Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 6

Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 1

2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God; KJV

The rejection of fear for Brother Timothy and for we true believers today and of every era and generation is a prelude, a prerequisite, and a preliminary fact or reality before the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ can be declared in all its completeness and splendor. You see Timothy then and we true believers today and of every era and generation must be convinced of its singularity, that is, its one of kind nature to save the souls of sinful and lost human beings. Human beings have always had trouble with absolutes and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ULTIMATE absolute, for it shatters and completely destroys the hope of sinful man to obtain a beautiful and peaceful life after death apart from Jesus Christ and His Gosepl, as He said with these words clearly, "Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." (John 14:6) (Amplified Bible). These words of truth make the practice of the Buddhist wasteful, wanting, and worthless. These words of truth make the writings and teachings of the prophet Muhammad useless lies and declares Islam to be counterfeit and Allah to actually be the devil. These words of truth make Hinduism likewise a counterfeit spiritual belief and the notion of reincarnation another lie from the devil. The Apostle Paul knew that in order for Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to be true to the truth, he/we had/have to surrender his/our fear to God the Holy Spirit and declare the singularity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the only hope for lost human beings, so he writes these words to him/us, "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God;" (2 Timothy 1:8) (KJV).

Paul is just reiterating, repeating, or restating the very words of our Lord Jesus Christ with the first part of this verse, for it was Christ Jesus our Lord who said this, "Because whoever is ashamed of Me and of My teachings, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in the [threefold] glory (the splendor and majesty) of Himself and of the Father and of the holy angels." (Luke 9:26) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'ashamed' is translated by the Greek word epaischunomai which means basically the same as our English dictionaries definition and that is, to feel shame for something: - be ashamed feeling guilt, embarrassment or remorse. Paul was concerned that Timothy might be open to compromise the singularity of the Gospel by what he had witnessed happen to others, although he deep down knew that Timothy was real, yet he wanted to stir him up and keep him vigilant and sober against our adversary the devils onslaught. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning Paul's exhortation to Timothy to be not ashamed, "Do not be ashamed to bear your testimony to the doctrines taught by the Lord Jesus. Paul seems to have apprehended that Timothy was in some danger of being ashamed of this Gospel, or of shrinking back from its open avowal (that is affirmation) in the trials and persecutions to which he now saw it exposed him."

When Paul writes 'nor of me His prisoner', he means this in a two-fold manner, first he was actually in a physical prison at the writing of this letter to Timothy for preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and being unashamed in so doing, just as he declared to the Roman believers when he wrote these words to them, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) {of Christ,} for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes {with} a personal trust {and} a confident surrender {and} firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just {and} upright shall live {and} shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17) (Amplified Bible). Secondly, Paul describes himself as a prisoner or captive of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to do His will here on the earth testifying of Him always and in all places he goes, just as he declared to the Ephesian believers with these words, "For this reason [because I preached that you are thus built up together], I, Paul, [am] the prisoner of Jesus the Christ for the sake {and} on behalf of you Gentiles--" (Ephesians 3:1) (Amplified Bible). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the prisoner Paul, "The cause of God’s servants is the cause of God Himself. Timothy might easily be tempted to be ashamed of one in prison, especially as not only worldly shame, but great risk, attended any recognition of Paul the prisoner."

Lastly, when Paul writes 'but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God', he means to encourage, embolden, and exhort Brother Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to suffer or to be subjected to or to sustain attacks for standing for the truth of the singularity of the Gospel of Christ and for the unchallenged authority of the Word of God. The little English phrase 'partaker of the afflictions' is translated by the Greek word sugkakopatheō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) which means to suffer hardship in company with: - be partaker of afflictions. Paul will elaborate or go into more specific detailed instructions/exhortations to Brother Timothy concerning him being a partaker with him in the afflictions for Christ sake and for the sake of the Gospel in the very next Chapter of this letter (2 Timothy 2:1-13). This could only be done by Paul and by Timothy and by we true believers today and of every era and generation according to or by way of or by virtue of the power (dunamis) i.e. the miraculous power, the mighty power, the force, and the strength of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who enables every believer to stand for the Gospel, even if it be all alone. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul's instrcuctions to Timothy to be a partaker of afflictions with him by the power of God, "No parent could love a child better than Paul loved Timothy; and, behold! he who could wish him nothing but what was great, honorable, and good, wishes him to be a partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel! Because, to suffer for Christ, and suffer with Christ, was the highest glory to which any human being in this state could arrive. The royal way to the crown of glory, is by the cross of Christ. While thou hast no more affliction than thou hast grace to sustain thee under, thou canst have no cause to complain. And God will take care that if a faithful discharge of thy duty shall expose thee to afflictions, His power manifested in thee shall be in proportion to thy necessities. His load cannot be oppressive, who is strengthened to bear it by the power 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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 5

