Paul Tells Timothy to Preach the Truth of the Word of God Part 4
2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. KJV
Now, finally, Paul writes to Timothy (and to we true born again believers now and of every era and time) to do and to be true followers of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these words, "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (2 Timothy 4:5) (KJV). First, Paul tells him to 'watch' in all things and this English word is translated by the Greek word nēphō which means (as used here) (figuratively) to be discreet: - be sober, watch. In other words, Paul wants to see Brother Timothy and all of us who truly love and follow our Lord Jesus Christ to guard what we listen to that portrays, poses, or presents itself as teaching or preaching from the Bible or the Word of God. In contrast to those who have turned away from hearing the truth and turned aside to listen to fables, we are to hunger and thirst for the truth of Scripture and take our counsel from it over anything that man has spoken or written. Why? Because man is fallible, that is, will fail and make errors and is at all times lacking in moral strength, but God and His Holy Word is completely infallible, that is, incapable of failure or error.
The Word of God will do for the soul of men that which cannot be done by any words from men, just as Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers with these words, "And for this cause we thank God without ceasing, that when you received the Word of hearing, of God, you welcomed it as the Word of God, not as a word of men, but as it is, truly the Word of God, which also effectually works in you who believe." (1 Thessalonians 2:13) (Modern King James Version). Note: "Just like the sober man (free from intoxicating alcohol) is more able to see clearly and think clearly, so must we believers be sober spiritually in order that we may be able to discern the false teaching from the true teaching of the Word of God. This is why I believe that all Scripture should be studied and taught from Genesis to Revelation and not hard and difficult passages of Scripture completely ignorged and passed over all together." Here is what John Wesley had to say about what it means to watch for a Christian, "An earnest, constant, persevering exercise. The Scripture watching, or waiting, implies steadfast faith, patient hope, labouring love, unceasing prayer; yea, the mighty exertion of all the affections of the soul that a man is capable of. In all things - Whatever you are doing, yet in that, and in all things, watch."
Next, Paul writes that he (Timothy) and we must 'endure afflictions' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word kakopatheō which means to undergo hardship: - be afflicted, endure afflictions (hardness), suffer trouble. Why must this be the case for the faithful man or woman of our Lord Jesus Christ? It is because the enemy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the devil) hates the truth because he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44), so it serves his purpose to cause as much pain and suffering in the life of every true son and daughter of Christ Jesus our Lord who stands for and teaches the truth of the Word of God. Note: "We are not to be frightened by the attacks from the devil to the point where it causes us to abandon the truth of the Gospel and of the entire Word of God, for if we do so then we prove ourselves to be one of those Paul spoke of earlier who turn aside from the truth to listen to fables." Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about enduring afflictions, "Meaning reproaches and persecutions for the sake of the Gospel, from without, and all trials and exercises from within, through the infirmities and ill conduct of the saints themselves; all which are to be endured patiently, cheerfully, and courageously; so as not to be moved by them to desist from the work of the ministry."
When Paul writes to Timothy, 'do the work of an evangelist', he means that he should declare the fact and reality of our Lord Jesus Christ death, burial, and resurrection from the dead for the sins of the world to every human being on the earth and that faith in Him (Jesus Christ) is the only remedy for man's sin and the only way to heaven. Timothy at that time might have been assigned a specific title in the Church at Ephesus of Evangelist and this may also be what Paul is referring to here. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about Paul instructing Timothy to 'do the work of an Evangelist', "The office of the Evangelist was, as the Apostles' deputies, to water the Churches that they planted. They were not settled Pastors, but for some time resided in, and presided over, the Churches that the Apostles had planted, till they were settled under a standing ministry. This was Timothy's work." Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this same thing, "The phrase here means, 'do the work of preaching the Gospel,' or of one appointed to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation. This is the proper business of all ministers, whatever other rank they may maintain. Whether it was ever regarded as the proper duty of a separate class of men to do this."
When Paul writes to Timothy, 'make full proof of thy ministry', he means that he should leave nothing undone that our Lord Jesus Christ had commanded him to do and so is the very same charge to every redeemed son and daughter of Jesus Christ our Lord and that is, to finish the work which he has called each one of us to do, for me it is to write Commentary/Bible Study through His entire Word beginning with the New Testament for me and then going through the Old Testament. The little English phrase 'make full proof ' is translated by the Greek word plērophoreō meaning (as used here) to carry out fully (in evidence), that is, completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about making full proof of thy ministry, "Push all thy principles to their utmost power of activity; carry them on to all their consequences; and try what God will do for thee, and by thee. Neglect no part of thy sacred function; perform faithfully all the duties of which it is composed; and do God’s work in his own way and in his own spirit."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
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.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 44
Paul Tells Timothy to Preach the Truth of the Word of God Part 3
2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. KJV
Paul now declares the end result of these false christians not wanting to hear and heed the true Word of God and that will be as detailed with these words, "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:4) (KJV). The English phrase 'they shall turn away' is translated by the Greek word apostrephō which means to turn away from or to turn back or to pervert that which is truth. The English phrase 'their ears' is translated by the Greek word akoē which means the hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard). In other words, the false christian or the make believer will at some point in their presence in the Church of God become agitated, annoyed, and aggravated with the truth declared in God's Word in His House (the Church) which is the place where Divine Truth must be embraced and welcomed for it is as Paul already detailed to Timothy in his first letter with these words, "But if I should delay, that you may know how you ought to behave in the house of God, which is the Church of the Living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15) (Modern King James Version).
The account of the recorded first (1st) martyr (Stephen) of the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ is an example of what can occur when people don't want to hear the truth, "And hearing these things, they were cut to their hearts. And they gnashed on him with their teeth. But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up intently into Heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, Behold, I see Heaven opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. And crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and ran on him with one accord. And throwing him outside the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid their clothes down at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, who was calling on God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:54-60) (Modern King James Version). Note: "Although these Jews that Stephen spoke to were not in the Church of God, yet they have the same temperament or disposition as the man or woman in visible churches who are without God the Holy Spirit indwelling them."
When Paul writes 'from the truth' he means the inspired Word of God. The English word 'from' is translated by the Greek word apo a primary particle; meaning 'off', that is, away (from something near); In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc. The idea is that the natural man cannot and does not want to hear that which is true, just as Paul wrote with these words to the Corinthian believers, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14) (Modern King James Version). Our Lord Jesus warned the early disciples of this very thing and is likewise warning us of these professing christians who are devoid of the Spirit of God, for He is the Spirit of Truth and here are the words spoken by our Lord Jesus concerning the Spirit of Truth, "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, so that He may be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him nor know Him. But you know Him, for He dwells with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you." (John 14:15-18) (Modern King James Version). He also said this concerning God the Holy Spirit, that is, the Spirit of Truth, "I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. For He shall not speak of Himself, but whatever He hears, He shall speak. And He will announce to you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will receive of Mine and will announce it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and will announce it to you." (John 16:12-15) (Modern King James Version).
So, instead of listening to the truth of the Word of God, Paul writes that these people (false christians or make believers) 'shall be turned unto fables'. The English phrase 'shall be turned' is translated by the Greek word ektrepō meaning to deflect, that is, turn away (literally or figuratively): - avoid, turn (aside, out of the way). The English word 'fables' is translated by the Greek word muthos meaning a tale, that is, fiction ('myth'): - fable. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about these false christians or make believers, "'There will be those who will heap to themselves corrupt teachers, and will turn away their ears from the truth; and therefore secure as many as thou canst, that, when these storms and tempests do arise, they may be well fixed, and their apostasy may be prevented.' People must hear, and ministers must preach, for the time to come, and guard against the mischiefs that are likely to arise hereafter, though they do not yet arise. They will turn away their ears from the truth; they will grow weary of the old plain Gospel of Christ, and then they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them, and God will give them up to those strong delusions, because they received not the truth in the love of it, 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:12. Observe, These teachers were of their own heaping up, and not of God's sending; but they chose them, to gratify their lusts, and to please their itching ears. People do so when they will not endure sound doctrine, that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose; then they will have teachers of their own. There is a wide difference between the Word of God and the word of such teachers; the one is sound doctrine, the Word of Truth, the other is only fables. Those that are turned unto fables first turn away their ears from the truth, for they cannot hear and mind both, any more than they can serve two masters. Nay, further, it is said, They shall be turned unto fables. God justly suffers those to turn to fables who grow weary of the truth, and gives them up to be led aside from the truth by fables."
