Paul tells Timothy Stand Firm and be Steadfast in The Faith Part 3
2 Timothy 1:17-18 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. KJV
The Apostle Paul closes this Chapter of his letter to Brother Timothy by continuing his praise and adoration of Brother Onesiphorus and his entire family for what clemency, care, and compassion they showed to him during this his final captivity before his execution and death at the hands of the Roman thugs with these words first, "But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me." (2 Timothy 1:17) (KJV). It is apparent that not only did this Brother in Christ not abandon Paul, but he went into the lair or the den of the devil, that is, his two legged devils in Rome and found out where Paul was being held prisoner and ministered to him there. The English phrase 'he sought me out' is translated by the Greek word zēteō and it means exactly the same as our English dictionary defines it which is to seek out something or someone literally, that is, try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of someone. The English phrase 'very diligently' is translated by the Greek word spoudaioteron (used only one other time in the entire New Testament) it is an adverb meaning (as used here) more earnestly than others, that is, very promptly: - very diligently. Again we see that not only was this man unashamed of Paul's physical chains for preaching the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, but he was eager to find the Apostle and be of whatever service for him he could during Paul's captivity.
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the diligence in which Onesiphorus sought out the Apostle Paul in Rome, "Onesiphorus was no doubt an Asiatic, (probably an Ephesian), who had frequent business at Rome; and when he came sought out the Apostle, who, it is supposed, had been confined in some close and private prison, so that it was with great difficulty he could find him out. This man had entertained the Apostle when he was at Ephesus, and now he sought him out at Rome. Pure love feels no loads. Here was a true friend, one that sticketh closer than a brother." Paul was facing execution at this time of his earthly life and ministry for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ being chained to a Roman Soldier (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), therefore, he had no means of money nor clothing nor other things that he could repay Onesiphorus with, yet he had in his person something far greater than all those visible things combined and that was the power of prayer, as he prays for this man and his family with these words recorded in his letter to Brother Timothy, "The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well." (2 Timothy 1:18) (KJV). The Apostle Paul beseeched our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on behalf of Brother Onesiphorus knowing that He would grant or give to this man what he had given unto the Apostle Paul because He is just, judicious, and merciful to His children when they expresss their love for Him and to Him by showing love and care for His other children born again into His eternal heavenly family.
Paul was and is a beloved son of Christ Jesus our Lord and it surely was our Lord Jesus' pleasure to show loving care to the man who showed the same to the Apostle Paul during his unlawful captivity by the Roman two-legged devils, just as declared so eloquently by the Psalmist with these words, "If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you." (Psalms 130:3-4) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Paul's prayer for Brother Onesiphorus, "He prays for Onesiphorus himself, as well as for his house: That he may find mercy in that day, in the day of death and of judgment, when Christ will account all the good offices done to his poor members as done to himself. Observe, 1. The day of death and judgment is an awful day, and may be emphatically called that day. 2. We need desire no more to make us happy than to find mercy of the Lord in that day, when those that have shown no mercy will have judgment without mercy. 3. The best Christians will want mercy in that day; looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, Jude 1:21. 4. If you would have mercy then, you must seek for it now of the Lord. 5. It is of and from the Lord that we must have mercy; for, unless the Lord has mercy on us, in vain will be the pity and compassion of men or angels. 6. We are to seek and ask for mercy of the Lord, who is the giver and bestower of it; for the Lord Jesus Christ has satisfied justice, that mercy might be displayed. We are to come to a throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need. 7. The best thing we can seek, either for ourselves or our friends, is that the Lord will grant to them that they may find mercy of the Lord in that day, when they must pass out of time into eternity, and exchange this world for the other, and appear before the judgment-seat of Christ: the Lord then grant unto all of us that we may find mercy of the Lord in that day."
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…
I am a Christian Writer of non-fiction primarily and a little fiction. My purpose for forming this site is to Edify Christians with my writing and reach the lost with the uncompromising Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 12
Paul tells Timothy Stand Firm and be Steadfast in The Faith Part 2
2 Timothy 1:15-16 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: KJV
Paul had given Brother Timothy the reasons why he should stand fast and firm in 'The Faith' which he had taught him over the years and the means, manner, and method that he could only be successful in doing so and that is, yielding to the power of God the Holy Spirit who dwelt in him and dwells in all of us true believers who have been figuratively born again by Him, but now Paul needs to remind Timothy of the men who turned away from the truth by turning away from Paul who was a herald of the truth of the Gospel with these words, "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." (2 Timothy 1:15) (KJV). Paul had at one point in his missionary journeys attempted to go into Asia and preach the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ there, but as documented for us by Luke, this happened, "Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. So they went on through Mysia until they came to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of someone from Macedonia who was standing there and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us!' After Paul had seen the vision, we began looking for a way to go to Macedonia. We were sure that God had called us to preach the good news there." (Acts 16:6-10) (Contemporary English Version).
It seemed that Paul would not get the Gospel of Grace heard in Asia, however, we find out (as documented by Luke again) that latter on in his missionary journey to Ephesus this happened, "For three months Paul went to the Jewish meeting place and talked bravely with the people about God's kingdom. He tried to win them over, but some of them were stubborn and refused to believe. In front of everyone they said terrible things about God's Way. Paul left and took the followers with him to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. He spoke there every day for two years, until every Jew and Gentile in Asia had heard the Lord's message." (Acts 19:8-10) (Contemporary English Version). Therefore, we see then that the message of the Gospel of Christ/Gospel of Grace reached the people of Asia and Paul had even formed bonds with some of those believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and even did ministry work with some of them. The little English phrase 'be turned away from' is translated by the Greek word apostrephō which means to turn away or back (literally or figuratively): - bring again, pervert, turn away (from).
