1 John 3-5 Eternal Life in Christ

TMS Acts 1:8 Holy Spirit Power

Acts 1:6 “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

8 But you shall receive power

when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me

in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Observations: 1:8 The disciples had forsaken all to follow Jesus with the expectation of receiving power and glory. Jesus had promised them reward in the Sermon on the Mount, and in His calls to discipleship, and spoke of His kingdom which He would share with them, so they were anxious to receive His promised power/authority. Jesus said it wasn't the right time for the restoration of the OT kingdom promised to Israel, but if they wanted power, they would get it when the Holy Spirit came upon them. As a result (use of kai for a consecutive sequence), they would be witnesses to Christ. They should start where they were, with those most similar to themselves, and then branch out to the surrounding areas, and finally reach to the ends of the earth. This is what happened in the book of Acts (see additional comments on Acts 1:8). Believers in Jesus all have the Holy Spirit (Eph 1; 1Cor 12) and as a result should be witnesses to Christ, first to those around them, and then as they mature to others that are dissimilar. A witness is someone who has heard, seen, or experienced something. Every Christian should have an abiding relationship with God in which they are experiencing things about God which they can share with others.

Application: God works in our lives so we can be witnesses of Him to those around us.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for Your work in my life; please guide me in sharing You and Your work in my life with others. Amen.

1John 3-5 John continues to build the confidence of believers in the apostolic message against the false teaching of the anti-Messiahs. John gives a number of “tests” or validations that the experience of the believers is the real deal, so they won't fall for the devil's deceptions. Among those are victory over sin as a result of an abiding relationship with Christ, based upon obedience; a Christlike love for other believers; a vibrant prayer life; ministry to the sinning; inner conviction of the Holy Spirit that they are pleasing to God, validated by their love and obedience. John also affirms that God had given them eternal life in His Son, so they should continue to believe in Him, and not in any false gods the false teachers present.

1John 3 No Need to Sin

3:1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us,

that we should be called children of God!

For this cause the world doesn’t know us,

because it didn’t know Him.

2 Beloved, now we are children of God,

and it is not yet revealed what we will be.

But we know that, when He is revealed,

we will be like Him;

for we will see Him

just as He is.

3 Everyone who has this hope

set on Him

purifies himself,

even as He is pure.

4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness.

Sin is lawlessness.

5 You know that He was manifested to take away our sins,

and in Him

is no sin.

6 Whoever remains in Him

doesn’t sin.

Whoever sins hasn’t seen Him,

neither knows Him.

7 Little children, let no one lead you astray.

He who does righteousness is righteous,

even as He is righteous.

8 He who sins is of the devil,

for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.

To this end the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

9 Whoever is born of God doesn’t commit sin,

because His seed remains in him; and he can’t sin,

because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God are revealed,

and the children of the devil.

Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God,

neither is he who doesn’t love his brother.

11 For this is the message which you heard from the beginning,

that we should love one another;

12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother.

Why did he kill him?

Because his works were evil,

and his brother’s righteous.

13 Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

14 We know that we have passed out of death

into life,

because we love the brothers.

He who doesn’t love his brother

remains in death.

15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,

and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.

16 By this we know love,

because He laid down His life for us.

And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him,

how does the love of God remain in him?

18 My little children, let’s not love in word

neither with the tongue only,

but in deed and truth.

19 And by this we know that we are of the truth,

and persuade our hearts before him,

20 because if our heart condemns us,

God is greater than our heart,

and knows all things.

21 Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us,

we have confidence toward God;

22 and whatever we ask, we receive from Him,

because we keep His commandments

and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

23 This is His commandment,

that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ,

and love one another, even as He commanded.

24 He who keeps His commandments

remains in Him,

and He in him.

By this we know that He remains in us,

by the Spirit which He gave us.

Observations: 3:1-6 Believers are children of God, but the future blessings they will have as a result of that status aren't yet seen. When Christ is revealed in His glory, those who are pure in heart will see Him (one of the beatitudes - Mt 5:8). Those who have this hope of glory, purify themselves so as not to be disqualified (1Pt 1:22; 1Tim 1:5; Heb 10:22). The purpose in Christ coming wasn't to die for our sins, but remove them from us so we could have a relationship with God. In Christ there is no sin, since He is holy. Those who abide/remain in union with Him (“in Him”) don't sin. If we are drawing our motivations and strength from the vine, there's no room to sin. Whoever sins hasn't “seen” (used in 1:1, 2, 3 to describe the fellowship the apostles had with Christ) nor “known” Christ. There are three lines of interpretation. No one who read chapter 1 would claim sinless perfection, since that is refuted there. The more common view is to translate the present tenses as “habitual” which means those who know Christ don't continue to habitually sin. That view has some merit, but misses John's point. The view closer to John's thinking is that those who abide or remain in Christ don't wander off into trouble. A child staying contentedly on a parent's lap isn't going to get themselves into all kinds of trouble that would displease the parent (see comments on abiding in John 15).

3:7-15 To prevent the false teachers from leading abiding believers astray John points out that the believer who does what is right in God's sight is righteous, but the one who sins is of the devil (drawing their motivation from him, and his world). The devil has been sinning since before the Garden, and the Son of God was manifested, as promised in Genesis 3, to destroy the devil and His works of deceiving people into being unfaithful to God. The atoning work, and the indwelling Spirit of Christ put the devil out of business in the lives of those who abide in Christ. Whoever is born of God doesn't sin, because the seed of the word of God, energized by the Holy Spirit (1Pt 1:23; John 3:6) remains/abides in the believer. Those whose actions are sourced in God, don't sin. Those who don't do what is right in the sight of God, have their actions sourced not in God, but the devil. This particularly applies to those who don't love their brother (like Cain). Those who don't love are akin to murderers (Mt 5:21-22), and do not have eternal life (dominion of the Age, reward in the Messianic Kingdom) remaining in him. This is not about losing forgiveness, which is a permanent possession of those who are justified/born again, but it is about losing reward in the the Messianic Kingdom as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount.

