His Word Today

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ⁴ treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV)

What type of difficulties will occur during the period of time the Scriptures call the last days? How may the believer in Christ not be shocked by the latter days while ministering to others at the same time? It involves being biblically aware of the nature of this time period. Scripture commands each believer to understand what the fallen world will be like prior to Jesus Christ’s return.

“Paul wants Timothy to know how bad these last days really are (“mark this,” v. 1). To be forewarned is to be forearmed. By “last days” he means the New Testament age ushered in by Jesus Christ (Acts 2:14–17; Heb. 1:1–2). He then describes in nineteen vivid terms the sins and sinners that will characterize this age (vv. 2–5).”^[1]

To begin with, people will be lovers of self. People (ἄνθρωποι; anthropoi) refers to all types of humanity. These are the unconverted. The verb phrase will be (ἔσονται; esontai) is a future middle indicative plural verb. It means to have a quality of being. In the future, the Apostle Paul wrote sinners will personally, realistically and collectively have a particular character or nature. They will be lovers of self (φίλαυτοι; philautoi). This means sinful humanity will be characterized by affections chiefly concerned with themselves and their own advantages to the exclusion of others.

People will also be lovers of money (φιλάργυροι; philargyroi). In other words, they will ignore the biblical directive from I Timothy 6:6-10. Instead, the unconverted will have an immoderate desire to acquire wealth. Greed for money and wealth will be viewed as good.

The unconverted will be proud (ἀλαζόνες; alazones). They will be boasters and braggarts. They will possess a self-absorbed, self-exalting conceit of their own superiority. Whatever accomplishments they may experience, they will give themselves all the credit.

Fallen humanity will also be arrogant (ὑπερήφανοι; hyperephanoi). Pride refers to accomplishments. Arrogance refers to a personal perspective concerning of self-importance. They believe they are the smartest people in the room.

Additionally, they will be abusive (βλάσφημοι; blasphemoi). They will have an irreverence for the sacred. Instead of desiring the uncommon, the sacred, and the holy they will embrace the common, the secular and the profane.

They will be disobedient to parents. Disobedient (ἀπειθεῖς; apeitheis) means not obeying or complying with those in authority. The particular authority they rebel against are their parents (γονεῦσιν; goneusin). These are they who conceived, nurtured, and raised them.

The unconverted will be ungrateful (ἀχάριστοι; acharistoi). They will have an unthankful spirit. See Romans 1:18-32.

Finally, vs. 2 concludes with the word unholy (ἀνόσιοι; anosioi). To be unholy is to lack moral or spiritual purity. It is to be profane.

“Paul not infrequently mentions the last days, by which he seems to mean the time immediately preceding the consummation of this age. But elsewhere in the NT the last days represent the beginning of the Christian era (see Acts 2:17–21; Heb. 1:1). There is clearly a close connection between the present and the future since although in this passage Paul speaks of the false teachers in the future, he has previously referred to them in the present. He is most concerned about the moral degeneracy which sets in as a consequence of wrong teaching. In the list which occurs in vs 2–4 there is a mixture of wrong actions and wrong attitudes. The contrast between the first and the last words in the list brings out vividly the difference between love of self and love of God. This list shows, in fact, the disastrous consequences of self-centredness.”^[2]

What the Apostle Paul stated was the future condition of the fallen world’s culture has become the present character of the contemporary world. What the Scriptures say rings true.

More to follow. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria! 

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^[1] George W. III Knight, “1-2 Timothy/Titus,” in Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, vol. 3, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995), 1113.

^[2] Donald Guthrie, “2 Timothy,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1308.

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (2 Timothy 3:1 (ESV)

“Confined in a Roman prison (2 Tim. 2:9), the apostle Paul knows his execution is on its way (4:6), and so he sends one last epistle to Timothy, his dear friend and ministry partner. Paul knows that his death will not be the end of God’s work in his part of the world; therefore, Timothy and the church need guidance in his absence. His final letter prepares Christians for the tough job of ministry, explaining that suffering is inevitable and must be endured (chap. 1). Looking to Christ as the model of perseverance, we must teach the gospel to the generations after us (2:1–13), living a life of godliness as a witness to the world in hope that God might grant repentance to His and our enemies (vv. 14–26),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

The Apostle Paul began today’s featured text with a present active imperative verb; understand. To understand (γίνωσκε; ginoske) is a command to comprehend, to perceive and to know. Understanding will not automatically come to this young pastor. It must be obediently pursued. The believer in Christ can never stop seeking to comprehend.

What did Paul specifically have in mind with this present active imperative? The text reveals two things Paul commanded Timothy to understand, comprehend and perceive.