In other words, Paul declared to Timothy that everyone that he knew of who had professed faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and loyalty to him turned their back on the truth of the Gospel and perverted, twisted, misrepresented, and altered it with a lie, giving themselves cause to turn their back on Paul as he was facing execution by the Roman Government during the time he is writing this letter, even these two men he mentions Phygellus and Hermogenes, even as the children of Israel did as documented for us by Moses with these words, "The people of Israel were very sad after Moses gave them the LORD's message. So they got up early the next morning and got ready to head toward the hill country of Canaan. They said, 'We were wrong to complain about the LORD. Let's go into the land that he promised us.' But Moses replied, 'You're disobeying the LORD! Your plan won't work, so don't even try it. The LORD refuses to help you, because you turned your backs on him. The Amalekites and the Canaanites are your enemies, and they will attack and defeat you.'" (Numbers 14:39-42) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning those in Asia who turned their backs on Paul, "Were ashamed of him, because of his chain, and despised him under his afflictions, and had him in abhorrence and contempt, and revolted from his doctrine; though the defection was very general, and the Apostle appeals to Timothy for the truth of it, as a fact well known to him: 'this thou knowest'; Timothy being at Ephesus, which was in Asia; and since there was so great an apostasy in the country where he was, the above exhortations were very seasonable, to hold fast the form of sound words, and keep the good thing committed to him; seeing so many were falling off from the truth of the Gospel:"
Paul now contrast his disdain, despisement, and disgust with those in Asia who had turned away from him during the hour of his greatest persecution to praising a household of believers who had been converted by God the Holy Spirit through Paul's declaration of the Gospel of Grace with these words written to Timothy, "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:" (2 Timothy 1:16) (KJV). It seems that Onesiphorus and his family were also from that region of the world Asia and they were not ashamed nor afraid nor absent from showing Paul mercy and kindness as he was in captivity of the Roman thugs who would soon execute him by way of beheading. Paul had ministered the Gospel of Grace to his household, so in turn he remembered Paul during this time of captivity (not for committing a crime), but for simply preaching the Gospel of Grace to others. The English word 'mercy' Paul uses here referring to Onesiphorus and his family is translated by the Greek word eleos meaning (as used here) compassion (divine, especially active): - (tender) mercy. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Paul's desire for the household of Onesiphorus, "Onesiphorus had acknowledged him, and continued to do so; he, and his house, or family, ministered to him in prison, and were not ashamed of their imprisoned pastor, nor of the cause for which he was in disgrace and suffering. As he showed mercy to the Apostle, the Apostle prays the Lord to show mercy to 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…
2 Timothy 1:15-16 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: KJV
Paul had given Brother Timothy the reasons why he should stand fast and firm in 'The Faith' which he had taught him over the years and the means, manner, and method that he could only be successful in doing so and that is, yielding to the power of God the Holy Spirit who dwelt in him and dwells in all of us true believers who have been figuratively born again by Him, but now Paul needs to remind Timothy of the men who turned away from the truth by turning away from Paul who was a herald of the truth of the Gospel with these words, "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." (2 Timothy 1:15) (KJV). Paul had at one point in his missionary journeys attempted to go into Asia and preach the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ there, but as documented for us by Luke, this happened, "Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. So they went on through Mysia until they came to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of someone from Macedonia who was standing there and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us!' After Paul had seen the vision, we began looking for a way to go to Macedonia. We were sure that God had called us to preach the good news there." (Acts 16:6-10) (Contemporary English Version).
It seemed that Paul would not get the Gospel of Grace heard in Asia, however, we find out (as documented by Luke again) that latter on in his missionary journey to Ephesus this happened, "For three months Paul went to the Jewish meeting place and talked bravely with the people about God's kingdom. He tried to win them over, but some of them were stubborn and refused to believe. In front of everyone they said terrible things about God's Way. Paul left and took the followers with him to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. He spoke there every day for two years, until every Jew and Gentile in Asia had heard the Lord's message." (Acts 19:8-10) (Contemporary English Version). Therefore, we see then that the message of the Gospel of Christ/Gospel of Grace reached the people of Asia and Paul had even formed bonds with some of those believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and even did ministry work with some of them. The little English phrase 'be turned away from' is translated by the Greek word apostrephō which means to turn away or back (literally or figuratively): - bring again, pervert, turn away (from).
In other words, Paul declared to Timothy that everyone that he knew of who had professed faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and loyalty to him turned their back on the truth of the Gospel and perverted, twisted, misrepresented, and altered it with a lie, giving themselves cause to turn their back on Paul as he was facing execution by the Roman Government during the time he is writing this letter, even these two men he mentions Phygellus and Hermogenes, even as the children of Israel did as documented for us by Moses with these words, "The people of Israel were very sad after Moses gave them the LORD's message. So they got up early the next morning and got ready to head toward the hill country of Canaan. They said, 'We were wrong to complain about the LORD. Let's go into the land that he promised us.' But Moses replied, 'You're disobeying the LORD! Your plan won't work, so don't even try it. The LORD refuses to help you, because you turned your backs on him. The Amalekites and the Canaanites are your enemies, and they will attack and defeat you.'" (Numbers 14:39-42) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning those in Asia who turned their backs on Paul, "Were ashamed of him, because of his chain, and despised him under his afflictions, and had him in abhorrence and contempt, and revolted from his doctrine; though the defection was very general, and the Apostle appeals to Timothy for the truth of it, as a fact well known to him: 'this thou knowest'; Timothy being at Ephesus, which was in Asia; and since there was so great an apostasy in the country where he was, the above exhortations were very seasonable, to hold fast the form of sound words, and keep the good thing committed to him; seeing so many were falling off from the truth of the Gospel:"
Paul now contrast his disdain, despisement, and disgust with those in Asia who had turned away from him during the hour of his greatest persecution to praising a household of believers who had been converted by God the Holy Spirit through Paul's declaration of the Gospel of Grace with these words written to Timothy, "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:" (2 Timothy 1:16) (KJV). It seems that Onesiphorus and his family were also from that region of the world Asia and they were not ashamed nor afraid nor absent from showing Paul mercy and kindness as he was in captivity of the Roman thugs who would soon execute him by way of beheading. Paul had ministered the Gospel of Grace to his household, so in turn he remembered Paul during this time of captivity (not for committing a crime), but for simply preaching the Gospel of Grace to others. The English word 'mercy' Paul uses here referring to Onesiphorus and his family is translated by the Greek word eleos meaning (as used here) compassion (divine, especially active): - (tender) mercy. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Paul's desire for the household of Onesiphorus, "Onesiphorus had acknowledged him, and continued to do so; he, and his house, or family, ministered to him in prison, and were not ashamed of their imprisoned pastor, nor of the cause for which he was in disgrace and suffering. As he showed mercy to the Apostle, the Apostle prays the Lord to show mercy to 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…
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 11
Paul tells Timothy Stand Firm and be Steadfast in The Faith Part 1
2 Timothy 1:13-14 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. KJV
Having declared to Brother Timothy the reason for his suffering, Paul now wants to exhort and encourage Timothy (despite what he has seen Paul endure) to stand firm and fast in 'The Faith' that is solid and is founded on 'The Rock' who is our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, so Paul writes these words now to Timothy, "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:13) (KJV). The little English phrase 'hold fast' at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word echō which is a primary verb (used in certain tenses only); to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition): The little English phrase 'the form' is translated by the Greek word hupotupōsis (used only one other place in the New Testament) which means typification under (after), that is, (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation: - form, pattern. The English word 'sound' is translated by the Greek word hugiainō which means (as used here) figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine): The English word 'words' is translated by the Greek word logos which means (as used here) something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive.