3:16-24 Jesus sets the standard for the love glory-bound believers need to have for each other: self-sacrificial for the others' benefit. Those who love in word/truth and deed gain an assurance of their future reward, as well as confidence in praying. Those who keep God's commands, and do what is pleasing in His sight also have the assurance of answered prayer. This is because they are so in tune with God's will, that when they ask Him for help in doing what He wants them to do, He is more than happy to help them. John summarizes what God wants us to do: believe in the name/character/glory of His Son, Jesus the Messiah, and love one another as He commanded. The one who does this, abides/remains in Him, and He in them. Another source of confidence is the work of the Spirit (Phil 2:13).

John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

Application: Those who abide in Christ don't sin; if you find yourself sinning, you might want to move closer to God and do things His way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for Jesus, Your word, and Your Spirit, which make abiding in You possible, may I draw all my motivation and strength from You exclusively as I love others with a pure heart according to Your will. Amen.

1John 4 Victory

4:1 Beloved, don’t believe every spirit,

but test the spirits,

whether they are of God,

because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of God:

every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

3 and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes.

Now it is in the world already.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them;

because greater is He who is in you

than he who is in the world.

5 They are of the world.

Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.

6 We are of God. He who knows God listens to us.

He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us.

By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another,

for love is of God;

and everyone who loves is born of God,

and knows God.

8 He who doesn’t love

doesn’t know God,

for God is love.

9 By this God’s love was revealed in us,

that God has sent His one and only Son into the world

that we might live through Him.

10 In this is love,

not that we loved God,

but that He loved us,

and sent His Son

as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God loved us in this way,

we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has seen God at any time.

If we love one another,

God abides in us,

and His love has been perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we remain in Him and He in us,

because He has given us of his Spirit.

14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world.

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,

God remains in Him, and He in God.

16 We know and have believed the love which God has for us.

God is love,

and he who abides in love

abides in God,

and God abides in him.

17 In this love has been made perfect among us,

that we may have confidence in the day of judgment,

because as He is, even so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love;

but perfect(ed) love casts out fear,

because fear has punishment.

He who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love Him,

because He first loved us.

20 If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar;

for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen,

how can he love God whom he has not seen?

21 This commandment we have from Him,

that he who loves God should also love his brother.

Observations: 4:1-6 God has given us His Spirit, but that doesn't mean that every prophetic spirit is from God, because there is a world of evil spirits around us. Therefore, believers should apply this simple test to those “spirits” speaking though prophets: every spirit who confesses/acknowledges that Jesus is the promised Messiah who has come into the world in the flesh, is of God. Those that don't are anti-Messiah, empowered by the Anti-Messiah/Christ, Satan's chief agent. He is already in the world, but believers have nothing to fear, because greater is the One who is in them: the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Glory. Verse 4 is a good one to memorize and meditate upon. The false teachers draw their motivation and message from the world (and the evil one who runs this present age -Eph 2:1-3) therefore the worldlings listen to them, rather than to the apostolic teaching. Those who are sourced in God, listen to revealed truth. So one can discern the spirit of truth and the spirit of error based receptivity.

4:7-15 The one who is born of God not only listens to truth and doesn't sin, but loves as God has modeled and commanded. The one who doesn't love, doesn't know God, since God is the source and expression of love, as expressed in Jesus dying for our sins. God's love for us is the standard for us loving each other. If we do so, God abides in us, and His love is perfected (brought to fulfillment/completion). When we love like God intended, the inner witness of the Holy Spirit confirms to our conscience that we are abiding, and doing what pleases God. The apostles have seen/know and testify that the Father sent Jesus (His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased) to be the Savior of the world (as in everyone, not just a select few - John 3:16). Whoever acknowledges/confesses that Jesus is the Son of God has the abiding relationship with God, that is only possible through Jesus.

4:16-21 The one who abides in love (and thus maintains an intimate relationship with the God of love) has love perfected or brought to its intended purpose, so that the believer can have confidence on Judgment Day. That confidence comes about from loving as God loved, which is the standard to which we are held. The one who has loved “perfectly” or in whom love has been “perfected” has nothing to fear on judgment day, because hitting and maintaining the standard God requires (which is only possible through an abiding relationship with the Vine), eliminates any possible negative consequences. The one who fears judgment needs to work on perfecting their love. The one who loves God is loyal to God (Jn 14:15) in response to the love God has shown him/her (hesed). The love God wants us to have will overflow into a love for other children of God. The one who doesn't desire what is in another's best interest, doesn't love God.

Application: Love of truth and other believers (reflected in our ministry to them) are hallmarks of those who will do well on Judgment Day.

Prayer: God, thanks that Your Spirit dwells within me and is far greater than Satan or any of his minions; keep me from his deceptions, and guide me in loving others as You would. Amen.

1John 5 Life in the Son

5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

Whoever loves the Father also loves him who is born of Him.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God,

when we love God and keep His commandments.

3 For this is the love of God,

that we keep His commandments.

His commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.

5 Who is he who overcomes the world,

but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is He who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ;

not with the water only,

but with the water and the blood.

It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

7 For there are three who testify: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood;

and the three agree as one.

9 If we receive the witness of men,

the witness of God is greater;

for this is God’s testimony which He has testified concerning his Son.