Frist, there would be a period of time the apostle identified as the last days (Heb. 1:2). This is synonymous with the phrase “latter times” (I Tim. 4:1), “last times” (I Peter 1:20), and the “last hour (I John 2:18). The phrase Paul last days (ἐσχάταις hermerais) indicated a final period of time. However, Paul was not referring to the time immediately prior to the Lord’s return. Rather, it was/is the era Christ began by His first advent and concluded at His return. In other words, the church has always existed in the last days. 

Secondly, the last days will come with difficulty. The phrase there will come (ἐνστήσονται; enstesontai) is a future middle indicative plural verb. The future last days will personally be associated with something impending; events which will happen. What will occur will be times of difficulty. The word times (καιροὶ; kaipoi) refers to a season. Difficulty (χαλεποί; chalepoi) means violent, perilous, dangerous and distressful. This is a fitting description of the Christians’ experience throughout church history.

“Difficulty” is used to describe the savage nature of two demon-possessed men (Matt. 8:28). The word for “times” had to do with epochs, rather than clock or calendar time. Such savage, dangerous eras or epochs will increase in frequency and severity as the return of Christ approaches (2 Tim. 3:13). The church age is fraught with these dangerous movements accumulating strength as the end nears. Cf. Matt. 7:15; 24:11–12, 24; 2 Pet. 2:1–2,” states Dr. John MacArthur.

“Why does Paul introduce this chapter with such an emphatic command to Timothy to ‘understand this’? After all, the existence of active opposition to the gospel was evident. Paul himself had been arrested, chained and imprisoned because of his own loyalty to it (1:11, 12; 2:9). Everybody in Asia had repudiated him, as Timothy was well aware (1:15).”^[1]

“So why does the apostle enjoin Timothy to understand what he already knows? Surely because he wants to emphasize that opposition to the truth is not a passing situation, but a permanent characteristic of the age. Perhaps he fears that Timothy will be over-optimistic, hoping that if he lies low for a while, the storm will pass. But Paul gives him no such hope. We too should ‘understand this’, and be quite clear about the perils and troubles which will beset us if we stand firm in the truth of the gospel.”^[2]

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] John R. W. Stott, Guard the Gospel the Message of 2 Timothy, The Bible Speaks Today (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973), 81.

^[2] Ibid.,81-82.

The following is an excerpt from Dr. J. Ligon Duncan’s message entitled Flee and Pursue. His sermon text was from 2 Timothy 2:22-26. He preached this message on April 17, 2005.

If you have your Bibles, I’d invite you to turn with
me to II Timothy, chapter two. As we’ve been working through this great book
together, we’ve seen Paul in this chapter over and over give glorious
directions, imperatives, to this young minister, Timothy. And we’ve seen that
those directions are relevant to any age, any era of ministry.

But we’ve also seen that these instructions for
Timothy are not just for Timothy, and they’re not just for preachers, and
they’re not just for elders; but they’re for the whole church–the whole of the
people of God. Even when Paul is giving directions to Timothy, there is
something for us to learn in those directions. Sometimes those directions have a
direct application to us, wherein we are to have the same attitude or demeanor,
or to do the same things, that Paul is calling Timothy to do. Sometimes those
directions are indirect in their applications to us, in that we are, in light of
what Timothy and other faithful ministers are instructed to do, we are to
respond to them in light of the way that God tells them to carry out their work.

Now, in the passage today that we’re going to look
at (beginning in verse 22 and going down to verse 26, right at the end of the
chapter) we’re going to see eight of these imperatives… eight of these
directions…that God gives to Timothy; but, understand that the message is
actually simpler than that.

Paul’s message to Timothy–God’s message to you
and me today–is that Timothy’s teaching in the church is to have the focus, it
is to have the aim, it is to have the design of promoting edification and unity
in the local congregation.

All that he does in teaching and all that he does in
responding to those who are teaching error in the church is to have as its goal,
as its aim, as its end, the promotion of edification by the word of truth; and
thus, unity in the local congregation.

Each of the specific commands that Paul gives to
Timothy here fits in that larger design. Let me just walk you through those
specific commands so that you can see them as we read, in just a few moments.

First of all, in verse 22 he tells Timothy to
“flee…flee from youthful passions”, or youthful tendencies or desires.

Secondly, you’ll notice again in verse 22
that contrary to that he tells him to “pursue righteousness.” So, he’s supposed
to flee from youthful passions, but he’s supposed to pursue righteousness.

Thirdly, notice in verse 23 he’ll tell him to
refuse something. What? Foolish speculations, or, foolish and ignorant
speculations.

Fourthly, in verse 24, notice he says,
‘Timothy, you are not to be quarrelsome.’ Don’t be quarrelsome–the fourth
directive.

Fifth, again in verse 24, on the contrary,
“…be kind…be kind to all.” That’s the fifth direction he gives him.

