Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 52

Paul Left to Stand Alone at his first Defence

2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

Paul found himself at a somewhat peculiar state and that was he was all alone to answer the Romans for the false charges they seized him and bound him in chains. He stood falsely accused before that vile, vicious, and volatile Emperor Nero (who thought himself to be a god) as he began to declare with these words, "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge." (2 Timothy 4:16) (KJV). The English word 'answer' is translated by the Greek word apologia meaning a plea ('apology'): - answer (for self), clearing of self, defence. When Paul writes, 'no man stood with me', he means that no one was there to come by his side and speak on behalf of his defence. It was not that all of the Christians in Rome at that time shrinked back from fear (no doubt some did), but many may have already fled the city before Paul's arrival due to extreme persecution manifested against all Christians by the hand of evil Nero. The English word 'forsook' is translated by the Greek word egkataleipō which means the same thing as our English definition and that is, to leave behind in some place, that is, (in a bad sense) to desert: - forsake, leave. It was not that the Christians in Rome left or abandoned Paul, but they left behind the pesecution they faced in Rome as our Lord Jesus told the first disciples to do when faced with such a situation with these words, "And when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that its destruction has come. And let those in Judea flee to the mountains. And those in its midst, let them go out. And those in the open spaces, let them not go into her." (Luke 21:20-21) (Modern King James Version).

When Paul writes, 'I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge', he probably spoke directly of the many brothers and sisters in the faith that he mentioned at the end of his letter to the Romans in Chapter 16, for he named almost thirty (30) different men and women of God and none were at his first defence, so he wants our Heavenly Father to not take an inventory of this and absolve them from this betrayal. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about this verse, "Meaning, that when he made his first defence against the charges laid unto him in one of the courts of judicature in Rome, no man appeared in his cause, to speak to his character, to be a witness for him, or plead his cause: but all men forsook him; all his friends, all that came with him from Judea, or from Asia; being timorous of coming into danger, and of the loss of their lives; as the disciples of Christ were, when he was apprehended, who all at that time forsook him and fled: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge; that this sin may not be imputed to them, or they be punished for it, but that it might be pardoned; so differently does he express himself on the account of these, than on the account of the coppersmith; he sinning through malice, wilfully and obstinately, these through surprise, temptation, and weakness."

Finally, here also is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "He had lately been called to appear before the emperor, upon his appeal to Caesar; and then no man stood with him, to plead his cause, to bear testimony for him, or so much as to keep him in countenance, but all men forsook him. This was strange, that so good a man as Paul should have nobody to own him, even at Rome, where there were many Christians, whose faith was spoken of throughout the world, Romans 1:8. But men are but men. The Christians at Rome were forward to go and meet him (Acts 28); but when it came to the pinch, and they would be in danger of suffering with him, then they all forsook him. He prays that God would not lay it to their charge, intimating that it was a great fault, and God might justly be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them. See what a distinction is put between sins of presumption and sins of infirmity. Alexander the coppersmith, who maliciously withstood Paul, he prays against: The Lord reward him according to his works; but respecting these Christians, who through weakness shrunk from Paul in time of trial, he says, The Lord lay it not to their charge. Observe, (1.) Paul had his trials in his friends' forsaking him in a time of danger as well as in the opposition made by enemies: all forsook him. (2.) It was their sin not to appear for the good apostle, especially at his first answer; but it was a sin of weakness, and therefore the more excusable. Yet, (3.) God might lay it to their charge, but Paul endeavours to prevent it by his earnest prayers: Let it not be laid to their charge."

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…

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 51

Paul Warns Timothy to Steer Clear of a very Evil Man

2 Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. KJV

In the Gospels and in the New Testament, there are six (6) references to a man named Alexander given to us and there has been much debate, discussion, and even dispute over who this (Alexander) Paul the Apostle refers to here as he states with these words, "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:" (2 Timothy 4:14) (KJV). This particular man (Alexander) Paul had more than one encounter with according to his words used here in this verse, but who he was is not exactly as clear as we would like. The first mention of a man named Alexander in the Gospels was made by John Mark as it is written with these words, "And they made one who was passing by, Simon a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross." (Mark 15:21) (Modern King James Version). The case could be made that this is the Alexander Paul speaks of, but this man was mentioned only as to document who his Father was Simon, so it is in my humble opinion that this Alexander is not the man Paul wanted Timothy to steer clear of and also he could have even been a young boy. The second mention of a man named Alexander is in the Acts of the Apostles as documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And it happened on the next day that their rulers and elders and scribes, gathered to Jerusalem, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest." (Acts 4:5-6) (Modern King James Version). Surely this Alexander could not be the man Paul speaks of because he was one of the Jewish elders or scribes and a member of the Sanhedrin, that is, (The supreme judicial and ecclesiastical council of ancient Jerusalem) and was not a coppersmith.

