Tag: Faith

Moses Leaving Egypt – Part 1

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Hebrews 11:27-29 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 

‘He forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.’ Moses – faith’s fearlessness: this refers to his contest with Pharaoh and the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 5:1-14:31). He feared not the visible king because he saw the Invisible One.

‘He kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.’ Moses – faith’s protection (Exo. 12:1-51). The lamb was a type of Christ the Lamb of God (John 1:29; Rev. 5:6-10) who was without blemish (Exo. 12:5; 1Pet. 1:19). They dipped a bunch of hyssop in the blood and struck both side posts and the upper post (lintel) of the door (Exo. 12:7, 22-23). It typified the blood of Christ sprinkled for believers (Matt. 26:28; 1Pet. 1:2, 18-19; Heb. 9:13-14, 22; 10:19; 13:20). No blood was to be sprinkled on the threshold where the feet would trample on it (Heb. 10:29). The Jews were to roast the lamb and not eat any of it raw, as Egyptians who ate raw flesh in honour of Osiris. God was seeking every way to free Israel from idolatry. They also ate unleavened bread – bread without yeast – which is a form of ferment and typifies sin (2Cor. 5:6-8). The bitter herbs (perhaps it was chicory, wild lettuce, and horehound) were to be used with the meal. They were to remind Israel of their bitter slavery in Egypt from which God was now ready to deliver them (Exodus 12:29-14:31).

‘They passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.’ Israel – faith’s preservation: We see in Exodus 14:15-31 and 15:1-27 that Moses believed God and crossed the Red Sea on dry ground. “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.”

To be continued…

Faith Part 3

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

‘Things hoped for.’ Twelve things Christians hope for: Salvation (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Thess. 5:8). Righteousness (Gal. 5:5). Hope of his calling (Eph. 1:18; 4:4). Christ in them (Col. 1:27; 1Tim. 1:1). Greater New Testament glory (2Cor. 3:7-12). Future life (1Cor. 15:19; Pro. 14:32). Resurrection (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7). Final rewards (1Thess. 2:19). Final grace (1Pet. 1:13). Coming of the Lord (Tit. 2:13). Being like Christ (1Jn. 3:1-3). Eternal life (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; Heb. 3:6; 6:11, 18-19; 1Pet. 1:3).

Unforfeitable eternal life is now a hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7 and 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

‘Things not seen’ Twelve kinds of things not yet seen: The restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). Invisible things (Rom. 1:20). Things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5). Things to come (Rom. 8:38). Things prepared for us (1Cor. 2:9). Eternal things (2Cor. 4:18). Things in heaven (Php. 2:10). Things under the earth (Php. 2:10). Future things (Php. 3:13). Things above (Col. 3:1-2). The Lord (1Pet. 1:8; 1Tim. 6:16). Final salvation (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13).

Faith Part 2

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The word “believe” denotes the act and process of faith. It comes from the Greek verb pisteuo which occurs 248 times in the New Testament. This use of the present tense indicates that faith must be continued, to receive its benefits (Acts 14:22; Eph. 6:16; Col. 1:23; 2:5-7; 1Thess. 5:8; 1Tim. 2:15; 3:9; 6:12; 2Tim. 3:8; 4:7; Tit. 1:13; Heb. 10:23-38; 2Pet. 1:5-10). It can be lost (Luke 8:13; 1Tim. 1:19; 4:1; 5:8, 12; 6:10, 21; 2Tim. 2:18; 3:8; Jude 1:3; Rev. 2:13). Faith means: To be persuaded of (Rom. 4:17-22; 8:38-39; 2Tim. 1:12). Place confidence in (Eph. 3:12; Php. 1:6; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 10:35; 1Jn. 3:21; 5:14). The substance or conviction of things hoped for, the assurance of things not seen (Heb. 10:19-38; 11:1, 6; Rom. 4:17; 8:24). Absolute dependence upon and reliance in the Word of God and of Christ (Matt. 8:8-10; 15:28; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:1-12:3). Full surrender, yieldedness, and obedience to all known truth (Rom. 1:5; 6:11-23; 16:26; Jas. 2:14-26; 2Cor. 10:4-7; Heb. 11:6). Trust wholly and unreservedly in the faithfulness of God (Matt. 6:25-34; 12:21; Luke 12:28-31; Eph. 1:13; 1Tim. 4:11; 6:17; 1Cor. 10:13). Give one’s self over to a new way of life (Rom. 1:17; 6:11-23; 8:1-16; 2Cor. 10:4-7; Gal. 5:16-26; Col. 3:5-10; Heb. 12:1-15; Tit. 2:11-14; 1Jn. 1:7; 2:6; 3:8-10; 4:17; 5:1-5, 18). The attribute of God and restored faculty of man whereby both can bring into existence unseen things (Rom. 4:17; Gal. 5:22; Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Luke 17:6; Heb. 11:1-40). The whole body of revealed truth (Luke 18:8; Jude 1:3; Rom. 10:17; 1Tim. 4:1, 6; 6:10; 2Tim. 3:16-17). Joyful faith in, and acceptance of Christ as the substitute for sin and our Saviour whereby one receives salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 4:12; 10:43; Rom. 1:16; 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9); access into grace (Rom. 5:2); fulfilment of the promises (Heb. 6:12); the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:14); righteousness (Rom. 4:1-25; 9:30, 32; 10:6; Php. 3:9); sonship (Gal. 3:26); healing (Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24); eternal life (John 3:15-18, 36; 5:24; 6:47); and answers to every prayer (Matt. 7:7-11; 21:21; Mark 11:22-24; Luke 18:1-8; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16).

To be continued…

Faith Part 1

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

‘Faith’ [Greek: pistis] faith – eighteen definitions of faith: Substance of things hoped for (11:1). Evidence of things not seen (11:1, 7). Invisible backing of elders (11:2). Creative power of divine works (11:3). Divine testimony of right doing (11:4). Cancellation of natural laws (11:5). Basis of pleasing God (11:6). Dependence upon God’s word (11:7). Trust in an unknown future (11:8-10). Counting things that are not as though they were (11:11-12; Rom. 4:17). Seeing invisible things (11:13-16). Assurance of God’s faithfulness (11:17-19; 10:23). Confidence in things to come (11:20-31; 3:6, 14; 10:35; Eph. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:21). Stimulus of the Christian faith (11:32 – 12:2). The life-blood of the just (10:38). Shield of Christian armour (Eph. 6:16). The down payment of things desired (3:6, 12-14; 6:11-12; 10:22-23, 35-39). Guarantee of answered prayer (11:6; Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Jas. 1:1-27).

The law of faith: “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matt. 8:13; 9:29; Jas. 1:5-8; Heb. 11:6; Mark 11:22-24).

‘Substance’ [Greek: hupostasis] is a support; ground work; confidence; subsistence; reality; and essence. Used in the Papyri of title deeds.

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.