Paul Reminds Timothy of the Greatness of God the Holy Spirit

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

The Apostle Paul tells Timothy now the very reason why he (and everyone of us who are true believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) should stir up the gift of God in him and in us is, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) (KJV). The Holy Spirit is not just the gift from God to us, but He is God (the third member of the Trinity) in each and everyone of us who have been born again by Him. The little English phrase 'of fear' used here is translated by the Greek word deilia meaning (as used here this one time only in the entire New Testament)  timidity or better, of cowardice: - fear. The little English phrase  'of power' used here is translated by the Greek word dunamis (as used here) meaning force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power or even extreme boldness. The little English phrase 'of love' used here is translated by the Greek word agapē (as used here) meaning love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast: - (feast of) charity, dear, love. In other words, Timothy and each and everyone of us who are true believers 'in Christ' have been in dwelt and eternally sealed by God the Holy Spirit Himself as it is written by this same Apostle Paul with these words to the Corinthian Church, "But it is God Who confirms {and} makes us steadfast {and} establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated {and} anointed us [enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit]; [He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit {and} guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise]." (2 Corinthians 1:21:22) (Amplified Bible).

Therefore, we know that God is All Powerful and Almighty. We just learned this past week of a fellow brother 'in Christ' who was moved by God the Holy Spirit to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a people living on a remote Island south of India. This man was warned about the reality of the danger of trying to go there and make contact with these people (who have in times past killed people who ventured onto the Island they occupy), however, this follower of Christ was compelled by his love for our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14) and his desire to be obedient to God the Holy Spirit (who surely led him to that place) with these words of our Lord Jesus also sounding in his heart and mind, "I tell you, My friends, do not dread {and} be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom you should fear: fear Him Who, after killing, has power to hurl into hell (Gehenna); yes, I say to you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And [yet] not one of them is forgotten {or} uncared for in the presence of God. But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear {or} seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows. And I tell you, Whoever declares openly [speaking out freely] {and} confesses that he is My worshiper {and} acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will declare {and} confess {and} acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns {and} denies {and} rejects {and} refuses to acknowledge Me before men will be disowned {and} denied {and} rejected {and} refused acknowledgement in the presence of the angels of God." (Luke 12:4-9) (Amplified Bible).

Note: "When we grieve God the Holy Spirit (who indwells all of us true Christians), then we cause Him to be inactive in our daily lives and we have no boldness or power from Him to witness for our Lord Jesus Christ, but instead we are operating in the flesh which is of no use or benefit to and for Christ Jesus our Lord and for the building up of His Body the Church." Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about not being given the spirit of fear but of power and of love, "A timorous and servile spirit. This is said in order to encourage Timothy, who was not improbably modest and diffident. Power to encounter foes and dangers; power to bear up under trials; power to triumph in persecutions. That is, it is the nature of the Gospel to inspire the mind with holy courage. Love to God and to the souls of men. The tendency of This, also, is to 'cast out fear' 1 John 4:18, and to make the mind bold and constant. Nothing will do more to inspire courage, to make a man fearless of danger, or ready to endure privation and persecution, than 'love.' The love of country, and wife, and children, and home, makes the most timid bold when they are assailed; and the love of Christ and of a dying world nerves the soul to great enterprises, and sustains it in the deepest sorrows."

The little English phrase 'of a sound mind' is translated by the Greek word sōphronismos meaning (as used here this one time only in the entire New Testament) discipline, that is, self control: - sound mind. Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say concerning the sound mind, "We have only to look at ourselves and see how there are in us a whole clamorous mob of desires, like nine-days kittens, with their eyes shut and their mouths open, yelping for their sustenance; and, further, to mark how in each man there is a voice that says, 'Thou shalt, thou shalt not; thou oughtest, thou oughtest not' - we need only, I say, look at ourselves to know that he is meant to coerce and keep well down under hatches all these blind propensions and desires, and to set sovereign above them a will that cannot be bribed, a reason that will not be deceived, and a conscience that will be true to God. Govern yourselves, or you will come all to pieces. Yes, and what is the use of saying that to men who cannot govern themselves, whose very disease is that they cannot; and who cry out often and often, sometimes before they have gone wrong and sometimes afterwards, 'Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?' It is no use to tell a discrowned and deposed monarch to rule his kingdom. The mischief is that it is in full revolt, and he has no soldiers behind him. As Bishop Butler says, 'If conscience had power, as it has authority, it would govern the world.' But authority without power is but a jest. So it is no good for conscience to give forth proclamations that are worth no more than the paper that they are written on, when my will has been talked over or enfeebled, and my desires and passions have got the bit between their teeth, and are tearing down the road to the inevitable collision. Brethren, there is only one thing that will give complete self-command. If you make trial, I will guarantee that it will not fail. Trust to Jesus Christ; ask Him to govern, and He will help you to control yourselves. That is the noblest conquest that any man can make. 'Every man is a king, and crowns himself when he puts on his own hat,' says our quaint moralist. Wherever you are master, be you master inside your own soul. And that you may, be the servant of Him who alone will make you master of yourself and of the world. In Christ the most timid may 'wax valiant in fight,' the weakest may be made strong, the most self-centred heart be opened for love which is peace and joy, and the wildest revolt in the little kingdom within may be subdued. If we will only go to Him, and trust Him with ourselves, and live in true communion with Him, and in patient exercise of the gifts that He bestows, then He will say to us as of old, 'Fear not! My strength is made perfect in weakness.' His love will kindle answering flames in us; and He who brought the raging maniac, whom no chains could bind, to sit quietly at His feet, will give us authority over the one city which we have to govern, and will make the flesh the servant of the emancipated and enfranchised spirit."