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 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. KJV
Paul now declares the end result of these false christians not wanting to hear and heed the true Word of God and that will be as detailed with these words, "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:4) (KJV). The English phrase 'they shall turn away' is translated by the Greek word apostrephō which means to turn away from or to turn back or to pervert that which is truth. The English phrase 'their ears' is translated by the Greek word akoē which means the hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard). In other words, the false christian or the make believer will at some point in their presence in the Church of God become agitated, annoyed, and aggravated with the truth declared in God's Word in His House (the Church) which is the place where Divine Truth must be embraced and welcomed for it is as Paul already detailed to Timothy in his first letter with these words, "But if I should delay, that you may know how you ought to behave in the house of God, which is the Church of the Living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15) (Modern King James Version).
The account of the recorded first (1st) martyr (Stephen) of the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ is an example of what can occur when people don't want to hear the truth, "And hearing these things, they were cut to their hearts. And they gnashed on him with their teeth. But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up intently into Heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, Behold, I see Heaven opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. And crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and ran on him with one accord. And throwing him outside the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid their clothes down at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, who was calling on God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:54-60) (Modern King James Version). Note: "Although these Jews that Stephen spoke to were not in the Church of God, yet they have the same temperament or disposition as the man or woman in visible churches who are without God the Holy Spirit indwelling them."
When Paul writes 'from the truth' he means the inspired Word of God. The English word 'from' is translated by the Greek word apo a primary particle; meaning 'off', that is, away (from something near); In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc. The idea is that the natural man cannot and does not want to hear that which is true, just as Paul wrote with these words to the Corinthian believers, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14) (Modern King James Version). Our Lord Jesus warned the early disciples of this very thing and is likewise warning us of these professing christians who are devoid of the Spirit of God, for He is the Spirit of Truth and here are the words spoken by our Lord Jesus concerning the Spirit of Truth, "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, so that He may be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him nor know Him. But you know Him, for He dwells with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you." (John 14:15-18) (Modern King James Version). He also said this concerning God the Holy Spirit, that is, the Spirit of Truth, "I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. For He shall not speak of Himself, but whatever He hears, He shall speak. And He will announce to you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will receive of Mine and will announce it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and will announce it to you." (John 16:12-15) (Modern King James Version).
So, instead of listening to the truth of the Word of God, Paul writes that these people (false christians or make believers) 'shall be turned unto fables'. The English phrase 'shall be turned' is translated by the Greek word ektrepō meaning to deflect, that is, turn away (literally or figuratively): - avoid, turn (aside, out of the way). The English word 'fables' is translated by the Greek word muthos meaning a tale, that is, fiction ('myth'): - fable. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about these false christians or make believers, "'There will be those who will heap to themselves corrupt teachers, and will turn away their ears from the truth; and therefore secure as many as thou canst, that, when these storms and tempests do arise, they may be well fixed, and their apostasy may be prevented.' People must hear, and ministers must preach, for the time to come, and guard against the mischiefs that are likely to arise hereafter, though they do not yet arise. They will turn away their ears from the truth; they will grow weary of the old plain Gospel of Christ, and then they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them, and God will give them up to those strong delusions, because they received not the truth in the love of it, 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:12. Observe, These teachers were of their own heaping up, and not of God's sending; but they chose them, to gratify their lusts, and to please their itching ears. People do so when they will not endure sound doctrine, that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose; then they will have teachers of their own. There is a wide difference between the Word of God and the word of such teachers; the one is sound doctrine, the Word of Truth, the other is only fables. Those that are turned unto fables first turn away their ears from the truth, for they cannot hear and mind both, any more than they can serve two masters. Nay, further, it is said, They shall be turned unto fables. God justly suffers those to turn to fables who grow weary of the truth, and gives them up to be led aside from the truth by fables."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 43
Paul Tells Timothy to Preach the Truth of the Word of God Part 2
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; KJV
Right after Paul charges, commands, and commissions Brother Timothy to 'Preach' only the inspired or God breathed Word of God to everyone, he then immediately gives to Brother Timothy and to we true born again believers now and of every time and era why this is so important for the faithful followers of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to do with these next words, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" (2 Timothy 4:3) (KJV). Here we have the very Words of God spoken/written through a human vessel of His declaring what He knows to come in latter days from then. The little English phrase 'the time' is translated by the Greek word kairos meaning an occasion, that is, set or proper time: The little English phrase 'will come' is translated by the Greek word esomai meaning will be or shall come to pass. In other words, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit knowing all things and seeing the past, present, and future (of human time and history) all at the very same moment give to the Apostle Paul this truth to pass onto Timothy and to everyone of us who have ears to hear (blood tipped ears).
What will come to pass is what Paul writes next with these words, 'they will not endure sound doctrine', simply meaning that there will be some professing Christians who will not want to 'endure' the preaching and teaching of what the inspired Word of God has to say to them. This English word 'endure' is translated by the Greek word anechomai which means to put up with or to bear. The English word 'sound' is translated by the Greek word hugiainō which means figuratively to be uncorrupt. The English word 'doctrine' is translated by the Greek word didaskalia which means instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching. In other words, God the Father knew that there would come a time that the professing Christian, that is, the man or woman that is only religious and who has never truly been born again by God the Holy Spirit would reject the truth of the Word of God because it condemns what they are and what they desire to be without repentance or turning from that which the Word of God condemns.
Here is how the Apostle Jude described these very people who would be manifested, that is, reveal their presence or make an appearance inside of visible Churches, "These are murmurers, complainers, leading lives according to their lusts. And their mouth speaks proud things, admiring faces for the sake of gain. But you, beloved, remember the words spoken before by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, because they told you that at the last time there will be mockers according to their lusts, leading ungodly lives. These are those setting themselves apart, animal-like ones, not having the Spirit." (Jude 1:16-19) (Modern King James Version). Therefore, these unborn again religious folk or church members only will need someone to lead them that wants the same ungodly things as they do, with the promise of a god that is not revealed in the Scriptures who will still bring them into heaven, despite their opposition to the true Word of God, so they will (as Paul writes) 'shall they heap' and this English phrase is translated by the Greek word episōreuō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to accumulate further, that is, (figuratively) seek additionally: - heap.
This is the cause of the rift or split of some of the oldest denominational Churches, such as the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, and the Episcopal Church (just to name a few) where some have decided, determined, and declared it to be OK to ordain openly homosexual Pastors, Reverends, or Bishops in the Church despite what the Word of God speaks concerning this life choice. There is no in between or grey area, either you believe the Word of God or either you don't believe what it declares, that's the choice all have to make. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about those who would have itching ears and then heap up to themselves teachers to satisfy, soothe, and scratch their itch, "They will add one teacher to another, run and gad about after all, to find out those who insist not on the necessity of bearing the cross, of being crucified to the world, and of having the mind that was in Jesus. In this disposition interested men often find their account; they set up for teachers, 'and widen and strew with flowers the way, down to eternal ruin,' taking care to soothe the passions and flatter the vices of a trifling, superficial people. Endless curiosity, an insatiable desire of variety; and they get their ears tickled with the language and accent of the person, abandoning the good and faithful preacher for the fine speaker."
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 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; KJV
Right after Paul charges, commands, and commissions Brother Timothy to 'Preach' only the inspired or God breathed Word of God to everyone, he then immediately gives to Brother Timothy and to we true born again believers now and of every time and era why this is so important for the faithful followers of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to do with these next words, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" (2 Timothy 4:3) (KJV). Here we have the very Words of God spoken/written through a human vessel of His declaring what He knows to come in latter days from then. The little English phrase 'the time' is translated by the Greek word kairos meaning an occasion, that is, set or proper time: The little English phrase 'will come' is translated by the Greek word esomai meaning will be or shall come to pass. In other words, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit knowing all things and seeing the past, present, and future (of human time and history) all at the very same moment give to the Apostle Paul this truth to pass onto Timothy and to everyone of us who have ears to hear (blood tipped ears).
What will come to pass is what Paul writes next with these words, 'they will not endure sound doctrine', simply meaning that there will be some professing Christians who will not want to 'endure' the preaching and teaching of what the inspired Word of God has to say to them. This English word 'endure' is translated by the Greek word anechomai which means to put up with or to bear. The English word 'sound' is translated by the Greek word hugiainō which means figuratively to be uncorrupt. The English word 'doctrine' is translated by the Greek word didaskalia which means instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching. In other words, God the Father knew that there would come a time that the professing Christian, that is, the man or woman that is only religious and who has never truly been born again by God the Holy Spirit would reject the truth of the Word of God because it condemns what they are and what they desire to be without repentance or turning from that which the Word of God condemns.
