Live Godly … Shall Suffer Persecution Part 2

June 23, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 3:10-13 But thou have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

‘Suffer persecution’ – Eight facts about Christian suffering (continues): Besides the greater glory to come the Christian has the Holy Spirit upon him now to enable him to endure (1Pet. 4:14; Rom. 8:26-27). Christian sufferings glorify God (1Pet. 4:14; Rom. 8:17-18). It is an honour, not a shame, to suffer as a Christian (1Pet. 4:16). Though sufferings begin with Christians, they end in an eternal weight of damnation to the ungodly (1Pet. 4:17-18). Sufferings should be borne by Christians, in patience as in the will of God, realizing that God is always faithful to His own in their sufferings (1Pet. 4:19; 1Cor. 10:13).

Ten rewards for Christian suffering: Greater glory in heaven (2Cor. 4:17). Eternal consolation (2Cor. 1:7). Making Jesus known (2Cor. 4:11). Live a dying life that others might live (2Cor. 4:12). Making grace manifest (2Cor. 4:15). Guarantee of judgment (2Thess. 1:5). Reign with Christ (2Tim. 2:12). Spirit upon us (1Pet. 4:14). Glory to God (1Pet. 4:16). Great joy (1Pet. 4:13-14).

Christian suffering DOES NOT consist of suffering for murder, for being an evildoer or for being a busybody (1Pet. 4:15) or for suffering for any crime listed in Romans 1:18-32; 1Corinthians 6:9-11 and Galatians 5:19-21.

Christian suffering DOES consist of persecution for righteousness (Matt. 5:10; 13:21; Mark 10:30; John 15:20). Revilings and slander (Matt. 5:11-12; 10:25; Acts 13:45; 1Pet. 4:4). False accusations (Matt. 10:17-20). Scourgings for Christ (Matt. 10:17). Rejection by people (Matt. 10:14). Hatred by the world (Matt. 10:22; John 15:18-21). Hatred by relatives (Matt. 10:21-36). Martyrdoms (Matt. 10:28; Acts 7:58). Temptations (Luke 8:13; Jas. 1:2-16). Shame for His name (Acts 5:41). Imprisonments (Acts 4:3; 5:18; 12:4). Tribulations (Acts 14:22; 2Thess. 1:4). Being a spectacle to people (1Cor. 4:9). Misunderstanding, necessities, defamation, and despisings (1Cor. 4:10-13). Trouble, affliction, distresses, tumults, labours, watchings, fastings, and evil reports (2Cor. 6:8-10; 11:26-28). Reproaches (Heb. 13:13; 1Pet. 4:14). Trials (1Pet. 1:7; 4:12). Groaning and travailing because of the curse (Rom. 8:17-26).

Live Godly … Shall Suffer Persecution Part 1

June 22, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘But thou have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience …’ Nine things of Paul fully known: Doctrine [Greek: didaskalia] teaching. Manner of life – conduct because of my teachings (3:10). Purpose in propagating these teachings. Faith in God and my teachings. Longsuffering with those who oppose my teachings. Divine love motivates my life. Patience in suffering for my teachings.Persecutions I endure for Christ (3:11). Afflictions [Greek: pathema] translated as “suffering” (Rom. 8:18; 2Cor. 1:5-7; Php. 3:10; Col. 1:24; Heb. 2:9-10; 1Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1); “affliction” (2Tim. 3:11; Heb. 10:32; 1Pet. 5:9); “affections” (Gal. 5:24); and “motions” (Rom. 7:5). because of my teachings.

‘Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution …’ This is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (3:12-13) and it is being fulfilled. We are warned to be watchful (1Thess. 5:6) and always alert and live godly in Christ, to not permit ourselves to be overthrown by temptation (Matt. 24:42-51). All of 1Corinthians 12:14-26 illustrates the fact that the members of the body of Christ have been born again and live godly consecrated lives (1Cor. 12:27-28; Rom. 12:3-5; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:1-6; 4:1-13; Col. 1:18, 24).

‘Suffer persecution’ – Eight facts about Christian suffering: Suffering is not strange or unusual for Christians (1Pet. 4:12; 2Tim. 3:12). One should rejoice when a partaker of the sufferings of Christ (1Pet. 4:13; Matt. 5:10). The greater the suffering the greater the joy and glory (1Pet. 4:13; Rom. 8:17-18).