10 He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself.

He who doesn’t believe God

has made Him a liar,

because he has not believed in the testimony

that God has given concerning His Son.

11 The testimony is this,

that God gave to us eternal life,

and this life is in His Son.

12 He who has the Son

has the life.

He who doesn’t have God’s Son

doesn’t have the life.

13 These things I have written to you who 
believe in the name of the Son of God,

that you may know that you have eternal life,

and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

14 This is the confidence which we have toward Him,

that, if we ask anything according to His will,

He listens to us.

15 And if we know that He listens to us,

whatever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions

which we have asked of Him.

16 If anyone sees his brother

sinning a sin not leading to death,

he shall ask,

and God will give him life for those who sin not leading to death.

There is a sin leading to death.

I don’t say that he should make a request concerning this.

17 All unrighteousness is sin,

and there is a sin not leading to death.

18 We know that whoever is born of God

doesn’t sin,

but he who was born of God

keeps himself,

and the evil one doesn’t touch him.

19 We know that we are of God,

and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

20 We know that the Son of God has come,

and has given us an understanding,

that we know Him who is true,

and we are in Him who is true,

in His Son Jesus Christ.

This is the true God,

and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Observations: 5:1-3 Belief in Jesus as the Messiah promised in the OT (especially as the provision for our sins, the atoning sacrifice of Isaiah 53) results in being born again (Jn 1:12 the chiastic center of the prologue). Whoever loves the Father loves His children. When we love God and keep His commandments, we will love others. When our values change so that the sacrifices of love are not burdensome, we know we are loving as God desires.

5:4-10 The one who is born of God overcomes the world because of their faith in God's revelation. That revelation tells us that Jesus is the Son of God (the heir) who gives the Spirit to those who believe in Him, which makes overcoming and victory possible. Jesus came or was testified to by water and blood. When He was baptized, the voice of the Father testified that He was well pleased with His Son (Mt 3:17). The blood or sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection also testified to His identity, as did the ministry of the Holy Spirit in authenticating His works and His spokesman (particularly on the Day of Pentecost). Verse 7 has additional words in some versions which are most likely added in the eighth century, and are omitted in the WEB text above. The point is that there is more than one witness to the Sonship of Jesus, given by both men (the apostles) and God (in the life of Jesus). The one who believes has the testimony in themselves (their own lives), but the one who doesn't believe is calling God a liar, who authenticated Jesus.

5:11-15 The testimony is that God gives believers eternal life (dominion in the Age of the Messiah). This life is in His Son, the ruler of the Millennial Kingdom. The one who has an abiding relationship with the Son, has the life God promised. The one who doesn't have the relationship John has been talking about in the letter, doesn't have the life. It's one or the other. John says he is writing to those who believe in the name of the Son of God (Jesus -Jn 1:12) so that they may know they have eternal life (dominion in the coming Age), and that they may continue to believe, (so they don't forfeit what God has given them, like Israel did).

A relationship with God isn't just about what happens in the future, but has benefits in the present, like a vibrant prayer life. If we are abiding and knowing and doing His will, then asking anything according to His will gets a sure positive response from God.

5:16-21 While on the subject of praying according to God's will, if someone sees their brother in Christ sinning, he/she should intercede for the sinning believer, and God will give him life for those who are not sinning in such as way that they are headed to the discipline of deprivation of life. All unrighteousness is sin, but some have greater consequences than others. The one who is born of God, and in whom God's seed/Spirit remains/abides, doesn't sin (or continue to sin in the weaker alternative view). The one born of God keeps/guards him/herself so the evil one doesn't influence him/her. Believers are sourced in God's power, while worldlings are subject to the power of the evil one. Believers know that the Son of God has come in the flesh, and given them understanding so that they know Him who is true, and abide in Him who is true, that is Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. This is the testimony of the true God, and the testimony of eternal life. John closes with an admonition to keep themselves from idols which are false gods, rather than the true God.

Application: Loving and obeying the Lord Jesus, the coming Messiah, is the best way to live happily ever after.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for giving me life in Jesus, both now and in the future; may I be on my guard and abide in You so that I may have confidence and joy when You return. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God gives us life in His Son when we believe, and gives us ample testimony to base our belief in Him.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the authenticated Son of God, in whom God gives us forgiveness and eternal life.

Us in a nutshell: We need to abide in Christ, obeying His commands, particularly loving other believers if we expect to live the victorious Christian life in this world, and the abundant life in the next.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

2 Timothy 3-4 Keeping the Faith

2 Timothy 3-4 Keeping the Faith

Bill Blurb: If you've been finding DailyTruthbase helpful, follow 2 Timothy 2:2 and pass it on to others (make it a monthly goal to get another person reading the Scriptures daily). Have them start in Genesis 1:1 and ask them what they're reading weekly.

Note on the text in DTB. In the OT, I edited out the text people tend to get bogged down in, and included it at the end of the post. In the NT all the text is included, but edited to reflect the meaning where the translators missed the context or argument. I underline the words in the text to teach folks how to read and note what is important and emphasized. A basic Bible Study skill is to read in multiple versions to highlight differences, which will underscore difficulties in interpretation. So do read the text carefully, since I sometimes clarify concepts and structure in it which I don't mention in the observations.

Don't just keep the faith, pass it on.

TMS Hebrews 2:18 Help Is Only A Prayer Away

Heb 2:18 “17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted,

He is able to aid those who are tempted.”

Observations: 2:18 The author of Hebrews demonstrates the superiority of what believers have in Christ, compared to what they had in Judaism. Jesus, as our faithful High Priest, knows what we go though, because He was tempted in all the ways we are: power (security/significance), pleasure, possessions, etc., yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore He is able to help us if we seek Him and His grace to live victoriously.

