In Hope of Eternal Life – Part 3

July 21, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:2-4 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But had in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

‘Promised’ [Greek, epangello] announce; command; gives orders. Translated “promise” (Tit. 1:2; Mark 14:11; Acts 7:5; Rom. 4:21; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 6:13; 10:23; 11:11; 12:26; Jas. 1:12; 2:5; 2Pet. 2:19; 1Jn. 2:25) and “profess” (1Tim. 2:10; 6:21). To whom such promise was announced, that God would give eternal life to men who were not yet created, is not known. If He made such a plan before the ages of time or in eternity past, there were beings or creatures then to whom He gave such information. This takes us back even before the pre-Adamite world of Genesis 1:1-2; Isaiah 14:12-14; Jeremiah 4:23-26; Ezekiel 28:11-17 and 2Peter 3:5-8. That the announcement and promise of eternal life concerned man and our times are clear in Titus 1:3 and Ephesians 1:4; 3:1-6.

‘World’ [Greek, ‘chronon’ and ‘aionion’] means ages of time (1:2; 2Ti. 1:9; Rom. 16:25). It means eternity; before the ages of time began. It is not the Greek words katabole which means disruption or overthrow of the world, or themelios which means founding of the world. Aionios is translated as “eternal” 42 times and everlasting 25 times.

‘Committed unto me’ – Referring to Paul’s commission (Acts 9:15-17; Gal. 1:15-16; 2:2). It is clear from these Scriptures that we cannot claim the same commission as the one given to him by Jesus Christ.

‘Commandment’ [Greek, epitage] translated “commandment” (1:3; Rom. 16:26; 1Cor. 7:6, 25; 2Cor. 8:8; 1Tim. 1:1) and “authority” (Tit. 2:15). The apostles were apostles by the commandment of God, it was by appointment.

‘Titus’ – like Timothy, Titus was a convert and fellow worker of Paul (Tit. 1:4; 2Cor. 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:23; 12:17-18; Gal. 2:1-3). He was given charge of Cretian congregations (Tit_1:5).

‘From God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Again and again, God the Father and Jesus Christ are referred to as being separate persons.

In Hope of Eternal Life – Part 2

July 20, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Thirty limitations of God are noted in Scripture (continues): He cannot forgive one unconfessed sin (Luke 13:1-5; 1Jn. 1:9). He cannot keep one saved who lives in sin (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8). He cannot automatically cancel the death penalty when people sin and incur that penalty (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 16:1-27-23; 8:1-13). He cannot do away with free moral agency and moral responsibility (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Jn. 1:7). He cannot make one a slave to Himself so that he can never go back into sin if he chooses (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; 1Jn. 1:7). He cannot guarantee that every saved man will continue in Christ (John 15:1-8; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 9:27; Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4; Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 33:12-20). He cannot make any man a son of God in the same sense Jesus is (John 1:18; 3:16; Rom. 8:14-16). He cannot look upon the sins of the saved as being unreal, or deal with them on a different basis from those of the unsaved (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8). He cannot cancel any reaping for what is sown (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 6:7-8). He cannot force a man to serve Him against his own will (John 3:16; 7:17; 8:34; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; 1Jn. 1:7; Rev. 22:17). He cannot recognize any man as His child or His servant who serves sin and the devil (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Jn. 3:8-10). He cannot keep the saved from sin if he chooses to go back into sin (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:9-10, 6:19-20; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Jas. 5:19-20; 1Jn. 2:1-2; Ezek. 33:12-20). He cannot keep one from incurring the death penalty should he go back into sin (Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 18:4; 33:12-20; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Jas. 5:19-20). He cannot be lenient with any who sin or encourage anarchy in moral government (Gen. 2:17; Ezek. 18:4; 33:12-20; Rom. 1:18-31; 5:12-21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Jas. 5:19-20).

To be continued…

In Hope of Eternal Life – Part 1

July 19, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Hope of eternal life’ – Unforfeitable eternal life is now a hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7 and 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

‘Cannot lie’ – Three things God cannot do: Lie (Tit. 1:2). Deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). Be tempted with evil (Jas. 1:13).

