Sermons

Thursday, 12 April 2018

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 Timothy 3:1

In the previous chapter, Paul warned Timothy of those who would “strive about words.” He said, “their message will spread like cancer.” With warnings such as this, he exhorted Timothy to be strong in the faith, avoiding things that can lead to ruin, and striving for that which is honorable. Understanding this, he now begins a section which will point to the great challenges expected as the church would develop and grow.

“But know this,” are words of surety. What he says is certain, and Timothy was to be set and prepared for it. He was to apply what he had just been instructed to his life so that he would be ready to face what lay ahead. From this, Paul then says, “that in the last days.”

This term is often used by people to claim that the church is now in the last days, as if the time that they live is seeing the fulfillment of the words. In this claim, they are implying that before their time, these things didn’t exist and that now – in their generation – they have come to pass, demonstrating that the last days are upon them. With this springboard, they have claimed that the return of Christ must be moments away.

Commentaries going back for eons have made this claim or cited others who have. However, what Paul describes here are things common to any era, and some of which are actually recorded in the epistles themselves. They are the normal state of things in any given church at any given time. As churches age, the things Paul describes arise. New churches are established to correct the errors, and things eventually devolve again. Rather than a set time which proves the Lord’s return is right around the corner, Paul’s words here speak of the entire church age. This is validated, for example, by the words of John – a contemporary of Paul –

“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” 1 John 2:18

An honest reading of 2 Timothy 3:2-9 will reveal that the things Paul will speak of are to be noted throughout the church age. It may be true that wickedness will increase towards the end of the church age, and it appears that such is coming upon the world now, but the world has been on the precipice before and stepped back. Churches have likewise. Therefore, it is best to not get caught up in sensationalist teachings concerning Paul’s coming words. With this understanding, he next says, “perilous times will come.”

This is what he will begin warning Timothy about. The word “perilous” is an adjective found only here and in Matthew 8:28 when speaking of the violent demon-possessed men of the Gergesenes. They were exceedingly fierce. Thus Paul is warning that such men will arise to cause their own trouble against the church. There will be injurious times, and so he is giving advanced warning for Timothy, and thus all, to be prepared.

Life application: Paul’s warning of this verse is to Timothy. Further, it can be inferred from his other writings that he honestly thought that the return of the Lord was not far off. He was apparently not privy to the fact that the church would last over 2000 years. With this understanding, it becomes evident that his words were a warning for Timothy to be prepared in his own life for the things which he said were coming. As noted already, it is unwise to use these verses to make sensational claims about the certainty of the return of the Lord in one’s own day.

Lord God; Precious heavenly Father, and Source of all strength and grace – grant us Your peace and joy as we face our daily struggles. The stresses we face, the trials that arise, and the conflicts which surround us… these can be debilitating and overwhelming. But from You there is an infinite supply of help, if we are willing to reach out for it. You, who sent Your own Son to redeem us, certainly care for us in our redemption. And so still our hearts and invigorate our souls with Your presence. Grant us this peace, O God. Amen.

Wednesday, 11 April 2018

… and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26

The words of the verse are rather complicated, but with a bit of thought, the true meaning should come through clearly.

First, Paul has been speaking of “those who are in opposition,” meaning those whose doctrine is unsound. He was instructing Timothy to not quarrel with such in hopes that God might grant them repentance, and thus come to the truth. Understanding that, he now says of them, “and that they may come to their senses.” The Greek word is found only here in Scripture. It gives the sense of recovering from a drunken stupor. The root of the word was used twice in 1 Thessalonians 5, imploring those in the church to be sober. Paul’s admonition here is that those who have incorrect doctrine are just like those who are inebriated, they have no idea of the danger which surrounds them.

In coming to their senses, they will then be able to “escape the snare of the devil.” In having bad doctrine, a person is caught as in a snare. A snare is something unseen, and it suddenly springs up and catches the unsuspecting one. From there, he is held prisoner, or as Paul says it, “having been taken captive by him.” This is speaking of the devil. It must be remembered that the word of God has been misused by him from the beginning. By subtly changing or manipulating the word, he caused the fall of man. He attempted to do this with Jesus, but Jesus stood on the word without compromise. Anyone caught up false doctrine has been snared by the devil, and he is now in bondage to him.

This leads to the final words of the verse, εἰς τὸ ἐκείνου θέλημα, which in the literal Greek reads, “for to his will.” The major question and debate among scholars is, “Who is ‘his will’ referring to?” There are two possibilities, either the devil or God. If it is speaking of the devil, it is saying that in possessing bad doctrine, they are doing the devil’s will, and are thus subject to him. If it is speaking of God, then it is saying that once they have come to their senses, having escaped the devil’s will, they will now serve God’s will.

Without being overly dogmatic, a few points should be considered. First, verse 25 spoke of God granting “them repentance, so that they may know the truth.” The focus is on God and the truth. Secondly, two different pronouns are used in the Greek, both translated as “his.” The first is αὐτοῦ, and the second is ἐκείνου. It appears that Paul is using these different words to show a difference in subject. And thirdly, Paul is speaking of believers with faulty doctrine, not unbelievers. This goes back to verses 14-19. Therefore, it appears that Paul is speaking of God’s will. In order to accomplish this, these believers with faulty doctrine must come to their senses and escape the devil’s snare. This idea is expressed in 1 Corinthians 10 –

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

Charles Ellicott gives his rendering of this verse –

“And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil—being held captive by him—to do His (God’s) will.”