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 4

Paul Inspires Timothy to Stir up His Gift from God

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. KJV

Therefore, because of Brother Timothy's rich heritage, Paul is now telling him that it should not be merely for his reflection, recollection, or remembrance, but it should primarily be a motivating influence in his daily walk with our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to energize him to do the will of God and to get out the Gospel of Christ in as many corners of this sinful world as possible by using these words to him, "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." (2 Timothy 1:6) (KJV). This English word 'Wherefore' the Apostle Paul uses at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word aitia meaning (as used here) a cause (as if asked for), that is, (logical) reason (motive, matter), that is, to call for or to crave or to desire or to require something from someone. The lengthy English phrase 'I put thee in remembrance' is translated by one lenghthy Greek word anamimnēskō meaning (as used here) to remind; reflexively to recollect: - call to mind. The little English phrase 'that thou stir up' is translated by the Greek word anazōpureō meaning (as used here this one time only in the New Testament)  to re-enkindle: - stir up, that is, evoke or elicit again. The English word 'gift' is translated by the Greek word charisma meaning (as used here) a (divine) gratuity, that is, (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, that is, (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty: - (free) gift. In other words, the Apostle Paul is reminding and then desiring and craving and even requiring Brother Timothy to actively and purposefully stir up or revive (give new life and energy to) or rekindle the spiritual endowments/gifts given to him by God the Holy Spirit which are miraculous faculties not found in him naturally, but supernatural gifts given to him for the purpose of building up our Lord Jesus Christ Body.

Just as Paul declared to the Ephesian believers with these words, "And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting {and} the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the Church), [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ {and} the completeness found in Him. So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching {and} wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning {and} cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead. Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way {and} in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). For because of Him the whole body (the Church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints {and} ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:11-16) (Amplified Bible).

Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say concerning Paul's exhortation to Timothy to stir up God's gifts to him, "All God’s gifts are held on similar conditions. They may be neglected, and, if so, will cease as surely as an untended fire dies down into grey ashes. The highest and the lowest are alike in this. An unused muscle atrophies, an uncultivated capacity diminishes. The grace of God itself wanes if we are unfaithful stewards. The gift of the Spirit is not a substitute for our own activity, and the extent to which we possess it is determined by our rousing ourselves to tend the sacred flame." When Paul writes 'which is in thee by the putting on of my hands', he is not elevating himself to being God but he is simply reminding Timothy of himself as being the conduit by which God the Holy Spirit infused, impregnated, and inplanted the supernatural gifts Brother Timothy would need to carry out the will of God for his life. Note: "This laying on of hands by another Christian to another Christian has no power whatsoever in it, but is a symbol and symbolic of ordaining a person for a specific office of leadership in the Church, for it is certain and sure that God the Holy Spirit does not need any human hands to convey His supernatural gifts to willing believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. He can do it anytime and in any place all by Himself."

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 3

Paul Recites Timothy's own Faith and Heritage to him

2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. KJV

Right after the Apostle Paul has completed telling Timothy how much he longed to see him again here on the earth and how often he prayed for him, Paul now recounts the faith of this man Timothy whom he had grown to trust greatly with these words, "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." (2 Timothy 1:5) (KJV). Perhaps Paul had a flash back of memory of the two of them serving our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ in the city of Ephesus or one of the other cities they went declaring the Gospel of Christ and in doing so God the Holy Spirit brought this to his mind. When Paul writes this first sentence at the beginning, 'When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee', he is using these words to encourage, embolden, and empower Timothy to carry on now even with more vigor, vibrance, and valiance than he had done when he and Paul were side by side teaching and preaching the Word of God. The little English phrase 'When I call' is translated by the Greek word lambanō which is a prolonged form of a primary verb meaning as used here to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively [probably objective or active, to get hold of. The little English phrase 'to remembrance' is translated by the Greek word hupomnēsis meaning a reminding or (reflexively) recollection: - remembrance. In other words, the Apostle Paul actively petitioned God the Holy Spirit to allow him to get hold of or recall or recollect or remind himself of Timothy serving God the Father together with him with such fervor and singleness of heart and mind.