Here is how the Apostle Jude described these very people who would be manifested, that is, reveal their presence or make an appearance inside of visible Churches, "These are murmurers, complainers, leading lives according to their lusts. And their mouth speaks proud things, admiring faces for the sake of gain. But you, beloved, remember the words spoken before by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, because they told you that at the last time there will be mockers according to their lusts, leading ungodly lives. These are those setting themselves apart, animal-like ones, not having the Spirit." (Jude 1:16-19) (Modern King James Version). Therefore, these unborn again religious folk or church members only will need someone to lead them that wants the same ungodly things as they do, with the promise of a god that is not revealed in the Scriptures who will still bring them into heaven, despite their opposition to the true Word of God, so they will (as Paul writes) 'shall they heap' and this English phrase is translated by the Greek word episōreuō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to accumulate further, that is, (figuratively) seek additionally: - heap.
This is the cause of the rift or split of some of the oldest denominational Churches, such as the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, and the Episcopal Church (just to name a few) where some have decided, determined, and declared it to be OK to ordain openly homosexual Pastors, Reverends, or Bishops in the Church despite what the Word of God speaks concerning this life choice. There is no in between or grey area, either you believe the Word of God or either you don't believe what it declares, that's the choice all have to make. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about those who would have itching ears and then heap up to themselves teachers to satisfy, soothe, and scratch their itch, "They will add one teacher to another, run and gad about after all, to find out those who insist not on the necessity of bearing the cross, of being crucified to the world, and of having the mind that was in Jesus. In this disposition interested men often find their account; they set up for teachers, 'and widen and strew with flowers the way, down to eternal ruin,' taking care to soothe the passions and flatter the vices of a trifling, superficial people. Endless curiosity, an insatiable desire of variety; and they get their ears tickled with the language and accent of the person, abandoning the good and faithful preacher for the fine speaker."
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, April 17, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 42
Paul Tells Timothy to Preach the Truth of the Word of God Part 1
2 Timothy 4:1-2 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. KJV
We see that in the previous Chapter the Apostle Paul wrote to Brother Timothy declaring, discussing, and detailing to him what the godliness in the last days would be here on the earth and Paul considered that the last days had already begun after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ back to Heaven (Hebrews 1:2). Also in that previous Chapter he declared to Timothy and also to everyone of us who are truly born again believers that every word of Scripture is breathed out by God through the many men He chose Himself to write His Bible, therefore, it follows that the very next thing Paul would write to Brother Timothy would be to Preach only the Word of God and nothing else. Paul begins with these words in verse 1, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom;" (2 Timothy 4:1) (KJV). The English word 'charge' is translated by the Greek word diamarturomai which means to attest or protest earnestly, testify (unto), witness. In other words, Paul wants to express to Brother Timothy with complete seriousness that he do what he commands of him in the very next verse, 'preach the word'. Also this declaration or charge to Timothy, Paul makes before God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ in the Power of the Holy Spirit. When Paul writes that our Lord Jesus Christ shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom, he means that He (Christ) at the death of every human being is their only and final judge as to whether or not they truly trusted Him and were born again by God the Holy Spirit and made a new creature in Him (Acts 10:42 & 1 Peter 4:5). The English word 'quick' is translated by the Greek word zaō meaning simply to live or the living as Paul uses it here and those who are alive at the time of His second (2nd) coming to the earth. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning this charge to Brother Timothy, "In view of the fact that all, whether preachers or hearers, must give up their account to the final Judge, Paul charges Timothy to be faithful; and what is there which will more conduce to fidelity in the discharge of duty, than the thought that we must soon give up a solemn account of the manner in which we have performed it?"
So, Paul now gets to the very thing he wants Timothy to do and he says it like this, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (2 Timothy 4:2) (KJV). The English word 'preach' is translated by the Greek word kērussō meaning to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the Gospel): - proclaim, publish. The little English phrase 'be instant' is translated by the Greek word ephistēmi meaning to be ready and to take a stand and to stick to it. The little English phrase 'in season' is translated by the Greek word eukairōs meaning at an opportune time or convenient time. The little English phrase 'out of season' is translated by the Greek word akairōs meaning at an inopportune time or an inconvenient time. In other words, Paul wants Timothy and we true believers of every era and time to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ at all times, places, and occassions contiually. Here is what John Wesley had to say concerning this preaching of the Word of God, "Insist on, urge these things in season, out of season - That is, continually, at all times and places. It might be translated, with and without opportunity - Not only when a fair occasion is given: even when there is none, one must be made." The English word 'reprove' is translated by the Greek word elegchō meaning to confute, that is prove to be false, admonish: - convict, convince, reprove. In other words, Paul wants Timothy and we true Christians today and of every era and time to confute the false teachers and prove that what they declare is a lie by declaring the truth of the Word of God. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about reproving, "Reprove errors, and men for their errors and heresies; make use of convincing arguments taken out of the Scriptures, which are profitable for reproof of this kind; and which reproof sometimes is to be given with sharpness, as the case requires, that men may be sound in the faith." The English word 'rebuke' is translated by the Greek word epitimaō which means to tax upon, that is, censure or admonish; by implication forbid: - (straitly) charge, rebuke. Our Lord Jesus had this to say about a brother sinning against us, "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother trespasses against you, rebuke him. And if he repents, forgive him. And if he trespasses against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turns again to you, saying, I repent, you shall forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4) (Modern King James Version). Likewise Paul had already written this to Brother Timothy in his first letter concerning rebuking a sinning brother, "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except before two or three witnesses. Those who sin, rebuke before all, so that the rest also may fear." (1 Timothy 5:19-20) (Modern King James Version).
The English word 'exhort' is translated by the Greek word parakaleō which means to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): - beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, give exhortation, intreat, pray. In other words, encourage by inspiration and cheering them on into the truth of the Word of God and away from the error and lies taught by false teachers. This Paul tells Timothy and us today and of every era and time to do with all 'longsuffering' and this English word is translated by the Greek word makrothumia meaning forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude: - longsuffering, patience. The English word 'doctrine' is translated by the Greek word didachē meaning instruction (the act or the matter): - doctrine, hath been taught. In other words, be patiently instructing everyone who would have ears to hear the truth of the Word of God declared by Paul and all the other Apostles and Prophets of old. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Timothy's and our charge from God, "He must direct, encourage, and quicken those who began well. 'Exhort them (persuade them to hold on, and endure to the end) and this with all long-suffering and doctrine.' He must do it very patiently: With all long-suffering. 'If thou do not see the effect of thy labours presently, yet do not therefore give up the cause; be not weary of speaking to them.' While God shows to them all long-suffering, let ministers exhort with all long-suffering. He must do it rationally, not with passion, but with doctrine, that is, 'In order to the reducing of them to good practices, instill into them good principles. Teach them the truth as it is in Jesus, reduce them to a firm belief of it, and this will be a means both to reclaim them from evil and to bring them to good."
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 4:1-2 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. KJV
We see that in the previous Chapter the Apostle Paul wrote to Brother Timothy declaring, discussing, and detailing to him what the godliness in the last days would be here on the earth and Paul considered that the last days had already begun after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ back to Heaven (Hebrews 1:2). Also in that previous Chapter he declared to Timothy and also to everyone of us who are truly born again believers that every word of Scripture is breathed out by God through the many men He chose Himself to write His Bible, therefore, it follows that the very next thing Paul would write to Brother Timothy would be to Preach only the Word of God and nothing else. Paul begins with these words in verse 1, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom;" (2 Timothy 4:1) (KJV). The English word 'charge' is translated by the Greek word diamarturomai which means to attest or protest earnestly, testify (unto), witness. In other words, Paul wants to express to Brother Timothy with complete seriousness that he do what he commands of him in the very next verse, 'preach the word'. Also this declaration or charge to Timothy, Paul makes before God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ in the Power of the Holy Spirit. When Paul writes that our Lord Jesus Christ shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom, he means that He (Christ) at the death of every human being is their only and final judge as to whether or not they truly trusted Him and were born again by God the Holy Spirit and made a new creature in Him (Acts 10:42 & 1 Peter 4:5). The English word 'quick' is translated by the Greek word zaō meaning simply to live or the living as Paul uses it here and those who are alive at the time of His second (2nd) coming to the earth. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning this charge to Brother Timothy, "In view of the fact that all, whether preachers or hearers, must give up their account to the final Judge, Paul charges Timothy to be faithful; and what is there which will more conduce to fidelity in the discharge of duty, than the thought that we must soon give up a solemn account of the manner in which we have performed it?"
