2 Timothy 2:23-26
2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. 2:24 And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, 2:25 correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth 2:26 and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.
Notes:
Reject foolish and ignorant controversies. Not only reject the false teaching, but reject the controversy. As Christians, we are not to engage in heated disputes over words or doctrines of men. In 24 it says that the Lord’s slave (or bondservant) must not engage in heated disputes, but be kind towards ALL, an apt teacher, patient. This does not mean we do not correct false teaching or misunderstanding of scripture, on the contrary, we are to hold to the standard of sound words, and instruct others in it. In 25 it says correcting opponents with gentleness... we are to correct them, but gently. Not out of anger, not in heated debate, but gently, with kindness and love. We are to love them, and then perhaps, God will grant them repentance, and then knowledge of the truth. Getting heated in debate with someone over scripture or doctrine does not easily convince them to join your side.
Study Prayer:
Lord, I need your help in this one, I easily get involved in disputes like these, and have in the past. Help me not to get so passionate about my beliefs that I step on people to prove myself right. Help me to live in love, and treat all with kindness, respect and love. Hoping that Your love shining through me will draw them to the truth, not my words, which are futile. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
2 Timothy 2:20-22
2 Timothy 2:20-22
2:20 Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. 2:21 So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2:22 But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Notes:
1. The parable of the vessels: Some vessels were for honorable things, like water or wine, and some were for not-so-honorable things, like trash or excrement. Paul is saying that if we cleanse ourselves from the behavior he described in the last section (disputing over words and speculations outside of scripture), We will be vessels for honorable use, set apart, holy and ready to be used by God for good works. We are to keep grounded in the Word, and that will prepare us for use by God.
2. Keep away from youthful passions - leave these things behind, and instead pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love and peace - In the company of others who call on the lord with a pure heart. We are to seek out the company of others who call on the lord and trust him with pure hearts, this will help us pursue the good things listed above, and encourage us in our walk.
Study Prayer:
Lord, again, please keep me from false doctrine. Let not the “ear-tickling” doctrines of men take a foothold in my heart. Let me cling to You and be grounded in your truth, which is found in Your Word alone. Lord, help me to pursue holiness, righteousness, faithfulness, love and peace, and seek out others who pursue the same things. Let me find others who love You with a pure heart, and join with them in a walk with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
2:20 Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. 2:21 So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2:22 But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Notes:
1. The parable of the vessels: Some vessels were for honorable things, like water or wine, and some were for not-so-honorable things, like trash or excrement. Paul is saying that if we cleanse ourselves from the behavior he described in the last section (disputing over words and speculations outside of scripture), We will be vessels for honorable use, set apart, holy and ready to be used by God for good works. We are to keep grounded in the Word, and that will prepare us for use by God.
2. Keep away from youthful passions - leave these things behind, and instead pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love and peace - In the company of others who call on the lord with a pure heart. We are to seek out the company of others who call on the lord and trust him with pure hearts, this will help us pursue the good things listed above, and encourage us in our walk.
Study Prayer:
Lord, again, please keep me from false doctrine. Let not the “ear-tickling” doctrines of men take a foothold in my heart. Let me cling to You and be grounded in your truth, which is found in Your Word alone. Lord, help me to pursue holiness, righteousness, faithfulness, love and peace, and seek out others who pursue the same things. Let me find others who love You with a pure heart, and join with them in a walk with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
2 Timothy 2:14-19
2 Timothy 2:14-19
2:14 Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. 2:15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. 2:16 But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, 2:17 and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. 2:18 They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith. 2:19 However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”
Notes:
1. Lead people to the truth, remind them of the truth, turn them back to the Word of God, and tell them not to wrangle over words or doctrines of men. This brings ruin to the listeners. 1 Timothy 1:3-4. People are ruined by our wordly debates. We need to stop, quickly and efficiently, false teaching wherever it pops up. Do not tolerate it.
2. Present yourself a proven worker...teaching the message of truth accurately. - Accurately is a figure of speech that literally means something like “cutting a straight road.” In regard to the message of truth, it means “correctly handling” or “imparting it without deviation.” Do not stray from the teachings of the word. Do not give room to speculations of men, but hold the Word of God in highest regard. Be a proven worker of the Word, and lead people to the truth.
3. Avoid profane chatter. It leads to ungodliness... basically the point Paul is making in this whole section is to fall back on the Word. Not to give room to “new revelation knowledge” or to new doctrines of men, and to warn others not to do so either. The Word is to be our only source for doctrine and instruction.
4. God’s foundation remains standing. The Lord knows those who are his (and those who are not), and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.
Study Prayer:
Lord, let me be diligent in the study and application of your word. Let me trust and follow it, let me fall back on it as the only source of my doctrine, and the only authority on a Godly life. Help me to teach it to others, to live it out, and to be a follower of it. I pray that you would keep me safe from, and give me discernment about the doctrines of men. Let me not tolerate false doctrine and keep my path straight. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2:14 Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. 2:15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. 2:16 But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, 2:17 and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. 2:18 They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith. 2:19 However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”
Notes:
1. Lead people to the truth, remind them of the truth, turn them back to the Word of God, and tell them not to wrangle over words or doctrines of men. This brings ruin to the listeners. 1 Timothy 1:3-4. People are ruined by our wordly debates. We need to stop, quickly and efficiently, false teaching wherever it pops up. Do not tolerate it.
