Author Jon Beck

1 Timothy 3:1-13 – Biblical Leadership Within the Church

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Men, here’s your weekly study guide. Our goal is to learn the Word, discuss it together as men, and live it out for Jesus.

Enjoy the study—and Press On.

Biblical Leadership in the Local Church

Elders and Deacons in 1 Timothy 3

A healthy church is marked by biblical leadership—men of character, humility, and faithfulness who model Christ to the congregation. In 1 Timothy 3, Paul gives the church two essential offices: elders and deacons. Each role is vital. Each role is distinct. And both aim at the same goal: the glory of Christ and the good of His people.

Elders – vv. 1–7

Elders lead the church by shepherding, teaching, and guarding the truth. They are responsible for preaching the Word, watching over souls, refuting error, protecting unity, and guiding the church with humility and integrity. Their qualifications focus heavily on character, doctrine, and maturity.

Key marks of an elder:

  • Above reproach in life and relationships
  • Faithful in marriage and purity
  • Self-controlled, gentle, not quarrelsome
  • Able to teach and defend sound doctrine
  • Leads his household well
  • Spiritually mature, not a recent convert
  • Respected inside and outside the church

Elders display Christ’s shepherding heart as they lead by example—not by power, but by patient, sacrificial love.

Deacons – vv. 8–13

Deacons serve the church by meeting practical needs, protecting unity, and supporting the ministry of the Word. They are problem-solvers and servants—men and women who handle responsibilities with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. Their qualifications emphasize honesty, stability, and faithfulness.

Key marks of a deacon:

  • Dignified in conduct and speech
  • Not double-tongued or controlled by addictions
  • Not driven by money or dishonesty
  • Holds the gospel with a clear conscience
  • Tested and proven trustworthy
  • Faithful at home and in relationships

Deacons reflect Christ’s serving heart, strengthening the church by meeting needs and preserving unity.

How Elders and Deacons Work Together

  • Elders lead, feed, and guard.
  • Deacons serve, support, and solve.

Elders focus on Word and oversight; deacons focus on service and solutions. Together, they create a healthy, ordered, gospel-shaped church where Christ is honored and His people flourish.

Why This Matters

God’s design for church leadership is not about hierarchy or power—it’s about holiness, humility, and service.

When elders shepherd faithfully and deacons serve joyfully, the church:

  • Grows in unity
  • Stands firm in truth
  • Models the beauty of Christ
  • Advances the mission with strength

Biblical leadership is God’s gift to His people—a safeguard for the gospel and a blessing to the church.

Sources:

  • ESV Study Bible notes on 1 Timothy
  • John MacArthur Study Bible notes on 1 Timothy
  • Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 12 (Longman & Garland)
  • New American Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus (Lea)
  • ChatGPT, an AI tool I’ve personally named “EZRA”—my modern-day thesaurus and scribe.

1 Samuel 8:1-22 – Crowning the Wrong King

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These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, November 16. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

1 Samuel 8:1-22

Intro:

  • Chapters 6–7 end with lamenting, repentance, and renewal. God gives His people an Ebenezer—a stone of help—to remind them: “The LORD has helped us.”
  • But renewal that doesn’t continue in maturity slowly drifts into complacency.
    That’s the tension of 1 Samuel 8:
  • Will we grow up in trust… or drift back to wanting a king “like all the nations”?

Conformity to the World – vv.1–5

  • Samuel ages; his sons twist justice with bribes and partiality (vv.1–3). A reminder: leadership character matters (cf. 1 Tim 3:1–7).
  • The elders respond: “Appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations” (v.5).
  • Instead of asking, “What kind of leaders does God want?” they ask,
    “How can we look more like everyone else?”

They don’t just want order; they want assimilation, not sanctification. They trade God’s design for worldly imitation (Romans 12:1–2).

Rejection of the True King – vv.6–9

  • Samuel is grieved, but he prays (v.6).
  • God’s verdict is sobering: “They have rejected Me from being King over them” (v.7).
  • This isn’t new; it’s a pattern “from the day I brought them up out of Egypt” (v.8):
    • God’s continued presence and guidance
    • Their continued distrust and disobedience
  • God permits their request, but He also commands Samuel to warn them seriously (v.9).

