Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Do Thy Diligence

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2Timothy 4:9-10 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas had forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 

‘Do they diligence to come shortly unto me.’ It appears that he wanted to see Timothy before he died and to have him present at his death, so he could know how a Christian should die for the faith. He was also short of companions (4:10-13).

‘Demas had forsaken me, having loved this present world.’ Demas was once a minister and a fellow-labourer with Paul (Col. 4:14; Phm. 1:24). He had by this time grown cold in his experience with Christ and had gone back into the world again. Here it is clear to what extent he was backslidden. He loved this present world. According to 1John 2:15-17, anyone who loves the world does not have the love of God in him. If the love of God is not in him, he cannot possibly be saved (John 13:35; 14:15, 23; 15:9-12; 1Cor. 16:22). Is it conceivable that God will take people to heaven who do not love Him? If this man did love God at one time, which is clear from Philemon 1:24, then how did he become separated from the love of God (Rom_8:35-39)? Was God responsible for him loving this present world and forsaking Paul? If not, who was it? This proves free moral agency after conversion. If we have the power of free choice, then we alone can choose to backslide and fail God. We thus choose our own destiny after salvation as we do before salvation. Not one scripture ever suggests that God forces any man to serve Him.

‘Present world’ [Greek: aion] age. Present age (Tit. 2:11-12).

‘Crescens’ – Not mentioned elsewhere. He and Titus both had left Paul to carry on work for Christ. They are not here condemned as backsliders as is Demas.

‘Titus’ like Timothy, 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).

I have Kept the Faith

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2Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.’ Fivefold testimony of Paul: I am ready to be offered or poured out as a libation to God and a sacrifice offering for souls (4:6). My departure is at hand – the sentence of death has already been passed. I have fought a good and honourable fight – wrestled a good wrestling and am champion (4:7). I have finished my course – run the race and have outstripped all my competitors and gained the prize. I have kept the faith – followed every rule of the race and have won the prize lawfully.

‘Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.’ This is the 6th New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:8) and it is unfulfilled. This is the prize for Paul’s efforts of 2Timothy 4:6-7. The crown is laid up for all who prove true but possess none until the time of reward. It is in view, not in possession.

‘At that day’ In the day when Christ comes to receive saints unto Himself at the time of the rapture (1Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2Cor. 1:14; Php. 1:6, 10; 2:16). May we all be ready when He appears, living according to the examples of Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23) and one or two others who paid the price of persecution to make Christ known amongst others and not advancing their own interests or names.

Heap to Themselves Teachers

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2Timothy 4:3-5 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 

‘For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears …’ This is the 5th New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:3-4) and it is being fulfilled. All people have someone ready that will support their sins that is either a teacher or a preacher of God’s Word – heap to themselves teachers.

From 1Peter 4:4-5 we see that those who live in sin will always find it strange that others don’t follow in their evildoings (stated in 1Pet. 4:2-3): “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.  is also the first thing on which Christians are attacked because of other’s guilt, they will try to prove from Scriptures that all are sinners making the whole salvation plan of God without effect or necessary.”

Six last-day characteristics: They will not endure sound doctrine (4:3). They will increase in lust and sin. They will add one teacher to another, or wander about from church to church to find those who will not insist on their getting rid of sins and sinful pleasures. They will have itching ears, and desire speakers who will tickle their ears and excuse their passions in the name of religion. They will turn away their ears from the truth which strips them of sin and demands their wholehearted consecration to Christ (4:4). They will turn to fables and false religions that pamper the flesh and condone sin.

‘Fables’ [Greek: muthos] anything delivered by word of mouth; legendary tales, as opposed to historical account; a fable; foolish or improbable story (1Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2Tim. 4:4; Tit. 1:14; 2Pet. 1:16). Most so-called sermons are made-up tales or motivational stories of other’s lives, instead of the Biblical examples of those who either served God or not.