To be continued…

Godlessness in the Last Days Part 3

June 21, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 3:1-9 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

‘For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.’ Thirty characteristics of wicked men during the last days (continues): Their religion is only in their creed and formal confession of faith, not in their hearts (Rom. 2:20). Denying the power of godliness. Destitute of godliness, having no faith that one can be godly in this life. From such turn away. Use their show of piety to gain entrance into homes to deceive (3:6). Capture for their own pleasure silly (foolish) women whom they deceive. Ever learning fallacies but never the knowledge of the truth (3:7), people watch teachings of all kinds but refuse to pick up the Word of God and study it for themselves. Resist truth (3:8). Refuse to study, reflect and stay in God’s truth. Refuse anything that doesn’t fit with one’s own truths. Have corrupt minds. Reprobate concerning the faith. They are evil (3:13). They seduce women – entice them to surrender chastity (3:6, 13). They increase in evil deeds and thoughts. They deceive and are themselves deceived.

‘Jannes and Jambres’ – The names of the magicians who withstood Moses and exercised satanic power until stopped by God (3:8-9; Ex. 7:11-12, 22; 8:7, 18-19).

‘Their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.’ Just as Jannes and Jambres’s folly was manifested to all, so will those who follow in their example. The sins and good works of some are manifest now because they are openly done, and the sins and good works of others are done in secret and will not be made manifest until the judgment (1Tim. 5:24-25).

Godlessness in the Last Days Part 2

June 20, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.’ Thirty characteristics of wicked men during the last days (continues): Disobedient to parents. Head-strong and spiteful children that are rebellious against parents; indifferent to rule and order; irreverent and show no respect for any form of authority (Rom. 1:30). Unthankful [Greek: acharistos] ungrateful (Col. 3:15; 1Thess. 5:18; Heb. 12:28). Unholy [Greek: anosios] without piety; no reverence, totally depraved; the utter opposite of holiness within and without. Without natural affection (3:3). Destitute of natural affection; that is, filled with desire for unnatural affection experiences with husband or wife or same-sex partners in the homosexual and other sexual deviation sins of Romans 1:24-28. Trucebreakers [Greek: asunthetos] are not morally bound to any agreement; not dependable; treacherous to covenants; faithless to promises; false to trusts (Rom.1:31). False accusers [Greek: diabolos] slanderer; adversary, false accuser, slanderers (1Tim. 3:11; Tit. 2:3; John 6:70; 8:44). Incontinent [Greek: akrates] no control of appetites and passions. Fierce [Greek: anemeros] wild; savage; uncivilized. Despisers of good men [Greek: aphilagathos] unfriendly to good men. Traitors (3:4) [Greek: prodotes] betrayers. Heady [Greek: propetes] rash; hasty; reckless; headstrong. Highminded [Greek: tuphoo] senseless; conceited; silly, not to be conceited and self-important, but to take a sane view of himself (Rom. 12:3). Lovers of pleasure. Sensual gratification is their god. Having a form of godliness (3:5) [Greek: morphosis] a semblance; sketch; form.

To be continued…

Godlessness in the Last Days Part 1

June 19, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Perilous times shall come …’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (3:1-5) [Greek: chalepos] hard; difficult; grievous. Translated as “fierce” in Matthew 8:28.

‘For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.’ Thirty characteristics of wicked men during the last days: Lovers of themselves (3:2) [Greek: Philautos] fond of oneself; selfish. Covetous [Greek: philarguros], money-lovers, referring to the mammon (Luke 16:9-14). Boasters [Greek: alazon] braggarts; self-exalted, vain, and arrogant braggarts (Rom. 1:30). Proud [Greek: huperephanos] self-important, to indulge in pride or self-gratulation; be exalted; elated; glory in self; display or strut self before others; an undue sense of superiority; unnatural self-esteem; arrogance; wishing all people to receive their sayings as oracles (Luke 1:51; Rom. 1:30; Jas. 4:6; 1Pet. 5:5). Blasphemers [Greek: blasphemia] to: Speak evil of (Jude 1:8; Eph. 4:31); rail (1Tim. 6:4; 2Pet. 2:11); revile (Matt. 27:39); defame (1Cor. 4:13); slander (Rom. 3:8); insult by blasphemy (Matt. 12:31).

To be continued…

Acknowledging of the Truth

June 16, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 2:25-26 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

‘Meekness’ [Greek: praotes] meekness (1Cor. 4:21; 2Cor. 10:1; Gal. 5:23; 6:1; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; 1Tim. 6:11; 2Tim. 2:25; Tit. 3:2).

‘Instructing’ [Greek: paideuo] In this case the opposers to truth may need chastening by being turned over to satan and his destruction to bring them to repentance if at all possible (1Cor. 5:5; 1Tim. 1:19-20). Timothy would need to have the power of God to do this (1Cor. 4:19-21; 16:10).

‘Acknowledging of the truth.’ One has to acknowledge God’s truth to be accepted as a child of God – we have to know the truth so that the truth can make us free. This is the secret of freedom from sin, sickness, and all the curses of this life that Christ died to set men free from (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). Without being free from sin, one is still in bondage.