The issue isn’t having a king; it’s what kind of king and why. We must test our motives by Scripture and ask:

Warning from the Lord – vv.10–22

Samuel lays out the cost of the king they’re asking for:

  • “He will take…” (vv.11–17)
  • He will take sons and daughters (vv.11–13)
  • He will take fields, vineyards, flocks, and a tenth (vv.14–17)
  • “You shall be his servants… you will cry out… and the LORD will not answer” (v.18).
  • Yet the people insist: “No! But there shall be a king over us… to fight our battles” (vv.19–20).
  • God has won every battle they’ve trusted Him with. They want victory without consecration—results without repentance.
  • God grants their demand (vv.21–22), a yes that exposes their hearts and sets the stage for David—and ultimately for Christ, the true King.

 “taker-king” leadership—power that uses people—instead of Christlike, servant-shepherd leadership (Mark 10:42–45; 1 Peter 5:1–4).

What Now? Living This Out

  • Renewal at Mizpah points us in the right direction, but personal holiness and godly shepherding keep us going. (1 Peter 5:2; Colossians 3:1–17)
  • Remember: the devil, the world, and the flesh, take—but Jesus gives. (Mark 10:45)

1 Samuel 6:1-7:17 – God on His Throne: Returning the Ark, Restoring His People

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These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, November 9. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

Intro

  • Priests are corrupt; Eli’s house is judged (2:12–36; 3:11–14).
  • Israel is defeated; the ark is captured (4:1–11).
  • The ark is taken—but God topples Dagon and strikes Philistia (5:1–12).
  • Yet GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE: He returns the ark (holiness), disciplines irreverence (judgment), and calls His people back (renewal) (chs. 6–7).

Holiness – 6:1–12

  • “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD?” God’s heavy hand presses Philistia (6:2–5).
  • Guilt offering = confession of offense and need for reparation (6:3–4).
  • God’s holiness is objective—acknowledged now in repentance or later in judgment (6:5–6).
  • New cart; unyoked cows—a test removing human explanation (6:7–9).
  • The cows go straight to Israel—God needs no help; He directs by providence (6:10–12).

Judgment – 6:13–7:2

  • Joyful reception at Beth-shemesh (6:13–18).
  • Irreverence judged; “Who can stand before the LORD, this holy God?” (6:19–20).
  • Twenty years of lament—sorrow without change (7:1–2).
  • Why judgment? Disobedience; failure to honor God as God (cf. Rom 1:21).
  • We cannot stand; we need the Gospel—a Mediator and atonement.

Renewal – 7:3–17

  • “If you are returning… with all your heart”: remove idols, prepare your heart, serve Him only (7:3–4).
  • Prayer, fasting, confession—lament becomes obedience (7:5–6).
  • Intercession and sacrifice; the LORD thunders and delivers (7:7–11).
  • Ebenezer set: “Till now the LORD has helped us” (7:12).
  • Stability: enemies subdued, towns restored, Samuel’s steady circuit and altar (7:13–17).

The What Now

  1. Revere God’s holiness — Approach His appointed means of grace (Word, prayer, baptism, the Lord’s Table) with awe; never treat the holy as common.
  2. Live Mizpah repentance — Remove every rival, Prepare your heart, Serve Him only.
  3. Walk in obedient faith — Go live for Him this week with concrete steps of holiness, love, and witness… trusting His help . Remember His Grace and Mercy. REMEMBER YOUR EBENEZER

When Politics Stir Us Up, Our Mission Stays the Same

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The recent mayoral election in New York City has stirred up our nation. I wish I had answers for everything, and I am embarrassed to admit that at times I let social media shape my thoughts and actions in the political arena. If you spend time on social media, you know what I mean.

As Christians, what should we do? Here is my personal conviction: this is not ultimately a political issue; it is a gospel issue. It is not Republicans against Democrats; it is about Jesus and His mandate for the church. Remember Matthew 28: we are to go and make disciples. We must keep the heart of our purpose as believers. Our mission does not change, and neither does the mission of the Lord’s church. We are called to be salt and light, to believe the gospel, stand on the authority of His Word, and to share the hope of the gospel. We are to believe in Christ, follow Christ, and boldly share Christ.

That does not mean we jump on every platform with rants and angry discourse. It does not mean we spend the day consuming political content. It does mean we actively look for opportunities to share Christ with others, clearly and courageously. This is the time to be bold for Christ!

Do we get involved in politics? Yes. Do we follow the political climate of the day? Yes. But these remain secondary to our true calling. Our primary purpose is to walk with Christ, serve through His church, and share the gospel with others. We can be courageous without being combative. If each on of us truly lived this out, we would see a difference in our homes, our churches, and our society. I long and pray to see Jesus-loving leaders in every public office. Until that day, I will remain joyfully and purposefully on mission, trusting God’s sovereignty, praying for those in authority, and shining the light of the gospel wherever He places me.

