Category: Bible

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Part 2

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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.’ 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

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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. 

‘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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear

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2Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

‘With pure conscience’ – I have always tried to please God – even when through ignorance I persecuted Christ’s followers.

‘For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.’ Four things the gift of 2Timothy 1:6 consists of: Spirit of boldness (Rom. 8:15). Spirit of power (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 1Cor. 16:10; 1Tim. 4:14). Spirit of love (1Cor. 13:4). Spirit of a sound mind, understanding, and judgment (Gal. 5:22-23).

‘Fear’ [Greek: deilia] cowardice. Romans 8:15 states that we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear. That refers to the spirit and nature of satan (Eph. 2:2; John 8:44; 1Jn. 3:8; Heb. 2:14-15). As Christians, we have not received a spirit of slavery to relapse again into fear and terror, and any form of fear shows a lack of trust in God (John 14:27) and cancels out all the power He gave us (2Tim. 1:7) and whatever we fear will come over us (Job 3:25). Our strength lies in the joy of the Lord (Neh. 8:10) and we can not allow fear (1Jn. 4:18). One should have Godly fear (Ps. 2:11; 15:4; 19:9; 34:7-11; 85:9; 103:11; Pro. 1:7; 3:7; 8:13; 14:27; 2Cor. 7:1). The ungodly do not have this kind of fear (Ps. 36:1; 55:19; Rom. 3:18).

‘Power’ [Greek: dunamis] is inherent power; the power to reproduce itself, implying the need for constant activity and use for continued reproduction. From this word we get our English dynamo and dynamics – the branch of mechanics dealing with the principles of motion or active operation. Just as a dynamo needs to be in motion to produce power, so one needs to stir up into flame the gift of God in his life (1:6; 1Tim. 4:14). Fear cancels power.

Unfeigned Faith

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2Timothy 1:3-6 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 

‘Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy.’ Note the great love of Paul for Timothy, his mother and grandmother (1:3-5).

‘When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee.’ This refers to a faith that is genuine and true in taking God at His Word, thus living in absolute obedience to all of His commandments. It is one of the conditions for eternal life (Heb. 11:6). Many today emphasize forgetting any conditions of eternal life. They teach that there are no conditions other than accepting Jesus, that the rest of the Christian program is up to God and that if one is lost it is God’s responsibility, not man’s.

‘First in thy grandmother Lois.’ She was the first convert. Then the daughter was saved, and finally Timothy. This did not come through heredity but through prayer and Christian training. Timothy’s father was a Greek (Acts 16:1) and since no mention is made of his faith it is possible that he was a heathen and contributed nothing to his son’s Christian training.

‘Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.’ Wherefore – on account of your true faith and consecration, I remind you to stir up the gift of God that is in you. Be faithful even in afflictions according to the power of God in you (1:6-8). The gift is referred to as a fire, which, if not frequently stirred up and more fuel added, will go out. The Greek for “stir up” is anazopureo, to kindle up the fire; to add fresh fuel to it.

From this, it is clear that gifts can be neglected, as Paul warns in 1Timothy 4:14. If this happens if they are not properly used or replenished with continued grace and power from the Holy Spirit anointing they will become powerless and useless and thus fail in their purpose. This is why people need a constant supply of the Spirit – many fillings, as we see in Acts. This is why Jesus Himself had to live in prayer and receive a constant supply of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22). This is what Paul prayed for and expected in Philippians 1:19 and Ephesians 3:14-21.

The Promise of Life

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2Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

‘Apostle’ [Greek: Apostolos] a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of the New Testament Christians, it means God sent them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated as apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16).

‘Promise of life which is in Christ Jesus.’ Another proof that eternal life is yet a promise, forfeitable until the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit. There are twenty-three conditions of eternal life: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood, partake in His sacrifice to bring life to the world (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). Do not offend 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 (1Tim. 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).

‘Grace, mercy, and peace.’ This salutation is unique to Timothy and Titus.

‘From God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Another clear reference to two distinct persons of the three who make the Godhead (1John 5:7-8).