James 3-5 Endure for the Blessing

TMS Hebrews 12:2-4 Weary and Discouraged

12:2 ”looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him

who endured such hostility

from sinners against Himself,

lest you become weary

and discouraged in your souls.

4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.”

Observations: 12:3 Following Christ in the midst of an apathetic or hostile world can easily cause discouragement to the point of quitting and sitting on the sidelines, or going back to the way we were. This was a temptation faced by the original audience (see context in Hebrews 12) and modern believers as well. The corrective is to fix our eyes on Jesus, who had His eyes fixed on the joy of the prize. If He became discouraged and quit, where would we be? The same Spirit and grace that energized Him is available to us. The same prize, to a lesser degree, awaits us if we endure and don't give up. (See James 5 below).

Application: If we keep our eyes on Jesus and God's promises, we'll keep heading to where God wants us to go; if we focus on the difficulties, we'll become discouraged and want to quit.

Prayer: Father God, thanks that Your Spirit dwells in me to give me both the motivation and power to do Your good pleasure like Jesus did; please help me follow in His footsteps. Amen.

James 3-5 In James 1:25 James stated that the one who would be blessed in the Kingdom was the one who was a performer/worker of the law of liberty. Then he taught that pure and undefiled (“blessable”) worship required controlling one's speech and meeting the needs of others. In chapter two he elaborated upon the importance of works for faith to be blessed, using an illustration of meeting the needs of those in need. He now picks up on the importance of speech and having an undefiled life. He will explore the sources of incorrect speech in both our unsanctified desires and demonic influences, and advocate solutions that will enable believers to have blessable lives and works.

James 3 Words and Wisdom

3:1 "Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. 2 For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn’t stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. 3 Indeed, we put bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body. 4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. 5 So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna. 7 For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. 10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh water.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness/humility of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Observations: 3:1 It's amazing how many “Bible teachers” say there are no consequences for how believers live their lives on earth once they accept Christ, nor differentiation of blessedness in heaven. James says that teachers need to know that they, in particular, will receive greater judgment. The fact that there is greater judgment means there is judgment. Judgment necessitates consequences. It's not like: “Good teacher...enter into the joy of your Lord” and “Bad teacher...enter into the joy of your Lord.“

It's more like “Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Lord” and “Bad teacher...no biscuit.”

As Jesus taught in Matthew 25:21-30 and Luke 19:17, reward is dependent upon having “done well,” and been good, faithful, and a servant. The key element is being faithful with what God has entrusted to us. Teachers have a stricter judgment because they have been entrusted with more truth (or at least should have more truth) with which to be faithful, and they multiply truth (or error) by their teaching. Surveys indicate that only 10% of those who teach the Scriptures professionally have actually read the entire Bible even once. One has to wonder if they are teaching the truth, or just parroting some party line, or what people want to have tickle their ears. Teachers who don't see or walk in the light keep their listeners in the dark (in more ways than one). Come judgment day, some will be blessed with reward and joy in the Kingdom of light, and some will be in the outer darkness lamenting that they have “no biscuit.”

3:2-12 The reason James warns about the judgment of teachers, is because we all stumble (offend), but if one doesn't stumble in word, that person is mature/perfect, and able to control (James 1:26 for only other use) the whole body. Arguing by analogy, bridles and rudders exert a control far greater than their size. The tongue has a similar influence, but it is difficult to control. Words can cause great defilement (and loss of blessing), and destruction. James compares the destructive power of the tongue to a fire that consumes one's life with the fire of Gehenna. Gehenna is the garbage dump outside the city of Jerusalem where unprofitable things are burned. It should not be confused with the lake of fire, the place of eternal punishment. The majority of uses of Gehenna occur in Matthew, being introduced in the Sermon on the Mount referring to unpleasant consequences for unpleasant believers (see comments on Matthew 5:22,29,30). This is the only use of the term outside the Gospels. James says the tongue can't be tamed, but alludes to the source of the defilement, one's heart, which can be purified. He will discuss the cure in the next chapter, but first he highlights the incompatibility of blessing God and cursing men who are made in the image of God, which is like a spring sending out fresh and bitter water or a tree bearing figs and olives.

3:13-18 The person who is wise and has insight will demonstrate his/her wisdom with good and humble conduct. But if jealousy and selfish ambition reside in his/her heart, he/she is living inconsistently with the truth. Such self-centeredness is not from God, but is demonic. It is a product of earthly and sensual motivation rather than Spirit-led thinking. Self-centeredness results in disorder/contention and evil works rather than love and good deeds. Wisdom that comes from God is pure, peaceful, gentle, reasonable (easily entreated), demonstrating mercy, fruitfulness, and without partiality nor hypocrisy. Godly wisdom results in the fruit of righteousness, doing what is right in God's sight, which would include harmonious relationships with other believers.

Application: Those who are wise teach truth that bears the fruit of righteousness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may my words reflect Your wisdom and result in a reflection of Your character, for Your glory. Amen.

James 4 Grace for the Humble

4:1 "Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures/lusts that war in your members? 2 You lust, and don’t have. You kill, covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask. 3 You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures. 4 You adulterers and adulteresses, don’t you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously"?

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore it says,

"God resists the proud,

but gives grace to the humble."

7 Be subject therefore to God.

But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

11 Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another? 13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit." 14 Whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. 15 For you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that." 16 But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil. 17 To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin."