2. Present yourself a proven worker...teaching the message of truth accurately. - Accurately is a figure of speech that literally means something like “cutting a straight road.” In regard to the message of truth, it means “correctly handling” or “imparting it without deviation.” Do not stray from the teachings of the word. Do not give room to speculations of men, but hold the Word of God in highest regard. Be a proven worker of the Word, and lead people to the truth.
3. Avoid profane chatter. It leads to ungodliness... basically the point Paul is making in this whole section is to fall back on the Word. Not to give room to “new revelation knowledge” or to new doctrines of men, and to warn others not to do so either. The Word is to be our only source for doctrine and instruction.
4. God’s foundation remains standing. The Lord knows those who are his (and those who are not), and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.
Study Prayer:
Lord, let me be diligent in the study and application of your word. Let me trust and follow it, let me fall back on it as the only source of my doctrine, and the only authority on a Godly life. Help me to teach it to others, to live it out, and to be a follower of it. I pray that you would keep me safe from, and give me discernment about the doctrines of men. Let me not tolerate false doctrine and keep my path straight. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
2 Timothy 2:8-13
2 Timothy 2:8-13
2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel, 2:9 for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God’s message is not imprisoned! 2:10 So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory. 2:11 This saying is trustworthy:
If we died with him, we will also live with him.
2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with him.
If we deny him, he will also deny us.
2:13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.
Notes:
1. Paul’s gospel is Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendent of David. In other words, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who was raised from the dead. Paul’s gospel was Jesus, solely Jesus. Sometimes it’s so easy to throw so many other things in our message about Christ, and we forget to just preach Christ, crucified and raised from the dead. In 1 Corinthians 2:2 Paul states “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” That should be our resolution and our plan when around non-believers, to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. It’s all about Jesus.
2. Paul suffered for that gospel, he was imprisoned, he was beaten. But, his joy was in the fact that God’s word was not chained! He rejoiced in the knowledge that God’s word cannot be held back, it will break through. So, because of that, he endured all the things that had been done to him, for the sake of the chosen, that they may obtain salvation. Side note, Paul endured so that God would, through him, save “the elect”, or the chosen... and his wording implies that their obtaining salvation was in some way dependent on him spreading the message. This gives further credence to an earlier note of mine that I believe the election of God is a people, him choosing a people for himself and not necessarily choosing certain individuals over others. That said, God knows all things, the future included, so He knows the ones who will accept him, and thus can “choose” them, being the God who knows the future, and the God who searches the hearts of man.
3. If we died with Him, we will live with Him. If we endure, we will reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will deny us. If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. - This is a beautiful and tough section of scripture, there is hope, and there is warning. Hope that if we follow, Christ, 1st there is life after death, 2nd, if we endure, we will reign with Him, we will be rewarded. A warning that if we deny Christ, He will deny us. Does this deny mean momentarily becoming afraid of your circumstances and denying that you know Him as Peter did? I don’t think so, because Christ did not deny peter, obviously. What does this mean then? I believe that this refers to a full and final denial of Christ’s rule over your heart. If we, after knowing Him, deny him outright, turn our backs on Him fully, and renounce our faith and relationship with him fully, He will deny us. That’s hard to get around... especially when we’ve been raised to believe “once saved always saved”. OK, now some of you are going to lose me here, and put up your blinders, because you’re thinking, “oh great, here’s another guy telling me I have to live a certain way or I will lose my salvation...” WAIT! NO! That’s not what I’m saying at all. The next verse after this one completely refutes that line of thought... I am not saying that you can LOSE your salvation. I’m saying that if we CHOOSE, in the end, finally and fully to renounce our life in Christ, and deny him his reign over our hearts, and say “I’m not going to follow or believe in You”, He will deny us. It is the only unforgivable sin, it is blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Not losing your salvation. You cannot lose your salvation, as if it was a hat you were carrying around and left somewhere. No, salvation is a FREE gift that we do not need to hold on to, it holds on to us. But, we can choose to deny Christ, and give up our salvation willingly. We can tell Christ that we no longer want anything to do with Him, and deny His Spirit life in our hearts. That is denying him. OK, no past the hard stuff, to the good stuff! “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.” This is such a beautiful promise! If we get lost along the way, if we take a wrong turn, if we get wrapped up in sin, if we commit spiritual adultery, if we don’t have faith, GOD REMAINS FAITHFUL! He holds on to us, he always takes us back, He always forgives, He always remains faithful. God is a shepherd, He will seek us out and find us, He will, by all means necessary bring us back to Him. This is why you cannot lose your salvation, our salvation is not a matter of works, but grace. It is God’s grace that holds us, that draws us, that saves us. You cannot backslide far enough to get away from God, He is always there. He will always rescue you, if you let Him. What a great reassurance. Oh how He loves us! He is jealous for us, and will pursue us! What a wonderful, loving father.
