Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Part 5

June 9, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 2:14-15 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There are twelve rules of interpretation: (1) Learn the native tongue in which one reads his Bible. For example, master the English language if the English Bible is to be used. (2) Give the same literal meanings to words, and apply to the Bible the same rules of grammar, figures of speech, types, symbols, allegories, parables, poetry, prophecy, history, and all other forms of human expression that you would if they were found outside the Bible. (3) Learn the Bible manners, customs, and peculiar idioms. (4) Get acquainted with the geography of all Bible lands. (5) Get a general knowledge of the history of the biblical peoples and kingdoms to understand biblical history (historical writers such as Josephus Flavius). (6) Get a general knowledge of the plan of God in the Bible – of the ages and dispensations and the ultimate purpose of God to defeat satan, restore man’s dominion, rid the earth of all rebellion, and establish an eternal kingdom on earth ruled by God, Christ, and the resurrected saints (Gen. 8:22; 9:12; Isa. 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 11:15; 20:1-10; 22:4-5). (7) Recognize the three classes of people dealt with in Scripture – the Jews, Gentiles, and the body of Christ amongst the congregations (1Cor. 10:32). (8) Keep in mind the historical background of each book and the circumstances under which it was written. (9) Never change the literal meaning of Scripture to a spiritual, mystical, symbolic, or figurative meaning unless it is done by God Himself. Take everything in the Bible literally unless this could not possibly be the meaning. When the language is used in a figurative sense get the literal truth conveyed by it. (10) Get a complete concordance such as Strong’s and Young’s to look up any subject and to define any Hebrew or Greek word if there is any question of proper translation. (11) Be just as intelligent and fair with the Bible as with any other book. Study it, not to disprove it, but to master its sacred contents and conform to its teachings and you will find it to be in unity. (12) It must be settled once and forever that the Bible does not contradict itself and all scriptures on a subject must be harmonized. It has a way of confusing its enemies and blessing its friends. The only thing difficult about the Bible is that it is a very large book and it will take time to master its contents enough to get a general understanding of it. Read it over and over and practice its teachings and it will soon become a very simple and practical book.

From Mark 4:24 we have a warning as to what we hear and a promise that if we hear correctly more will be given. If we reject the truth, what we have will be taken away (Luke 8:16-18).

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Part 4

June 8, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Rightly dividing the word of truth.’ [Greek: orthotomeo] Set straight; handle right. It means not only to give the true meaning but also the correct application to the various times and classes of people. (Mark 4:12; 20; 22-23). Truth must be divided dispensational, prophetically, historically, and concerning classes and subjects. The chief fundamental principle of interpretation is to gather from the Scriptures themselves the precise meaning the writers intended to convey. We must exercise common sense and reason, applying the same principles and grammatical rules to the Bible as we do to other books. One should take the Bible literally wherever it is at all possible. When the language cannot be taken literally, we know it is figurative. We should then get the literal truth conveyed by the figurative language.

2Corinthians 13:1 states the law of interpreting Scripture. Every doctrine must be proved by at least two or three scriptures to be accepted as truth and binding upon Christians. “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” (Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16).

How to read the Bible: Frequently, daily (Jos. 1:8); not for controversy, but for profit (Pro. 3:1-35; 2Tim. 3:16-17); meditatively (Ps. 1:3); in love (Ps. 119:97-104); with a consciousness of need (Matt. 5:6; John 7:37-39; 2Pet. 1:1-10; 3:18); in faith (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6); searchingly (John 5:39); openness to all of it (2Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; Jude 1:3); by comparing scripture with scripture (2Cor. 2:13); in the Spirit (John 14:16-17; 15:26; Gal. 5:16, 26); through, and over and over again (Matt. 5:18); in obedience (Rom. 1:5; 16:26).

