Daily Writing

Friday, 27 April 2018

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

This is certainly a “memory verse” if there ever was one. It should be committed to memory for those times when it will be needed. At the very least, the location of it is should be memorized, so that one can easily refer to it in order to obtain the exact quote.

In the previous verses, Paul noted to Timothy that the Holy Scriptures “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Now, speaking of that same marvelous body of writings, Paul says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” It is to be remembered that at the time of his writing this, only the Old Testament Scriptures existed. This truth carries on for New Testament writings, but it is clearly and unambiguously showing that the body of writing we call the Old Testament is God’s word.

The Greek word translated as “inspiration of God” is theopneustos, or literally “God-breathed.” It is a term which was most probably coined by Paul, and which speaks of the sacred and holy nature of Scripture which contains the power to sanctify believers. It is of divine origin, having been breathed out by God in what is known as the process of inspiration. In the Greek, Paul uses the word in the singular. This then shows that “each part of speech (every inflected word-form, ‘reflex’) used in the Bible is God-breathed, i.e. inscripturated (written) under divine inspiration” (HELPS Word Studies). That is a technical way of saying that every iota of what was received by prophet or apostle is of divine origin. Peter explains this process in his second epistle –

“knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, ²¹ for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20, 21

As a point of doctrine, the words, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” are more accurately translated as “Every Scripture inspired by God…” The reason for this subtle, but important, change is that it then does not exclude any writings beyond the Old Testament which were already in existence as transmitted by the apostles. It further does not exclude anything that would later come from the hand of the apostles. In this then, there would be the need to ensure that exactly what was contained in those writings be maintained exactly as they had been received. His words here are to be considered in that light, and they were to be kept as a protection against changing what had been received from the apostles’ hands. The words were God-breathed as they were received, and they remain God-breathed when being read. They are the word of God at all times.

After noting the inspiration of Scripture, Paul next says that this body of writings “is profitable for doctrine.” This means that they are to be used to teach the uninformed, correct the misguided, and renew the mind which has forgotten. These breathed-out words are to be what the believer uses to set his doctrine within the church. They are to be the final authority for church doctrine as well. The church cannot add to them, take from them, or amend them in any way. They are breathed out by God, and they belong to Him – being granted to us to use for our doctrine, but not for our manipulation. Paul then says that they are also “for reproof.”

The word used is found only here and in Hebrews 11:1. It signifies “inner conviction.” It “focuses on God confirming His inbirthing of faith” (HELPS Word Studies). If we hold to Scripture as God’s breathed-out word, God should internally persuade us through it of His intent for our life-practice and doctrine. Along with this, it is to be used “for correction.”

In this, Paul uses a word found only here in the Bible. It signifies “to make straight.” Thus, what is straightened becomes suitable once again because it has been restored to its original and correct position. In other words, there is a defect in man. The Bible is to be used to straighten that out. Further, even after coming to Christ, there are certainly defects in doctrine. The Bible is to be used to straighten them out as well. We can straighten ourselves out through the word, and we can also use the word to hopefully straighten others out. From there, Paul says that it is also to be used “for instruction in righteousness.”

The word for “instruction” speaks of the training and education of children. Therefore, the Bible is to be used as an instruction that will lead the believer to full maturity in their faith, doctrine, and practice. Just as a child needs to be disciplined and schooled in order to become a rationally thinking adult, all believers must grow in the word – applying it to themselves – until they are adults in the faith. But Paul notes that this instruction is to be “in righteousness.”

The Bible is often used by people as a means of divination as they look to determine the future. It is used as a secret code book to determine the mysteries of God. It is used by some as a place to find comfort during trials, but then put back on the shelf when the trials end. These and other uses miss the primary intent of Scripture. We are to have our noses in it, we are to open our minds to it, and we are to meditate upon it in order to understand righteousness, and then to apply that to our lives. God is the fount of all that is righteous, and we are to learn about Him in this capacity. Then we are to take this attribute of Him when it is rightly understood and emulate it.

Life application: Paul’s words of this verse are so important for us to remember, and to carry with us always. What we have in the pages of Scripture is the true and inspired word of God. Let us cherish it, care for it, exalt it, and pursue what it says all the days of our lives.

Lord God, You word is breathed out by You, and therefore it is exactly what we need for our lives. Nothing else can substitute it. Anything added to it is superfluous. Anything taken from it will leave us with a void. Help us to understand this, and to carefully hold to it as Your sacred and precious word, given to us to find righteousness and happiness as we live out our lives in Your marvelous presence. Amen.

Thursday, 26 April 2018

…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15

Paul now reminds Timothy of where and when he began to learn concerning the truth of God. He says, “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures.” The word translated as “childhood” rather means from infancy. It signifies a baby, or a child in arms. Before Timothy could walk, his mind was being enlightened with Scripture. So much so that he came to know it. It wasn’t as if he heard it once and then mom began to teach him about basket weaving. Rather, he was taught it to the point of it being infused (known) in him.