‘Recover’ [Greek: ananepho] become sober again, or recovers from captivity. All people are liable to snares and will fall into them if not watchful. As Christians, we are commanded to: Be watchful (Rev. 3:2). Strengthen the remaining things. Remember your teaching (Rev. 3:3). Hold fast. Repent if you have sinned (Rev. 3:3, 19; cp. Rev. 2:5, 16, 21, 22).

‘Snare of the devil’ [Greek: pagis] (a net; trap; a pit dug in the ground, filled with sharp stakes, and covered over so that any man or animal who stumbles into it will be killed (1Tim. 3:7; 6:9; Luke 21:35; Rom. 11:9; 2Tim. 2:26). Backsliders usually fall by the sins of their former life. On these lines, the devil concentrates on bringing about the fall of as many as he can.

‘Taken captive’ [Greek: zogreo] taken captive or alive. It is used only here and in Luke 5:10 of disciples catching men or capturing them from satan. Here it seems to be that the opposers of truth are taken captive by the devil to do his will and then they become stumbling blocks whose lives are of no value to God (Matt. 18:6).

Flee also Youthful Lusts

June 15, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 2:22-24 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

‘Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.’ Eight commands to Timothy: Flee from lusts (1Tim. 6:11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10). Follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace (1Tim. 6:11). Avoid foolish and unlearned questions that gender strife (2:23). Do not strive with men (2:24). Be gentle to all men. Be apt to teach. Be patient. Instruct rebels with the view of reclaiming them to the truth (2:25-26).

‘Pure heart’ – The only kind of heart to have if we are to expect prayer to be answered (2:19-21; Ps. 66:18).

‘But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.’ Among the heathen were endless tales of offspring of numberless gods. Jews and Samaritans took great pride in their ancestors (Matt. 3:9, John 4:12; 8:39). Paul warned against this (2Cor. 5:16; 11:22; Php. 3:4-6) and charged Timothy to be occupied with essentials of the Christian faith. Emphasis on natural descent is foreign to Christianity, for in Christ there is no difference (1Cor. 12:13; Col. 3:11).

‘Strive’ [Greek: machomai] to fight; contend in battle; quarrel; wrangle; dispute. Translated strive (2:24; John 6:52; Acts 7:26) and fight (Jas. 4:2).

‘Apt to teach’ [Greek: didaktikos] capable of teaching (1Tim. 3:2).

‘Patient’ [Greek: anexikokos] enduring evil.

The Foundation of God Stands Sure

June 14, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that named the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

‘Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his.’ Here it is stated that God’s truth is like a sure foundation regardless of how many make shipwrecks of their faith. People are to build upon this foundation and be judged as to how they build (1Cor. 3:11-15).

‘Purge himself from these.’ Seven things to purge self from: Affairs of this life (2:4). Backslidings (2:12). Unbelief (2:13). False doctrines that destroy faith (2:14, 18). Profane and vain babblings that lead to ungodliness (2:16-17). False teachers that overthrow faith (2:17-18). All iniquity and dishonour (2:19-20).

‘He shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.’ Four blessings of purging self: [1] A vessel of honour. [2] Sanctification [Greek: hagiazo] to separate from a profane to a sacred use; to consecrate self wholly to God and His service. The primary meaning is separation, not making holy. It means to make holy only when the person or thing sanctified needs to be cleansed from sin or defilement to be fit to be separated unto God and His service. Material things such as a day (Gen. 2:3); the tabernacle (Ex. 29:43-44); clothes (Lev. 8:30); houses (Lev. 27:9-29); or the temple (2Chron. 7:16-20) must be cleansed from all defilement to be fit to be presented to God for His holy uses. God’s name (Ezek. 36:23); God (1Pet. 3:15); Christ (John 10:36; 17:19); or the already cleansed disciples (John 13:10; 15:3; 17:2, 6, 14, 16) need not be cleansed from sin.[3] Meet [Greek: euchrestos] useful or profitable for the Master’s use. [4] Prepared unto every good work (Mark 16:15-20; John 14:12; Acts 1:8).

Their Word Will Eat as do a Canker Part 2

June 13, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 2:16-18 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as do a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Ten facts about deceit: It is falsehood (Ps. 119:118). It comes from the heart (Mark 7:22). It is characteristic of the heart (Jer. 17:9). God abhors it (Ps. 5:6). It is forbidden (Pro. 24:28; 1Pet. 3:10). Christ is free from it (1Pet. 2:22). We are warned to beware of those who teach and practice it (Eph. 5:6; Col. 2:8). It must be laid aside (2Cor. 4:2; 1Pet. 2:1). False teachers are workers of it (2Cor. 11:13; Jer. 14:14; 23:26). False witnesses use it (Pro. 12:17).