Observations: 4:1-5 The reason some of James' audience have intrapersonal discontent and interpersonal difficulties is because they have unsanctified desires/lusts, developed in Satan's world, and not renewed by the Spirit. Their desires are unsatisfied because they are looking to their self-gratification, rather than seeking and trusting God to meet their needs (you don't have because you don't ask). When they do turn to God, it's to demand the the fulfillment of their temporal desires, rather than seeking His will (you ask amiss). There is no abiding contentment in the goodness and timing of an infinitely good God (Psalm 84:11; Philippians 4). James accuses such worldlings of adultery, being friendly with the world, and disloyal to God. By seeking their temporal pleasures (as well as power and possessions) they become enemies of God (not a good place to be if they wish His blessings). James cites a principle from the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:5) although there a number of passages that have roughly the same idea, that God wants the sole allegiance of His people, and gets rather peeved when we are disloyal. The Spirit that dwells in us wants us to Himself (which is why God isn't thrilled with idolatry in either testament). So those who have a higher loyalty to the their pursuit of pleasure and prosperity in the world than they do to God, are not only His enemies, but are adulterers headed for judgment, and nowhere near the blessings promised in the Good News.

4:6-10 Speaking of good news, there is a solution for all who find themselves not living the abundant life that Jesus came to give. It is to draw on His grace to do His will. There is a limitless supply of God's power/grace available to live the victorious Christian life. And God gives it to those submitted to Him and His revealed will. God actively resists (stand in battle against) the proud (those who consider themselves above others). Those who set them up as lord of their own life and master of their fate, will find a fearsome opponent in God. Imagine having the Creator of the universe thwarting your efforts. On the other hand, imagine having Him as your Helper. The choice is yours. He gives grace/power to the humble, those who have a proper estimation of themselves as His dependent creatures. Therefore, we should submit to (line ourselves up under) God's rightful authority in our life. Living dependently is the path to blessing; living independently is the path to ruin. Note what we have to do:

• subject ourselves – place ourselves under God's rule to get His grace;
• resist the devil (and his temptations – so he will flee (more below);
• draw near to God (it's our move, then He responds; He doesn't intrude where not invited);
• cleanse our hands (stop playing in the mud of the world) otherwise we remain defiled sinners;
• purify our hearts from our double-mindedness (decide once and for all that God's way is the only way, and do whatever it takes to not deviate from it).

A couple things worth elaboration, beyond what you can find in “It Ain't Gonna Reign No More” are Defense Against the Dark Arts, and being wholehearted like Caleb, rather than double-minded.

We are supposed to flee temptation, but resist the devil. Anyone unaware of the devil's schemes and dirty tricks of twisting truth and distorting reality is most likely stumbling around in the dark. The way to resist the devil, is as Jesus did (and Eve didn't), with truth. When he can’t get you to buy a lie, he might try to scare you, which is just another lie (see, and memorize 1 John 4:4). We must cleanse our hands and purify our hearts by washing them with truth. Verse 9 is my favorite verse to write on birthday cards and for other happy occasions. What it means is that sinners need to change their hearts, so their value system is brought into conformity to God’s values. The things that they once thought were fun, are now poison to them. It’s difficult to drink poison and expect happy consequences. So if we humble ourselves in submitting to what is right in God’s sight, we can trust that He will give grace and exalt us in the proper time.

4:11-17 James addresses some behaviors that should flow from hearts that are cleansed and submitted to God. Not speaking against or judging each other (except as God has mandated) is how to be a doer of the law. Another is depending upon God for our plans making sure they are in line with God’s will, rather than just tacking “God willing” onto our statements. He can help or hinder our plans, or rescue us from trouble, or bring calamity. So it makes sense to seek His will, which He will bless. Those who glory in their accomplishments aren't holy. If we know what we should do to please God, and don’t do it, it’s sin. Paul also said that whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14).

Application: Humbling ourselves to draw upon God’s grace and do His will is our position of protection and prosperity.

Prayer: God, You are my Master, I exist to do Your will; please guide me and protect me, so I may do what is pleasing in Your sight. Thanks. Amen.

James 5 Endure For Blessing

5:1 "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming on you. 2 Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be for a testimony against you, and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up your treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of those who reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Hosts. 5 You have lived luxuriously, on the earth, and taken your pleasure. You have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned, you have murdered the righteous one. He doesn’t resist you.

7 Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Don’t grumble, brothers, against one another, so that you won’t be judged. Behold, the judge stands at the door.

10 Take, brothers, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we call them blessed who endured. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the Lord in the outcome, and how the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12 But above all things, my brothers, don’t swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no," "no"; so that you don’t fall into hypocrisy. 13 Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. 14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, 15 and the prayer of faith will save/heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The pryer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.(NIV) 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn’t rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 He prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit. 19 Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins."

Observations: 5:1-6 Those who've spent their time accumulating temporal wealth at the expense of doing God’s will and loving others will regret the judgment day, when their ill-gotten gain is called as a witness against them. Gain gotten at the expense of fulfilling God’s purpose for being on earth, is ill-gotten. Just because we can do something, doesn't mean we should. Just because we don’t experience immediate negative consequences, doesn't mean that we won’t.

5:7-11 In the closing “book-end” James advocates that believers wait patiently for the coming of the Lord, like a farmer waits for the fruit of his labors. This requires having a fixed heart, waiting for the return of the Lord. He will not only bring our reward, but will judge our behavior, therefore we must be careful to have proper relationships with one another. As an example of patience in the fire of suffering, Job should give us hope. The story didn't end until the Lord doubly blessed him for his sinless response. (See comments on Job). James is clearly talking about blessing and reward, not forgiveness and the substitutionary atonement.