Study Prayer:
Oh, Lord, thank you for your love for us! That you that you always take us back, and that you always pursue us. Thank you for loving us like a father and sacrificing your son so that we may live. Thank you for remaining faithful when we stray from you Lord. Father help us to live in a manner that reflects Christ and Him crucified. Let us remember that in all our dealings with non-believers, and act accordingly. Let us not muddy the waters with doctrines of men or religious styles or teachings of works. Let us resolve to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified, so that we may live. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel, 2:9 for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God’s message is not imprisoned! 2:10 So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory. 2:11 This saying is trustworthy:
If we died with him, we will also live with him.
2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with him.
If we deny him, he will also deny us.
2:13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.
Notes:
1. Paul’s gospel is Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendent of David. In other words, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who was raised from the dead. Paul’s gospel was Jesus, solely Jesus. Sometimes it’s so easy to throw so many other things in our message about Christ, and we forget to just preach Christ, crucified and raised from the dead. In 1 Corinthians 2:2 Paul states “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” That should be our resolution and our plan when around non-believers, to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. It’s all about Jesus.
2. Paul suffered for that gospel, he was imprisoned, he was beaten. But, his joy was in the fact that God’s word was not chained! He rejoiced in the knowledge that God’s word cannot be held back, it will break through. So, because of that, he endured all the things that had been done to him, for the sake of the chosen, that they may obtain salvation. Side note, Paul endured so that God would, through him, save “the elect”, or the chosen... and his wording implies that their obtaining salvation was in some way dependent on him spreading the message. This gives further credence to an earlier note of mine that I believe the election of God is a people, him choosing a people for himself and not necessarily choosing certain individuals over others. That said, God knows all things, the future included, so He knows the ones who will accept him, and thus can “choose” them, being the God who knows the future, and the God who searches the hearts of man.
3. If we died with Him, we will live with Him. If we endure, we will reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will deny us. If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. - This is a beautiful and tough section of scripture, there is hope, and there is warning. Hope that if we follow, Christ, 1st there is life after death, 2nd, if we endure, we will reign with Him, we will be rewarded. A warning that if we deny Christ, He will deny us. Does this deny mean momentarily becoming afraid of your circumstances and denying that you know Him as Peter did? I don’t think so, because Christ did not deny peter, obviously. What does this mean then? I believe that this refers to a full and final denial of Christ’s rule over your heart. If we, after knowing Him, deny him outright, turn our backs on Him fully, and renounce our faith and relationship with him fully, He will deny us. That’s hard to get around... especially when we’ve been raised to believe “once saved always saved”. OK, now some of you are going to lose me here, and put up your blinders, because you’re thinking, “oh great, here’s another guy telling me I have to live a certain way or I will lose my salvation...” WAIT! NO! That’s not what I’m saying at all. The next verse after this one completely refutes that line of thought... I am not saying that you can LOSE your salvation. I’m saying that if we CHOOSE, in the end, finally and fully to renounce our life in Christ, and deny him his reign over our hearts, and say “I’m not going to follow or believe in You”, He will deny us. It is the only unforgivable sin, it is blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Not losing your salvation. You cannot lose your salvation, as if it was a hat you were carrying around and left somewhere. No, salvation is a FREE gift that we do not need to hold on to, it holds on to us. But, we can choose to deny Christ, and give up our salvation willingly. We can tell Christ that we no longer want anything to do with Him, and deny His Spirit life in our hearts. That is denying him. OK, no past the hard stuff, to the good stuff! “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.” This is such a beautiful promise! If we get lost along the way, if we take a wrong turn, if we get wrapped up in sin, if we commit spiritual adultery, if we don’t have faith, GOD REMAINS FAITHFUL! He holds on to us, he always takes us back, He always forgives, He always remains faithful. God is a shepherd, He will seek us out and find us, He will, by all means necessary bring us back to Him. This is why you cannot lose your salvation, our salvation is not a matter of works, but grace. It is God’s grace that holds us, that draws us, that saves us. You cannot backslide far enough to get away from God, He is always there. He will always rescue you, if you let Him. What a great reassurance. Oh how He loves us! He is jealous for us, and will pursue us! What a wonderful, loving father.
Study Prayer:
Oh, Lord, thank you for your love for us! That you that you always take us back, and that you always pursue us. Thank you for loving us like a father and sacrificing your son so that we may live. Thank you for remaining faithful when we stray from you Lord. Father help us to live in a manner that reflects Christ and Him crucified. Let us remember that in all our dealings with non-believers, and act accordingly. Let us not muddy the waters with doctrines of men or religious styles or teachings of works. Let us resolve to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified, so that we may live. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
2 Timothy 2:4-7
2 Timothy 2:4-7
2:4 No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him. 2:5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules. 2:6 The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. 2:7 Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this.
Notes:
1. As a soldier who is visiting a foreign land on assignment does not get too involved in the local life, so are we to be in this world. We are just visiting, just passing through, spreading the message about our homeland and inviting others to join us. Our life is to be devoted solely to the purpose of pleasing Him who recruited us. To be devoted to being about his business, not ours, not this world’s.
2. If anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned unless he competes according to the rules. In the ancient world, these rules included not only rules in effect during the competition, but also during training. We are to train and compete as if we want to win that crown. Training hard, and following the rules. Again, not getting entangled in the affairs of this world, but setting our eyes on the goal, which is life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share... To me, this alludes to the fact that although we compete, there is a prize at the end of the road. That God will reward his good and faithful servants, not only with eternal life, but much more. Riches and mansions, etc. in the life to come. Christ has gone to prepare a place for us, and the runners who run hard will be given a great reward, treasure in heaven.
4. Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding... I believe this applies to all of scripture, not just this section. We are to think about the word, and the meanings, not just read. We are to use our minds, and allow the Lord to give us the understanding that He wants to give us in it.
2:4 No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him. 2:5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules. 2:6 The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. 2:7 Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this.
Notes:
1. As a soldier who is visiting a foreign land on assignment does not get too involved in the local life, so are we to be in this world. We are just visiting, just passing through, spreading the message about our homeland and inviting others to join us. Our life is to be devoted solely to the purpose of pleasing Him who recruited us. To be devoted to being about his business, not ours, not this world’s.
2. If anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned unless he competes according to the rules. In the ancient world, these rules included not only rules in effect during the competition, but also during training. We are to train and compete as if we want to win that crown. Training hard, and following the rules. Again, not getting entangled in the affairs of this world, but setting our eyes on the goal, which is life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share... To me, this alludes to the fact that although we compete, there is a prize at the end of the road. That God will reward his good and faithful servants, not only with eternal life, but much more. Riches and mansions, etc. in the life to come. Christ has gone to prepare a place for us, and the runners who run hard will be given a great reward, treasure in heaven.
4. Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding... I believe this applies to all of scripture, not just this section. We are to think about the word, and the meanings, not just read. We are to use our minds, and allow the Lord to give us the understanding that He wants to give us in it.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
2 Timothy 2:1-3
2 Timothy 2:1-3
2:1 So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:2 And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. 2:3 Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Notes:
1. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ - Be strong in grace, what does that mean? What is Grace then? Is it just forgiveness? No, Grace is so much more, otherwise Paul would be saying be strong in the forgiveness you’ve received. That doesn’t make much sense. No, grace is much more than forgiveness. Grace is power, grace is strength, grace is the life in the Spirit. We always have the Spirit with us, but do we always live by the Spirit? No. That is what Paul is urging Timothy to do here, be strong in the grace that Christ has given him. To, by the Spirit of God who lives in him, live a holy life, life a life set apart, to love fully and unconditionally, to trust God, to live not by his own strength, but by God’s strength and power inside of him. To persevere, because God is his strength.
2. Entrust... to other faithful people who will competently teach others. Paul is telling Timothy to raise up other leaders, to discern faithful people to whom he can entrust the Gospel truth, and raise them up to lead others. As a leader, you should always be looking for other leaders (not necessarily so named yet) that you can raise up and train in the truth. People who love the lord, and are faithful in their walk, who can be trusted to share the gospel responsibly. As Christians and leaders, we are to perpetuate ourselves. To be continually growing and strengthening the body of Christ.
3. Take your share of the suffering. When the trials and persecutions come, realize that they are being allowed into your life by God. Walk through them boldly and with the strength that the Holy Spirit provides.
Study Prayer:
Lord, Thank you for this day, thank you for your grace and love and your kindness towards me. I pray that you would remind me of the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Remind me of the power that I have available to me in your spirit. Help me to live in your spirit, to listen and obey, to allow him to move through me and work in me. FIll me anew with your spirit lord, and accomplish your work in me. I pray that your life and light would shine boldly through me, and that it would be evident to ALL that I come into contact with that YOU are my God, and that you live inside of me and work in me and through me. Please accomplish this by the power of your Spirit, Lord. Help me to be strong in the grace that is in Christ. Lord, I pray that you would make me a leader and a teacher. Help me to entrust the gifts you’ve given me to others who will be faithful in serving and following you lord. I pray that you would put people on my heart whom I can raise up and lift up and encourage in their walks with you. I pray also that with that, you would help me to be bolder in sharing my faith, both with non-believers, and with believers. Please help me to be bold about who I am and where you’ve brought me, and what you’ve taught me, not in a prideful sense, but in a sense that I would desire to share and encourage and grow. Let me use the wisdom you’ve given me to encourage others, and not just hold it to myself. Lord, I have not experienced much, if any, suffering for you. I pray that when it comes, that I would take it as your servant, and by your Spirit be bold and courageous and strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2:1 So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:2 And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. 2:3 Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Notes:
1. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ - Be strong in grace, what does that mean? What is Grace then? Is it just forgiveness? No, Grace is so much more, otherwise Paul would be saying be strong in the forgiveness you’ve received. That doesn’t make much sense. No, grace is much more than forgiveness. Grace is power, grace is strength, grace is the life in the Spirit. We always have the Spirit with us, but do we always live by the Spirit? No. That is what Paul is urging Timothy to do here, be strong in the grace that Christ has given him. To, by the Spirit of God who lives in him, live a holy life, life a life set apart, to love fully and unconditionally, to trust God, to live not by his own strength, but by God’s strength and power inside of him. To persevere, because God is his strength.
2. Entrust... to other faithful people who will competently teach others. Paul is telling Timothy to raise up other leaders, to discern faithful people to whom he can entrust the Gospel truth, and raise them up to lead others. As a leader, you should always be looking for other leaders (not necessarily so named yet) that you can raise up and train in the truth. People who love the lord, and are faithful in their walk, who can be trusted to share the gospel responsibly. As Christians and leaders, we are to perpetuate ourselves. To be continually growing and strengthening the body of Christ.