The third mention of a man named Alexander was documented for us by Dr. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles here, "And they dragged Alexander forward out of the crowd, the Jews thrusting him forward. And waving his hand Alexander desired to defend himself to the mob." (Acts 19:33) (Modern King James Version). Here we have a case of a man either just a Jew who was in the crowd witnessing what was taking place in the city of Ephesus or we have a Jewish convert to Christ after hearing the Gospel preached by Paul and the others who was being persecuted because of his conversion, so this Alexander surely is not the one Paul speaks of having done him much evil. Paul himself had wrote to Timothy in his first letter of two Christians that he had delivered over to Satan, that is, excommunicating them from the Church as it is written with these words, "This charge I commit to you, my son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before about you, in order that you might war a good warfare by them, holding faith and a good conscience, which some have put away and made shipwreck as to faith. Among these are Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme." (1 Timothy 1:18-20) (Modern King James Version). This could possibly be the Alexander Paul speaks of here in his second letter to Timothy because this Alexander may have never repented of his blaspheme and proved himself to be a false believer and in turn decided and determined to do much harm to Paul and it is my opinion that Paul speaks of this Alexander as the coppersmith that did him much evil. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about who this Alexander was, "This seems to be the same person that was at Ephesus in the tumult, when the Apostle was there, and whom he afterwards delivered to Satan, along with Hymenaeus, for blasphemy, 1 Timothy 1:20. It was very likely he had lately been at Rome, though now returned to Ephesus, and had done great injury to the Apostle's character, and had reproached and reviled him as a man of bad principles and practices; his business is mentioned, to distinguish him from any other of that name, and to show the insolence of the man, that though he was an illiterate person, and in such a mean station of life, yet took upon him to resist the Apostle and his doctrine."

When Paul writes 'the Lord reward him according to his works', he means that what the man had willfully done to hurt the Apostle Paul had not gone un-noticed by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul knew that he needed to take no action of retaliation, rebuke, or revenge upon this man, for it was Paul himself who wrote these very words speaking of what our Lord Jesus would do for us His sons and daughters who were hurt, harmed, and harrassed by others, "Repay no one evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as far as is in you, being in peace with all men. Not avenging yourselves, beloved, but giving place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" (Romans 12:17-19) (Modern King James Version). Paul wants to advise Brother Timothy to keep away from this man all together, for perhaps he continued on in his profession of faith in Christ, but yet he was not a true believer and did evil to Paul and no doubt to others as well, for evil never stops at hurting and harming only one, but the devil desires to bring destruction upon as many as he can reach through the human instruments  he controls, therefore because of this, Paul now writes these words of wisdom to Timothy, "Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words." (2 Timothy 4:15) (KJV). The little English phrase 'be thou ware' is translated by the Greek word phulassō meaning to watch, that is, be on guard (literally or figuratively); by implication to avoid: - beware, observe, save. In other words, literally Timothy keep yourself away from this man at all cost and at all times and in all places where he might be found to occupy. Paul declares to Timothy that this man greatly 'withstood' the Word of God which he proclaimed and this English word 'withstood' is translated by the Greek word anthistēmi which means to stand against, that is, oppose: - resist, withstand. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about this verse, "For he was now at Ephesus; and since he was such a malicious, ill natured, and troublesome person, as well as a blasphemer, an heretic, and had been delivered up to Satan, it was very advisable to shun his company, and have no conversation with him, and be upon the guard against him, that he might have no opportunity of doing hurt to him, or to the Church at Ephesus: for he hath greatly withstood our words or doctrines; the truths of the Gospel preached by Paul and Timothy, which he opposed himself to, and resisted with all his might, and endeavoured to confute and overthrow; and wherein he was deficient in argument, he made up with railing and blasphemy; and this was the true reason of the Apostle's imprecations on him, and why he would have Timothy beware of him, and avoid him, and not the personal injury he had done him."

