Thursday, April 26, 2012

2 Timothy 3:10-17

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.


“Doctrine” Paul begins with doctrine. For nothing but sound doctrine can bring both eternal salvation and build up a regenerated person into Christ likeness. The Apostle Paul fought this war on two primary fronts. First with those Jews, as he was Jewish, who though turning to God through Jesus Christ, wanted a return to the Law’s observance for a ongoing right standing before God. Acts chapter fifteen describes the first church council, which was born out of the Apostle Paul and Barnabas’ adamant opposition to all such notions (Acts 15:1-5). There all the Apostles, and church elders universally concluded that all such notions were now impossible. Faith in Jesus Christ alone is the sole means to having a right standing with God, for both Jews and Gentiles alike (Rom. 5:1). As the Apostle Peter declared in his siding with Paul's defense of the grace of God being extended to the Gentiles, just as for the Jews: "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they." Acts 15:11 Therefore having rendered a Spirit guided decision for the grace of God, given freely to all mankind, by faith in Jesus Christ. They commanded that Jesus Christ alone be preached, not Moses, not the Law, but the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and risen deom the dead and ones faith in Him as the sole means for anyone and everyone's redemption from sin and death (John 1:17; 3:16; Acts 15:21). And thus not the doctrines, commandments and traditions of men, who by keeping and commanding them only worship God in vain (Matt 15:1-9; Col 2:20-22; 1 Tim 4:1-3). As Jesus warns us about, both then and now (Matt 16:12).
So then having done so, they then charge the Apostle’s Paul and Barnabas with delivering their decree, the one and only church decree sanctioned by them in the Scriptures, (and thus the one and only church decree incumbent upon us all who believe), to all the churches everywhere. And by doing so effectively ending all justification for preaching a works based salvation; which only those who by crafty reasoning's were doing, compelling the Gentiles who were turning to God through faith in Jesus Christ, to be circumcised and put under the law (Acts 15:22-35; Eph 4:14). Later this crucial step for grace evolved into the Apostle Paul’s own Holy Spirit Inspired epistles which we now read and are to obey in the N.T. which wisely and skillfully reason about this, as well as instructing on the transforming Power and Nature of saving faith in Jesus Christ and the sound conduct born out of Holy Spirit regeneration and love, not the Law. Both Romans and Galatians are of this genius. While Ephesians which is equally impressive in its depth; also brings to light God’s Sovereign Purposes, Power and Work in salvation in uniting Jews and Gentiles, by faith in Jesus Christ, who is the Chief Cornerstone upon which we both are being built together into a Holy Temple (i.e. a universal church body) for a dwelling of God in the Spirit (Eph 2:20-22). Therefore whenever someone compels you to do anything more than believe in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead to have remission of all your sins and eternal life turn away from them, for they are not preaching God's gospel of grace given to all by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ but something else (Gal. 1:6-10; 2:16, 19-21 etc.).

The other major front that the Apostle Paul fought doctrinal war on would be against a pseudo “spirituality” which again was all too frequently forwarded by false teachers, false prophets, and or false apostle’s (2 Cor. 11:3-4 NKJ; Gal. 1:6-9). Now the Apostle Paul clearly warns that Satan's emissaries will, and do transform themselves into ministers of light (2 Cor 11:12-15), who as Jesus clearly warns will be known by their fruits (Matt 7:15-20, also consider Rom 16:17-18; Phil 3:18-19; 1 Tim 6:5; 2 Peter 2:1; Rev 2:2 etc.). Now the N.T. gives us extensive knowledge and insights into their manner of person and their ways, as well as some of he lying errors that they will or have expounded (everything from denying the Lord Jesus Christ's Person as being both Perfect God and Perfect Man (1 John ) who alone brings all the fullness of God in the Spirit into all those who believe in Him, the moment they believe, and thus we lack nothing Spiritually; neither gift, nor standing with God, nor anything else, the moment we believe in Jesus (consider Col 2:8-10). For when anyone comes to faith in Jesus Christ the Lord, He is all sufficient for every believer’s salvation, as well as our sanctification. Therefore when one believes in Jesus they are absolutely complete in Him, perfect in sight of God, lacking nothing to be forgiven or accepted by Him (Heb 10:14). That's one way by which you will know them. For they always tell you that you need to have some spiritual gift, or "spiritual" experiance, or to observe something other than faith alone in Jesus Christ to have the fullness of God in your life, or worse eternal life, which again is a gift, not reward. And thus they frequently impose all kinds of restrictions on would be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pursuing all kinds of false "spirituality" or heaping up all kinds of "religious" ordinances on themselves and others as if by keeping these one becomes, or is being sanctified. Now some of these are born out of doctrines of men, and continue to be so, what we often call legalism, but others are clearly stated as being demonic in origins (1 Gal 4:9-11; Col 2:20-22; 1 Tim 4:3). All of which is only to worship God in vain if one thinks that by keeping those things they will find acceptance from God through them (Isaiah 29:13; Matt 15:9; Titus 1:14). For to try to earn salvation, whether through God's Law, or man's self imposed "religious" ordinances is only to come under the curse of the Law, and ultimately the judgment of God (Lev 18:5; Gal 3:10-13; James 2:10). For again to not enter Jesus Christ' refreshing and rest by believing in Him, and thus not trusting God's Finished work done exclusively for us all through Jesus Christ's crucifixion, resurrection and ascension is only to come under the wrath and finial judgment of God for rejecting His salvation plan for us all, whether one is a Jew or Gentile (Rom 4:4-5; Heb. 4).
Another major front of this pseudo “spirituality” would be not discerning as to what was of the Spirit of God and what was not. Now in this there was then, as there is today, a pseudo tongues speaking; which some of the Corinthians apparently carried over from their pagan practices. Which was not Biblical tongues speaking, as is clear by it's manifestation through some amongst them who said that Jesus was accursed while under it's influence (1 Cor 12:1-2). Now this problem has not ceased with them, as down through the centuries, at various times, demonic spiritual manifestations through people have been wrongly attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit of God. The Lord Jesus also warned that as the end draws near there will be those who will falsely declare His manifestation, while others will show lying signs and wonders to deceive if possible even the elect (Matt 24:23-24). Now in regards to the Lord Jesus Christ's coming again it will not be to anyone one person, but to the unbelieving and unrepentant world after He has gathered the remaining elect from amongst them to Himself, before He makes war on the Satanic beast and those who received the Mark of the beast (Matt 23:30-31; Rev 1:7; 19:11-21, also consider 1 Thess 4:15-18; 1 Thess 5:1-3; Rev 16:15 etc.). Therefore beware of anyone who claims to have seen visions of Jesus; for Jesus will not come again, having manifested Himself after His ascension lastly to the Apostle Paul (1 Cor 15:3-8) until the Day of the Lord. Therefore these occurrences are not Theophanies as happened in the Old Testament era, but are manifestations of deceiving spirit's or Satan himself impersonating Christ (2 Cor. 11:13-15 NKJV).
And so in regards to tongues speaking how you can tell is quite simply as the Apostle Paul said; that no one speaking by the Holy Spirit will say that Jesus is accursed, and no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. Therefore when something is claimed to be of the Spirit of God if it violates the fruits of the Spirit (see Gal 5:22-23) then it is definitely not of the Spirit of God. So called being slain in "spirit" and falling down or exemplifying bizarre shakes; twitches; sounds or anything else that is not exemplifying self control over ones own faculties is not of Spirit of God. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."1 Cor 14.33
Now Biblical tongues speaking was important and was done and empowered by the Holy Spirit of God, which served as an initial witness for Jesus Christ. To first the Jews in their own languages, who had assembled at Pentecost in Jerusalem from all over the known world (Acts 2); as the Scriptures foretell of God speaking to all His people in other tongues (i.e. languages); yet for all that they would refuse His call to enter His rest in Christ (Isaiah 28:11-12; 1 Cor 14:21; Heb 4:9-10). Then as a viable means of communicating encouraging Words from God to believers that were to be interpreted by those then equipped with the Spirit gift of interpretation. As well there was never to be more than two or three exercising this tongues speaking gift, and only one at a time. Otherwise they were to be spoken silently between oneself and God (1 Cor 14:27-28). Now it is also important to note that Holy Spirit tongues speaking is listed as last of all the Spirit given gifts (1 Cor 12:28-30) and thus we are never Scripturally encouraged or commanded to pursue these, rather love, and only to desire the better Spirit gifts with an emphasis placed on prophecy, not tongues speaking, (the reasons being laid out in 1 Cor 14:2-25). Now these things occurred when the early church and gospel message was in its infancy and Scriptural Revelation was not yet complete, and the new born church being made up of Jews was still being enlightened about God's all encompassing redemption plans, which included both Samaritans (who also initially spoke in tongues languages when they believed; as did the Gentiles, which caused the early church to receive them as well). However when these things became clearly understood; though signs continued for a season, there importance dissipated as faith in the reality of the crucified and Resurrected Person of Jesus Christ became the all important reality, as the Apostle Paul makes clear (1 Cor 1:17-25). For that is the sole means by which one receives the Holy Spirit of God and thus becomes born-again, regenerated and indwelt with the Person of Jesus Christ (John 3:3-5; Gal. 2:20; 3:2-3; Eph 1:13-14; Titus 3:4-7). Therefore since Scriptural Revelation is now complete, needing neither witness, nor prophetic verification, it is the written word of God; the complete and finial Revelation of God that we as individual believers and church assemblies are charged with believing, obeying and proclaiming. Thus we are not charged with trying to manifest anything other than love of God as being truly Spiritual and mature for ever believer In Christ (John 13:35; 1 Cor 13).

