Paul tells Timothy to be a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus Part 5
2 Timothy 2:6-7 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. KJV
Paul further expounds to Brother Timothy and to we true believers today and of every era and generation of what his/our priority, purpose, and passion should be during our sojourn and pilgrimage here on the earth before our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ returns with these next words, "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits." (2 Timothy 2:6) (KJV). The English phrase 'the husbandman' is translated by the Greek word geōrgos which means a land worker, that is, farmer: - husbandman. The English phrase 'that laboureth' is translated by the Greek word kopiaō which means to feel fatigue; by implication to work hard: - labour, toil, be wearied. The English phrase 'be first partaker' is translated by two Greek words prōtos & metalambanō meaning to be foremost (in time, place, order or importance): to participate; generally to accept (and use): - eat, have, be partaker, receive, take. The English word 'fruits' is translated by the Greek word karpos which means fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively: - fruit. In other words, the Apostle Paul is saying two (2) things here: 1) In order for any believer (preacher or layperson) to reap a spiritual harvest in their own lives, they must do as the farmer does in his field working the soil and planting the seeds and watering his field and then waiting patiently for his harvest to emerge, not by wishing or hoping, but by his or her diligence, dedication, and determination in their labor. Likewise must the child of God labor in the Word of God in order to reap a harvest of all the spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3) that are already ours, not by the Holy Spirit raining down some knowledge of His Word to the believer, but instead by the believer being constantly and continually in the Word of God praying for God the Holy Spirit to give understanding of what he or she reads. 2) If the preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of Grace is diligent in his or her proclamation of the truth of the Gospel and the entire Word of God, then when he or she is faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ and is patient, then will the Holy Spirit take the Gospel preached and regenerate sinners who will then become saints of God and then the faithful preacher will have a flock of sheep to shepherd and will live by the preaching of the Gospel of Grace.
Paul declared to the Corinthian believers this very idea with these words, "Who serves as a soldier at his own wages at any time? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock and does not partake of the milk of the flock? Do I say these things according to man? Or does not the Law say the same also? For it is written in the Law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle an ox threshing grain.' Does God take care for oxen? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? It was written for us, so that he who plows should plow in hope, and so that he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others have a share of this authority over you, rather should not we? But we have not used this authority, but we endured all things lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And those attending the altar are partakers with the altar. Even so, the Lord ordained those announcing the Gospel to live from the Gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:7-14) (Modern King James Version). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning this verse, "According to the marginal reading, the word 'first' is introduced in connection with the word 'labour' - 'labouring first, must be partaker.' That is, it is a great law that the husbandman must work before he receives a harvest. This sense will accord with the purpose of the Apostle. It was to remind Timothy that labor must precede reward; that if a man would reap, he must sow; that he could hope for no fruits, unless he toiled for them. The point was not that the husbandman would be the first one who would partake of the fruits; but that he must first labor before he obtained the reward. Thus understood, this would be an encouragement to Timothy to persevere in his toils, looking onward to the reward. The Greek will bear this construction, though it is not the most obvious one."
Next Paul instructs Brother Timothy to reflect on the things he has written to him with these words, "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." (2 Timothy 2:7) (KJV). The English word 'consider' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word noieō which means to exercise the mind (observe), that is, (figuratively) to comprehend, heed: - consider, perceive, think, understand. In other words, the Apostle Paul wants Brother Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to exercise our minds or to turn our minds on to understand and comprehend these three (3) examples of the soldier, the athlete, the farmer and how what they do refers to, relates to, and is relevant to our walk of faith with our Lord Jesus Christ and our spiritual growth from babes in Christ to full spiritual maturity. Paul then makes a quick prayer for Timothy and for us that our Lord Jesus Christ give us understanding in this and in all things that are in His Holy Word. Here again is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning this verse, "Consider what I say; - see 1 Timothy 4:15. The sense is 'Think of the condition of the soldier, and the principles on which he is enlisted; think of the aspirant for the crown in the Grecian games; think of the farmer, patiently toiling in the prospect of the distant harvest; and then go to your work with a similar spirit.' These things are worth attention. When the minister of the Gospel thinks of his hardships, of his struggles against an evil world, and of his arduous and constant discouraging toil, let him think of the soldier, of the man who struggles for this world’s honors, and of the patient farmer - and be content. How patiently do they bear all, and yet for what inferior rewards! And the Lord give thee understanding in all things - Enable you to see the force of these considerations, and to apply them to your own case. Such are often the discouragements of the ministry; so prone is the mind to despondency, that we need the help of the Lord to enable us to apply the most obvious considerations, and to derive support from the most plain and simple truths and promises."
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.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 17
Paul tells Timothy to be a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus Part 4
2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. KJV
Paul continues to give Brother Timothy and we true believers of every era and generation the responsibilities and the requirements of being a good soldier of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ fighting the good fight of faith in Him under His banner with these next words, "And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." (2 Timothy 2:5) (KJV). As any earthly soldier of a particular country must follow the orders of his or her commanding officers, so is it for those of us who are enlisted, embarked, and engaged in a far more dangerous, detrimental, and deadly battle that has ever been and will ever be which is the spiritual battle for the souls of sinful humanity warring as we do against our enemy the devil. This is why Paul has already warned Timothy of the hardship to come, because it is the enemies endeavor, effort, and enterprise to pervert and prostitute the Gospel of Jesus Christ (as he has done and is doing in many places on the earth) so that sinners are led down the wide broad road that does not lead to Christ and eternal salvation in Him alone.
Again as our Lord Jesus Himself warned would be the case with these words, "Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) (Contemporary English Version) and with these words, "Someone asked him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?' Jesus answered: Do all you can to go in by the narrow door! A lot of people will try to get in, but will not be able to. Once the Owner of the house gets up and locks the door, you will be left standing outside. You will knock on the door and say, 'Sir, open the door for us!' But the Owner will answer, 'I don't know a thing about you!' Then you will start saying, 'We dined with You, and You taught in our streets.' But He will say, 'I really don't know who you are! Get away from me, you evil people!' Then when you have been thrown outside, you will weep and grit your teeth because you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's kingdom. People will come from all directions and sit down to feast in God's kingdom. There the ones who are now least important will be the most important, and those who are now most important will be least important." (Luke 13:23-30) (Contemporary English Version).
The English phrase 'strive for masteries' is translated by the Greek word athleō (used only one other time in the entire New Testament and is also probably where we get our English word athlete from) and it means (a contest in the public lists); to contend in the competitive games: - strive. The English word 'crowned' is translated by the Greek word stephanoō which means to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively): - crown. The English word 'except' is translated by the Greek word ean mē which means if not, that is, unless. The English word 'lawfully' is translated by the Greek word nomimōs (used only one other time in the entire New Testament) which is an adverb meaning legitimately (specifically agreeably to the rules of the lists): - lawfully. In other words, Paul is not only saying that a good soldier of Jesus Christ must war against the devil to preserve and protect the Gospel of Grace and the truth of the Word of God, but here he is comparing a soldier of Jesus Christ to the participants in the Greek games during his time (today it would be our Olympic games) and no matter how hard they trained and prepared for their events, they would not be crowned winners unless they competed according to the rules of their games, just as Paul declared to the Corinthian Church with these words he wrote to them on this very subject, "You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. I don't run without a goal. And I don't box by beating my fists in the air. I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) (Contemporary English Version). And so it is with every born again believer in Christ Jesus our Lord, for in order for us to receive any reward in heaven we must be true to the Gospel of Grace and to the infallible Word of God, just as Adam Clarke says with these words, "No man, however zealous he may have been, is to expect the Well done, good and faithful servant, from Jesus Christ, unless he has labored in the word and doctrine, preached the truth as it is in Jesus, and built up the Church upon Him who is its only Foundation."
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 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. KJV
Paul continues to give Brother Timothy and we true believers of every era and generation the responsibilities and the requirements of being a good soldier of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ fighting the good fight of faith in Him under His banner with these next words, "And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." (2 Timothy 2:5) (KJV). As any earthly soldier of a particular country must follow the orders of his or her commanding officers, so is it for those of us who are enlisted, embarked, and engaged in a far more dangerous, detrimental, and deadly battle that has ever been and will ever be which is the spiritual battle for the souls of sinful humanity warring as we do against our enemy the devil. This is why Paul has already warned Timothy of the hardship to come, because it is the enemies endeavor, effort, and enterprise to pervert and prostitute the Gospel of Jesus Christ (as he has done and is doing in many places on the earth) so that sinners are led down the wide broad road that does not lead to Christ and eternal salvation in Him alone.
Again as our Lord Jesus Himself warned would be the case with these words, "Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) (Contemporary English Version) and with these words, "Someone asked him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?' Jesus answered: Do all you can to go in by the narrow door! A lot of people will try to get in, but will not be able to. Once the Owner of the house gets up and locks the door, you will be left standing outside. You will knock on the door and say, 'Sir, open the door for us!' But the Owner will answer, 'I don't know a thing about you!' Then you will start saying, 'We dined with You, and You taught in our streets.' But He will say, 'I really don't know who you are! Get away from me, you evil people!' Then when you have been thrown outside, you will weep and grit your teeth because you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's kingdom. People will come from all directions and sit down to feast in God's kingdom. There the ones who are now least important will be the most important, and those who are now most important will be least important." (Luke 13:23-30) (Contemporary English Version).
The English phrase 'strive for masteries' is translated by the Greek word athleō (used only one other time in the entire New Testament and is also probably where we get our English word athlete from) and it means (a contest in the public lists); to contend in the competitive games: - strive. The English word 'crowned' is translated by the Greek word stephanoō which means to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively): - crown. The English word 'except' is translated by the Greek word ean mē which means if not, that is, unless. The English word 'lawfully' is translated by the Greek word nomimōs (used only one other time in the entire New Testament) which is an adverb meaning legitimately (specifically agreeably to the rules of the lists): - lawfully. In other words, Paul is not only saying that a good soldier of Jesus Christ must war against the devil to preserve and protect the Gospel of Grace and the truth of the Word of God, but here he is comparing a soldier of Jesus Christ to the participants in the Greek games during his time (today it would be our Olympic games) and no matter how hard they trained and prepared for their events, they would not be crowned winners unless they competed according to the rules of their games, just as Paul declared to the Corinthian Church with these words he wrote to them on this very subject, "You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. I don't run without a goal. And I don't box by beating my fists in the air. I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) (Contemporary English Version). And so it is with every born again believer in Christ Jesus our Lord, for in order for us to receive any reward in heaven we must be true to the Gospel of Grace and to the infallible Word of God, just as Adam Clarke says with these words, "No man, however zealous he may have been, is to expect the Well done, good and faithful servant, from Jesus Christ, unless he has labored in the word and doctrine, preached the truth as it is in Jesus, and built up the Church upon Him who is its only Foundation."
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, January 9, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 16
Paul tells Timothy to be a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus Part 3
2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. KJV
Paul now after reiterating to Timothy where his power comes from (the Throne of Grace where our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ sits upon)for the constant and continuous spiritual battle with the criminal enemy of his and all ours the devil, he now wants to again remind him of his/our duty to Christ Jesus our Lord and he begins by instructing him/us with these words, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3) (KJV). The Apostle Paul had been subject to suffering for the sake of the Gospel of Christ and for the truth of the Word of God from the day he received salvation on the Damascus road up until the very penning of this letter to Timothy as he is writing while being falsely and unjustly held captive by the Romans. The English phrase 'endure hardship' is translated by the Greek word kakopatheō meaning to undergo hardship: - be afflicted, endure afflictions (hardness), suffer trouble. The English word 'soldier' is translated by the Greek word stratiōtēs which means (as used here) a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively): - soldier.
The old veteran of the faith is now stimulating and motivating the young man in the faith to follow his example of always declaring, distributing, and divulging the truth of the Word of God, no matter what the outward circumstances, concerns, or consequences might be to him personally, just as this same Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians with these words to encourage and strengthen them to continue to honor the truth of the Word of God, "Don't forget all the hard times you went through when you first received the light. Sometimes you were abused and mistreated in public, and at other times you shared in the sufferings of others." (Hebrews 10:32-33) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "All Christians, but especially ministers, are soldiers of Jesus Christ; they fight under His banner, in His cause, and against His enemies, for He is the captain of our salvation, Hebrews 2:10. The soldiers of Jesus Christ must approve themselves good soldiers, faithful to their Captain, resolute in His cause, and must not give over fighting till they are made more than conquerors, through Him that loved them, Romans 8:37. Those who would approve themselves good soldiers of Jesus Christ must endure hardness; that is, we must expect it and count upon it in this world, must endure and accustom ourselves to it, and bear it patiently when it comes, and not be moved by it from our integrity."
Paul now gives Brother Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation the responsibilities and requirements of a good soldier of Christ Jesus our Lord beginning with these words, "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." (2 Timothy 2:4) (KJV). The emphatic or forceful phrase of 'no man' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word oudeis meaning (as used here) not even one (man, woman or thing), that is, none, nobody, nothing. The English phrase 'that warreth' is translated by the Greek word strateuomai meaning (as used here) to serve in a military campaign; figuratively to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions). The English phrase 'entangleth himself with' is translated by the Greek word emplekō (used only one other time in the entire New Testament) which means to entwine, that is, (figuratively) involve with. The English word 'affairs' is translated by the Greek word pragmateia (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning a transaction, that is, negotiation: - affair. The English phrase 'of this life' is translated by the Greek word bios meaning (as used here) life, that is, (literally) the present state of existence.
In other words, Paul exhorts Brother Timothy and we true Christians of every era and generation to make loyalty to Christ Jesus our Lord and to the truth of His Word our first priority as we are pilgrims and sojourners down here on the earth before He takes us with Him to heaven. That is, none of us as soldiers should be more concerned with our status or position in this brief vapor of a life (James 4:14) here on the earth, but as faithful soldiers we must be more concerned with warring against our enemy the devil by declaring the truth of the Word of God always and at all times and in all places where we are here on the earth. We must be agreeable, accessible, and accountable to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ only who has enlisted us into His Army as soldiers at the very moment of our redemption, regeneration, and rebirth, just as He told us about Saul (who became Paul) when our Lord Jesus converted him on the Damascus road with these words, "But the Lord said to him, Go! For this one is a chosen vessel to Me, to bear My name before nations and kings and the sons of Israel. For I will show him what great things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16) (Modern King James Version).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning this verse, "A soldier, when he has enlisted, leaves his calling, and all the business of it, that he may attend his Captain's orders. If we have given up ourselves to be Christ's soldiers, we must sit loose to this world; and though there is no remedy, but we must employ ourselves in the affairs of this life while we are here (we have something to do here), we must not entangle ourselves with those affairs, so as by them to be diverted and drawn aside from our duty to God and the great concerns of our Christianity. Those who will war the good warfare must sit loose to this world. That we may please Him who hath chosen us to be soldiers. The great care of a soldier should be to please his general; so the great care of a Christian should be to please Christ, to approve ourselves to Him. The way to please Him who hath chosen us to be soldiers is not to entangle ourselves with the affairs of this life, but to be free from such entanglements as would hinder us in our holy warfare."
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 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. KJV
Paul now after reiterating to Timothy where his power comes from (the Throne of Grace where our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ sits upon)for the constant and continuous spiritual battle with the criminal enemy of his and all ours the devil, he now wants to again remind him of his/our duty to Christ Jesus our Lord and he begins by instructing him/us with these words, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3) (KJV). The Apostle Paul had been subject to suffering for the sake of the Gospel of Christ and for the truth of the Word of God from the day he received salvation on the Damascus road up until the very penning of this letter to Timothy as he is writing while being falsely and unjustly held captive by the Romans. The English phrase 'endure hardship' is translated by the Greek word kakopatheō meaning to undergo hardship: - be afflicted, endure afflictions (hardness), suffer trouble. The English word 'soldier' is translated by the Greek word stratiōtēs which means (as used here) a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively): - soldier.
The old veteran of the faith is now stimulating and motivating the young man in the faith to follow his example of always declaring, distributing, and divulging the truth of the Word of God, no matter what the outward circumstances, concerns, or consequences might be to him personally, just as this same Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians with these words to encourage and strengthen them to continue to honor the truth of the Word of God, "Don't forget all the hard times you went through when you first received the light. Sometimes you were abused and mistreated in public, and at other times you shared in the sufferings of others." (Hebrews 10:32-33) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "All Christians, but especially ministers, are soldiers of Jesus Christ; they fight under His banner, in His cause, and against His enemies, for He is the captain of our salvation, Hebrews 2:10. The soldiers of Jesus Christ must approve themselves good soldiers, faithful to their Captain, resolute in His cause, and must not give over fighting till they are made more than conquerors, through Him that loved them, Romans 8:37. Those who would approve themselves good soldiers of Jesus Christ must endure hardness; that is, we must expect it and count upon it in this world, must endure and accustom ourselves to it, and bear it patiently when it comes, and not be moved by it from our integrity."
Paul now gives Brother Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation the responsibilities and requirements of a good soldier of Christ Jesus our Lord beginning with these words, "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." (2 Timothy 2:4) (KJV). The emphatic or forceful phrase of 'no man' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word oudeis meaning (as used here) not even one (man, woman or thing), that is, none, nobody, nothing. The English phrase 'that warreth' is translated by the Greek word strateuomai meaning (as used here) to serve in a military campaign; figuratively to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions). The English phrase 'entangleth himself with' is translated by the Greek word emplekō (used only one other time in the entire New Testament) which means to entwine, that is, (figuratively) involve with. The English word 'affairs' is translated by the Greek word pragmateia (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning a transaction, that is, negotiation: - affair. The English phrase 'of this life' is translated by the Greek word bios meaning (as used here) life, that is, (literally) the present state of existence.
In other words, Paul exhorts Brother Timothy and we true Christians of every era and generation to make loyalty to Christ Jesus our Lord and to the truth of His Word our first priority as we are pilgrims and sojourners down here on the earth before He takes us with Him to heaven. That is, none of us as soldiers should be more concerned with our status or position in this brief vapor of a life (James 4:14) here on the earth, but as faithful soldiers we must be more concerned with warring against our enemy the devil by declaring the truth of the Word of God always and at all times and in all places where we are here on the earth. We must be agreeable, accessible, and accountable to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ only who has enlisted us into His Army as soldiers at the very moment of our redemption, regeneration, and rebirth, just as He told us about Saul (who became Paul) when our Lord Jesus converted him on the Damascus road with these words, "But the Lord said to him, Go! For this one is a chosen vessel to Me, to bear My name before nations and kings and the sons of Israel. For I will show him what great things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16) (Modern King James Version).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning this verse, "A soldier, when he has enlisted, leaves his calling, and all the business of it, that he may attend his Captain's orders. If we have given up ourselves to be Christ's soldiers, we must sit loose to this world; and though there is no remedy, but we must employ ourselves in the affairs of this life while we are here (we have something to do here), we must not entangle ourselves with those affairs, so as by them to be diverted and drawn aside from our duty to God and the great concerns of our Christianity. Those who will war the good warfare must sit loose to this world. That we may please Him who hath chosen us to be soldiers. The great care of a soldier should be to please his general; so the great care of a Christian should be to please Christ, to approve ourselves to Him. The way to please Him who hath chosen us to be soldiers is not to entangle ourselves with the affairs of this life, but to be free from such entanglements as would hinder us in our holy warfare."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 15
Paul tells Timothy to be a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus Part 2
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. KJV
Timothy's strength (and ours also) in the grace of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ is to lead to the spread of the Word of God not just by him only, but to those men and women he diffuses, distributes, and delivers the Word of God to in order that the Great Commission given to every believer in Him will be fullfilled here on the earth before He returns to take each of us home to Heaven, as it is written for us by the Apostle Matthew with these words, "Jesus' eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had told them to meet Him. They saw Him and worshiped Him, but some of them doubted. Jesus came to them and said: 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them My disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.'" (Matthew 28:16-20) (Contemporary English Version). The Apostle Paul was very diligent to instruct Timothy of the whole counsel of God as he declared with these words documented for us by Dr. Luke, "Therefore I testify to you on this day that I am pure from the blood of all. For I did not keep back from declaring to you all the counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the Church of God which He has purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:26-28) (Modern King James Version).
The Word of God was very important to the Apostle Paul, for to him it was not just words, but the very breath of God Himself breathed into his inner man, so Paul wanted Brother Timothy to leave the Word of God with men who would declare it in truth and not compromise it for ease of life on the earth or for filthy lucre as Paul had already instructed Timothy in his first letter (1 Timothy 3:3 & 3:8), even the Apostle Peter wrote in his first epistle/letter warning those entrusted by our Lord Jesus Christ with His Word to deliver it to His Body the Church for the right reasons, as it is written, "Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money." (1 Peter 5:2) (Contemporary English Version). Therefore, Paul being one that was not afraid or in anguish or ashamed of repeating himself many times in his letters once again does so by telling Timothy something he surely had often reminded him to do over the years with these words, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2) (KJV).
Paul definitely wanted Timothy to be cautious about who he would 'commit' the Word of God to for Christ Body. This English word 'commit' is translated by the Greek word paratithēmi which means to place alongside, that is, present truth; by implication to deposit (as a trust or for protection): - commit (the keeping of), put forth, set before. The little English phrase 'thou to faithful' is translated by the Greek word pistos which means objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believing, faithful, sure, true. In other words, men who believe the Word of God and who will teach it as it is without fear, fright, or failure, for if God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit says something, then it is true no matter what popular human opinion might be in any era or generation, for example here is what God says concerning witchcraft and wizardry, "When you come to the land which Jehovah your God gives you, you shall not learn to do according to the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, an observer of clouds, or a fortune-teller, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or one who calls to the dead. For all that do these things are an abomination to Jehovah. And because of these abominations Jehovah your God drives them out from before you." (Deuteronomy 18:9-12) (Modern King James Version).
However, in this era and generation we live in today, witchcraft and wizardry have been made into and declared to be good by many (even in Churches) and practicing witches and wizards are even glorified as good by many also (even in Churches). Yet, we just read that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit declares these practices and the people who practice it an abomination to Him. The English dictionary defines the word abomination as a person who is loathsome or disgusting; an action that is vicious or vile; an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence. So you see this is why the Apostle Paul wanted Timothy (and we true Christians of every era and generation) to believe the Word of God (no matter what), but to also entrust it with other true believers who do the same, just as it is declared, detailed, and described of Hanani with these words, "And it happened when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were chosen, I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem. For he was a faithful man, and feared God above many." (Nehemiah 7:1-2) (Modern King James Version). Paul declares that these faithful men or women will be competent (not within themselves, but will be made so by God) to teach or instruct others of the truth of the Word of God, not fearing reprisal or revenge or the retaliation of those human beings who disbelieve the Word of God, as the wisdom of the Proverb declares with these words so they/we must be heeded by the faithful man or woman of God, "The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Jehovah shall be safe." (Proverbs 29:25) (Modern King James Version).
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this verse, "Those doctrines which I have preached the most publicly, and which many persons can attest. But he seems to refer here to the doctrines delivered to him when, in the presence of many witnesses, he laid his hands upon him; see 1 Timothy 6:12. Then the Apostle gave him the proper form of sound words which he was to teach; and now he tells him to commit those truths to faithful men in the same way that they were committed to him, that the truth might be preserved in the Church, and holy men appointed successively to preach it. These truths are still continued in the Church, and still there are faithful men who proclaim them. But where is the uninterrupted apostolical succession! Who can tell? Probably it does not exist on the face of the world. All the pretensions to it by certain Churches are as stupid as they are idle and futile. He who appeals to this for his authority as a Christian minister, had best sit down till he has made it out." Note: "Paul was not just concerned with the truth of the Word of God being declared during his lifetime, but he saw into the future and wanted those then he considered to be 'faithful men' to entrust the Word of God to other faithful men that he would never know here on the earth, but his desire was only that the truth of the Gospel be proclaimed many years after his departure to heaven, because he knew only the true Gospel would be used by God the Holy Spirit to regenerate, rebirth, and redeem lost sinful human beings, every false gospel would be powerless."
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 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. KJV
Timothy's strength (and ours also) in the grace of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ is to lead to the spread of the Word of God not just by him only, but to those men and women he diffuses, distributes, and delivers the Word of God to in order that the Great Commission given to every believer in Him will be fullfilled here on the earth before He returns to take each of us home to Heaven, as it is written for us by the Apostle Matthew with these words, "Jesus' eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had told them to meet Him. They saw Him and worshiped Him, but some of them doubted. Jesus came to them and said: 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them My disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.'" (Matthew 28:16-20) (Contemporary English Version). The Apostle Paul was very diligent to instruct Timothy of the whole counsel of God as he declared with these words documented for us by Dr. Luke, "Therefore I testify to you on this day that I am pure from the blood of all. For I did not keep back from declaring to you all the counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the Church of God which He has purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:26-28) (Modern King James Version).
The Word of God was very important to the Apostle Paul, for to him it was not just words, but the very breath of God Himself breathed into his inner man, so Paul wanted Brother Timothy to leave the Word of God with men who would declare it in truth and not compromise it for ease of life on the earth or for filthy lucre as Paul had already instructed Timothy in his first letter (1 Timothy 3:3 & 3:8), even the Apostle Peter wrote in his first epistle/letter warning those entrusted by our Lord Jesus Christ with His Word to deliver it to His Body the Church for the right reasons, as it is written, "Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money." (1 Peter 5:2) (Contemporary English Version). Therefore, Paul being one that was not afraid or in anguish or ashamed of repeating himself many times in his letters once again does so by telling Timothy something he surely had often reminded him to do over the years with these words, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2) (KJV).
Paul definitely wanted Timothy to be cautious about who he would 'commit' the Word of God to for Christ Body. This English word 'commit' is translated by the Greek word paratithēmi which means to place alongside, that is, present truth; by implication to deposit (as a trust or for protection): - commit (the keeping of), put forth, set before. The little English phrase 'thou to faithful' is translated by the Greek word pistos which means objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believing, faithful, sure, true. In other words, men who believe the Word of God and who will teach it as it is without fear, fright, or failure, for if God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit says something, then it is true no matter what popular human opinion might be in any era or generation, for example here is what God says concerning witchcraft and wizardry, "When you come to the land which Jehovah your God gives you, you shall not learn to do according to the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, an observer of clouds, or a fortune-teller, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or one who calls to the dead. For all that do these things are an abomination to Jehovah. And because of these abominations Jehovah your God drives them out from before you." (Deuteronomy 18:9-12) (Modern King James Version).
However, in this era and generation we live in today, witchcraft and wizardry have been made into and declared to be good by many (even in Churches) and practicing witches and wizards are even glorified as good by many also (even in Churches). Yet, we just read that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit declares these practices and the people who practice it an abomination to Him. The English dictionary defines the word abomination as a person who is loathsome or disgusting; an action that is vicious or vile; an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence. So you see this is why the Apostle Paul wanted Timothy (and we true Christians of every era and generation) to believe the Word of God (no matter what), but to also entrust it with other true believers who do the same, just as it is declared, detailed, and described of Hanani with these words, "And it happened when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were chosen, I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem. For he was a faithful man, and feared God above many." (Nehemiah 7:1-2) (Modern King James Version). Paul declares that these faithful men or women will be competent (not within themselves, but will be made so by God) to teach or instruct others of the truth of the Word of God, not fearing reprisal or revenge or the retaliation of those human beings who disbelieve the Word of God, as the wisdom of the Proverb declares with these words so they/we must be heeded by the faithful man or woman of God, "The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Jehovah shall be safe." (Proverbs 29:25) (Modern King James Version).
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this verse, "Those doctrines which I have preached the most publicly, and which many persons can attest. But he seems to refer here to the doctrines delivered to him when, in the presence of many witnesses, he laid his hands upon him; see 1 Timothy 6:12. Then the Apostle gave him the proper form of sound words which he was to teach; and now he tells him to commit those truths to faithful men in the same way that they were committed to him, that the truth might be preserved in the Church, and holy men appointed successively to preach it. These truths are still continued in the Church, and still there are faithful men who proclaim them. But where is the uninterrupted apostolical succession! Who can tell? Probably it does not exist on the face of the world. All the pretensions to it by certain Churches are as stupid as they are idle and futile. He who appeals to this for his authority as a Christian minister, had best sit down till he has made it out." Note: "Paul was not just concerned with the truth of the Word of God being declared during his lifetime, but he saw into the future and wanted those then he considered to be 'faithful men' to entrust the Word of God to other faithful men that he would never know here on the earth, but his desire was only that the truth of the Gospel be proclaimed many years after his departure to heaven, because he knew only the true Gospel would be used by God the Holy Spirit to regenerate, rebirth, and redeem lost sinful human beings, every false gospel would be powerless."
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, January 2, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 14
Paul tells Timothy to be a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus Part 1
2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. KJV
Paul now reminds Brother Timothy who and what he is in and for Christ Jesus our Lord and that is His soldier on the battle field fighting for the eternal souls of men and women on the earth. If Timothy and we true Christians now and of every era and generation are soldiers, then we must be in an Army led by a Commander fighting against an enemy. The Army consist of every redeemed, regenerated, and reborn sinful man, woman, and child in the world; the Commander of this Army is none other than our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ; the enemy is no one but the devil working through his invisible demons and his visible two-legged devils. Therefore, Paul wants Timothy to not be disillusioned about what it will be like for him as he navigates his way through this sojourn doing what the will of Christ Jesus is for all of His followers and that being getting the Word of God out in the world. This sounds like a simple, sound, sure, and even a safe endeavor/enterprise, but we must always and at all times know and remember that the enemy (the devil) hates the Word of God and will do anything to stop those of us who desire, who diffuse, and who distribute the truth of the Word of God all over the world, so Paul's first words to Timothy to encourage him and exhort him and even empower him are these, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1) (KJV).
There is no human strength or effort that can sustain us in this fierce spiritual battle against the devil and his troops, but there is infinite, innumerous, and influential power that comes from the thrown of grace at the Right Hand of God the Father where our Lord Jesus Christ is at this time, just as Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians with these words, "So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help." (Hebrews 4:16) (Contemporary English Version). The little English phrase 'be strong' is translated by the Greek word endunamoō which means to empower: - enable, (increase in) strength, make strong, it literally means to keep on being empowered, keep in touch with the power. This Power is transferred from Christ Jesus our Lord to us and into us as we need to endure trials, tribulations, and tresspasses against us during our pilgrimage here on the earth, just as Paul was at the very moment of his penning this letter being chained to a Roman guard day and night 24 hours a day 7 days a week simply for getting out the Word of God, that is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is in the inner man and inner woman where this grace is placed by our Lord Jesus Christ, just as Paul testified to the Colossian Church with these words, "His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy." (Colossians 1:11) (Contemporary English Version).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Timothy being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, "Here Paul encourages Timothy to constancy and perseverance in his work: Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 2:1. Observe, Those who have work to do for God must stir up themselves to do it, and strengthen themselves for it. Being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus may be understood in opposition to the weakness of grace. Where there is the truth of grace there must be a labouring after the strength of grace. As our trials increase, we have need to grow stronger and stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. Or it may be understood in opposition to our being strong in our own strength: 'Be strong, not confiding in thy own sufficiency, but in the grace that is in Jesus Christ.' Compare Ephesians 6:10, Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. When Peter promised rather to die for Christ than to deny Him he was strong in his own strength; had he been strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, he would have kept his standing better. Observe, 1. There is grace in Christ Jesus; for the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, John 1:17. There is grace enough in Him for all of us. 2. We must be strong in this grace; not in ourselves, in our own strength, or in the grace we have already received, but in the grace that is in Him, and that is the way to be strong in grace. 3. As a father exhorts his son, so does Paul exhort Timothy, with great tenderness and affection."
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 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. KJV
Paul now reminds Brother Timothy who and what he is in and for Christ Jesus our Lord and that is His soldier on the battle field fighting for the eternal souls of men and women on the earth. If Timothy and we true Christians now and of every era and generation are soldiers, then we must be in an Army led by a Commander fighting against an enemy. The Army consist of every redeemed, regenerated, and reborn sinful man, woman, and child in the world; the Commander of this Army is none other than our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ; the enemy is no one but the devil working through his invisible demons and his visible two-legged devils. Therefore, Paul wants Timothy to not be disillusioned about what it will be like for him as he navigates his way through this sojourn doing what the will of Christ Jesus is for all of His followers and that being getting the Word of God out in the world. This sounds like a simple, sound, sure, and even a safe endeavor/enterprise, but we must always and at all times know and remember that the enemy (the devil) hates the Word of God and will do anything to stop those of us who desire, who diffuse, and who distribute the truth of the Word of God all over the world, so Paul's first words to Timothy to encourage him and exhort him and even empower him are these, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1) (KJV).
There is no human strength or effort that can sustain us in this fierce spiritual battle against the devil and his troops, but there is infinite, innumerous, and influential power that comes from the thrown of grace at the Right Hand of God the Father where our Lord Jesus Christ is at this time, just as Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians with these words, "So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help." (Hebrews 4:16) (Contemporary English Version). The little English phrase 'be strong' is translated by the Greek word endunamoō which means to empower: - enable, (increase in) strength, make strong, it literally means to keep on being empowered, keep in touch with the power. This Power is transferred from Christ Jesus our Lord to us and into us as we need to endure trials, tribulations, and tresspasses against us during our pilgrimage here on the earth, just as Paul was at the very moment of his penning this letter being chained to a Roman guard day and night 24 hours a day 7 days a week simply for getting out the Word of God, that is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is in the inner man and inner woman where this grace is placed by our Lord Jesus Christ, just as Paul testified to the Colossian Church with these words, "His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy." (Colossians 1:11) (Contemporary English Version).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Timothy being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, "Here Paul encourages Timothy to constancy and perseverance in his work: Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 2:1. Observe, Those who have work to do for God must stir up themselves to do it, and strengthen themselves for it. Being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus may be understood in opposition to the weakness of grace. Where there is the truth of grace there must be a labouring after the strength of grace. As our trials increase, we have need to grow stronger and stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. Or it may be understood in opposition to our being strong in our own strength: 'Be strong, not confiding in thy own sufficiency, but in the grace that is in Jesus Christ.' Compare Ephesians 6:10, Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. When Peter promised rather to die for Christ than to deny Him he was strong in his own strength; had he been strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, he would have kept his standing better. Observe, 1. There is grace in Christ Jesus; for the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, John 1:17. There is grace enough in Him for all of us. 2. We must be strong in this grace; not in ourselves, in our own strength, or in the grace we have already received, but in the grace that is in Him, and that is the way to be strong in grace. 3. As a father exhorts his son, so does Paul exhort Timothy, with great tenderness and affection."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 13
Paul tells Timothy Stand Firm and be Steadfast in The Faith Part 3
2 Timothy 1:17-18 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. KJV
The Apostle Paul closes this Chapter of his letter to Brother Timothy by continuing his praise and adoration of Brother Onesiphorus and his entire family for what clemency, care, and compassion they showed to him during this his final captivity before his execution and death at the hands of the Roman thugs with these words first, "But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me." (2 Timothy 1:17) (KJV). It is apparent that not only did this Brother in Christ not abandon Paul, but he went into the lair or the den of the devil, that is, his two legged devils in Rome and found out where Paul was being held prisoner and ministered to him there. The English phrase 'he sought me out' is translated by the Greek word zēteō and it means exactly the same as our English dictionary defines it which is to seek out something or someone literally, that is, try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of someone. The English phrase 'very diligently' is translated by the Greek word spoudaioteron (used only one other time in the entire New Testament) it is an adverb meaning (as used here) more earnestly than others, that is, very promptly: - very diligently. Again we see that not only was this man unashamed of Paul's physical chains for preaching the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, but he was eager to find the Apostle and be of whatever service for him he could during Paul's captivity.
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the diligence in which Onesiphorus sought out the Apostle Paul in Rome, "Onesiphorus was no doubt an Asiatic, (probably an Ephesian), who had frequent business at Rome; and when he came sought out the Apostle, who, it is supposed, had been confined in some close and private prison, so that it was with great difficulty he could find him out. This man had entertained the Apostle when he was at Ephesus, and now he sought him out at Rome. Pure love feels no loads. Here was a true friend, one that sticketh closer than a brother." Paul was facing execution at this time of his earthly life and ministry for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ being chained to a Roman Soldier (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), therefore, he had no means of money nor clothing nor other things that he could repay Onesiphorus with, yet he had in his person something far greater than all those visible things combined and that was the power of prayer, as he prays for this man and his family with these words recorded in his letter to Brother Timothy, "The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well." (2 Timothy 1:18) (KJV). The Apostle Paul beseeched our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on behalf of Brother Onesiphorus knowing that He would grant or give to this man what he had given unto the Apostle Paul because He is just, judicious, and merciful to His children when they expresss their love for Him and to Him by showing love and care for His other children born again into His eternal heavenly family.
Paul was and is a beloved son of Christ Jesus our Lord and it surely was our Lord Jesus' pleasure to show loving care to the man who showed the same to the Apostle Paul during his unlawful captivity by the Roman two-legged devils, just as declared so eloquently by the Psalmist with these words, "If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you." (Psalms 130:3-4) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Paul's prayer for Brother Onesiphorus, "He prays for Onesiphorus himself, as well as for his house: That he may find mercy in that day, in the day of death and of judgment, when Christ will account all the good offices done to his poor members as done to himself. Observe, 1. The day of death and judgment is an awful day, and may be emphatically called that day. 2. We need desire no more to make us happy than to find mercy of the Lord in that day, when those that have shown no mercy will have judgment without mercy. 3. The best Christians will want mercy in that day; looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, Jude 1:21. 4. If you would have mercy then, you must seek for it now of the Lord. 5. It is of and from the Lord that we must have mercy; for, unless the Lord has mercy on us, in vain will be the pity and compassion of men or angels. 6. We are to seek and ask for mercy of the Lord, who is the giver and bestower of it; for the Lord Jesus Christ has satisfied justice, that mercy might be displayed. We are to come to a throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need. 7. The best thing we can seek, either for ourselves or our friends, is that the Lord will grant to them that they may find mercy of the Lord in that day, when they must pass out of time into eternity, and exchange this world for the other, and appear before the judgment-seat of Christ: the Lord then grant unto all of us that we may find mercy of the Lord in that day."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
2 Timothy 1:17-18 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. KJV
The Apostle Paul closes this Chapter of his letter to Brother Timothy by continuing his praise and adoration of Brother Onesiphorus and his entire family for what clemency, care, and compassion they showed to him during this his final captivity before his execution and death at the hands of the Roman thugs with these words first, "But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me." (2 Timothy 1:17) (KJV). It is apparent that not only did this Brother in Christ not abandon Paul, but he went into the lair or the den of the devil, that is, his two legged devils in Rome and found out where Paul was being held prisoner and ministered to him there. The English phrase 'he sought me out' is translated by the Greek word zēteō and it means exactly the same as our English dictionary defines it which is to seek out something or someone literally, that is, try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of someone. The English phrase 'very diligently' is translated by the Greek word spoudaioteron (used only one other time in the entire New Testament) it is an adverb meaning (as used here) more earnestly than others, that is, very promptly: - very diligently. Again we see that not only was this man unashamed of Paul's physical chains for preaching the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, but he was eager to find the Apostle and be of whatever service for him he could during Paul's captivity.
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the diligence in which Onesiphorus sought out the Apostle Paul in Rome, "Onesiphorus was no doubt an Asiatic, (probably an Ephesian), who had frequent business at Rome; and when he came sought out the Apostle, who, it is supposed, had been confined in some close and private prison, so that it was with great difficulty he could find him out. This man had entertained the Apostle when he was at Ephesus, and now he sought him out at Rome. Pure love feels no loads. Here was a true friend, one that sticketh closer than a brother." Paul was facing execution at this time of his earthly life and ministry for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ being chained to a Roman Soldier (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), therefore, he had no means of money nor clothing nor other things that he could repay Onesiphorus with, yet he had in his person something far greater than all those visible things combined and that was the power of prayer, as he prays for this man and his family with these words recorded in his letter to Brother Timothy, "The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well." (2 Timothy 1:18) (KJV). The Apostle Paul beseeched our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on behalf of Brother Onesiphorus knowing that He would grant or give to this man what he had given unto the Apostle Paul because He is just, judicious, and merciful to His children when they expresss their love for Him and to Him by showing love and care for His other children born again into His eternal heavenly family.
Paul was and is a beloved son of Christ Jesus our Lord and it surely was our Lord Jesus' pleasure to show loving care to the man who showed the same to the Apostle Paul during his unlawful captivity by the Roman two-legged devils, just as declared so eloquently by the Psalmist with these words, "If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you." (Psalms 130:3-4) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Paul's prayer for Brother Onesiphorus, "He prays for Onesiphorus himself, as well as for his house: That he may find mercy in that day, in the day of death and of judgment, when Christ will account all the good offices done to his poor members as done to himself. Observe, 1. The day of death and judgment is an awful day, and may be emphatically called that day. 2. We need desire no more to make us happy than to find mercy of the Lord in that day, when those that have shown no mercy will have judgment without mercy. 3. The best Christians will want mercy in that day; looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, Jude 1:21. 4. If you would have mercy then, you must seek for it now of the Lord. 5. It is of and from the Lord that we must have mercy; for, unless the Lord has mercy on us, in vain will be the pity and compassion of men or angels. 6. We are to seek and ask for mercy of the Lord, who is the giver and bestower of it; for the Lord Jesus Christ has satisfied justice, that mercy might be displayed. We are to come to a throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need. 7. The best thing we can seek, either for ourselves or our friends, is that the Lord will grant to them that they may find mercy of the Lord in that day, when they must pass out of time into eternity, and exchange this world for the other, and appear before the judgment-seat of Christ: the Lord then grant unto all of us that we may find mercy of the Lord in that day."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 12
Paul tells Timothy Stand Firm and be Steadfast in The Faith Part 2
2 Timothy 1:15-16 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: KJV
Paul had given Brother Timothy the reasons why he should stand fast and firm in 'The Faith' which he had taught him over the years and the means, manner, and method that he could only be successful in doing so and that is, yielding to the power of God the Holy Spirit who dwelt in him and dwells in all of us true believers who have been figuratively born again by Him, but now Paul needs to remind Timothy of the men who turned away from the truth by turning away from Paul who was a herald of the truth of the Gospel with these words, "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." (2 Timothy 1:15) (KJV). Paul had at one point in his missionary journeys attempted to go into Asia and preach the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ there, but as documented for us by Luke, this happened, "Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. So they went on through Mysia until they came to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of someone from Macedonia who was standing there and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us!' After Paul had seen the vision, we began looking for a way to go to Macedonia. We were sure that God had called us to preach the good news there." (Acts 16:6-10) (Contemporary English Version).
It seemed that Paul would not get the Gospel of Grace heard in Asia, however, we find out (as documented by Luke again) that latter on in his missionary journey to Ephesus this happened, "For three months Paul went to the Jewish meeting place and talked bravely with the people about God's kingdom. He tried to win them over, but some of them were stubborn and refused to believe. In front of everyone they said terrible things about God's Way. Paul left and took the followers with him to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. He spoke there every day for two years, until every Jew and Gentile in Asia had heard the Lord's message." (Acts 19:8-10) (Contemporary English Version). Therefore, we see then that the message of the Gospel of Christ/Gospel of Grace reached the people of Asia and Paul had even formed bonds with some of those believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and even did ministry work with some of them. The little English phrase 'be turned away from' is translated by the Greek word apostrephō which means to turn away or back (literally or figuratively): - bring again, pervert, turn away (from).
In other words, Paul declared to Timothy that everyone that he knew of who had professed faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and loyalty to him turned their back on the truth of the Gospel and perverted, twisted, misrepresented, and altered it with a lie, giving themselves cause to turn their back on Paul as he was facing execution by the Roman Government during the time he is writing this letter, even these two men he mentions Phygellus and Hermogenes, even as the children of Israel did as documented for us by Moses with these words, "The people of Israel were very sad after Moses gave them the LORD's message. So they got up early the next morning and got ready to head toward the hill country of Canaan. They said, 'We were wrong to complain about the LORD. Let's go into the land that he promised us.' But Moses replied, 'You're disobeying the LORD! Your plan won't work, so don't even try it. The LORD refuses to help you, because you turned your backs on him. The Amalekites and the Canaanites are your enemies, and they will attack and defeat you.'" (Numbers 14:39-42) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning those in Asia who turned their backs on Paul, "Were ashamed of him, because of his chain, and despised him under his afflictions, and had him in abhorrence and contempt, and revolted from his doctrine; though the defection was very general, and the Apostle appeals to Timothy for the truth of it, as a fact well known to him: 'this thou knowest'; Timothy being at Ephesus, which was in Asia; and since there was so great an apostasy in the country where he was, the above exhortations were very seasonable, to hold fast the form of sound words, and keep the good thing committed to him; seeing so many were falling off from the truth of the Gospel:"
Paul now contrast his disdain, despisement, and disgust with those in Asia who had turned away from him during the hour of his greatest persecution to praising a household of believers who had been converted by God the Holy Spirit through Paul's declaration of the Gospel of Grace with these words written to Timothy, "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:" (2 Timothy 1:16) (KJV). It seems that Onesiphorus and his family were also from that region of the world Asia and they were not ashamed nor afraid nor absent from showing Paul mercy and kindness as he was in captivity of the Roman thugs who would soon execute him by way of beheading. Paul had ministered the Gospel of Grace to his household, so in turn he remembered Paul during this time of captivity (not for committing a crime), but for simply preaching the Gospel of Grace to others. The English word 'mercy' Paul uses here referring to Onesiphorus and his family is translated by the Greek word eleos meaning (as used here) compassion (divine, especially active): - (tender) mercy. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Paul's desire for the household of Onesiphorus, "Onesiphorus had acknowledged him, and continued to do so; he, and his house, or family, ministered to him in prison, and were not ashamed of their imprisoned pastor, nor of the cause for which he was in disgrace and suffering. As he showed mercy to the Apostle, the Apostle prays the Lord to show mercy to him."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
2 Timothy 1:15-16 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: KJV
Paul had given Brother Timothy the reasons why he should stand fast and firm in 'The Faith' which he had taught him over the years and the means, manner, and method that he could only be successful in doing so and that is, yielding to the power of God the Holy Spirit who dwelt in him and dwells in all of us true believers who have been figuratively born again by Him, but now Paul needs to remind Timothy of the men who turned away from the truth by turning away from Paul who was a herald of the truth of the Gospel with these words, "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." (2 Timothy 1:15) (KJV). Paul had at one point in his missionary journeys attempted to go into Asia and preach the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ there, but as documented for us by Luke, this happened, "Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. So they went on through Mysia until they came to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of someone from Macedonia who was standing there and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us!' After Paul had seen the vision, we began looking for a way to go to Macedonia. We were sure that God had called us to preach the good news there." (Acts 16:6-10) (Contemporary English Version).
It seemed that Paul would not get the Gospel of Grace heard in Asia, however, we find out (as documented by Luke again) that latter on in his missionary journey to Ephesus this happened, "For three months Paul went to the Jewish meeting place and talked bravely with the people about God's kingdom. He tried to win them over, but some of them were stubborn and refused to believe. In front of everyone they said terrible things about God's Way. Paul left and took the followers with him to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. He spoke there every day for two years, until every Jew and Gentile in Asia had heard the Lord's message." (Acts 19:8-10) (Contemporary English Version). Therefore, we see then that the message of the Gospel of Christ/Gospel of Grace reached the people of Asia and Paul had even formed bonds with some of those believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and even did ministry work with some of them. The little English phrase 'be turned away from' is translated by the Greek word apostrephō which means to turn away or back (literally or figuratively): - bring again, pervert, turn away (from).
In other words, Paul declared to Timothy that everyone that he knew of who had professed faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and loyalty to him turned their back on the truth of the Gospel and perverted, twisted, misrepresented, and altered it with a lie, giving themselves cause to turn their back on Paul as he was facing execution by the Roman Government during the time he is writing this letter, even these two men he mentions Phygellus and Hermogenes, even as the children of Israel did as documented for us by Moses with these words, "The people of Israel were very sad after Moses gave them the LORD's message. So they got up early the next morning and got ready to head toward the hill country of Canaan. They said, 'We were wrong to complain about the LORD. Let's go into the land that he promised us.' But Moses replied, 'You're disobeying the LORD! Your plan won't work, so don't even try it. The LORD refuses to help you, because you turned your backs on him. The Amalekites and the Canaanites are your enemies, and they will attack and defeat you.'" (Numbers 14:39-42) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning those in Asia who turned their backs on Paul, "Were ashamed of him, because of his chain, and despised him under his afflictions, and had him in abhorrence and contempt, and revolted from his doctrine; though the defection was very general, and the Apostle appeals to Timothy for the truth of it, as a fact well known to him: 'this thou knowest'; Timothy being at Ephesus, which was in Asia; and since there was so great an apostasy in the country where he was, the above exhortations were very seasonable, to hold fast the form of sound words, and keep the good thing committed to him; seeing so many were falling off from the truth of the Gospel:"
Paul now contrast his disdain, despisement, and disgust with those in Asia who had turned away from him during the hour of his greatest persecution to praising a household of believers who had been converted by God the Holy Spirit through Paul's declaration of the Gospel of Grace with these words written to Timothy, "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:" (2 Timothy 1:16) (KJV). It seems that Onesiphorus and his family were also from that region of the world Asia and they were not ashamed nor afraid nor absent from showing Paul mercy and kindness as he was in captivity of the Roman thugs who would soon execute him by way of beheading. Paul had ministered the Gospel of Grace to his household, so in turn he remembered Paul during this time of captivity (not for committing a crime), but for simply preaching the Gospel of Grace to others. The English word 'mercy' Paul uses here referring to Onesiphorus and his family is translated by the Greek word eleos meaning (as used here) compassion (divine, especially active): - (tender) mercy. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Paul's desire for the household of Onesiphorus, "Onesiphorus had acknowledged him, and continued to do so; he, and his house, or family, ministered to him in prison, and were not ashamed of their imprisoned pastor, nor of the cause for which he was in disgrace and suffering. As he showed mercy to the Apostle, the Apostle prays the Lord to show mercy to him."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
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