeus. Folks traveled for hundreds of miles to participate in some wild and crazy worship at this joint. You can do your own research, but let’s just say the ladies ran the show when it comes the female deity. And going to worship Artemis included sex with temple prostitutes. Yeah, this isn’t anything like going to church with Memaw. These were the kind of folks Jesus was saving and using to build His church in Ephesus.

The combination of their background and the impact of the false teachers has caused some serious chaos in worship services. It certainly appears that at least some of the ladies are loud and running the show. Why else would Paul go out of his way to drop these commands? Notice that twice he encourages women to be quiet. This is the Greek term hesuchia, which means peaceful, tranquil, and calm. It comes from a root word that means to sit still. Picture someone giving calm attention to what’s going on.

It does NOT mean silent. It does NOT mean seen and not heard. When Paul addressed a huge mob at the temple in Jerusalem, when the people realized he spoke in their native Hebrew language “they became even more quiet (Gr. hesuchia)” (Acts 22:2). In one of his letters to the Thessalonian church, the apostle wrote that believers are “to do their work quietly (Gr. hesuchia) and earn their own living” (2Th 3:12). Again, we’re not talking about total silence. There’s not some sort of ban on talking and communication by the ladies. That’s ridiculous. 

There’s a big lesson here for both men and women. When we get together for worship, let’s calmly pay attention. Stop muttering under your breath. Quit whispering to the person next to you. Let’s face it, you hate it when folks do it at the movies. It’s one thing for you to be distracted, but there’s no reason to make sure those sitting around also aren’t paying attention. 

The ladies are to remain calm in the context of teaching during church gatherings. NOT silent. NOT seen and not heard. Clearly Paul tells the Corinthian church that women contribute to the life and worship of the church through prayer and prophesy (1Cor 11:5). And remember how Peter quotes the prophet Joel in his very first sermon. “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on My male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out My Spirit, and they shall prophesy” (Acts 2:17-18). Hard to prophesy when you’re seen and not heard.

“Let a woman learn” (v11). Notice how women are to be included in the learning process. Paul gives the command that the ladies are not to be ignored when it comes to growing in their knowledge and application of God’s Word. Digging into Scripture is not like putting a “No Girls Allowed” sign on your treehouse. Both Jewish or Greco-Roman culture in the first century saw women as little more than property. Jesus regularly taught members of the opposite sex. Just ask Martha’s sister Mary (Lk 10:39). The bulk of this command actually falls on the men. As spiritual leaders in the home, husbands are accountable for the growth of their wives. Remember, you’re following Jesus as one flesh. Cultivate an environment where she can grow and flourish as she learns from the Lord. 

Paul instructs Tim, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man” (v12). First of all, let me say that I’m probably not going to change anyone’s mind here. And I’m not going to go into a long, drawn out case for either egalitarianism or complementarianism (I think the Bible clearly teaches the latter by the way). As we said earlier, the apostle is NOT saying women should never hold important leadership positions outside the church in business or government. And he doesn’t say ladies should be devoid of authority in the church either.

Paul is specifically restricting women from filling the office and role of lead pastor or teacher. Men are to be the spiritual leaders of the local church as elders as we’ll see just a few verses later (1Tim 3:1-8). That’s not to say qualified ladies can’t teach in certain situations (Acts 18:26; Titus 2:3-4). As a matter of fact, there are some very important scenarios where having a female instructor is WAY better! The apostle actually goes out of his way to say how women are particularly effective when teaching women (Titus 2:4) and children (2Tim 1:5). And guys, don’t think Paul’s giving you a hall pass when it comes to teaching kids. 

Again, context is key. Scripturally. Historically. Culturally. Paul is specifically talking about worship gatherings in the local church where we preach and learn God’s Word. The people of Ephesus had some serious gender baggage thanks to the Temple of Artemis. And women in those days of the Greco-Roman world were seriously disenfranchised. One thing we’ll see in the following verses is how the apostle ultimately bases his commands on God’s created order. Walk gingerly. More land mines ahead.

What Not to Wear

“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works” (1Tim 2:9-10).

Imagine walking down the street when somebody grabs you and starts ripping your wardrobe. Ditch the mom jeans. The 80s called and want their shoulder pads back. If you’re a fan of the show “What Not to Wear,” you know exactly what I’m talking about. Hosts Stacy and Clinton are the fashion police. They kidnap some poor, unsuspecting woman and execute an ambush makeover. When it’s all over, they give their subject a look which makes her shine. 

(Okay, full disclosure. I only know of this show because my wife is a fan. Have I watched a few times? Sure, I admit it. But my DVR’s not groaning with episodes from the series. Why do I have a funny feeling you’re not buying what I’m selling? Also let me say that I know I’m headed down a slippery slope here. I’m not exactly on top of the latest fashion trends and really know zilch about women’s style. That being the case, let’s just stick with what Scripture has to say.)

