Tag: Truth

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…

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!

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…