One other point on this pseudo spirituality which came and still comes all kinds of different and strange teachings (Heb 12:14) some of which was carried over from Jewish genealogies and or non-Scriptural speculations on variety of matters (1 Tim 1:4). As well as various fables born out of the Gentile's previous religious and or cultural practices; including such things as worship of angels (Col 2:18).  Now Hebrews chapter one addresses the error of exalting of angels, or anything, or one else above the Exalted Lord Jesus Christ. Though today it's not just angels, but more often "saints" made and canonized by the traditions of men through Catholicism that many there look too and pray to rather than directly to God by Christ. Nonetheless in light of the Revelation now given the church throughout the N.T. Scriptures, all such practices are gravely inexcusable (consider Rev. 19:10). Another area of concern that comes to mind is what was born out of the reformation and since. Whose founders and or their early followers, often became the founders of several denominations who intentionally separated from the greater universal Christian community to form their own communities. Whose adherents  often act and hold to them, and belonging to them, and or their denominational distinctiveness and doctrinal decrees, as though these are valid reasons for separation, and on par with Jesus Christ's and the Biblical Apostles doctrines and commandments! Now the reformation was necessary to expose the institutional corruption, greed and sin that was enslaving much of Europe at that time. As well as bringing about Scriptural truth and light again to common people after almost a millennial of institutionalized darkness. However with the reformation came it's own evils and injustices which caused some reformers to separate from others during those redefining and turbulent times. Nonetheless the New Covenant church community is not to be built upon them, by adhering to them, or finding unity or community through them; but on the Lord Jesus Christ period. And thus keeping Jesus' at the forefront with no one else before Him, or even alongside of Him, by which one would also name themselves is what we are clearly commanded to do (1 Cor. 1:10-13). For it is the Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified for us all, and thus God commands us all to keep and teach His and the His Biblical Apostles commandments, decrees and doctrines, not theirs (Matt 17:5). For as we find salvation in Jesus Christ alone, so we are to find unity in Jesus Christ alone (Col 1:18). Therefore not denominations, not movements, not revivals, not ministers or ministries, not even Bible translations, but Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead.

“Manner of life”, Notice Paul does not say, "manner of worship", (eg. hands raised or kept by ones side) or "manner of dress" as if the clothes make the man or women Godly (they may reflect this, or they may as in case of Pharisees only conceal an inner wickedness and spiritual death, see Matt 23:25-28). No, the Apostle Paul is not saying that we emulate the superficial, as if by doing so we are emulating what is holy, just and right. The Apostle Paul is quite specific in saying for us all to emulate his manner of life. A life which was lived for, and modeled after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christs. In his epistle to the Corinthians the Apostle Paul twice exhorts all believers, everywhere to: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Cor 11:1 (Also see 4:15-17). Therefore whether in the home, or in the church, we are to strive to emulate Jesus Christ in our own lives. Now this is given for us to be observed through our own unique persons and personality's. For you and I are unique individuals; created so by God. And so God does not command that we forfeit our unique personality's, smiles, laughter, life's histories, and or various and diverse personal likes, dislikes and interests etc., when come to faith in Jesus Christ. Similarly there is nothing stated about ones "manner of salvation"; that is how Paul, or anyone else came to believe in Jesus Christ the Lord. Therefore don't let anyone dictate a "formula" to you, that you or others must emulate in order to be saved. For their are no formula's in the N.T. There is only examples of repentance and faith; of people who saw there need, turned to God and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus received life everlasting, simply by their faith in Him.
Again the issue is manner of life, Christ's life, whose Person and Life is within us all who believe. And so we are to emulate His life, as He lived it on earth, (or as Paul is saying here of himself to Timothy, anyone who is a Godly example of it). And thus how He dealt with people in their various life's circumstances, would be a good place to start. Though that is just one aspect (and an important one). There are many other aspects of living out the life of Christ: prayer and service, forgiveness and intercession; even rebuking in love when necessary; as we all need correction at various times in our lives; but ultimately all in the hope of living more like Christ or bringing Christ's Life, and thus the gospel to light, to those whom we come into contact with. Now this we do when we keep His commandments. Which if thought about is not so much restricting us, but is truly liberating our new nature, and thus His life within us, when we put the old nature and it's sinful attitudes and behaviors to rest. For it is incumbent upon us all to not only disciple others by sound doctrine, but also to exemplify it in our lives. For just as hearing and not doing is folly, so is teaching and not doing (James 1:22-27; 3:1). Therefore Godly leaders must seek to set a Christ like example for others to emulate as the word the Apostle Paul uses here implies, “follow my lead.” Suffice it to say that the Apostle Paul wrote to Titus the perfect summary of following Jesus Christ when he wrote: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. 15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” Titus 2:11-15

Purpose: If the Christian life is anything it is purposeful. For it has its origins in God. The word the Apostle Paul uses here is the same word he used in 1:9 which states of God: "who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" 2 Tim 1:9 There is then nothing accidental about God’s redemptive plans for each one of us. Yet each individual must make their own choice for Jesus Christ and His gospel, for that is the sole measure of the people of God, and how one enters into God’s purposes for them. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 Now this words origin comes to us from the Old Covenant Show Bread. That is the twelve unleavened loaves of bread sprinkled with frankincense and placed in two rows; six loafs in a row every Sabbath on the golden table in the front portion of the Tabernacle’s entrance; and later the Temple’s Sanctuary (Lev. 24:5-9). These twelve loaves symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel and God’s perpetual covenant with them.

Faith: The word here encompasses what it means to believe or trust in God through Jesus Christ. Which is not a mental acknowledgement of God and His Person or Sovereignty etc., But a complete trust in Him by always looking to Jesus Christ as Lord, crucified and raised from the dead as the sole means of our being reconciled back to God. And thus in obedient faith we seek to do His will, since He is the Author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). Consider the Apostle Paul though having an incredible personal history, after coming to faith in Jesus Christ never looked back to his own pedigree, personal achievements, works or righteousness, for a just standing before God. Instead he counted all things that were credit to him as rubbish (the word he actually uses is far more graphic), that he might gain Christ (Phil. 3:4-9-10). For more often than not it is the pride of man, ones self-sufficiency, that keeps them alienated from God and His grace (consider Psalm 138:6; James 4:8-10).
Therefore if you’re walking in faith with the Lord Jesus Christ you’re not holding to your own works, righteousness, or anything else for your salvation. Rather Jesus Christ crucified and Risen from the dead; ascended back to the Father; seated on His heavenly Throne who justifies the ungodly; (of which we all were when we were dead in our sins and trespasses); who trust in Him (Luke 18:9-14; Rom. 3:19-28, 4:4-5, 5:1, 11:6; Gal. 2:16, 19-21).
Now faith here, as the Apostle Paul is using it in this context, specifically means trusting God in all of one’s life's circumstances (Gen. 15:6; Prov. 3:5-6; Heb 11). For it is by faith in God through Jesus Christ which not only unlocks the promises of God into one’s life, beginning with salvation. It is the sole means by which the Christian life is to be lived. For having been liberated from sin, death and Law we are to live lives of faith. “For we walk by faith and not by sight” 2 Cor 5:7 Therefore where faith is found, even mustard seed faith, there is unlimited potential for God to work (Mark 11:22-24). Faith then is what links us to the Person and Power of God (Heb 11:6). “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5 And so it is through faith that God’s love enters into us, and is revealed through us. Therefore faith is not devoid of works, rather faith working through love is the sole means by which everlasting works are done (1 Cor. 13; Gal. 5:6).