Sixth, ‘Timothy, you must be able to
teach.’ And so, he directs him to cultivate this kind of practical teaching
ability.

Seventh, ‘You are to be patient when
wronged.’

Finally, if you look at verses 25 and 26, and
the very first phrase of verse 25, ‘You are to with gentleness correct those who
are in opposition.’

So, he gives these eight imperatives (or directives)
to Timothy, but his goal is simply this: again, just as we saw last week, he
desires Timothy to engage in a teaching ministry and in a correcting ministry
that ultimately has in view the promotion of unity and edification in the local
congregation.

We just have heard the choir singing some beautiful
words which are a paraphrase, Isaac Watts’ paraphrase of the Twenty-third
Psalm.

1. My Shepherd will supply my need;
Jehovah is His name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wand’ring spirit back,
When I forsake His ways;
And leads me, for His mercy’s sake,
In paths of truth and grace.

2. When I walk thro’ the shades of death
Thy presence is my stay;
One word of Thy supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.
Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,
Doth still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
Thine oil anoints my head.

3. The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home. – Isaac Watts

If you would look at the very end of that, and look at the petition:

“O may Thy house be my abode,
and all my work be praise!

There would I find a settled
rest while others go and come,

No more a stranger, nor a guest;
but like a child at home.”

And that petition of David’s is to be a part of the
edification that Timothy’s teaching is supposed to promote. In other words,
Timothy’s edifying is not just giving you seven principles for this, or twelve
steps for that, or five clues to this–but it is to cultivate an edification in
you in which you more and more desire, more than anything else in the world, to
have union and communion with God through Jesus Christ. That more than anything else in the world, you long to know God savingly, now and forever; and to live with Him, loving Him, loving His children, loving your neighbors. And so, it is an edification which is focused on glorifying and enjoying God, and everything
else falls into place when that teaching focus is understood.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

The following is a summary of 2 Timothy 2 by Dr. William Hendriksen. Dr. Hendriksen (18 November 1900 – 12 January 1982) was a Dutch-born American minister, New Testament scholar, and writer of Bible commentaries.

In view, then, of the examples and of the gift which he has received, let Timothy—Paul’s “child”—be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. In order to become strong himself and to benefit the church, let him teach men who, in turn, are qualified to teach others. To such men let him entrust those teachings which he—among many others, “witnesses” all—has heard from the lips of Paul throughout their years of association with each other.

Now this activity of teaching—in fact, all the work of the ministry—will not be easy, but will result in hardship for Timothy. Let him then be a noble soldier and suffer hardship along with Paul and the witnesses just mentioned. Let him be encouraged by the fact that only the soldier who fights wholeheartedly, only the athlete who competes according to the rules, and only the farmer who works hard, will receive their reward.

Thus, also Timothy will receive his reward. Let him rely on his Lord, who will give him understanding in all matters. Let him, moreover, keep in memory Jesus Christ. He, too, performed his task wholeheartedly, obediently—never breaking any divine rule—, and diligently. And did he not receive his reward? Was he not raised from the dead, and does he not reign on high as the rightful spiritual heir of David? Is this not true according to the gospel which Paul cherishes as his very own (“my gospel”)?

For this gospel Paul suffers hardship, even to bonds, as if he were a criminal. But he is greatly comforted by the fact that though he himself is bound, the word of God which he proclaims is not bound but accomplishes God’s pleasure in the hearts and lives of all the elect, in order that they may obtain the salvation which centers in Christ Jesus with everlasting glory.

Four lines of what was probably an early-church hymn are now quoted. These show that loyalty to Christ and steadfastness even in the midst of bitter persecution are ever rewarded by the privilege of living and reigning with Christ; while, on the contrary denial and disloyalty are punished by being rejected by him who ever remains faithful to his threats as well as to his promises, not being able (adds Paul) to do otherwise.

In the second part of this chapter the apostle shows that word-battles, profane empty-chatter, and foolish inquiries serve no useful purpose and breed quarrels. Timothy must do his utmost to win God’s approval, as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of, one who rightly handles the word of the truth. The errorists will make progress, indeed, but what kind of progress? They will advance … to an increase of ungodliness! Their word will “have pasture,” eating its way like a malignant tumor.

Among the ring-leaders of these false teachers are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who teach that the only resurrection is the spiritual one, which, they say, has already occurred! But though these do upset the faith of some, God’s true church remains steadfast. It is his solid foundation. Its members are protected by the Father, owned by the Son, and certified by the Spirit. In other words, they are sealed. And on that seal there are two inscriptions, one stressing the divine side of their salvation: “The Lord knows who are his”; and the other bringing out the human side: “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand aloof from unrighteousness.”