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…


Sunday, May 19, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 50

Paul's Personal Instructions to Timothy Part 2

2 Timothy 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. KJV

Paul wanted to remind Timothy to bring a few of important items that belonged to Paul with him on his journey to Rome to be with the Apostle there and they are as he wrote with these words, "The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments." (2 Timothy 4:13) (KJV). The English word 'cloke' is not one we use at all during our present era and time, but it is translated by the Greek word phelonēs (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning (as showing outside the other garments); a mantle (surtout, that is, A man's overcoat in the style of a frock coat): - cloke. Either the toga, which belonged to him as a Roman citizen, or an upper garment, which might be needful as winter came on. In other words, again we find Paul to be just a man like any of us today who would want every thing he had available to him to keep himself warmer during the colder days he had to spend in that dungeon before his execution. Paul had left that cloke or coat in the city of Troas with another Christian named Carpus where he had spent seven days there on perhaps his last visit to the city (for this city is not mentioned again in the Book of Acts as a place Paul went to or through) as documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And Sopater of Berea accompanied him into Asia, and Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus as far as Asia. Going before, these waited for us at Troas. And after the days of Unleavened Bread, we sailed away from Philippi and came to them at Troas in five days, where we stayed seven days." (Acts 20:4-6) (Modern King James Version). Paul wanted some books to be brought to him by Brother Timothy and these were perhaps none other than some of the Jewish Scrolls of the Old Testament which Paul no doubt read daily and at this time they had been taken away from him by the Roman soldiers or he had left them back in Troas along with his cloke. But Paul wanted Timothy to especially bring the 'parchments' and this English word is translated by the Greek word membrana (used this one time in the New Testament) meaning a (written) sheep skin: - parchment. In other words, it is the membrane of the sheep that was dried out and used then to write upon as we today use sheets of paper made from wood.

Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "Troas was not on the most direct route from Ephesus to Rome, but was a route frequently taken. In regard to what the 'cloak' here mentioned was, there has been considerable difference of opinion. The Greek word used phelonēs, occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is supposed to be used for a similar Greek word (phainolēs) to denote a cloak, or great-coat, with a hood, used chiefly on journeys, or in the army: Others, however, have supposed that the word means a traveling-case for books, etc. So Hesychius understands it. Bloomfield endeavors to unite the two opinions by suggesting that it may mean a 'cloak-bag,' and that he had left his books and parchments in it. It is impossible to settle the precise meaning of the word here, and it is not material. The common opinion that it was a wrapper or traveling-cloak, is the most probable; and such a garment would not be undesirable for a prisoner. It should be remembered, also, that winter was approaching 2 Timothy 4:21, and such a cloak would be particularly needed. He had probably passed through Troas in summer, and, not needing the cloak, and not choosing to encumber himself with it, had left it at the house of a friend. Carpus is not elsewhere mentioned. He was evidently a friend of the Apostle, and it would seem probable that Paul had made his house his home when he was in Troas. It is impossible to determine what books are meant here. They may have been portions of the Old Testament, or classic writings, or books written by other Christians, or by himself. It is worthy of remark that even Paul did not travel without books, and that he found them in some way necessary for the work of the ministry. Especially the parchments - The word here used (membranas, whence our word 'membrane'), occurs only in this place in the New Testament, and means skin, membrane, or parchment. Dressed skins were among the earliest materials for writing, and were in common use before the art of making paper was discovered. These 'parchments' seem to have been something different from 'books,' and probably refer to some of his own writings. They may have contained notes, memorandums, journals, or unfinished letters. It is, of course, impossible now to determine what they were. Benson supposes they were letters which he had received from the Churches; Macknight, that they were the originals of the letters which he had written; Dr. Bull, that they were a kind of common-place book, in which he inserted hints and extracts of the most remarkable passages in the authors which he read. All this, however, is mere conjecture."