To be continued…

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Part 3

June 7, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Study to show thyself approved unto God.’ Among the guiding principles useful in detecting good and evil spirits, and their operations and doctrines, the outstanding ones are these (continues): [3] The Holy Spirit can be recognized in an individual’s life by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance at all times in character and behaviour (Gal. 5:22-23). Six earmarks of a manifestation of the Holy Spirit: (1) A Christ-like spirit of love, patience, and faith in God. (2) Soberness and keenness of spiritual vision. (3) Deep humility of heart and meekness of spirit, with lion-like courage against sin, sickness, poverty, disease, discouragement, failure, and everything else causing defeat in the Christian life. (4) Absolute clearness of the mental faculties [no intoxication whatsoever in the form of alcohol or medication] and intelligent action in carrying out Biblical instructions concerning known duty and personal life as a Christian. (5) Freedom from faultfinding, surmising, whispering, and slander; and freedom from all the works of the flesh listed in Mark 7:19-21; Romans 1:24-32; 1Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21 and Colossians 3:5-10. (6) Freedom from any ignorance concerning the divine will. When one is moved upon to act quickly and urgently without knowing whether the act will glorify God or not, it is better to wait and pray until it is clear beyond all doubt that God approves such action. Always remember that 1John 4:1 commands: “Try the spirits whether they are of God.”

‘Approved’ [Greek: dokimos] is translated as “approved” (2:15; Rom. 14:18; 16:10; 1Cor. 11:9; 2Cor. 10:18; 13:7) and “tried” (Jas. 1:12). The opposite of adokimos

‘Workman’ [Greek: ergates] Translated “workman” (2Tim. 2:15; Matt. 10:10; Acts 19:25); “worker” (Luke 13:27; 2Cor. 11:13; Php. 3:2); and “labourer” (Matt. 9:37-38; 20:1-2, 8; Luke 10:2, 7; 1Tim. 5:18; Jas. 5:4).

To be continued…

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Part 2

June 6, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Study to show thyself approved unto God.’ There are definite ways outlined in Scripture whereby one can detect what kind of spirit is seeking to control him. But if one neglects to study the Word he may fall prey to one of satan’s demons through ignorance. It must be realized that ignorance is no guarantee against the workings of evil spirits. One of the chief means by which satan and his forces try to control men is through ignorance. It accounts for their widespread success in getting men to accept their suggestions, doctrines, ideas, leadings, and guidance.

Among the guiding principles useful in detecting good and evil spirits, and their operations and doctrines, the outstanding ones are these: [1] Any doctrine that denies or causes doubt and unbelief concerning anything taught in Scripture is from satan and his demons (1Tim. 4:1-8). Any religion denying the inspiration of the Bible; the reality of God as a person; the virgin birth and divinity of Christ; His miraculous power and supernatural ministry; the death, burial, physical resurrection, and physical manifestation of Christ after His resurrection; the physical ascension to heaven and coming again of Jesus Christ, first at the rapture and then at the Second Coming to set up a kingdom in the world forever; the necessity of the new birth, cleansing from sin and living free from sin; and the numerous other experiences of the Bible – any religion denying these fundamental truths is yielding to “the spirit of error,” not “the spirit of truth” (1Jn. 4:1-6). [2] Any power, influence, or doctrine that causes one to become passive, inactive, submissive, and unresisting to the workings of supernatural spirits seeking to control his life contrary to the teachings of Scripture, is not of God. The Bible says, “Resist the devil” (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9). An inclination to approve sin and ignore the necessity of repentance and holy living, and a tendency to remove the penalty for sin or doubt that hell is literal and eternal, is promoted by satan, not God. Just as God requires truth in the mind for the true working of the Holy Spirit in life, so the devil requires the believing of lies in the minds of men to hold them in bondage (1Cor. 6:9-11; 10:12-13; 2Cor. 11:3-15; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Eph. 6:10-18; 1Tim. 4:1-9; Jas. 1:22; 2:10).

