Category: Bible

The Good Fight of Faith Part 2

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1Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 

‘Lay hold’ “Lay hold on eternal life” is commanded twice (6:12, 6:19; cp. Heb. 6:18-19). There are twenty-three conditions of eternal life: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls (John 4:35-38). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Cause no offence to others (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

‘Professed’ [Greek: homologeo] translated as “profess” (6:12; Matt. 7:23; Tit. 1:16); “promise” (Matt. 14:7); “give thanks” (Heb. 13:15); and “confess” (Matt. 10:32; Luke 12:8; John 1:20; 9:22; 12:42; Acts 23:8; 24:14; Rom. 10:9-10; Heb. 11:13; 1Jn. 1:9; 4:2, 3, 15; 2Jn. 1:7).

The Good Fight of Faith Part 1

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1Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 

‘Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.’ Seven last commands to Timothy: Fight the good fight of faith (6:12). Lay hold on eternal life. Keep this commandment (lay hold on eternal life) until Christ appears (6:14). Charge the rich. Keep or guard that which is committed to your trust (6:20). The Greek word parakatatheke, means to trust or deposit (6:20; 2Tim. 1:14). The deposit entrusted to Timothy was the mystery of 1Timothy 3:16. Avoid profane, vain babblings (6:20; 2Tim. 2:16). Avoid fighting false science [Greek: gnosis] knowledge acquired by learning, effort, or experience. Translated “science” (6:20) and “knowledge” 27 times (Luke 1:77; 11:52; Rom. 2:20; 11:33; etc.).

‘Lay hold’ [Greek: epilambanomai] to lay hold; seize; to attain to. Translated “lay hold on” (6:12, 19; Luke 23:26); “catch” (Matt. 14:31; Acts 16:19); “take on” (Heb. 2:16); “take by” (Mark 8:23; Acts 23:19; Heb. 8:9); “take” (Luke 9:47; 14:4; Acts 9:27; 17:19; 18:17; 21:30, 33); and “take hold of” (Luke 20:20, 26). The fact that Timothy, who had eternal life, was commanded to lay hold of it and keep this commandment “without spot, unrebukeable,” until Christ comes, proves that it is not an unforfeitable possession until final salvation is brought at His appearing (1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). It is now hope, but hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Cor. 13:13; Gal. 5:5; Eph. 4:4; Col. 1:5; 1Thess. 5:8; 1Tim. 6:12, 19; Tit. 1:2; 3:7).

To be continued…

Follow After Righteousness Part 3

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1Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 

‘Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.’ Six things Christians must follow (continues): [5] Patience – a quality where we have the grace to endure trials without sustaining loss or deterioration. We are like silver and gold when refined. Suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. Trials test religion and faith and the man who stands true in them proves his religion sound and his faith genuine. Tests work patience and patience works perfection (Jas. 1:3-4, 12; Rom. 5:3-5; 1Pet. 1:7). [6] Meekness [Greek: praotes] is the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge. There are ten blessings noted in Scripture of the meek: Satisfaction (Ps. 22:26). Guidance in judgment (Ps. 25:9). Knowledge of God (Ps. 25:9). Earth as an inheritance (Ps. 37:11; Matt. 5:5). Salvation (Ps. 76:9; 149:4). Help from God (Ps. 147:6). Increased joy (Isa. 29:19). Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). A blessing to others (Gal. 6:1). Patience (2Tim. 2:24-25).

Three things Christians know: That Christ is righteous. That every born-again person is righteous. That doing righteousness is proof of the new birth (1Jn. 3:6-10; 5:1-4, 18). Righteousness has two main results: Present holiness of life (Rom. 6:22). Future and eternal life, and the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit (Rom. 6:22-23; 8:13; Gal. 6:7-8; John 6:27).