With the visible church, however, it is as with a large house: not everything in it is equally valuable: some “vessels” are destined for honor; others for dishonor. Hence, it should not cause any surprise that men like Hymenaeus and Philetus have a following. But if anyone will effectively cleanse himself from men of this type and their evil influences, he will be … very useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. This applies also to Timothy.

Now in order to become thus thoroughly qualified, Timothy must also flee away from the sinful desires that pertain to the younger generation. Positively, he should steadfastly pursue faith, love, etc. He must not be quarrelsome but gentle to all. Only in this way will he be qualified to teach. Such teaching will require that he exercise great patience, even under injuries. When opposed, he should correct his opponents with mildness, in the hope that possibly God may grant them conversion, a complete mental, moral, and spiritual turn-about which leads to acknowledgment of the truth and to soberness. Thus, they will have been delivered from the snare set by the devil, by whom they had been taken captive to do his (that is, the devil’s) will.^[1]

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 277–278.

²⁴ “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ²⁵ correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24–26 (ESV)

Today’s essay featured commentary from John Calvin.

But the servant of the Lord must not fight. Paul’s argument is to this effect: “The servant of God must stand aloof from contentions; but foolish questions are contentions; therefore, whoever desires to be a ‘servant of God,’ and to be accounted such, ought to shun them.” And if superfluous questions ought to be avoided on this single ground, that it is unseemly for a servant of God to fight, how impudently do they act, who have the open effrontery of claiming applause for raising incessant controversies? Let the theology of the Papists now come forth; what else will be found in it than the art of disputing and fighting? The more progress any man has made in it, the more unfit will he be for serving, Christ.

But gentle towards all, qualified for teaching. When he bids the servant of Christ be “gentle,” he demands a virtue which is opposite to the disease of contentions. To the same purpose is what immediately follows, that he beδιδακτικός, “qualified for teaching.” There will be no room for instruction, if he have not moderation and some equability of temper. What limit will be observed by a teacher, when he is warmed for fighting? The better a man is qualified for teaching; the more earnestly does he keep aloof from quarrels and disputes.

Patient to the bad. The importunity of some men may sometimes produce either irritation or weariness; and for that reason, he adds, “bearing with them,” at the same time pointing out the reason why it is necessary; namely, because a godly teacher ought even to try whether it be possible for him to bring back to the right path obstinate and rebellious persons, which cannot be done without the exercise of gentleness.

“When he says, that we must be “gentle towards all, “he means that we ought to be easy and affable in receiving all who come to be taught in the gospel, for if we do not give them access it is like shutting the door against them, so that they shall never have it in their power to approach to God. We must, therefore, have that mildness and humanity dwelling in us, so as to be ready to receive all who wish to be instructed. And therefore, he adds, that we must be `qualified for teaching,’ as if he had said, that those things are connected with each other, gentleness and skill in teaching. The reason is, if a man be fierce and inaccessible, it will never be possible for us to receive instruction from him. He who wishes to be a good teacher must conduct himself with civility, and must have some way of drawing those who come to him, so as to gain their affections; and that cannot be, unless he has that ‘gentleness’ of which Paul speaks. Thus, we see how he intended to confirm what he had briefly stated, that a man who is quarrelsome, and addicted to disputes and contentions, is in no degree a servant of God. And why? As servants of God, must we not labor to gain poor ignorant persons? And that cannot be, unless we are mild, unless we hear patiently what they say, unless we bear with their weakness, until by little and little they are edified. If we have not that, it is like casting them off.”

If sometime God grant to them repentance. This expression, “If sometime,” or “If perhaps,” points out the difficulty of the case, as being nearly desperate or beyond hope. Paul therefore means that even towards the most unworthy we must exercise meekness; and although at first there be no appearance of having gained advantage, still we must make the attempt. For the same reason he mentions that “God will grant it.” Since the conversion of a man is in the hand of God, who knows whether they who today appear to be unteachable shall be suddenly changed by the power of God, into other men? Thus, whoever shall consider that repentance is the gift and work of God, will cherish more earnest hope, and, encouraged by this confidence, will bestow more toil and exertion for the instruction of rebels. We should view it thus, that our duty is, to be employed in sowing and watering, and, while we do this, we must look for the increase from God. (1 Corinthians 3:6.) Our labors and exertions are thus of no advantage in themselves; and yet, through the grace of God, they are not fruitless.

To the knowledge of the truth. We may learn from this what is the actual repentance of those who for a time were disobedient to God; for Paul declares that it begins with “the knowledge of the truth.” By this he means that the understanding of man is blinded, so long as it stands out fiercely against God and his doctrine.

And deliverance from the snare of the devil. Illumination is followed by deliverance from the bondage of the devil; for unbelievers are so intoxicated by Satan, that, being asleep, they do not perceive their distresses. On the other hand, when the Lord shines upon us by the light of his truth, he wakens us out of that deadly sleep, breaks asunder the snares by which we were bound, and, having removed all obstacles, trains us to obedience to him.

