Tag: Timothy

The Lord Jesus Christ Part 2

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2Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

‘The Lord Jesus Christ’ All Christians must believe and understand the following (continues): That man is justified by faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, resulting in a supernatural regeneration from above (Matt. 1:21; 18:3; John 3:1-8, 3:16; Rom. 5:1; 2Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 1:14, 20; Tit. 3:5; 1Pet. 1:18-23). He is not justified by works or self-effort and the natural development from within.

That man, animals, and plant life have degenerated and are under a curse. Man chooses to continue in sin, sickness, and the sufferings of the earth. Only through redemption in Christ will the whole creation be restored to original perfection and goodness (Gen. 3:1-24; 6:5-22; Rom. 5:12-21; 8:17-24; 1Cor. 15:24-28; 2Pet. 3:7-13; Rev. 21:1 – 22:5). No single species has evolved from a lower to a higher plane of life.

That all people who accept Christ and conform to God’s plan for man will be saved and resurrected from the dead to immortality to help God administer the affairs of the universe forever (John 3:16; 5:28-29; Rom. 8:17-24; 1Cor. 6:2; 15:1-54; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev. 1:6; 2:26-27; 5:10; 11:15; 22:4-5).

That all people who reject Christ and do not conform to God’s plan will pay the eternal death penalty for sin, being resurrected to immortality and punished eternally in the lake of fire (Mark 16:15-16; John 3:16-20; 5:28-29; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; 21:8; 22:15).

That the Bible IS the Word of God, not that it merely CONTAINS the Word of God (2Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12; 2Pet. 1:16-21).

Any denial of God or His plan for man in Scripture makes Him a liar and damns the soul. If some through ignorance of the Bible think they can believe in any form of false religion and the Bible at the same time, they are highly deceived by satan, the deceiver of the world (2Cor. 4:3-4; 11:14-15; Rev. 12:9). One cannot know the statements of both the Bible and other false religions and believe both, nor can he be neutral. He must take a stand either for God and the Bible or for his false beliefs and guesses.

The Lord Jesus Christ Part 1

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2Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

‘The Lord Jesus Christ’ All Christians must believe and understand the following: That Jesus Christ is the Son of God in a sense that no other man is – the only begotten of the Father – not a son of God in the sense that all human beings are (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:18; 3:16; Php. 2:5-11; 1Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-3, 8; Rev. 1:8-11).

That the birth of Christ was supernatural, not natural as that of all other men. He was born of a virgin and by the Holy Spirit, without a human father (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-14; 3:16-18; 1Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-3).

That the death of Christ was expiatory, not exemplary. He died for all human beings. His blood is the only atonement for sin and by His stripes, we are healed (Isa. 53:1-12; Matt. 1:21; 8:17; 26:28; John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Rom. 8:3; 1Cor. 1:18-24; 5:7; Heb. 1:3; 2:9-18; 9:11-28; 10:5-29; 1Pet. 2:24; 1Jn. 2:1-2; Rev. 1:5; 5:8-10).

That Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead, not spiritually. He is alive forevermore in His earthly, resurrected flesh-and-bone body and represents people before God as their High Priest and Saviour (Luke 24:39; John 10:17-18; Acts 1:3, 11; 2:22-34; 4:10-12; Rom. 1:4; 8:11; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 1Thess. 4:13-16; Php. 3:20-21; Rev. 1:18; Zech. 13:6).

That Jesus Christ ascended into glory bodily and will come again in like manner to rule the world eternally, putting down all rebellion and restoring man’s dominion and God’s kingdom as before the fall (Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:11; 1Cor. 15:24-28; 2Thess. 1:7-10; Jude 1:14; Rev. 19:11-21; Zech. 14:1-21).

To be continued…

Greetings

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2Timothy 4:19-21 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greets thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 

‘Aquila’ – He is always mentioned with Priscilla (Acts 18:2; Rom. 16:3; 1Cor. 16:19).

‘Onesiphorus’ He was one Asian who had not forsaken Paul. He had entertained Paul in Ephesus and sought him out when he visited Rome (1:16-18; 4:19).

‘Erastus’ – He was chamberlain (treasurer) at Corinth (Acts 19:22; Rom. 16:23).

‘Trophimus’ – Another companion of Paul (Acts 20:4; 21:29).

‘Sick’ [Greek: astheneo] weak, not necessarily diseased; to be weak or feeble in any sense. It is used 15 times for weak faith (Rom. 4:19; 14:1, 2, 21; 1Cor. 8:9-12); weak law (Rom. 8:3); weak (poor) people (Acts 20:35); weak in boldness and power (2Cor. 11:21, 29; 12:10; 13:3, 4, 9).