It must be understood that at the time of Timothy’s instruction, the “Holy Scriptures” consisted only of what is now known as the Old Testament. The New Testament didn’t exist. Timothy was instructed on this body of writings alone, and yet Paul then says that it is these “Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation.”

The verb translated as “which are able” is a present participle. Though Paul and other apostles are writing about the work of Jesus Christ, and though these writings are now a part of Scripture, Paul’s words here show us the enduring nature of the Old Testament to lead us, and to make us wise for salvation. They point to Jesus just as the New Testament points to Jesus. In Jesus, salvation is found. One should read the Old Testament, compare it to the Person and work of Jesus, and say, “I need Jesus.” This is true with the New as well. Either way, the entire body of Scripture points us to our need for Christ Jesus.

As Paul clearly states, it is this salvation which is “through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” One cannot hold to the Old Testament writings and be saved apart from Jesus Christ. There is no such thing as “dual-covenantalism” to be found in Scripture where one can be saved by adherence to the Old Testament law. That merely pointed to the need for the One who embodies the Law, Jesus Christ. As Peter states to the leaders of Israel in Acts –

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Life application: The entire body of Scripture points to our need for Jesus Christ. There is no salvation apart from Him, and we only diminish his work by attempting to be justified by the law, or by observing certain rituals as a part of the now obsolete Law of Moses. In Christ, the law is set aside, annulled, obsolete, and nailed to the cross. All of these are terms used in the New Testament to show that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness for all who believe. Let us rest in Him and His completed work, and let us never waffle on the doctrine of grace which is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Heavenly Father, Your word says that Christ Jesus is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. We cannot add to grace, and so why should we try? Help us to rest in Christ alone, without adding in precepts of a now obsolete law which could never save anyone. May we trust in Christ, and in Christ alone for our complete restoration with You. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday, 25 April 2018

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 2 Timothy 3:14

Paul spoke of the “evil men and impostors” who would “grow worse and worse” in the previous verse. Now he contrasts them and their wayward path. He said of them that they were “deceiving and being deceived.” Instead of this, he says now to Timothy, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of.”

Unlike those losers of verse 13, Timothy is to stand fast on the word of God, live out proper doctrine, and act in a holy and openly godly manner. He is to continue walking this path, teaching it to the next generation, and they are to follow suit with this throughout the ages ahead. His walk is to be one which trains their walk. It is to be a doctrinally sound path which does not deviate from the truth of the gospel.

Paul then says, “knowing from whom you have learned them.” The words here are words of surety. Timothy was instructed properly, Paul is aware of this, and he now admonishes his young protege to continue in that sound teaching. However, there is a dispute among the source texts as to whether the word “whom” is singular or plural. It is the difference of a single letter, tinōn or tinōs.

To be dogmatic here is probably not the best option. This is especially so when thinking of the possibilities of who “whom” is then referring to. If singular, is he speaking of himself? Or, is he speaking of the Lord through his word? In the coming verse, Paul refers to the Holy Scriptures. They are given by the Holy Spirit through men of God (2 Peter 1:21). If it is plural, then maybe he is referring to both the Holy Spirit and himself, or himself and Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (see 2 Timothy 1:5).

Any of these is possible. A parent who knows the word, and who has also called on Christ would not purposefully teach incorrect doctrine. Paul wouldn’t refer to himself in this manner unless he was truthful and sound as an apostle and instructor. And the Holy Spirit, being God, is certainly the greatest Source of instruction if we pursue His word while being receptive to His leading. No matter which word Paul actually used, the precept remains true. Timothy was properly instructed, Paul knew this to be true, and he admonishes him now to follow faithfully on this sound path of proper doctrine.

Life application: What is stated here is that we are to follow the correct path of doctrine that we have been taught. Unfortunately, there are things that we were originally taught which are just plain wrong. It is almost universal that people will continue in their doctrine once it is set, and very few will ever change their position. But this is a bad path to follow if what they have been taught is unsound. We must be willing to rationally evaluate each precept we have learned, and then to compare it with what the Bible says. It is never good to blindly follow a teaching without being well versed in how that teaching aligns with a sound interpretation of Scripture.

Lord God, there are innumerable views on certain points of doctrine which stem from Your word. But that doesn’t mean Your word is uncertain. It is we who form opinions without carefully evaluating things in context. Give us sound teachers who will state what is correct, and then give us the wisdom to even check what they say. In the end, our ongoing relationship with You comes down to our application of Your word. Isn’t that worth our time and study? Help us to desire this close and personal walk with You. Amen.