Life application: There are verses which are difficult to discern what is actually being said, or who is actually being referred to. Rather than being dogmatic, giving both possibilities will help the reader come to a fuller knowledge of what is being said. Further, by looking at the surrounding context, the meaning usually becomes clearer. And finally, by referring to other comparable passages, the actual intent may become realized. The study of the word of God is to be taken slowly, methodically, and with great care. In the end, our doctrine must be in accord with the Lord’s intent.

O great and glorious God! How good it is to be in Your presence, and to share in Your goodness. You have fed us with the bread of Your word, You sustain us with Your open hand of grace, and You lead us in paths of righteousness – all for Your name’s sake. Help us to follow on that path, never diverting from it. Help us to receive Your grace with thanksgiving and praise, and help us to feast upon Your word daily – nourishing ourselves on that which truly sustains. All to Your glory we pray this. Amen.

Tuesday, 10 April 2018

…in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 2 Timothy 2:25

Paul’s words of exhortation to “the servant of the Lord” continue on. He just said that the minister “must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient…” Now in the same thought he says, “in humility correcting those who are in opposition.” This is obvious. The minister is not to be arrogant as he corrects those who have different views. However, this does not mean he cannot be stern. There is a difference. He should be firm and resolute in his doctrine, never waffling. And yet, he can do this while remaining humble.

Further, he is (as noted in the commentary on verse 23) to not prolong his correction of those who are divisive. That is noted in Titus –

“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, ¹¹ knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Titus 3:10, 11

One can cut off a divisive person while being humble. There should be no reason to arrogantly attack such a person. A few choice words of dismissal should be carefully spoken, and the door is to be shut on him as he departs. Under normal circumstances, however, the words of humble correction to those who are in opposition are intended for a specific reason. That reason is, “if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.”

The sense here is that if one argues his point in an arrogant manner, the one in opposition will normally double down on his views, simply because of the attitude displayed toward him. On the other hand, if the minister speaks firmly, but with humility, the one who is incorrect may take the time to evaluate his stand and repent of his incorrect doctrine. This will lead him to a knowledge of what is true.

An example for consideration would be that dreaded knock on the door by a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses. John warns about greeting such a person in his second epistle. There he says, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; ¹¹ for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John -10, -11). Understanding this, you still need to answer the door. If you do so by saying, “You guys are a couple of heretics and you need to repent or be cast into hell,” there will probably not be any hope of them changing their mind.

However, if you address them with, “You don’t carry the proper doctrine of Jesus Christ, and so I can neither greet you, nor welcome you into my home, but I will show you where you are wrong here at the doorway if you wish,” then you might have a chance of showing them the error of their way. In such a meeting, God – through His word – may give their hearts repentance and a knowledge of the truth.

Life application: There is a right way to handle disagreements in doctrine, and then there is a wrong way. It is not possible to guess how each disagreement will pan out, and so the minister needs to keep a calm and humble attitude towards all. However, for those who become divisive, they need to be given one more chance to not be argumentative, and then they need to be excused. There is no point in arguing back and forth. It solves nothing, and it eventually makes both look foolish.

Heavenly Father, with so many disagreements on matters of biblical doctrine, the church has divided and redivided countless times. Despite the divisions, for those churches that hold to the core doctrines of the faith, it is wise and proper to not be arrogant with those in other denominations. Only when core doctrines are departed from should we consider totally cutting off fellowship. Give us wisdom concerning when we should make such a decision final. Help us in this Lord. This is Your church, and so grant us wisdom when dealing with others in it. Amen.

Monday, 9 April 2018

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 2 Timothy 2:24

Paul is still speaking primarily of ministers here, the letter being a pastoral epistle. However, as the minister is to be an example for the flock, the words are to be carried into the hearts of all believers, and they are to be then acted upon by them. He begins this thought with, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel.” The word he chooses here is one which signifies engaging in battle, fighting one another, and disputing in contention. It was used in Acts 7:26 when speaking of Moses who came upon two Israelites who were disputing between one another. Moses asked them why they would so wrong one another, implying it was a heavy, angry dispute.

Rather than such contentions, the minister of God (and by extension all believers) should strive to be amiable, speaking words of truth. They should maintain a calm demeanor without provoking others to anger or wrath. This was said to apply to Jesus when Matthew quoted Isaiah concerning the coming Messiah –

“He will not quarrel nor cry out,
Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.” Matthew 12:19

Instead of such a contrary attitude of quarreling, the minister should “be gentle to all.” The word épios is found only here. It gives the sense of “‘gentle-faith-speaking’ as we yield to God” (HELPS Word Studies). Believers should act in an even-tempered manner, and they should avoid being harsh. Rather, they should be congenial and speak in a forthright manner. In addition to this, ministers should be “able to teach.”

This is the same thing Paul said to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:2. The words are exactingly translated and should be easy to understand without further explanation.

Finally, he says that teachers are to be “patient.” It also is a word unique in Scripture. It signifies the ability to endure evil. A minister should be able to bear up, particularly when treated unjustly. Even if his treatment is undeserved, he should attempt to maintain his composure and be steadfast in his testimony before others.

Life application: A lot is expected of ministers. Keep them in prayer.

Lord God, Your word asks ministers to not quarrel, but to be gentle to all. They are to be patient, and also able to teach. Such things can be a daunting challenge when there are those who love to challenge their every spoken word as they conduct their duties. Grant them the ability to let these things go, and to continue to be patient and kind in the face of adversity. Surely Your hand is needed for them to be able to meet these demands. And so we pray for that in them. Amen.