5:12-20 James admonishes believers to be truthful in their speech, meaning what they say. If any suffer, they should pray (rather than complain). If cheerful, they should sing praises. If sick, they should call for the elders, who using medical (oil) and spiritual means (prayer), should save/heal the sick, and the Lord will raise them up. James uses a more common word for putting oil on the body, that some suggest should be translated "rub." If the person has committed sins they will be forgiven as a result of the prayer (which would have included confession or acknowledgement of sin if it were present).  The fact that the elders are called for suggest that this is a spiritual sickness, or one brought on by sin. This passage indicates that sin is at the root of some sickness. Not all sickness (physical and/or spiritual) is healed. Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), and Ephaphroditus was sick while with Paul. Some think that this is only a reference to elders who had the supernatural gift of healing, or that this was a temporary bestowal of God's grace. Others suggest that anyone who is sick today lacks faith. The one thing that is clear is that believers who aren't functioning to their full potential physically or spiritually should take whatever steps are necessary to live as God intended. 

Believers should confess their sins to one another (not some intermediary) and pray for each other so they may be healed. James notes that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, citing Elijah’s prayers in the days of Ahab.

If a believer wanders from the truth, and another believer turns then from the error of their way back to the truth, a multitude of sins will be prevented, and the sinning person would be spared from death (either physical discipline as in 1 Corinthians 11, or spiritual as in Romans 8).

Application: Believers should prayerfully endure suffering knowing that the Lord will return, rectify, and reward those who remain faithful to Him.

Prayer: God, thanks that I can trust You to be faithful and just in all your dealings with me. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God gives grace to the humble, blessings to the righteous, and opposition to the proud and sinful.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus isn't mentioned in these chapters, but His example of resisting the devil is implied.

Us in a nutshell: We need to watch our words and walk to receive the blessings God has planned for those who are loyal to Him. We have the responsibility to work at our relationship with God, from submitting to His will, resisting the devil, drawing on His grace to purify our hearts and clean up our act. If we do, we will be blessed. If we don't...what do you think happens?

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Hebrews 1-3 Sharing In Christ, If...

TMS Matthew 6:33 What Are Your Priorities in Life?

Mt 6:33 “31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God

and His righteousness,

and all these things

shall be added to you.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Observations: Mt 6:33 Instead of worrying about the trivial needs of this temporal existence, we should be trusting God for our daily bread, and be pursuing the eternal rewards God has awaiting believers in the future. The Sermon on the Mount is about how to get blessed in the Millennial Kingdom of the Messiah (see comments on Mt 5-7 if you aren't totally convinced of that). Seeking first the kingdom is to seek our blessing/reward in His kingdom, by embodying His righteousness (which He requires of us). It is not something we automatically get, otherwise we would not be told to seek it. If we focus on pleasing God, by doing what He said (like this verse), He will focus on meeting our needs. He knows that we need the things which we're tempted to get anxious about, and has abundant resources to meet them. There will always be the daily temptation to worry about what has to be done, but God gives daily strength and grace to do all He wants us to do each day. So if we're trusting Him to do that, we can concern ourselves with our Heavenly Father's business.

Application: How are you seeking first (as in top priority) God's kingdom and righteousness? Putting quality time into DailyTruthbase, morning and evening, might be a good start.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You that You know my needs, and can do a far better job of meeting them than I can; thanks that I can trust You to meet them; please guide me in doing what You want me to do with the life You've entrusted to me. Amen.

Hebrews The unnamed author of Hebrews writes to Jewish believers who were being pressured to return to Judaism. He shows them that what they have in Christ is superior to what they had previously, and warns them that they will lose out on blessing if they abandon their hope in the promises of Christ, and fail to progress to maturity. It's not about losing justification/forgiveness but losing out on glory/reward. He builds to a climax in chapter 10 and exhorts them to continue in faith, hope, and love, and then chiastically expands on faith in chapter 11, hope in chapter, 12, and love in chapter 13.

Hebrews 1 Final Revelation and Future Ruler

1:1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. 3 His Son is the radiance of His glory, the very image of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they have. 5 For to which of the angels did He say at any time, "You are my Son. Today have I become your father?" and again, "I will be to him a Father, and  He will be to me a Son?" 6 Again, when He brings in the firstborn into the world he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him." 7 Of the angels He says, "Who makes His angels winds, and His servants a flame of fire."

8 But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows."

10 And, "You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of Your hands. 11 They will perish, but You continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. 12 As a mantle,  You will roll them up, and they will be changed; but You are the same. Your years will not fail." 13 But which of the angels has He told at any time, "Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?" 14 Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Observations: 1:1-3 Unlike Paul's epistles, there is not formal greeting and introduction. The author jumps right into showing that Christ is superior to the OT law, which was given through many prophets, in contrast to Christianity which was communicated through the final revelation of God, His Son Jesus. Jesus is not just a prophet, but as Son, is the heir of all things, and also the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The world holds together (as in electrons and planets don't spin out of orbit), by the word of His power. He is the radiance and revelation of the very image of God. Not only that, He is the One who alone made purification for our sins, and now is seated at the right hand of God. In an Ancient Near East victory banquet, the position of honor was at the right hand of the Emperor, where the future ruler of the conquered territory sat. Jesus finished His prophetic and priestly work and was now awaiting the timing of His role as King.

1:4-9 Christ is also superior to the angels (the ones the Jews considered mediators of the law) because He inherited a superior name/reputation/glory to them. Not only is He a son (in Suzerain-Vassal treaties, the greater power was called Father, and the one with whom he had a covenantal relationship was called Son), but the angels were to worship Him. Angels are servants before the throne of God, but Jesus sits on the throne, bearing the scepter of righteousness. Verses 8-9 are the chiastic center of the structure that goes to 2:4. Because He loved righteousness and hated iniquity, God anointed Him (“anointed” = “Messiah” in Hebrew; “Christ” in Greek) as King with the oil of joy/gladness (12:2), with/beside His companions (3:1, 14). Both joy and companions (partners/sharers) will be important later in the book. The latter are those who share in His reign, and the joy is that of being King with His faithful companions. Jesus received His Messianic Kingship because of His character, expressed in loving what is good and hating evil (which is similar to the basis of our reward as well).