Longsuffering: The word used here is the same word used in the Fruits of the Spirit given to everyone who believes, and is often translated patience there (Gal. 5:22-23).
Now in many other contexts longsuffering is the prolonged restraint of wrath, and or foregoing judgment, and or patiently enduring. The model of this is God Himself who is longsuffering towards all of humanity in the hope of people’s repentance (Rom. 2:4; 9:22; 2 Peter 3:9). Therefore the longsuffering of our Lord Jesus Christ is for salvation (2 Peter 3:15). So then this attitude of forbearance is to be a way of life for all of us who have come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 6:6). For it is a mark of genuine Christianity and a tangible expression of the grace of God when men and women forgo their wrath and instead reach for reconciliation and peace, rather then judgment (Matt. 18:21-35).
In this the Apostle Paul wrote in his first epistle to Timothy saying that it was for this reason that Jesus Christ came into world to save sinners of whom he described himself as being chief. Yet it was through Christ’s unending patience with Paul in showing Him mercy, even after all he had done, yet ignorantly in unbelief, that through him first, as Paul came to understand “…Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” 1 Tim 1:16 Therefore if we are going to emulate Jesus' manner of life, we are going to have to learn to exemplify this same spirit of longsuffering or patience, in all wisdom and prudence towards all. Which does not mean we forgo our responsibilities when necessary, to rebuke, convince, exhort etc. It simply governs them (2 Tim. 4:2). Since we have not only been shown all manner of longsuffering by God when we were separated from Him; but we are being shown it, as He continues to patiently endure with us in our circumstances, but also as He continually transforms our person and character. 

Therefore we are to be longsuffering towards all in our lives and churches (Eph. 4:1-2; Col. 3:12). And so in the context of bearing injustices and personal injuries we are commanded to be patient until the coming of the Lord. Four times in three verses the Apostle James uses this word to exhort us to be patient, saying: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” James 5:7-11 

Love: To follow Jesus Christ in discipleship, above all else, is to walk in love. 8 “…For he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Rom 13:8-10 Therefore walking in love is not only being true to whom God is (1 John 4:8), but also is true of all those who know Him (1 John 4:16). And thus love moves well beyond just keeping the moral constraints of the Law (which one can do and still hate or harm another. Indeed there are those who in having kept the moral restraints of the Law thinks this gives them a leg up on everyone else. Nonetheless Jesus' parable of the prodigal son exposes that error). Therefore love puts God's commands into a context of actively seeking anthers well being (Matt 5:43-48). For Jesus commands that we as His disciples not only love one another as He has loved us (John 13:35; 15:12). But also that we abide in His love; since He is the source of our love; and this we do by keeping His commandments (John 15:9). For to follow Jesus Christ in discipleship is not about exercising spiritual gifts and authority, (thus it is not about seeking an experience, or holding a church office). Nor is it an intellectual pursuit of acquiring knowledge and wisdom as one who would pursue a philosophy. Neither is it summed up by radical giving or sacrificial living (as if by one's own works and efforts they become accepted by God and thus a Christian). Christian discipleship is when these are rightly understood and done, to be either expressions of faith, and or moves of love. For love is the reason for, and finial destination of God’s salvation, and thus our discipleship with Him (John 3:16; 1 Cor. 13). Therefore the Apostle Paul’s first and foremost desire for us all is:  “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Eph 3:17-19 
For when that happens, when people begin to grasp the love God personally has for them; both individually and collectively, then they themselves are not only radically transformed by the Holy Spirit. But we become radical agents for His transforming power through the gospel. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16

Perseverance: The word-translated perseverance here shares qualities with the word translated longsuffering, with nuisances of both words crossing paths frequently. However the word used here differs in that it is not just patience exemplified, they’re often of wrath restrained, but here of an inner resolve, of bearing up long while under great pressure. Thus it carries with it the quality of enduring. This though is not a passive acquiesce to ones circumstances. Rather it is an active and dynamic steadfastness to carry on a set course of action in spirit of ones circumstances. For the Christian, a Godly way of living and witness for Jesus Christ; even in the face of crippling circumstances, or overwhelming opposition (2 Thess. 1:4). In Romans chapter two this word is used in the context of genuine faith that embraces God’s call to repentance and then seeks to live it out. Since God in His righteous judgment “…will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Rom 2:6-10 Now at the heart of this is knowing Jesus Christ personally then knowing ones secure place with Him. That is the unbreakable and unalterable covenant with God through Jesus Christ the Lord that each believer has. Knowing that because of Christ’s crucifixion all alienation for the believer has ended. The Holy Spirit has not only sealed us forever (Eph. 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 5:5). But is also sustaining and changing us through whatever tribulations, (Rom. 12:12), persecutions (2 Tim. 2:10, 12), hostility (Matt. 10:22; Heb. 12:1-3), temptations (1 Cor. 10:13), trials (James 1:2-4), even God’s chastisement; as He corrects us and or removes sin from us (Heb. 12:7); that we must pass through in this life. All which is apart of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Therefore it is said in the context of being justified by faith in Jesus Christ, by which we enter into God’s grace, and by which we stand that we not only rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (Rom. 5:1-2). But we also glory in our tribulations, “…knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Rom 5:4-5 Therefore this quality of perseverance is not only something we must exemplify in our lives (1 Thess. 1:3-4) and thus we are commanded to pursue it as a Godly virtue (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Peter 1:6). But is something God Himself is working in us through the circumstances of our lives. For the Christian life is not a sprint of joy to a quick and immediate finish line; it is a marathon of hope with various ups and downs along the way. Therefore we who believe in Jesus must follow like those who came before us, who through faith and patience inherit God’s promises (Heb. 6:12). Just as Abraham who first believed, after he patiently endured, attained God’s promise (Heb. 6:15). So we are commended to this journey of patient faith as well. Since salvation of our souls comes in an instant (Eph 1:13-14). But the fulfillment of it all, will not be fully realized until we are home with Christ, or He returns and establishes His Kingdom.

Therefore in the gospels this word is first used by the Lord Jesus to convey the importance of persevering with Him. In essence of patiently enduring all things while serving Him and waiting for His finial redemption, which is a theme throughout the N.T. (Rom. 8:24; Rev. 2:3; 14:12 etc.). Therefore the Lord Jesus commands endurance of faith from all His follower’s, not just profession, both as a means to fruitfulness (Luke 8:15) but also as a measure of true discipleship (Matt. 24:13; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:19). In this the Apostle Paul encouraged the churches by saying: 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” 1 Thess. 1:3-4 These three attributes then: work of faith (James 2:14-26), labor of love (Heb. 6:10-12) and patience of hope (Rom. 5:4-5) encompass genuine faith and thus we find them exhorted by the Apostle Paul to us all.
Now the Lord Jesus Christ also exhorted patience to us when He initiated, then answered the disciples threefold question about when the Temple would be destroyed; what would be the sign of His coming; and when the end would be (Matt. 24:1-3). Without digressing into the many details of His message. Jesus said before His coming again there would be many signs that would precede Him, then He said: And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matt 24:12-12  Now Jesus states endurance as something those who believe in Him and thus are saved by the grace of God (Luke 8:12) and hence are sealed with the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39; Eph. 1:13-14) must do. Four times in (Rev. 2:2, 2:3, 2:19; 3:10) the Spirit in His address to the churches exhorts us to persevere, looking to finial consummation of all things, saying: 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ Rev 3:10-13 

Therefore perseverance of faith and love towards the Lord Jesus Christ and or the individual believer or collective assembly is essential (Heb. 10:32-39). As these will wane near the end, as lawlessness abounds, the love of many will grow cold. For it is when sin is permitted and or justified, and thus not repented of, which ruins ones love for Christ, and effectiveness for His Kingdom purposes. Not that believers never sin and stumble, (1 John 1:8-9). For nobody attains to sinlessness in this life (Phil. 3:12). But we must in accord with the sanctifying work of the Spirit confess and lay these aside. As the prophet Daniel says of believers: “And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.” Daniel 11:35 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Heb 12:1-3