Thirty limitations of God are noted in Scripture: He cannot break His own laws (Ps. 119:89). He cannot lie (Heb. 6:17-19). He cannot deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). He cannot have respect of persons (Rom. 2:11; Jas. 2:9-10). He cannot save one soul apart from grace and faith in Christ (Rom. 3:26; John 3:16). He cannot be unrighteous (Rom. 9:14). He cannot bless men apart from faith (Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). He cannot curse men when they meet His terms (1Jn. 1:9). He cannot do away with or change His own eternal plan (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:11). He cannot save rebels who persist in rebellion, refusing to meet His terms (Pro. 1:22-33; 29:1; Matt. 18:3; John 3:3, 5). He cannot be tempted with evil (Jas. 1:13-15). He cannot tolerate hypocrisy (Isa. 1:13). He cannot spare Himself or Christ in the redemption of the human race from eternal hell (Matt. 27:42). He cannot turn down one soul that comes to Him according to His terms (John 6:37). He cannot judge the righteous with the wicked (Gen. 19:22; Rev. 20:5-6, 11-15). He cannot fail to answer prayer when unwavering faith is exercised (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8).

To be continued…

According to the Faith – Part 2

July 18, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

‘According to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness.’Two things that constitute apostleship: The faith of God’s elect [Greek, pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, and pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (Tit. 2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). Acknowledging [Greek, epignosis] full knowledge, of the truth which is after godliness (Col. 2:2; 2Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:1; Phm. 1:6). Ignorance is the state of the average heathen who gets to know only a little about nature. Christianity teaches man the true and full knowledge of God and nature and the origin and destiny of all things (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:9-11).

‘God’s elect’ – The Christians who have taken the place of Jews as the elect of God during the time of their being cut off (Matt. 21:43; 23:37-39; Romans 9-11). Four Elects of God noted in Scripture: Christ (Isa. 42:1; 1Pet. 2:6). All Christians (Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; Tit. 1:1; John 15:16; Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 2Thess. 2:13; 2Jn. 1:1, 13). Israel (Isa. 45:4; 65:9, 22; Matt. 24:21-31; Mark 13:22, 27; 1Pet. 1:2). Angels (1Tim. 5:21).

Anyone chosen of God at any time, Jew or Gentile, is the elect of God (Rom. 9:11; Rom. 11:5, 7, 28; 1Thess. 1:4; 1Pet. 5:13; 2Pet. 1:10). Note that ‘chosen’ doesn’t mean ‘saved’ as in the examples of many Israelites that failed God and rejected Christ as do most Christians through all the ages, and even the angels fell such as Lucifer and one-third of God’s angels. All men are called to become God’s elect or chosen ones and can be if they will choose God and live in obedience to His Word (Matt. 11:28-30; 20:16; John 1:12; 3:16-20; 6:37; Eph. 1:4; 2Thess. 2:13; Jas. 2:5; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 17:14; 22:17).

According to the Faith – Part 1

July 17, 2023July 4, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

This epistle was perhaps written from Macedonia about 67 A.D. (1Tim. 1:3) by the apostle Paul who wrote 14 epistles (Romans to Hebrews). For his history see Acts 8-28 and his epistles. This is the second of three instructional epistles – 1Timothy, 2Timothy and Titus – that give instructions concerning the congregational order, doctrine, and discipline for Christians. Titus has much in common with 1 Timothy in that both concern order and sound doctrine. 2 Timothy deals primarily with one’s personal walk during times of apostasy.

This is the 56th book of the Bible and it has 3 chapters, 46 verses, 921 words, no questions, 45 verses of history and 1 verse of unfulfilled prophecy.

‘Servant’ [Greek, doulos] bondslave. The only place Paul designates himself as a servant of God. He calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ in Romans 1:1 and Philippians 1:1.

