Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 37

Paul Declares that ALL Scripture is Breathed out by God Part 1

2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  KJV

In contrast to those of corrupt minds and devoid of the truth of God, Paul declares to Brother Timothy and every one of us who are true believers and followers of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ now and of every era and generation these words (concerning himself) to keep him and us grounded in the truth, "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience," (2 Timothy 3:10) (KJV). First, Paul speaks of Timothy having observed closely his teaching of God's Holy word by saying to him that 'thou hast fully known my doctrine', and the little English phrase 'hast fully known' is translated by the Greek word parakoloutheō which means to follow near, that is, (figuratively) attend (as a result), trace out, conform to: - attain, follow, fully know, have understanding. The English word 'doctrine' is translated by the Greek word didaskalia meaning instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching. In other words, Timothy having followed near to Paul during many of his preaching and teaching opportunities as a missionary and ambassador of our Lord Jesus Christ was able to hear and understand the instruction and information that came from the soul of the Apostle Paul and witnessed the power of God the Holy Spirit take that Word and make new creatures in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Timothy fully knowing Paul and the doctrine which he taught, "The more fully we know the doctrine of Christ and the Apostles, the more closely we shall cleave to it; the reason why many sit loose to it is because they do not fully know it. Christ's Apostles had no enemies but those who did not know them, or not know them fully; those who knew them best loved and honoured them the most. Now what is it that Timothy had so fully known in Paul? The doctrine that he preached. Paul kept back nothing from his hearers, but declared to them the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), so that if it were not their own fault they might fully know it. Timothy had a great advantage in being trained up under such a tutor, and being apprised of the doctrine he preached."

Next, Paul puts Timothy in remembrance of his 'manner of life' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word agōgē (used this one time only in the New Testament) which means (as used here) mode of living or his way of living. In other words, Timothy saw with his own eyes how Paul lived in the world without being of the world as those false teachers were and are today and in every time, therefore, Timothy could recognize those who were false and not from our Lord Jesus Christ, even when Paul would not be near him, just as the Apostle John wrote with these words speaking the same idea or theme, "Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God's Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one that is in the world. These enemies belong to this world, and the world listens to them, because they speak its language. We belong to God, and everyone who knows God will listen to us. But the people who don't know God won't listen to us. That is how we can tell the Spirit that speaks the truth from the one that tells lies." (1 John 4:4-6) (Contemporary English Version). The English word 'purpose' is translated by the Greek word prothesis which means a setting forth, that is, (figuratively) proposal (intention). In other words, Paul's intentions were not hidden or concealed so that he could deceive men and women with flattering speech to gain their confidence and trust all to mislead them for monetary gain, no he only at all times wanted the glory of Jesus Christ and to declare Christ Crucified at every opportunity, just as he wrote to the Corinthian Church these words in his first (1st) letter to them, "And I, brothers, when I came to you, I did not come with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) (Modern King James Version). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning Paul's purpose, "The Greek is elsewhere usually used of God's 'purpose.' But here, as in Acts 11:23, of Paul's determined 'purpose of heart in cleaving unto the Lord.' My set aim, or resolution, in my apostolic function, and in every action is, not my selfish gain, but the glory of God in Christ."

The English word 'faith' is translated by the Greek word pistis which means (as used here) moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God; fidelity, that is, his faithfulness to Christ and to the Gospel. In other words, the Apostle Paul demonstrated a firm, fearless, and forceful faith that did not waiver under some of the most trying and even deadly circumstances one could find themselves as we remember his own recount of many of the hellish things he went through because of his faithfulness to Christ Jesus our Lord and to His word when he wrote this again to the Corinthian Church denoucing the false apostles they had listened to, "I am ashamed to say that we are too weak to behave in such a way. If they can brag, so can I, but it is a foolish thing to do. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Jews? So am I. Are they from the family of Abraham? Well, so am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a fool to talk this way, but I serve him better than they do. I have worked harder and have been put in jail more times. I have been beaten with whips more and have been in danger of death more often. Five times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes with a whip. Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord's followers. I have worked and struggled and spent many sleepless nights. I have gone hungry and thirsty and often had nothing to eat. I have been cold from not having enough clothes to keep me warm. Besides everything else, each day I am burdened down, worrying about all the Churches." (2 Corinthians 11:21-28) (Contemporary English Version).

The English word 'longsuffering' is translated by the Greek word makrothumia which means forbearance or patience. The English word 'charity' is translated by the Greek word agapē which means love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast. The English word 'patience' is translated by the Greek word hupomonē which means cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). In other words, the love for Christ and for what and who Christ loved enabled him to forebear or put up with many indignant, irresponsible, and indecent things done to him giving him endurance to be patiently cheerful under many attacks from the human instruments used by the devil to hinder his progress in dispensing the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God. Note: "Paul's love for the souls of men and women was unflinching, undeterred, and unwavering from the moment he was knocked off his high horse or donkey on the Damascus road, he longed to see every sinner he encountered receive the mercy and grace of God that he had so underservingly obtained, therefore, God's grace and love working through him allowed him to brush off the abuses of men and press forward toward the mark of the high calling he now had in Christ Jesus our Lord and so should we do in like manner."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…