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…



Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 49

Paul's Personal Instructions to Timothy Part 1

2 Timothy 4:9-12 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. KJV

Paul now gives very personal instructions to Brother Timothy whom he expected to arrive in Rome (where he was in prison) as he declares here with these words, "Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:" (2 Timothy 4:9) (KJV). The false idea that many well meaning Christians have of the Apostle Paul being some super saint is certainly brought back down to reality by what we read here from his very longing words written to his friend and Christian co-worker Timothy. Although, some very spectacular, striking, and supernatural things were done by his hands and at his spoken words, it was never Paul doing any of those things, but God the Holy Spirit working through the Apostles tent/house/body to accomplish the will of God for all those things (example Acts 20:9-12). Paul wants Brother Timothy to make an effort to get to him quickly because he most likely knew he did not have much time left before his execution and he wanted to see Timothy one last time here on the earth to receive comfort from him and also to impart more of his wisdom from God on to Timothy. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about verse 9, "From Ephesus, where Timothy was, to Rome, where the Apostle was; and this request did not arise purely from a desire of seeing Timothy, as in 2 Timothy1:4 but rather because he had some things to say to him, relating to the care of the Churches and the good of the interest of Christ, which he chose not to write with ink and paper; and he desires the rather that he would use diligence, and hasten his coming to him; partly because winter was coming on, when travelling would not be so safe and comfortable, 2 Timothy 4:21 and partly because the time of his death was at hand, 2 Timothy 4:7 and also because he was almost alone."

The third reason he wanted Timothy to come quickly we find declared by Paul in the very next verse with these words, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." (2 Timothy 4:10) (KJV). Paul had listed Demas as one of his fellowlaborers in the letter he wrote to Philemon and also sent greetings to the Colossian Church with him included at the end of his letter written to them, but now Paul declares that this man had gone back to a place of safety and security in the present world. Crescens had returned to Galatia and Titus had returned to Dalmatia, but Paul did not declare these two to have forsaken him like Demas, for they must have had to return for some personal or professional reasons. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about Demas forsaking the Apostle Paul by loving this present world, "This does not mean, necessarily, that he was an avaricious man, or that, in itself, he loved the honors or wealth of this world; but it means that he desired to live. He was not willing to stay with Paul, and subject himself to the probabilities of martyrdom; and, in order to secure his life, he departed to a place of safety. The Greek is, agapēsas ton nun aiōna - having loved the world that now is; that is, this world as it is, with all its cares, and troubles, and comforts; having desired to remain in this world, rather than to go to the other. There is, perhaps, a slight censure here in the language of Paul - 'the censure of grief;' but there is no reason why Demas should be held up as an example of a worldly man. That he desired to live longer; that he was unwilling to remain and risk the loss of life, is indeed clear. That Paul was pained by his departure, and that he felt lonely and sad, is quite apparent; but I see no evidence that Demas was influenced by what are commonly called worldly feelings, or that he was led to this course by the desire of wealth, or fame, or pleasure."

Paul did have one believer that remained with him and this was Dr. Luke the writer of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles as he declared with this next verse, "Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry." (2 Timothy 4:11) (KJV). Paul tells Timothy to get John Mark (the writer of the Gospel of Mark) and bring him along with him for he saw him then as useful in the ministry work, but at one time Paul was displeased with Mark and wanted no more to do with him and it caused a split between he and Barnabas as documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And some days afterward, Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brothers in every city where we have announced the Word of the Lord, to see how they are holding to it. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, he being called Mark. But Paul thought it well not to take that one with them, he having withdrawn from them from Pamphylia, and did not go with them to the work. Then there was sharp feeling, so as to separate them from each other. And taking Mark, Barnabas sailed to Cyprus. But choosing Silas, Paul went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God, passing through Syria and Cilicia, making the Churches strong." (Acts 15:36-41) (Modern King James Version). The last man Paul mentioned here to Brother Timothy (Tychicus) is referred to by Paul in his letters as a 'beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord', but he declares to Timothy these words concerning him at the time of his writing this second letter, "And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus." (2 Timothy 4:12) (KJV). For what purpose did Paul send this man to Ephesus and not desire to have him stay there in Rome with him, he does not say, nor do any of us know. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this mystery, "It is rather strange that the Apostle should say, I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus, if Timothy was at Ephesus at this time; but it is probable that Tychicus had been sent to Ephesus some time before this, and therefore the Apostle might say, though writing now to Ephesus, Tychicus have I sent."