To be continued…

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Part 1

June 5, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.’ Four commands to Timothy: Remind men of the facts of 2Timothy 2:1-13. Charge men not to strive about words to no profit, which only subvert the hearers (2:14). Mere words have often been a source of contention among Christians. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2:15). Shun profane and vain babblings (2:16). Christians can never strive or argue over Biblical truths, when someone adds to or take away the literal meaning of the gospel of Christ, they will carry the consequences of such a sin as clearly stated in Revelation 22:18-19.

‘Subverting’ [Greek: katastrophe] an overturning; overthrowing; catastrophe. Translated as “subverting” (2:14) and “overthrow” (2Pet. 2:6). It means here to overthrow the faith of men and cause their backsliding (2:18, 25-26).

‘Study to show thyself approved unto God.’ Without knowing the Word of God – rightly dividing the truth, not one’s own interpretation – there is no relationship with God. The greatest and most important work of satan among men now is to counterfeit the doctrines and experiences of God as revealed in Scripture, to deceive saints (2Cor. 11:14-15; Eph. 6:10-18; 1Tim. 4:1-7; Rev. 12:9-12). Men are commanded to prove and test all doctrines and experiences in the supernatural realm to see if they are of God or satan (1Cor. 2:12-16; Php. 1:9-10; 1Thess. 5:21-22; 1Jn. 4:1-6). Certainly, every religion, doctrine, and experience among men cannot be of God. We must, therefore, judge them by the written Word of God. The knowledge of truth is the first essential in warfare against demons and error. Great is the danger when believers accept anything and everything in the realm of the supernatural as being from the Lord. The fact that the believer is a child of God does not stop the devil from trying in every conceivable way to imitate God to deceive him. Believers are the ones satan concentrates on and wars against.

To be continued…

Was Raised from the Dead

June 2, 2023April 29, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 2:8-13 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself.

‘Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel.’ Whatever we suffer, remember Jesus and His sufferings. If God raised Him up, He will also do the same for us.

‘Evil doer’ [Greek: kakourgos] is used only here and of the malefactors in Luke 23:32, 33, 39. I suffer as a criminal and gladly endure it for the elect’s sake that they may be saved eternally (2:9-10).

‘Elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.’ The elect here is the Gentiles for whose salvation Paul was bound. Four Elects of God: 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; 11:5, 7, 28; 1Thess. 1:4; 1Pet. 5:13; 2Pet. 1:10). All men are called to become God’s elect or chosen ones and can be if they will choose God (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).

‘It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him …’ This is the first New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (2:11-13).

Four faithful sayings: If we are dead with Him, we shall live with Him (2:11; Rom. 6:8; 2Cor. 5:15). If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him (2:12; Rom. 8:17-18). If we deny Him, He also will deny us (Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26). If we believe not, He remains faithful: He cannot deny Himself (2:13). If we deny the faith and apostatize, He is as true to His threatenings as He is to His promises. He cannot lie and act contrary to His Word or Himself, so He is as much under obligation to curse for sin as to bless for righteousness.

Be Strong in the Grace

June 1, 2023April 29, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 2:1-7 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warred entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

‘Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.’ Seven commands to Timothy: Be strong in the grace of Christ (2:1). Commit truth to faithful men (2:2). Endure hardness as a good soldier (2:3). Be not entangled with the affairs of this life, to please God (2:4). Strive lawfully for the crown (2:5). Consider what I say – he truth (2:7). Remember, make Christ’s resurrection a chief theme of the gospel (2:8).

‘Things that thou have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.’ The doctrines you heard me outline for you before many witnesses when you were ordained (1Tim. 4:14; 6:12; 2Tim. 1:6; 2:2), commit to faithful men the same way they were committed to you.

‘Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’ Three similitudes of a Christian: As a soldier (2:3-4). As an athlete in the Olympic games (2:5). As a farmer (2:6).

Just as a good soldier lives up to certain standards, an athlete obeys the rules of the game to win, and a farmer tills according to natural laws of agriculture to get a crop, so the minister must live up to the rules if he expects a crown and eternal fruit.

‘Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.’ Consider my figures of speech and the Lord will give you understanding as to their application.