3. Take your share of the suffering. When the trials and persecutions come, realize that they are being allowed into your life by God. Walk through them boldly and with the strength that the Holy Spirit provides.
Study Prayer:
Lord, Thank you for this day, thank you for your grace and love and your kindness towards me. I pray that you would remind me of the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Remind me of the power that I have available to me in your spirit. Help me to live in your spirit, to listen and obey, to allow him to move through me and work in me. FIll me anew with your spirit lord, and accomplish your work in me. I pray that your life and light would shine boldly through me, and that it would be evident to ALL that I come into contact with that YOU are my God, and that you live inside of me and work in me and through me. Please accomplish this by the power of your Spirit, Lord. Help me to be strong in the grace that is in Christ. Lord, I pray that you would make me a leader and a teacher. Help me to entrust the gifts you’ve given me to others who will be faithful in serving and following you lord. I pray that you would put people on my heart whom I can raise up and lift up and encourage in their walks with you. I pray also that with that, you would help me to be bolder in sharing my faith, both with non-believers, and with believers. Please help me to be bold about who I am and where you’ve brought me, and what you’ve taught me, not in a prideful sense, but in a sense that I would desire to share and encourage and grow. Let me use the wisdom you’ve given me to encourage others, and not just hold it to myself. Lord, I have not experienced much, if any, suffering for you. I pray that when it comes, that I would take it as your servant, and by your Spirit be bold and courageous and strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
2 Timothy 1:15-18
2 Timothy 1:15-18 (NET)
1:15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 1:16 May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment. 1:17 But when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me. 1:18 May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well all the ways he served me in Ephesus.
Notes:
1. Everyone in asia deserted him... Is he being literal, or figurative? He may be referring to the leaders, or to all. It seems to me that he is referring to the leaders and elders he had in place in Asia. Why did they desert him? There are two valid theories, one is that they deserted him because they doubted and downplayed his authority in Christ as their leader. Paul addresses this several times in his letters, and refers to people speaking badly about him. The other is that the people were scared and in hiding under the persecution of Nero, who was executing Christians en masse. Either way, Paul was left nearly alone, the people who were supposed to be there for him were not. He must have felt very alone. Yet, he clung to the Lord, and did not give up himself. He allowed Christ to be his strength, and even in the midst of his suffering and solitude, he was encouraging Timothy and building him up. He allowed himself to be used as an example of how to endure persecution, of how to cling to Christ through suffering.
2. Onesiphorus was one man who stood by Paul in his imprisonment. He was a man of Godly character. He was bold and not ashamed to be called a christian, and not ashamed to be associated with Paul. He must have set himself at great risk to travel through rome asking people where he could find Paul, especially during those times, when the Emperor had Christians burned as torches for his court and fed to lions and did all sorts of horrible things to them. I want to be bold and unafraid/unashamed like that.
1:15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 1:16 May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment. 1:17 But when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me. 1:18 May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well all the ways he served me in Ephesus.
Notes:
1. Everyone in asia deserted him... Is he being literal, or figurative? He may be referring to the leaders, or to all. It seems to me that he is referring to the leaders and elders he had in place in Asia. Why did they desert him? There are two valid theories, one is that they deserted him because they doubted and downplayed his authority in Christ as their leader. Paul addresses this several times in his letters, and refers to people speaking badly about him. The other is that the people were scared and in hiding under the persecution of Nero, who was executing Christians en masse. Either way, Paul was left nearly alone, the people who were supposed to be there for him were not. He must have felt very alone. Yet, he clung to the Lord, and did not give up himself. He allowed Christ to be his strength, and even in the midst of his suffering and solitude, he was encouraging Timothy and building him up. He allowed himself to be used as an example of how to endure persecution, of how to cling to Christ through suffering.
2. Onesiphorus was one man who stood by Paul in his imprisonment. He was a man of Godly character. He was bold and not ashamed to be called a christian, and not ashamed to be associated with Paul. He must have set himself at great risk to travel through rome asking people where he could find Paul, especially during those times, when the Emperor had Christians burned as torches for his court and fed to lions and did all sorts of horrible things to them. I want to be bold and unafraid/unashamed like that.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
2 Timothy 1:11-14
2 Timothy 1:11-14
1:11 For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher. 1:12 Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day. 1:13 Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1:14 Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
Notes:
1. Paul was appointed an apostle and teacher FOR the gospel... He was appointed to protect it and keep it and teach it, and keep it pure and Holy. We need to take a stand for the truth of the Gospel, for the Truth of the Bible, we need to protect and defend it. We need to do our research and be ready to give a defense for our faith, and our faith in the Bible and it’s veracity. God may not have appointed each of us as a teacher or an apostle, but he has entrusted each of us with His word. Lord, fill me with knowledge of your word, teach it to me, help me to know how to prove its veracity. Make me a protector of your word, at least to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Because of that, Paul suffered... We need to expect to suffer for the gospel.
3. Paul was not ashamed, even though he would suffer, why? Because he know THE ONE in whom his faith was set, and was convinced that GOD was able to protect what GOD had entrusted to Paul until the end... and He has! God has protected His word, it’s one of the most well-preserved and documented texts in the history of the world. We need to trust that God is not going to let Christianity fall by the wayside and let his word be trampled down.