The What Next

  • Limit your time on social media and news watching. Guard your heart, pray, and focus on the people in front of you.
  • Match your zeal for politics with passion for the Great Commission. Share less on social media and share Christ more in person and in public.
  • Go to church faithfully. Ask your pastor how you can serve. Pray for opportunities to share Christ and to disciple someone.
  • Trust God. Remember that we are pilgrims passing through and that He is still on His throne.

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Colossians 1:27–28 (ESV)
“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

Psalm 22:28 (ESV)
“For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.”

Isaiah 40:15 (ESV)
“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.”

Psalm 33:10–11 (ESV)
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”

1 Timothy 2:11-15 – God’s Design, God’s Glory

Jon Beck Leave a comment

Men, here’s your weekly study guide. Our goal is to learn the Word, discuss it together as men, and live it out for Jesus.

Enjoy the study—and Press On.

1 Timothy 2:11–15

Overview

In this passage, Paul turns from prayer and conduct in worship to God’s design for leadership and learning within the church. These verses have often been misunderstood or dismissed in modern culture, but they reveal something beautiful and timeless—God’s wise order that displays the gospel.

Paul teaches that women are to learn with a humble, teachable spirit, and that men are called to lead in the teaching and governing roles of the church. This distinction is not about value or worth but about design and purpose. God created men and women equal in dignity yet distinct in role, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His church.

When we honor God’s order, the church flourishes, unity deepens, and the gospel shines.

Outline

Learning with Humility – v. 11

  • Paul’s command that women “learn quietly with all submissiveness” was countercultural—it elevated women as disciples of Christ.
  • “Quietly” doesn’t mean silence but a peaceful, teachable heart before God’s Word.
  • True learning happens when the heart is surrendered to God’s authority.

Leadership with Integrity – v. 12

  • “I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man.”
  • Paul isn’t restricting spiritual influence—he’s defining the teaching and governing role of the church (pastor/elder) as the responsibility of qualified men (1 Timothy 3:1–7).
  • Leadership is not about control—it’s about service and accountability before God.
  • When men lead with humility and conviction, the church is strengthened, and women are honored.

God’s Design in Creation and Redemption – vv. 13–15

  • Paul grounds his instruction not in culture but in creation: “For Adam was formed first, then Eve.”
  • The order of creation reveals God’s pattern for leadership and responsibility.
  • The fall (v. 14) distorted that order, but the gospel restores it.
  • Verse 15 points to God’s redemptive plan through the birth of Christ—the promised Seed (Gen. 3:15). Women display that same saving faith today through faith, love, holiness, and self-control.

Gospel Truth

This passage isn’t about power—it’s about pattern. God’s design for men and women in the church mirrors the gospel itself. Christ leads the church with sacrificial love, and the church responds with willing submission.

Biblical order is not a burden but a blessing. When men lead with humility and women serve with faithfulness, the church reflects the beauty of Christ and His bride.

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” — 1 Corinthians 14:33

The What Now

  • Submit to Scripture. Lay down personal preferences; let 1 Tim. 2:11–15 set your convictions.
  • Men—lead humbly. Repent of pride or passivity. Take initiative in prayer, service, and shepherding.
  • Women—serve with strength and grace. Pursue godliness—faith, love, holiness, self-control—and use your gifts to build the body.
  • Guard gospel order. As a church, honor God’s design in teaching and leadership; keep roles clear and Christ-exalting.

1 Samuel 5:1-12 – God is Still God: The Fall of False Gods and False Faith

Jon Beck Leave a comment

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, November 2. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide for our Tabernacle Church family to help you follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

1 Samuel 5:1–12

Intro

  • God has fulfilled His word of judgment to Eli and Israel.
  • The ark is captured, Eli’s family is gone — yet God is still on His throne.
  • He defeats His enemies and judges all who oppose Him.
  • God will not share His glory—He alone is sovereign and worthy of worship.

God Defeats False Gods – vv. 1–5

  • The Philistines place the ark in Dagon’s temple.
  • God answers without words—Dagon falls face-down.
  • The next day, Dagon’s head and hands are severed.
  • Every rival god—ancient or modern—will fall before Him.

God Judges False Faith – vv. 6–12

  • God’s hand grows heavy on Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron.
  • Plagues, panic, and death spread through the land.
  • The Philistines fear His power but never repent.
  • They seek relief, not relationship with the Lord.