Fourteen facts about righteousness: Revealed in the gospel (Rom. 1:17). Not commended by unrighteousness (Rom. 3:5). Manifested apart from the law (Rom. 3:21). Witnessed by the law and prophets. Freely given to all alike (Rom. 3:22-25). Imputed by faith without works or law (Rom. 3:22; 4:3, 5, 13, 22). It is God’s righteousness in remitting sins through Christ (Rom. 3:25; 1Jn. 1:9). It is Christ’s righteousness because He did all that was required of God to redeem people (Rom. 5:18; 2Cor. 1:1-24). The medium of grace reigns (Rom. 5:21). A requirement of saints (Rom. 6:13-20). It produces life (Rom. 8:10). The law required it, but could not give it (Rom. 8:4; 9:31-32; 10:4-6). Produced by Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). Conditions of receiving it (Rom. 3:22; 4:1 – 5:11; 6:13-19; 8:1-10; 10:9-10).

Follow After Righteousness Part 2

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1Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 

‘Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.’ Six things Christians must follow (continues): There are seven facts of the mystery of Godliness (continues): Believed on in the world – divine propagation (3:16; Matt. 4:23-24; 9:35; Luke 4:16-19; Eph. 2:17). Received up into glory – divine ascension and exaltation (3:16; Luke 24:51; Eph. 1:20-23; Php. 2:9-11). The Greek word analambano is translated as “received up” (3:16; Mark 16:19; Luke 9:51; Acts 10:16); “taken up” (Acts 1:2, 11, 22; 7:43); and “take” (Acts 20:13-14; 23:31; Eph. 6:13, 16; 2Tim. 4:11). The same human body and nature God was manifested in, was resurrected and received up to glory. These divine phrases of the mystery of godliness form one complete whole concerning the redemption of all things. No single part is now a mystery, for all have been made clear by many scriptures. [3] Faith [Greek: pistis] is confidence, faithfulness, trust, 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.). [4] Love [Greek: agape] is spontaneous and divine love. It is more eternal than gifts. There are nine ingredients of divine love: Patience – love passive: no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things (1Cor. 13:4, 7). Kindness – love in action: never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud (1Cor. 13:4). Generosity – love in competition: not envious or jealous. Humility – love in hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires. Courtesy – love in society: does not behave unseemlily; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous (1Cor. 13:5). Unselfishness – love in essence: never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only the good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge. Good temper – love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful. Righteousness – love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring (1Cor. 13:6-7). Sincerity – love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present.

To be continued…

Follow After Righteousness Part 1

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1Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 

‘Flee these things’ – Christians must flee from things that can lead to stumbling. Escape for your life for no man is out of reach of these things. How many have been ruined by the love of money alone?

‘Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.’ Six things Christians must follow: [1] Righteousness. It always means doing what is right. Fourteen facts about righteousness: Revealed in the gospel (Rom. 1:17). Not commended by unrighteousness (Rom. 3:5). Manifested apart from the law (Rom. 3:21). Witnessed by the law and prophets. Freely given to all alike (Rom. 3:22-25). Imputed by faith without works or law (Rom. 3:22; 4:3, 5, 13, 22). It is God’s righteousness in remitting sins through Christ (Rom. 3:25; 1Jn. 1:9). It is Christ’s righteousness because He did all that was required of God to redeem people (Rom. 5:18; 2Cor. 1:1-24). The medium of grace reigns (Rom. 5:21). A requirement of saints (Rom. 6:13-20). It produces life (Rom. 8:10). The law required it, but could not give it (Rom. 8:4; 9:31-32; 10:4-6). Produced by Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). Conditions of receiving it (Rom. 3:22; 4:1-5:11; 6:13-19; 8:1-10; 10:9-10). [2] Godliness [Greek: eusebeia] reverence toward God; piety; religion. Translated as “godliness” (3:16; 2:2; 4:7-8; 6:3-11; 2Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:1; 2Pet. 1:3-7; 3:11) and “holiness” (Acts 3:12).