Having concluded his list on things to follow with an exhortation to perseverance. The Apostle Paul now lists three places where he suffered severe persecutions and afflictions for Christ (vs.11). Now all these places the Apostle visited on his first missionary journey. Some of course he visited again. But it was while on his first missionary journey that Paul developed, and or got a taste of what it means to have perseverance for Christ. The first was at Antioch in Pisidia; to be distinguished from Antioch the capital of Syria, where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Antioch of Pisidia was where the Apostle Paul came to on his first missionary journey after setting sail from Pergma in Pamphylia with Barnabas. John Mark for an unstated reason having departed from them. And so Paul and Barnabas went on without him to Antioch of Pisidia where a large Jewish population dwelt and where there was a synagogue. And so it was that on the Sabbath, they were sitting there in the synagogue, and after the reading of the Law and Prophets that "...the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen..." (Acts 13:15-16)  And with that the Apostle Paul began by giving an historic recounting of Israel's past, leading up to John the baptist and then Jews and their elders rejecting and crucifying Jesus Christ at Jerusalem, and thus his preaching the gospel to them all. Now both Jews and proselyte Gentiles heard Paul preach that day and many believed. But it was the Gentiles who were particularly moved by the gospel of God, begging that the grace of God be preached to them on the next Sabbath. And with that many Jews there being envious of Paul; and opposing the things he preached and taught went and stirred up the chief men and leading women of the city, to have the Apostle Paul and Silas expelled from the city (Read Acts 13:13-52).
Now were not told how the Jews who opposed the Apostle Paul stirred up the cities leading citizens to expel Paul and Barnabas; but I'm sure they must have said some pretty slanderous and evil things about them to have them forced to leave. And so having departed Paul and Barnabas then traveling east came to Iconium, the capital of ancient Lycanoia. Again they follow the same pattern at Iconium, and this time both preach the gospel in the cities synagogue and having done so a great multitude of both Jews and Gentiles believed (Acts 14:1). However once again unbelieving Jews stir up the Gentiles and poison their minds against Paul and Barnabas and those who believed. Nonetheless they remained, continued to speak boldly in the Lord's Name who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands (Acts 14:2-4). Now  the Book of Acts goes on to say that part the city was divided over them: part sided with the Jews who opposed Paul and Barnabas and part sided with the Apostles. " And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there." Acts 14:5-7
Now Lystra is the last city the Apostle Paul mentions here in his Epistle to Timothy (See Acts 14:8-20). There was no large scale Jewish contingent there, and thus no synagogue. So the Apostle Paul is preaching the gospel wherever he can; in the markets and on the streets. Now it is while doing so that a man who was a cripple from his birth heard the Apostle Paul speaking. And Paul seeing he had faith to believe told him with a loud voice to get up on his feet and walk, and the man did. Now when the multitudes saw what Paul did they began to cry out in the Lycaonian language and say that the "gods" had come down to them. With that the local priest of Zeus and others try to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, and they seeing what was unfolding tear their clothes and run into the multitude crying out and say: ..."Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." 18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. Acts 14:15-18
Now it will be as the Apostles are conducting evangelistic and mercy outreach there, that Jews will come from Antioch and Iconium; the two previous cities where Paul and Barnabas preached, and will come there to Lystra to oppose the Apostle Paul. And having persuaded the multitudes they stone Paul dragging him out of the city, supposing him to be dead (Acts 14:19). Nonetheless when the disciples gather around him, Paul rises up and returns to the city and the next day he departs to Derbe (Acts 14:20). Now the Apostle Paul here says that it was the Lord who delivered him out of all the persecutions and the things he suffered. And so it is with us. For truly if you follow Jesus Christ faithfully declaring the Word of His grace and living a life of grace and truth and doing good, you will have opposition to your doing so. For the Apostle Paul it was always the Jews; that this those who rejected Jesus Christ the Messiah and instead cling to Moses and the Law, and or the traditions of their forefathers (consider John 1:17). For believers today it very well may be that the children of Hagar, as the Apostle Paul came to define them, will put forth the strongest opposition to you, and or persecute you (See Gal 4:21-31). The insidious thing about them is that they disguise themselves as people of faith. But their so called "faith" is not in the Lord Jesus Christ, with obedience to His gospel, but in the traditions, doctrines and commandments of men, as if by doing so remission of their sins and eternal life is found in those things. And thus they are those who cling to a works based salvation, and do not receive God's grace and salvation found exclusively by faith In the Lord Jesus Christ alone (John 1:17; Rom 11:6). And thus they are like those Jews who opposed, troubled and persecuted the Apostle Paul for preaching Jesus Christ crucified as the sole means for all of mankind's reconciliation back to God.

Vs. 12 Having then told of his own sufferings for the gospel the Apostle Paul now says: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." Vs. 12 The emphasis being suffering persecution because one desires to live godly in Christ Jesus (consider 1 Peter 4:1-6; 4:12-19). For you cannot divorce one from the other. For if you believe in Jesus, than of course your going to be seeking to live godly, seeking to purify your life, just as He is pure (1 John 3:1-3). For it is a God given impulse or desire that He places within everyone who truly believes. And thus it's not something you can manufacture, it is something that happens within us, even the worst of sinners of which some us once were; when one comes to a genuine faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Now as you strive to live godly, know this for certain that you will suffer persecution. For Satan has no other agenda after your soul is saved, and thus your spirit sealed with the Holy Spirit because you believe in Jesus (Eph 1:13-14), than to try to make you fall into sin, so that he might ruin your witness and effectiveness for the Lord (Rev. 12:17). That's self evident to all who discerning. The other is that in seeking to live a godly life in a world dominated by sin and living under Satan's influence, and thus essentially living by it's own values and morals (which it changes according to it's own times and seasons). By your standing up for, and living by, God's absolute and unchanging moral standards in a desire to obey Jesus, you will have opposition and persecution for your doing so, sometimes unwittingly, but often intentionally. As the Book of Proverbs says: "An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked." Prov 29:27 Nonetheless take hope for all things that each and every believer endures for righteousness sake will be fully rewarded when the Lord Jesus establishes His everlasting Kingdom (Matt 5:10-12). In a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness will truly dwell (consider Isaiah 65:13-25; 66:22-24; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Rev. 21:1-8). And so until that day, or we go to be with Jesus waiting for that Day, we have an Everlasting Sovereign King and High Priest who though not currently ruling over the world that was created through Him, and for Him, still "steps into it's affairs", as He pleases, to assure that His plans and purposes for His people who obey Him are brought forth until that Day.

Vs. 13 "But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."
In contrast to the godly who suffer for righteousness sake in every generation and culture. The Bible warns that as the end draws near evil men and imposter's will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Though one does not have to look far to see that verses reality playing out in the world both then and now as Jesus' parables also foretell of these things (Matt 13:24-30; 31-32; 36-43; 47-50). Therefore no this for certain that no one who has genuine faith in Jesus Christ as Lord will live wickedly or justify living ungodly lives. Neither than should anyone who loves Jesus use their faith in Him as means for personal or financial gain (consider 2 Cor. 2:17; Jude 3-19; 2 Peter 2:1-22 etc.). Nonetheless don't ever be so naive as to think the a church assembly is a haven or refuge from Satan or his own; or even his influence through unregenerate people that will be there. A church body is only as safe and secure from Satan and his influencing them, and those amongst them, as they submit too and obey Jesus Christ's Lordship, both individually and collectively for them. Following Scriptural commandments, decrees and guidelines both for personal living, and cooperate governance (consider James 4:7; 1 John 5:18).
Which leads us into verses 14-17 and the Apostle Paul's commending Timothy to continue on in the things which he learned and been assured of, knowing from whom he learned them (vs. 14). For Scripture itself verifies itself, as the truth's within it are played out over and over again in the world.
And thus knowing the Word of God inevitably strengthens ones faith in them, if ones eyes are open to see them. Similarly Timothy could be assured of what the Apostle was instructing him to do because of His Apostolic authority which Timothy saw verified time and again, and thus he had no need to doubt either the Apostle Paul or his Word. Therefore Timothy was not to be swayed or influenced by evil and or unbelieving people and the various influences in the world that knowingly or unknowingly contravene it. Therefore the Apostle Paul reminds Timothy that from his childhood he has known the Holy Scriptures which as the Apostle says "are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (vs. 15). For the entirety of the Scriptures from Genesis 1:1 to now the end of the Book of Revelations contain the mind and purposes of God. And thus if one knows Him by faith in Jesus, and knows them, they will be truly wise and understanding for salvation. The Apostle Paul then concludes by strengthening his exhortation by saying that: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16-17

Therefore not just the Apostle Paul's Words were coming by Inspiration of God through the Holy Spirit but the entire cannon or Bible as it is now received and assembled is for our ongoing instruction and guidance and encouragement and exhortation and everything else we need until Jesus returns for His Bride the church, or we go home to be with Him, amen.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982







Saturday, April 14, 2012

2 Timothy 3:1-9

Vs. 1-9 Having giving instructions for what a servant of God is to look like and pursue. The Apostle Paul contrasts that by giving an exhortation on the behavior of people in the last days before the Lord Jesus’ return. Though what he writes was seen in the world then and even now increasingly; what is being described here by the Apostle will be the predominate behavior of that time. Thus both individual and societal degeneracy will be at their height before the coming of the Lord (Matt. 24:12-13). However individual degeneracy is not governed by the end times. Rather an individual’s acceptance or rejection of the truth given them in the generation that they are given it dictates that (Rom. 1:18-36). Now the passage in its entirety:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.”