It is used 17 times for physical sickness and 3 times for physical breakdowns because of overwork (Php. 2:26-27; 2Tim. 4:20). Thus, to conclude that the cases of Epaphroditus (Php. 2:26-27) and Trophimus (2Tim. 4:20) prove that Paul and the apostles had lost their power to heal, or that it was only occasionally that they had such power is concluding too much. Paul did have the power to do special miracles (Acts 19:11-12). He had the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ (Rom. 15:18-19, 29). He even had the power to impart gifts to others (Acts 19:1-7; Rom. 1:11; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Gifts are not given so that bodies may be abused by overwork. They are not to enable man to work beyond what is sensible and best for the body.

‘Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia.’ The four names in this verse are found only here.

All Men Forsook Me

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2Timothy 4:16-18 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

‘At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.’ This refers to Paul’s first apology or defence of the gospel either at some place where Alexander opposed the gospel (4:15) or to his first defence before Nero when he could not find any man to plead his cause.

‘Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear.’ When no man stood with Paul, the Lord did. He delivered Paul from this particular trouble and blessed his ministry among the Gentiles.

‘Mouth of the lion’ – This could mean that Paul claimed his right as a Roman citizen not to meet death by lions in the amphitheatre, or it could be figurative of deliverance from some great danger. Such an expression was proverbial, denoting deliverance from imminent danger.

‘And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom.’ This is the 7th and last New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:18) and is fulfilled.

Greatly Withstood Our Words

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2Timothy 4:11-15 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he has greatly withstood our words. 

‘Luke is with me’ – This was Luke, the evangelist and writer of the Gospel of Luke and Acts.

‘Mark’ – This was John Mark, nephew of Barnabas, who, after having failed to continue with Paul as a young man, was now a steady and faithful worker (Acts 12:12).

‘Tychicus’ – One of the trusted companions of Paul (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; Tit. 3:12).

‘Cloke’ [Greek: phelones] is used only here and means either a travelling cloak for protection against weather or, as others translate it, a travelling bag.

‘Books’ – What kind of books is not known.

‘Parchments’ – These were perhaps either the Jewish Scriptures or a copy of the Septuagint.

‘Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.’ Another man who thrust away and made shipwreck of his faith (1Tim. 1:19-20) and who became an enemy of the gospel (4:14-15; Acts 19:33).

‘The Lord reward him according to his works.’ The Lord will reward him (Gal. 6:7-8).

‘For he has greatly withstood our words.’ This suggests that this man went about opposing the gospel and he was also known as the thorn in Paul’s flesh, the messenger of satan to buffet him (2Cor. 12:7). 

Do Thy Diligence

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2Timothy 4:9-10 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas had forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 

‘Do they diligence to come shortly unto me.’ It appears that he wanted to see Timothy before he died and to have him present at his death, so he could know how a Christian should die for the faith. He was also short of companions (4:10-13).

‘Demas had forsaken me, having loved this present world.’ Demas was once a minister and a fellow-labourer with Paul (Col. 4:14; Phm. 1:24). He had by this time grown cold in his experience with Christ and had gone back into the world again. Here it is clear to what extent he was backslidden. He loved this present world. According to 1John 2:15-17, anyone who loves the world does not have the love of God in him. If the love of God is not in him, he cannot possibly be saved (John 13:35; 14:15, 23; 15:9-12; 1Cor. 16:22). Is it conceivable that God will take people to heaven who do not love Him? If this man did love God at one time, which is clear from Philemon 1:24, then how did he become separated from the love of God (Rom_8:35-39)? Was God responsible for him loving this present world and forsaking Paul? If not, who was it? This proves free moral agency after conversion. If we have the power of free choice, then we alone can choose to backslide and fail God. We thus choose our own destiny after salvation as we do before salvation. Not one scripture ever suggests that God forces any man to serve Him.

‘Present world’ [Greek: aion] age. Present age (Tit. 2:11-12).

‘Crescens’ – Not mentioned elsewhere. He and Titus both had left Paul to carry on work for Christ. They are not here condemned as backsliders as is Demas.

‘Titus’ like Timothy, was a convert and fellow worker of Paul (Tit. 1:4; 2Cor. 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:23; 12:17-18; Gal. 2:1-3). He was given charge of Cretian congregations (Tit. 1:5).

I have Kept the Faith

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2Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.’ Fivefold testimony of Paul: I am ready to be offered or poured out as a libation to God and a sacrifice offering for souls (4:6). My departure is at hand – the sentence of death has already been passed. I have fought a good and honourable fight – wrestled a good wrestling and am champion (4:7). I have finished my course – run the race and have outstripped all my competitors and gained the prize. I have kept the faith – followed every rule of the race and have won the prize lawfully.

‘Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.’ This is the 6th New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:8) and it is unfulfilled. This is the prize for Paul’s efforts of 2Timothy 4:6-7. The crown is laid up for all who prove true but possess none until the time of reward. It is in view, not in possession.

‘At that day’ In 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). May we all be ready when He appears, living according to the examples of Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23) and one or two others who paid the price of persecution to make Christ known amongst others and not advancing their own interests or names.