‘Apostle of Jesus Christ’ – a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of the apostles, it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated as apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). Twenty-four apostles are recorded in Scripture: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matt. 10:2). James, son of Zebedee and John his brother (Matt. 10:2). Philip and his brother Bartholomew (Matt. 10:3). James, son of Alphaeus and Judas his brother (Luke 6:16) and Matthew, son of Alphaeus, the brother of James and Judas (Mark 2:14; Luke 6:15). Thomas (Matt. 10:3). Simon Zelotes, brother of James and Judas, according to tradition (Luke 6:15). Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:4). Matthias (Acts 1:26). Barnabas (1Cor. 9:5-6; Acts 13:1-3; 14:4, 14; Gal. 2:9). Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7). Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9). James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas, 1:1). Silas (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6). Timothy (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6). Titus (2Cor. 8:23). Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25). Paul (Gal. 1:1; 2:8). Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1).

For lists of the twelve apostles see Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13, 26. Their commission, duties, and power (Matt. 10:1-42; 28:19-20; Mark 3:14-15; 6:7-13; 16:15-20; Luke 9:1-5; 24:47-53; John 20:22-23; 21:15-19; Acts1:4-8). Please note that those were commands and commissions to those who were apostles of Jesus Christ and chosen by Him to write what He taught.

To be continued…

The Lord Jesus Christ Part 2

July 14, 2023June 17, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

‘The Lord Jesus Christ’ All Christians must believe and understand the following (continues): That man is justified by faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, resulting in a supernatural regeneration from above (Matt. 1:21; 18:3; John 3:1-8, 3:16; Rom. 5:1; 2Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 1:14, 20; Tit. 3:5; 1Pet. 1:18-23). He is not justified by works or self-effort and the natural development from within.

That man, animals, and plant life have degenerated and are under a curse. Man chooses to continue in sin, sickness, and the sufferings of the earth. Only through redemption in Christ will the whole creation be restored to original perfection and goodness (Gen. 3:1-24; 6:5-22; Rom. 5:12-21; 8:17-24; 1Cor. 15:24-28; 2Pet. 3:7-13; Rev. 21:1 – 22:5). No single species has evolved from a lower to a higher plane of life.

That all people who accept Christ and conform to God’s plan for man will be saved and resurrected from the dead to immortality to help God administer the affairs of the universe forever (John 3:16; 5:28-29; Rom. 8:17-24; 1Cor. 6:2; 15:1-54; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev. 1:6; 2:26-27; 5:10; 11:15; 22:4-5).

That all people who reject Christ and do not conform to God’s plan will pay the eternal death penalty for sin, being resurrected to immortality and punished eternally in the lake of fire (Mark 16:15-16; John 3:16-20; 5:28-29; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; 21:8; 22:15).

That the Bible IS the Word of God, not that it merely CONTAINS the Word of God (2Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12; 2Pet. 1:16-21).

Any denial of God or His plan for man in Scripture makes Him a liar and damns the soul. If some through ignorance of the Bible think they can believe in any form of false religion and the Bible at the same time, they are highly deceived by satan, the deceiver of the world (2Cor. 4:3-4; 11:14-15; Rev. 12:9). One cannot know the statements of both the Bible and other false religions and believe both, nor can he be neutral. He must take a stand either for God and the Bible or for his false beliefs and guesses.

The Lord Jesus Christ Part 1

July 13, 2023June 17, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

‘The Lord Jesus Christ’ All Christians must believe and understand the following: That Jesus Christ is the Son of God in a sense that no other man is – the only begotten of the Father – not a son of God in the sense that all human beings are (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:18; 3:16; Php. 2:5-11; 1Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-3, 8; Rev. 1:8-11).

That the birth of Christ was supernatural, not natural as that of all other men. He was born of a virgin and by the Holy Spirit, without a human father (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-14; 3:16-18; 1Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-3).

That the death of Christ was expiatory, not exemplary. He died for all human beings. His blood is the only atonement for sin and by His stripes, we are healed (Isa. 53:1-12; Matt. 1:21; 8:17; 26:28; John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Rom. 8:3; 1Cor. 1:18-24; 5:7; Heb. 1:3; 2:9-18; 9:11-28; 10:5-29; 1Pet. 2:24; 1Jn. 2:1-2; Rev. 1:5; 5:8-10).

That Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead, not spiritually. He is alive forevermore in His earthly, resurrected flesh-and-bone body and represents people before God as their High Priest and Saviour (Luke 24:39; John 10:17-18; Acts 1:3, 11; 2:22-34; 4:10-12; Rom. 1:4; 8:11; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 1Thess. 4:13-16; Php. 3:20-21; Rev. 1:18; Zech. 13:6).

That Jesus Christ ascended into glory bodily and will come again in like manner to rule the world eternally, putting down all rebellion and restoring man’s dominion and God’s kingdom as before the fall (Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:11; 1Cor. 15:24-28; 2Thess. 1:7-10; Jude 1:14; Rev. 19:11-21; Zech. 14:1-21).

To be continued…

Greetings

July 12, 2023June 17, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 4:19-21 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greets thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

‘Aquila’ – He is always mentioned with Priscilla (Acts 18:2; Rom. 16:3; 1Cor. 16:19).

‘Onesiphorus’ He was one Asian who had not forsaken Paul. He had entertained Paul in Ephesus and sought him out when he visited Rome (1:16-18; 4:19).

‘Erastus’ – He was chamberlain (treasurer) at Corinth (Acts 19:22; Rom. 16:23).

‘Trophimus’ – Another companion of Paul (Acts 20:4; 21:29).

‘Sick’ [Greek: astheneo] weak, not necessarily diseased; to be weak or feeble in any sense. It is used 15 times for weak faith (Rom. 4:19; 14:1, 2, 21; 1Cor. 8:9-12); weak law (Rom. 8:3); weak (poor) people (Acts 20:35); weak in boldness and power (2Cor. 11:21, 29; 12:10; 13:3, 4, 9).

It is used 17 times for physical sickness and 3 times for physical breakdowns because of overwork (Php. 2:26-27; 2Tim. 4:20). Thus, to conclude that the cases of Epaphroditus (Php. 2:26-27) and Trophimus (2Tim. 4:20) prove that Paul and the apostles had lost their power to heal, or that it was only occasionally that they had such power is concluding too much. Paul did have the power to do special miracles (Acts 19:11-12). He had the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ (Rom. 15:18-19, 29). He even had the power to impart gifts to others (Acts 19:1-7; Rom. 1:11; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Gifts are not given so that bodies may be abused by overwork. They are not to enable man to work beyond what is sensible and best for the body.

‘Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia.’ The four names in this verse are found only here.

All Men Forsook Me

July 11, 2023June 17, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 4:16-18 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

‘At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.’ This refers to Paul’s first apology or defence of the gospel either at some place where Alexander opposed the gospel (4:15) or to his first defence before Nero when he could not find any man to plead his cause.

‘Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear.’ When no man stood with Paul, the Lord did. He delivered Paul from this particular trouble and blessed his ministry among the Gentiles.

‘Mouth of the lion’ – This could mean that Paul claimed his right as a Roman citizen not to meet death by lions in the amphitheatre, or it could be figurative of deliverance from some great danger. Such an expression was proverbial, denoting deliverance from imminent danger.

‘And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom.’ This is the 7th and last New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:18) and is fulfilled.

Greatly Withstood Our Words

July 10, 2023June 17, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 4:11-15 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he has greatly withstood our words.

‘Luke is with me’ – This was Luke, the evangelist and writer of the Gospel of Luke and Acts.

‘Mark’ – This was John Mark, nephew of Barnabas, who, after having failed to continue with Paul as a young man, was now a steady and faithful worker (Acts 12:12).

‘Tychicus’ – One of the trusted companions of Paul (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; Tit. 3:12).

‘Cloke’ [Greek: phelones] is used only here and means either a travelling cloak for protection against weather or, as others translate it, a travelling bag.

‘Books’ – What kind of books is not known.

‘Parchments’ – These were perhaps either the Jewish Scriptures or a copy of the Septuagint.

‘Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.’ Another man who thrust away and made shipwreck of his faith (1Tim. 1:19-20) and who became an enemy of the gospel (4:14-15; Acts 19:33).

‘The Lord reward him according to his works.’ The Lord will reward him (Gal. 6:7-8).

‘For he has greatly withstood our words.’ This suggests that this man went about opposing the gospel and he was also known as the thorn in Paul’s flesh, the messenger of satan to buffet him (2Cor. 12:7).