“…In the last days perilous times will come.” The Bible in no way paints a rosy picture of the unregenerate world. If anything both the historic and prophetic picture of mankind in the Scriptures apart from God is a bleak one. Now the Bible does not attribute this depravity to a mental illness, or societal maladjustment, or anything that can be corrected by us. Rather to a spiritual sickness, which has at its core sin. Therefore when Jesus commands that we all be born-again (John 3:3-5); it’s not a nice "religious" suggestion. It’s an imperative from God to have Him fundamentally change us by our faith in Him. For that is the only hope for the human race, regeneration by the Spirit of God, which we receive when we believe in Jesus Christ the Lord crucified and Risen from the dead (Titus 3:4-7). Verses two through five then graphically describe some of the fruits of the unregenerate world, and specifically of unregenerate mankind's fundamental nature before the coming of the Lord.

“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” vs. 3-5

Taking each one individually, they are:
For men will be "lovers of themselves" Nothing else will matter but self. Everything and everyone becomes a means to gratify one's self. Now it is that idolatry of self that caused Satan to become corrupted within and be cast out of heaven forever (Consider Ezekiel 28:11-19; Matt 4:8-10).

“Lovers of money” In contrast to loving God, or ones neighbor as oneself, as Jesus commands; people in the last days will be ruled by their lusts and desires for more. Now Jesus warns us all about this, for He said: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matt 6:24 
Even with that warning money is still the means by which many seek to gratify their souls desires. Rather than seeking satisfaction in God by knowing Christ and being content with whatever He allots us in this life (Heb. 13:5). Therefore the Apostle Paul also warns us all that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:10). For it is through the love of money that those who love it will do and justify great evils in their pursuits for more (consider Luke 16:14-15; James 5:1-5; Rev 18-19). Now the Lord Jesus also warns that when a person loves mammon (i.e. riches/money) they become filled with darkness within (See Matt. 6:19-24). Therefore in the lasts days it is not unreasonable to assert that there will be grave economic injustice and disparity as men and women's unquenchable love/lust for corruptible mammon will drive their lives energies. Replacing God, not only as their Savior, but also as their "moral/ethical" conscience! Therefore do not let anyone deceive you into thinking that greed is "good" or justifiable as an economic driving force to stimulate economic growth. Greed and the corruption it breeds within the individual and greater society always has a degenerating effect on both the individual, and the societies were it is accepted; and thus does not promote or forward the well being of either.

Boasters” TDNT says of this word that the: ἀλαζών is the one who "makes more of himself" than the reality justifies, "ascribing to himself either more and better things than he has, or even what he does not possess at all" In ancient Greek comedy the ἀλαζών was a favorite character, though here the connotations are not humorous, but of men seeking their own will, with no regards to the will of God. Therefore in the last day’s humility, dependency on God, and honest self assessment will be in short supply. In the Septuagint; the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament; the word used here is used in Job 28:8 of the “proud lions” as a metaphor for men who live without fear of God. In Prov. 21:24 it is used of the proud and haughty scoffer who acts with arrogant pride, mocking faith in God and or obedience to Him; and in Habakkuk 2:5 of their intoxication and godless desires which are never satisfied.

“Proud” related to the previous word (See Rom. 1:30; Old Testament see Psalm 119:21; Prov. 3:34, Isaiah 29:20; then in Psalm 119:51, 69, 78, 122 of the proud who persecute the Godly). The word used here was exposited by early church as those who have, boasting of what they do have, to those who do not have (TDNT).  In light of the gospels call for humility and lowliness of mind towards each other to have and express such an attitude is a most grievous sin in the eyes of God. Indeed in the Scriptures though the proud join forces, or persecute the poor, in the Day of God's wrath, none will go unpunished (consider Pr. 16:5; Psalm 10:2-4; 14-18; Isaiah 2:15-17 etc). Now as for the word translated proud here it appears five times in the N.T. (Luke 1:51; Rom 1:30; 2 Tim 3:2; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) and always with very serious negative connotations. And thus in stark contrast to the proud we see the Virgin Mary singing the praises of God who "scatters the proud in the imaginations of their hearts" Luke 1:51 And thus the humiliation of the exalted, and the exaltation of the lowly, as Jesus has said over and over again in the gospel, is His agenda (). Therefore pride keeps an individual alienated from God, as both the Apostles James and Peter so clearly state: “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” Now TDNT says of their doing so "According to the quotation ὑπερηφανία is wickedness in its final form." As for the TDNT it concludes their article on this word by saying "Man’s attitude to God finds expression in his attitude to other men."
Therefore the last days will be marked by people living in utter indifference to God and thus utter indifference to their fellow persons feelings or welfare. Indeed it will be the proud who will be persecuting believers in the last days, as they have always done down through the centuries.

“Blasphemers” In the N.T. blasphemers primarily are those who deny the claims of Jesus Christ, who mock and revile Him, His followers, or His call to all people to repent and believe in Him. Blasphemers then are those who not only take the Name of God or Jesus Christ in vain, which can be forgiven (Matt. 12:31-32); but they are those who refuse the Holy Spirit’s call to them and choose to remain hardened in their unbelief. In another more general sense blasphemers are those who use profane language, slander, defame, or say injurious things about another, whether God, man or dignitaries. According to TDNT "blasphemy does not have to find verbal expression. Any bad or unloving action can contain it, either because it resists the holy will of God or because it causes the enemies of Christianity to calumniate it (1 Tim. 6:1; James. 2:7; Rom. 2:24; Titus. 2:5)".  In the TDNTA they expand on this and state: "Christians for their part must take care that they do not, by their conduct, give cause for blasphemy against God or His Word (1 Tim 6:1; Titus 2:5). Indeed, the behavior of Christ's disciples (even towards each other) should contribute to the glory of the Father (cf. Matt 5:16). This is probably the sense in which we should interpret NT lists of sins, which typically contain prohibitions of blasphemy (Eph 4:31; Col 3:8; 1Tim 6:4; 2 Tim 3:2). Blasphemy is mentioned in them as characteristic of the heathen and apostate Christians." Quoted from the Theological Dictionary of New Testment Theology Abridged Edition, (page 96 article no. 4), Verlyn D. Verbugge Editor (TDNTA)

“Disobedient to parents” The word used here is used in Luke 1 :17 in describing John the Baptists Mission as the precursor of Jesus Christ that: "He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." The Apostle Paul's declaration that the last days will be marked by children's disobedience to their parents parallels his use of this word in Rom 1:30 of those who have rejected God. In the last days then children will be not just off and on disobedient to their parents, they will be utterly non responsive to rebuke or correction. (See Deut. 21:18-21 for an example of such disobedience without returning to the Law to punish it).

“Unthankful” The word used here is the antonym of the word is used in the N.T. to describe thanksgiving towards God. It appears only here and in Luke 6:35 where it is profoundly used by the Lord Jesus to motivate us to love our enemies in very tangible ways as proof our sonship to God. For God is kind to both the unthankful and the evil. Sadly the last days will be a time when thanksgiving to God will be rare. And maybe that's why we as God's people are given seemingly enumerable exhortations throughout the Scriptures to praise Him and give Him thanks for all things. For praise and thanksgiving is not only good for the saved individual and cooperate soul; bringing about doing good to all. It is contagious to all, enlightening all of the goodness of God through word and deed; just as surely as griping and complaining is in bringing about evil and ill will (Consider Ps 30:4; 92:1-4; 97:12; 100:4; 105:1; 106:1; 111:10; 119:62; 135:3; 136; 140:13; 147:1; 1 Cor. 15:57; Eph 5:4; 5:20; Col 1:3; 1:12; 3:15; 3:17; 1 Thess 1:2; 5:18; 1 Tim 2:1; Heb 13:15 etc).
Finial thought give thanks to God always because: "God's praise endures forever"

Unholy The word used here appears only twice in N.T. Both uses are by the Apostle Paul, here and in 1 Tim. 1:9. Where the Law is said not given for the Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is by virtue of belonging to Him, holy (1 Peter 2:9); and thus we are to be holy in conduct (1 Peter 1:15); but for the unholy. That is those who by their unbelief and conduct have no regards for God or the Lord Jesus Christ or His Word or the institutions that reflect God’s Presence or Person amongst us. The last days will mark a generation of unholy men and women. A people that will have no regard for God or His Word (and the moral constraints within it) or the institutions that expound it.   

“Unloving” The King James renders this as “Without natural affection.” The thought here is parents and children will be without natural affections or love towards each other. The original family unit will have utterly broken down, no obligations or concern for each other. (Also see Rom 1:31 and it use there).

“Unforgiving” The King James renders this as “trucebreakers.” The idea is people will be implacable, unwilling to cease from their hostilities, instead they will be antagonistic and utterly irreconcilable. People will not be persuaded to enter into or keep a covenant of peace.
(Also see Rom 1:31).