In other words, the Apostle Paul wants Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to hold uncorrupt and true doctrine as our possession or to take ownership of the truth of the Word of God as he and the other Apostles have given it out to the entire world, just as the Proverb proclaims with these words, "Invest in truth and wisdom, discipline and good sense, and don't part with them." (Proverbs 23:23) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning holding fast to sound doctrine, "The word hupotupōsis signifies the sketch, plan, or outline of a building, picture, etc.; and here refers to the plan of salvation which the Apostle had taught Timothy. No man was left to invent a religion for his own use, and after his own mind. God alone knows that with which God can be pleased. If God did not give a revelation of Himself, the inventions of man, in religious things, would be endless error, involving itself in contortions of unlimited confusion. God gives, in His mercy to man, a form of sound words or doctrines; a perfect plan and sketch of the original building; fair and well defined outlines of every thing which concerns the present and eternal welfare of man, and His own glory."
When Paul writes 'which thou hast heard of me', he means that this one and only Gospel of Grace is what he taught to Timothy and to every person who had ears to hear the message of grace, therefore, Paul wants Timothy to trust that the sound words that he spoke to him were by direct Revelation from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, just as Paul had declared to the Galatian believers with these words, "My friends, I want you to know that no one made up the message I preach. It wasn't given or taught to me by some mere human. My message came directly from Jesus Christ when He appeared to me." (Galatians 1:11-12) (Contemporary English Version), therefore, depend upon them and abide by them and hold firmly to them no matter what happens to you during your sojourn here on the earth. When Paul writes 'in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus', he means for Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to hold these truths with sincere faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and expressing that faith and testifying of it to others with the love of God which has been given to us by God the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).
This very idea and desire of the Apostle Paul to Timothy he sums up with these words in the very next verse, "That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." (2 Timothy 1:14) (KJV). The little English phrase 'that good thing' is translated by the Greek word kalos which means (as used here) properly beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), that is, valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use). The little English phrase 'which was committed unto thee' is translated by the Greek word parakatathēkē (used only one other place in the New Testament) meaning (as used here) something put down alongside, that is, a deposit (sacred trust): The English word 'keep' is translated by the Greek word phulassō meaning (as used here) to watch, that is, be on guard (literally or figuratively); by implication to preserve. In other words, the wholesome and sound doctrine that had been taught to him by Paul the Apostle was to be guarded as the sacred trust it is because of its value and virtue, not only for Brother Timothy, but for all sinners in the entire world. This could not be successfully done by Brother Timothy or any of us who have trusted our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, but we must yield ourselves to God the Holy Spirit (who dwells in us) and allow His Power to work out through us in keeping and guarding the Gospel of Grace no matter our outward circumstances of persecution by the enemy of our souls and the human instruments he employs to do his bidding. Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to preserve God's Word to us, "The indwelling Spirit enables us to keep from the robbers of the soul the deposit of His word committed to us by 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…
2 Timothy 1:13-14 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. KJV
Having declared to Brother Timothy the reason for his suffering, Paul now wants to exhort and encourage Timothy (despite what he has seen Paul endure) to stand firm and fast in 'The Faith' that is solid and is founded on 'The Rock' who is our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, so Paul writes these words now to Timothy, "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:13) (KJV). The little English phrase 'hold fast' at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word echō which is a primary verb (used in certain tenses only); to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition): The little English phrase 'the form' is translated by the Greek word hupotupōsis (used only one other place in the New Testament) which means typification under (after), that is, (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation: - form, pattern. The English word 'sound' is translated by the Greek word hugiainō which means (as used here) figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine): The English word 'words' is translated by the Greek word logos which means (as used here) something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive.
In other words, the Apostle Paul wants Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to hold uncorrupt and true doctrine as our possession or to take ownership of the truth of the Word of God as he and the other Apostles have given it out to the entire world, just as the Proverb proclaims with these words, "Invest in truth and wisdom, discipline and good sense, and don't part with them." (Proverbs 23:23) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning holding fast to sound doctrine, "The word hupotupōsis signifies the sketch, plan, or outline of a building, picture, etc.; and here refers to the plan of salvation which the Apostle had taught Timothy. No man was left to invent a religion for his own use, and after his own mind. God alone knows that with which God can be pleased. If God did not give a revelation of Himself, the inventions of man, in religious things, would be endless error, involving itself in contortions of unlimited confusion. God gives, in His mercy to man, a form of sound words or doctrines; a perfect plan and sketch of the original building; fair and well defined outlines of every thing which concerns the present and eternal welfare of man, and His own glory."
When Paul writes 'which thou hast heard of me', he means that this one and only Gospel of Grace is what he taught to Timothy and to every person who had ears to hear the message of grace, therefore, Paul wants Timothy to trust that the sound words that he spoke to him were by direct Revelation from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, just as Paul had declared to the Galatian believers with these words, "My friends, I want you to know that no one made up the message I preach. It wasn't given or taught to me by some mere human. My message came directly from Jesus Christ when He appeared to me." (Galatians 1:11-12) (Contemporary English Version), therefore, depend upon them and abide by them and hold firmly to them no matter what happens to you during your sojourn here on the earth. When Paul writes 'in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus', he means for Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to hold these truths with sincere faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and expressing that faith and testifying of it to others with the love of God which has been given to us by God the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).
This very idea and desire of the Apostle Paul to Timothy he sums up with these words in the very next verse, "That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." (2 Timothy 1:14) (KJV). The little English phrase 'that good thing' is translated by the Greek word kalos which means (as used here) properly beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), that is, valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use). The little English phrase 'which was committed unto thee' is translated by the Greek word parakatathēkē (used only one other place in the New Testament) meaning (as used here) something put down alongside, that is, a deposit (sacred trust): The English word 'keep' is translated by the Greek word phulassō meaning (as used here) to watch, that is, be on guard (literally or figuratively); by implication to preserve. In other words, the wholesome and sound doctrine that had been taught to him by Paul the Apostle was to be guarded as the sacred trust it is because of its value and virtue, not only for Brother Timothy, but for all sinners in the entire world. This could not be successfully done by Brother Timothy or any of us who have trusted our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, but we must yield ourselves to God the Holy Spirit (who dwells in us) and allow His Power to work out through us in keeping and guarding the Gospel of Grace no matter our outward circumstances of persecution by the enemy of our souls and the human instruments he employs to do his bidding. Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to preserve God's Word to us, "The indwelling Spirit enables us to keep from the robbers of the soul the deposit of His word committed to us by 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, December 19, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 10
Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 5
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. KJV
The Apostle Paul now wants to have Brother Timothy to know and realize that because he was appointed to do the will of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as one of His Apostles, that this is why he has come under such fierce and violent attack from the devil through the two-legged devils used by him. Paul had learned from our Lord Jesus Christ over the years of his walking with Him how to be content in whatever condition, circumstance, or course that his earthly life would take all for the sake of getting the Gospel of Grace proclaimed in all the Gentile world, just as he wrote with these words to the Philippian Church, "Not that I speak according to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13) (Modern KJV). It is Paul's desire now to comfort Timothy and even more so strengthen him for what it is assuredly he will face from the human instruments of the devil as he navigates his way through this pilgrimage as an ambassador for our Lord Jesus Christ, so Paul tells Timothy that his current suffering is because of his stance for the Gospel of Christ as the only hope for sinful man on the earth but he will never be ashamed of this truth, but instead will shout it out loud for all the world to hear and know, therefore, Paul writes this, "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12) (KJV).