By whom they are held captive. A truly shocking condition, when the devil has so great power over us, that he drags us, as captive slaves, here and there at his pleasure. Yet such is the condition of all those whom the pride of their heart draws away from subjection to God. And this tyrannical dominion of Satan we see plainly, every day, in the reprobate; for they would not rush with such fury and with brutal violence into every kind of base and disgraceful crimes, if they were not drawn by the unseen power of Satan. That is what we saw at Ephesians 2:2, that, Satan exerts his energy in unbelievers.

Such examples admonish us to keep ourselves carefully under the yoke of Christ, and to yield ourselves to be governed by his Holy Spirit. And yet a captivity of this nature does not excuse wicked men, so that they do not sin, because it is by the instigation of Satan that they sin; for, although their being carried along so resistlessly to that which is evil proceeds from the dominion of Satan, yet they do nothing by constraint, but are inclined with their whole heart to that to which Satan drives them. The result is, that their captivity is voluntary.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

²⁴ “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ²⁵ correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24–26 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul counseled his young protégé Timothy to not be quarrelsome, but kind, able to teach, patiently enduring evil and correcting opponents of biblical truth with gentleness. What is the potential outcome with such recommended and godly behavior? The answer Paul gave was God may perhaps grant repentance to opponents of the Gospel leading them to a knowledge of the truth.

What are some other results of conversion? Paul by no means provided an exhaustive list in today’s text. However, he did list three consequences conversion accomplishes in the soul of the sinner.

First, the sinner may come to their senses. This phrase in English is one word in Greek (ἀνανήψωσιν; ananepsosin). It is an aorist active subjunctive plural verb. It means to wholeheartedly, actively, collectively and potentially return to a right state of mind or thinking.

“The Apostle Paul hopes, accordingly, “that they may return to soberness” (ἀνανήψωσιν). (This is the only occurrence of this compound verb in the New Testament. Through the work of the ministry may the adversaries be brought back to their senses; may they be aroused from their dull stupor, being delivered “out of the snare of the devil,” that is, out of the snare set by the devil, the snare into which he had lured them, that they might do his will (1 Tim. 3:7).”^[1]

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “He uses a verb ananēphō which means to return from drunkenness, sober up, come out of a stupor. It’s used only here in the New Testament. There’re all kinds of lies floating out around there, all through the world, filtered into Christianity by the dialogue that the church always wants to have. These false teachers numb the conscience, confuse the mind, paralyze the will, and catapult even believers into a spiritual stupor like some kind of drunkenness from which they need to be delivered because it is a snare of the Devil. And he’ll hold them captive, as long as he can, and render them useless. And so, we need to deliver them by a confrontive will.”

Second, they may escape from the snare of the devil. The word snare (παγίδος;  pagidos) refers to danger or a trap. This snare is sourced in and originates from the devil (διαβόλου; diabolou). He is the diabolical one who is dangerous and wicked. To escape from (ἐκ; ek) means to be free and independent from the Devil.

Third, the sinner is freed to no longer do the Devil’s will. Prior to conversion, the sinner was captured to do his, the Devil’s, will. The phrase after being captured (ἐζωγρημένοι; exogremenoi) is a perfect passive plural participle. It means to be brought under control. The word will (θέλημα; thelema) means to do what is desired or purposed.

“False teaching and all its negative consequences in the church are always the handiwork of Satan, but God in His grace often salvages the situation through the Christlike ministry of His servants.”^[2]

1. I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still.

2 But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace.

3. Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
O Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

CHORUS
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 276.

^[2] A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 755–756.

²⁴ “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ²⁵ correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24–26 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul counseled his young protégé Timothy to not be quarrelsome, but kind, able to teach, patiently enduring evil and correcting opponents of biblical truth with gentleness. What is the potential outcome with such recommended and godly behavior?

The answer Paul gave was God may perhaps grant repentance to opponents of the Gospel. God is the subject and He is the one who has the power to grant such repentance. The phrase may grant (δώῃ; doe) is an aorist active subjunctive singular verb. It means God wholeheartedly, actively and potentially give and cause repentance to occur. The subjunctive mood in Greek expresses actions that are desired, possible, or hypothetical. It is used to convey intentions, wishes, or conditions rather than stating facts.

The word repentance (μετάνοιαν; mentanoiian) means to change one’s way of life and living. Repentance is turning from something or someone. It involves a change of mind, judgement, purpose and behavior.

Dr. Charles Horne writes, “Repentance is the gift of God, the purchase of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. “When they heard these things, they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18 (ESV). It is implanted by the Spirit at regeneration, or quickening.”