The truth is, makeovers are nothing new. Back in the first century, Paul made a point of letting ladies know all about the latest in fashion for the followers of Jesus. “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for a woman who professes godliness—with good works” (v9-10). No, he’s not trashing what the stars wear on the red carpet like folks on “Access Hollywood” (but I would love to hear what the apostle has to say about Lady GaGa's meat dress!). He wants women to wear what really makes them shine in the eyes of God. And there’s nothing more stunning than being decked out in sacrificial service to others.

Before you think the apostle is picking on the ladies, notice it begins with the words “Likewise also” (v9). So let’s back up a couple of verses. He’s just told the guys to stop fighting and start praying (1Tim 2:8). Apparently the dudes were too busy duking it out and not praying it up. In the same way, the women in the Ephesian church seem to be overly focused on fashion. “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” have nothing on them. It’s all about appearance. It’s all about style. They’re so focused on the mirror-mirror-on-the-wall that they’ve lost all sight of Who matters most of all. 

Paul begins by telling his protege Timothy the essentials that every Christ-following woman should have in their wardrobe. Little black dress? Sleek blazer? Possibly. But it’s deeper than that. “Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control” (v8). “Adorn” is the Greek verb kosmeo. It’s where we get our word “cosmetics.” It means to arrange, put in order, or make ready. In other words, think about what you’re putting on. Plan what you wear. Don’t just throw on the first thing you grab out of your closet. 

The apostle’s language here is pretty clear. The big idea is women should not dress in a way that draws all the attention to themselves. This isn’t about being flamboyant or gaudy. And it’s certainly not about looking sexy and seductive. Godly ladies understand the power of their appearance. They realize men are visual beings and stimulated by what they see. With that in mind, they serve their spiritual brothers by not dressing provocatively. Don’t advertise something you shouldn’t be selling.

One great way of thinking of this is whether a woman wants to be a target or a treasure. Are you dressing yourself in a way that invites men to objectify you? I’m not saying you can completely extinguish the male libido, but there’s no reason to throw gasoline on the fire. Is there any reason to go into a detailed discussion of height, length, or depth of certain pieces of clothing? And guys, stop demanding that your wife or girlfriend wears what turns you on. She’s not only somebody’s daughter but a treasured child of God.

Paul goes on to describe not just a woman’s wardrobe but her hairstyle and jewelry. A believing lady should not have “braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire” (v9). Let’s be clear. He’s NOT saying you can’t get your hair did or instituting a bling ban. I don’t see command in Scripture for women to wear denim jumpers. The apostle is describing the self-centered attitude of wanting all eyes are on you when you walk into the room. Remember, God’s Word calls us to a “me third” attitude. Jesus first. Others second. Me third. Stop stealing His attention. We also must understand the impact we have on others. For instance, does what we wear provoke a sense of jealousy in those who don’t have what we do?

The apostle goes on to say that a lady who loves Jesus should be styling with “what is proper for a woman who professes godliness—with good works” (v10). Stop freaking out about your clothes. Stop focusing on how your hair looks. Stop worrying so much about your jewelry. If you say you follow Jesus, live like you follow Jesus. We want people to see our Savior not ourselves. Fashion experts always encourage us to have classic and timeless clothes in our closet. There’s NOTHING more classic and timeless than godliness and good works! There are ALWAYS in style!

Let’s be clear that doing these good things are important for every believer. But good deeds don’t save us. That’s not possible. There’s only One who was able to do enough good works. Jesus does for us what we could never do for ourselves (Eph 2:8-9). He lived the life of perfect obedience when we fall short. WAY short. He died on a cross in our place for our sin. We place our trust in Christ’s ultimate good works on our behalf. As a result, we’re not saved by doing good stuff but in order to do good stuff. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph 2:10). And these good works are essential to any believer’s wardrobe.

This idea of what not to wear goes back a few centuries before Paul Through the prophet Isaiah, God warns that one day He’ll perform a humiliating makeover on every lady who worships her own appearance (Is 3:18-23). The transformation will be unlike you’ve ever seen on any reality show. “Instead of perfume there will be rottenness; and instead of a belt, a rope; and instead of well-set hair, baldness; and instead of a rich robe, a skirt of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty” (Is 3:24). I don’t know about you, but I think I would be updating my look before God does it for me.

It’s not what’s on the outside but the inside that really makes you beautiful. Remember, God looks at the internal, not the ensemble (1Sam 16:7). Worry about what’s going on inside your heart “for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov 4:23). It’s why God gives us a new heart when He saves us. His Holy Spirit moves into each believer and empowers each of us to live an inside-out life. Style starts on the inside and moves to the outside. The result is true godliness and a wardrobe of good works. God absolutely loves seeing them. They’re ALWAYS in style! When you put them on everyday, you never have to worry about the Lord telling you what not to wear. It’s a look that really makes you shine!

Put Your Hands in the Air Like You Really Do Care

“I desire that in every place the man should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” (1Tim 2:8).

What’s the sure sign of a good time? “Put your hands in the air like you just don’t care.” Pop stars have been encouraging us to do this since the ‘80s. Everyone from Cameo and the Backstreet Boys to Outkast and the Black Eyed Peas. For Pete’s sake, Miley Cyrus even named one of her tunes “Hands in the Air.” Here’s the deal. Shouldn’t that be the official sign of the musical apocalypse for this lyric?

A couple of thousand years ago, Paul had a better idea of how we should use our hands. “I desire that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” (v8). Men should be VERY intentional about what they’re doing with their hands. Stop duking it out. Start praying it up. Put your hands in the air like you really DO care!

Let’s reset the scene for this letter. God has sent Paul on his next assignment to Macedonia. The apostle installs his spiritual son Timothy as pastor of the church in the Asian port of Ephesus. This letter includes a to-do list to accomplish that’s critical to the health of this growing congregation. At the top of that list is removing the cancer of false teachers who have distracted folks from living and loving like Jesus (1Tim 1:3-7). 

The man from Tarsus knows that a big part of healing in the Ephesian church will come through prayer. He tells Tim to focus on using every form of prayer to pray for every person that comes to mind (1Tim 2:1). That even includes the wicked emperor and other corrupt government officials (1Tim 2:2). The hope is these rulers will not only allow Jesus’ followers to be good citizens but also come to faith in Christ (1Tim 2:3-4). You see, it’s really hard to hate somebody that you’re pleading with God to bless.

It appears that one nasty impact of this false teaching is dissension and fighting among men in the church. Instead of lifting things up to the Lord, dudes are throwing it down. That stops. Right here. Right now. Put your hands in the air like you really DO care.

Paul wants guys to not limit where they pray. Do it “in every place” (v8). It wasn’t that long ago, prayer and worship were limited to holy places like the tabernacle and temple. Religious activities used to be a lot like real estate. It was all about location, location, location. But Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice put an end to all that. He told a Samaritan woman no place is more holy than another when it comes to worshiping God (Jn 4:21). Thanks to Jesus, zip code doesn’t matter. We’re able to pray anywhere, anytime.

The apostle tells Tim very specifically “the men should pray” (v8). This is distinct from women in the next verse. That’s not to say women shouldn’t pray. Far from it. As a matter of fact, they are not commanded to pray because they are already doing it! Shoot, this still happens today. Ever been to a prayer meeting? The vast majority of people in attendance are usually the ladies. Boys, prayer is not just “women’s work.” It’s warfare. Spiritual warfare. It’s hard work. It’s heavy lifting. Now it’s time for the guys to put on their big boy pants and pray. Men must step up to be leaders in the local church. Men must to step up to be leaders in prayer. Are we clear?

Paul strongly suggests guys use a prayer posture where they are “lifting holy hands” (v8). You do know that prayer isn’t simply sitting with your head bowed, eyes closed, and hands folded, right? There are many postures of prayer. Lifting your hands is one of them. When it comes to prayer, let’s take a hint from Olivia Newton-John. Let’s get physical. Let’s get our bodies involved. Fully involved. Many times the position of my body in prayer can be a powerful reminder to my heart and soul about what I’m doing and Who I’m praying to.

One common position is on our knees. It’s demonstrates our submission to God’s authority and power. Even the Son of God dropped to His knees before His Heavenly Dad (Lk 22:41-44). Another prayer posture is face down. Some folks call this prostrate (and be careful to include the “r”). It’s the ultimate demonstration of humility and brokenness. Once again, we see our Savior modeling this method in His darkest hour (Mt 26:38-39). You can stand up to pray it up. Believe it or not, this is actually the oldest form of prayer. Take a stab at who’s a great example to follow in standing prayer. You get two guesses and the first two don’t count. You got it. Jesus (Lk 9:28-32; Jn 17:1). When it comes to prayer, let’s get physical.

Specifically, Paul tells men to lift their hands when they pray. Once again, this is nothing new. It’s a favorite form of worship of King David (Ps 63:8; 141:2). We probably ought to take it from the person who has the rep as a man after God’s own heart (1Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22). When Jerusalem was under attack from the Babylonians, Jeremiah pleaded with people, “Lift your hands to Him for the lives of the children, who faint for hunger at the head of every street” (Lam 2:19). Put your hands in the air like you really DO care.

