Category: Timothy

Given by Inspiration of God Part 3

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2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Degrees of Inspiration: Some parts of Scripture give the exact words of God (Ex. 32:16; Deut. 5:4, 24; Matt. 3:17). Some words were put into the mouths of the speakers who spoke as the Spirit inspired them (Ex. 4:12; Num. 23:5; Ezek. 2:7; 3:10-11; Acts 3:21). Some words were written as the Spirit moved men (Ex. 34:27; 2Pet. 1:21). In some parts of Scripture it was left up to the writers to choose their own words to relate truth by the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit (Dan. 12:8-9; Luke 1:1-4; John 20:30-31; Acts 1:1-2). The Spirit used the faculties and abilities of the writers to record things, past, present, and future. He gave direct revelations, guided them to choose records of men, and superintended the writers in all their work until we now have a perfect and infallible record of the origin and destiny of all creation.

‘Profitable’ [Greek: ophelimos] to convince men of truth. Translated “profitable” (3:16; 1Tim. 4:8; Tit. 3:8) and “profit” (1Tim. 4:8).

‘Doctrine’ [Greek: didaskalia] teaching (1Tim. 4:13).

‘Reproof’ [Greek: elengchos] reproof (3:16) and evidence (Heb. 11:1).

‘Correction’ [Greek: epanorthosis] to restore things to their proper use and place, correcting false theories and practices.

‘Instruction’ [Greek: paideia] It means here the schooling of mankind in true scriptural righteousness, perfecting the man of God, and filling him with power for all good works (3:16-17; 2:19-21).

‘Perfect’ [Greek: artios] complete; exactly fitted as a joint.

‘Thoroughly furnished’ [Greek: exartizo] to finish out; equip fully. Translated “accomplish” in Acts 21:5. When one is thus fully equipped he will be able to do the works of Christ (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16). The Scriptures are to bring this about in the man of God (3:16-17).

Given by Inspiration of God Part 2

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2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

‘Inspiration of God’ [Greek: theopneustos] God-breathed. It is that special influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of holy men which qualified and enabled them to make an infallible record of divine truth concerning the will of God to man.

The purpose of inspiration is to secure truth and unity in the record, not the sameness of words or statements. Revelation discovers new truths; inspiration superintends the communicating and recording of that truth. We have examples of inspiration without revelation (Luke 1:1-4); of inspiration including revelation (Rev. 1:1, 11); of inspiration without illumination (1Pet. 1:11; 1Cor. 14:13-19); and of revelation and inspiration including illumination (1Cor. 2:12-16; 14:30).

We find lies of satan and men; false doctrines; and many sins listed in Scripture. Inspiration simply guarantees that these lies were actually told; these fallacies were taught by certain men; and that these crimes were committed, but it does not make these lies and fallacies the truth or place God’s sanction upon the crimes. One must find out whether satan, evil men, or God is speaking in Scripture. God is not responsible for what others have said just because He causes what they did say to be recorded by inspiration. All God guarantees is that these things were said and done as they are recorded. Only what God says or teaches is the truth which He requires men to obey.

To be continued…

Given by Inspiration of God Part 1

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2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 

‘All scripture’ ALL, not a part of Scripture. Even if the law was abolished, all commandments of a righteous life and conduct are still in effect. Many people today choose either the Old or the New Testament as the Word of God, but both Testaments make up the Word and must be read in context and relation – thus to whom it was given (Israel or other nations, Christians or the ungodly, etc.) and for what purpose (only individual were commanded to preach, teach or write and every one to obey commandments, follow instructions, learn from given examples, etc.).

‘Scripture’ – Twenty-one Names of the Bible: The Scripture (Mark 15:28; John 7:38). The Scriptures (Luke 24:27; John 5:39). The Promises (Rom. 9:4-5; 15:8). The Oracles of God (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12; 1Pet. 4:11). The Lively Oracles (Acts 7:38). The Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:25, 44). The Law of the Lord (Ps. 1:2). The Law and the Prophets (Matt. 5:17; 11:13; Acts 13:15). The Book of the Lord (Isa. 34:16). The Word of God (Mark 7:13; Rom. 10:17). The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). The Old and New Testament (2Cor. 3:6-15). The First and Second Covenant (Heb. 8:7). The Word of Christ (Col. 3:16). The Word of Life (Php. 2:16). The Scripture of Truth (Dan. 10:21). The Word of Truth (2Tim. 2:15). The gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). The Word of Faith (Rom. 10:8). The Word of the Lord (2Thess. 3:1). The Word of Righteousness (Heb. 5:13).

