Gary Gleans

Leaders must not only be qualified, but they also have a very clear job description.   Paul tells Timothy just what is expected of him as a minister and, I believe, what we should make sure is true in all of our lives as well.   There are definite dangers that we must face and Paul gives us clear instructions on how we can face those dangers in a way that will allow us and those to whom we minister to stay strong. BE CAREFUL WITH FALSE TEACHERS: The reality of the ministry is that there will be those who teach that which is not biblical or true.   It was the reality of Paul’s day, it was the reality in Timothy’s day and it continues to be the reality in our day.   We must learn to be very careful in dealing with these false teachers so that we do not be influenced or allow others to be influenced by their teachings.   False teachings usually come in the form of human traditions that are maintained on an equal level as Scripture.   These traditions usually h...

Leadership within the church is a serious matter, and, in many cases, one of the most desperate needs in churches today.   The church has been so influenced by the society in which we live it becomes harder and harder to find qualified leaders to carry the work of the ministry forward.   Unfortunately, this lack of qualified leaders has resulted in many churches ignoring the biblical qualifications for their leaders out of desperation for anyone who will do the job.   We must make it our aim to prepare godly leaders in our families and seek to meet the biblical qualifications that the work of the church might move forward for the glory of God in a way that obeys the Word.   Here is a very quick and brief summary of what I consider to be the three essential qualifications for leaders. DESIRE: This is often overlooked in the process of selecting leaders.   Many times men shrink away from positions of leadership for a wide variety of reasons.   I think that it...

God created us male and female and He designated different roles for us within the structure of the family as well as within the structure of the church.   Neither is of any less or greater value than the other, but each has different responsibilities that they are expected to fulfill.   God has designed how each of us are to worship, serve and glorify Him. MEN ARE TO PRAY FOR AUTHORITIES AND PREACH IN PURITY: God desires that all of us pray for one another as well as for our own needs within His will.   However, He has called us in this text to pray especially for those whom He has established as authorities in this world.   All the way from the local to the national level, God has called us to pray for these men.   It is easy for us to complain about governmental leaders, but God has called us to pray for them, not complain about them.   Specifically we should pray that we would have freedom to proclaim the Gospel unhindered to the nations of the world. ...

What a blessing it would be if every young minister could have an apostle Paul to be a mentor and motivator.   But, I guess, in many ways we do, because Paul’s most important instructions to Timothy have been recorded for us in the next two books.   These letters promise to provide divine direction for all who desire to serve God and others in a way that pleases Christ and promotes the growth of the kingdom of God. REPROVE FALSE TEACHINGS: Unfortunately the reality of false doctrine has always been a part of the history of the church and apparently it will continue to be as such until the return of Christ.   It is the job of every true believer and especially the job of every minister to stand firm against these teachers, rebuke them and refute their heresies.   Our goal should be to promote genuine love, clear consciences and a sincere faith through our teachings.   Many people have ignored these standards and strayed into strange and futile teachings.   T...

There are many things in life that clamor for our attention.   We often struggle to define our priorities because there are so many things that are important that we have a hard time recognizing what is the most important issue with which we are faced.   How do we define and determine our priorities?   I believe that one of the reasons that Paul was so successful in His ministry was that He had clearly defined priorities and he lived in accordance with them.   This passage opens a window into Paul’s priorities and I believe we would do well to follow them. PRAY FOR THE PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL: It is evident that prayer was one of Paul’s first priorities in life, but beyond that, it is very clear that praying for the kingdom of God was a priority in his praying.   I find that prayer is not nearly the priority in my life that it should be, but when I do pray I don’t pray as I should.   It is so easy to get caught up in all of the cares of our daily lives that ...

The rapture of the church and the day of the Lord’s judgment on the earth during the tribulation period are events that fill us with both a sense of hope and fear.   The timing of the rapture in relation to the tribulation has been a rather polemic discussion within theological circles.   I believe that the rapture of the church could happen at any time and that it will proceed the seven year tribulation period and the reign of anti-christ on the earth.   However, I realize that there are many who would disagree with this position.   This chapter of Scripture is used by both sides of the argument.   The key to interpreting this passage is the definition of the phrase “day of the Lord.”   If we define this term as referring to only the rapture, then this text clearly teaches that the rapture will either be during or after the reign of anti-christ and the tribulation.   However, if we define the phrase as referring to the time of wrath or the tribulation...

The Lord is going to return!   This promise should shape every aspect of our lives, be the motivating factor in all that we do and provide comfort in any circumstance we might face.   Christ’s second coming will be far different from His first coming and it will result in a radical transformation in the way that this world works.   It will mark the beginning of our eternal transformation and destiny.   God has reveled this to us, not merely to inform us concerning the future but to transform us in the present.   We certainly have a great hope that should bring us great help in all that we experience as we wait for that glorious day. WE SHOULD BE PATIENT IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION: Paul has made in clear that suffering and persecution are and expected part of the Christian walk in this world.   Sometimes that suffering is due to our own sin, while at other times persecution is due to the sins of others.   In either case, God calls us to be patient, continu...