“Slanderers” The King James renders this as “false accusers.” The word used here is the same word used as a proper title for the devil who accuses the brethren night and day. Thus the idea is that men and women will be malicious slanderers and false accusers against each other. Defamation of another’s character will no longer viewed as a grave and evil sin.

“Without self control” The King James renders this as “incontinent.”When the Apostle Paul was brought before the Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla and Paul gave testimony about faith in Christ. Paul reasoned with them about three things: righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come (Acts 24:24-25). In the last days the long held virtue of self discipline will have all but vanished. For believers though self control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that we are to live out in all areas of our lives; yet this is not asceticism, but Godly self restraint and self control as we are led by the Holy Spirit rather than the sinful passions of the flesh.

“Brutal” The antithesis of being mild mannered or kind, mankind will be brutal, savage, fierce towards each other (Strong’s). Civility and graciousness will be supplanted by the law of the jungle.

“Despisers of good” Instead of loving goodness and good men, the last days will see mankind despising it. Indeed the word here is the antithesis of loving goodness and thus indicates that people will stand against it, and thus those who live, or seek to live by it. The virtuous and the upright person than will not only be a scarce commodity in the last days, but will be a target, as unregenerate mankind will be openly hostile towards all those who live or seek to live good lives.

Traitors” the word means to give one up unjustly into the hands of their enemies; the implication is clear; so that whomever they give up will suffer grave harm or death. Now the Lord Jesus said in following Him: “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. Matt 10:21 The last days then will be a time where men and women will actively and openly betray each other. Now the word used here is also used in Luke 7:16 being applied to Judas Iscariot as an appellation, “the traitor”. And in Acts 7:52 Stephen uses this word as he rebukes the Sanhedrin counsel’s elders charging them with being betrayers and murders of not only the prophets but also of God's Son  (See Acts 7:52-53)

“Headstrong” The word literally means to fall forward, i.e. “headlong”, it metaphorically describes one who precipitates crises or conflicts; who is ill considerate; acts recklessly; rashly, one who is utterly thoughtless about ones actions or words etc.

“Haughty” The King James renders this “Highminded.” That is being puffed up or lifted up with pride. The Apostle Paul uses this word in is his first epistle to Timothy warning him not to accept new believers as Pastoral candidates, “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Tim 3:6
The Apostle Paul's other use of this word is in 1 Tim 6:4 there he calls proud those who reject sound doctrine which accords with godliness and instead are given over to arguments and disputes.

“Lovers of pleasure" rather than lovers of God. For those who know God personally through faith in Jesus Christ there is no greater pleasure than to love Him and experience Him more. King David’s passionate love of the Lord is a model we all should emulate (Ps. 16:11). In contrast the world only loves pleasure whether illicit or legitimate, there will be no delighting in, waiting on or worshiping the Lord. There will only be sought and delighted in one’s own pleasures. Obsession with sexual gratification will mark the last days.

 Vs. 5 “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

Verse five to nine now warns of those who profess faith in Christ, presenting to others an outward appearance of it, yet deny its power; that is God’s transforming power through the Holy Spirit by their ongoing conduct in sinful lifestyles. These are individuals whose religious language and practices makes them look like real people of faith to the undiscerning or uniformed. But inwardly they are unregenerate, and thus their outward appearances and professions of faith only conceals their true inward nature. Wolves in sheep’s clothing is what the Lord Jesus calls them (Matt. 7:15-20).
The Apostle Paul describes some of their fruits in verses six to nine.

“For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.” vs. 6-9

In the early church the congregation often gathered in the residences of believers. And often women hosted believers meetings in their homes. Both the Apostle Paul and John were hosted by women in their homes, and this is where they often discipled other believers (Acts 16:11-15; 2 & 3 John’s epistles). Now this was not an uncommon practice for both the prophets Elijah and Elisha and of the course the Lord Jesus Christ were ministered to by women of faith (1 Kings 17:8-24; 2 Kings 4:8-37; Luke 8:1-3). The problem though is some of these men whom Paul mentions here were passing themselves off as Apostles or ministers of Christ to lure while gullible women to take sexual advantage of them. Therefore the Apostle Paul warns us all about such men. Saying they are men who are loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. They may learn spiritual language and some Godly principles, but they never come to a knowledge of the truth. That is salvation through genuine repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore the knowledge that they do acquire does not transform their person. And like Pharaoh’s magicians Jannes and Jambres who resisted Moses; these also resist the truth, that is Biblical truth when it is presented to them, and thus there is no conviction of sin (i.e. Godly sorrow) nor repentance from it; thus no genuine faith in their lives as there was in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Therefore the Apostle Paul declares: “but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.” vs. 9


Word Studies
Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, TDNT:
"Boasters" vol. 1, page 226
"Proud" vol. 8, page 225
"Blasphemers" vol. 1, page 621

Word Appearances in the N.T.
"Lovers of themselves" (Str 5367) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:2 
"Lovers of money" (Str 5366) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:2 and Luke 16:14
"Boasters" (Str 213) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:2 and in Rom 1:30
"Proud" (Str 5244); (Luke 1:51; Rom 1:30; 2 Tim 3:2; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) 5x
"Blasphemers" (Str 898); (Acts 6:11, 13; 1 Tim 1:13; 2 Tim 3:2; 2 Peter 2:11) 5x
"Disobedient" (Str 545); (Luke 1:17; Acts 26:19; Rom 1:30; 2 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:16; 3:3) 6x
"Unthankful" (Str 884) appears on here in 2 Tim 3:2 and Luke 6:35
"Unholy" (Str 462) appears on here in 2 Tim 3:2 and 1 Tim 1:9
"Unloving" (Str 794) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:3 and in Rom 1:31
"Unforgiving" (Str 786) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:3 and in Rom 1:31
"Slanderers" (Str 1228) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:3 and 1 Tim 3:11; Titus 2:3
"Without self control" (Str 193) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:3
"Brutal" (Str 434) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:3
"Despisers of good" (Str 865) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:3
"Traitors" (Str 4273) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:3 and Luke 6:16 and Acts 7:52 (betrayers)
"Headstrong" (Str 4312) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:4 and Acts 19:36 (rashly)
"Haughty" (Str 5187) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:4 and 1 Tim 3:6; 6:4
 “Lovers of pleasure" (Str 5369) appears only here in 2 Tim 3:4

 The rare of use of several of these words in the N.T. that the Apostle Paul by the Holy Spirit's guidance choose to use in describing the people of the lasts days is no coincidence. Same with those words which are found here and in Romans 1:18-32 list of evils that God gives people over to for rejecting true knowledge of Himself. Therefore people will not be this way because they did not know the truth, people will be this way in the last days because they rejected the truth, and thus rejected God.


Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Note: this work is a draft version

Monday, April 9, 2012

2 Timothy 2:14-26


14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Vs. 14 The Apostle Paul having given a doctrinal decree through a hymn in 2 Tim 2:11-13 now exhorts Timothy on a Pastoral level, commanding him to: “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.” 
That is to remind them of all that he previously exhorted, ..."that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead according to my gospel". 2 Tim. 2:8 For again here it seems as in 1 Tim. 6:3-5 there were those amongst the believers there with Timothy who were given over to strife and debates, and thus who were striving over words to the profit of no one, to the ruin of the hearers as the Apostle Paul states it. For then as now there are always those who do so, who reject wholesome words, even Christ’s Words, and thus the sound doctrine which always accords with Godliness. For these types love and live for worthless doctrinal debates and controversies through which they only introduce all kinds of misleading ideas and even heresies amongst those who believe. And thus they are people who only sow seeds of discord and doubt into the hearts of the hearers. Yet believers are never called to strive about words to the ruin of hearers among themselves (2 Tim. 3:9-11). Rather in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ we should all “… speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Col. 1:10


Vs. 15 Therefore rather than following their faithless example the Apostle Paul commands Timothy and us all who believe: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

To be diligent here is to be eager, to be zealous, to be willing and ready to present yourself approved to God, as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, one who rightly divides the truth. For if one is diligent in sanctifying their life and getting themselves ready for Christ's service, through the diligent study of the Scriptures, they need not be ashamed. In fact boldness of faith comes by first believing then justly living for and serving the Lord Jesus with a clear conscience (consider 1 Tim 3:13; 2 Peter 1:1-9). Therefore diligence in both personal lifestyle and personal study are linked to first being qualified for Christ's service. In fact both are Scripturally linked to rightly dividing the Word of God.


 Vs. 16 “But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.”

Diligence in sound living and sound doctrine are valiant pursuits; noble to anyone with good sense; while profane and idle talk only increases to more ungodliness. The connection between a sinful and destructive lifestyle and what one gives one's mouth over to is Scripturally verifiable (James 3:1-12). Therefore we are to “shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.”


Vs. 17-18 “And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.”