The little English word 'for' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word dia which is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional). The little English word 'cause' is translated by the Greek word aitia which means a cause (as if asked for), that is, (logical) reason (motive, matter). The little English word with big meaning 'suffer' is translated by the Greek word penthō which is a primary verb meaning to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful): - feel, passion, suffer, vex. When Paul writes 'these things', he is referring to the beatings he took from the Jews and Gentiles and the imprisonments (including his current incarceration at the very time he is writing this letter to Timothy). In other words, Paul was making it clear to Timothy and we true believers today that the reason and cause of his sufferings were because he was an Apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ speaking the truth (in love) of the Word of God declaring Jesus Christ to be God and the only way of heaven and forgiveness of sins, just as he declared to the Colossian Church with these words, "I am glad that I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ for His body, the Church. God's plan was to make me a servant of His Church and to send me to preach His complete message to you." (Colossian 1:24-25) (Contemporary English Version).
When Paul writes 'nevertheless I am not ashamed', he means that despite his unfair treatment by sinners who have rejected Christ, he will not be moved from his confident belief and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Paul being unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, "Neither of the Gospel, and the truths and ordinances of it, for which he suffered; but he continued to own and confess it constantly, and to preach it boldly; none of these things moved him from it: nor of the sufferings he endured, for the sake of it; since they were not for murder, or theft, or sedition, or any enormity whatever, but in a good cause; wherefore he was so far from being ashamed of them, that he took pleasure in them, and gloried of them. Nor was he ashamed of Christ, whose Gospel he preached, and for whom he suffered; nor of his faith and hope in Him." The Apostle Peter wrote to those Christians back then and to we Christians today and to every Christian of every era and generation who were then and are now suffering just for their stance for the Gospel and their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ with these words of wisdom, "God will bless you, even if others treat you unfairly for being loyal to Him. You don't gain anything by being punished for some wrong you have done. But God will bless you, if you have to suffer for doing something good. After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you." (1 Peter 1:19-21) (Contemporary English Version).
When Paul writes 'for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day', he means he is assured that Christ Jesus is not only the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), but He (Jesus Christ) is God in human flesh and he is sure that He is the One True and Only God. Paul was sure that his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ was made evident by the Power of Christ and because of His Goodness and Mercy he could not trust in Him in vain. Paul's eternal soul was in safe, sure, and solid care in Christ Jesus our Lord and so is our soul today and every born again Christian of every era and generation. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul's words of 'that which I have committed unto Him against that day', "This is variously understood. Some think he means his life, which he had put, as it were, into the hands of Christ, in order that he might receive it again, in the resurrection, at the great day. Others think he means his soul. This he had also given into the hands of his faithful Creator, knowing that although wicked men might be permitted to take away his life, yet they could not destroy his soul, nor disturb its peace. Others think that he is speaking of the Gospel, which he knows will be carefully preserved by the great Head of the Church; for, though he shall be soon called to seal the truth with his blood, yet he knows that God will take care that the same truth shall be proclaimed to the world by others, whom God shall raise up for that very purpose."
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…
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. KJV
The Apostle Paul now wants to have Brother Timothy to know and realize that because he was appointed to do the will of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as one of His Apostles, that this is why he has come under such fierce and violent attack from the devil through the two-legged devils used by him. Paul had learned from our Lord Jesus Christ over the years of his walking with Him how to be content in whatever condition, circumstance, or course that his earthly life would take all for the sake of getting the Gospel of Grace proclaimed in all the Gentile world, just as he wrote with these words to the Philippian Church, "Not that I speak according to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13) (Modern KJV). It is Paul's desire now to comfort Timothy and even more so strengthen him for what it is assuredly he will face from the human instruments of the devil as he navigates his way through this pilgrimage as an ambassador for our Lord Jesus Christ, so Paul tells Timothy that his current suffering is because of his stance for the Gospel of Christ as the only hope for sinful man on the earth but he will never be ashamed of this truth, but instead will shout it out loud for all the world to hear and know, therefore, Paul writes this, "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12) (KJV).
The little English word 'for' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word dia which is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional). The little English word 'cause' is translated by the Greek word aitia which means a cause (as if asked for), that is, (logical) reason (motive, matter). The little English word with big meaning 'suffer' is translated by the Greek word penthō which is a primary verb meaning to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful): - feel, passion, suffer, vex. When Paul writes 'these things', he is referring to the beatings he took from the Jews and Gentiles and the imprisonments (including his current incarceration at the very time he is writing this letter to Timothy). In other words, Paul was making it clear to Timothy and we true believers today that the reason and cause of his sufferings were because he was an Apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ speaking the truth (in love) of the Word of God declaring Jesus Christ to be God and the only way of heaven and forgiveness of sins, just as he declared to the Colossian Church with these words, "I am glad that I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ for His body, the Church. God's plan was to make me a servant of His Church and to send me to preach His complete message to you." (Colossian 1:24-25) (Contemporary English Version).
When Paul writes 'nevertheless I am not ashamed', he means that despite his unfair treatment by sinners who have rejected Christ, he will not be moved from his confident belief and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Paul being unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, "Neither of the Gospel, and the truths and ordinances of it, for which he suffered; but he continued to own and confess it constantly, and to preach it boldly; none of these things moved him from it: nor of the sufferings he endured, for the sake of it; since they were not for murder, or theft, or sedition, or any enormity whatever, but in a good cause; wherefore he was so far from being ashamed of them, that he took pleasure in them, and gloried of them. Nor was he ashamed of Christ, whose Gospel he preached, and for whom he suffered; nor of his faith and hope in Him." The Apostle Peter wrote to those Christians back then and to we Christians today and to every Christian of every era and generation who were then and are now suffering just for their stance for the Gospel and their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ with these words of wisdom, "God will bless you, even if others treat you unfairly for being loyal to Him. You don't gain anything by being punished for some wrong you have done. But God will bless you, if you have to suffer for doing something good. After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you." (1 Peter 1:19-21) (Contemporary English Version).