Application: We can always ask Jesus for help to overcome temptation, and if we fail to do that, we can ask him for forgiveness, but He'd rather give the help.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for dying for me, and for Your desire and offer to empower me to live victoriously; may I seek Your help in my every need. Amen.

2 Timothy 3-4 In the end of the last chapter Paul warned Timothy against those in the church who would oppose him (being taken captive by Satan to do his will). In these chapters he warns Timothy against those who would ignore him (and God's word) foolishly following Satan's decoys rather than finding delight in God. Paul encourages Timothy to endure the opposition and do the job for which God put him on earth and commissioned him: to proclaim the inspired word to those believers who didn't want to hear it, and were thus disqualified from their reward. Paul looked forward to his reward in the future kingdom, as should all mature, God-serving believers.

2 Timothy 3 Iniquity and Inspiration

3:1 But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, truce breakers, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding a form of godliness, but denying its power. Turn away from these, also.

6 For some of these are people who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also oppose the truth; men corrupted in mind, who concerning the faith, are rejected. 9 But they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men, as theirs also came to be.

10 But you did follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, 11 persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. Out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you remain/abide in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.

15 From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Observations: 3:1-9 Paul tells Timothy to expect that the world won't get better and better, but in reality will get worse. People will be:

• self-centered rather than other centered,
• materialistic rather than spiritual,
• boastful rather than humble,
• arrogant rather than serving,
• abusive revilers rather than edifying speakers,
• disobedient to parents rather than honoring them,
• ungrateful complainers rather than thankful praisers,
• unholy rather than sanctified and godly,
• friendless rather than enjoying healthy relationships,
• covenant breakers rather than keepers of their word,
• bitter and vengeful rather than forgiving,
• slanderers rather than truth speakers,
• lacking self-control rather than disciplined,
• fierce/savage rather than civilized/kind,
• despisers rather than lovers of what is good,
• traitors rather than loyal,
• headstrong rather than prudent,
• blinded by pride rather than wise,
• lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

And these folks are in the church, “serving” on staff, on boards, in the choir, teaching, etc., having an outward form of ritual godliness, but inwardly denying/disregarding the power of God to transform their lives. From such Timothy is to turn away. They are false teachers and leaders, gaining influence over unsanctified people who lack discernment, particularly silly women, who are among those always learning yet never able to arrive at experiential knowledge of the truth (godliness). Their head knowledge never quite made it into their heart and the rest of their lives. This is an equal indictment of both men and women. According to rabbinic tradition, Jan and Jam are the names of Pharaoh's magicians who drew on the dark arts of the devil to oppose Moses. Similarly the folks described above also oppose the truth, since they are corrupted in their thinking/minds, because they have embraced false teaching/theology of men/Satan, rather than the truth reveled by the Holy Spirit. As a result of their opposition to truth, they are not approved (rejected) concerning the faith (the belief in the promises of God which result in reward). This applies to believers, for they are in the church, influencing others, and in opposition to Timothy (Paul wouldn't have to warn him to withdraw from pagans who were teaching in the church). The word for “rejected/not approved” (Strong's #96) is always used of forgiven believers, who don't qualify for glory (see contexts of: Romans 1:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5, 7; Titus 1:16; Hebrews 6:8). Paul even considered the fate of being rejected from reward could apply to himself if he didn't exercise constant vigilance and self-control (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:6 - "reprobate" in KJV). The noun without the negating prefix (approved - Strong's #1384) is used of those who have endured purifying trails and are on target to be rewarded (Romans 14:18; 16:10; 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 13:7; 2 Timothy 2:15)

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love Him.”

Those who insist on thinking otherwise, contrary to the facts, might want to reconsider why they think as they do, and correct their thinking back in line with the Scriptures before it's too late. Paul says that the folly of the false teachers would be exposed and evident to all just like that of Jan and Jam was (Exodus 7:12; 8:18; 9:11). This could happen in the present or at the return of Christ (1 Timothy 5:24). The Exodus context would argue for the present age, but the future judgment is more in line with the context of 2 Timothy (4:1) and usages of the contexts of “approved” or “disapproved.”

3:10-14 In contrast to those above, who had been corrupted from the truth by the deceiving lies of Satan (3:13), Timothy should embrace the truth he learned from Paul. Timothy fully understands (present tense of a verb that means to follow alongside as a disciple and thus have full knowledge) Paul's teaching, lifestyle, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance in the midst of persecutions and afflictions. Paul, who had been beaten, and stoned, says that the Lord delivered him out of them all (cf Psalms 22:21). Apparently the bruises didn't bother him that much, because they go with the territory. All who will/desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (cross-stitch that promise on a pillow). If you're swimming upstream, you're bound to encounter some flotsam drifting downstream with the flow. Evil men/women and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving others and being deceived by Satan. They will be the source of most opposition and persecution.

If we endure, God will deliver.

Paul charges Timothy to abide in what he has learned from Paul and been persuaded of because he knows the character of Paul, and the consequences of his teaching in his life.

3:15-17 Paul reminds Timothy that from his youth he has known the (OT) Scriptures, which have power to make him wise with respect to the salvation which is in Christ Jesus. Don't miss the applicability of the OT Scriptures to our walk with Christ. The aspect of salvation in view is that of glorification (approved/disapproved). The OT repeatedly teaches redeemed believers to be careful to do what is right in God's sight (righteousness) so they can be blessed (protected and prospered). Paul then tells him that all Scripture is God-breathed (inspired) and thus profitable (both temporally -how to live this life, and eternally -how to get rewarded in the next life - 4:1-8). The four spheres where the Scriptures are temporally profitable are:

• teaching/doctrine – marking out the path God wants us to take;
• reproof – showing us where we're off the path;
• correction – how to get back on the path;
• training in righteousness – how to stay on the path when you're tempted to wander or quit.