Don’t miss what kind of hands we should be extending to heaven. “Holy hands” (v8). The word “holy” (Gr. hosios) literally means unpolluted and unstained by evil. Our hands represent the activity of our lives. That being the case, holy hands equal a holy life. Not perfect. Not sinless. But pursuing holiness. Jesus’ kid brother James said living a righteous life is the secret sauce to answered prayer. “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16).

Just in case you had any question about the need for lifting righteous hands in prayer, Paul bluntly writes how we need to do this “without anger or quarreling” (v8). Use your hands for praying it up, not fighting it out. A hot head and a righteous life are mutually exclusive (James 1:20). God tells Isaiah that He has no use for any prayers offered with hands bloodied from a bare knuckle brawl. “When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood” (Is 1:15).

The bottom line. Pray anywhere and anytime. Men should man up and start leading in prayer. Let’s get physical with our prayer life. Start lifting your hands and stop throwing it down. Put your hands in the air like you really DO care.

The Good Newscaster

“For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” (1Tim 2:7).

TV networks and local stations place a high priority on their news anchors. They put all sorts of research into selecting the person they hope their viewers will trust to deliver the nightly news. Many become household names. Walter Cronkite. Huntley and Brinkley. Tom Brokaw. Ron Burgundy. (Just seeing if you’re paying attention.) There’s a lot on the line when looking for the next great newscaster.

That’s nothing compared to what God does in selecting His spokespersons. One the His most controversial and effective choices is a former Pharisee named Paul. Controversial because the dude from Tarsus was actually trying to wipe the followers of Jesus off the planet at the time of his selection. Effective because Christ used him to take the Gospel to non-Jews for the very first time and write most of what we know as the New Testament. Paul tells his protege Timothy, “For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” (v7). 

Paul is God’s choice as the Good Newscaster. 

Just a quick review of why there even is a book of the Bible we call 1st Timothy. A few years back, Jesus used Paul to plant His church in the Asian port city of Ephesus. It’s on the west coast of what we know today as Turkey. The city is a critical crossroads of trade and culture in the first century. A strategic location for countless people to come in contact with the life changing message of Jesus. 

However, there’s a problem in the Ephesian church. God has sent Paul on his next assignment to Macedonia. He’s left his spiritual son Timothy to pastor the Ephesian megachurch. But a team of spiritual hucksters have weaseled their way into the congregation and have distracted believers from the core of their faith (1Tim 1:3-7). Instead of simply trusting in who Jesus is and what He has done, they’ve duped folks into buying a false gospel which is really no Gospel at all. If that’s not bad enough, they’re telling everyone that Paul is a fraud when passing himself off as an apostle of the Lord.

It’s tempting to blow right past the first two words here in verse 7: “for this.” But one look in the rearview mirror let’s us know “this” is kind of big deal. “This” is the Gospel. Paul’s been talking all about how Jesus has come to our rescue as the “one Mediator between God and men” (1Tim 2:5). Christ ponied up with the biggest ransom payment the universe has ever seen, His own sinless life, in order to free us from our sin (1Tim 2:6). Yeah, like I said, “this” is REALLY a big deal.

The man formerly known as Saul writes that it’s because of the Good News that “I was appointed” to three distinct roles. “Preacher…apostle…teacher” (v7). He wants us to know this wasn’t some sort of religious power grab. God has personally handpicked and placed him in this important place of influence in the early church. “Appointed” is the Greek verb tithemi, which has a wide range of meanings but basically describes putting something somewhere. That being the case, I wish I could remember where I have tithemi-ed my car keys most days. But I digress.

In this context, the word means assigning someone to a particular task, function, or role.  And in this case, Gods job description for Paul specifically begins with as “preacher” (v7). Once again, a peek into the original language is a big help. “Preacher” (Gr. kerux) is one who is handpicked to proclaim and make public announcements. A person given authority who delivers an official message. Notice a theme here? Someone didn’t simply pull Paul’s name out of hat and ask him to speak. He’s not just a random man-on-the-street. 

A few hundred years ago, the term was used for the official town crier or herald. The best understanding in the 21st Century is probably a PA announcer or news anchor. Paul is Jesus’ personal choice as His anchor for the Good Newscast. And as we’ll see in a little later, God has handed him the microphone to deliver the Message to a specific audience. 

The next specific duties is a biggie. “Apostle (Gr. apostolos)” (v7). You might think an apostle was something the writers of the Bible cooked up. Actually in the Greco-Roman world, this described an official representative with all the power and authority of the one who sent them. An apostle has a lot more oomph that just power of attorney. When you meet someone’s apostle, it’s as if the person who sent them is sitting right there with you. In this case, that Person is Jesus. In other words, when Paul is anchoring the Good Newscast, it’s as if Christ Himself is delivering the news. That’s some serious oomph.