So, Paul now gets to the very thing he wants Timothy to do and he says it like this, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (2 Timothy 4:2) (KJV). The English word 'preach' is translated by the Greek word kērussō meaning to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the Gospel): - proclaim, publish. The little English phrase 'be instant' is translated by the Greek word ephistēmi meaning to be ready and to take a stand and to stick to it. The little English phrase 'in season' is translated by the Greek word eukairōs meaning at an opportune time or convenient time. The little English phrase 'out of season' is translated by the Greek word akairōs meaning at an inopportune time or an inconvenient time. In other words, Paul wants Timothy and we true believers of every era and time to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ at all times, places, and occassions contiually. Here is what John Wesley had to say concerning this preaching of the Word of God, "Insist on, urge these things in season, out of season - That is, continually, at all times and places. It might be translated, with and without opportunity - Not only when a fair occasion is given: even when there is none, one must be made." The English word 'reprove' is translated by the Greek word elegchō meaning to confute, that is prove to be false, admonish: - convict, convince, reprove. In other words, Paul wants Timothy and we true Christians today and of every era and time to confute the false teachers and prove that what they declare is a lie by declaring the truth of the Word of God. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about reproving, "Reprove errors, and men for their errors and heresies; make use of convincing arguments taken out of the Scriptures, which are profitable for reproof of this kind; and which reproof sometimes is to be given with sharpness, as the case requires, that men may be sound in the faith." The English word 'rebuke' is translated by the Greek word epitimaō which means to tax upon, that is, censure or admonish; by implication forbid: - (straitly) charge, rebuke. Our Lord Jesus had this to say about a brother sinning against us, "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother trespasses against you, rebuke him. And if he repents, forgive him. And if he trespasses against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turns again to you, saying, I repent, you shall forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4) (Modern King James Version). Likewise Paul had already written this to Brother Timothy in his first letter concerning rebuking a sinning brother, "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except before two or three witnesses. Those who sin, rebuke before all, so that the rest also may fear." (1 Timothy 5:19-20) (Modern King James Version).
The English word 'exhort' is translated by the Greek word parakaleō which means to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): - beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, give exhortation, intreat, pray. In other words, encourage by inspiration and cheering them on into the truth of the Word of God and away from the error and lies taught by false teachers. This Paul tells Timothy and us today and of every era and time to do with all 'longsuffering' and this English word is translated by the Greek word makrothumia meaning forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude: - longsuffering, patience. The English word 'doctrine' is translated by the Greek word didachē meaning instruction (the act or the matter): - doctrine, hath been taught. In other words, be patiently instructing everyone who would have ears to hear the truth of the Word of God declared by Paul and all the other Apostles and Prophets of old. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Timothy's and our charge from God, "He must direct, encourage, and quicken those who began well. 'Exhort them (persuade them to hold on, and endure to the end) and this with all long-suffering and doctrine.' He must do it very patiently: With all long-suffering. 'If thou do not see the effect of thy labours presently, yet do not therefore give up the cause; be not weary of speaking to them.' While God shows to them all long-suffering, let ministers exhort with all long-suffering. He must do it rationally, not with passion, but with doctrine, that is, 'In order to the reducing of them to good practices, instill into them good principles. Teach them the truth as it is in Jesus, reduce them to a firm belief of it, and this will be a means both to reclaim them from evil and to bring them to good."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 41
Paul Declares that ALL Scripture is Breathed out by God Part 5
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. KJV
The Apostle Paul concludes this Chapter by declaring to Brother Timothy and to all of us who truly believe in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and who believe every word from His Word that the Word of God was not the thought or idea of some clever men who decided what they would write in the Bible and who wanted their own human desires or needs or wants to be heard by other people and then believed. Paul declares that the Bible are the very Words of Almighty God from Heaven as he writes with these words, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16) (KJV). The very first thing Paul writes is the English word 'All' which indicates that Paul wants Timothy and every other reader of the Bible to understand that every single word in this Book are God's Words to humanity. The English phrase 'is given by inspiration of God' is translated by the Greek word theopneustos (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) which means Divinely breathed in or God breathed, that is, God the Holy Spirit (without changing or messing with the personalities of each human writer) carried them along like a sail moves a sail boat across a body of water. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the Scriptures being inspired by God, "It is given by inspiration of God, and therefore is His word. It is a divine revelation, which we may depend upon as infallibly true. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us breathes revelation among us: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost, 2 Peter 1:21. The Prophets and Apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. That the Scripture was given by inspiration of God appears from the majesty of its style, - from the truth, purity, and sublimity, of the doctrines contained in it, - from the harmony of its several parts, - from its power and efficacy on the minds of multitudes that converse with it, - from the accomplishment of many prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight, - and from the uncontrollable miracles that were wrought in proof of its divine origin:"
At the time of Paul writing these words to Brother Timothy only the Old Testament had been written by the Prophets chosen by God the Father, however, Paul the Apostle and John and James, and Matthew, etc, were likewise all chosen vessels of God the Father to declare His Holy Word in the New Testament, therefore, as Paul was then only referring to the Old Testament, his writings were too God breathed as he even declared so by these words written by him in the Book of Hebrews, "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness, when your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years. Therefore I was grieved with that generation and said, They always err in their heart, and they have not known My ways. So I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter into My rest.' Take heed, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said, 'Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.' For some, when they had heard, did provoke; however, not all who came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with those who had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they should not enter into His rest, but to those who did not believe? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." (Hebrews 3:7-19) (Modern King James Version).
Paul declares that God's Word is 'profitable' and this English word is translated by the Greek word ōphelimos which means helpful or serviceable, that is, advantageous: The inspired Word of God is helpful and advantageous for 'doctrine' and this English word is translated by the Greek word didaskalia which means instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching. In other words, the Word of God is functional and useful in teaching and instructing the children of God about that which is tried, true, and trustworthy and that is the will of God. The inspired Word of God is helpful and servicable for 'reproof' and this English word is translated by the Greek word elegchos which means proof or conviction or evidence, that is, to refute or rebuke that which is wrong or error. In other words, God's Words are a solid immovable anchor of the only truth, not one version of truth, but the only and final truth, therefore, every way of thinking or way of life that is in opposition to what is declared by the inspired Word of God is wrong, no matter what men or women may say about it or think about it. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the reproof of the inspired Word of God, "To convince men of the truth; and to confound those who should deny it." The inspired Word of God is helpful and useful for 'correction' and this English word is translated by the Greek word epanorthōsis (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning a straightening up again, that is, (figuratively) rectification (reformation): - correction. In other words, just like a seeing eye dog for a blind man or woman corrects their misstep, so does the inspired Word of God do for the believer who has wandered off the path into some sin or sins. It corrects our wrong thinking and wrong living, if we will read, study, and obey what it speaks to us. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the inspired Word of God and its correction, "The meaning is, that the Scriptures are a powerful means of reformation, or of putting men into the proper condition in regard to morals. After all the means which have been employed to reform mankind; all the appeals which are made to them on the score of health, happiness, respectability, property, and long life, the Word of God is still the most powerful and the most effectual means of recovering those who have fallen into vice. No reformation can be permanent which is not based on the principles of the Word of God." The inspired Word of God is helpful and advantageous for 'instruction in righteousness' and here the Apostle Paul declares that the inspired Word of God is the only thing that can teach men and women of God what is truly right for now in time and for all eternity.