When Paul writes 'for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day', he means he is assured that Christ Jesus is not only the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), but He (Jesus Christ) is God in human flesh and he is sure that He is the One True and Only God. Paul was sure that his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ was made evident by the Power of Christ and because of His Goodness and Mercy he could not trust in Him in vain. Paul's eternal soul was in safe, sure, and solid care in Christ Jesus our Lord and so is our soul today and every born again Christian of every era and generation. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul's words of 'that which I have committed unto Him against that day', "This is variously understood. Some think he means his life, which he had put, as it were, into the hands of Christ, in order that he might receive it again, in the resurrection, at the great day. Others think he means his soul. This he had also given into the hands of his faithful Creator, knowing that although wicked men might be permitted to take away his life, yet they could not destroy his soul, nor disturb its peace. Others think that he is speaking of the Gospel, which he knows will be carefully preserved by the great Head of the Church; for, though he shall be soon called to seal the truth with his blood, yet he knows that God will take care that the same truth shall be proclaimed to the world by others, whom God shall raise up for that very purpose."
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…
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 9
Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 4
2 Timothy 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. KJV
Paul having spoke to Brother Timothy of this magnificent gift of the Gospel of Grace that gives eternal life in heaven to every human sinner who believes and trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ only and completely for forgiveness of sins and the way to heaven, now declares to him and to all who would read this letter that this is the reason our Lord Jesus Christ made him a preacher of this Gospel or good news as he declares with these words, "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." (2 Timothy 1:11) (KJV). The English word 'whereunto' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word eis which is a primary preposition (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). The English word 'appointed' is translated by the Greek word tithēmi meaning literally to place in a position or place and figuratively to ordain, that is, to invest with ministerial or priestly authority. The little English phrase 'a preacher' is translated by the Greek word kērux which means a herald, that is, of divine truth (especially of the Gospel): - preacher.
The little English phrase 'an apostle' 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 phrase 'a teacher' is translated by the Greek word didaskalos meaning an instructor (generally or specifically). The word Gentiles simply means all other people on the earth who were not Jewish or Jews. In other words, Paul divulges, declares, and defines himself as a man placed in the position of an Apostle or sent one or messenger specifically charged with the ministerial duties of going into all the world and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the Gentile people, just as it was documented for us in the Acts of the Apostles with these words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ to another disciple speaking about the Apostle Paul, "A follower named Ananias lived in Damascus, and the Lord spoke to him in a vision. Ananias answered, 'Lord, here I am.' The Lord said to him, 'Get up and go to the house of Judas on Straight Street. When you get there, you will find a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. Saul is praying, and he has seen a vision. He saw a man named Ananias coming to him and putting his hands on him, so that he could see again.' Ananias replied, 'Lord, a lot of people have told me about the terrible things this man has done to your followers in Jerusalem. Now the chief priests have given him the power to come here and arrest anyone who worships in your name.' The Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! I have chosen him to tell foreigners, kings, and the people of Israel about me.'" (Acts 9:10-15) (Contemporary English Version).
Also as Paul wrote (speaking of himself) to the Church @ Ephesus concerning this bountiful grace given to him for such a task as he had of preaching, teaching, and declaring the Gospel of the Grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ with these words, "Of this Gospel I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of His power. This grace is given to me (who am less than the least of all saints) to preach the Gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ among the nations" (Ephesians 3:7-8) (Modern KJV). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about the preacher (Paul the Apostle), "And if ever there was a preacher of the Gospel, Paul was one; he preached purely, powerfully, publicly, constantly, boldly, and with all faithfulness and integrity:" Note: "In our modern era right now many men are groomed to be preachers from the time they were little boys (which there is nothing wrong with this approach), however, once the boy grows up to be a man it should be determined by him and those who have directed him down this path to get alone with God the Holy Spirit and know for sure if this is truly the will of God for his life, just as they did in the Church @ Antioch concerning what Paul and Barnabas were to do at that time for our Lord Jesus Christ as is written with these words, 'While they were worshiping the Lord and going without eating, the Holy Spirit told them, 'Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do the work for which I have chosen them.' (Acts 13:2) (Contemporary English Version)."
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…
2 Timothy 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. KJV
Paul having spoke to Brother Timothy of this magnificent gift of the Gospel of Grace that gives eternal life in heaven to every human sinner who believes and trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ only and completely for forgiveness of sins and the way to heaven, now declares to him and to all who would read this letter that this is the reason our Lord Jesus Christ made him a preacher of this Gospel or good news as he declares with these words, "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." (2 Timothy 1:11) (KJV). The English word 'whereunto' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word eis which is a primary preposition (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). The English word 'appointed' is translated by the Greek word tithēmi meaning literally to place in a position or place and figuratively to ordain, that is, to invest with ministerial or priestly authority. The little English phrase 'a preacher' is translated by the Greek word kērux which means a herald, that is, of divine truth (especially of the Gospel): - preacher.
The little English phrase 'an apostle' 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 phrase 'a teacher' is translated by the Greek word didaskalos meaning an instructor (generally or specifically). The word Gentiles simply means all other people on the earth who were not Jewish or Jews. In other words, Paul divulges, declares, and defines himself as a man placed in the position of an Apostle or sent one or messenger specifically charged with the ministerial duties of going into all the world and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the Gentile people, just as it was documented for us in the Acts of the Apostles with these words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ to another disciple speaking about the Apostle Paul, "A follower named Ananias lived in Damascus, and the Lord spoke to him in a vision. Ananias answered, 'Lord, here I am.' The Lord said to him, 'Get up and go to the house of Judas on Straight Street. When you get there, you will find a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. Saul is praying, and he has seen a vision. He saw a man named Ananias coming to him and putting his hands on him, so that he could see again.' Ananias replied, 'Lord, a lot of people have told me about the terrible things this man has done to your followers in Jerusalem. Now the chief priests have given him the power to come here and arrest anyone who worships in your name.' The Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! I have chosen him to tell foreigners, kings, and the people of Israel about me.'" (Acts 9:10-15) (Contemporary English Version).
Also as Paul wrote (speaking of himself) to the Church @ Ephesus concerning this bountiful grace given to him for such a task as he had of preaching, teaching, and declaring the Gospel of the Grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ with these words, "Of this Gospel I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of His power. This grace is given to me (who am less than the least of all saints) to preach the Gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ among the nations" (Ephesians 3:7-8) (Modern KJV). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about the preacher (Paul the Apostle), "And if ever there was a preacher of the Gospel, Paul was one; he preached purely, powerfully, publicly, constantly, boldly, and with all faithfulness and integrity:" Note: "In our modern era right now many men are groomed to be preachers from the time they were little boys (which there is nothing wrong with this approach), however, once the boy grows up to be a man it should be determined by him and those who have directed him down this path to get alone with God the Holy Spirit and know for sure if this is truly the will of God for his life, just as they did in the Church @ Antioch concerning what Paul and Barnabas were to do at that time for our Lord Jesus Christ as is written with these words, 'While they were worshiping the Lord and going without eating, the Holy Spirit told them, 'Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do the work for which I have chosen them.' (Acts 13:2) (Contemporary English Version)."