There probably wasn’t anyone who saw Jesus’ selection of Paul coming. After all, he was a one-man wrecking crew against Christ’s church. Back in the day, he was known as Saul and was headed on another search-and-destroy mission to Damascus. That’s when the resurrected Jesus literally blindsided him (Acts 9:1-6). The Lord has a new assignment for him. He’s the newest member of the Apostle, taking the spot previously held by the infamous Judas Iscariot.

There’s seems to be a bit of confusion between the meaning of disciple and apostle. We tend to throw those two terms around interchangeably for Jesus’ posse. There’s a distinct difference. A disciple is one who follows and learns from a mentor. An apostle is equipped, empowered, and sent out on assignment. In other words, the disciples first followed Christ and learned. Once He headed home to heaven, He sent them out on assignment.

What’s this have to do with you and me? While the official capital “A” Apostles only describe Christ's original crew, it still works much the same way. As disciples, we’re first followers of Jesus. The next step in following Him is to do what He commands us and go where He tells us. That’s when He sends us in His name. Just after walking out of the grave and just before lifting off for heaven, Christ instructed His followers to go and be disciple-making disciples (Mt 28:18). We’re followers who are sent. Like Paul and the rest of the apostles, we’re broadcasters of the Good News.

Meanwhile back in the letter, Paul reassures Tim, “I am telling the truth, I am not lying” (v7). Why in the world would the man from Tarsus feel the need to reassure his spiritual son that he’s legit? Apparently the false teachers who’ve infiltrated the Ephesian church have accused Paul of making up his story about being picked and sent by Jesus as an apostle. When you doubt the messenger, you doubt the message. Just ask Brian Williams. (Insert joke here about Williams being with Paul outside of Damascus here.) It’s important for Paul to defend the integrity of his calling. 

We need to remember the importance of telling the truth about the One who is Truth (Jn 14:6). Once we start fudging the facts about the other stuff in our lives, we give people reason to doubt anything we tell them about Jesus. Remember, when people doubt the messenger, they doubt the message. Don’t lie. God doesn’t (Num 23:19; Heb 6:18). It’s such a big deal to God that He included it in His Top Ten (Ex 20:16). When we don’t tell the truth, there are consequences. Integrity is key when your the Good Newscaster.

Finally, Paul writes about his role as “a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” (v7). As a teacher, he doesn’t just spread the Good News but explains what it means. We all have memories of those special teachers we had in school. They taught us so much more than our multiplication tables and how to diagram sentences. Great teachers teach us about life. Few people doubt the apostle’s impact on countless Christ followers in the first century. As a matter of fact, his teaching continues to echo around the planet to this day.

While Paul didn’t have a problem broadcasting the Good News to anyone who would listen, there was a very specific demographic he had in mind. “The Gentiles” (v7). In other words, non-Jews. Actually the word most often translated as “Gentiles” is the Greek noun ethnos. It’s where we get our English word “ethnic.” 

Christ specifically selected the apostle to every non-Jewish ethnic group in the world. Just after the divine mugging outside of Damascus, the risen Jesus told one of His followers named Ananias how Saul/Paul “is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). The apostle constantly reminds folks of his assignment to the non-Jewish world (Rom 1:5; 11:13; 15:16; Gal 1:16; 2:2, 7-9; Eph 3:7-8).

I’m particularly glad about this part of Paul’s ministry. I’m not Jewish. I can’t trace my family tree back to God’s chosen people. Without Jesus sacrifice and Paul’s broadcast of the Good News to non-Jews, I’d be left out in the cold. It’s hard for us to understand just how controversial this invitation of every other ethnic group into God’s kingdom really was. 

This debate rages throughout the pages of Acts and a lot of the New Testament. It was crazy enough to think Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. Now you’re telling me He’s inviting Gentiles to the party!?!? This was such a big deal that church leaders held a big meeting back at the home office just to come to a decision (Acts 15:1-35). They concluded if God’s saving non-Jews, who are they to stop Him. Good call.

So what do you and I do with this? What does Paul’s assignment as preacher, apostle, and teacher to non-Jews have to do with us? First of all, if you’re not Jewish be VERY thankful! Otherwise, you might still be on the outside looking in. Second, if God has placed you in a position of influence and authority, step into it. Don’t ignore it. Don’t walk away from it. There are people out there He’s using you to serve and lead. Start serving. Start leading. Third, we’re all to be good followers of those placed in authority over us. Willingly submit to godly leaders. Quit your whining. Stop your complaining. Follow. 