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…



Sunday, May 12, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 48

Paul Writes to Timothy his Farewell Oration Part 3

2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. KJV

With all Paul has testified and declared concerning himself in the last two verses, he now sums up his farewell by saying from now on, that is, the moment he steps out of his temporary house/tent/human body he will be rewarded by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ for his steadfastness to the Gospel and his waging warfare against the devil and for his holding fast his testimony of faith in Christ and for his standing for and in the truth of the Word of God and declaring God's whole counsel to every sinful soul he encountered with these words written to Timothy, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8) (KJV). The English phrase 'there is laid up' is translated by the Greek word apokeimai which means to be reserved; figuratively to await: - be appointed, (be) laid up. In other words, the Apostle Paul (as should every true born again believer be) was very confident (not cocky) in having a reward waiting for him at the Throne of Christ Jesus our Lord. What was it that was there in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ laid up for Paul? 'A crown' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word stephanos which means a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, literally or figuratively: - crown.  What type of 'crown' was the Apostle Paul declaring to be laid up for him in heaven? A crown of 'righteousness' and this English word is translated by the Greek word dikaiosunē which means (as used here) specifically (Christian) justification: - righteousness. This crown will be given to every true redeemed, resurrected, and reborn son and daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).

Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the crown of righteousness being laid up, "The happiness of the future state of the saints is signified by a crown, on account of the glory and excellency of it; and in perfect agreement with the character of the saints, as kings; and who are raised to sit among princes, and to inherit the throne of glory, and have a kingdom prepared for them; and this is called a crown 'of righteousness', because it comes through the righteousness of Christ; it is that which gives a right unto it, and without which it cannot be enjoyed; and because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and usurpation, as crowns sometimes are: it is God the Father's free gift unto His children, what they are born heirs unto, and have a meetness for, through regenerating and sanctifying grace, and have a legal title to it through the righteousness of Christ. Moreover, this may be expressive of the perfect holiness and righteousness of the heavenly state, and of the saints in it, wherein will dwell none but righteous persons, and who will be entirely without sin. And this happiness, signified by a crown, is 'laid up'; in the covenant of grace for the saints, which is ordered in all things and sure; and in Christ, in whose hands their persons are, and their grace is, and with Him also is their life of glory hid and secured: and this also is laid up in heaven, and reserved there." The One who places the crown on the head of the Apostle Paul is none other that our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and Paul declares Him to be 'the righteous judge' and by this statement Paul means that He is the only judge of every human soul and that He is a just judge.

You see our Lord Jesus Christ wants to bestow the 'crown of righteousness' to every human soul, but He cannot be unjust or unfaithful to Himself, for every soul must come through Him to God the Father and to heaven, there is no other way (John 14:6), the Muslim, the Buddhist, the Hindu, nor any other man made spirituality or religion will not get the sinner a 'crown of righteouness'. Paul did not count himself as some special privileged believer because he was an Apostle, but he knew that every true believer who looked forward to and loved the appearing or 2nd Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ also has this same 'crown of righteousness' laid up in heaven for each and every one of us of all times. Here again is what Dr. John Gill had to say about all those who love Christ appearing at that day, "Either at the day of death, the time of his dissolution, which was at hand; or at the day of the resurrection, and of the last judgment, when Christ will appear under the above character: and the Apostle further observes, to the comfort and encouragement of Timothy, and others, that this happiness was not intended and prepared for himself only, but for others: that is, His appearing at His second coming; which is to be loved, and so looked for by the saints, not only because it will be glorious in itself, in its attendants and consequences, but will be of great advantage to the saints; Christ will appear unto salvation to them, and so to their joy; they will appear with Him in glory, and be like Him, and enjoy the everlasting vision of Him. The devils believe this appearance of Christ, but tremble at it; wicked men will behold Him, and fear; saints know, believe, and love both Christ and His appearing; and such will wear that crown: the Ethiopic version renders it, 'who love Him at His coming'; all that love Him now, will love Him then."