The English word 'unfeigned' Paul uses here to speak of the 'faith' he witnessed in Brother Timothy is translated by the Greek word anupokritos used as a negative particle meaning undissembled, that is, sincere: - without dissimulation (hypocrisy), unfeigned. In other words, Brother Timothy was not a pretend Christian but a real Christian who loved our Lord Jesus Christ and wanted to please him with what he did and who he was, for Paul had seen the evidence and the proof of Timothy's conversion first hand over the years they were on the road as traveling missionaries together, for Timothy did not practice spiritual wickedness such as wizardry or witchcraft but instead he purposed to do exactly what the Apostle Paul had written to the believers in Rome when he wrote this, "[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good." (Romans 12:9) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes 'which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice', Paul is simply stating that Timothy grew up in a home where his GrandMother and Mother both loved God and worshipped Him above anything else and they taught Timothy to do the same. They did not teach him about magic or witchcraft (which is evil), but they taught him about the One True God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob 'Elohim'. Despite his GrandMother not seeing the Messiah come in person, she believed in and held hope in the coming Messiah our Lord Jesus Christ all her life and died in the faith of this belief and so her faith was of the same kind as her grandson Timothy. Timothy's Mother 'Eunice' was a Jewess (Acts 16:1) and a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ despite the fact that her husband (Timothy's Father a Greek was apparently a non-believer).

Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say concerning Timothy's heritage in the faith by way of his GrandMother and Mother, "It is always a memorable moment to a young beginner when a veteran lays his hand on his shoulder and acknowledges his devotion. Nor less fitted to warm Timothy’s heart was the praise of his grandmother and mother. It would not only do that, but would make him feel that his descent added force to the exhortation which followed. Whoever might become careless, one who had such blood in his veins was called on to be true to his ancestral faith. One can well understand how such a beginning prepared Timothy for the succeeding counsels. But this was not art or rhetorical advice on Paul’s part, but deep affection. The soil thus watered by love was ready for the seed." When Paul writes 'and I am persuaded that in thee also', he means that Timothy was truly converted to Christ and given the gift of faith by Christ just as his Mother was true to her faith in Christ, even though she lived with and raised Timothy with a Gentile/Greek unbelieving husband. The little English phrase 'I am persuaded' is translated by the Greek word peitho which is a primary verb; meaning (as used here) to rely (by inward certainty): to believe, have confidence in, and to trust. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the certainty of Timothy's faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, "Not only that faith was in him, and that that was unfeigned, but that it also dwelt, remained, and would continue with him to the end of life; for true faith is an abiding grace, it is a gift of God, that is irrevocable, and without repentance; Christ is the author and finisher of it, and prays that it fail not, whose prayers are always heard; it is begun, carried on, and performed by the power of God, and has salvation inseparably connected with it. Now when the same faith is said to dwell, first in his grandmother, and in his mother, and in him, this is not to be understood as if this grace was conveyed from one to another by natural generation; for grace comes not that way, only sin; men are not born of blood, but of God; but the sense is, that the same like precious faith was obtained by one, as by another. This was a rich family mercy, and deserved special notice, as being a thing uncommon, and required a particular thanksgiving; and is designed as a motive and encouragement to stir up Timothy to the exercise of that grace, and every other gift God had bestowed upon him, as in the following verse." 

"Salvation is such a personal thing that it cannot be inherited through Genetics or DNA as is proven in many cases such as with King David and his son Absalom who led a revolt against King David and tried to kill him. But instead Absalom was killed by Joab. This caused David to weep bitterly for his fallen son who had tried to kill him (2 Samuel 18:33), yet David never said of Absalom as he did of his baby son whom the Lord killed 'But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.' (2 Samuel 12:23) (Amplified Bible). King David never said these same words for Absalom because unlike his baby son, he knew that Absalom was not with the Lord. We see that Timothy grew up with an unbelieving Father, yet he became a true believer in our Lord Jesus Christ and it is simply because faith cannot be transferred from Parent to Child or from Child to Parent, but faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from Him to any and every soul who has ears to hear the Gospel of Grace. No person or circumstances or upbringing or ethnicity or anything at all can keep anyone from salvation in Jesus Christ. Remember these words from our Lord Jesus Christ lips, 'Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to part asunder a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a newly married wife from her mother-in-law--And a man's foes will be they of his own household. He who loves [and takes more pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].'" (Matthew 10:34-39) (Amplified Bible)." Mr. Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

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…

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

Paul thanks God for & Prays for & Longs to see Timothy

2 Timothy 1:3-4 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; KJV

The Apostle Paul had just completed his prophecy of grace, mercy, and peace being unto Brother Timothy and now he thanks God the Father for Timothy with these words written to him at the beginning of this second letter, "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;" (2 Timothy 1:3) (KJV). When Paul tells Timothy here at the begining of this verse 'I Thank God', he is using a phrase borrowed from Latin meaning literally 'I have thanks and gratitude to God the Father for you Timothy'. Brother Timothy perhaps became the most trusted and the most fellowship with Brother 'in Christ' that the Apostle Paul ministered with during his ministry on the earth after they met one another. Paul had ministered with many other Christians, including the faithful Dr. Luke who wrote the Book of Acts and the Gospel of Luke, yet Paul mentioned Timothy more in his letters to the Churches than any other person. When Paul writes 'whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience', he means that his service to God the Father then was the same YAWEH that Abraham, Iassic, and Jacob served hundreds of years before he was born, including his very own parents, grand parents, great grand parents and so on. The little English phrase 'my forefathers' is translated by the Greek word progonos meaning  an ancestor, (grand-) parent: - forefather, parent. Paul served God the Father in spirit and in truth and this is what he means here by a 'pure conscience', because he was not diluting, debasing, or destroying the Gospel, but instead standing for it in the Power of the Holy Spirit, which is what has landed him in prison as he now is writing this last letter to Timothy.