1:10-14 Jesus' superiority is seen in His role as eternal Creator, who not only created the heavens and earth, but endures beyond them. Angels are not seated at the right hand of God, but are the servants of those who shall be heirs of salvation (a reference to glorification of faithful companions of the Messiah).

Application: Jesus was exalted because He hated wickedness and loved righteousness; we should do the same.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks that You have given Jesus as our Savior, and example, exalting Him to glory; may I never be tempted to abandon Him and go back to the way I was. Amen.

Hebrews 2 Don't Drift Nor Disobey

2:1 Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense; 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard; 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?

5 For he didn’t subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels. 6 But one has somewhere testified, saying, "What is man, that you think of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t see all things subjected to him, yet. 9 But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.

10 For it was fitting for him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many son's to glory, to make the author/captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, "I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." 13 Again, "I will put my trust in him." Again, "Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me."

14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Observations: 2:1-4 In light of the fact that Jesus is the final revelation of God, and the future ruler of the world to come, believers need to give more careful attention to the message they heard regarding Him, lest they drift on by the destination God has planned for the men. This is the first of five warning passages in Hebrews, all addressed to the same audience (Jewish believers in Christ), warning them against failing to continue to follow Christ as revealed. The consequence was not loss of justification/forgiveness The word "drift" is used of a ship going with the flow of the current and missing its port or harbor. Believers who aren't careful to know and do God's revealed will for them, will miss the destination God has planned for them (cf Eph 1 - companionship with the Messiah; clearly conditional in Hebrews 3). The reason the author gives for paying careful attention is that the OT spoken by angels was binding, and every infraction received a just payback (only used in NT in 10:35 and 11:26 of reward), therefore those who would neglect the greater message given by someone greater than the angels would receive a greater punishment. As the author says, how would they escape (used in Rom 2:3 of sinning believers not escaping the judgment of God; and in Lk 21:33-36 of watchful believers escaping judgment) the neglect of such a great salvation (glorification, not justification). The salvation of the Messianic Age (which would reverse the effects of the Fall in returning people to glory) was first spoken of by the Lord (Lk 22-28-30)

Luke 22:28 "But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Then the message was confirmed/authenticated to the audience by those (apostles) who originally heard it, with signs and wonders and the giving of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This would be another argument against Pauline authorship (besides the lack of Paul's typical introduction), since the message was not confirmed to him by the other apostles, but by Jesus Himself.

2:5-9 God didn't subject the world to come, of which the author is speaking, to angels. It should be obvious that this is the Messianic Age, which starts when Christ returns to resurrect His own and reign until all enemies, will be but under His feet. The last enemy is death, so there will be a period of rule between His return and the time death is destroyed. See comments on Ephesians 1:22.

1Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”

The author quotes Psalm 8, applying it to the exalted Son of Man (Dan 7:10-14) who takes up His rule after the Tribulation. Everything is subject to Him, but we don't see it yet. In the USA, a president and other officials are selected in November, when they win the election, but do not actually take office and begin to “rule” until January, to provide for an orderly transfer of power. Christ “won” at the cross, but has not yet begun to reign (1Pt 5:8; Rev 11:15). What we see instead of all things being subjected to Him in glory, is the means by which He gained glory, which is the example for us. He is crowned with glory and honor because He suffered to do the Father's will in dying for the sins of everyone/all (as in the world - Jn 3:16; so much for limited atonement).

2:10-18 It was appropriate/fitting for Jesus to be perfected, brought to the end goal, by suffering. “Perfected” is an important concept in Hebrews (5:9; 7:19, 28; 9:9;10:1, 14; 11:40; 12:23) indicating the end goal of the process of life. Jesus is the Pioneer or Captain of our salvation, who goes before us in the path we must follow. The word can also mean “author” as in Acts 3:14; 5:31; and even Heb 12:2, but the idea of a leader whom we follow fits this context best.

Hebrews 5:8 “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation (glorification) to all who obey Him”

Note that God's purpose, after having Jesus death for all, is to bring many sons to glory. This is the chiastic center of 2:5-16. The path to glory involves suffering. (No pain; no gain.) Jesus who sanctifies (makes holy -Heb 13:12), and those who are sanctified, are ek one Father, therefore Jesus isn't ashamed to call mere but holy mortals His brothers. The author quotes Psalm 22:22 which is just after the hinge verse of the psalm where God saves the sufferer.

Since the children had flesh, Jesus took on flesh to die in their place, and destroy the power of the devil, who through fear of death enslaved people to do his will. Jesus wants to deliver all from bondage to sin and death into the glorious liberty of the sons of God (Rom 8:21). Jesus doesn't give help to angels but those who are the offspring of Abraham (by faith). Jesus was made like His brothers in all things so that He can be a faithful high priest, not only in making atonement, but in helping those who are tempted to be victorious over sin.

Application: Jesus wants to help us win the victory over sin and the devil, and lead us to share in His glory.

Prayer: Oh Captain of my salvation, may I loyally follow You, through whatever pain and suffering You deem best, in faith and faithfulness, to glory. Amen.

Hebrews 3 Sharing is Conditional

3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus; 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house. 3 For he has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone; but he who built all things is God. 5 Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken, 6 but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the rejoicing of our hope firm to the end.