In the Apostle Paul’s first epistle to Timothy. Hymenaeus is mentioned along with another man named Alexander, there both are charged as having rejected faith and a good conscience and are said to have suffered shipwreck in their own faiths (1 Tim. 1:19-20). Here Hymenaeus is mentioned again but now with another man named Philetus. Now both of these dissenters were saying that the resurrection had already past. The implications of which the Apostle Paul addresses and corrects in 1 Cor. 15. Yet the damage these kinds of individuals do is never self-contained, for invariably they overthrow the faith of others as well (vs. 18). And that is why these types of individuals who distort, or try to refute Scriptural truths are never to be taken lightly. For invariably they will have a degenerating effect on the faith and conduct of those who heed them (consider Rev 2:18-29). 

Vs. 19 “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Now there are two immutable things which the Apostle Paul attests to in verse nineteen. First is that the Lord knows those who are His. Thus there is no ambiguity with God as to those who are Christ's and those who are not. For He knows us all who believe in Jesus even more intimately than we or anyone else knows us. And so we can have great confidence in not only knowing the Lord Jesus Christ ourselves, but also in His knowing us, for His Spirit indwells us. And so only those who believe in (and obey) the Lord Jesus Christ are known by Him (Rom. 8:16-17; 1 John 2:3-4).
For just as there is no ambiguity with God knowing us who are known by His Son. Neither should there be any ambiguity as to how we are to live. Therefore in contrast to the unrighteous and faithless lives that those dissenters live, the Apostle Paul now commands that everyone who names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity. Therefore as believers in and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ we are all to depart from iniquity. And instead be led by the Spirit of God rather than the old nature's sinful passions and desires (Gal. 5:16-23). For as the Scripture says: “…those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Gal. 4:24-25 Therefore everyone who calls Jesus Christ Lord must depart from iniquity. Not justify it under the guise of living by "grace", rather we are all to depart from it.

Vs. 20-21But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”


The Apostle’s analogy here of a great house with vessels of gold and silver, wood and clay indicates the variety of believers and people and their lifestyles that are in the church. Yet if anyone cleanses themselves from the latter (that is their sins) they will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master prepared for every good work. For it’s not what you once were that qualifies or disqualifies you for Christ's service. It’s what you now are, and cleanse or don't cleanse yourself from as a follower of Jesus Christ that qualifies or disqualifies you. For we all will determine for ourselves how much we experience the fullness of the life of Christ that God wants us all to have. Now that’s hopeful, knowing that whatever we once were in past does not dictate what and who we will be in the future. For God is writing a story of redemption in which He is inviting us all to enter into it with Him. By first receiving what He has done for our redemption from sin and death through His Son Jesus Christ's crucifixion death and resurrection from the dead by which atonement for our sins and transgressions was made, so that He can now bring us to life and equip and empower us all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to be His disciples. Therefore the Apostle Paul is encouraging us all to live up to the potential God has placed in us all who believe in Jesus. So that by His Spirit's enabling we all actively cleanse ourselves from all things sinful and dishonourable so that we all might be “a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”


Vs. 22 “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”


The Apostle Paul now gives an exhortation to Timothy (and every youth) to flee youthful lusts as being in accord with the general command for us all to depart from our iniquities (vs. 19). For there are many pitfalls and dangers that surround all youth in every generation and culture, and sadly catch so many unaware. Yet youth can be a time of great expectancy and positive experience, of preparing oneself for one's lives future. However if left without positive and healthy direction it can break down into all kinds of experimentation with sex, alcohol, illicit drugs and every other kind of high risk behavior that always has negative consequences. Unfortunately our culture so inundates youth with inducements to these sorts of things, one is hard pressed at times to find any positive messages (and messengers) for them to rise higher and achieve greater. Therefore the Apostle Paul warns the young Timothy to flee them and not be swept up in the growing tsunami of dissipation that sadly is our culture. But rather pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. For ultimately you either walk the narrow road of life that is true Christian discipleship, or you take the broad path of the world that only leads to eternal destruction (Matt 7:13-14 also consider 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Peter 4:1-6). Having then commanded to flee from youthful lusts that only lead to ones ruin, the Apostle Paul gives four excellent pursuits that will lead to a peaceful, fruitful and joy filled life “…righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Notice these are not just individual activities, these are things which like minded believers support and encourage each other in. For that is what church youth groups, and all church gatherings and groups are to do, encourage, strengthen and support each other in their faith and lives, which are essentially the same. Now looking at these four individually they are: 

1) Righteousness This is given first since it is foundational to living well as a follower of Jesus Christ. Now if you have any doubts as to what living righteously looks like just look to the Scriptures, especially the Book of Proverbs to see God's unchanging moral and ethical decrees laid forth in such a way as to give real insights into real life living, and thus with real life consequences. Now God's righteousness is to be sought by first trusting the Lord Jesus Christ for a righteousness standing before Him, then by seeking to obey Him through His and His Biblical Apostles commandments. For every situation that one may encounter in this life and how we are to behave righteously in it can be understood by conscientiously applying these to them. For whatever else one may need in this life, can be found by first pursuing Kingdom Righteousness as Jesus said: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matt. 6:33
Above all else then we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (not our cultures fleeting ideas of what this is) and everything else that we need in this life will be provided for us.

2) Faith like righteousness is also something that is to be pursued, for it is the catalyst by which everything from God flows. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6 
Therefore beginning with salvation and everything else we will need in this life in being Jesus Christ's disciple we must both seek Him and believe Him (Matt. 7:7-11; Mark 11:22-24; James 1:5-8). For pursuing faith means believing God and His Word and seeking to set one's life in accordance with it, with His Will and with His purposes for you. (Please read Hebrews 11 for inspiration and insights on how Godly people in faith moved purposefully towards and forward with God).

3) Love is what it is to be a Christian and is inseparably linked to faith. For God is love and so just as God is love so we are to be (John 13:35; 1 John 4:19; 5:1-5). Maybe that is why love is the the first fruit of the Spirit of God (Gal. 5:22-23) because every other virtue is meaningless without love. For without love all you'll end up with is "dead religion" and thus a loveless, callous, and cold heart (something the Pharisees clearly exemplified in the N.T.). Therefore love is not only commanded of us all who believe in Jesus Christ. Love is the true test of someone who is Christ's, and who is not (1 John 4:20-21). Therefore in pursuing the Kingdom of God and His righteousness we must always remember love, for without it we accomplish nothing of eternal significance or value (1 Cor 13).

4) Peace comes to us all who believe in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26-27; Gal 5:22-23). Yet peace is also the fruit of righteousness, faith, and love being lived out in our lives (Isaiah 32:17-18; Eph. 5:9). Now peace with God comes to us first as a result of God's Righteous work through the crucifixion death and resurrection from the dead of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore when anyone believes in Jesus Christ, trusting His crucifixion death to save them from their sins and transgressions they will have peace with God (Eph 1:13-14). And so when one receives peace with God through the blood of Christ's cross (Col. 1:20) we are to become His ambassadors of peace with God through the same. Therefore being at peace with God means as much as depends on us living peaceably with others (Heb. 12:14-15), especially in light of the coming day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:14). For that is why Jesus came to first bring God's peace, as the Prince of Peace, to all those who are troubled in heart and mind, and thus to bring rest to our souls (Matt. 11:28-30). And so having received peace with God through Jesus Christ we are to live out that inner peace, by ourselves becoming peacemakers for God (Matt 5:9). For truly the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:18). Therefore peace is what all believers are called to, which stands juxtaposed to conflict and strife. For pursuing peace is essential in being an ambassador for and disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ's, offering peace to all, again through the blood of Jesus Christ's cross. And even more so in the church community where the pursuit of peace with one and all must take center stage. Since we are all commanded to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). Thus you have the ministry of reconciliation or peace that looks outward to proclaim God's peace to all, and on all, who believe in Him through the crucifixion death and resurrection from the dead of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Equally though you also have the pursuit of peace that must take place within the household of faith. For without peace there, on the home front it, is not likely it will be manifest through us anywhere else (consider Matt 5:21-26; 18:15-35). Believers then must strive to be at peace with each other, (and all) for God's promise of peace is on all those who live by it (2 Cor. 13:11).