Repentance includes a godly sorrow for sin (2 Cor. 7:10). Repentance is a turning from idols (I Thess. 1:9). Repentance is also turning from vain things (Acts 14:15), from darkness (26:28a), and from the power of Satan (26:18b). Both repentance and faith are necessary components in the conversion of the sinner.

The sinner must be brought by God to a knowledge of his lost condition (Rom 3:20; Ps. 51:1-4; Ezek. 36:31). He must also know the divine remedy for sin (Rom. 10:13-17; Ps. 9:10; Phil. 3;8). The sinner must have a broken and contrite heart (Jer. 31 :19; Ps. 51:17; 2 Cor. 7:10). He must also be in agreement and feel drawn to Christ with heart assent (John 4 :43; I Thess. 2:13). Finally, the sinner must turn from the ways of sin (Acts 26:18; Exek.14:6; 2 Cor. 7:11) and turn to Christ to truth in Him alone for salvation (Acts 16:31; 15:11; Phil. 3:9).

The efficient cause for conversion is God (Jer. 13:23; Rom. 9:16; John 1:12-13).  The moving cause is the good will of God in regeneration (I Cor.; 6:9-11; Eph. 2:1-4). The instrumental cause of conversion is the Word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17; Gal. 3:1-2; I Cor. 3:1-5).

Repentance and faith are works solely of God. The Apostle Paul made this clear to the church in Corinth. “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. ² For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. ³ And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, ⁴ and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ⁵ so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1–5 (ESV)

English Baptist pastor, biblical scholar and theologian John Gill (1697-1771) rightly stated, “Conversion is the motion of the soul towards God; but as this cannot be in a dead man, and unless he is quickened, so not unless he is drawn by efficacious grace. Wherefore, God in conversion draws men with loving kindness to Himself and with the cords of love to His Son. For no man, says Christ, can come to me except the Father, which hath sent me, draw him (John 6:44).”

Conversion results in a leading to a knowledge of the truth. Repentance and faith results, or leads to (εἰς; eis) a knowledge (ἐπίγνωσιν; epignosin) recognition or understanding of the truth (ἀληθείας; aletheias) solely of God.

“The word used in the original to indicate this basic change (μετάνοια) means more than repentance. It is conversion (cf. 2 Cor. 7:8–10), a term which looks forward as well as backward, whereas repentance mainly looks backward. Conversion, moreover, affects not only the emotions but also the mind and the will. In fact, it is first of all (as the derivation of the word implies) a complete change-over in mental and moral outlook. It is a radical change of view that leads to a radical change of life. Thus, it is here described as leading to “acknowledgment of (the) truth.” Paul hopes that the adherents of false doctrine will be converted from their habit of majoring on minors, and that they will recognize and confess the great and wonderful truth as revealed in the gospel and as centered in Christ.^[1]

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 276.

²⁴ “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ²⁵ correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24–26 (ESV)

How many believers in Christ have the perspective they are the Lord’s servant? How many pastors have this perspective? What does it mean to the Lord’s servant?

The word Lord’s (κυρίου; kyriou) is a possessive genitive noun. This means the Lord possesses something or someone. This ownership originates and is sourced in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. What He alone possesses is His servant. The word servant (δοῦλον; doulon) means a slave. It is an individual who is controlled by and subservient to the Lord Jesus. Consequently, there is no room for pride by the servant, only praise for the master.

“Servant” is doulos (δουλος), “a bondslave” of the Lord, referring here primarily to the pastor. Paul says in II Cor. 4:5, “We proclaim not ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, but ourselves your bondslaves for Jesus’ sake.” ^[1]  

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “The Lord’s ‘doulos’ is a technical term, I think, for a pastor. The Lord’s slave. I think it’s a technical term – the Lord’s slave. And the apostles owned it. Paul introduces himself in his epistles as a slave of God, of Christ. James calls himself a slave. Peter calls himself a slave. Jude calls himself a slave, and John calls himself a slave. It’s a technical title referring to an elder, a pastor, an overseer. And it’s a wonderful picture because Christ Himself called Himself a slave in Philippians 1 – “took upon the form of a slave.”

What are the characteristics of the Lord’ servant? In the context of today’s biblical text, the emphasis is on the character and behavior of the pastor. In vs. 24, and the first portion of vs. 25, the Apostle Paul list five characteristics of the Lord’s servant.

First, he must not be quarrelsome. The word quarrelsome (μάχεσθαι; machesthai) is a present middle infinitive verb. It means the pastor must not presently, personally or infinitely be a fighter or one who severely clashes with people. This refers to either a physical or a verbal fight.

Secondly, the pastor must be kind to everyone. This is the opposite of not being quarrelsome. To be kind (ἤπιον; epion) means to be gentle, affable and mild in temperament towards everyone he encounters.