7 Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you will hear his voice, 8 don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers tested me by proving me, and saw my works for forty years. 10 Therefore I was displeased with that generation, and said, ‘They always err in their heart, but they didn’t know my ways’; 11 as I swore in my wrath, ‘They will not enter into my rest.’" 12 Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unfaithfulness, in falling away from the living God; 13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today"; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end: 15 while it is said, "Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion." 16 For who, when they heard, rebelled? No, didn’t all those who came out of Egypt by Moses? 17 With whom was he displeased forty years? Wasn’t it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 To whom did he swear that they wouldn’t enter into his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 We see that they were not able to enter in because of unfaithfulness.

Observations: 3:1-6 In light of Jesus being the final revelation of God, and the future ruler of the world to come, who leads His faithful brothers to share/partake in His glory, through suffering, the author exhorts his audience to consider Jesus. The specific aspect the holy brothers/sisters are to consider is that His faithfulness resulted in His glory. Contrasted with Moses, Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, as both the builder and ruler of the house (dynasty). Thus the initial audience shouldn't go back to the law and Moses, but follow Jesus instead. We will share in His house/rule if (conditional) we hold fast our moral confidence and rejoicing sourced in our hope (and consequent faithfulness), firm, without wavering, until the end. This does not mean our sins aren't forgiven, if we waver, but that our glory will be in doubt if we disbelieve. Just like most who were redeemed from Egypt (parallel to justification) didn't make it into the blessings of the Promised Land (parallel to glorification; see comments on 1Cor 10 if you have any doubt of this).

3:7-17 In light of the fact that those who aren't loyal aren't sharers in the rule of Christ, the author exhorts the NT audience to not be like those in the OT, who failed to obey God's revelation, but instead hardened themselves against Him (Psalm 95). See the sermon on Roman 9 (last post and on DailyTruthbase.net) where it is shown that people sin because they harden their own heart against God. He sometimes fixes them in their decision to  display His glory and justice in judging them, but He doesn't force them to sin. The Exodus generation didn't continue to trust and obey God, and therefore missed out on His rest, which was blessing in the Promised Land. Not knowing His ways (law) and erring in their heart (making their decisions according to what pleased their unsanctified desires rather what pleased God) caused God to be displeased with them, and deprive them of the blessings He had planned (land flowing with milk and honey) when He delivered them from Egypt. NT believers are exhorted to watch out for themselves and each other, so no believer develops an evil heart of unfaithfulness (just like the Exodus generation), in departing from following the living God. NT believers should encourage each other daily, so none in their midst will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. It isn't God who makes our hearts hard and insensitive towards doing His will, it is our choice to embrace sin which causes the callus to form over our conscience, to the point where we insanely rebel against God. Those who rebelled against God's word were those who had placed their faith in God and Moses when they were redeemed from Egypt (Ex 14:31) and had been baptized into Christ and partook of Him (1Cor 10). Those who say believers don't or can't sin are deceived and deluded. Forgiven, justified, Spirit “indwelt” believers in Christ will only share in His future Millennial blessings if (conditional) they hold fast their moral confidence without wavering. Those who sinned in the OT were disciplined by loss of inheritance/reward. The disobedient in the NT will face the same discipline. There is no other way to read the verses. The translation of “unbelief” instead of unfaithfulness slightly obscures the meaning in some versions, but the parallel with the nation of Israel makes it clear, unfaithful believers will lose out on God's promised blessings. The Promised Land, where Israel would have enjoyed the earthly blessings of God, is not to be equated with heaven or the eternal state, but rather with the Kingdom the Lord Jesus will set up on earth in fulfillment of God's OT and NT promises.

Application: God designed the fellowship of believers to encourage one another to persevere in holiness for their future rest/reward or glory, especially in keeping each other from being deceived and hardened against God by sin. When was the last time you encouraged someone to not sin?

Prayer: God thanks for the promise of Your blessing, the examples of the OT and the encouragement of faithful saints in NT times; may I be faithful to follow You, and help others do the same. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God communicated through His prophets in the past, but has now finalized His revelation in His Son. He has exalted Christ because of His obedience in loving righteousness and hating wickedness. God has put everything under Christ, but that is not yet seen here on earth.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is superior to anything and everything in Judaism, and therefore should be followed to glory. He was exalted because of His obedience, and shares His glory and reign with companions who are faithful to Him. He not only died for all people but is leading many sons to glory, though the path of suffering. He will return to rule and reward.

Us in a nutshell: We who believe in Christ must faithfully follow Him if we would share in His glory. Those who depart from doing so will suffer disinheritance because of their disobedience and unfaithfulness, just like the Exodus generation did. We have the responsibility to watch out, not only for ourselves, but for each other was well. Our future rest is our reward in heaven, until get there, we should run to win.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

2 Timothy 1-2 Pass It On

TMS Philippians 4:18-20 Needs Met Richly

Phil 4:18 "Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

19 And my God shall supply all your need

according to His riches in glory

by/in Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Observations: 4:19 Paul had learned the secret of contentment, that God would supply all his needs, giving what's best when it's best (see Philippians 4:13). He knew how to be satisfied/abound with little or a lot. His life wasn't about getting his needs met, much less his desires, but rather doing the desire of God in serving the needs of others. In the context of Philippians, they had supplied his financial needs, and now he was promising that because of their sacrificial giving, God was pleased, and would meet their needs (not wants, although in retrospect that frequently happens). The word for supply means “fill to the full” which implies abundance (2 Corinthians 9:8; Hebrews 13:21) Those who live to please God can expect His provision and prosperity (a major theme of the OT, usually applicable in NT times, unless God has something better planned). The storehouse from which their needs would be met, as they were in union with Christ, would be the riches in glory, where God keeps all His limitless treasure.

Application: We can trust that God will richly meet our needs, as we seek to meet the needs of others; all we need to do is being in union with Christ and trust Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You that You display Your glory on behalf of Your servants so they can do Your will; I am trusting You to meet all my needs in my relationship with Christ. Thanks. Amen.