Not Ashamed of My Chain

May 31, 2023April 29, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 1:15-18 This thou know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou know very well.

‘That all they which are in Asia be turned away from me.’ Referring to Christians from Asia that were visiting Rome. As one translator gives it, “all the Asiatics have discarded me.” Finding Paul in disgrace they showed no interest in him or his cause. Two of them are mentioned here. It would have been truly improbable for all Christians of so many congregations to turn against him. That would mean that even Timothy, Lois, Eunice, and other faithful helpers had forsaken him and this was not true (1:5; 4:10-22).

‘Onesiphorus’ – Here is one Asian who had not forsaken him, so “all they which are in Asia” of 2Timothy 1:15 must be understood in the limited sense of some who visited Paul in Rome. He had entertained Paul in Ephesus and sought him out when he visited Rome (1:16-18; 4:19).

‘And was not ashamed of my chain.’ This suggests that the others were ashamed of Paul in chains. His life had been one of suffering and labour for Christ. Now from all appearances, he was abandoned by his friends and in the hands of ruthless men. He was in prison and chains, yet he was triumphant overall and unshaken in his faith. He felt no evil and feared no man or devil. Sin had lost its power, death its sting, the grave its victory, and hell its torments. No murmuring came from his lips or bitterness from his heart. He was a man’s man and God’s faithful servant, ready to die for the cause of Christ and the gospel.

‘The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou know very well.’ This is simply Paul’s prayer and desire for his friend who had often refreshed him in Ephesus and Rome. Such hospitality does not save the soul, but it adds to the reward in the life to come if it is done with the right motive (Matt. 6:1, 5; 10:40-42).

‘That day’ – the day of Christ, 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).

Hold Fast

May 30, 2023April 29, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 1:11-14 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us.

‘Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.’

Seven facts about Paul: Appointed: preacher of the gospel. Appointed: apostle of the gospel. Appointed: teacher of Gentiles. Suffered for the gospel (1:12). Not ashamed of the gospel, God, or Christ (1:12; Rom. 1:16). Knew in whom he believed (1:12). Persuaded that God can keep (guard) that which he committed to Him [Greek: paratheke] deposited; until that day (the appearing of Christ, 2Tim. 1:12; 4:8; 1Tim. 6:14).

‘Hold fast the form of sound words.’ Two commands to Timothy: [1] Hold fast the form [Greek: hupotuposis] a sketch; outline; plan; copy; only here and 1Tim. 1:16) of sound words (1:13). The plan of salvation is no human invention. It was planned by God before the ages of time (1:9; Eph. 1:4) and is now manifest through Christ (1:10; John 3:16; 1Pet. 2:24). [2] Keep (guard) that good thing [Greek: paratheke] deposit, a thing given to keep) by the Holy Spirit (1:14). This refers to the gospel that was committed to him (1:13; 1Tim. 3:16). The Holy Ghost and the gifts of God were given to him for this purpose (1:6, 14; 4:14). The command here is to hold onto the Truth of God as given in the gospel of Christ.

Our Saviour Jesus Christ

May 29, 2023April 29, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Timothy 1:8-10 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

‘Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.’ Three commands to Timothy: Be not ashamed of the gospel (2:15; Rom. 1:16; Luke 9:26). Be not ashamed of gospel preachers (1:16; Luke 9:26). Be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel (4:5; Col. 1:24).

‘Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling …’ Four acts of God: He saved us. He called us with a holy calling. He blessed us with His purpose and grace. He planned for us before the ages.

‘Before the world began’ – before the ages of time – in eternity.

‘But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.’ Four acts of Jesus Christ: He made manifest God’s blessings by His appearance on earth. He abolished death. He brought life through the gospel. He brought immortality through the gospel.

‘Abolished’ [Greek: katargeo] He cancelled death and will destroy it completely at the end of the Millennium (1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 21:4; 22:3).

‘Brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.’ Christ brought to full view the life and immortality of the gospel, actually demonstrating it in His own case as a guarantee of the life and immortality of all who believe the gospel.