Finally, we all are broadcasters of Jesus’ Gospel. He has given everyone of us the mic to tell the world of who He is and what He’s done. Place your trust in Him. He lived the perfect life we failed to live. He died the death for our sin we should have died. He rose to new life we don’t deserve. We’re all God’s handpicked choice as His Good Newscasters. And that’s the way it is.

Paying the Ransom

“who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time” (1Tim 2:6)

A loved one is missing. There are clear signs of foul play. The phone eventually rings. The kidnappers have demands. They want money. Lots of it. Don’t say a word to anybody. The clock is ticking. Life hangs in the balance. You’ve seen it played out many times. Paying the ransom is a consistent theme of movies like “Fargo,” “Die Hard,” “Taken,” and of course “Ransom.” 

Did you realize that you were the victim of a kidnapping? Yeah, I’m talking to YOU! Every single one of us. Abducted. Captured. And the price demanded was through the roof. There was no hope. None. Zero. You may be scratching your head wondering when this happened? What sort of crazy talk is this? Well, Paul wants you and I to know this is EXACTLY what went down before Jesus came to our rescue. 

But Christ didn’t spring us by making the drop of a briefcase full of cash. No, He paid with something far more valuable bag full of Benjamins. Our Savior is the one “who gave Himself as a ransom for all which is the testimony given at the proper time” (v6). Jesus exchanged Himself for us. He substituted Himself to gain our freedom. Once it all went down, the word got out. And it got out to the entire world. 

In many ways this is the Big Idea of Paul’s letter to his buddy Timothy. The apostle has left Tim to pastor the megachurch in Ephesus. It’s the same fellowship he founded a few years back during his third tour of the Mediterranean Rim (Acts 19). Fast forward a few years later. There’s trouble in E City. Big trouble. A team of spiritual hucksters is stirring up believers and selling a counterfeit gospel that’s really no gospel at all (1Tim 1:3-7). These snake oil salesmen are telling people that Jesus may have gotten them into God’s kingdom but it’s up to them to work their tails off to stay in. According to these knuckleheads, Christ paid our initial entry fee but we’ve got to make the payments going forward. 

Paul reminds Tim that Jesus paid the entire bill. He “gave Himself as a ransom for all” (v6). It’s easy just to fly right past the fact that Christ “gave” (v6). God continually gives. He’s the ultimate Giver. It’s His nature. It’s at the core of who He is. The most famous verse in the Bible is all about God’s promiscuous generosity. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).

God loves. God gives. We see His grace flowing wild and free over and over and over. It all started with His gift of creation (Gen 1:1-25)) and hasn’t stopped since. He gives us Himself in the form of the Holy Spirit (1Th 4:8). He gives us life (Gen 1:26-27; 2:7, 21-23) and breath (Is 42:5). He gives us wisdom (Ps 119:169; Ecc 2:26; Eph 1:17; James 1:5). The list goes on an on. Music (Job 35:10). Enjoyment (1Tim 6:17). Strength (1Sam 2:10; Ps 29:11; 68:35). Peace (Num 6:26; 2Th 3:16). Rain (Jer 5:24; Zech 10:1). 

The list goes on and on and on. Paul eventually tells the folks in Rome that if God didn’t hold back His Son to save us, “how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Rom 8:32). Starting to get the idea? If you have something good, it has your Heavenly Dad’s fingerprints all over it (James 1:17). God gives because He loves. He doesn’t just have a warm fuzzy feeling for you and me. He does something about it. He gives. Oh, does He ever!

Since God is remaking the followers of Jesus into the image of Jesus (Rom 8:29; 2Cor 3:18), He’s transforming each of us into supernatural givers too. God wants us to know the joy of generosity. That’s the reason behind all of the commands in Scripture about giving (Prov 11:24; Lk 6:37-38; 2Cor 9:7). Generosity is the secret sauce of God’s blessing (Dt 8:18; Prov 19:17). Jesus went so far as to say that when we give those who are disenfranchised and cut off from society, we’re actually doing something for Him (Mt 25:4). 

Who do you think came up with the idea that’s it’s better to give than receive? It certainly wasn’t Goldman Sachs. You see, when God loves, He gives. You can’t stop Him. You can’t even hope to contain Him. He’s the ultimate Giver. And since He’s remaking us in His image, we should do the same. When we love, we should give. 

And in this case, Jesus comes to our rescue and “gave Himself as a ransom for all” (v6). Instead of handing over truckload of cash to gain our release, Christ exchanges Himself for us. He personally pays the price. In “ransom,” Paul uses a Greek term (Gr. antilutron) we don’t see anywhere else in ancient literature. describing the price paid to release someone from captivity, a means to effect freedom, or what is given in exchange for another. He emphasizes both substitution and exchange. It comes from a root word that means to unchain or untie someone. In effect, the nailing of Christ to the cross broke our chains.