Tuesday, 24 April 2018

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13

Paul now contrasts “all who desire to live godly” from the previous verse to those he will now describe. He says, “But evil men.” They are just the opposite of those desiring to live godly. The word is ponéros, a common word indicating evil, wicked, malicious, etc. In Matthew 7:11, Jesus equates it to the common state of man –

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Paul here, however, speaks of those who are not only evil because of a fallen, sinful, nature, but who have no desire to live in a godly manner. Instead, they are “imposters.” The word used, goés, is found only here in the Bible. It is used to speak of a juggler or a sorcerer. Thus he is someone who deceives. In ancient Greek, it signified a howler. Thus it is “a fraud who ‘sounds off’ like a whining enchanter. This person uses [his] verbal spells and incantations to give the (false) impression [he] can do miracles” (HELPS Word Studies).

This is actually a beautiful description of the modern charismatic teachers who use deception in, or to perform, supposed miracles and the like. Paul says that they, and others like them, “will grow worse and worse.” Using charismatics as our example, they start out with a bit of cheating in their presentation of explaining God’s word, or in the application of it. From there, they go further by claiming a miracle. From there, they go further and claim not only the performance of a miracle, but an ESP-like ability to determine that someone in the audience has a certain affliction, calling them up to be healed. In supposedly healing them, they go further still – from one deception after another. The Greek literally reads that they “shall proceed to the worse.”

Each cunning display of deception requires something more in order to keep the sensational alive. They claim that God speaks to them, and that God works through them. They are thus deceiving and being deceived. They deceive their audience, and the audience drinks it in like water coming down upon a dry desert. But in their deception, they actually begin to believe that they have divine powers and become deceived themselves. They believe that they are conduits of God, doing His work. And yet, they are evil followers of the devil’s devices.

Life application: Peter Popoff claims to be a charismatic faith healer. He would claim that he could feel someone in the 4^th row had a heart defect. Then he would claim to heal the person. Eventually, someone found out that he had wireless transmission to an earplug telling him who to target, what affliction he had, etc. He is a charlatan. And yet, people still follow him and send him loads of money. He is typical of countless charismatic faith-healers. They are deceivers, and they are being deceived. And yet, the audience continues to follow these people like sheep being led to the slaughter.

Lord God Almighty, give us wisdom in our walk with You. Paul warns against those who are “deceiving and being deceived.” This shows us that we can be a part of the equation. If we are willing to be deceived, then we will be deceived. May we rather be willing to diligently study Your word, walk away from deception, and be grounded in sound theology. Help us from being caught up in that which is unhelpful and unproductive. Amen.

Monday, 23 April 2018

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12

Paul has been speaking of his own sufferings and persecutions. He has noted that Timothy shared in them with him, and that he understood all that he was relaying intimately. But now, knowing that his letter will be read and dispersed to the church, he ensures that all who read it will understand that the sufferings are not unique to him. Instead, they are to be the standard for all of God’s faithful. And so he says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus.”

Notice that he does not say, “all saved by Christ Jesus.” There are saved, and then there are saved who desire to live holy, godly lives. Paul doesn’t question salvation, but he directs sanctification. Further, he makes godliness exclusive by saying, “live godly in Christ Jesus.” As is noted by the famous German scholar –

“There is no godliness out of Christ Jesus.” Johann Bengel

Godliness is exclusive to life in Christ. People can act out a form of godliness in any religion, even Christianity, but they may deny either the Source of the godliness, or its power. This is noted by Paul in verse 3:5. Without Christ, true godliness cannot be attained. Paul then says that for the category of believers who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus, that “they will suffer persecution.”

Godliness is, by its very nature, at enmity with the things of the world. When people see someone pursuing righteousness in Christ Jesus, they perceive their own ungodliness, and they take offense at it. This has always been the case, and it is increasing almost geometrically in today’s world. This is so much so that pastors of churches are taking down crosses, amending their message to be more “seeker friendly” (which simply means that they don’t want to offend), changing the nature of the worship services, etc. These men may be saved, but they do not desire to live godly in Christ Jesus, and they do not desire that their own congregants strive for godliness or holiness as well.

But for those who do, suffering persecution is to be expected. It can even be expected from these anemic, weak, insipid, and ineffective pastors and congregants. Promote holiness on social media, and quite often, it is another Christian who will bring on the attack. Such is the nature of encouraging godliness in Christ Jesus.

Life application: Are you experiencing persecution for your stand on righteousness? Good job! Keep it up.

Lord God, Your word says that those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. This is for sure. It is even true as fellow Christians strive against those who desire to preach holiness, ensure holiness is maintained, and to speak against ungodliness. Your word states what we are to strive for, and so give us strength to not be weak in the face of those who are seeking political correctness, Christianity-lite, or easy theology which avoids possible confrontation concerning Your glory. Amen.