Remember this encounter Paul had with some of the non-believing Jews as documented for us by Dr. Luke, "Then Paul, gazing earnestly at the council (Sanhedrin), said, Brethren, I have lived before God, doing my duty with a perfectly good conscience until this very day [as a citizen, a true and loyal Jew]. At this the high priest Ananias ordered those who stood near him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, God is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit as a judge to try me in accordance with the Law, and yet in defiance of the Law you order me to be struck? Those who stood near exclaimed, Do you rail at {and} insult the high priest of God? And Paul said, I was not conscious, brethren, that he was a high priest; for the Scripture says, You shall not speak ill of a ruler of your people. But Paul, when he perceived that one part of them were Sadducees and the other part Pharisees, cried out to the council (Sanhedrin), Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; it is with regard to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am indicted {and} being judged." (Acts 23:1-6) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul serving the God of his forefathers with a pure conscience, "Being born a Jew, I was carefully educated in the knowledge of the True God, and the proper manner of worshipping Him. Ever aiming to please Him, even in the time when through ignorance I persecuted the Church."

When Paul writes 'that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day', he is telling Timothy how much he loved and cared for him and he showed said love by praying to God the Father for Timothy's precaution, preparedness, and protection during his daily walk and sojourn here on the earth with our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul had done many battles with the devil and his principalities and powers and he knew Timothy would face the same fierceness of attack from the enemy, so he prays for him day and night. These words written by Paul to the Ephesian Church were for the whole body of believers there, but it was an especially personal warning/message/reminder to Timothy who was in leadership there in Ephesus (because Paul had placed him there) (1 Timothy 1:3), "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies {and} the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist {and} stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]." (Ephesians 6:10-13) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say about Paul praying for Timothy night and day, "The language of love in absence is the same all the world over. It comes across all the intervening centuries like the speech of today: 'I never forget you.' But love should be sublimed by religion, and find its best expression in 'supplications.' Think of the prisoner in Rome, expecting a near death by violence, and yet telling his young friend that he was always thinking about him, Timothy, and wearying for him with a great yearning."

Paul expresses this yearning for Timothy and his well being with these words to him, "Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;" (2 Timothy 1:4) (KJV). The little English phrase 'Greatly desiring', that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word epipotheō meaning (to yearn); to dote upon, that is, intensely crave earnestly desire (greatly), greatly long after. Paul earnestly wanted more time to spend preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God to Christ Church with Brother Timothy. It was Paul's remembrance of how distraught, dispirited, and downcast Timothy was when he realized that he might have seen Paul for the last time when he left Ephesus to sail to Cos and on to Tyre as it is recorded for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "Having spoken thus, he knelt down with them all and prayed. And they all wept freely and threw their arms around Paul's neck and kissed him fervently {and} repeatedly, Being especially distressed {and} sorrowful because he had stated that they were about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship." (Acts 20:36-38) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say about this verse 2 Timothy 1:4, "How beautiful is that touch, too, that the remembrance of Timothy’s tears, when he had had to part from Paul, fed the Apostle’s desire to see him again! And how graceful, and evidently more than graceful, is the contrast between the tears of Timothy at parting and the hoped-for joy of Paul at meeting! No wonder that such a leader kindled passionate enthusiasm."

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 1

Paul's Greeting to Timothy

2 Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. KJV

The Apostle Paul concluded his first letter to Brother Timothy urging him with deep, dire, but determined words to keep him walking in the truth of the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God. Paul due to his many imprisonments for preaching the Gospel of Christ probably did not know for certain if he would ever get another opportunity to instruct Timothy by way of letter, so he said all that he thought Timothy would need to hear from him to keep him grounded and rooted in 'the faith' once and for all handed down to the saints (Jude 1:3). Now in this second letter Paul is imprisoned for the last time before he will be executed by one of the devil's two-legged devils, so he wants to give Timothy some final encouragement as well as some final warnings to him of how his teachings will not be well received by all who are in the visible churches, however, Timothy (as well as we true believers today and of every era and generation)  must persist in staying true to Christ Gospel and His Word. Paul's greeting to Timothy in this second and last letter to him begins with these words, "Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus," (2 Timothy 1:1) (KJV). Paul was never one to boast or brag about his Apostleship, but when he knew that the letter would be read by others who had not met him face to face (like the believers in Rome) (Romans 1:10) he would assert and acknowledge himself as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, just as he does here in this second letter to Timothy knowing that many others whom he did not know on the earth would read it.