‘Given by inspiration of God’ Nine ways the Bible was given: Audible voice of God (Ex. 19:19; Deut. 5:1-33; Matt. 3:16-17; John 12:28). Angels (Acts 7:38; Heb. 2:2). Prophets (Acts 3:21; Heb. 1:1). Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1; Rev. 1:1-20). Apostles (Acts 1:2; Eph. 4:1-32). Visions (Isa. 6:1-13; Daniel 7-8; Ezek. 1:1-28). Dreams (Dan. 2:1-49; Matt. 1:20; 2:12). Revelation [Greek: apokalupsis] to unveil or uncover. It implies the lifting up of a curtain so that all can see alike what is uncovered. When used in writing, it means to reveal or make clear (Eph. 3:3; Gal. 1:12); when used of a person, it denotes visible presence (Rev. 1:1; 2Thess. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:7, 13). Inspiration (3:15-17).

To be continued…

Knowing of Whom Thou have Learned Part 2

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2Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom thou have learned them; And that from a child thou have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

‘Able to make thee wise unto salvation.’ Seven things the Word of God can do: Make wise unto salvation (3:15; Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21). Produce faith (Rom. 10:17). Make Jesus Christ known (John 5:39; 1Cor. 15:1-8). Build up (Acts 20:32). Give inheritance (Acts 20:32). Produce profit in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (3:16). Make the man of God perfect (3:17).

‘Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Salvation is always through faith in Jesus Christ – never through works, rituals, water baptism, communion etc. (3:15; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:24-31).

According to Hebrews 2:10, Christ was made the captain of our salvation and perfected through His sufferings. He is the Originator of salvation and without suffering He could not have died; without dying He could not have made atonement for sin; and without completing His redemptive work He could not have been perfected.

Hebrews 2:3 states the following: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…” – we who have the greater light in Christ will be punished for each sin also. What a fool’s dream to think there is no moral responsibility on Christians to live right under grace, or that grace does not see their sins if they commit any!

Knowing of Whom Thou have Learned Part 1

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2Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom thou have learned them; And that from a child thou have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

‘Continue thou in the things which thou have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom thou have learned them.’ The Greek word for continue is emmeno meaning to abide in; stand by; or continue in (Gal. 3:10; Heb. 8:9). We are commanded in ten things to continue in: Well doing (Rom. 2:7). Following the Lord (1Sam. 12:14). The Word of God (John 8:31). Christ’s love (John 15:9; 1Tim. 2:15). The grace of God (Acts 13:43). The faith (Acts 14:22; Col. 1:23). God’s goodness (Rom. 11:22). Prayer (Col. 4:2). Sound doctrines (1Tim. 4:16; 2Tim. 3:14). The Son and the Father (1Jn. 2:24). Timothy was taught the commandments of God (Old Testament) from his mother and grandmother, all New Testament teachings he received from Paul who received it from Jesus Christ as He is the one that teaches us through His Word (Matt. 13:18-23; 23:8, 10; Job 36:22).

If we do these things we are blessed and if not, then we are cursed. God cannot lay down the conditions upon which He will bless us, then ignore them and bless if the conditions are not met.

‘Holy’ [Greek: hieros] Practical holiness is shown to spring from truth and faith in God. One cannot grow into Christ, but he may grow in knowledge, experience, and fullness of grace benefits by being in Christ and walking in the light (Col. 1:23; 2:6-7; 3:1-17).

‘Scriptures’ [Greek: gramma] The usual word for Scripture is graphe and is so translated, 51 times (3:16; Matt. 21:42; 22:29; 26:54-56; Mark 12:10, 24; 14:49; 15:28; Luke 4:21; 24:27, 32, 45; John 2:22; 5:39; 7:38, 42; 10:35; 13:18; 17:12; 19:24-37; 20:9; Acts 1:16; 8:32, 35; 17:2, 11; 18:24, 28; Rom. 1:2; 4:3; 9:17; 10:11; 11:2; 15:4; 16:26; 1Cor. 15:3-4; Gal. 3:8, 22; 4:30; 1Tim. 5:18; 2Tim. 3:16; Jas. 2:8, 23; 4:5; 1Pet. 2:6; 2Pet. 1:20; 3:16). Gramma is translated as “Scripture” only here.

To be continued…

Live Godly … Shall Suffer Persecution Part 2

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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

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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.

‘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

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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): 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

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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…