This is a great pattern for a quiet time, observing God's word for these four things, and then responding in obedience and prayer (response to revelation = worship). This is one of the 7 Passages in the sidebar, that you need to own, so you can pass it on to others. There are lots more observations and applications in the study in the sidebar. Learn it, live it, and then love others with it. The purpose of the Scriptures being profitable in the above areas is so that the man of God (OT term for prophet) can have all they need for every good work. The word for perfect or complete is used only here in the NT and comes from a root that means fitted, which Paul elaborates as completely furnished or supplied for every good work (the means of gaining glory - Ephesians 2:10 the first of the 7 Passages). The specific good works Timothy needs to do are delineated in the next chapter.

Application: God's word equips us with all we need to resist evil and do good, therefore we need to be guided by it every day on our path to glory.

Prayer: God, I praise You for breathing life into me and Your words; may I incorporate their power and wisdom into my life as I do the good works for which You created me. Thanks. Amen.

2 Timothy 4 Teaching and Triumph

4:1 "I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom: 2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.

5 But you be sober/sound-minded in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. 8 From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved His appearing.

9 Be diligent to come to me soon, 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for ministry. 12 But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works, 15 of whom you also must beware; for He greatly opposed our words.

16 At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save/preserve me for His heavenly Kingdom; to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick. 21 Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen."

Observations: 4:1 In light of the Scriptures being God's words (breath), profitable, and all one needs to do His will, Paul charges Timothy to use them to do His work. The charge is made in light of the judgment of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, who will appear and set up His Kingdom (still future).

4:2-4 The task for which Timothy needs such a solemn charge is to tell evil and potentially verbally violent church people (those described ) what they don't want to hear. Paul commands Timothy to preach the word (of God), regardless of whether people are receptive (in season) or rejective (out of season). He is to use the word to highlight (reprove = bring to light) sin or lack of conformity to God's will; to rebuke (spell out the consequences to sinning believers), and exhort/encourage (call them to do the right thing which he models). The reason this will require lots of patience (long suffering) and instruction is because the time will come (and is already here) when people won't bear with nor listen to sound/healthy teaching/doctrine but will gather heaps of teachers who will tickle their ears, and tell them what they want to hear, keeping them comfortable in the sin and lack of victory (worms vs. butterflies - see comments on Romans 12:1-2, another of the 7 Passages). The people will turn away their ears from the truth and want to hear fables and stories that don't expose their evil ambitions, lusts, and behaviors. Believers who fail to pursue God's truth will delude themselves, (and be deceived by Satan) into thinking they are doing or can't do God's will, and that such rebellion is fine. When Christ returns, they will receive a rude awakening unless they respond to the wake-up call of truth (Ephesians 5:14).

4:5-8 So Paul reminds Timothy to be sound-minded in all things (life governed by objectives rather than emotions/passions), to suffer hardship/endure afflictions, and do his job of proclaiming the good news of the Messiah: He's coming back to judge and reward His faithful servants and discipline those who aren't. The reminder to fulfill the ministry Timothy received from the Lord via the hands of Paul is all the more poignant in light of Paul impending martyrdom. In facing his departure from earth he can say:

• he has fought the good fight (also used of competing in athletic games);
• he has finished the course; (perfect tense, of fulfilling a commission);
• he has kept the faith (he has observed or attended to carefully the promises of God);
• he will be rewarded.

He knows that the the Lord, being a righteous judge will give him, on Judgment Day, the reward he has laid up in heaven by his actions on earth (cf 1 Peter 1). The reward is described a crown or rulership in the Kingdom, which comes from his righteousness on earth (being careful to do what is right in God's sight). The Lord will not only give Paul his due, but will reward all those who have loved (sacrificed themselves for continually - perfect tense), the prospect of His appearing in glory to rule over the Millennial Kingdom (cf 4:1). Some of the judgments of Christ will have their consequences for a thousand years in the Messiah's Kingdom.

4:9-15 Paul is anxious for the companionship of Timothy during his last days on earth, because everyone has left him, but Luke. Demas forsook him for the deceiving delights of this temporal world, a really bad trade. He gave up the incorruptible delights of eternity for the passing pleasures of sin which are subject to the laws of diminishing returns, and decay. He should have given up that which he couldn't keep, for that which he couldn't lose. On a brighter note, Paul recognized the benefit of Mark for ministry (probably the John-Mark over whose faithfulness Paul and Barnabas split in Acts 15:39). He asks for the cloak and books, especially the parchments. These can't be identified with precision. He warns Timothy against Alexander who greatly opposed the truth and did much evil. He reminds Timothy not to seek vengeance, because the Lord will repay him.

4:16-22 At his first defense/apologia at his trial, no one stood with him, except the Lord, who strengthened him, so that the message might be fully heard, and the commission of Christ discharged. God is always by our side to strengthen and help us as we do His will. People are fallible, and will frequently fail us, so while it is nice to have fellow-laborers and companions, our hope and help must ultimately be in Christ alone. As a result of the Lord empowering him, all the Gentiles (in Rome and beyond) heard the good news of Christ. He confidently expected that God would continue to deliver him from every evil attack. Nevertheless, servants of God are not immortal (yet), just impervious to destruction until their job here on earth is done. Paul says that God will save/preserve him for/eis His heavenly Kingdom. He was even delivered from the mouth of a surprised and hungry lion. Roman citizens were not subject to being cat food in the Colosseum, so it is possibly a veiled reference to Nero (who was called a lion by Seneca) or Satan (1 Peter 5:8, in which case “lion” would have the definite article in front of it, and it doesn't). Note that the heavenly Kingdom is still future (cf Luke 17:21). Paul gives greeting to Priscilla and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus, honorable saints of the Lord. Note that the miracle working, sick healing and dead resurrecting apostle left Trophimus at Miletus sick. Those who think they must claim physical healing in the atonement might benefit by thinking again. Paul requests that Timothy come before winter (with the cloak). All the brothers salute/greet Timothy, and Paul prays the Lord Jesus would be with Timothy's spirit (cf 1:7) and that the empowerment and covenantal blessing of grace would be his.