With all Longsuffering and Doctrine

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2Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 

‘Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.’ Tenfold charge to Timothy: Preach the Word (4:2). Be instant in season – when you are disposed of. Be instant out of season – when you are indisposed. Reprove [Greek: elengcho] to convince, convict, refute, expose, to bring to shame the person reproved. It is found 17 times and translated as “convince” (John 8:46; 1Cor. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; Jas. 2:9); “convict” (John 8:9); “tell one’s fault” (Matt. 18:15); “reprove” (Luke 3:19; John 3:20; 16:8; Eph. 5:11, 13; 2Tim. 4:2); “rebuke” (1Tim. 5:20; Tit. 1:13; 2:15; Heb. 12:5; Jude 1:15; Rev. 3:19). Rebuke [Greek: epitimao] to penalize; find fault with; rebuke sharply. Translated “rebuke” (4:2; Matt. 8:26; 16:22; 17:18; 19:13; 20:31; Mark 1:25; 4:39; 8:32-33; 9:25; Luke 4:35-41; 8:24; 9:42, 9:55; 17:3; 18:15, 39; 19:39; 23:40; Jude 1:9); and “charge” (Matt. 12:16; Mark 3:12; 8:30; 10:48; Luke 9:21). Exhort with all longsuffering and teaching. Watch in all things (4:5). Endure afflictions. Do the work of an evangelist. Make full proof of your ministry.

This commission of Timothy came from Paul – who received his commission from Christ Himself – to spread whatever he received from Paul to the congregations (1Tim. 4:13). Today we have the written Word of God and should not trust anyone to teach us what God has given us in the Bible and not to listen to preachers that tells fables instead of preaching the gospel. This warning follows in 2Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 

Who Shall Judge

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2Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom

‘Charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.’ This is the 4th New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:1) and it is unfulfilled. [Greek: diamarturomal] He again charges Timothy before both God and Christ, proving again that they are two separate persons.

‘Judge’ [Greek: krino] make a legal or other decision. Translated “to esteem” (Rom. 14:5); “think” (Acts 26:8); “determine” (Acts 3:13; 20:16; 25:25; 27:1; 1Cor. 2:2; 2Cor. 2:1; Tit. 3:12); “conclude” (Acts 21:25); “decree” (1Cor. 7:37); “ordain” (Acts 16:4); “condemn” (John 3:17-18; Acts 13:27; Rom. 14:22); “damn” (2Thess. 2:12); “avenge” (Rev. 18:20); “call to question” (Acts 23:6; 24:21); “sue at law” (Matt. 5:40; 1Cor. 6:1, 6); “my sentence is” (Acts 15:19); and “judge” 74 times.

‘The quick and the dead’ – Two classes judged, both the quick (the living) and the dead are to face judgment. Those alive and dead in Christ will be raptured at His appearing in the air at least seven years before the second coming and setting up of the Millennial kingdom (2Thess. 2:7; 1Thess. 4:16). These will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ during these seven years (1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10). Then the living nations will be judged at the second coming (Matt. 25:31-46). The wicked dead will be judged 1,000 years later (Rev. 20:4-15). All judgments will be over by the end of the Millennium. Those who sin will be judged and executed if they are worthy of death (Isa. 11:3-10; 65:20).

‘At’ [Greek: kata] is a word denoting downward motion. When used of time, as here, it means throughout, during, in the years, over time. This means that there will be different judgments at different times.

Given by Inspiration of God Part 3

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2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Degrees of Inspiration: Some parts of Scripture give the exact words of God (Ex. 32:16; Deut. 5:4, 24; Matt. 3:17). Some words were put into the mouths of the speakers who spoke as the Spirit inspired them (Ex. 4:12; Num. 23:5; Ezek. 2:7; 3:10-11; Acts 3:21). Some words were written as the Spirit moved men (Ex. 34:27; 2Pet. 1:21). In some parts of Scripture it was left up to the writers to choose their own words to relate truth by the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit (Dan. 12:8-9; Luke 1:1-4; John 20:30-31; Acts 1:1-2). The Spirit used the faculties and abilities of the writers to record things, past, present, and future. He gave direct revelations, guided them to choose records of men, and superintended the writers in all their work until we now have a perfect and infallible record of the origin and destiny of all creation.