All this does the inspired Word of God do for the redeemed, regenerated, and resurrected man and woman of God in order for this to occur, "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:17) (KJV). The English word 'perfect' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word artios (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning fresh, that is, (by implication) complete: - perfect. The English phrase 'thoroughly furnished' is translated by the Greek word exartizō meaning to finish out (time); figuratively to equip fully (a teacher): - accomplish, thoroughly furnish. When Paul writes, 'unto all good works', he literally means every good work of God done for Him and energized by Him for His glory. In other words, the man of God or the woman of God that has been adopted into His family by the new birth has the inspired Word of God as his or her guide, teacher, corrector, and counselor, so that he or she may grow up into spiritual maturity from being a 'babe in Christ' (1 Corinthians 3:1) furnished with the knowledge and understanding of the Word of God and of the Ways of God capable and enabled and fully equipped with wisdom from our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to do the will of God and instruct others also to do what the will of God is for every son and daughter of Christ Jesus our Lord just as Paul said to the Hebrew believers with these words, "Now may the God of peace (who brought again our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant) make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21) (Modern King James Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "The Christian, the minister, is the man of God. That which finishes a man of God in this world is the Scripture. By it we are thoroughly furnished for every good work. There is that in the Scripture which suits every case. Whatever duty we have to do, whatever service is required from us, we may find enough in the Scriptures to furnish us for it. On the whole we here see, That the Scripture has various uses, and answers divers ends and purposes: It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction of all errors in judgment and practice, and for instruction in righteousness. The Scripture is a perfect rule of faith and practice, and was designed for the man of God, the minister as well as the Christian who is devoted to God, for it is profitable for doctrine, etc. If we consult the Scripture, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its directions, we shall be made men of God, perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good work. There is no occasion for the writings of the philosopher, nor for rabbinical fables, nor popish legends, nor unwritten traditions, to make us perfect men of God, since the Scripture answers all these ends and purposes. O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us."
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 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. KJV
The Apostle Paul concludes this Chapter by declaring to Brother Timothy and to all of us who truly believe in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and who believe every word from His Word that the Word of God was not the thought or idea of some clever men who decided what they would write in the Bible and who wanted their own human desires or needs or wants to be heard by other people and then believed. Paul declares that the Bible are the very Words of Almighty God from Heaven as he writes with these words, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16) (KJV). The very first thing Paul writes is the English word 'All' which indicates that Paul wants Timothy and every other reader of the Bible to understand that every single word in this Book are God's Words to humanity. The English phrase 'is given by inspiration of God' is translated by the Greek word theopneustos (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) which means Divinely breathed in or God breathed, that is, God the Holy Spirit (without changing or messing with the personalities of each human writer) carried them along like a sail moves a sail boat across a body of water. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the Scriptures being inspired by God, "It is given by inspiration of God, and therefore is His word. It is a divine revelation, which we may depend upon as infallibly true. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us breathes revelation among us: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost, 2 Peter 1:21. The Prophets and Apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. That the Scripture was given by inspiration of God appears from the majesty of its style, - from the truth, purity, and sublimity, of the doctrines contained in it, - from the harmony of its several parts, - from its power and efficacy on the minds of multitudes that converse with it, - from the accomplishment of many prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight, - and from the uncontrollable miracles that were wrought in proof of its divine origin:"
At the time of Paul writing these words to Brother Timothy only the Old Testament had been written by the Prophets chosen by God the Father, however, Paul the Apostle and John and James, and Matthew, etc, were likewise all chosen vessels of God the Father to declare His Holy Word in the New Testament, therefore, as Paul was then only referring to the Old Testament, his writings were too God breathed as he even declared so by these words written by him in the Book of Hebrews, "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness, when your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years. Therefore I was grieved with that generation and said, They always err in their heart, and they have not known My ways. So I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter into My rest.' Take heed, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said, 'Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.' For some, when they had heard, did provoke; however, not all who came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with those who had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they should not enter into His rest, but to those who did not believe? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." (Hebrews 3:7-19) (Modern King James Version).
Paul declares that God's Word is 'profitable' and this English word is translated by the Greek word ōphelimos which means helpful or serviceable, that is, advantageous: The inspired Word of God is helpful and advantageous for 'doctrine' and this English word is translated by the Greek word didaskalia which means instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching. In other words, the Word of God is functional and useful in teaching and instructing the children of God about that which is tried, true, and trustworthy and that is the will of God. The inspired Word of God is helpful and servicable for 'reproof' and this English word is translated by the Greek word elegchos which means proof or conviction or evidence, that is, to refute or rebuke that which is wrong or error. In other words, God's Words are a solid immovable anchor of the only truth, not one version of truth, but the only and final truth, therefore, every way of thinking or way of life that is in opposition to what is declared by the inspired Word of God is wrong, no matter what men or women may say about it or think about it. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the reproof of the inspired Word of God, "To convince men of the truth; and to confound those who should deny it." The inspired Word of God is helpful and useful for 'correction' and this English word is translated by the Greek word epanorthōsis (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning a straightening up again, that is, (figuratively) rectification (reformation): - correction. In other words, just like a seeing eye dog for a blind man or woman corrects their misstep, so does the inspired Word of God do for the believer who has wandered off the path into some sin or sins. It corrects our wrong thinking and wrong living, if we will read, study, and obey what it speaks to us. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about the inspired Word of God and its correction, "The meaning is, that the Scriptures are a powerful means of reformation, or of putting men into the proper condition in regard to morals. After all the means which have been employed to reform mankind; all the appeals which are made to them on the score of health, happiness, respectability, property, and long life, the Word of God is still the most powerful and the most effectual means of recovering those who have fallen into vice. No reformation can be permanent which is not based on the principles of the Word of God." The inspired Word of God is helpful and advantageous for 'instruction in righteousness' and here the Apostle Paul declares that the inspired Word of God is the only thing that can teach men and women of God what is truly right for now in time and for all eternity.
All this does the inspired Word of God do for the redeemed, regenerated, and resurrected man and woman of God in order for this to occur, "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:17) (KJV). The English word 'perfect' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word artios (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning fresh, that is, (by implication) complete: - perfect. The English phrase 'thoroughly furnished' is translated by the Greek word exartizō meaning to finish out (time); figuratively to equip fully (a teacher): - accomplish, thoroughly furnish. When Paul writes, 'unto all good works', he literally means every good work of God done for Him and energized by Him for His glory. In other words, the man of God or the woman of God that has been adopted into His family by the new birth has the inspired Word of God as his or her guide, teacher, corrector, and counselor, so that he or she may grow up into spiritual maturity from being a 'babe in Christ' (1 Corinthians 3:1) furnished with the knowledge and understanding of the Word of God and of the Ways of God capable and enabled and fully equipped with wisdom from our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to do the will of God and instruct others also to do what the will of God is for every son and daughter of Christ Jesus our Lord just as Paul said to the Hebrew believers with these words, "Now may the God of peace (who brought again our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant) make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21) (Modern King James Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "The Christian, the minister, is the man of God. That which finishes a man of God in this world is the Scripture. By it we are thoroughly furnished for every good work. There is that in the Scripture which suits every case. Whatever duty we have to do, whatever service is required from us, we may find enough in the Scriptures to furnish us for it. On the whole we here see, That the Scripture has various uses, and answers divers ends and purposes: It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction of all errors in judgment and practice, and for instruction in righteousness. The Scripture is a perfect rule of faith and practice, and was designed for the man of God, the minister as well as the Christian who is devoted to God, for it is profitable for doctrine, etc. If we consult the Scripture, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its directions, we shall be made men of God, perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good work. There is no occasion for the writings of the philosopher, nor for rabbinical fables, nor popish legends, nor unwritten traditions, to make us perfect men of God, since the Scripture answers all these ends and purposes. O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us."
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, April 10, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 40
Paul Declares that ALL Scripture is Breathed out by God Part 4
2 Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. KJV
Paul now wants to reiterate, remind, and restate to Brother Timothy and to everyone of us who are true born again believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ during every era and all times that we are not to be lured away from the truth of the Gospel and the truth of the Word of God by anyone no matter who they are or how loving or caring they appear on the surface, but instead we are to remain rooted and grounded in the love of the truth of Christ and His Holy Word, so Paul writes this to Timothy, "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;" (2 Timothy 3:14) (KJV). The English word 'continue' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word menō a primary verb meaning to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): to abide or to remain. In other words, Paul wants Timothy and we true believers now and of every time and era to stand firm in the truth of the Word of God that he has taught and remain grounded in it alone, keeping ourselves from being led astray by the cunning and crafty lies of men or women who have been deceived by the devil himself.