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, December 5, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 8
Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 3
2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel: KJV
This salvation is not just an abstract thing that those who are the elect get and those who are not the elect reject, but it is a person, that is, the 2nd person of the Trinity or the Godhead and He is our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as Paul writes as such with these words to Brother Timothy, "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel:" (2 Timothy 1:10) (KJV). When Paul writes here at the very beginning of this verse 'But is now made manifest', he means just what we stated above that salvation (for the souls of lost human beings) has now come to the earth just as it was announced by an angel of the Lord with these words on that day of His birth, "And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night. And {behold,} an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed {and} shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!" (Luke 2:8-11) (Amplified Bible) and this fact was also testified of by some Samaritan sinners who heard the Gospel of Grace directly from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ many years later after His earthly birth with these words, "Then many more believed in {and} adhered to {and} relied on Him because of His personal message [what He Himself said]. And they told the woman, Now we no longer believe (trust, have faith) just because of what you said; for we have heard Him ourselves [personally], and we know that He truly is the Savior of the world, {the Christ.}" (John 4:41-42) (Amplified Bible).
The little English phrase 'made manifest' used here by the Apostle Paul is translated by the Greek word phaneroō which means (as used here) to render apparent (literally or figuratively): - appear, shew self. The English word 'appearing' is translated by the Greek word epiphaneia which means (as used here) a manifestation, that is, (specifically) the advent of Christ (past or future): - appearing, brightness. In other words, salvation of the souls of human sinners is not now and was not ever meant as some theoretical thing consisting only in the mind of human beings, but salvation is a person Jesus Christ whose advent, that is, His long awaited momentous arrival has finally been rendered apparent or appeared or His manifestation in a human body to suffer, shed His Blood, and die to be the sacrifice for the sin of humanity just as declared by God the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John with these words, "And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from His father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth." (John 1:14) (Amplified Bible) and these words also through the Apostle John in this same Chapter, "The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, Look! There is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the manifestation by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, "The grace according to which the elect of God are saved and called; though it was given to them in Christ, before the world was, yet lay hid in the heart of God; in His thoughts, council and covenant; and in Jesus Christ; and in the types, shadows, sacrifices, prophecies, and promises of the Old Testament; but is now made manifest in the clearness, freeness, and abundance of it by the appearance of Christ, as a Saviour in human nature; who is come full of grace and truth, and through whom there is a plentiful exhibition of it to the sons of men."
When Paul writes here 'who hath abolished death', he means eternal spiritual death that was and is the designation, doom, and destiny of every human being on the earth without a personal relationship and faith in Jesus Christ. The little English phrase 'who hath abolished' is translated by the Greek word katargeō which means (as used here) to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively: - abolish, destroy, do away, make of no effect, make void. There are three (3) types of death: Physical death of the physical body; Spiritual death, that is, every human being is born spiritually dead, that is, disconnected from God; Eternal death, that is, eternal seperation from God by virtue of resisting, rebuking, or rejecting Christ and the Gospel of Grace as the only means of salvation, just as this same Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrew believers with these words, "Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought {and} make of no effect him who had the power of death--that is, the devil--And also that He might deliver {and} completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives." (Hebrews 2:14-15) (Ampliifed Bible).
The English phrase 'hath brought life and immortality to light' is translated by four Greek words phōtizō, zōē, kai, aphtharsia; it means to shed rays, that is, to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively): - enlighten, illuminate, make to see life that is immortal and incorruptible and unchangeable. When Paul writes here at the end of this verse 'through the Gospel', he means that the Gospel of Grace is the channel or the passage or the path way that the elect of God the Father receive this immortal, incorruptible, and unchangeable life through Jesus Christ. This is what the English word 'through' which is translated by the Greek word dia describes in clear detail, for it is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning all of this being through the Gospel, "Christ was the first that rose again from the dead to an immortal life; the path of life was first shown to Him, and brought to light by Him; and though the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead was known by the Old Testament saints, yet not so clearly as it is now revealed in the Gospel; and in which is so fully attested the resurrection of Christ, and of many of the saints with Him, as well as the general resurrection at the last day: and besides, eternal life, which is the free gift of God, lay hid in His purpose, promise, and covenant, and in His Son Jesus Christ, into whose hands it was put; and which He has brought to light in a more clear manner than ever it was before; by His appearance in human nature, by His personal ministry, by His death and resurrection from the dead, and through the Gospel, as preached by His ministers; which gives an account of the nature of it, shows the way unto it, and points out and describes the persons that shall enjoy it."
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…
2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel: KJV
This salvation is not just an abstract thing that those who are the elect get and those who are not the elect reject, but it is a person, that is, the 2nd person of the Trinity or the Godhead and He is our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as Paul writes as such with these words to Brother Timothy, "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel:" (2 Timothy 1:10) (KJV). When Paul writes here at the very beginning of this verse 'But is now made manifest', he means just what we stated above that salvation (for the souls of lost human beings) has now come to the earth just as it was announced by an angel of the Lord with these words on that day of His birth, "And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night. And {behold,} an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed {and} shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!" (Luke 2:8-11) (Amplified Bible) and this fact was also testified of by some Samaritan sinners who heard the Gospel of Grace directly from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ many years later after His earthly birth with these words, "Then many more believed in {and} adhered to {and} relied on Him because of His personal message [what He Himself said]. And they told the woman, Now we no longer believe (trust, have faith) just because of what you said; for we have heard Him ourselves [personally], and we know that He truly is the Savior of the world, {the Christ.}" (John 4:41-42) (Amplified Bible).
The little English phrase 'made manifest' used here by the Apostle Paul is translated by the Greek word phaneroō which means (as used here) to render apparent (literally or figuratively): - appear, shew self. The English word 'appearing' is translated by the Greek word epiphaneia which means (as used here) a manifestation, that is, (specifically) the advent of Christ (past or future): - appearing, brightness. In other words, salvation of the souls of human sinners is not now and was not ever meant as some theoretical thing consisting only in the mind of human beings, but salvation is a person Jesus Christ whose advent, that is, His long awaited momentous arrival has finally been rendered apparent or appeared or His manifestation in a human body to suffer, shed His Blood, and die to be the sacrifice for the sin of humanity just as declared by God the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John with these words, "And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from His father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth." (John 1:14) (Amplified Bible) and these words also through the Apostle John in this same Chapter, "The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, Look! There is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the manifestation by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, "The grace according to which the elect of God are saved and called; though it was given to them in Christ, before the world was, yet lay hid in the heart of God; in His thoughts, council and covenant; and in Jesus Christ; and in the types, shadows, sacrifices, prophecies, and promises of the Old Testament; but is now made manifest in the clearness, freeness, and abundance of it by the appearance of Christ, as a Saviour in human nature; who is come full of grace and truth, and through whom there is a plentiful exhibition of it to the sons of men."
