Tag: Truth

According to the Faith – Part 2

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Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

‘According to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness.’Two things that constitute apostleship: The faith of God’s elect [Greek, pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, and pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (Tit. 2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). Acknowledging [Greek, epignosis] full knowledge, of the truth which is after godliness (Col. 2:2; 2Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:1; Phm. 1:6). Ignorance is the state of the average heathen who gets to know only a little about nature. Christianity teaches man the true and full knowledge of God and nature and the origin and destiny of all things (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:9-11).

‘God’s elect’ – The Christians who have taken the place of Jews as the elect of God during the time of their being cut off (Matt. 21:43; 23:37-39; Romans 9-11). Four Elects of God noted in Scripture: 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; Rom. 11:5, 7, 28; 1Thess. 1:4; 1Pet. 5:13; 2Pet. 1:10). Note that ‘chosen’ doesn’t mean ‘saved’ as in the examples of many Israelites that failed God and rejected Christ as do most Christians through all the ages, and even the angels fell such as Lucifer and one-third of God’s angels. All men are called to become God’s elect or chosen ones and can be if they will choose God and live in obedience to His Word (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).

According to the Faith – Part 1

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Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness 

This epistle was perhaps written from Macedonia about 67 A.D. (1Tim. 1:3) by the apostle Paul who wrote 14 epistles (Romans to Hebrews). For his history see Acts 8-28 and his epistles. This is the second of three instructional epistles – 1Timothy, 2Timothy and Titus – that give instructions concerning the congregational order, doctrine, and discipline for Christians. Titus has much in common with 1 Timothy in that both concern order and sound doctrine. 2 Timothy deals primarily with one’s personal walk during times of apostasy.

This is the 56th book of the Bible and it has 3 chapters, 46 verses, 921 words, no questions, 45 verses of history and 1 verse of unfulfilled prophecy.

‘Servant’ [Greek, doulos] bondslave. The only place Paul designates himself as a servant of God. He calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ in Romans 1:1 and Philippians 1:1.

‘Apostle of Jesus Christ’ – 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 apostles, it means God sends 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). Twenty-four apostles are recorded in Scripture: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matt. 10:2). James, son of Zebedee and John his brother (Matt. 10:2). Philip and his brother Bartholomew (Matt. 10:3). James, son of Alphaeus and Judas his brother (Luke 6:16) and Matthew, son of Alphaeus, the brother of James and Judas (Mark 2:14; Luke 6:15). Thomas (Matt. 10:3). Simon Zelotes, brother of James and Judas, according to tradition (Luke 6:15). Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:4). Matthias (Acts 1:26). Barnabas (1Cor. 9:5-6; Acts 13:1-3; 14:4, 14; Gal. 2:9). Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7). Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9). James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas, 1:1). Silas (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6). Timothy (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6). Titus (2Cor. 8:23). Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25). Paul (Gal. 1:1; 2:8). Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1).

For lists of the twelve apostles see Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13, 26. Their commission, duties, and power (Matt. 10:1-42; 28:19-20; Mark 3:14-15; 6:7-13; 16:15-20; Luke 9:1-5; 24:47-53; John 20:22-23; 21:15-19; Acts1:4-8). Please note that those were commands and commissions to those who were apostles of Jesus Christ and chosen by Him to write what He taught.

To be continued…

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.

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.

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.

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…