Ten facts about the wicked and deceit: The wicked are full of deceit (Rom. 1:29). Devise it (Job 15:35; Ps. 35:20; 38:12). Utter it (Ps. 10:7; 36:3). Work at it (Pro. 11:18). Increase in it (2Tim. 3:13). Use it on each other (Jer. 9:5). Use it on themselves (Jer. 37:9). Delight in it (Pro. 20:17). Impose on others by it (Rom. 16:18). Sport themselves with it (2Pet. 2:13).

Ten evils of deceit: Deceit hinders knowledge of God (Jer. 9:6). Deceit keeps men from God (Jer. 8:5). Deceit leads to pride and sin (Jer. 5:27-28). Deceit leads to lying (Pro. 14:25). Deceit causes fraud and injustice (Ps. 10:7; 43:1). Deceit conceals hate (Pro. 26:24-26). Deceit conceives evil plans (Ps. 50:19). Deceit encourages sin (Pro. 20:17). Deceit defiles the soul (Mark 7:22). Deceit causes hardening in sin (Heb. 3:13).

The marks of false teachers are numerous in Scripture so no mistake need be made in detecting them (Matt. 7:15-20; 23:1-33; Acts 8:9; 13:8; Rom. 1:18-32; 16:17; 2Cor. 1:18-31; 6:9-11; 11:13-15; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 2:8, 18; Php. 3:17-19; 1Tim. 4:1-8; 2Tim. 3:1-13; 4:3-4; 2Pet. 2:1-22; 3Jn. 1:9-10; Jude 1:4-19; Rev. 2:14, 20).

‘Hymenaeus’ Nothing is known of him other than he made shipwreck of his faith, erred from the truth, taught the resurrection was past, overthrew the faith of others, and was delivered to satan by Paul (2:17-18; 1Tim. 1:19-20). ‘Philetus’ Nothing is known of him other than he did the same.

‘Overthrow’ [Greek: anatrepo] overturn.

Their Word Will Eat as do a Canker Part 1

June 12, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Vain babblings’ [Greek: kenophonia] vain talk; babbling; talking nonsense increases ungodliness (1Cor. 15:33). Anything delivered by word of mouth; legendary tales, as opposed to historical account; a fable; foolish or improbable stories, motivational teachings to try to influence hearers, etc. (1Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2Tim. 4:4; Tit. 1:14; 2Pet. 1:16).

‘Eat’ [Greek: nome] have pasture. False doctrines will eat the soul’s life like a canker (gangrene) until eternal death is reaped. Having the Word’s seed sown into one’s heart and then listening to false teachers or sermons, will allow the enemy to steal away all Biblical truths (Matthew 13).

Christians cannot just accept everything that is said of God because it suits them, they are commanded to discern the truth (John 8:32-36; Eph. 4:14; 1Tim. 4:7; 2Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:11-14) otherwise, they will be led astray after being deceived. Deceit is falsehood (Ps. 119:118). It comes from the heart (Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:22; Rom. 3:13). God abhors it (Ps. 5:6) and forbids it (Job 27:4; 31:5; Pro. 24:28; 1Pet. 3:10). All saints are free from it (Ps. 24:4; Isa. 53:9; Zeph. 3:13; 1Pet. 2:22; Rev. 14:5). It is to be shunned (Ps. 43:1; 72:14; 101:7; 120:2; Eph. 5:6; Col. 2:8) and laid aside (2Cor. 4:2; 1Thess. 2:3; 1Pet. 2:1). Scripture refers to the wicked and deceit (Ps. 10:7; 35:20; 36:3; 38:12; Pro. 11:18; 12:5; 20:17; Jer. 9:5; 37:9; 2Tim. 3:13); false teachers and deceit (Job 15:35; Pro. 12:17; Jer. 14:14; 23:26; Rom. 16:18; 2Cor. 11:13; Eph. 4:14; 2Thess. 2:1-17; 2Pet. 2:13; 2Jn. 1:7); and evils of deceit (Ps. 10:7; 24:4-5; 32:2; 55:23; Pro. 14:8, 14:25; 26:24; 27:6; Jer. 8:5; 9:6). God demands absolute truth in the inward parts and absolute justice and honesty in all dealings between fellowmen and His Word. No misuse of His Word will be tolerated! (Rev. 22:18-19) It is in the hidden parts that God wants righteousness and not outwardly only (Ps. 51:6). To this end His program in the gospel is that the inward man be renewed and perfected more and more, day by day (2Cor. 4:16). This is the acid test of character (Ps. 15:1-5). The Word of God must be implemented by each individual for their own growth and not to rule over others or to manipulate them to act in a certain way. God’s Word and the Holy Spirit change those who are willing to change, anything apart from that will be one’s own attempt and without lasting results (Php. 1:6).

To be continued…