Vs. 23 The Apostle Paul having commanded that we flee youthful lusts and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. So that we may reap the many positive ripple effects of peace in our own lives, relationships, Christian churches and beyond if we faithfully heed him and follow them. And so to forward that end of Christian unity and peace with one and all the Apostle Paul will begin here by again admonishing Timothy by saying, "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.”  And so what Paul is warning against here is getting entangled in disputes (with those are given to disputes) over doubtful and many uncertain matters, and so anything that is not clearly revealed to us in the Scriptures (consider Heb 13:8-9). For all such things do not edify anyone, nor do they build people's faith. Instead they only fuel doubts in the hearers and or generate strife. A believer then does himself or herself, nor anyone else, any good by entering into these. For as the Apostle says they only generate strife, and thus serve Satan’s purposes not God’s. Similarly there is no point in being contentious over non-essential matters, where liberty of conscience is "the law" we are to obey, for all those who do so are not walking in love (consider Rom 14). For each and every believer is given by the Lord a liberty of conscience to decide for themselves, and thus hold their own views and opinions on every non-essential matter. For that is apart of the glorious liberty of the children of God, not just deliverance from sin (Rom 8:21) but also liberty of conscience (2 Cor. 3:17). Therefore we are to allow our brethren to have and hold their own convictions on everything from art, music, politics, Bible translations, just war or not just war ideologies, and anything else that does not call either the Author of salvation, or the means of our salvation into question, nor His commands that we are all commanded to obey. As the Scripture says: "Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand." Rom 14:4


Vs. 24-26 The Apostle Paul having admonished the pursuit of faith, love, and peace within the Christian community now looks outwards towards those who are currently outside of the house of faith and how we are to live at peace with them. And so he begins by saying: “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” 2 Tim 2:24-26 

Three things are stated in verse twenty four which will make a disciple and effective worker for the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us consider them individually:

“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel.” Since we as believers are called to pursue peace with all people and holiness (Heb. 12:14). Therefore "contending earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3) or “casting down arguments and every high things that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” (2 Cor. 10:5) when called for, must be done without quarreling. For quarreling has never changed the mind of anyone, and only undermines one's own witness, especially with those we hope to win for Christ. And so that's our responsibility as servants of the Lord, not to quarrel with anyone, especially with those who have no heart for, or desire to hear, the truth (Matt. 7:6). As God’s Word say’s, “It is honorable to for a man to stop striving since any fool can start a quarrel.” Prov 20:3 Therefore a little discernment and self restraint goes a long way in silencing those who openly and vehemently oppose the faith. And so instead of fanning the flames of their fury by quarreling with them, simply turn away from them. For you'll never find someone who is searching for the truth arguing about the validity of Jesus Christ's Person, or His commandments, or God's Word etc. While the rebellious and unbelieving will always find cause with Him or them. That is why the Apostle Paul commands us in his epistle to Titus to: “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:10-11


“Gentle to all.” Gentleness is not only a fruit of the Spirit in every believer's life (Gal. 5:22-23), Gentleness is the essential Nature of Jesus Christ Himself, and is how He treats everyone who seeks Him and believes in Him (Matt. 11:28-30). And so this is how He wants us to to treat others as well, in a spirit of gentleness. Gentleness then is the manner of the Spiritually mature (2 Cor. 10:1; 1 Thess. 2:7) and is the disposition that we are to manifest towards all (Eph. 4:2; Phil. 4:5). For truly gentleness is a Godly pursuit for all believers to embrace (1 Tim. 6:11). And is to be the means by which we restore each and all who fall into sin (Gal. 6:1). For nothing reveals Christ’s Presence more than when believers are meek in their dispositions and gentle in their dealings with others (1 Peter 3:4). That said, the word the Apostle uses here, appears only here and in 1 Thess. 2:7 where he says of himself and his co-workers in the gospel: “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.” And so what a marvelous testimony that would be if individual believers and church assemblies in general made that their mandate, to be gentle in the dealings with all.  


“Able to teach.” Though the Holy Spirit distributes the gift of teaching to whom He desires (1 Cor. 12:11). And the Apostle Paul was writing to Timothy on a Pastoral level. And the Scripture cautions against presumptuously assuming the role of a teacher (James 3:1). A servant of the Lord (whether male or female) should know how to teach the essentials of our faith (Heb. 5:12-14). That is one reason why Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit gave gifts to men and equips certain believers to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, “For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Eph 4:12  The saints then being each and every believer and so as we grow in our faith we should all develop a reasonable level of competency not only in sharing our faith, but also teaching the essentials of it as well. Since parents are required to instruct their own children in the faith, just as husbands are to instruct their wives. Now a good place for one to start if they don't know where is in Sunday school under the tutelage of a mature teacher. Now Godly teachers are not only reverent towards God, but also considerate towards those they hope to instruct. 


“Patient.” If one is going to serve the Lord then one is going to have to be patient in waiting on the Lord as well as with their dealings with all. Now Patience is not only a fruit of the Spirit given to all believers (Gal. 5:22-23). But patience is representative of God’s longsuffering desire that no one perish but that all come to repentance (Rom. 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9, consider the Father in Jesus' prodigal son parable as a model of this). That said patience is a character attribute that we must at a certain level acquire by our enduring various trials (James 1:2-4) and or various persecutions for the gospel of God (2 Thess. 1:4). For patience is a prerequisite for both our spiritual fruitfulness and survival (Luke 8:15; 21:19; James 5:10-11). And so waiting on God, and learning to be patient with others is part and parcel of Christian discipleship. Now patience must not be confused with idleness. For we are exhorted not to become sluggish, but rather to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit God's promises (Heb. 6:12). Patience then is the manner of spirit every believer must embrace if they hope to be a successful and fruitful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider the patience of Jesus when He faced provocation (Matt. 22:15-33), ridicule (Matt. 9:24), even painful disappointment from His closest disciples (Mark 14:32-42). In this remember the disciples dispute amongst themselves about who would be greatest (Luke 9:46-48). John and James extremism (Luke 9:51-56) and overt ambition (Mark 10:35-45). Peters frequent rashness (Matt. 17:1-9; 26:32-35). Or Thomas’ willingness to die with Jesus on one hand (John 11:16) then having seen Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead needing proof of Jesus’ own resurrection (John 20:24-29). Yet in each and every instance Jesus was patient with every one of His followers just as He is towards us all who believe in Him and yet we too stumble. Therefore during Jesus’ three and half years with His disciples in preparing them for the mission ahead, He allowed them to be themselves, to make mistakes. Then He used all of their experiences together (both good and bad) to impart great truths into their hearts and minds that would change them, then countless of others forever. Patience then is a clear mark of Spiritual maturity and understanding. 


Verse twenty-five and six presents to us the perfect crowning jewel for all the previous attributes, and that is humility. "In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." vs. 25-26

The point here is that when we as believers engage others through witnessing, or through open discussion, inquiry, or welcomed debate this is to be done in a spirit of gentleness/meekness/humility etc. So as not to harden people's hearts against the faith by coming across as smug, arrogant, or down right rude and disrespectful of their persons or beliefs. Consider if you will that the Apostle Paul encountered many different types of people, from all walks of life, as he traversed the Roman Empire preaching the gospel. Yet you'll not find him deprecating them or their beliefs in the N.T. in his evangelistic endeavours for Christ. Acts chapter seventeen (vs. 16-34) is a perfect example of the Apostle Paul's incredible skill and tact at being able to look at a tragic situation that was then Ancient Athen's with all of it's idols, to all of it's various "gods" etc. Yet even amidst that, Paul could tactfully introduce them to the One True God in the hope of God saving some of them. Therefore the Apostle Paul does not restrict believers from ever engaging non-believers through debate and discussions and such. In fact Christians who do not engage the culture they find themselves in do the gospel, and themselves a great disservice. Instead Paul wisely sets boundaries for us so that we know what Christ like evangelism is, and what it is not. Now the word-translated humility here is different than the word generally used in the N.T. to describe the inward attitude that each believer should have about themselves, i.e. "humility of mind" or "lowliness of mind" etc. (see Eph. 4:2; Phil. 2:3). Here the emphasis is on one's conduct towards others, which is to be a reflection of the grace of God. Now the the noun the Apostle Paul uses here means: gentleness, humility, considerateness, meekness. Its adjective is translated meek in Matt. 11:29 where Jesus describes Himself as meek and lowly in heart inviting all to take His yoke upon themselves. The point of such humility than is for the softening of the heart of those we engage, or engage us (1 Peter 3:15). The fruit of such engagement then is ultimately for their repentance and restoration to God, and thus their wholeness or well being. Engagement than that does not have that, at its heart, does not have the heart of God. Even when Jesus’ Person was repeatedly threatened He responded with a heart of compassion for His persecutors, asking for God's mercy and ultimately salvation upon them, not judgment (John 10:22-39). Not an easy attitude to hold and maintain when faced with provocation, but one that is fully worthy of our attention and pursuit.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Additional stuff: In the NIV they translate "in humility correcting those in opposition" roughly as: "Opponents must be gently instructed" Now the word being translated humility in the NKJ and gently in the NIV carries both connotations and is also translated as meekness in the NKJ as well. The NIV standardizing their rendering throughout the N.T. as gentleness/gently etc.