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…




Sunday, May 5, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 47

Paul Writes to Timothy his Farewell Oration Part 2

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: KJV

The Apostle Paul had already exhorted, encouraged, and even empowered Brother Timothy (with his teaching and with his exemplary life) to wage powerful spiritual warfare against our enemy the devil, as it is written by him in his first letter to Timothy with these words, "Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you are also called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12) (Modern King James Version), therefore, it is well understood that he should testify of his own steadfastness in waging war against our enemy the devil and his invisible devils and his visible two-legged devils with these words, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" (2 Timothy 4:7) (KJV). The little English phrase 'I have fought' that begins this testimony of Paul is translated by the Greek word agōnizomai which is perhaps where we get our English word 'agonize' from and it means to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or generally (to endeavor to accomplish something): - fight, labor fervently, strive. The English word 'fight' is translated by the Greek word agōn which means properly a place of assembly (as if led), that is, (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively an effort or anxiety: - conflict, contention, fight, race. In other words, the Apostle Paul contended or engaged in a constant and continuous fight with the devil and his principalities and powers working outside of human beings and those who fought against him through human beings.

Paul fought against the principalities and powers/demons that worked through human instruments of the Jews during his day as he wrote to Brother Titus with these words, "They must stick to the true message they were taught, so that their good teaching can help others and correct everyone who opposes it. There are many who don't respect authority, and they fool others by talking nonsense. This is especially true of some Jewish followers. But you must make them be quiet. They are after money, and they upset whole families by teaching what they should not." (Titus 1:9-11) (Contemporary English Version). However, Paul recognized that his war was not against human beings, no matter how vehemently they spoke against him or how volatile they became with him and those with him (Acts 19:21-41) or how violate they were with him (Acts 14:19-23), Paul knew that his enemy was invisible as he wrote this very fact to the Ephesian Church with these words, "Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world." (Ephesians 6:10-12) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about Paul's fighting the good fight, "He did not fear death, because he had the testimony of his conscience that by the grace of God he had in some measure answered the ends of living. As a Christian, as a minister, he had fought a good fight. He had done the service, gone through the difficulties of his warfare, and had been instrumental in carrying on the glorious victories of the exalted Redeemer over the powers of darkness."

The little English phrase 'I have finished' is translated by the Greek word teleō which means to end, that is, complete, execute, conclude, - accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, perform. The phrase 'my course' is translated by the Greek word dromos which means a race, that is, (figuratively) career: - course. In other words, Paul now at the end of his spiritual race for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ can look back on his life (not with pride), but with graditude for the grace of God that worked in him mightily (Ephesians 3:7) that enabled and empowered him to fulfill the ministry Christ Jesus our Lord had given to him, just as he had proclaimed he would to the elders of the Ephesian Church with these words before he ever wrote this letter to Brother Timothy, "And now, behold, I am going bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But none of these things move me, neither do I count my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus Christ, to testify fully the Gospel of the Grace of God." (Acts 20:22-24) (Modern King James Version). Note: "The Apostle Paul had run the race of life for the glory of God and not to build himself a temporay kingdom of material things down here on the earth that will be burned to ashes (2 Peter 3:7), but he built a kingdom of souls headed for heaven with him that would last for all eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ."

The English phrase 'I have kept' is translated by the Greek word tēreō meaning (as used here) to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon. The English word 'faith' is translated by the Greek word pistis meaning persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. In other words, unlike those who had apostatized, that is, abandon or turn aside and away from the truth and did exactly what God the Holy Spirit spoke to Paul in his first letter to Timothy with these words, "God's Spirit clearly says that in the last days many people will turn from their faith. They will be fooled by evil spirits and by teachings that come from demons." (1 Timothy 4:1) (Contemporary English Version), Paul had guarded the truth in his inner man by way of the Power of God the Holy Spirit within him, just as he had prayed for the Ephesian Christians likewise with these words, "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;" (Ephesians 3:16) (Modern King James Version). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Paul keeping the faith, "By which he means, not so much the grace of faith, that was kept by Christ, the object, author, and finisher of it, and through His effectual grace and powerful intercession; but rather the profession of faith, which he had held fast without wavering; and chiefly the doctrine of faith, which was committed to his trust, which he had kept pure and incorrupt against all opposition; unless his faithfulness and integrity in the ministerial work should be thought rather to be intended; and which sense is favoured by the Syriac and Ethiopic versions, which render it, 'I have kept my faith'; or have been faithful to my trust, as a good steward of the mysteries of God; not concealing and keeping back anything that was profitable, but declaring the whole counsel of God."

