Tag: Inspiration

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 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).