When the idols fall and false faith fails, one truth remains—God stands alone. (the exclusivity of God; monotheism)

  • God Alone Is God — all idols fall before Him. Isaiah. 45:5
  • God Alone Must Be Worshiped — He demands exclusive allegiance. Exodus. 20:3
  • God Alone Saves — through Jesus Christ, our true Ark and Mediator. Acts 4:12
  • God Alone Is One — Father, Son, and Spirit, eternally worthy of glory. Deut. 6:4; Matthew 28:19

The What Now

  • Because He alone is God, lay down every idol; give Him your full allegiance.
  • Because He alone saves, turn in repentance and trust in Christ.
  • All idols fall, all rivals fade, all glory belongs to Him.
  • Follow Him—today.

Reformation Day: Remembering Our Gospel Roots

Jon Beck 1 Comment

Many people realize today is Halloween—but far fewer remember that it is also Reformation Day.

On October 31, 1517, a German monk named Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the University of Wittenberg. His goal was simple: to spark a theological discussion about the abuse of indulgences within the church. What he could not have known was that this single act would become the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, a gospel awakening that would reshape the church and influence the world for centuries to come.

In the years that followed, the Reformation called believers back to the authority of God’s Word and the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work. It was a movement of renewal—pressing the church to rediscover the heart of the gospel and to reform its worship, doctrine, and daily life.

At its center were the Five Solas—the guiding principles that still anchor a faithful understanding of the gospel today:

  • Sola Scriptura — Scripture alone is our final authority.
  • Sola Gratia — Grace alone is the source of our salvation.
  • Sola Fide — Faith alone is the means by which we receive it.
  • Solus Christus — Christ alone is our only Mediator and Redeemer.
  • Soli Deo Gloria — To the glory of God alone is the purpose of all things.

These truths not only shaped history—they must guide our lives and our church today. The Reformation reminds us to keep the gospel central, the Bible open, and our hearts fixed on Christ.

Take a few minutes today to reflect on the historical and spiritual impact of the Reformation and how it continues to shape the church’s mission in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I’ve included a few helpful links below to learn more about this significant day and its lasting importance.

What Is the Reformation All About? – Ligonier MInistries

Are the Five Solas Biblical? – Southern Seminary

1 Samuel 4:1-22 – The Sorrows of Disobedience: The Glory Has Departed

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My sermon notes for Sunday morning, October 26th. These notes are not a full sermon manuscript but a listening guide for our Tabernacle Church family, a shortened version of my preaching to help you follow along. I encourage you to take your own notes as you listen each week. The services will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources on our Church Website.

1 Samuel 4:1-22

INTRO

  • Chapter 2: Hannah praises God for Samuel’s birth. Meanwhile, Eli and his sons sin before the Lord, even as Samuel grows in faithful service.
  • Chapter 3: Samuel receives his call from the Lord, and the message of coming judgment on Eli’s household.
  • Chapter 4: That judgment is carried out: Israel is defeated, Eli’s sons die, the ark is captured, and the glory departs.

Defeat – God Will Not Be Mocked – vv. 1–11

  • Israel suffers defeat (4,000), then grabs the Ark instead of grieving and repenting.
  • They seek external ritual over internal obedience—wanting God’s help without God’s holiness.
  • Second defeat (30,000) and the Ark captured: God will not be mocked; His power never operates apart from His purity.

Death – God’s Word Comes to Pass – vv. 12–18

  • News arrives: defeat, Ark taken, Hophni and Phinehas dead.
  • Eli hears of the Ark’s capture, falls, breaks his neck, and dies—the Word is fulfilled.
  • God’s warnings are never empty; do not mistake His patience for forgetfulness.

Departure – God’s Glory Is Removed – vv. 19–22

  • Phinehas’s wife names her son Ichabod: “The glory has departed.”
  • Glory leaves when worship is hollow and obedience disappears.
  • Yet judgment is not the end—repentance restores what ritual ruins (chs. 5–7).
The What Now
  • Repent of disobedience. Israel’s defeat, death, and departure warn us: God’s glory will not dwell among an unrepentant people.
  • Rest in Christ’s presence. Through Jesus—the true presence of God—the glory has returned; His Spirit indwells all who worship in holiness and truth (John 4:24).
  • Look to Christ, our true Ark. In Him, God dwells with us—Immanuel (John 1:14; Heb. 9:11–12).