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…

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 46

Paul Writes to Timothy his Farewell Oration Part 1

2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. KJV

The Apostle Paul steps aside for one moment from his commanding and instructing Brother Timothy to now declare to him his farewell speech, that is, Paul had probably received a word from our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ in his inner man that he was coming to the end of the ministry work He had given Paul to do, so he begins his farewell speech to Timothy and to us with these words, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand." (2 Timothy 4:6) (KJV). Paul was not a morbid man, that is, one who was mentally disturbed or horrorfied of death, but he knew that he had done all that our Lord Jesus Christ had commanded him to do from the time he encountered Him on the Damascus road to the present time of the writing of this letter to Brother Timothy and all we true born again believers today and of every time and era. The English phrase 'am now ready to be offered' Paul uses here as a word picture of his going to be with our Lord Jesus Christ is translated by the Greek word spendō which is a primary verb; to pour out as a libation, that is, (figuratively) to devote (one's life or blood, as a sacrifice) ('spend'): - (be ready to) be offered. In other words, from the moment the Apostle Paul was knocked off his horse or donkey on the Damascus road by our Lord Jesus Christ, he considered the remainder of his life as a pilgrim and sojourner on the earth as a daily living sacrifice to Him, just as he wrote to the Church at Rome with these words exhorting the Christians there to be and to do, "Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God. Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him." (Romans 12:1-2) (Contemporary English Version).

Paul told the Philippian Church that he would gladly become a martyr for them and for the truth of their faith in Christ Jesus our Lord with these words, "Your faith in the Lord and your service are like a sacrifice offered to Him. And my own blood may have to be poured out with the sacrifice. If this happens, I will be glad and rejoice with you. In the same way, you should be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:17-18) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Paul being offered, "Here the Apostle looks forward, upon his death approaching: I am now ready to be offered. The Holy Ghost witnessed in every city that bonds and afflictions did abide him, Acts 20:23. He was now at Rome, and it is probable that he had particular intimations from the Spirit that there he should seal the truth with his blood; and he looks upon it now as near at hand: I am already poured out; so it is in the original, that is, I am already a martyr in affection. It alludes to the pouring out of the drink-offerings; for the blood of the martyrs, though it was not a sacrifice of atonement, was a sacrifice of acknowledgment to the honour of the grace of God and His truths." When Paul writes, 'and the time of my departure is at hand', he plainly means his death was near at hand for witnessing the Gospel of Christ and standing for the truth of the Word of God.

Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about Paul's departure, "Death analyzes men, and reduces them to their first original earth; it is a removing of persons from one place and state to another; from an house of clay, from this earthly house of our tabernacle, to an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, to everlasting habitations, and mansions in Christ's Father's House. This phrase, 'a departure', is an easy representation of death, and supposes an existence after it. Now there is a 'time' for this; saints are not to continue here always; this is a state of pilgrimage, and a time of sojourning, and which is fixed and settled; the time for going out of this world, as well as for coming into it, is determined by God, beyond which there is no passing; the number of men's days, months, and years, is with Him; and the Apostle knew partly from his age, and partly from his situation, being in bonds at Rome, and it may be by divine revelation, that his time of removing out of this world was very near; and which he mentions, to stir up Timothy to diligence, since he would not have him long with him, to give him counsel and advice, to admonish him, or set him an example." Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the time of Paul's departure being at hand, "Greek: 'dissolving, or dissolution.' So we speak of the 'dissolution' of the soul and body. The verb from which the noun analusis, is derived analuō, means to loosen again; to undo. It is applied to the act of unloosing or casting off the fastenings of a ship, preparatory to a departure. The proper idea in the use of the word would be, that he had been bound to the present world, like a ship to its moorings, and that death would be a release. He would now spread his sails on the broad ocean of eternity. The true idea of death is that of loosening the bands that confine us to the present world; of setting us free, and permitting the soul to go forth, as with expanded sails, on its eternal voyage. With such a view of death, why should a Christian fear to die?"

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…