4. Hold to the standard of sound words... with faith and love that are in Christ. We, as Christians know the truth, we need to hold fast to it, and not be swayed by new doctrines or new ideas or new info about the bible, etc... And we need to do that with Faith in God and love towards others, not be harsh, or defensive, but trusting that God is in control, and we don’t need to defend him, we need to hold fast and teach the truth in Love.
5. Protect that good thing entrusted... through the Spirit. Through the spirit of God, we need to protect what God has entrusted us with. His message, His hope...
1:11 For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher. 1:12 Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day. 1:13 Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1:14 Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
Notes:
1. Paul was appointed an apostle and teacher FOR the gospel... He was appointed to protect it and keep it and teach it, and keep it pure and Holy. We need to take a stand for the truth of the Gospel, for the Truth of the Bible, we need to protect and defend it. We need to do our research and be ready to give a defense for our faith, and our faith in the Bible and it’s veracity. God may not have appointed each of us as a teacher or an apostle, but he has entrusted each of us with His word. Lord, fill me with knowledge of your word, teach it to me, help me to know how to prove its veracity. Make me a protector of your word, at least to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Because of that, Paul suffered... We need to expect to suffer for the gospel.
3. Paul was not ashamed, even though he would suffer, why? Because he know THE ONE in whom his faith was set, and was convinced that GOD was able to protect what GOD had entrusted to Paul until the end... and He has! God has protected His word, it’s one of the most well-preserved and documented texts in the history of the world. We need to trust that God is not going to let Christianity fall by the wayside and let his word be trampled down.
4. Hold to the standard of sound words... with faith and love that are in Christ. We, as Christians know the truth, we need to hold fast to it, and not be swayed by new doctrines or new ideas or new info about the bible, etc... And we need to do that with Faith in God and love towards others, not be harsh, or defensive, but trusting that God is in control, and we don’t need to defend him, we need to hold fast and teach the truth in Love.
5. Protect that good thing entrusted... through the Spirit. Through the spirit of God, we need to protect what God has entrusted us with. His message, His hope...
Friday, February 1, 2008
2 Timothy 1:9-10
2 Timothy 1:9-10
1:9 He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 1:10 but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!
Notes:
1. God is the one who saved us, through Christ... He is also the one who called us. It seems fairly clear that God’s involvement in bringing us around to faith, and thus salvation, is more than simply having put the message out there, and whomever finds it and believes will be saved. No, God has put the message out there, but it is also He who calls us, He who draws us, by His Holy Spirit, according to His purpose.
This leaves us with the question of why God would choose some of us, but not others. Is it as the calvinists assume, and solely by His discretion, and He chooses whom He will and lets the rest burn? I don’t see that as lining up with the character of the God of the Bible, the loving God who “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Tim 2:4, Not to mention the fact that scripture clearly states in several places that ALL who believe in the name of Christ will be saved. I can see how one could come to that conclusion, but for me to get there, I have to take individual portions of scripture out of the context of the rest of the scripture and the overall message of the Bible...
So, we have to reconcile this. God chooses us, but at the same time, we have to choose Him. Some assert that He called a people for himself, not specifying which specific people, but a nation for himself, of those who would believe. And out of that, He calls people to himself by his Spirit, and those who respond are saved. This is a valid argument, but I’m not sure that I can get there myself. There seems to be too many references to personal calls for me to fall there. Where I currently stand, and I am by no means stating that I am definitely correct in this, we won’t ever fully know the truth about this until we get to heaven, is that God is the God who searches the hearts of man. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He, out of his knowledge of us, calls us and draws us to himself based on His knowledge of us, based on His knowledge of whether we will choose Him or not, based on His knowledge of our hearts. And once He calls, we have the choice of whether to accept His gift or not... It could be a general call, and he may not be referring to specifics here. God may call many... actually, scripture does say that many are called, but the chosen are few. Why would God call many and only choose a few? Because the chosen are the ones who accept his call or invitation... more on this later
2. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light... How cool! God has died for us, so that we don’t have to fully die, and can live as immortals with Him in eternity. The gospel, the good news about Jesus, is what brought this to light.
1:9 He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 1:10 but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!
Notes:
1. God is the one who saved us, through Christ... He is also the one who called us. It seems fairly clear that God’s involvement in bringing us around to faith, and thus salvation, is more than simply having put the message out there, and whomever finds it and believes will be saved. No, God has put the message out there, but it is also He who calls us, He who draws us, by His Holy Spirit, according to His purpose.
This leaves us with the question of why God would choose some of us, but not others. Is it as the calvinists assume, and solely by His discretion, and He chooses whom He will and lets the rest burn? I don’t see that as lining up with the character of the God of the Bible, the loving God who “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Tim 2:4, Not to mention the fact that scripture clearly states in several places that ALL who believe in the name of Christ will be saved. I can see how one could come to that conclusion, but for me to get there, I have to take individual portions of scripture out of the context of the rest of the scripture and the overall message of the Bible...