There are seven facts of the mystery of Godliness: Great – divine fullness (3:16; John 1:16-17; Eph. 3:19; Col. 1:19; 2:9). God was manifest in the flesh – the incarnation (3:16; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56; 2:1-39; John 1:14; Rom. 8:3; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 1:5-6; 2:6-18). Justified in the Spirit – divine vindication (3:16; Acts 2:22-28, 36; 3:14-18; Rom. 1:3-4; Eph. 1:20-23; Php. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-24; 2:14-17; Heb. 1:3-9; 2:5-18; 1Pet. 3:22). Seen of angels – divine revelation (3:16; 2Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:9-10; 1Pet. 1:10-12). The Greek word optanomai means to discern clearly; to gaze upon with wide-open eyes as something remarkable. Before this, angels had little knowledge of the necessity or reasons for and nature of human salvation (1Pet. 1:10-12). Now it is no longer a mystery to them or men. Preached unto the Gentiles – divine inclusion (3:16; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 2:11-18; 3:1-6; Col. 3:11).

To be continued…

The Love of Money is the Root of all Evil – Part 2

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1Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

‘The love of money is the root of all evil.’ The love of money – not money itself – is the root of all these evils of 1Timothy 6:9-10. Even the love of it is not the root of all evil that has ever been. Neither Lucifer nor Adam fell because of love for money (3:6; Gen. 3:1-24; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17). Cain (Gen. 4:1-26); Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:1-38); David (2Sam. 12:1-31) and many others in Scripture went into sin for reasons other than the love of money. Not all men love money. Only some covet it and reap these evils of 1Timothy 6:9-10.

‘Coveted’ [Greek: oregomai] covet (6:10) and desire (3:1; Heb. 11:16).

‘Erred’ [Greek: apoplanao, err (6:10) and seduce Mark 13:22]. Here it means to err totally from the faith in Christ they once had. They could not err or be seduced from a faith they never did have.

‘Sorrows’ [Greek: odune] Only here and in Romans 9:2. The allusion here is to the snare or pit, where the victim falls upon the many sharp stakes in the pit and is pierced through with them.

Having riches is not a sin, but having an attitude about it is most definitely. A lot of rich people have no values whatsoever, but they look down on those who have fewer riches than them. Their end is described in Scripture, such as Psalms 37 and 73, etc.

The Love of Money is the Root of all Evil – Part 1

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1Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

‘They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.’ Ten dangers of coveting riches: Many temptations of the devil (6:9). Many snares of the devil. Many foolish lusts. Many hurtful lusts. Destruction and perdition. The root of evil to grow (6:10). One to err from the faith. Many sorrows. Highmindedness (6:17). Wrong trust.

Riches in Scripture are considered the cause of much sin and rebellion against God; and, for this cause, there are many warnings to men, especially converted men, to shun all covetousness of such (6:4-19; Deut. 6:10-17; Ps. 52:1-7; 73:1-22; Pro. 23:4-5; 28:20-22; 30:8-9; Jer. 9:23; Ezek. 28:5; Matt. 6:19; Luke 6:24; 12:15-20; 16:13-31; Jas. 1:9-11; 5:1-3).

‘Snare’ [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 (3:7; 6:9; Luke 21:35; Rom. 11:9; 2Tim. 2:26).

‘Foolish and hurtful lusts.’ Too often, heaping up riches debases the mind, destroys godly traits, and causes selfishness, pride, and avarice which end in “destruction and perdition” (6:9-10).

‘Drown’ [Greek: buthizo] drown. Translated as “sink” in Luke 5:7.

To be continued…

Godliness with Contentment

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1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

‘Contentment’ we have the commandment of 1Thessalonians 4:11 to study to be quiet and to do our own business, and to work with our own hands. The thought is that of a disposition and life of peace, and contentment; even temperament; to be meek; and learn self-control in all things; not to permit anything to disturb or cause a display of temper tantrums or disturb the peace of others. There will always be a few idle, tattling people, who, instead of working, go from place to place carrying on gossip, meddling with the business of others, and causing splits or divisions. But if we want to keep on being content, we can never partake in such practices, we must do our own business, leave others alone, hold on to our peace, walk honestly toward the world, and work with our own hands so we would have no time to be idle (1Thess. 4:11-12).