Just who were our kidnappers? And to whom did Jesus pay our ransom? Like most of these suspense flicks, there’s a twist. A VERY big twist. Who was my kidnapper? Who’s the bad guy? It’s the dude who looks back at me every morning when I shave. I am my own kidnapper. It’s my rebellion that holds me hostage. In a very real way, I’m locked in a cell of my own sin from the INSIDE! I have this twisted notion that I don’t need a Savior. I can do this all on my own. To admit I need to be rescued is to admit I can’t do it. But Jesus reminds me of the ugly truth of my situation. “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (Jn 8:34). And the only One who can break the chains of slavery is only One who can pay the price for my release.

Now take a guess at who receives the ransom. It’s gotta be Satan, right? Right? Ready for the big reveal? Who’s the mastermind behind demanding payment? It’s God. Yeah, that’s right. Our holy God. You see, He’s perfect and demands perfection. In case you haven’t been paying attention, you’re not. I’m not. Nobody is. We all fall short of His holy and perfect standard. And by “fall short,” I don’t mean we miss it by a couple of inches. We might as well try take a flying leap to the dark side of the moon. You can probably measure our miss in light years.

If the bad news isn’t bad enough already, the penalty for failing to grade out a perfect score is death (Rom 6:23). Somebody has to pay the price. That’s where our sinless Savior comes to our rescue. He does for us what we can’t and won’t. He lives to God’s perfect standard when don’t. He pays the ransom with His own life on the cross when it should have been us. He rises to a spectacular new life we don’t deserve.  

This all happens through something Martin Luther called “The Great Exchange.” Jesus willing trades His dazzling perfection and obedience for wretched filth and rebellion. Or in the words of Paul, For our sake He (God) made Him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:21). That happens when we place our trust in what Christ has done on our behalf. As John Piper says, “What God requires, Christ provides.” 

So here’s the crazy thing. We hold ourselves captive by our own sin. God demands payment. But it’s God who pays the ransom. Literally, a King’s ransom. The King of king’s ransom. Paul describes God as being both the “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:26). Think about that for just a minute. We’re our own kidnappers. Yet the Son of God sacrifices Himself to free us. Getting to get the idea of why this is such Good News?

The apostle tells Tim that the ransom payment for our freedom  “is the testimony given at the proper time” (v6). In other words, God couldn’t reveal His spectacular plan to pay our sin debt until Jesus left heaven on His supernatural rescue mission. The plan to send a Hero have been in the works since our first parents thumbed their noses at God’s goodness back in the garden (Gen 3:15). It wasn’t until our resurrected Savior strolled past the stone and out of the cemetery that we knew exactly what the Good News really is. 

Check out the New Living Translation’s take on this phrase: “This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time” (v6 NLT). Not a moment too soon. Not a moment too late. And there’s no way to keep news of this jaw-dropping ransom payment quiet. “Eventually the news is going to get out” (v6 The Message). That’s Paul’s assignment. To broadcast it all throughout the known world. It’s why he’s in Macedonia and not in Ephesus. 

If you’re wondering what you should do with this news, allow me to suggest a couple of items. First of all, live free. Remember what it cost Christ to spring you from your chains of sin. Only His life. He suffered so we wouldn’t have to. Get out of your cell. Run away from your chains. They’re not holding you any longer. Stop letting your sin, your DEFEATED SIN, rule your life. Live free.

Secondly, keep broadcasting the news. Now that the testimony was given at a proper time, make sure you keep giving it out! Tell folks the story of your kidnapping. Tell them the price that Jesus paid. Tell them there’s freedom from their self-imposed bondage. In the words of ‘Ol Blue Eyes, start spreading the news. The Good News. The GREATEST NEWS THE UNIVERSE WILL EVER HEAR!

Stuck in the Middle FOR You

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1Tim 2:5).

Have you ever worked hard to get something but suddenly realize you’re talking to somebody who didn’t have the power or authority to give it to you? Maybe it was a job. Maybe it was money. Maybe it was tickets. Maybe it was getting you OUT of a ticket! Somehow, someway you came to believe they held the keys and could give you what you want. At the moment of truth, they can’t deliver the goods.

Here in his first letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul tells his spiritual son that only God can deliver salvation and there’s only one Man who can deliver your request. “For there is one god, and there is one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (v5). Don’t make the mistake of hoping anyone or anything else can come to the rescue. Don’t make the mistake of asking anyone or anything else to make it happen. Only God saves. Only Christ is in the position to help. Jesus is the God-Man in the middle.