‘Profitable’ [Greek: ophelimos] to convince men of truth. Translated “profitable” (3:16; 1Tim. 4:8; Tit. 3:8) and “profit” (1Tim. 4:8).

‘Doctrine’ [Greek: didaskalia] teaching (1Tim. 4:13).

‘Reproof’ [Greek: elengchos] reproof (3:16) and evidence (Heb. 11:1).

‘Correction’ [Greek: epanorthosis] to restore things to their proper use and place, correcting false theories and practices.

‘Instruction’ [Greek: paideia] It means here the schooling of mankind in true scriptural righteousness, perfecting the man of God, and filling him with power for all good works (3:16-17; 2:19-21).

‘Perfect’ [Greek: artios] complete; exactly fitted as a joint.

‘Thoroughly furnished’ [Greek: exartizo] to finish out; equip fully. Translated “accomplish” in Acts 21:5. When one is thus fully equipped he will be able to do the works of Christ (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16). The Scriptures are to bring this about in the man of God (3:16-17).

Given by Inspiration of God Part 2

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2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

‘Inspiration of God’ [Greek: theopneustos] God-breathed. It is that special influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of holy men which qualified and enabled them to make an infallible record of divine truth concerning the will of God to man.

The purpose of inspiration is to secure truth and unity in the record, not the sameness of words or statements. Revelation discovers new truths; inspiration superintends the communicating and recording of that truth. We have examples of inspiration without revelation (Luke 1:1-4); of inspiration including revelation (Rev. 1:1, 11); of inspiration without illumination (1Pet. 1:11; 1Cor. 14:13-19); and of revelation and inspiration including illumination (1Cor. 2:12-16; 14:30).

We find lies of satan and men; false doctrines; and many sins listed in Scripture. Inspiration simply guarantees that these lies were actually told; these fallacies were taught by certain men; and that these crimes were committed, but it does not make these lies and fallacies the truth or place God’s sanction upon the crimes. One must find out whether satan, evil men, or God is speaking in Scripture. God is not responsible for what others have said just because He causes what they did say to be recorded by inspiration. All God guarantees is that these things were said and done as they are recorded. Only what God says or teaches is the truth which He requires men to obey.

To be continued…

Given by Inspiration of God Part 1

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2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 

‘All scripture’ ALL, not a part of Scripture. Even if the law was abolished, all commandments of a righteous life and conduct are still in effect. Many people today choose either the Old or the New Testament as the Word of God, but both Testaments make up the Word and must be read in context and relation – thus to whom it was given (Israel or other nations, Christians or the ungodly, etc.) and for what purpose (only individual were commanded to preach, teach or write and every one to obey commandments, follow instructions, learn from given examples, etc.).

‘Scripture’ – Twenty-one Names of the Bible: The Scripture (Mark 15:28; John 7:38). The Scriptures (Luke 24:27; John 5:39). The Promises (Rom. 9:4-5; 15:8). The Oracles of God (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12; 1Pet. 4:11). The Lively Oracles (Acts 7:38). The Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:25, 44). The Law of the Lord (Ps. 1:2). The Law and the Prophets (Matt. 5:17; 11:13; Acts 13:15). The Book of the Lord (Isa. 34:16). The Word of God (Mark 7:13; Rom. 10:17). The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). The Old and New Testament (2Cor. 3:6-15). The First and Second Covenant (Heb. 8:7). The Word of Christ (Col. 3:16). The Word of Life (Php. 2:16). The Scripture of Truth (Dan. 10:21). The Word of Truth (2Tim. 2:15). The gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). The Word of Faith (Rom. 10:8). The Word of the Lord (2Thess. 3:1). The Word of Righteousness (Heb. 5:13).