This little phrase 'an Apostle' (for those who don't know) is translated by the Greek word apostolos meaning a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (Apostle), (with miraculous powers): - Apostle, messenger, he that is sent. The little English word 'by' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word dia which is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act. The little English phrase 'the will' is translated by the Greek word thelēma meaning a determination (properly the thing), that is, (actively) choice (specifically purpose, decree; abstractly volition) or (passively) inclination: - desire, pleasure, will. In other words, Paul (whose name was Saul before his conversion) was not seeking this office of Apostleship nor was he even seeking salvation, but he was made a Christian by our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 9:3-6) and then appointed as an Apostle or sent one/messenger of Jesus Christ by or through the determined purpose, decree, and desire of God the Father alone. Paul began his greeting in this manner in eight of his other letters including the first letter he wrote to Brother Timothy. Paul had the authority of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and worked miracles by the Power of the Holy Spirit which confirmed and proved his Apostleship to Timothy and to all the saints who were ever fortunate enough to be in his presence.

Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul asserting his Apostleship at the beginning of this his second and last letter to Timothy and all the saints then, "St. Paul at once shows his office, the authority on which he held it, and the end for which it was given him. He was an Apostle - an extraordinary ambassador from heaven. He had his Apostleship by the will of God - according to the counsel and design of God’s infinite wisdom and goodness. And he was appointed that he might proclaim that eternal life which God had in view for mankind by the incarnation of his Son Jesus Christ, and which was the end of all the promises He had made to men, and the commandments He had delivered to all His prophets since the world began. The mention of this life was peculiarly proper in the Apostle, who had now the sentence of death in himself, and who knew that he must shortly seal the truth with his blood. His life was hidden with Christ in God; and he knew that, as soon as he should be absent from the body, he should be present with the Lord. With these words he both comforted himself and his son Timothy."

Paul now shows how much he loved, cared for and regarded Timothy by these words, "To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." (2 Timothy 1:2) (KJV). These words prove how the bond between true Christians is even greater than that of blood relatives because this bond is 'in Christ' and energized by our love and affection for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ which is in the inner man and inner woman of every born again child of His as it is written by this same Apostle with these words, "Such hope never disappoints {or} deludes {or} shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us." (Romans 5:5) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'my dearly beloved' is translated by the Greek word agapētos which means beloved: - (dearly, well) beloved, dear. Paul was not Timothy's earthly biological father, but to Paul Timothy was his spiritual son in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, for Paul considered himself to be Timothy's example in the faith and he regarded Timothy as a genuine (not fake or counterfeit) son, that is, a real born again Christian with real faith in Jesus Christ only. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Paul referring to Timothy as his beloved son, "Not in a natural, but in a spiritual sense; and not on account of his being an instrument of his conversion, but by reason of that instruction in the doctrines of the Gospel which he gave him, it being usual to call disciples children; and he calls him so, because as a son, he, being young in years, served with him, and under him, as a father, in the Gospel of Christ; for whom he had a very great affection, on account of his having been a companion with him in his travels, and very useful to him in the ministry, and because of his singular and eminent gifts, great grace, religion, and holiness."

Paul begins this greeting to Timothy of grace, mercy, and peace to him just as he had ended his first letter to him with these same words. Again this English word 'grace' is translated by the Greek word charis meaning (as used here) especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude). The English word 'mercy' is translated by the Greek word eleos meaning (as used here) Divine compassion. The English word 'peace' is translated by the Greek word eirēnē meaning (as used here) peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, and rest. The Apostle Paul wants God the Holy Spirit to influence Timothy's inner man making him at all times grateful to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ because of the great Divine compassion Timothy has been shown through regeneration (Titus 3:5) bringing about God's peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) giving Timothy and all we true believers today and of every era and generation rest in our souls. Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say concerning Paul's words of grace, mercy, and peace be to Timothy, "Christ’s Apostle pours his love and benediction over the young servant, and when such lips wish 'grace, mercy, and peace,' the wish is a prophecy as much as a prayer."

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 73

Paul Urges Timothy to Guard 'The Faith'

1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. KJV

In closing this first letter to Brother Timothy, the Apostle Paul now sums up all the commands and exhortations that he has transmitted to Timothy by urging him with these very powerful words, "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:" (1 Timothy 6:20) (KJV). Paul has urged Timothy to wage war (1 Timothy 1:18) against the devil and his principalities and powers working in and through the human instruments to denigrate, defame, and disparage the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Now as he closes this first letter to Timothy (not knowing for certain that he would even have an opportunity to write to him again) he exhorts Timothy with these words, 'keep that which is committed to thy trust', and the little English word 'keep' that begins this phrase is translated by the Greek word phulassō which means (as it is used by Paul here) to watch, that is, be on guard (literally or figuratively); it is the aorist tense expressing action that is needed now and urgency in that action, also by implication to preserve past action) without indicating its completion or continuation.  The human family uses lots of manpower to guard the places, people, and property that is very valuable and important, therefore, how much more diligent should we believers be while here sojourning on the earth to guard and protect 'the faith' which was handed down to us by the Apostles received from our Lord Jesus Christ personally, just as Paul had also exhorted the Church @ Thessalonica to do likewise with these words written to them, "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions {and} instructions which you were taught by us, whether by our word of mouth or by letter." (2 Thessalonians 2:15) (Amplified Bible).