Application: Those who love Christ's appearing, and want to look forward to their reward, must learn and faithfully carry out God's will for them.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for Your word, and the wisdom You give through it; thanks for Your presence and the strength You give; may I draw upon Your grace to do Your will for my life. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God breathed His words into the Scripture so we would have truth profitable for our lives and ministry.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the future judge who will appear to reward faithful believers, and disqualify the unfaithful. He strengthens His servants to accomplish His purposes for them, and then takes them home to glory.

Us in a nutshell: All who purpose to live doing what Christ desires will experience persecution from men and praise from God. Many believers on the broad and easy road to destruction will not want to hear truth, but will find teachers who tell them what they want to hear (that they're OK living to please themselves rather than Christ). Justification is given by faith; Glorification is gotten by faithful works.

Where to Go for More:

www.Truthbase.net

2 Corinthians 1-3 Encouragement, Liberty, Glory

2 Corinthians 1-3 Encouragement, Liberty, Glory

Psalm 139:1-24 Awesomely and Wonderfully Created

Ps 139:1 A Psalm by David “Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me. 6 This knowledge is beyond me. It’s lofty. I can’t attain it.

7 Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me; the light around me will be night"; 12 even the darkness doesn’t hide from you, but the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you.

(NIV to 18)13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully/awesomely and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would kill the wicked. Get away from me, you bloodthirsty men! 20 For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain. 21 Yahweh, don’t I hate those who hate you? Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred. They have become my enemies. 23 Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."

Observations: 139:1-24 Wicked people build their worth and value by putting others down. Prideful people build their worth and value by accomplishments at the expense of others. Godly people build their worth and value by doing what is pleasing in His sight. But all of God's children can find worth and value in God's knowledge and creation of them.

139:1-12 David draws comfort from God's omniscience (139:1-6) and omnipresence (139:7-12). God knows everything that goes on in our lives, and there is no place we can go that is outside the realm of His care for us.

139:13-18 David praises God for His omnipotence in creating him as He did. God created us as He wanted us to be. We humans are awesome and wonderful creations (in the image of God – Gen 1), with a purpose and meaning by virtue of being created by God, who has planned days and good works for us (Eph 2:10). He doesn't make mistakes nor trash. There are no accidents. This gives us worth and value, and the basis of a good self image (what's not to like?). Anyone who doesn't appreciate God's handiwork doesn't have good taste, and isn't worth paying any attention to. God thinks the world of you, so why should you care what morons don't think?

139:19-24 David asks God to eliminate his enemies who are also God's enemies, since David is God's loyal friend. He also asks for God to reveal anything he needs to change or improve so that he can get to where God wants him to go.

Application: Accept yourself as the wonderful creation of God which you are, and devote your energies to fulfilling the purposes for which He knit you together.

Prayer: God, I praise You for the wonderful job You did in planning and creating me. Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked or offensive way in me, and guide me in the way that is more pleasing to You. Amen.

TMS Matthew 18:20 Corporate Prayer

Mt 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together

in My name,

I am there

in the midst of them."

Observations: 18:20 This is used as a passage about fellowship in the TMS, but its major context is that of church discipline (see comments on Mt 18). There believers were gathered to do God's will in helping an erring believer respond to reproof and rebuke, and rejoin the fellowship of believers. (Like the situation in 1Cor 5 referenced below). As believers gather in the power/authority/name of Jesus, which would imply submission to His will, to do His will, then He is there in the midst of them. This is not what constitutes a Church, but the same dynamic should apply. God's ears are always open to the prayers of His people (2Chronicles 6:39; 30:27), when they seek Him according to His will. Two or 2,000 carnal Christians gathered and chanting “Jesus, Jesus” probably isn't what He had in mind. See Catacomb Church Blog on corporate prayer.

Application: God listens to three, two, or even one person who prays to Him under the conditions He has specified, namely, in His name, submitted to His will.

Prayer: God, thanks that You are present in the prayers and praises of Your people; thanks for the privilege of being able to seek You and pray together. Amen.

2 Corinthians 1-3 This epistle has some of the best teaching on glory (2Cor 4-5), giving (2Cor 7-8), and grace (2Cor 12), but the rest deals with the heart of Paul in fighting the spiritual battle for the welfare of the Corinthians, some of whom despise him. Poor Paul is like the parent with ungrateful and rebellious children. God gave the Corinthians life through him, and he tended and cared for them, only to have them go over to the dark side and fight against him. The background is a little difficult to reconstruct, but goes something like this: Paul had established the Church (Acts 18) and ministered there for a year and a half; he wrote a letter, the prequel to 1Corinthinans, which we don't have, trying to correct problems; he wrote 1Corinthians trying to correct still remaining problems, but Satan's agents fought against the truth and sought to discredit Paul; he visited again, referenced in chapter two, which didn't go well; he wrote a third letter, the severe and sorrowful one, delivered by Titus, which is not extant; some responded to truth, some still resisted, so he writes this fourth letter, 2Corinthians, and plans to visit again. The exact flow is difficult to follow since much is written to not present truth but persuade without hurting feelings, so it is veiled and shaded. However, in this post there are some clear principles on suffering, encouragement, ministry, and the Holy Spirit worth noting and applying.