When Paul writes here 'who hath abolished death', he means eternal spiritual death that was and is the designation, doom, and destiny of every human being on the earth without a personal relationship and faith in Jesus Christ. The little English phrase 'who hath abolished' is translated by the Greek word katargeō which means (as used here) to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively: - abolish, destroy, do away, make of no effect, make void. There are three (3) types of death: Physical death of the physical body; Spiritual death, that is, every human being is born spiritually dead, that is, disconnected from God; Eternal death, that is, eternal seperation from God by virtue of resisting, rebuking, or rejecting Christ and the Gospel of Grace as the only means of salvation, just as this same Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrew believers with these words, "Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought {and} make of no effect him who had the power of death--that is, the devil--And also that He might deliver {and} completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives." (Hebrews 2:14-15) (Ampliifed Bible).
The English phrase 'hath brought life and immortality to light' is translated by four Greek words phōtizō, zōē, kai, aphtharsia; it means to shed rays, that is, to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively): - enlighten, illuminate, make to see life that is immortal and incorruptible and unchangeable. When Paul writes here at the end of this verse 'through the Gospel', he means that the Gospel of Grace is the channel or the passage or the path way that the elect of God the Father receive this immortal, incorruptible, and unchangeable life through Jesus Christ. This is what the English word 'through' which is translated by the Greek word dia describes in clear detail, for it is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning all of this being through the Gospel, "Christ was the first that rose again from the dead to an immortal life; the path of life was first shown to Him, and brought to light by Him; and though the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead was known by the Old Testament saints, yet not so clearly as it is now revealed in the Gospel; and in which is so fully attested the resurrection of Christ, and of many of the saints with Him, as well as the general resurrection at the last day: and besides, eternal life, which is the free gift of God, lay hid in His purpose, promise, and covenant, and in His Son Jesus Christ, into whose hands it was put; and which He has brought to light in a more clear manner than ever it was before; by His appearance in human nature, by His personal ministry, by His death and resurrection from the dead, and through the Gospel, as preached by His ministers; which gives an account of the nature of it, shows the way unto it, and points out and describes the persons that shall enjoy it."
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…
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 7
Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 2
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, KJV
The reality of Timothy's and our salvation should be enough, i.e. more than enough to remove all of the assaults and attacks from the devil to make us ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and of its sole/singular method or way of saving the souls of sinfully lost human beings. So, now Brother Paul reminds Timothy and us of this fact and of the nature of the Gospel that is received in the inner man and inner woman of every sinner who trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, first with these words, "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," (2 Timothy 1:9) (KJV). Paul wants Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to be always aware of the mighty power that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it can reach into the soul of any sinner (no matter the nature or the severity of the sin) and push aside that 'old nature' and transplant an entirely 'new nature' in the inner man or inner woman and create a new race of humanity (the Christian). The little English phrase at the very beginning of this verse 'who hath saved' is translated by the Greek word sozo which means to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): - heal, preserve, or make whole. In other words, salvation is attributed, ascribed, and has its sole/singular authority in the purpose and plan of God the Father.
When Paul writes 'and called us with an holy calling', he speaks of the effectual (that is, capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect) calling of God the Father through God the Holy Spirit to every true son and daughter of God. Here is what Dr, John Gill had to say concerning those of us who have been called by God to salvation, "There is a salvation previous to calling: there is a temporal salvation; a special providence attends the elect of God, as soon as born; God's visitation in a very special manner preserves their spirits; they are kept from many imminent dangers, and some of them from the grosser immoralities of life; and there is a chain of providences, as the fixing of their habitations, bringing to such a place, and under such a ministry, with various other things, ways and methods, which lead on to the effectual calling: and there is a preservation of them in Christ Jesus, antecedent to calling, Jude 1:1. God had a mind to save some; He pitched on His own Son to be the Saviour of them; He put those persons into His hands, where they are safely preserved; so as not to be damned, and everlastingly perish, notwithstanding their fall in Adam, their original corruption, and actual transgressions, until called by grace: yea, that spiritual and eternal salvation, which is by Jesus Christ, is before calling; this was resolved upon from eternity; a council of peace was formed; a covenant of grace was made; a promise of life given; persons were fixed upon to be saved; a Saviour was appointed, and blessings of grace were put into His hands; and all according to an eternal purpose."
When Paul writes 'not according to our works', he means that there is nothing any saved sinner did to earn his or her salvation in Jesus Christ through the Gospel of Grace. Works of righteouness which many sinful men and women are doing all over this globe (mistakenly thinking that they are earning favor with God or a higher power as some say) do not have any merit whatsoever in them before the Throne of God, I repeat no merit whatsoever. The so-called 'good person' (apart from Jesus Christ) does not exist on this planet now or ever, remember what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Rome speaking of all humanity, "As it is written, None is righteous, just {and} truthful {and} upright {and} conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns {or} comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong {and} have become unprofitable {and} worthless; no one does right, not even one!" (Romans 3:10-12) (Amplified Bible). In other words, the elect of God are not the elect because they are a better group of human beings than all the rest, not at all, but they are the elect because God the Father knew every sinner who would turn to our Lord Jesus Christ before He ever laid the foundation of the world, He is Omniscient (dah!), its not complicated, for He did not choose some to be saved and then damned to hell the rest, that's not election. When Paul writes 'but according to His own purpose and grace', he means that God the Father does not receive counsel from the holy angels or have any of them vote on what He should or should not do in the running of His universe or in the saving of the souls of lost men and women on the earth.
The English word 'purpose' is translated by the Greek word prothesis meaning (as used here) a setting forth, that is, (figuratively) proposal (intention). The English word 'grace' is translated by the Greek word charis meaning (as used here) graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual. In other words, the intentions and plans of God the Father (that being the adoption of sons and daughters) moves Him to respond to a sinner who crys out for salvation/deliverance and His grace or graciousness (which He is abundantly rich in) is the power that springs forth from Him to cause every sinner who comes to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ to be changed or better yet transformed, that is, to be given a completely different form or appearance, as it is written, "See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named {and} called {and} counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him. Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes {and} is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble {and} be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is. And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless)." (1 John 3:1-3) (Amplified Bible). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the purpose and grace of God the Father given that makes each of us His adopted sons and daughters, "'The origination of salvation was of His own purpose, flowing from His own goodness, not for works of ours coming first, but wholly because of His own gratuitous, electing love [Theodoret and Calvin].' Grace given us in His everlasting purpose, regarded as the same as when actually accomplished in due time."