2 Timothy 1-2 Paul would be executed shortly after he wrote this final letter to Timothy, who was still at Ephesus. In it, he continues to encourage Timothy to be faithful to the tasks God had for him to do in building up the church, and making reproductive disciples (2:2). Paul gives personal advice on maintaining holiness, gaining glory, and combating the agents of Satan in the church. For you theological buffs, Paul gives a pretty decisive statement of what happens if a believer denies Christ and is unfaithful.

2 Timothy 1 Be a Good Steward of the Truth

2:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day 4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you; which lived/dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.

6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear/timidity, but of power, love, and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal/of the age, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality/incorruptibility to light through the Good News.

11 For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know Him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard that which I have committed to Him against that day. 13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, with faith, and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good trust/deposit which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

15 This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, 17 but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me 18 (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy/hesed in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well."

Observations: 1:1-5 Paul reminds Timothy of the promise of life/dominion in Christ, for which he is an apostle according to God's will (despite the opposition to it). The promise is not a present possession, thus this is a reference to the future glory/dominion given to faithful servants. Paul wishes Timothy the covenantal blessings of grace, mercy, and peace. As the next verses will show, Timothy was a little timid in proclaiming truth in the face of opposition, so Paul is encouraging him with the truth that their ministry is the desire of God, and in the footsteps of those who have previously followed Him. Paul emphasizes that his service is with a pure conscience (Acts 24:16), meaning that he has not shirked from any of his responsibilities in serving God but been faithful ("hint, hint"). Faithfulness or faith (not the initial belief in Jesus' atonement which results in forgiveness/justification, but the continued belief in God's promises which results in reward/glorification) is a major theme in the letter, mentioned eleven times. Paul remembers both Timothy's tears, and the faith which dwelt in (controlled) his grandmother and Jewish mother (Acts 16:1), which he is convinced is also in Timothy. The tears most likely refer to sorrow at parting from Paul which would be replaced by joy when reunited (cf. Acts 20:37). Paul is convinced that Timothy also has the same life controlling faith exhibited in his family, although Timothy's timidity might be obscuring its expression. This is obviously not justifying faith (in light of 1 Timothy and Acts 16:1).

1:6- Paul says he's reminding Timothy of the above in order to encourage him to stir up (used of kindling a fire) the gracething that God supernaturally gave him though Paul's hands. In light of 4:5 it was most likely the charisma of evangelism, which Timothy would be hesitant to use in light of opposition. See comments on 4:14, Ephesians 4, and 1 Corinthians 12 for the temporary nature of this charisma. All believers have the privilege and responsibility of sharing good news of Jesus, no special gifting required. All believers also have the responsibility to use all that God has given them for His purposes.

God doesn't give believers a crippling spirit of cowardice/fear, but a spirit (energizing force) of power, and love, and a sound-mind. The word refers to having one's passions under control, governed by objectives, which is why it is frequently translated as self-control. Timothy needed to have God's purposes govern his actions, not his emotional responses to circumstances. See Truthbase.net series on Perception and Performance for how to transform your emotional responses to stimuli. Those who don't undergo emotional transformation wind up being enslaved by inaccurate perceptions of and inappropriate reactions to life.

In light of the Spirit's empowerment, Timothy should not be ashamed or reticent but eager to share both the testimony of the Lord, and in the consequent afflictions, by drawing on God's power. God saved and summons (calls/invites) believers to holy calling (used of a wedding invitation), not on the basis of our works or actions but according to His purpose and plan. Note the order: “calling” follows being saved. The argument is that God's purposes for Timothy are not about him, but about God's plan to use him for His glory. God's purpose and power/grace were given to believers in their union with Christ, before the world began (see comments on Ephesians 1; and 3:10). Those who exercise faith in response to the revelation of Christ enter into that union, obtaining forgiveness for sin, pardon from the death penalty, and all they need to enter into the eternal and incorruptible glory of the Messiah, as long as they remain plugged into the Vine (John 15; Romans 11). In Romans 2:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:42 and 50 Paul indicates that immortality/incorruption is a reward or inheritance. God's plan for believers in Christ to receive glory and immortality is brought to light by the ministry of Christ on earth, and the ministry of those who proclaim it.

1:11-14 For the cause of bringing the light of the good news to the Gentiles, Paul was appointed a preacher, apostle, and teacher, which is also the cause of his sufferings. As the author of Hebrews (2:10) noted, that in bringing many sons to glory, it was appropriate for Christ to be brought to the completion/fulfillment of His Messianic mission through suffering, because that's also the route we must take (Mt 10:45; cf. Rm 8:17). But Paul is not ashamed because he knows that his trust in Christ is well placed, and that Christ will guard Paul's interests (desire for power, pleasure and possession) which Paul has committed to Him in view of the coming Day of the Lord (and rewarding of faithful servants). Trust in Christ's trustworthiness is wise, therefore Timothy needs to hold fast to the truth (pattern/scheme of healthy words/teaching) he had heard from Paul, exercising faith (in its veracity and in its promises), and loyal love which is experienced and expressed in union with Christ. The article “which” at the end of verse 13 is in the singular, referring only to the agape love, which Christ modeled, and energizes for those in union with Him. The good trust (used of a deposit committed to someone for safe keeping, I.e., the deposit of teaching – see 2:2), Timothy needed to guard by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit of Truth, from the evil false twistings and distortions by Satan's agents.

1:15-18 News flash! Everyone, as in all the laboring believers who were following him in Asia, turned away from Paul (cf 4:16 -no one stood with him when he was imprisoned), except Onesiphorus. Paul prays that Onesiphorus and his family (4:19) would receive mercy which is used to translate the LXX hesed covenantal love/blessings, because he was not ashamed of Paul's chain, but diligently sought out Paul in his Roman imprisonment to comfort and encourage him. These verses form a chiasm centered around the end of verse 16 “and was not ashamed of my chains,” an example Timothy should follow.