So, we have to reconcile this. God chooses us, but at the same time, we have to choose Him. Some assert that He called a people for himself, not specifying which specific people, but a nation for himself, of those who would believe. And out of that, He calls people to himself by his Spirit, and those who respond are saved. This is a valid argument, but I’m not sure that I can get there myself. There seems to be too many references to personal calls for me to fall there. Where I currently stand, and I am by no means stating that I am definitely correct in this, we won’t ever fully know the truth about this until we get to heaven, is that God is the God who searches the hearts of man. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He, out of his knowledge of us, calls us and draws us to himself based on His knowledge of us, based on His knowledge of whether we will choose Him or not, based on His knowledge of our hearts. And once He calls, we have the choice of whether to accept His gift or not... It could be a general call, and he may not be referring to specifics here. God may call many... actually, scripture does say that many are called, but the chosen are few. Why would God call many and only choose a few? Because the chosen are the ones who accept his call or invitation... more on this later
2. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light... How cool! God has died for us, so that we don’t have to fully die, and can live as immortals with Him in eternity. The gospel, the good news about Jesus, is what brought this to light.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
2 Timothy 1:3-8
Study:
2 Timothy 1:3-8 (NET)
1:3 I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day. 1:4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 1:5 I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you.
1:6 Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. 1:7 For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.
Notes:
1. Paul remembered Timothy in his prayers constantly... night and day. Paul was a man of prayer, he took time for it, he made it a priority. He also seemed to put a lot of focus on others in his prayers. Night and day he prayed for others and spent time with the Lord in prayer. I want to be like that. Lord, help me to make prayer a priority in my life.
2. Paul longed to see Timothy, he cared for him, remembering his tears, which seems to be a personal note, and I’m not sure what that refers to. But, Paul was a relational man. He had deep meaningful relationships with people, and here paul says that he would be filled with joy to see Timothy. He also was not afraid to call people out... he held Timothy, his dear friend, accountable to stirring up his gift, and not being fearful or timid, but powerful and full of love, and not ashamed of the Gospel. This is definitely something I need to work on, is my willingness to call people out. Help me in this Lord, as much as I hate asking that, because I’m sure you will give me an opportunity to do that now... :-)
3. Paul calls Timothy to account “Because of this”, because of what? Because of his sincere faith... He’s saying, “Timothy, I know you have a sincere faith, because of that, I encourage you to live it, remember the gift you have, remember the power of the spirit, and be bold!” He’s saying, “I know you want to follow Christ, I know that’s where your heart is, You desire His glory and kingdom. Because of that, I want to remind you...” A good way to start a confrontation with a brother, remind them first that you know they desire to follow Christ, and that they have a good heart there, then remind them about the thing you need to confront them on.
4. What does Paul remind Timothy? To rekindle the gift given him, to not be timid and fearful, but be full of power and love and self-control, which are not our possessions, but are given us by the Spirit. He says to not be ashamed of the testimony about Christ or Paul, but by God’s power to accept the sufferings that may come his way by doing the right thing and by being bold in his faith. This is a lesson I really need to learn in my heart. I get so scared of what people will think. I don’t live with the knowledge of the Spirit’s power living in me... I forget that He lives inside, and gives me power, love and self-control when I need them... Help me with this, Lord.
5. How do these three things apply to being bold in the gospel? Power: Being bold and stating the truth, letting the Spirit speak through you and convict the person. Love: an understanding and non-judgmental heart, kindness and love even when they disagree or harm or threaten to harm you. Self-Control: not getting angry, not responding violently, not speaking out of your own ideas, but letting the Spirit speak.
2 Timothy 1:3-8 (NET)
1:3 I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day. 1:4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 1:5 I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you.
1:6 Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. 1:7 For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.
Notes:
1. Paul remembered Timothy in his prayers constantly... night and day. Paul was a man of prayer, he took time for it, he made it a priority. He also seemed to put a lot of focus on others in his prayers. Night and day he prayed for others and spent time with the Lord in prayer. I want to be like that. Lord, help me to make prayer a priority in my life.
2. Paul longed to see Timothy, he cared for him, remembering his tears, which seems to be a personal note, and I’m not sure what that refers to. But, Paul was a relational man. He had deep meaningful relationships with people, and here paul says that he would be filled with joy to see Timothy. He also was not afraid to call people out... he held Timothy, his dear friend, accountable to stirring up his gift, and not being fearful or timid, but powerful and full of love, and not ashamed of the Gospel. This is definitely something I need to work on, is my willingness to call people out. Help me in this Lord, as much as I hate asking that, because I’m sure you will give me an opportunity to do that now... :-)
3. Paul calls Timothy to account “Because of this”, because of what? Because of his sincere faith... He’s saying, “Timothy, I know you have a sincere faith, because of that, I encourage you to live it, remember the gift you have, remember the power of the spirit, and be bold!” He’s saying, “I know you want to follow Christ, I know that’s where your heart is, You desire His glory and kingdom. Because of that, I want to remind you...” A good way to start a confrontation with a brother, remind them first that you know they desire to follow Christ, and that they have a good heart there, then remind them about the thing you need to confront them on.
4. What does Paul remind Timothy? To rekindle the gift given him, to not be timid and fearful, but be full of power and love and self-control, which are not our possessions, but are given us by the Spirit. He says to not be ashamed of the testimony about Christ or Paul, but by God’s power to accept the sufferings that may come his way by doing the right thing and by being bold in his faith. This is a lesson I really need to learn in my heart. I get so scared of what people will think. I don’t live with the knowledge of the Spirit’s power living in me... I forget that He lives inside, and gives me power, love and self-control when I need them... Help me with this, Lord.