Third, he must be able to teach. This is one of the essential qualifications for an elder (I Tim. 3:2). The phrase able to teach (διδακτικόν; didaktikon) refers to being skillful in teaching or instructing people from God’s Word.

Fourth, the pastor must be one who patiently endures evil. The phrase patiently enduring evil (ἀνεξίκακον; anexikakon) means to endure difficulties without being angry or upset.

Fifth, he corrects his opponents with gentleness. The phrase correcting his opponents with gentleness involves three key words. The word correcting (παιδεύοντα; paideuonta) is a present active participle. The pastor disciplines, educates and trains his opponents. Opponents (ἀντιδιατιθεμένους; antidiatithemenous) are individuals who presently, personally and collectively hostile toward the pastor. He responds to such hostility with gentleness (πραΰτητι; prauteti) which refers to patience and humility.

“Paul’s primary focus in 2 Timothy is on the suffering generated by those who are outright hostile to the gospel and not the kind created by people who, though they are repentant, still struggle with sin and mess up from time to time. In these cases, the ability to teach is also important because gifted instructors can often silence Christianity’s despisers (Acts 6:8–10). Equally important in dealing with enemies of the faith are the qualities of kindness, gentleness, and a refusal to be quarrelsome (2 Tim. 2:24–25a). Many of those who hate us are simply looking for a fight and are taken aback when they see that we are not contentious,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day as the Lord’s servant.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 141.

^“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10 (ESV)

In 2 Timothy 2:8-13, the Apostle Paul wrote to his young protégé Timothy about the challenges of ministry. Ministry is difficult. Serving the Lord can be tough. What sustains the believer in Christ and the disciple of the Lord is the preeminence of Christ (2:8-9a) and the power of the Word of God (2:9b). Both of these biblical truths enable the servant of the Lord to endure.

Paul called Timothy to endure like a teacher, a soldier, and athlete, and a farmer (vs. 1-7). A teacher does not remain in the study or office but rather teaches in the classroom and from the pulpit. A soldier does not remain in the barracks but engages the enemy on the battlefield. An athlete does not compete sitting on the bleachers but rather on the field, track, diamond or court. A farmer does not remain in the farmhouse but spends his working hours in the field.

What does it mean to endure? What is endurance? Endurance is the capacity to withstand hardship or adversity, especially with faith and patience. Strength is need to endure, whether the work demands the physical strength of the body or the spiritual strength of the soul.

“Timothy has reached a low point, apparently, in his spiritual life and ministry. He is in danger of being ashamed of the Lord and ashamed of Paul. He is failing to use his gift as He ought to. He’s feeling the pressure of persecution from the elders of the church at Ephesus who have defected from the faith and whom he is trying to correct. He is also feeling some animosity and rejection from the congregation at the church at Ephesus because they’re living in ungodliness, and he must set them right,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

“He definitely feels the heat of the Roman Empire as it moves to persecute Christians. Paul who writes him is in prison at the time of his writing and awaiting his own execution. And Timothy knows that could come to him. The ministry has not been easy. Timothy is young. He is naturally timid. He has his own sins to deal with. He tends to be a little bit weak in some areas of defending the faith against some high-powered philosophy. And so, he’s really struggling.”

“It would be a time in his life when he’s looking for sympathy, a time when he’s crawling into a corner and expecting somebody to come in the corner and soothe his brow, and give him a cold drink, and pat him a little bit, and endeavor to sort of raise his sense of worth. It’s a time in his life when he’s licking his wounds. There may be a little bit of a “poor me” mentality. Even self-pity may have sort of overwhelmed him because of the difficulty. In that situation, he is confronted by the apostle Paul, who doesn’t give him sympathy at all, but rather gives him strength. He says, in effect, “What you need, Timothy, is not sympathy for the difficulty of your situation, what you need is strength for the difficulty of your situation,” concludes Dr. MacArthur.

How is your endurance? Have your weeks been filled with difficult and long days. Do you go to sleep exhausted and wake up tired? Make sure you take a weekly sabbath day for rest, and guard it tenaciously. Learn to say no to good things when they interfere and conflict with the best thing.  Make sure to delegate (Eph. 4:11-12). Also realize you cannot do everything, but you can endure by doing the one thing the Lord called you to do; preach and proclaim the glorious gospel.

Scottish preacher High Black understood the church has always endured while in the midst of suffering.

“Christ’s Church has survived through her power to endure. She was willing to give up anything to hold her ground, willing to pour out blood like water in order to take root. The mustard seed, planted with ears and watered with blood, stood the hazard of every storm, gripped tenaciously the soil, twining its roots around the rocks, reared its head a little higher and spread out its branches a little fuller, and when the tempest came, held on for very life. And then, never hastening, never resting, went on in the divine task of growing, and at last became the greatest of trees, giving shelter to the birds of the air in its wide-spreading branches. So is the kingdom of heaven,” says Black.