Paul wrote with these words to the Ephesian believers this same truth, "And truly He gave some to be Apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. And this until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; so that we no longer may be infants, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, in the dishonesty of men, in cunning craftiness, to the wiles of deceit. But that you, speaking the truth in love, may in all things grow up to Him who is the Head, even Christ; from whom the whole body, fitted together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of each part, producing the growth of the body to the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:11-16) (Modern King James Version). Note: "Paul the Apostle was a teacher of the Word of God that everyone could trust, for he was not motivated by gaining wealth or notoriety (2 Corinthians 11:7), but his only purpose and desire was to see men and women receive the glorious grace of God that he had received (2 Timothy 2:10) that so dramatically changed him and his life for time and eternity." Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "No man, however well instructed in the things of God, or grounded in Divine grace, is out of the reach of temptation, apostasy, and final ruin; hence the necessity of watching unto prayer, depending upon God, continuing in the faith, and persevering unto the end."
Lastly, Paul reminds Timothy again how he was taught the Old Testament Scriptures by his Grandmother Lois and his Mother Eunice just as he had already done earlier in this same letter (2 Timothy 1:5), but now he declares to Timothy how what he was taught from his youth should be used now as he continues on in faith in our Lord Jesus Christ with these words, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15) (KJV). It was his Grandmother and Mother bringing him up in the understanding of the writings of Moses (John 5:46) concerning the coming Messiah (Jesus Christ our Lord) that had prepared him to hear the Gospel of Christ and believe it unto salvation. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "The early religious education of Timothy has been already sufficiently noticed; see 2 Timothy 1:5, and the preface to the first epistle. St. Paul introduces this circumstance again here for the confirmation of Timothy’s faith. He had learned the doctrines of Christianity from a genuine Apostle; and, as Christianity is founded on the law and the prophets, Timothy was able to compare its doctrines with all that had been typified and predicted, and consequently was assured that the Christian religion was true. The Apostle is here evidently speaking of the Jewish Scriptures; and he tells us that they are able to make us wise unto salvation provided we have faith in Jesus Christ. This is the simple use of the Old Testament. No soul of man can be made wise unto salvation by it, but as he refers all to Christ Jesus. The Jews are unsaved though they know these Scriptures, because they believe not in Christ; for Christ is the end of the law for the justification of all that believe."
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 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. KJV
Paul now wants to reiterate, remind, and restate to Brother Timothy and to everyone of us who are true born again believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ during every era and all times that we are not to be lured away from the truth of the Gospel and the truth of the Word of God by anyone no matter who they are or how loving or caring they appear on the surface, but instead we are to remain rooted and grounded in the love of the truth of Christ and His Holy Word, so Paul writes this to Timothy, "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;" (2 Timothy 3:14) (KJV). The English word 'continue' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word menō a primary verb meaning to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): to abide or to remain. In other words, Paul wants Timothy and we true believers now and of every time and era to stand firm in the truth of the Word of God that he has taught and remain grounded in it alone, keeping ourselves from being led astray by the cunning and crafty lies of men or women who have been deceived by the devil himself.
Paul wrote with these words to the Ephesian believers this same truth, "And truly He gave some to be Apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. And this until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; so that we no longer may be infants, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, in the dishonesty of men, in cunning craftiness, to the wiles of deceit. But that you, speaking the truth in love, may in all things grow up to Him who is the Head, even Christ; from whom the whole body, fitted together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of each part, producing the growth of the body to the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:11-16) (Modern King James Version). Note: "Paul the Apostle was a teacher of the Word of God that everyone could trust, for he was not motivated by gaining wealth or notoriety (2 Corinthians 11:7), but his only purpose and desire was to see men and women receive the glorious grace of God that he had received (2 Timothy 2:10) that so dramatically changed him and his life for time and eternity." Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "No man, however well instructed in the things of God, or grounded in Divine grace, is out of the reach of temptation, apostasy, and final ruin; hence the necessity of watching unto prayer, depending upon God, continuing in the faith, and persevering unto the end."
Lastly, Paul reminds Timothy again how he was taught the Old Testament Scriptures by his Grandmother Lois and his Mother Eunice just as he had already done earlier in this same letter (2 Timothy 1:5), but now he declares to Timothy how what he was taught from his youth should be used now as he continues on in faith in our Lord Jesus Christ with these words, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15) (KJV). It was his Grandmother and Mother bringing him up in the understanding of the writings of Moses (John 5:46) concerning the coming Messiah (Jesus Christ our Lord) that had prepared him to hear the Gospel of Christ and believe it unto salvation. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "The early religious education of Timothy has been already sufficiently noticed; see 2 Timothy 1:5, and the preface to the first epistle. St. Paul introduces this circumstance again here for the confirmation of Timothy’s faith. He had learned the doctrines of Christianity from a genuine Apostle; and, as Christianity is founded on the law and the prophets, Timothy was able to compare its doctrines with all that had been typified and predicted, and consequently was assured that the Christian religion was true. The Apostle is here evidently speaking of the Jewish Scriptures; and he tells us that they are able to make us wise unto salvation provided we have faith in Jesus Christ. This is the simple use of the Old Testament. No soul of man can be made wise unto salvation by it, but as he refers all to Christ Jesus. The Jews are unsaved though they know these Scriptures, because they believe not in Christ; for Christ is the end of the law for the justification of all that believe."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 39
Paul Declares that ALL Scripture is Breathed out by God Part 3
2 Timothy 3:12-13 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. KJV
Paul reminds Brother Timothy that their is a price to pay for him and for everyone of us who are true and real believers and followers of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and that is to have the aforementioned, that is, those persecutions and afflictions which he saw happen to the Apostle Paul for his stand for the truth of the Gospel and the truth of the Word of God, therefore, he writes these words to him next, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) (KJV). The English word 'will' in this verse is perhaps the key word and it is translated by the Greek word thelō which means to determine, that is, choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); to desire to or to mean to or to delight in or to love. The English word 'godly' is translated by the Greek word eusebōs meaning piously or devotedly to Christ Jesus our Lord and to His Word. The little English phrase 'shall suffer persecution' is translated by the Greek word diōkō which means to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication to persecute: - ensue, follow (after), given to, suffer persecution, press toward. In other words, those of us who truly belong to our Lord Jesus Christ will want to please Him only and disregard pleasing anyone else if it would cause us to displease Him, therefore, Paul tells Timothy and us that we must not perceive or think that our ill-treatment/persecution for standing for Christ and His Holy Word is some strange thing or that it should not be so, but instead we should see it as our badge of honor to encourage us to continue in the truth knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ will always honor those who stand for and declare the truth of His Word no matter what the outward circumstances might be in doing so.
The Apostle Peter wrote of this in two (2) places in his first letter in Chapter 4, first with these words, "Therefore, Christ having suffered for us in the flesh, also you arm yourselves with the same thought, that He suffering in the flesh has been made to rest from sin, in order no longer to live in the lusts of men, but in the will of God the remaining time in the flesh. For the time of life which is past is enough for us to have worked out the will of the nations, having gone on in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, parties, carousings, and abominable idolatries. In these things they are surprised, that you are not running with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming." (1 Peter 4:1-4) (Modern King James Version) and secondly with these words in this same Chapter 4, "Beloved, do not be astonished at the fiery trial which is to try you, as though a strange thing happened to you, but rejoice according as you are partakers of Christ's suffering, so that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of God and of glory rests on you. Truly according to them, He is blasphemed, but according to you He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or a meddler in the affairs of others. But if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God because of this." (1 Peter 4:12-16) (Modern King James Version).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "Paul takes occasion from the reference to his own persecutions, to say that his case was not unique. It was the common lot of all who endeavored to serve their Redeemer faithfully; and Timothy himself, therefore, must not hope to escape from it. The Apostle had a particular reference, doubtless, to his own times; but he has put his remark into the most general form, as applicable to all periods. It is undoubtedly true at all times, and will ever be, that they who are devoted Christians - who live as the Saviour did - and who carry out his principles always, will experience some form of persecution. The 'essence' of persecution consists in 'subjecting a person to injury or disadvantage on account of his opinions.' It is something more than meeting his opinions by argument, which is always right and proper; it is inflicting some injury on him; depriving him of some privilege, or right; subjecting him to some disadvantage, or placing him in less favorable circumstances, on account of his sentiments. This may be either an injury done to his feelings, his family, his reputation, his property, his liberty, his influence; it may be by depriving him of an office which he held, or preventing him from obtaining one to which he is eligible; it may be by subjecting him to fine or imprisonment, to banishment, torture, or death. If, in any manner, or in any way, he is subjected to disadvantage on account of his religious opinions, and deprived of any immunities and rights to which he would be otherwise entitled, this is persecution. Now, it is doubtless as true as it ever was, that a man who will live as the Saviour did, will, like Him, be subjected to some such injury or disadvantage. On account of his opinions, he may be held up to ridicule, or treated with neglect, or excluded from society to which his attainments and manners would otherwise introduce him, or shunned by those who might otherwise value his friendship. These things may be expected in the best times, and under the most favorable circumstances; and it is known that a large part of the history of the world, in its relation to the Church, is nothing more than a history of persecution."