Finally, when Paul writes 'which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began', he means that this grace was already prepared, planned, and purposed for everyone of the elect of God before there was ever any world or any human beings in the world. Some will argue that this sounds like God the Father is playing favorites, but this is not true, if we just go back and re-read what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church @ Rome Romans 3:10-12, then we see that God shows mercy to those who believe Him and come to Him as He has prepared, the cross of Jesus Christ, just as Paul declared to the Church @ Ephesus with these words, "Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, {even} above reproach, before Him in love. For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]--[So that we might be] to the praise {and} the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:4-6) (Amplified Bible). Note: "God the Father because He is Eternal and Omniscient sees the past, present, and the future (which He made by the way) all at the same instant, therefore, before He ever made anything (Genesis 1:1), He knew everyone of us human sinners who would trust Christ Jesus our Lord and be born again into His eternal family as adopted sons and daughters, that is, when I was a forming embryo in my Mother's womb I was already God the Father's adopted son according to His eternal knowledge (Romans 4:17), even though for many years I ran as fast and as far away from God as I could, but He could run just a little faster than me (lol), just as He declared to the Prophet Jeremiah with these words spoken to him, 'Then the word of the Lord came to me [Jeremiah], saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated {and} set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.' (Jeremiah 1:4-5) (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…
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, KJV
The reality of Timothy's and our salvation should be enough, i.e. more than enough to remove all of the assaults and attacks from the devil to make us ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and of its sole/singular method or way of saving the souls of sinfully lost human beings. So, now Brother Paul reminds Timothy and us of this fact and of the nature of the Gospel that is received in the inner man and inner woman of every sinner who trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, first with these words, "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," (2 Timothy 1:9) (KJV). Paul wants Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to be always aware of the mighty power that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it can reach into the soul of any sinner (no matter the nature or the severity of the sin) and push aside that 'old nature' and transplant an entirely 'new nature' in the inner man or inner woman and create a new race of humanity (the Christian). The little English phrase at the very beginning of this verse 'who hath saved' is translated by the Greek word sozo which means to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): - heal, preserve, or make whole. In other words, salvation is attributed, ascribed, and has its sole/singular authority in the purpose and plan of God the Father.
When Paul writes 'and called us with an holy calling', he speaks of the effectual (that is, capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect) calling of God the Father through God the Holy Spirit to every true son and daughter of God. Here is what Dr, John Gill had to say concerning those of us who have been called by God to salvation, "There is a salvation previous to calling: there is a temporal salvation; a special providence attends the elect of God, as soon as born; God's visitation in a very special manner preserves their spirits; they are kept from many imminent dangers, and some of them from the grosser immoralities of life; and there is a chain of providences, as the fixing of their habitations, bringing to such a place, and under such a ministry, with various other things, ways and methods, which lead on to the effectual calling: and there is a preservation of them in Christ Jesus, antecedent to calling, Jude 1:1. God had a mind to save some; He pitched on His own Son to be the Saviour of them; He put those persons into His hands, where they are safely preserved; so as not to be damned, and everlastingly perish, notwithstanding their fall in Adam, their original corruption, and actual transgressions, until called by grace: yea, that spiritual and eternal salvation, which is by Jesus Christ, is before calling; this was resolved upon from eternity; a council of peace was formed; a covenant of grace was made; a promise of life given; persons were fixed upon to be saved; a Saviour was appointed, and blessings of grace were put into His hands; and all according to an eternal purpose."
When Paul writes 'not according to our works', he means that there is nothing any saved sinner did to earn his or her salvation in Jesus Christ through the Gospel of Grace. Works of righteouness which many sinful men and women are doing all over this globe (mistakenly thinking that they are earning favor with God or a higher power as some say) do not have any merit whatsoever in them before the Throne of God, I repeat no merit whatsoever. The so-called 'good person' (apart from Jesus Christ) does not exist on this planet now or ever, remember what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Rome speaking of all humanity, "As it is written, None is righteous, just {and} truthful {and} upright {and} conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns {or} comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong {and} have become unprofitable {and} worthless; no one does right, not even one!" (Romans 3:10-12) (Amplified Bible). In other words, the elect of God are not the elect because they are a better group of human beings than all the rest, not at all, but they are the elect because God the Father knew every sinner who would turn to our Lord Jesus Christ before He ever laid the foundation of the world, He is Omniscient (dah!), its not complicated, for He did not choose some to be saved and then damned to hell the rest, that's not election. When Paul writes 'but according to His own purpose and grace', he means that God the Father does not receive counsel from the holy angels or have any of them vote on what He should or should not do in the running of His universe or in the saving of the souls of lost men and women on the earth.
The English word 'purpose' is translated by the Greek word prothesis meaning (as used here) a setting forth, that is, (figuratively) proposal (intention). The English word 'grace' is translated by the Greek word charis meaning (as used here) graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual. In other words, the intentions and plans of God the Father (that being the adoption of sons and daughters) moves Him to respond to a sinner who crys out for salvation/deliverance and His grace or graciousness (which He is abundantly rich in) is the power that springs forth from Him to cause every sinner who comes to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ to be changed or better yet transformed, that is, to be given a completely different form or appearance, as it is written, "See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named {and} called {and} counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him. Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes {and} is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble {and} be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is. And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless)." (1 John 3:1-3) (Amplified Bible). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the purpose and grace of God the Father given that makes each of us His adopted sons and daughters, "'The origination of salvation was of His own purpose, flowing from His own goodness, not for works of ours coming first, but wholly because of His own gratuitous, electing love [Theodoret and Calvin].' Grace given us in His everlasting purpose, regarded as the same as when actually accomplished in due time."
Finally, when Paul writes 'which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began', he means that this grace was already prepared, planned, and purposed for everyone of the elect of God before there was ever any world or any human beings in the world. Some will argue that this sounds like God the Father is playing favorites, but this is not true, if we just go back and re-read what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church @ Rome Romans 3:10-12, then we see that God shows mercy to those who believe Him and come to Him as He has prepared, the cross of Jesus Christ, just as Paul declared to the Church @ Ephesus with these words, "Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, {even} above reproach, before Him in love. For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]--[So that we might be] to the praise {and} the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:4-6) (Amplified Bible). Note: "God the Father because He is Eternal and Omniscient sees the past, present, and the future (which He made by the way) all at the same instant, therefore, before He ever made anything (Genesis 1:1), He knew everyone of us human sinners who would trust Christ Jesus our Lord and be born again into His eternal family as adopted sons and daughters, that is, when I was a forming embryo in my Mother's womb I was already God the Father's adopted son according to His eternal knowledge (Romans 4:17), even though for many years I ran as fast and as far away from God as I could, but He could run just a little faster than me (lol), just as He declared to the Prophet Jeremiah with these words spoken to him, 'Then the word of the Lord came to me [Jeremiah], saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated {and} set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.' (Jeremiah 1:4-5) (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…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)