“It is a true parable of the Church. She conquered violence not by violence, but by virtue. She overcame force not by force, but by patience. Her sons were ready to die, to die daily. ‘It was given unto them not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for his sake,’ Philippians 1:29. They would not be stamped out. When their persecutors thought they were scattered like chaff, it turned out they were scattered like seed. The omnipotent power of Rome was impotent before such resolution. The battle, not the barracks is the place to make soldiers. The Church met the empire and broke it through the sheer power to endure. She was willing to suffer and to suffer and to suffer, and afterward to conquer,” concludes Black

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ² Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1–5 (ESV)

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have an enduring day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁸ “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, ⁹ for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” (2 Timothy 2:8–9 (ESV)

Throughout this study of 2 Timothy, I will extensively refer to John Calvin’s commentary on particular verses. I trust you will find them helpful, as I do, in understanding the biblical text.

Remember that Jesus Christ, being raised from the dead. He expressly mentions some part of his doctrine, which he wished to go down to posterity, entire and uncorrupted. It is probable that he glances chiefly at that part about which he was most afraid; as will also appear clearly from what follows, when he comes to speak about the error of “Hymenaeus and Philetus,” (2 Timothy 2:17😉 for they denied the resurrection, of which we have a sure pledge in this confession, when they falsely said that it was already past.

How necessary this admonition of Paul was, the ancient histories show; for Satan put forth all his strength, in order to destroy this article of our faith. There being two parts of it, that Christ was born “of the seed of David,” and that he rose from the dead; immediately after the time of the Apostles, arose Marcion, who labored to destroy the truth of the human nature in Christ; and afterwards he was followed by the Manichaeans; and even, in the present day, this plague is still spreading.

So far as relates to the resurrection, how many have been employed, and with what diversified schemes, in laboring to overthrow the hope of it! This attestation, therefore, means as much as if Paul had said, “Let no one corrupt or falsify my gospel by slanders; I have thus taught, I have thus preached, that Christ, who was born a man of the seed of David, rose from the dead.”

According to my gospel. He calls it “his gospel,” not that he professes to be the author but the minister of it. Now, in the resurrection of Christ we all have a sure pledge of our own resurrection. Accordingly, he who acknowledges that Christ has risen affirms that the same thing will take place with us also; for Christ did not rise for himself, but for us. The head must not be separated from his members. Besides, in the resurrection of Christ is contained the fulfillment of our redemption and salvation; for it is added, from the dead. Thus Christ, who was dead, arose. Why? and for what purpose? Here we must come to ourselves, and here too is manifested the power and fruit of both, namely, of his resurrection and of his death; for we must always hold by this principle, that Scripture is not wont to speak of these things coldly, and as matters of history, but makes indirect reference to the fruit.

Of the seed of David.  This clause not only asserts the reality of human nature in Christ, but also claims for him the honor and name of the Messiah. Heretics deny that Christ was a real man, others imagine that his human nature descended from heaven, and others think that there was in him nothing more than the appearance of a man. Paul exclaims, on the contrary, that he was “of the seed of David;” by which he undoubtedly declares that he was a real man, the son of a human being, that is, of Mary. This testimony is so express, that the more heretics labor to get rid of it, the more do they discover their own impudence. The Jews and other enemies of Christ deny that he is the person who was formerly promised; but Paul affirms that he is the son of David, and that he is descended from that family from which the Messiah ought to descend.

In which I am a sufferer. This is an anticipation, for his imprisonment lessened the credit due to his gospel in the eyes of ignorant people. He, therefore, acknowledges that, as to outward appearance, he was imprisoned like a criminal; but adds, that his imprisonment did not hinder the gospel from having free course; and not only so, but that what he suffers is advantageous to the elect, because it tends to confirm them. Such is the unshaken courage of the martyrs of Christ, when the consciousness of being engaged in a good cause lifts them up above the world; so that, from a lofty position, they look down with contempt, not only on bodily pains and agonies, but on every kind of disgrace.

Moreover, all godly persons ought to strengthen themselves with this consideration, when they see the ministers of the gospel attacked and outraged by adversaries, that they may not, on that account, cherish less reverence for doctrine, but may give glory to God, by whose power they see it burst through all the hindrances of the world. And, indeed, if we were not excessively devoted to the flesh, this consolation alone must have been sufficient for us in the midst of persecutions, that, if we are oppressed by the cruelty of the wicked, the gospel is nevertheless extended and more widely diffused; for, whatever they may attempt, so far are they from obscuring or extinguishing the light of the gospel, that it burns the more brightly. Let us therefore bear cheerfully, or at least patiently, to have both our body and our reputation shut up in prison, provided that the truth of God breaks through those fetters, and is spread far and wide.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!