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 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