The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Timothy 2:7-10, “For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
9 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,
10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.”

Any true pastor, who is ever challenged with regard to his teaching, would do well to take to heart Paul’s initial statement above; namely, “I was appointed a preacher…” Saul (later called Paul) was called to preach at the time of his conversion back in Acts 9. Ananias was appointed to reveal the LORD’s message to Saul. The LORD said, “…he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles…and the sons of Israel.”

The Gentiles being mentioned first, indicates that Paul’s ministry was primarily to them. Still, the Jews (Paul’s own people) were included, too. Most of Paul’s writings, therefore, were to Gentile believers. His message, however, was to Gentiles and Jews, and always emphasized prayer and holy living. God’s children were those who believed in Him for salvation; and they were to be holy and “without wrath and dissension.”

Godly women were to adorn themselves with good works and godliness, not with immodest dress and physical attractiveness. One has little to wonder what Paul’s message would be today, were he here. There is a decided difference between “good taste” in clothing and that which is “attention-revealing.” What is to be attractive is our life-style is prayerfulness, purity and holiness. These are what attract the LORD.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom