Paul tells Timothy to be a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus Part 8
2 Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: KJV
The thing the Apostle Paul wants to leave with Brother Timothy and we true believers now and of every era and generation is that because we have such a sure, solid, and satisfying eternity to look forward to spending in the presence of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, then we should be motivated even now to endure and suffer all things for Him and for the truth of His Holy Word. Paul has just told Timothy (2 Timothy 2:10) that all the elect will receive eternal glory in Christ Jesus our Lord, so this next statement confirms the certainty of that and also what our response as sojourners now should be to this reality as he declares with these words, "It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him:" (2 Timothy 2:11) (KJV). The English phrase that begins this verse 'It is a faithful saying' is translated by the Greek word pistos which we have defined before and it means objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believing, faithful, sure, true. In other words, the Apostle Paul wants Brother Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to be grounded solidly in the certainty of our eternal glory (we have, even right now) with our Lord Jesus Christ. You see heaven is not the goal or the prize or reward for the believer, Christ is and where ever He is, then this is heaven, remember what Paul said to the Philippian Church, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor. Yet I do not know what I shall choose. For I am pressed together by the two: having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better." (Philippians 1:21-23) (Modern King James Version). Do you see it? Paul was not looking forward to heaven and walking on the streets of gold or any of the other many splendid things in the New Jerusalem, but it was seeing and being in the presence of the Savior that occupied the mind of the Apostle Paul, for he wanted to forever experience and know the warmth of His love as one would stand and raise their face toward the Sun as it beams down to the earth and warms the hold body.
Paul's next statement in this letter 'For if we be dead with Him', is Paul giving to Timothy and to us a two-fold meaning; First, our spiritual death was caused by Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden (original sin) and this caused every one of us to be dead to God at our physical birth, however, Christ death on the Cross for man's sin was a complete ransom or payment for our debt of sin to God the Father we could never pay, therefore, when we hear the Gospel or the Good news and believe, then we are born again spiritually (2nd birth) and now our sin debt is payed in full and their is not one sin that will be charged against us. Second, at the moment of our physical death our new man or new woman (2 Corinthians 5:17) goes immediately to be with our Lord Jesus Christ and when He comes to the earth the 2nd time, He will then place our new man or new woman in our new eternal glorified body, just as this same Apostle Paul declared to the Corinthian Church with these words, "There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. But the glory of the heavenly is truly different, and that of the earthly different; one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. So also the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, 'The first man, Adam, became a living soul,' the last Adam (Jesus Christ) was a life-giving Spirit." (1 Corinthians 15:40-45) (Modern King James Version)."
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning we being dead with Christ, "For if we be dead with Him; with Christ, as all His people are, by virtue of union to Him; they are dead with Him, He and they being one, in a legal sense; when He died, they died with Him; being crucified with Him, as their head and representative, their old man, their sins, were also crucified with Him, being imputed to Him, and laid upon Him; and through the efficacy (power) of His death, they became dead to sin, both to its damning and governing power, and so are planted together in the likeness of His death; so that as He died unto sin once, and lives again to die no more, they die unto sin, and are alive to God, and shall live for ever. Moreover, this, agreeably to what follows, may be understood of the saints dying for Christ's sake, and the Gospel, whereby they are conformed unto Him, and feel the fellowship of His sufferings, and so may be said to be dead with Him." Note: "When Jesus Christ died on the Cross, at that very same moment every one of the elect died with Him and were buried with Him and then were resurrected with Him from death. This is what water baptism symbolizes for every believer, for it represents the new life each one of His elect sons and daughters have received from Him and is a representation of the resurrection of our frail, feeble, and flawed earthly body into a new eternal incorruptible glorified body incapable of sin and enabled/empowered to please our Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
I am a Christian Writer of non-fiction primarily and a little fiction. My purpose for forming this site is to Edify Christians with my writing and reach the lost with the uncompromising Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 20
Paul tells Timothy to be a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus Part 7
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. KJV
Assured by this fact and truth and reality that the devil cannot chain or capture or confine the Word of God, then Paul is motivated to keep on speaking and teaching the truth of the Gospel of Christ and of Grace which declares all men equally evil and sinful in need of the only remedy for sin being the Blood of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul then with this as his springboard is courageously willing to suffer anything as he declares to Brother Timothy with these words, "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." (2 Timothy 2:10) (KJV). Paul had been motivated (before his own new birth/redemption/salvation) to destroy every believer in Jesus Christ by imprisoning them or even killing them, but now Paul has a new motivation and that being to declare the Gospel of Grace to every soul on the earth within his reach personally and within the reach of every believer in every Church he founded. The English word 'endure' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word hupomenō meaning (as used here) figuratively to undergo, that is, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: The little English phrase 'all things' is translated by the Greek word pas meaning exactly what we know our English dictionary says and that is, every thing or any thing or all things. The little English phrase 'elect's sakes' is translated by the Greek word eklektos meaning select; by implication favorite: - chosen, elect.
In other words, the chosen children of God who were out in this world still 'in their sins' was the motivation for the Apostle Paul to persevere and bear or undergo all trials, terror, and test brought to him by our enemy the devil and his invisible devils as well as his visible two-legged devils. The Gospel needed to reach everyone of God's elect sons and daughters, so Paul was made by God one of the vessels being used to distribute His Word to their hearing. This is why Paul would not compromise the truth of the Word of God at anytime, for he knew that any twisting, or tweeking, or tampering with the truth would cause the elect to be delayed from their inheritance in Christ, and he told the Colossian Church with these words what we have and who we are in Christ, "And you are complete in Him, who is the Head of all principality and power, in whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in whom also you were raised through the faith of the working of God, raising Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. Having stripped rulers and authorities, He made a show of them publicly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:10-15) (Modern King James Version).
The English word 'salvation' (is one we have declared and defined many times) is translated by the Greek word sōtēria and it means rescue or safety (physically or morally): - deliver, health, salvation, save, saving. This is what we have in our Lord Jesus Christ and His Blood sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary, rescue and safety from eternal punishment and torment in hell and the lake of fire, therefore, Paul made it his purpose and mission to get the true Gospel to everyone that God the Father has chosen, even before the world was founded by Him, just as Paul declared to the Ephesian believers in the very opening of his only letter written to them, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ; according as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, in which He has made us accepted in the One having been loved." (Ephesians 1:3-6) (Modern King James Version).
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Paul's enduring all things for the elect's sake, "There is a certain number of persons whom God has chosen in Christ from everlasting unto salvation, who shall certainly be saved; for these Jesus Christ suffered and died; and on their account is the Gospel sent, preached, and published to the world; for their sakes are ministers fitted and qualified for their work, and have their mission and commission to perform it, and suffer what they do in the execution of it; and since it was for the sake of such, whom God had loved and chosen, that the Apostle endured all his reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions, he was the more cheerful under them; and the consideration of it was a support unto him: as well as himself, and other chosen vessels of salvation, who were called by grace already; for the Apostle is speaking of such of the elect, who were, as yet, in a state of nature." Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about God's elect obtaining salvation which is in Christ Jesus, "To the salvation of our own souls we should be willing to do and suffer any thing to promote the salvation of the souls of others. The elect are designed to obtain salvation: God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation, 1 Thessalonians 5:9. This salvation is in Christ Jesus, in Him as the fountain, the purchaser, and the giver of it; and it is accompanied with eternal glory: there is no salvation in Christ Jesus without it. The sufferings of our Apostle were for the elects' sake, for their confirmation and encouragement."
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 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. KJV
Assured by this fact and truth and reality that the devil cannot chain or capture or confine the Word of God, then Paul is motivated to keep on speaking and teaching the truth of the Gospel of Christ and of Grace which declares all men equally evil and sinful in need of the only remedy for sin being the Blood of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul then with this as his springboard is courageously willing to suffer anything as he declares to Brother Timothy with these words, "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." (2 Timothy 2:10) (KJV). Paul had been motivated (before his own new birth/redemption/salvation) to destroy every believer in Jesus Christ by imprisoning them or even killing them, but now Paul has a new motivation and that being to declare the Gospel of Grace to every soul on the earth within his reach personally and within the reach of every believer in every Church he founded. The English word 'endure' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word hupomenō meaning (as used here) figuratively to undergo, that is, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: The little English phrase 'all things' is translated by the Greek word pas meaning exactly what we know our English dictionary says and that is, every thing or any thing or all things. The little English phrase 'elect's sakes' is translated by the Greek word eklektos meaning select; by implication favorite: - chosen, elect.
In other words, the chosen children of God who were out in this world still 'in their sins' was the motivation for the Apostle Paul to persevere and bear or undergo all trials, terror, and test brought to him by our enemy the devil and his invisible devils as well as his visible two-legged devils. The Gospel needed to reach everyone of God's elect sons and daughters, so Paul was made by God one of the vessels being used to distribute His Word to their hearing. This is why Paul would not compromise the truth of the Word of God at anytime, for he knew that any twisting, or tweeking, or tampering with the truth would cause the elect to be delayed from their inheritance in Christ, and he told the Colossian Church with these words what we have and who we are in Christ, "And you are complete in Him, who is the Head of all principality and power, in whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in whom also you were raised through the faith of the working of God, raising Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. Having stripped rulers and authorities, He made a show of them publicly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:10-15) (Modern King James Version).
The English word 'salvation' (is one we have declared and defined many times) is translated by the Greek word sōtēria and it means rescue or safety (physically or morally): - deliver, health, salvation, save, saving. This is what we have in our Lord Jesus Christ and His Blood sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary, rescue and safety from eternal punishment and torment in hell and the lake of fire, therefore, Paul made it his purpose and mission to get the true Gospel to everyone that God the Father has chosen, even before the world was founded by Him, just as Paul declared to the Ephesian believers in the very opening of his only letter written to them, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ; according as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, in which He has made us accepted in the One having been loved." (Ephesians 1:3-6) (Modern King James Version).
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Paul's enduring all things for the elect's sake, "There is a certain number of persons whom God has chosen in Christ from everlasting unto salvation, who shall certainly be saved; for these Jesus Christ suffered and died; and on their account is the Gospel sent, preached, and published to the world; for their sakes are ministers fitted and qualified for their work, and have their mission and commission to perform it, and suffer what they do in the execution of it; and since it was for the sake of such, whom God had loved and chosen, that the Apostle endured all his reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions, he was the more cheerful under them; and the consideration of it was a support unto him: as well as himself, and other chosen vessels of salvation, who were called by grace already; for the Apostle is speaking of such of the elect, who were, as yet, in a state of nature." Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about God's elect obtaining salvation which is in Christ Jesus, "To the salvation of our own souls we should be willing to do and suffer any thing to promote the salvation of the souls of others. The elect are designed to obtain salvation: God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation, 1 Thessalonians 5:9. This salvation is in Christ Jesus, in Him as the fountain, the purchaser, and the giver of it; and it is accompanied with eternal glory: there is no salvation in Christ Jesus without it. The sufferings of our Apostle were for the elects' sake, for their confirmation and encouragement."
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 23, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 19
Paul tells Timothy to be a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus Part 6
2 Timothy 2:8-9 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my Gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. KJV
The Apostle Paul with this next verse wants Timothy's focus to not be on him being unjustly persecuted by the Jewish leaders and by the leaders of the Roman empire, but instead Paul wants Brother Timothy to see Him, that is, our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and the permanency of His Resurrection from the dead in order that he and every one of us who are true believers receiving forgiveness of all our sins (past, present, and future) and being born again spiritually, that is, obtaining our own resurrection from the spiritual death we were born into. This second birth or spiritual resurrection keeps us from the second death or eternal death, that is, eternal seperation from God as it is written by the Apostle John with these words, "And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the Word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast nor his image, nor had received his mark on their foreheads, nor in their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. The second death has no authority over these, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4-6) (Modern King James Version). It was said by someone many years before I became a human being on the earth these words, "He or she who is born twice will only die once."
So then Paul tells Timothy to keep always these words first and foremost, "Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my Gospel:" (2 Timothy 2:8) (KJV). The more accurate reading of what Paul is conveying to Brother Timothy here would be, "Remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead", that is, keep your focus and attention upon Him and the reality of the permenance of His Resurrection from death and what that means for all the human sinners on the earth who will trust Him. The fact that He is raised from death and alive forever is the key for the salvation of any sinner and marks the reality of every sinners reception of eternal life from Him as it is written also with these words by the Apostle John, "When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead person. But He put His right hand on me and said: Don't be afraid! I am the first, the last, and the living one. I died, but now I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys to death and the world of the dead." (Revelation 1:17-18) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about Christ Resurrection, "This is the great proof of His divine mission, and therefore a great confirmation of the truth of the Christian religion; and the consideration of it should make us faithful to our Christian profession, and should particularly encourage us in suffering for it. Let suffering saints remember this. Observe, We are to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and has now sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, Hebrews 12:2. The incarnation and resurrection of Jesus Christ, heartily believed and rightly considered, will support a Christian under all sufferings in the present life."
Paul speaks to Timothy and to us of what he was enduring because of his proclamation of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with these words, "Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound." (2 Timothy 2:9) (KJV). The English word 'wherein' Paul uses to begin this verse is translated by the Greek word en which is a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state) meaning (as used here) because of. The little English phrase 'I suffer trouble' is translated by the Greek word kakopatheō meaning to undergo hardship: - be afflicted, endure afflictions (hardness), suffer trouble. The English phrase 'an evil doer' is translated by the Greek word kakourgos meaning a wrong doer, that is, criminal: - malefactor. The English word 'bonds' is translated by the Greek word desmos meaning (as used here) shackle (of a prisoner). In other words, Paul was put in prison for preaching the true Gospel of Jesus Christ declaring Him raised from the dead and alive forevermore and this caused him to be looked upon by the Jewish leaders and by the Roman rulers as an evil doer. The Jews were spiritually blind to the fact that Jesus Christ was the Messiah who lived among them, that is, the very Jehovah God they claimed to worship.
The Roman rulers were put off by the fact that Paul's preaching caused trouble in the Jewish communities and the fact that his preaching condemned their pagan beliefs and worship. The Apostle Peter wrote of this type of suffering for Christ with these words, "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 4:14-16) (Modern King James Version). Despite these things done unjustly to the Apostle Paul, the Gospel of Grace could not and was not restricted or removed or restrained, but instead God the Holy Spirit used the Gospel message and regenerated men of even the Roman guard. The proclamation of the Gospel and of the Word of God could not be stopped then and will not be stopped now, for it is our Lord Jesus Christ Himself who is building His Church as He said with these words, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) (Modern King 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 2:8-9 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my Gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. KJV
The Apostle Paul with this next verse wants Timothy's focus to not be on him being unjustly persecuted by the Jewish leaders and by the leaders of the Roman empire, but instead Paul wants Brother Timothy to see Him, that is, our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and the permanency of His Resurrection from the dead in order that he and every one of us who are true believers receiving forgiveness of all our sins (past, present, and future) and being born again spiritually, that is, obtaining our own resurrection from the spiritual death we were born into. This second birth or spiritual resurrection keeps us from the second death or eternal death, that is, eternal seperation from God as it is written by the Apostle John with these words, "And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the Word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast nor his image, nor had received his mark on their foreheads, nor in their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. The second death has no authority over these, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4-6) (Modern King James Version). It was said by someone many years before I became a human being on the earth these words, "He or she who is born twice will only die once."
So then Paul tells Timothy to keep always these words first and foremost, "Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my Gospel:" (2 Timothy 2:8) (KJV). The more accurate reading of what Paul is conveying to Brother Timothy here would be, "Remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead", that is, keep your focus and attention upon Him and the reality of the permenance of His Resurrection from death and what that means for all the human sinners on the earth who will trust Him. The fact that He is raised from death and alive forever is the key for the salvation of any sinner and marks the reality of every sinners reception of eternal life from Him as it is written also with these words by the Apostle John, "When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead person. But He put His right hand on me and said: Don't be afraid! I am the first, the last, and the living one. I died, but now I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys to death and the world of the dead." (Revelation 1:17-18) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about Christ Resurrection, "This is the great proof of His divine mission, and therefore a great confirmation of the truth of the Christian religion; and the consideration of it should make us faithful to our Christian profession, and should particularly encourage us in suffering for it. Let suffering saints remember this. Observe, We are to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and has now sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, Hebrews 12:2. The incarnation and resurrection of Jesus Christ, heartily believed and rightly considered, will support a Christian under all sufferings in the present life."
Paul speaks to Timothy and to us of what he was enduring because of his proclamation of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with these words, "Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound." (2 Timothy 2:9) (KJV). The English word 'wherein' Paul uses to begin this verse is translated by the Greek word en which is a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state) meaning (as used here) because of. The little English phrase 'I suffer trouble' is translated by the Greek word kakopatheō meaning to undergo hardship: - be afflicted, endure afflictions (hardness), suffer trouble. The English phrase 'an evil doer' is translated by the Greek word kakourgos meaning a wrong doer, that is, criminal: - malefactor. The English word 'bonds' is translated by the Greek word desmos meaning (as used here) shackle (of a prisoner). In other words, Paul was put in prison for preaching the true Gospel of Jesus Christ declaring Him raised from the dead and alive forevermore and this caused him to be looked upon by the Jewish leaders and by the Roman rulers as an evil doer. The Jews were spiritually blind to the fact that Jesus Christ was the Messiah who lived among them, that is, the very Jehovah God they claimed to worship.
The Roman rulers were put off by the fact that Paul's preaching caused trouble in the Jewish communities and the fact that his preaching condemned their pagan beliefs and worship. The Apostle Peter wrote of this type of suffering for Christ with these words, "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 4:14-16) (Modern King James Version). Despite these things done unjustly to the Apostle Paul, the Gospel of Grace could not and was not restricted or removed or restrained, but instead God the Holy Spirit used the Gospel message and regenerated men of even the Roman guard. The proclamation of the Gospel and of the Word of God could not be stopped then and will not be stopped now, for it is our Lord Jesus Christ Himself who is building His Church as He said with these words, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) (Modern King 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…
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 18
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…
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…
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…
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