In contrast to Brother Timothy and those of us who truly follow our Lord Jesus Christ and His Word in every era and time, Paul declares to Timothy and to us what will be the mode, manner, and motivation of those men or women who will not hear the Gospel and who will not believe the truth of the Word of God, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." (2 Timothy 3:13) (KJV). The English word 'evil' is translated by the Greek word ponēros which means (as used here) hurtful, that is, evil (properly in effect or influence, figuratively calamitous; also (passively) ill, that is, diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, that is, derelict, vicious, facinorous, that is, extremely wicked. The English word 'seducers' is translated by the Greek word goēs (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) which means properly a wizard (as muttering spells), that is, (by implication) an impostor: - seducer. The English phrase 'shall wax worse and worse' is translated by the Greek word prokoptō meaning to drive forward (as if by beating), that is, (figuratively and intransitively) to advance (in amount, to grow; in time, to be well along): - increase, proceed, profit, be far spent, wax. The English words 'deceiving' and 'being deceived' are translated by the Greek word planaō meaning to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): - go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way. In other words, Paul is saying that those who are devoid of the truth and who belong to and embrace the 'lie' will go about getting worse and worse in their lies and false beliefs and in so doing they will not stop at their own decption, but will work hard at deceiving as many others as possible and we see the evidence of Paul's words here manifested all over the air waves, radio, television, print, and the internet is full of these spiritual hucksters who are working overtime to lure unsuppecting souls into their web of lies and gain monetary advantage from them.
Remember what this same Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church concernig this matter of those who want the lie and not the truth, "For the mystery of lawlessness is already working, only he is now holding back until it comes out of the midst. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the breath of His mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming, whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, so that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, so that all those who do not believe the truth, but delight in unrighteousness, might be condemned." (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12) (Modern King James Version). Here is what John Wesley had to say about this verse, "He who has once begun to deceive others is both the less likely to recover from his own error, and the more ready to embrace the errors of other men." Note: "The extreme tragedy to me is when children are born into the human family of such deceiving men and women who have whole heartedly embraced the 'lie' and are on a downward spiritual spiral taking their little babies from the womb downward with them, however, praise our Lord Jesus Christ that the mighty Power of His Gospel can and does reach into the deepest darkest crevices and is more than able to pull the soul of any child out of the darkness with which he or she has been taught and lived in all their natural lives into His wonderful light."
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 3:12-13 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. KJV
Paul reminds Brother Timothy that their is a price to pay for him and for everyone of us who are true and real believers and followers of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and that is to have the aforementioned, that is, those persecutions and afflictions which he saw happen to the Apostle Paul for his stand for the truth of the Gospel and the truth of the Word of God, therefore, he writes these words to him next, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) (KJV). The English word 'will' in this verse is perhaps the key word and it is translated by the Greek word thelō which means to determine, that is, choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); to desire to or to mean to or to delight in or to love. The English word 'godly' is translated by the Greek word eusebōs meaning piously or devotedly to Christ Jesus our Lord and to His Word. The little English phrase 'shall suffer persecution' is translated by the Greek word diōkō which means to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication to persecute: - ensue, follow (after), given to, suffer persecution, press toward. In other words, those of us who truly belong to our Lord Jesus Christ will want to please Him only and disregard pleasing anyone else if it would cause us to displease Him, therefore, Paul tells Timothy and us that we must not perceive or think that our ill-treatment/persecution for standing for Christ and His Holy Word is some strange thing or that it should not be so, but instead we should see it as our badge of honor to encourage us to continue in the truth knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ will always honor those who stand for and declare the truth of His Word no matter what the outward circumstances might be in doing so.
The Apostle Peter wrote of this in two (2) places in his first letter in Chapter 4, first with these words, "Therefore, Christ having suffered for us in the flesh, also you arm yourselves with the same thought, that He suffering in the flesh has been made to rest from sin, in order no longer to live in the lusts of men, but in the will of God the remaining time in the flesh. For the time of life which is past is enough for us to have worked out the will of the nations, having gone on in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, parties, carousings, and abominable idolatries. In these things they are surprised, that you are not running with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming." (1 Peter 4:1-4) (Modern King James Version) and secondly with these words in this same Chapter 4, "Beloved, do not be astonished at the fiery trial which is to try you, as though a strange thing happened to you, but rejoice according as you are partakers of Christ's suffering, so that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of God and of glory rests on you. Truly according to them, He is blasphemed, but according to you He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or a meddler in the affairs of others. But if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God because of this." (1 Peter 4:12-16) (Modern King James Version).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "Paul takes occasion from the reference to his own persecutions, to say that his case was not unique. It was the common lot of all who endeavored to serve their Redeemer faithfully; and Timothy himself, therefore, must not hope to escape from it. The Apostle had a particular reference, doubtless, to his own times; but he has put his remark into the most general form, as applicable to all periods. It is undoubtedly true at all times, and will ever be, that they who are devoted Christians - who live as the Saviour did - and who carry out his principles always, will experience some form of persecution. The 'essence' of persecution consists in 'subjecting a person to injury or disadvantage on account of his opinions.' It is something more than meeting his opinions by argument, which is always right and proper; it is inflicting some injury on him; depriving him of some privilege, or right; subjecting him to some disadvantage, or placing him in less favorable circumstances, on account of his sentiments. This may be either an injury done to his feelings, his family, his reputation, his property, his liberty, his influence; it may be by depriving him of an office which he held, or preventing him from obtaining one to which he is eligible; it may be by subjecting him to fine or imprisonment, to banishment, torture, or death. If, in any manner, or in any way, he is subjected to disadvantage on account of his religious opinions, and deprived of any immunities and rights to which he would be otherwise entitled, this is persecution. Now, it is doubtless as true as it ever was, that a man who will live as the Saviour did, will, like Him, be subjected to some such injury or disadvantage. On account of his opinions, he may be held up to ridicule, or treated with neglect, or excluded from society to which his attainments and manners would otherwise introduce him, or shunned by those who might otherwise value his friendship. These things may be expected in the best times, and under the most favorable circumstances; and it is known that a large part of the history of the world, in its relation to the Church, is nothing more than a history of persecution."
In contrast to Brother Timothy and those of us who truly follow our Lord Jesus Christ and His Word in every era and time, Paul declares to Timothy and to us what will be the mode, manner, and motivation of those men or women who will not hear the Gospel and who will not believe the truth of the Word of God, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." (2 Timothy 3:13) (KJV). The English word 'evil' is translated by the Greek word ponēros which means (as used here) hurtful, that is, evil (properly in effect or influence, figuratively calamitous; also (passively) ill, that is, diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, that is, derelict, vicious, facinorous, that is, extremely wicked. The English word 'seducers' is translated by the Greek word goēs (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) which means properly a wizard (as muttering spells), that is, (by implication) an impostor: - seducer. The English phrase 'shall wax worse and worse' is translated by the Greek word prokoptō meaning to drive forward (as if by beating), that is, (figuratively and intransitively) to advance (in amount, to grow; in time, to be well along): - increase, proceed, profit, be far spent, wax. The English words 'deceiving' and 'being deceived' are translated by the Greek word planaō meaning to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): - go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way. In other words, Paul is saying that those who are devoid of the truth and who belong to and embrace the 'lie' will go about getting worse and worse in their lies and false beliefs and in so doing they will not stop at their own decption, but will work hard at deceiving as many others as possible and we see the evidence of Paul's words here manifested all over the air waves, radio, television, print, and the internet is full of these spiritual hucksters who are working overtime to lure unsuppecting souls into their web of lies and gain monetary advantage from them.