‘Given by inspiration of God’ Nine ways the Bible was given: Audible voice of God (Ex. 19:19; Deut. 5:1-33; Matt. 3:16-17; John 12:28). Angels (Acts 7:38; Heb. 2:2). Prophets (Acts 3:21; Heb. 1:1). Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1; Rev. 1:1-20). Apostles (Acts 1:2; Eph. 4:1-32). Visions (Isa. 6:1-13; Daniel 7-8; Ezek. 1:1-28). Dreams (Dan. 2:1-49; Matt. 1:20; 2:12). Revelation [Greek: apokalupsis] to unveil or uncover. It implies the lifting up of a curtain so that all can see alike what is uncovered. When used in writing, it means to reveal or make clear (Eph. 3:3; Gal. 1:12); when used of a person, it denotes visible presence (Rev. 1:1; 2Thess. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:7, 13). Inspiration (3:15-17).

To be continued…

Knowing of Whom Thou have Learned Part 2

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2Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom thou have learned them; And that from a child thou have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

‘Able to make thee wise unto salvation.’ Seven things the Word of God can do: Make wise unto salvation (3:15; Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21). Produce faith (Rom. 10:17). Make Jesus Christ known (John 5:39; 1Cor. 15:1-8). Build up (Acts 20:32). Give inheritance (Acts 20:32). Produce profit in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (3:16). Make the man of God perfect (3:17).

‘Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Salvation is always through faith in Jesus Christ – never through works, rituals, water baptism, communion etc. (3:15; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:24-31).

According to Hebrews 2:10, Christ was made the captain of our salvation and perfected through His sufferings. He is the Originator of salvation and without suffering He could not have died; without dying He could not have made atonement for sin; and without completing His redemptive work He could not have been perfected.

Hebrews 2:3 states the following: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…” – we who have the greater light in Christ will be punished for each sin also. What a fool’s dream to think there is no moral responsibility on Christians to live right under grace, or that grace does not see their sins if they commit any!

Knowing of Whom Thou have Learned Part 1

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2Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom thou have learned them; And that from a child thou have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

‘Continue thou in the things which thou have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom thou have learned them.’ The Greek word for continue is emmeno meaning to abide in; stand by; or continue in (Gal. 3:10; Heb. 8:9). We are commanded in ten things to continue in: Well doing (Rom. 2:7). Following the Lord (1Sam. 12:14). The Word of God (John 8:31). Christ’s love (John 15:9; 1Tim. 2:15). The grace of God (Acts 13:43). The faith (Acts 14:22; Col. 1:23). God’s goodness (Rom. 11:22). Prayer (Col. 4:2). Sound doctrines (1Tim. 4:16; 2Tim. 3:14). The Son and the Father (1Jn. 2:24). Timothy was taught the commandments of God (Old Testament) from his mother and grandmother, all New Testament teachings he received from Paul who received it from Jesus Christ as He is the one that teaches us through His Word (Matt. 13:18-23; 23:8, 10; Job 36:22).

If we do these things we are blessed and if not, then we are cursed. God cannot lay down the conditions upon which He will bless us, then ignore them and bless if the conditions are not met.

‘Holy’ [Greek: hieros] Practical holiness is shown to spring from truth and faith in God. One cannot grow into Christ, but he may grow in knowledge, experience, and fullness of grace benefits by being in Christ and walking in the light (Col. 1:23; 2:6-7; 3:1-17).

‘Scriptures’ [Greek: gramma] The usual word for Scripture is graphe and is so translated, 51 times (3:16; Matt. 21:42; 22:29; 26:54-56; Mark 12:10, 24; 14:49; 15:28; Luke 4:21; 24:27, 32, 45; John 2:22; 5:39; 7:38, 42; 10:35; 13:18; 17:12; 19:24-37; 20:9; Acts 1:16; 8:32, 35; 17:2, 11; 18:24, 28; Rom. 1:2; 4:3; 9:17; 10:11; 11:2; 15:4; 16:26; 1Cor. 15:3-4; Gal. 3:8, 22; 4:30; 1Tim. 5:18; 2Tim. 3:16; Jas. 2:8, 23; 4:5; 1Pet. 2:6; 2Pet. 1:20; 3:16). Gramma is translated as “Scripture” only here.

To be continued…