2 Timothy (written)

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.

Sunday, 22 April 2018

…persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 2 Timothy 3:11

In this verse, Paul continues with his list of things which Timothy “carefully followed.” He had followed Paul in his doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, and perseverance. Paul now says that he also followed him in “persecutions.” The word signifies “pursuit,” and thus to hunt, or bring someone down like an animal. In this, persecutors try to suppress the convictions of another. This is seen happening to Paul throughout Acts. He would speak, and others would try to shut him down. Timothy, traveling with Paul, experienced this personally.

Next are noted his “afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured.” As we can see, the words “persecutions” and “afflictions” are different things, but they occurred together at the places mentioned. The word “afflictions” is an internal one. The persecutions led to the afflictions. The Greek word specifically refers to “the capacity and privilege of experiencing strong feeling” (HELPS Word Studies). This includes suffering, agony, etc. Paul, accompanied by Timothy who also suffered in these afflictions, did so when persecutions came to him “at Antioch, at Iconium, [and] at Lystra.”

Timothy is first noted in Acts 16:1, and some of these things occurred prior to this. This means that either Timothy saw these things because they occurred in the area in which he lived, or he heard about them, and yet he was still willing to endure with Paul despite them. Either way, Paul’s words mean that Timothy either actively or passively endured these things with him. He then stresses the thought again with, “what persecutions I endured.”

Paul was one who bravely spoke out the truth of Christ, and thus he became a target of those who rejected this same truth. They persecuted him, they chased him, and they harmed him physically and mentally. Timothy saw this, and he also suffered in these same things to some extent. But Timothy also saw something else. It would seem that Paul would be overcome and completely silenced, or even destroyed. But instead, Paul joyfully proclaims, “And out of them all the Lord delivered me.”

During each trial, the situation seemed helpless. During Paul’s travels, there were riots, there were beatings, he was stoned, he was imprisoned, and etc. Each time, it seemed like he was a goner. And yet, each time, the Lord delivered him. It is obvious that the Lord would continue to use him until he had run the race set before him, and nothing would thwart that. His confidence in this is noted to encourage Timothy as well. The trials would come, but when they did, Timothy was to stand on the fact that if the Lord wanted him to endure, he would do so. Until his mission was likewise complete, he would continue on.

Life application: Would you deny that the Lord has a set time for your death (or rapture)? Obviously not! To deny that would mean that He is not omniscient. And so, whatever trial you are facing will either be one which you will endure through, or it will be one which will be the end of your trials. As it is completely in the Lord’s hands, then why worry at all? He will either be the one to ensure you get through it, or He will be the one to bring you home to His glory. Rest easy… He is there directing the events of your life.

Lord God, it is You who directs the events of our lives. You have a set time in which You will call each of us home. And so why should we get stressed and distressed when we face trials? You already have determined to get us through them, or to use them to bring us to Your arms of rest and safety. Either way, You are sovereign over the moments of our lives. Help us to accept this, and to rest comfortably in this knowledge. Amen.

Saturday, 21 April 2018

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 2 Timothy 3:10

Paul now contrasts Timothy with those who are “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” He says of him, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine.” It is important to know the true intent of this word is “followed.” The older KJV says, “But you have fully known my doctrine.” That fails to convey the meaning of Paul’s words. One can know to do right and yet not do it. The word “doctrine” here, means literally “teaching,” but either conveys the idea sufficiently. Paul is complementing Timothy on not only knowing his doctrine, but having followed it.

Timothy had traveled with Paul, he had seen him teach, preach, and evangelize. He had read his letters, and he had talked with him about things that were on his mind. After this, he took that great store of information, and he followed it; applying it to his own life, doctrine, and practice. How unlike so many who go to a sound seminary, are trained in proper theology, and then lead a church down a winding path of confusion and discord! Timothy was doing well in following Paul’s doctrine. But he also followed his “manner of life.”

It is a single Greek word, agógé, used only here in Scripture. It signifies leading or guiding, and thus a mode of life. Timothy was led by Paul, and he continued to follow that leading. This idea is conveyed, exactingly, concerning Timothy to those at Corinth –

“For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:17

Along with this, he followed Paul’s “purpose.” The word is used to describe the show-bread (the consecrated bread) of the tabernacle. Thus it signifies “purposely set forth.” Paul’s life was set forth for a specific purpose by Christ. Timothy was following that purpose as well.

Next, he is noted as having followed Paul’s “faith.” This may be speaking of simple trust in the Lord, as is outlined in Romans 10:9, 10. However, it may more be describing his faithfulness. In other words, it is a purposeful following of proper doctrines found in sound theology. Timothy knew them, and he applied them faithfully to his life.

Further, Paul notes that Timothy was faithful in following his “longsuffering.” If anyone could be considered longsuffering, it would be Paul. Several times in his letters, Paul speaks of the trials he faced. But despite them, he pressed onward. He didn’t just quit and sit around waiting for the rapture. He continued to place himself in a position of difficulty in order to get the gospel message out. To see one of Paul’s descriptions of his trials today, read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33.

After that, Paul notes that Timothy followed him in “love.” Paul describes love in 1 Corinthians 13. He wouldn’t send on such a marvelous description without taking the time to apply it to his own life. Timothy read the letter, saw the man applying it to self, and followed along on that same treasured path of love. Paul commends him for it now.

Finally, the verse notes Timothy’s perseverance. Merriam Webster defines perseverance as, “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failures, or opposition.” Paul was longsuffering through his trials, and he persevered despite them. In other words, he didn’t just accept the trials as the necessary end to his work. He saw them as a part of his work. And so he persevered through them. Timothy saw this most marvelous trait in Paul, and he followed it closely, even right at his heels. Where Paul stepped, he stepped as well, pushing ahead despite everything that attempted to hinder his forward motion.

Life application: Don’t get stuck in a single, fallible, translation of Scripture. Timothy didn’t just “fully know” Paul’s doctrine, manner of life, etc. He applied it to his own life, following it into the same hazardous conditions that he had already seen his beloved mentor face. “To know” does not necessarily mean “to do.” Be complete in your knowledge, and then get up, get out, and perform!

Lord God, thank You for the amazing abundance of Bible availability we have in today’s world. Where people just a few generations ago may have had one Bible in their house, we have multiple translations at our fingertips – including the original languages. We also have digital copies, audio Bibles, commentaries, study tools, and on and on and on and on! We are the blessed generation who can feed on Your word until sated, and then we can overindulge a bit more. But do we? Help us to do so! Amen.