Category: Bible

Godlessness in the Last Days Part 2

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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): 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

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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. 

‘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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. 

‘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…

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Part 5

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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

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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. 

‘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

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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. 

‘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…