The somewhat lengthy phrase 'that which is committed to thy trust' is translated by one somewhat lengthy Greek word parakatathēkē (used only one other time in the New Testament) meaning something put down alongside, that is, a deposit (sacred trust): - that (thing) which is committed (unto trust). The Gospel of Christ is sacred, for it is the only way any human sinner can be forgiven of sin and reconciled to God the Father, there is no other way (John 14:6), therefore, 'the faith' that is given by our Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit when a human sinner hears and believes the Gospel is likewise sacred and never to be compromised. Timothy then and we true believers today and of every era and generation must hold the Gospel of Christ as such a sacred deposit to mankind and guard it within our inner man and inner woman, then communicate it to others that they might be reconciled to God the Father through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about Timothy guarding what was committed to his trust, "That is, the Gospel, see 1 Timothy 1:11 which is a rich treasure put into earthen vessels, and ought to be kept pure and uncorrupt, and faithfully dispensed, and diligently preserved, that so it may be continued genuine and sincere, and not be either adulterated and depraved, or be taken away by false teachers. And it may also include his gifts for the ministration of it, which were to be kept in use, and stirred up, and not neglected, but cultivated and improved to the advantage of the Church, and of the interest of Christ."

When Paul writes 'avoiding profane and vain babblings', he means controversies produced by teachings that were in opposition to faith alone in Christ Jesus and promoted works of the old Mosaic law or of any kind. The English word 'avoiding' is translated by the Greek word ektrepō meaning to deflect, that is, turn away (literally or figuratively): - avoid, turn (aside, out of the way). The English word 'profane' is translated by the Greek word bebēlos meaning (as used here) that is, (by implication of Jewish notions) heathenish, wicked: - profane (person). The little English phrase 'vain babblings' is translated by the Greek word kenophōnia (used only one other time in the New Testament) meaning empty sounding, that is, fruitless discussion: - vain. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about such profane vain empty babblings, "About the law, and circumcision, and other things, which the false teachers insisted much on, and amused their hearers with; and which were vain, empty, useless, and unprofitable talk. Some copies, and so the Vulgate Latin version, read, 'profane newnesses of words'; or new words, which ought not to be introduced, for they often bring in new doctrines: the form of sound words, the wholesome words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth, should be held fast; and especially all new words should be avoided, which are contrary to them, or in the least weaken them, or detract from them."

When Paul writes 'and oppositions of science falsely so called', he means the great swelling words written by many of the Greek philosophers in that day and before that day, from men like Plato, Aristotle (who learned under Plato and taught Alexander the Great and we know how it ended badly for him). The English word 'oppositions' is translated by the Greek word antithesis (also our English word) (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning opposition, that is, a conflict (of theories): - exact opposite. The English word 'science' is translated by the Greek word gnōsis meaning knowing (the act), that is, (by implication) knowledge: - knowledge, science. The little English phrase 'falsely so called' is translated by the Greek word pseudōnumos (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning untruly named: - falsely so called. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning science falsely so called, "The false teachers boasted of their science and knowledge, but it was not true, solid, spiritual, and saving; it was not an experimental knowledge of the Gospel; it was not the excellent knowledge of Christ, which has eternal life connected with it; it was merely notional and speculative; it was idle, empty, and useless, mere Pagan philosophy, and vain deceit, upon which they formed antitheses, or oppositions and objections to the truths of the Gospel; and even opposed themselves, and the Word of God, as well as the faithful ministers of it. (Knowledge is not determined by a 'show of hands'. Even though the majority of people believe something, that does not make it true. The majority today do not believe in Noah's flood, 2 Peter 3:4. It was so in Noah's day also, but the unbelievers all drowned! Many fervently believe in evolution and try to compromise the Scriptures with it. This verse stands as a stark warning to those who do not try everything through God's Word. Isaiah 8:20."

Paul warns Timothy of some in that day who had professed to believe in God by believing the Gospel of Christ, yet they were pretenders, that is, people who professed beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives, so Paul declares this to Brother Timothy with these words, "Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen." (1 Timothy 6:21) (KJV). The English word 'professing' is translated by the Greek word epaggellō which means to announce upon (reflexively), that is, (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself. The little English phrase 'have erred' is translated by the Greek word astocheō meaning (as used here) (figuratively) deviate from truth: - err, swerve. In other words, some that had announced, asserted, and advertised their faith in Jesus Christ were proven to be liars, for instead their deviation from 'the faith' proved their salvation never happened, because those of us who have been truly redeemed, regenerated, and resurrected by the 'Blood of the Lamb' (Revelation 7:14 & Revelation 12:11) hold fast, firm, and forever to the truth of the Gospel and to the truth of the Word of God. Note: "Some of those pretenders today can be found in great cathedrals/churches, even preaching from the pulpit of such places, yet they don't believe in the Bodily Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the grave and they don't believe that He (Christ) was born of a virgin woman and they don't believe in the inerrancy of the Word of God and many other things they believe not as is recorded for us in the Word of God, yet they profess to be Christians! Please, hell is right now at this very moment filled with souls who professed to be a Christian on the earth, yet they never truly believed unto salvation as declared by Paul in Romans 10:9-10." Paul concludes this first letter to Timothy by imparting to him a blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ 'grace' unto him and this English word is translated by the Greek word charis meaning (as used here) the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude).