2 Corinthians 1 Encouragement to Endure

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the assembly of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies/hesed and God of all comfort/encouragement; 4 who comforts/encourages us in all our affliction/tribulation, that we may be able to comfort/encourage those who are in any affliction/trouble, through the comfort/encouragement with which we ourselves are comforted/encouraged by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, even so our comfort/encouragement also abounds through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort/encouagement and salvation. If we are comforted/encouraged, it is for your comfort/encouragement, which produces in you the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.

7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that, since you are partakers of the sufferings, so also are you of the comfort/consolation/encouragement. 8 For we don’t desire to have you uninformed, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we ourselves have had the sentence of death within ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us out of so great a death, and does deliver; on whom we have set our hope that he will also still deliver us; 11 you also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gracething bestowed on us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on your behalf.

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you. 13 For we write no other things to you, than what you read or even acknowledge, and I hope you will acknowledge to the end; 14 as also you acknowledged us in part, that we are your boasting, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.

15 In this confidence, I was determined to come first to you, that you might have a second benefit; 16 and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and to be sent forward by you on my journey to Judea. 17 When I therefore was thus determined, did I show fickleness? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the "Yes, yes" and the "No, no?" 18 But as God is faithful, our word toward you was not "Yes and no." 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not "Yes and no," but in him is "Yes." 20 For however many are the promises of God, in him is the "Yes." Therefore also through him is the "Amen," to the glory of God through us. 21 Now he who establishes us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; 22 who also sealed us, and gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn’t come to Corinth to spare you. 24 Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in/by faith.

Observations: 1:1-11 Paul opens with a wish for the Corinthians to receive the blessings of grace and peace from God. He then blesses the God who blesses His people by comforting/encouraging them in all their affliction. The translation of “comfort” is somewhat misleading. The word (parakaleo Strong''s #3870) literally means to “call along side,” not “come alongside.” It is more usually translated “beseech” or “exhort” in the KJV, but in modern times “encourage” is preferred in most contexts. “Comfort” has the idea of “there-there now,” as in comforting a toddler who got a boo-boo on their knee. There is a Greek word for this (paramutheomai Strong's #3888) which means to “speak alongside” and used of folks consoling Mary and Martha over the death of their brother (Jn 11:19,31). The only other times it is used in the NT are in 1Thessalonians 2:11 and 5:14.

The purpose of encouragement is to produce courage for “patient enduring of suffering” (verse 6), not the marshmallow comfort of feeling that something bad shouldn't have happened to you. There is a place for that, but Paul's usage of encouragement, here, and at other places is that of strengthening to face difficulties. So God gives encouragement in tough times (usually through the truth -Rom 15:4 encouragement). When we are weighed down beyond our power to endure, we draw on His power and grace to endure (by abiding in Christ, the Vine, and His words -Jn 15). But God does this, so we can use what we've learned to help others, thus having a fruitful ministry in helping them persevere for the prize (saved=glorification -verse 6). Paul doesn't trust in His strength to endure, but trusts in God who raises the dead (as happened to him at Lystra -Acts 14:19).

Paul's hope on behalf of the Corinthians is sure, because as they partake of suffering they will partake of the encouragement or reward (Rom 8:17). God has delivered, does deliver, and will deliver. The three aspects of salvation (justification, sanctification, and glorification) are in these verses. Notice that the hope is in the future aspect of God's deliverance. Paul considers the prayers of the believers an aid in his deliverance, so that thanks and praise might be given by many to God.

1:12-24 In the second half of the chapter Paul turns to defending himself and message against the accusations and fault-finding of Satan's agents, because he had changed his plans to visit them. In not coming to visit them when they were more engrossed in sin, he was sparing them the judgment they would experience in person. In verse 20 God is glorified as we respond affirmatively to His promises (causing the revelation of His character, actions, and bestowal of reward). In verse 21 Paul states that God “establishes” (as in on a foundation), “anoints” (as in empowers), and “seals” (as protectively mark). Paul says that the Holy Spirit is a down-payment, or promise of more to come (the Spirit of Glory). See comments on Ephesians 1.

Paul mentions an important ministry principle, in the last verse. God gives authority to leaders to build others up in their faith (belief and trust in God's revelation), for them to experience joy (fellow-workers with the individuals for their joy). Sometimes bad leadership is more concerned about their own joy, rather than the joy of those they serve. Usually those who object to authority are not walking or living by God's promises (Heb 11:6), and don't have joy to begin with.

Application: God gives encouragement in difficult times so we can endure, and help others as we've been helped.

Prayer: God, thanks that You give encouragement in response to my prayers and those of others, so I can draw upon you grace and endure for the prize; please guide me in helping others experience Your encouragement. Amen.

2 Corinthians 2 Fragrance of Life or Death

2:1 But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow. 2 For if I make you sorry, then who will make me glad but he who is made sorry by me? 3 And I wrote this very thing to you, so that, when I came, I wouldn’t have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy would be shared by all of you. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you.

5 But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all. 6 Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many; 7 so that on the contrary you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow. 8 Therefore I beg you to confirm your love toward him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

12 Now when I came to Troas for the Good News of Christ, and when a door was opened to me in/by the Lord, 13 I had no relief for my spirit, because I didn’t find Titus, my brother, but taking my leave of them, I went out into Macedonia. 14 Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place. 15 For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are being saved, and in those who are perishing; 16 to the one a stench from death to death; to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.