Christ answered the soldiers in Luke 3:14 to be content with their wages. Our lives must not be lived to make money but to honour God and live accordingly. We cannot serve God and mammon – riches (Matt. 6:24) but we must seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness – to live without sin – and He will add all that we need to our lives (Matt. 6:33).

‘Godliness’ [Greek: eusebeia] Godliness with sufficient material blessings of food and clothing should make one content with life (6:6-8).

False Teachers

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1Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 

‘Teach otherwise’ – Anyone teaching anything contrary to the Words of Christ – that is the Gospel as given in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as well as the implementing of the Words of Christ as instructed in the 21 epistles as given to us from Romans through to Jude. We are commanded that we are not to greet or receive in our homes (interact socially – Psalm 1:1; 1Corinthians 5:9-13; 2Corintians 6:14 – 7:1, 1John 2:15-17; etc.) those who sin and do not obey the doctrine of Christ otherwise you are a partaker of their evil deeds (2John 1:9-11).

Twelve traits of false teachers: Rebellion against truth (6:3). Pride – inflated and puffed up (6:4). Ignorance of truth. Doting [Greek: noseo, to be sick; metaphorically, to be obsessed] over questions of the law. Debating – splitting hairs and pitting factions against others. Envying – sour tempers. Strives over doctrines. Railings – evil speaking. Evil surmising – suspicions. Perverse and vain arguments, rejecting the truth because of corrupt minds (6:5). Being destitute of truth but rich in fallacies and doctrines of demons (6:5; 4:1). Seeking personal gain – financial and recognition from others (6:5).

‘Wholesome’ [Greek: hugiaino] Translated as “wholesome” (6:3); “whole” (Luke 5:31; 7:10); “sound” (1:10; 2Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Tit. 1:9, 13; 2:1-2); and “health” (3Jn. 1:2). Here it means doctrines of healing and health, not only for the soul, but for the body, as in the passages above. These words of health are listed along with the doctrines of godliness, proving they refer primarily to physical healing. The doctrines of godliness refer primarily to the soul.

‘From such withdraw thyself.’ Christians must turn away from: False teachers – anyone that has their own opinions contrary to what God’s Word teaches (6:3-5). Disorderly brethren (2Thess. 3:6). Men who have forms of godliness, but deny its power (2Tim. 3:5).

‘Withdraw’ [Greek: aphistemi] Don’t stay with men who are false to convert them but get away from them and associate with those of true faith.

Servants and Masters

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1Timothy 6:1-2 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 

‘Servants’ [Greek: douloi] slaves or workers. Christian servants were to treat masters with honour and respect and to bring no reproach upon the cause of Christ. All workers must be treated fairly and kindly.

‘Believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.’ Christian masters were not to despise their servants for they were brethren and the owners’ equal in Christ (6:2; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). Slavery is not sanctioned among Christians and everyone must treat others with kindness and respect. The same rules count for us in a working relationship, we need to obey the Word of God in treating others as we want them to treat us (Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:7,8).

From Psalm 15 we have twelve characteristics of the righteous: They walk uprightly – without blame. They work righteousness. They speak the truth inwardly. They are free from backbiting (Ps. 15:3). They do no evil to neighbours. They receive no reproach from neighbours. They hold vile people condemned (Ps. 15:4). They honour them that fear the Lord. They keep their word even to their own hurt. They take no advantage of one in need to increase riches (Ps. 15:5). They refuse bribes. They protect the innocent.

In Matthew 18:23-35 we have a parable that illustrates the necessity of forgiveness and godly treatment of fellow Christians in the kingdom of heaven or realm of the profession in this age.

1John 3:13 warns that the world will hate us and we can not expect better treatment from the world than Abel received from Cain (1John 3:11-12) and in 1Peter 3:14 we have the warning that we will suffer for righteousness’ sake – all sufferings for doing right will work to our good (Rom. 8:28), providing we take the right attitude (Matt. 5:10; Luke 6:22-23).