5. How do these three things apply to being bold in the gospel? Power: Being bold and stating the truth, letting the Spirit speak through you and convict the person. Love: an understanding and non-judgmental heart, kindness and love even when they disagree or harm or threaten to harm you. Self-Control: not getting angry, not responding violently, not speaking out of your own ideas, but letting the Spirit speak.
New Series - 2 Timothy
I've decided to do something new for a little bit, and go through a book of the Bible... I'll show the scripture verse, and then my notes on it. These are just my thoughts and observations, but I would love to hear anyone else's as well!
So, here's the first one! The bible translation used for this is the NET bible, available for download from http://www.bible.org. I highly recommend checking this translation out, as it includes all the translators notes, over 60,000 of them to assist in understanding why they translate certain words and phrases the way they do.
Study:
2 Timothy 1:1-2
1:1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to further the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 1:2 to Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord!
Notes:
1. Paul was an apostle by the will of God, not his own will. He did not decide he wanted to be an apostle, and work really hard to get there, he was placed there by God. - I need to remember this, my life, work, and especially ministry are not things that I am to set personal goals for, or try hard to achieve my own standards for, they are things that are to be determined solely by my relationship with God. I need to find out where he wants me to be, What He wants me to be, Who He wants me to be, and be those things through Him. Not of my own strength, because that robs Him of the Glory, and my business on this earth should be about giving God the glory. Lord, help me to remember this and to do it.
2. Paul was chosen and placed as an apostle of God to further the promise of life, or in NKJV “According to the promise of life” - could be either way because of the structure of the greek sentence(see NET note at bible.org), so the translation is either that he was placed as an apostle to spread the news of the promise of life in Christ, or by the promise of life... not sure where to go with that one. Is the promise of life the Spirit, which makes Paul an Apostle by His working? Or is it that his apostleship gives him the purpose of furthering the promise of life in Christ? Either works.... But, if it is by the promise of life, and that refers to the Spirit, it is a reminder that God will bring about His purposes by His strength, not ours, in those who are willing to allow Him to.
3. Why did Paul ask for or bestow “Grace, Mercy, and Peace” on Timothy from God and Jesus? Peace is understandable... he wanted Timothy to have the peace of God, the peace which passes understanding. Grace, I can say that I believe that that is because we need grace every day, not because we are sinners, Christ died for our sin once and for all, but Grace is more than just a covering for sin, that was a one-time act. Grace is the bestowing of God’s favor on us, “unmerited favor”.. it includes strength, love, the Spirit, and everything we need to live in Christ. Mercy, that’s a tough one, is he asking for Mercy for the times Timothy sins? Is he asking mercy for his past sin? No. Is he asking God just to deal mercifully with Him? I think that may be it. We need God to be merciful toward us every day... we need Him to not carry out just judgment on us every day.
So, here's the first one! The bible translation used for this is the NET bible, available for download from http://www.bible.org. I highly recommend checking this translation out, as it includes all the translators notes, over 60,000 of them to assist in understanding why they translate certain words and phrases the way they do.
Study:
2 Timothy 1:1-2
1:1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to further the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 1:2 to Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord!
Notes:
1. Paul was an apostle by the will of God, not his own will. He did not decide he wanted to be an apostle, and work really hard to get there, he was placed there by God. - I need to remember this, my life, work, and especially ministry are not things that I am to set personal goals for, or try hard to achieve my own standards for, they are things that are to be determined solely by my relationship with God. I need to find out where he wants me to be, What He wants me to be, Who He wants me to be, and be those things through Him. Not of my own strength, because that robs Him of the Glory, and my business on this earth should be about giving God the glory. Lord, help me to remember this and to do it.
2. Paul was chosen and placed as an apostle of God to further the promise of life, or in NKJV “According to the promise of life” - could be either way because of the structure of the greek sentence(see NET note at bible.org), so the translation is either that he was placed as an apostle to spread the news of the promise of life in Christ, or by the promise of life... not sure where to go with that one. Is the promise of life the Spirit, which makes Paul an Apostle by His working? Or is it that his apostleship gives him the purpose of furthering the promise of life in Christ? Either works.... But, if it is by the promise of life, and that refers to the Spirit, it is a reminder that God will bring about His purposes by His strength, not ours, in those who are willing to allow Him to.
3. Why did Paul ask for or bestow “Grace, Mercy, and Peace” on Timothy from God and Jesus? Peace is understandable... he wanted Timothy to have the peace of God, the peace which passes understanding. Grace, I can say that I believe that that is because we need grace every day, not because we are sinners, Christ died for our sin once and for all, but Grace is more than just a covering for sin, that was a one-time act. Grace is the bestowing of God’s favor on us, “unmerited favor”.. it includes strength, love, the Spirit, and everything we need to live in Christ. Mercy, that’s a tough one, is he asking for Mercy for the times Timothy sins? Is he asking mercy for his past sin? No. Is he asking God just to deal mercifully with Him? I think that may be it. We need God to be merciful toward us every day... we need Him to not carry out just judgment on us every day.
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