Observations: 2:1-4 Paul had written the second lost letter (see intro) not to make them sad, but to cause them to repent. Our initial reaction to someone reproving or rebuking us is to think that they hate us; but the opposite is usually the case. Only those who genuinely love us will care enough about our present and eternal destiny to risk rejection in saying something we might not want to hear. The Corinthians were a source of joy to Paul, so he wouldn't want to cause them unnecessary sorrow.

2:5-11 Many think that this section refers to the incestuous sinner from 1Corinthians 5 who had been disciplined by the Body, per Paul's instructions, although some think it refers to someone who had slighted Paul (about which we have no context). The former view has more to commend it, since it does give us a context and instruction for accepting back into fellowship those who repent. By continuing to shun the repentant believer and not forgive them, bitterness would result, a red-flag for attracting demonic attention and resultant defilement of many (Heb 12:15). The purpose of God is not to have us dwell on past sin, but present holiness, and future glory. Satan's purpose is otherwise.

2:12-17 Paul goes back to His change of travel plans, in looking for Titus, who is mentioned eight times more in this book, than in the one that bears his name. Apparently Titus had information about the Corinthians that Paul was anxious to know, because of his concern for them. It was in Troas that Paul first received his Macedonian call (Acts 16:8-9), which resulted in his ministry to the Corinthians. He arrived there through much persecution and affliction. Reflecting on the ministry that resulted, Paul praises God for the victory over the trials that God had given the apostolic band, as they were in union with Christ. Through them, the sweet aroma of Christ was revealed to all, to those who are being saved (present tense) Christ is the aroma of life. To those who reject and are perishing, it is the stench of death. God makes them sufficient/worthy/adequate (3:45) for this honor and labor. Paul doesn't peddle the word of God for personal profit, but speaks with pure motives (sincerity) knowing he will have to give an account to God.

Application: We need to forgive ourselves and others as God has forgiven us, so we can move on, away from our sin, to better and brighter things; otherwise, Satan will use guilt, bitterness, and disunity to disrupt God's plans for our lives.

Prayer: God, thanks that You accept us back into fellowship with You when we repent; may we accept ourselves, and each other, as You have accepted us. Amen.

2 Corinthians 3 From Glory to Glory

3:1 Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as do some, letters of commendation to you or from you? 2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being revealed that you are a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tablets of stone, but in tablets that are hearts of flesh. 4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God; 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God;

6 who also made us sufficient as servants/ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 But if the service/ministry of death, written engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly on the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which was passing away: 8 won’t service of the Spirit be with much more glory? 9 For if the service of condemnation has glory, the service of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For most certainly that which has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasses. 11 For if that which passes away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

12 Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech, 13 and not as Moses, who put a veil on his face, that the children of Israel wouldn’t look steadfastly on the end of that which was passing away. 14 But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away. 15 But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 But whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 Now, we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Observations: 3:1-5 Paul wants to establish his credibility so the Corinthians will listen and follow what he says. But since some would charge him with presumptuous self-promotion, he cites the work in the lives of the Corinthians as his letter of recommendation from the Spirit of God. Wisdom is justified by her children. They, at least the ones who heard and obeyed, fleshed out the word of God in their lives, becoming living epistles. This wasn't a result of Paul, but God working through Paul to bless them, as Paul spoke God's word.

3:6-16 Paul then contrasts the letter of the law which God wrote to tablets of stone in the OT, which produces death for sin, with that which the Spirit wrote in their hearts and results in life. Probably some of Paul's detractors were Jewish (as was the case in much of Acts), so he demonstrates the superiority of the glory of the Spirit in the New Covenant to that of the Old Covenant (much like the author of Hebrews does). Paul was a minister of the New Covenant (see comments on Jer 31:31), specifically that aspect of the Spirit giving life. The OT came with a glory that fades, as shown by Moses losing the mountain glow. The NT has a greater glory, which surpasses that of the Law. The glory of the NT will remain, as the next two chapters detail. This is Paul's hope. Many Jews, in both the time of Moses and Paul's time, reject God's law and authority in their lives, and thus their minds became insensitive to truth and were hardened.

Acts 28:27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."

So they don't respond to the truth and turn to God. But when the Holy Spirit convicts them (Jn 16:8), and they turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away, and they can see clearly.

6:17-18 Paul equates the Lord with the Spirit (see sentence immediately above). Where the Spirit of the Lord is (who now resides in their hearts as a seal – see 1:22) there is liberty, or freedom, from sin (Jn 8:31-32; Rm 6:18) and the law, and death (Rm 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.). Now, having the veil removed, and seeing clearly the glory of the Lord, we are transformed (metamorphosized). This word is used of us in Romans 12:1-2 when we go from being carnal caterpillars to beautiful butterflies, by the renewing of our minds, and of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt 17:2; Mk 9:2) when He was seen clothed with His glory. The former leads to the latter for us. We are transformed into the same image, for one degree of glory to another, as a result of the ministry of the Spirit, who conforms us to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29), as we focus on Him.

Application: As we turn to the Lord, and keep focused on Him, we will be changed into His image.

Prayer: God, thanks for the ministry of Your Holy Spirit in my life, and Your desire to give me freedom and glory; may I be responsive and receptive, and become more like Jesus. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God gives encouragement so we can endure, and share it with others. God always leads those who follow Him into victory.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus shines in hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling those who receive Him to be transformed into His image and share in His glory.

Us in a nutshell: Those who seek to serve God will be welcome by those who seek God according to truth, and despised by those who don't. God's servants are made sufficient by God's Spirit to do His will, regardless of the response of others. Those who respond well, become like Christ, both now, and in the future.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net