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 72

Paul Gives Timothy a Message to the Rich in the Church Part 2

1 Timothy 6:18-19 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. KJV

Instead of and in contrast to those in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ trusting in the temporary things of this decaying, dying, and doomed world, the redeemed, regenerated, and resurrected child of the living God should use those things placed under his or her stewardship to do good with as Paul now instructs Timothy to instruct the rich men and women in Christ Church to do with these words, "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;" (1 Timothy 6:18) (KJV). This little English phrase that begins this verse 'That they do good' is translated by the Greek word agathoergeō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) which means to work good: - do good. It is the desire of our Lord Jesus Christ that we do good to all men (even those who hate us and use and abuse us) Note: "I find myself being tested in this area right now dealing with a lying tenant trying to con me for a whole months rent. Do I evict or not evict knowing that the person never has paid me any rent for the time in question? Sadly, if the lie is continued to be perpetrated, I will have no other choice but to evict." However, our primary requirement from our Lord Jesus Christ is to do good to our brothers and sisters 'in Christ' just as this same Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatian believers with these words, "And let us not lose heart {and} grow weary {and} faint in acting nobly {and} doing right, for in due time {and} at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen {and} relax our courage {and} faint. So then, as occasion {and} opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers]." (Galatians 6:9-10) (Amplified Bible).

When Paul writes, 'that they be rich in good works', that is, bountiful and plenteous in valuable and morally excellent deeds. He means that to be inferred toward God the Father who has placed every rich man or woman steward over His things and so He desires that each one would use some of the Lord's treasures for His earthly work in bringing lost sinners to a saving knowledge and faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Being 'rich in good works' for all we believers means that then we are 'rich in faith' trusting in our Lord Jesus Christ alone to keep His Word to us in supplying all our needs and this must be our aim and desire because of Christ Great love which He has shown to us redeemed sinners just as this same Apostle Paul wrote to Brother Titus to remind him of this same fact with these words, "He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity {and} mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. [And He did it in order] that we might be justified by His grace (by His favor, wholly undeserved), [that we might be acknowledged and counted as conformed to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action], and that we might become heirs of eternal life according to [our] hope. This message is most trustworthy, and concerning these things I want you to insist steadfastly, so that those who have believed in (trusted in, relied on) God may be careful to apply themselves to honorable occupations {and} to doing good, for such things are [not only] excellent {and} right [in themselves], but [they are] good {and} profitable for the people." (Titus 3:5-8) (Amplified Bible).

The little English phrase 'ready to distribute' is translated by the Greek word eumetadotos (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning good at imparting, that is, liberal: - ready to distribute. The little English phrase 'willing to communicate' is translated by the Greek word koinōnikos (also used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning communicative, that is, (pecuniarily) liberal: - willing to communicate. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this, "That they give nothing through partiality or favor, but be guided in their distribution by the necessities of the objects presented to them; and that they confine not their charity at home, but scatter it abroad." Paul knew that in doing these things the believer would be depositing for himself or herself a treasure chest in heaven (not of material wealth), but of the eternal wealth that cannot be monetized and that would be the soul of another human being, so he writes these words to Timothy, "Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Timothy 6:19) (KJV). The little English phrase 'Laying up in store' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word apothēsaurizō (another word used one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to treasure away: - lay up in store. In other words the believer is participating in a lay away plan that far exceeds the ones offered by the earthly department stores here on the earth, for those things will decay and be destroyed one day, but the spiritual treasures layed away in heaven for the believer will not fade away, but will be the source of providing resources for one of our Lord Jesus' servants to declare the Gospel on radio or the internet or in a Church service or on TV or in any other method of taking this message of 'be ye reconciled to God' (2 Corinthians 5:20) to lost souls and knowing when we are in heaven that some of these souls there are there because of our gift to get out the Word of God to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).

Our Lord Jesus told us of the great unmeasurable value of a person's soul with these words, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life/soul [in the eternal kingdom of God]? For what can a man give as an exchange (a compensation, a ransom, in return) for his [blessed] life/soul [in the eternal kingdom of God]?" (Mark 8:36-37) (Amplified Bible). In these very two verses, our Lord Jesus Christ is saying that a man or woman's soul is more valuable to Him than the whole earth and everything in it that He created and that there is nothing any lost sinner could give from their earthly riches or treasure that could be valuable enough to exchange it for their soul and entrance into heaven, Wow! You want to be rich? Trust Jesus Christ and be born again into His eternal heavenly family, this is true riches, remember these penetrating words of our Lord Jesus Christ reminding humanity again of this truth/this reality, "He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest {and} unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest {and} unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another [whether God or man], who will give you that which is your own [that is, the true riches]? No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by {and} be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely)." (Luke 16:10-13) (Amplified Bible).

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…