This is a big deal because Paul has just instructed Pastor Tim to have the Ephesian megachurch pray for everyone they know using every kind of prayer imaginable (1Tim 2:1). Specifically, lift up all of the governmental leaders to the Lord (1Tim 2:2). Remember, we’re talking about praying for a ruthless dictator named Nero! So I don’t want to hear any complaints from Democrats about praying for Republicans and vice versa. There’s a two-pronged goal for these prayers. One, so we can be free to be good citizens. Two, so the Lord might save our leaders. God “desires all people to be saved” (1Tim 2:4). Amazingly, that includes politicians!

When it comes to salvation, there’s only One who can pull it off. God. Take a quick look around. Who do you see? How many of them can save you from your sin and yourself? None. Zip. Zilch. Zero. God and only God. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Dt 6:4). When it comes to creating, running, ruling, reigning, sustaining, and saving, there’s only One qualified. The list is short. God. Party of One. 

The authors of Scripture don’t want us to miss the fact that “there is one God” (v5). Don’t be fooled my imitators. Don’t fall for fakes or phonies. “The LORD is God; there is no other besides Him” (Dt 4:35). He’s the only One worthy of our worship. He wired us to worship Him. But the problem is we end up putting other stuff on the throne instead of God. For some of us, it’s a substance, a chemical, or a destructive habit. While incredibly hard to kick, it’s pretty obvious shooting black tar heroin is not exactly worshiping God. You do realize that, don’t you? Whew. 

Too often, it’s not the blatant sin that takes us down. We repeatedly make the mistake of turning the good things God gives us and making them objects of worship. Our spouse. Our kids. Our job. Our income. Our home. This is all good stuff that comes from our very good God. It’s been said that anytime we take a good thing and make it a god thing that’s a bad thing. That’s a simple explanation of idolatry. That’s why God put this in the pole position of His Top Ten. “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Ex 20:3; Dt 5:7). 

He’s the only One qualified to receive our worship. He’s the only One powerful enough to come to our rescue. God uses the prophet Isaiah to drive the point home. “I, I am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior” (Is 43:11). “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other” (Is 46:22). “And there is no other god besides Me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other” (Is 45:21-22). Nobody else can save you or me. Period.

There’s only one way access our one and only God. “There is one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (v5). Paul uses a Greek word here (Gr. mesites) describing an intermediary, someone who intervenes to restore peace, a friendship, or ratify a covenant. This is a communicator between two parties who are communicating. An arbitrator. A peacemaker. The term literally means someone in the middle. Someone in between. He’s the God-Man in the middle. To paraphrase Stealer’s Wheel, Jesus is stuck in the middle FOR you.

Jesus mediates our relationship by living the perfect life God demanded which we failed to live. He steps in to die the death we deserve which we should have died. He rises to a new life for us which we don’t deserve. He does for us what we could never dream of doing for ourselves. We desperately need someone to step into our situation. And that’s Jesus. He’s the God-Man in the middle.

The writer of Hebrews throws this word around as he explains the connection between the Old and New Testaments. Jesus oversees the new ministry which is WAY better “than the old as the covenant He mediates (Gr. mesites) is better, since it is enacted on better promises” (Heb 8:6). Christ is our arbitrator and “the mediator (Gr. mesites) of a new covenant” (Heb 9:15; 12:25). Jesus Himself left no doubt when He said He’s the only route to God. “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn 14:6). If you’re keeping score at home, absolutely nobody finds God the Father without going through God the Son. Goose egg.

But the radical Rabbi/Carpenter wasn’t done mediating once He headed home to heaven. At this very moment, He’s doing what He does best. Reconciling. Mediating. Paul gives a peak inside the heavenly throne room where Christ is sitting right next to His Heavenly Dad “interceding for us” (Rom 8:34). There He is again. Smack dab between you and Yahweh. Stuck in the middle FOR you.

Paul leaves no doubt about the identity of our Middle Man. “The Man Christ Jesus” (v5). As a baseball fan, it reminds me of Stan the Man Musial. But the apostle isn’t sitting in the bleachers pulling for his favorite ballplayer. Curiously, there’s no article “the” before “Man” in the original language. So a good way to read this is probably “Christ Jesus, Himself a man.” 

The big idea is to remind us that Jesus is still fully man even after His ascension. He didn’t drop off His humanity at the coat check table just before lifting off. He’s 100% God while at the same 100% man. That adds up to 100% Savior. No 50-50, but 100-100. Bad math but GREAT theology! To help wrap their heads around it, smart dudes call this the Hypostatic Union. Yeah, I don’t get it either.

By taking on humanity, the Son of God became the perfect Savior. The perfect Mediator. The perfect High Priest. According the the author of Hebrews, the God-Man in the Middle is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He resisted every kind of temptation you and I would ever face. Unlike you and me, Jesus never stumbled, never slipped, never sinned (Heb 4:15). Because of that we confidently “draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). All because Jesus was stuck in the middle FOR you.