Remember what this same Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church concernig this matter of those who want the lie and not the truth, "For the mystery of lawlessness is already working, only he is now holding back until it comes out of the midst. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the breath of His mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming, whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, so that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, so that all those who do not believe the truth, but delight in unrighteousness, might be condemned." (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12) (Modern King James Version). Here is what John Wesley had to say about this verse, "He who has once begun to deceive others is both the less likely to recover from his own error, and the more ready to embrace the errors of other men." Note: "The extreme tragedy to me is when children are born into the human family of such deceiving men and women who have whole heartedly embraced the 'lie' and are on a downward spiritual spiral taking their little babies from the womb downward with them, however, praise our Lord Jesus Christ that the mighty Power of His Gospel can and does reach into the deepest darkest crevices and is more than able to pull the soul of any child out of the darkness with which he or she has been taught and lived in all their natural lives into His wonderful light."
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, April 3, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 38
Paul Declares that ALL Scripture is Breathed out by God Part 2
2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. KJV
Paul concludes his detail to Brother Timothy of the things he endured for the sake of the Gospel and for the love of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these words, "Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me." (2 Timothy 3:11) (KJV). The English word 'persecutions' is translated by the Greek word diōgmos which simply means ill-treatment or literally to pursue after someone in order to render harm to them for their belief and faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. The English word 'afflictions' is translated by the Greek word pathēma which means something undergone, that is, hardship or pain. In other words, during the time that Timothy was physically with the Apostle Paul, he was witness to these sufferings that Paul endured at the hands of evil and wicked men (two-legged devils), first in the city of Antioch where the Jews who opposed his doctrine and teaching stirred up the people of that city to persecute them and expel them out of the city as it is written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And on the coming sabbath day almost all the city came together to hear the Word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy and contradicted those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. But speaking boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, It was necessary for the Word of God to be spoken to you first. But since indeed you put it far from you and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the nations." (Acts 13:44-46) (Modern King James Version).
In the city of Iconium, the Jews made an assault upon the Apostle Paul and those who were with him to stone them as again it is also written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And it happened in Iconium, they both went together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spoke so as a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the nations and made them evil-hearted against the brothers. Therefore they stayed a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who bore witness to the word of His grace, giving miracles and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided. And part held with the Jews, and part with the Apostles. And when there was an assault made by both the nations and the Jews, with their rulers, in order to insult and to stone them, they were aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the country around them. And there they were preaching the Gospel." (Acts 14:1-7) (Modern King James Version). When they arrived in the city of Lystra, they also faced the same ill-treatment from those who belonged to the devil where the Apostle Paul was dragged outside of the city and stoned to death (this is when Paul was taken up to the 3rd Heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ as Paul documented for us in 2 Corinthians 12:1-5) as documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there (Lystra), who, having persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, they drew him out of the city, supposing him to have died. But the disciples surrounding him, he rose up and came into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And preaching the Gospel to that city, and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, calling on them to continue in the faith and that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God. And having hand-picked elders for them in every Church, and had prayed with fastings, they commended them to the Lord into whom they believed." (Acts 14:19-23) (Modern King James Version).
The English word 'delivered' is translated by the Greek word rhuomai which means simply to rescue from danger or evil, and in this case to rescue Paul from the hands of evil wicked men (two-legged devils). Here is what the Psalmist King David wrote concerning the Lord rescuing those who belong to Him, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Jehovah delivers him out of them all." (Psalms 34:19) (Modern King James Version) and also this one, "And Jehovah shall help them, and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him." (Psalms 37:40) (Modern King James Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the persecutions and afflictions of Paul and how Timothy viewed them, "He knew what care God had taken of him: Notwithstanding out of them all the Lord delivered me; as he never failed his cause, so his God never failed him. Thou hast fully known my afflictions. When we know the afflictions of good people but in part, they are a temptation to us to decline that cause which they suffer for; when we know only the hardships they undergo for Christ, we may be ready to say, 'We will renounce that cause that is likely to cost us so dear in the owning of it;' but when we fully know the afflictions, not only how they suffer, but how they are supported and comforted under their sufferings, then, instead of being discouraged, we shall be animated by them, especially considering that we are told before that we must count upon such things." Note: "Their is no need or reason for us as children of the Living and True God to shrink back from the truth of the Word of God, for God the Father has always protected His Word from the very beginning and He will continue throughout the remainder of time and on into eternity, therefore, what can evil men do to us for standing for the truth, but that it is only temporary, that is, not permanent; not lasting, but the Word of God is eternal and we have the assurance from our Heavenly Father that He will guard and protect the truth of His Word and so will He do for His sons and daughters who honor His Word, just as our Lord Jesus assured Paul with these words recorded for us by Dr. Luke, 'And the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid, but speak, and be not silent. For I am with you, and no one shall set on you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them.' (Acts 18:9-11) (Modern Kinmg James 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 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. KJV
Paul concludes his detail to Brother Timothy of the things he endured for the sake of the Gospel and for the love of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these words, "Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me." (2 Timothy 3:11) (KJV). The English word 'persecutions' is translated by the Greek word diōgmos which simply means ill-treatment or literally to pursue after someone in order to render harm to them for their belief and faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. The English word 'afflictions' is translated by the Greek word pathēma which means something undergone, that is, hardship or pain. In other words, during the time that Timothy was physically with the Apostle Paul, he was witness to these sufferings that Paul endured at the hands of evil and wicked men (two-legged devils), first in the city of Antioch where the Jews who opposed his doctrine and teaching stirred up the people of that city to persecute them and expel them out of the city as it is written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And on the coming sabbath day almost all the city came together to hear the Word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy and contradicted those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. But speaking boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, It was necessary for the Word of God to be spoken to you first. But since indeed you put it far from you and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the nations." (Acts 13:44-46) (Modern King James Version).
In the city of Iconium, the Jews made an assault upon the Apostle Paul and those who were with him to stone them as again it is also written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And it happened in Iconium, they both went together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spoke so as a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the nations and made them evil-hearted against the brothers. Therefore they stayed a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who bore witness to the word of His grace, giving miracles and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided. And part held with the Jews, and part with the Apostles. And when there was an assault made by both the nations and the Jews, with their rulers, in order to insult and to stone them, they were aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the country around them. And there they were preaching the Gospel." (Acts 14:1-7) (Modern King James Version). When they arrived in the city of Lystra, they also faced the same ill-treatment from those who belonged to the devil where the Apostle Paul was dragged outside of the city and stoned to death (this is when Paul was taken up to the 3rd Heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ as Paul documented for us in 2 Corinthians 12:1-5) as documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there (Lystra), who, having persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, they drew him out of the city, supposing him to have died. But the disciples surrounding him, he rose up and came into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And preaching the Gospel to that city, and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, calling on them to continue in the faith and that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God. And having hand-picked elders for them in every Church, and had prayed with fastings, they commended them to the Lord into whom they believed." (Acts 14:19-23) (Modern King James Version).
The English word 'delivered' is translated by the Greek word rhuomai which means simply to rescue from danger or evil, and in this case to rescue Paul from the hands of evil wicked men (two-legged devils). Here is what the Psalmist King David wrote concerning the Lord rescuing those who belong to Him, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Jehovah delivers him out of them all." (Psalms 34:19) (Modern King James Version) and also this one, "And Jehovah shall help them, and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him." (Psalms 37:40) (Modern King James Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the persecutions and afflictions of Paul and how Timothy viewed them, "He knew what care God had taken of him: Notwithstanding out of them all the Lord delivered me; as he never failed his cause, so his God never failed him. Thou hast fully known my afflictions. When we know the afflictions of good people but in part, they are a temptation to us to decline that cause which they suffer for; when we know only the hardships they undergo for Christ, we may be ready to say, 'We will renounce that cause that is likely to cost us so dear in the owning of it;' but when we fully know the afflictions, not only how they suffer, but how they are supported and comforted under their sufferings, then, instead of being discouraged, we shall be animated by them, especially considering that we are told before that we must count upon such things." Note: "Their is no need or reason for us as children of the Living and True God to shrink back from the truth of the Word of God, for God the Father has always protected His Word from the very beginning and He will continue throughout the remainder of time and on into eternity, therefore, what can evil men do to us for standing for the truth, but that it is only temporary, that is, not permanent; not lasting, but the Word of God is eternal and we have the assurance from our Heavenly Father that He will guard and protect the truth of His Word and so will He do for His sons and daughters who honor His Word, just as our Lord Jesus assured Paul with these words recorded for us by Dr. Luke, 'And the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid, but speak, and be not silent. For I am with you, and no one shall set on you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them.' (Acts 18:9-11) (Modern Kinmg James 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…
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