Application: We should never be ashamed of the truth of God's revelation, because it is the only certain light in a dark world, but we should thoroughly believe it, and love others with it, drawing on the power we have in our relationship with Christ to do so.

Prayer: God, may I be a good steward of all You've entrusted to me, manifesting the spirit You've given me, so that others may be blessed by You life. Amen.

2Timothy 2 Passing on the Truth

2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses,

commit the same to faithful men,

who will be able to teach others also.

3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

6 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News, 9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 This saying is faithful:

A. "For if we died with him, we will also live with him.

  B. 12 If we endure, we will also reign with him.

  b'  If we deny him, he also will deny us.

a' 13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself."

14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear. 15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. 16 But shun empty chatter, for it will develop into greater ungodliness, 17 and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.

19 However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness." 20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor. 21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.

22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. 24 The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, 25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.

Observations: 2:1-2 These two verses describe the essentials of the methodology of reproductive discipleship. Don't miss the importance of being strong in the grace/power that is found in union with Christ (4:17). A person who seeks to pass on what they don't own is a phoney. Timothy heard Paul teach (he learned the truth), and lived it (by obeying the truth to maintain fellowship with Christ (in verse 1; cf John 14:15; Ex 20:6) and then he was to love others with the truth by passing it on to faithful men, in such a way that they could teach others also. Truth should be reproductive: Paul to Timothy, to faithful men/women, to others, to.... The 7PASSAGES in the sidebar are designed to help you learn and own seven passages that relate to the seven key relationships a believer needs to have a fruitful relationship with God. The objective is to learn them completely, mining them for all the truth and implications they contain, incorporate the application of the passage into one's life. Once you know what it says and how it works, only then are you in a position to pass it on to someone else. The number of people who can actually do this, is minuscule, despite the years they've “sat under” Bible teaching, the scores of studies and Sunday School classes, and shelves of books they've read. It should be a simple proposition to learn them, live them, and love others with them. We're only talking about seven passages. They serve as the seed for the Christian life, so when you finish the blog, start learning them.

Passing on the truth to faithful men and women is the most difficult part, since these critters are rarer than those who know and live seven passages. When I was a young believer, I learned to look for FAT people (Faithful, Available, and Teachable). I changed the acrostic to FIT (Involved) for the athletic types. But being “available” to learn at the level required for mastery is a difficulty in our culture. The half faithful, and half teachable get roped into teaching others (parroting the party line), so there is little opportunity for the word to take deep root in their lives; nor are they available to train, because they are committed to much that is good, but not much that is best (reproductive disciplemaking -Mt 28:20). Being teachable is another rare trait, because once someone starts teaching others, they think they know enough, and have neither time nor inclination to learn more. Sigh. So what do you do if there are no faithful, available, and teachable people? From an organizational perspective, the answer is to structure church so individual quiet times and personal and small group inductive study is front and center. And teaching from the front and center (pulpit) is geared to motivating and encouraging people to get into learning, living, and loving others with the truth. See more on this topic in the upcoming Catacomb Church Blog. From a personal perspective, prayerfully invest in relationships to help people move from Curious to Convinced to Committed, and then Conformed (see Survey of Discipleship on Truthbase.net). The objective is to model how Biblical truth meets real needs in your life. Tap into their felt needs, and discuss how truth meets those needs. Then you can move from felt needs to real needs (a number of the evangelism and disciple-making sermons on Truthbase.net consider this strategy). Not everyone paid attention to Jesus and Paul, nor followed them (and they could do miracles)! Hence the need to be strong in the grace that is in Christ, and be able to draw endurance from the following verses. View those who walk away from the claims of Christ on their life as educational practice; you can't win them all (John 6:66), but you can gain skill from your losses. In seeking to minister to others, you are demonstrating the faithfulness that God rewards.

2:3-7 Paul reminds Timothy that as a soldier engaged in the service of the Lord Jesus, he must endure hardship and avoid entanglements that hinder his ability to please his Master and Commander (cf Lk 9:23-26 call to discipleship and glory; 2Cor 5:9-10). Switching metaphors to athletics and farming, Paul points out the necessity to be blameless if one wants a reward. In the games, when a person came in first, they wouldn't crown him victorious until they first checked with all the judges and coaches to see if there were any violations of the rules; then they would be called upward for the prize (Phil 3:14). As assurance, the farmer who labors and sweats is the one who participates in the fruits of that labor. Paul tells Timothy to ponder what he said, and that as he meditates, the Lord will help him gain insight. The point is that serving God as a disciple-maker is the most significant and difficult thing they will do on earth (because Satan particularly hinders obedience to the Great Commission), but it is the best use of their time on earth. Don't lose the focus.

2:8-13 Paul underscores the certainty of the Lord rewarding faithful believers by reminding Timothy that Jesus the Messiah was risen from the dead, as the seed of David, in fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant (2Sam 7) to rule over the Messianic Kingdom, according to the good news of Isaiah 40-66. For preaching this good news, Paul suffers and is bound, but the truth isn't bound but is free to set men free from the penalty and enslavement of sin (John 8:31-32). Therefore Paul endures all things for the sake of the choice/elect, so that they may obtain the salvation (reversal of the effects of the Fall) that is in Christ, with glory of the Age not just mere forgiveness, but the full glory for which God created them (the bigger purpose of creation -Eph 1). Then Paul recites a faithful saying (worthy of all acceptance) which is one of my favorite chiasms (not only because it's impossible to understand otherwise, but because it deals elegantly with the question of whether or not one can lose their salvation).