Heap to Themselves Teachers

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2Timothy 4:3-5 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 

‘For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears …’ This is the 5th New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:3-4) and it is being fulfilled. All people have someone ready that will support their sins that is either a teacher or a preacher of God’s Word – heap to themselves teachers.

From 1Peter 4:4-5 we see that those who live in sin will always find it strange that others don’t follow in their evildoings (stated in 1Pet. 4:2-3): “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.  is also the first thing on which Christians are attacked because of other’s guilt, they will try to prove from Scriptures that all are sinners making the whole salvation plan of God without effect or necessary.”

Six last-day characteristics: They will not endure sound doctrine (4:3). They will increase in lust and sin. They will add one teacher to another, or wander about from church to church to find those who will not insist on their getting rid of sins and sinful pleasures. They will have itching ears, and desire speakers who will tickle their ears and excuse their passions in the name of religion. They will turn away their ears from the truth which strips them of sin and demands their wholehearted consecration to Christ (4:4). They will turn to fables and false religions that pamper the flesh and condone sin.

‘Fables’ [Greek: muthos] anything delivered by word of mouth; legendary tales, as opposed to historical account; a fable; foolish or improbable story (1Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2Tim. 4:4; Tit. 1:14; 2Pet. 1:16). Most so-called sermons are made-up tales or motivational stories of other’s lives, instead of the Biblical examples of those who either served God or not.

With all Longsuffering and Doctrine

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2Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 

‘Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.’ Tenfold charge to Timothy: Preach the Word (4:2). Be instant in season – when you are disposed of. Be instant out of season – when you are indisposed. Reprove [Greek: elengcho] to convince, convict, refute, expose, to bring to shame the person reproved. It is found 17 times and translated as “convince” (John 8:46; 1Cor. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; Jas. 2:9); “convict” (John 8:9); “tell one’s fault” (Matt. 18:15); “reprove” (Luke 3:19; John 3:20; 16:8; Eph. 5:11, 13; 2Tim. 4:2); “rebuke” (1Tim. 5:20; Tit. 1:13; 2:15; Heb. 12:5; Jude 1:15; Rev. 3:19). Rebuke [Greek: epitimao] to penalize; find fault with; rebuke sharply. Translated “rebuke” (4:2; Matt. 8:26; 16:22; 17:18; 19:13; 20:31; Mark 1:25; 4:39; 8:32-33; 9:25; Luke 4:35-41; 8:24; 9:42, 9:55; 17:3; 18:15, 39; 19:39; 23:40; Jude 1:9); and “charge” (Matt. 12:16; Mark 3:12; 8:30; 10:48; Luke 9:21). Exhort with all longsuffering and teaching. Watch in all things (4:5). Endure afflictions. Do the work of an evangelist. Make full proof of your ministry.

This commission of Timothy came from Paul – who received his commission from Christ Himself – to spread whatever he received from Paul to the congregations (1Tim. 4:13). Today we have the written Word of God and should not trust anyone to teach us what God has given us in the Bible and not to listen to preachers that tells fables instead of preaching the gospel. This warning follows in 2Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 

Who Shall Judge

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2Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom

‘Charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.’ This is the 4th New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:1) and it is unfulfilled. [Greek: diamarturomal] He again charges Timothy before both God and Christ, proving again that they are two separate persons.

‘Judge’ [Greek: krino] make a legal or other decision. Translated “to esteem” (Rom. 14:5); “think” (Acts 26:8); “determine” (Acts 3:13; 20:16; 25:25; 27:1; 1Cor. 2:2; 2Cor. 2:1; Tit. 3:12); “conclude” (Acts 21:25); “decree” (1Cor. 7:37); “ordain” (Acts 16:4); “condemn” (John 3:17-18; Acts 13:27; Rom. 14:22); “damn” (2Thess. 2:12); “avenge” (Rev. 18:20); “call to question” (Acts 23:6; 24:21); “sue at law” (Matt. 5:40; 1Cor. 6:1, 6); “my sentence is” (Acts 15:19); and “judge” 74 times.

‘The quick and the dead’ – Two classes judged, both the quick (the living) and the dead are to face judgment. Those alive and dead in Christ will be raptured at His appearing in the air at least seven years before the second coming and setting up of the Millennial kingdom (2Thess. 2:7; 1Thess. 4:16). These will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ during these seven years (1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10). Then the living nations will be judged at the second coming (Matt. 25:31-46). The wicked dead will be judged 1,000 years later (Rev. 20:4-15). All judgments will be over by the end of the Millennium. Those who sin will be judged and executed if they are worthy of death (Isa. 11:3-10; 65:20).

‘At’ [Greek: kata] is a word denoting downward motion. When used of time, as here, it means throughout, during, in the years, over time. This means that there will be different judgments at different times.