The outer two elements (verses 11 and 13, A and a') are concerned with justification. The inner two (verse 12a and 12b, B and b') are concerned with glorification. If we died with Christ (see Romans 6:2-3 or Col 3:3 for this imagery) and are now born again, we will live with Christ in the future. If we deny Him and are faithless (verse 13), He will still be faithful to His promises to give life to those who believe in Him (Jn 5:24, cf. 3:16). He can't deny what He has promised, since He can't lie (Num 23:19).

The two inner elements (verse 12a and 12b) refer to sanctification and the resulting glorification. If we endure, we will reign (Rm 8:17; Rev 3:21). If we deny Christ, the flip side of enduring, He will deny us. Mt 10:33 But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven. See the comments on Matthew 7:21-23 (cf Titus 1:16). Also see Some Rewarding Verses for Contemplation or the Survey of Rewards on Truthbase.net for more elaboration.

2:14-18 Paul exhorts Timothy to remind the believers in Ephesus of the above content, charging them to be faithful and spiritually reproductive in the sight of the Lord who will return to judge (Rom 14:12). They should learn, live, and pass on truth, not argue about words that don't profit by making people Christlike, or godly. Timothy should avoid empty (vain, profitless) chatter, for that develops into ungodliness. Two of Satan's agents erred concerning the truth, teaching that the resurrection already happened, and had managed to overthrow the faith of some (cf Titus 1:11). This is not faith in the substitutionary atonement, but faith that Christ was returning to reward His faithful saints. Those who believed the lie would still have their sins forgiven, and wouldn't be tossed into the lake of fire, but would miss out on the honor and glory God wanted to give them had they been faithful and true. Purposeful conversations are preferable to chatter, but social banter is sometimes necessary to develop relationships. However silence is preferable to unprofitable talk that results in loss of reward.

2:19-21 Despite the fact that some folks had their faith undermined and overturned, the foundation of God (1Cor 3:11; Eph 2:20) stands firm (cf 2:13 above), that of Christ's death for them, which has this seal or confirmation: The Lord knows who have trusted Him, and everyone who names the name of Christ (confess Him) should depart/withdraw from iniquity. In a great house there are vessels used for honorable purposes, and those for chamberpots. The difference between those that will be honored or dishonored in Christ's house/kingdom is the choice one makes/elects to purge (1Cor 5:7) oneself form iniquity (cf 1Pt 1:22 purify oneself). Then he/she will be a vessel fitted for honor, sanctified/holy, and appropriate for the master's use, having been prepared (perfect tense) through their purging, for every good work (see study on Good Works).

2:22-26 Therefore, the honorable ones must flee the desires/lusts of youth, and chase after righteousness (doing what is right in God's sight), faith (diligently seeking God's reward, cf Heb 11:6), love (the great commandment, which we will be evaluated on -1Jn 4:16-18; Rev 4:2) and the covenantal blessing of peace (it could be harmonious relationships). They run with those who also call upon the Lord out of a pure, sanctified/purged heart (1Tim 1:5, the goal of instruction; 4:12 exemplary purity). “Call upon” has meanings of praying, praising, and proclaiming, and all three are a good idea for those who follow God. This points to a change of value system (heart is where one makes decisions) that chooses what is pleasing in God's sight, rather than what is pleasing in the sight of those who don't seek God. Note that one doesn't resist temptation (we're supposed to resist the devil -Js 4:7), but one flees like Joseph did from Potiphar's wife (Gen 39:12). Note too, that holiness is a team sport. Accountability and encouragement from others helps us develop the habits of holiness that erase the habits of sin. See Hallmarks of an Accountability Relationship on Truthbase.net.

There are not just lusts of the flesh, but also of the mind that set up believers for future wrath (Eph 2:3). Vices like pride (significance/success/superiority), ambition, arrogance, vengeance, etc., anything that finds worth and value in power, pleasure, and possessions at the expense of others and apart from God is enough to disqualify us from eternal glory, since it violates Jesus' call to follow Him (Lk 9:23-26).

While fleeing with the holy, one wants to avoid foolish and undisciplined questions often raised for the sake of argument rather than application, and which tend to engender strife. The Lord's servant must not strive but be gentle towards all, patiently instructing the obtuse and oblique. Those who oppose the truth might be given a change of mind/repentance by the convicting work of the Spirit of God, so they might acknowledge/embrace the truth and recover themselves (literally “recover oneself to sobriety”) from the snare of the devil, who had taken them captive (perfect tense) to do his will. This means that believers can be Satan's agents, doing his will rather than God's in the church. This is in accord with what Paul taught the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:

29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

Note that these are believers. The corrective methodology is not to evangelize them but instruct them. The desired outcome is not conversion, but repentance to embracing the experiential knowledge of the truth. The context is believers in the household of God, not outside pagans. Unless leaders understand and recognize the potential for agents of Satan in the church, they are sitting ducks awaiting their own assassination.

Application: Flee your old lusts/desires, with the support of fellow saints, and chase after God's desires for you in this world and the next.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I live Your truth, and pass it on to others who will do the same; help me recognize or develop those to whom you want me to serve. Thanks. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God expects us to use what He's entrusted to us, for His purposes. He's given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, so we need not fear opposition, but can effectively oppose it.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is our Master and Commander, whom we should serve with the total allegiance of a loyal soldier. His resurrection to fulfill the promises to David is an encouragement that all God's promises to us will be fulfilled.

Us in a nutshell: Our time on earth is to be spent fleeing temptation, and running the race for future glory. We will be opposed and possibly deserted by all, but can always find strength and encouragement in Christ. We are to hang with the holy and pass on the truth to those who will pass it on to others in making reproductive disciples.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net