The Church of Divine Guidance (CDG) Sunday morning adult bible study group is studying Paul's pastoral Epistles (Letters) to his protege, Timothy. These posts are my notes for each session. Please study with us. You can participate by asking your questions or making comments in the comments below. We welcome your thoughts and prayers
Review
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| Paul's Second Letter To Timothy |
was martyred (executed) by Nero sometime before Nero committed suicide in AD 67. Paul wrote the letter because he wanted to see Timothy and asked him to come visit him. He had been abandoned by everybody but Luke.
2 Timothy 4:11 (HCSB) Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.
Only one person from Asia and apparently for Emphasis even came to see him and that was Onesiphorus.
2 Timothy 1:15-18 (HCSB) This you know: All those in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me. May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from Him on that day. And you know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.
They may have abandoned him because he was in prison and they may have either been afraid, or embarrassed. He tells Timothy that he is in prison because of the gospel, and he wasn't ashamed of that and the told Timothy to not be ashamed of the gospel or him either. Then he encouraged Timothy to keep on using the gift that God gave him for teaching the gospel and to do it in love because the false teaching he had written about is his first letter was still going on in Ephesus.
He told Timothy that he may also go through hard times and difficulties for the gospel but to prepare and stay strong.
2 Timothy 2:3-6 (NKJV) You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
Paul was willing to suffer all this hardship for the gospel and for those who would receive salvation through his preaching and teaching.
2 Timothy 2:8-10 (HCSB) Keep your attention on Jesus Christ ⌊as⌋ risen from the dead and descended from David. ⌊This is⌋ according to my gospel. I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
We ended with this hymn or poem that Paul included to encourage Timothy.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NKJV) This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
If we have died with him, we shall also live with him (verse 11)
Death with Christ will result in life with him. Death with Christ is death to sin even as Christ died to sin. It is in the death of Christ that Christians have died with him. The death of Christ has freed them from sin. As they believe in Christ, it is as if God has put their old life into his death.They receive a new life now. Christians should consider that they are dead to *sin. And they should consider that they are alive to God. The *Lord has also promised them that as Christ rose from the dead so they will rise. They will live with Christ and never die again.
If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. (verse 12)
The life of the Christians is not an easy one. They may have to suffer many things. There will always be problems that tempt them to give up. But they must remain loyal to Christ. Those who do remain loyal to Christ will rule with him. This looks forward beyond this present life to the life which is to come. Then those who have not given up will join with Christ as he rules as the king of heaven. There are those who did once claim to be Christians but then say that they are not. Now they refuse to admit that Jesus is the Christ. They did not really believe in the *Lord Jesus and they do not know him. They have turned away from him. The day will come when they will have to stand before God. Then Christ will deny them. He will say that He does not know them. They will not live with him in that day.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us. (verse 12)
The life of the Christians is not an easy one. They may have to suffer many things. There will always be problems that tempt them to give up. But they must remain loyal to Christ. Those who do remain loyal to Christ will rule with him. This looks forward beyond this present life to the life which is to come. Then those who have not given up will join with Christ as he rules as the king of heaven. There are those who did once claim to be Christians but then say that they are not. Now they refuse to admit that Jesus is the Christ. They did not really believe in the *Lord Jesus and they do not know him. They have turned away from him. The day will come when they will have to stand before God. Then Christ will deny them. He will say that He does not know them. They will not live with him in that day.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (verse 13)
There are those who did believe in the *Lord Jesus but have turned away from him. Some Christians fail to trust him. But he will keep his promises to them. He will never turn away from them. He is the *Lord who does not change. He will do what he has promised to do. He is always true to his own nature. He is God. For those who do not trust in the *Lord Jesus at all, this is a serious warning. What God has said about the results of their *sins will happen. But some have believed but are weak. They may fail but this should encourage them. They may not always be true to him but he will always be true to them.
Empty discussions would unsettle those who heard; but Timothy was to proceed according to the Word, avoiding vanities, remembering the marks of the sure foundation, and seeking, by right conduct, to be useful to the Lord. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
1. What is result of quarreling about words? (2:14)
2 Timothy 2:14 (HCSB) Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.
Paul tells Timothy to charge or command the people to not quibble over words but to seek the truth. Because the result of quarreling or quibbling ruins those who listen and those who quarrel. It wears people out and chips away at the faith.
2. What are some examples in the bible of disagreement of something that is not essential to the message of the gospel?
Romans 14:5-6 (HCSB) One person considers one day to be above another day. Someone else considers every day to be the same. Each one must be fully convinced in his own mind. Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat ⌊it⌋, yet he thanks God.
Paul is referring to the discussion in the church in Rome of fasting, on one day over another. You should remember this from our study of Romans. Some Christians thought that it was still necessary to obey certain food laws. They thought that they must be careful to keep special holy days. Those Christians were ‘weak in the faith’. They had not discovered the real meaning of Christian freedom. They were worried that certain practices were still necessary. The weaker Christian prefers one day above another. The stronger Christian holds every day in esteem. The apostle does not take sides here but merely insists that each one be fully convinced in his own mind. This tacitly suggests that each one take thought about the basis for his own opinion. Both groups, whether they observe a day or not, whether they eat or not, are giving thanks to God. Hence there is no question of their devotion to the Lord.
Death with Christ will result in life with him. Death with Christ is death to sin even as Christ died to sin. It is in the death of Christ that Christians have died with him. The death of Christ has freed them from sin. As they believe in Christ, it is as if God has put their old life into his death.They receive a new life now. Christians should consider that they are dead to *sin. And they should consider that they are alive to God. The *Lord has also promised them that as Christ rose from the dead so they will rise. They will live with Christ and never die again.
If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. (verse 12)
The life of the Christians is not an easy one. They may have to suffer many things. There will always be problems that tempt them to give up. But they must remain loyal to Christ. Those who do remain loyal to Christ will rule with him. This looks forward beyond this present life to the life which is to come. Then those who have not given up will join with Christ as he rules as the king of heaven. There are those who did once claim to be Christians but then say that they are not. Now they refuse to admit that Jesus is the Christ. They did not really believe in the *Lord Jesus and they do not know him. They have turned away from him. The day will come when they will have to stand before God. Then Christ will deny them. He will say that He does not know them. They will not live with him in that day.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us. (verse 12)
The life of the Christians is not an easy one. They may have to suffer many things. There will always be problems that tempt them to give up. But they must remain loyal to Christ. Those who do remain loyal to Christ will rule with him. This looks forward beyond this present life to the life which is to come. Then those who have not given up will join with Christ as he rules as the king of heaven. There are those who did once claim to be Christians but then say that they are not. Now they refuse to admit that Jesus is the Christ. They did not really believe in the *Lord Jesus and they do not know him. They have turned away from him. The day will come when they will have to stand before God. Then Christ will deny them. He will say that He does not know them. They will not live with him in that day.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (verse 13)
There are those who did believe in the *Lord Jesus but have turned away from him. Some Christians fail to trust him. But he will keep his promises to them. He will never turn away from them. He is the *Lord who does not change. He will do what he has promised to do. He is always true to his own nature. He is God. For those who do not trust in the *Lord Jesus at all, this is a serious warning. What God has said about the results of their *sins will happen. But some have believed but are weak. They may fail but this should encourage them. They may not always be true to him but he will always be true to them.
Introduction to this weeks study, A Workman Approved By God
This week in chapter 2-14-26 we are going to talk about one of the results of false teaching; arguments and quarrels about insignificant things as it regards the gospel, salvation, and our relationship to God and our brothers and sisters and how to deal with or combat these things.Empty discussions would unsettle those who heard; but Timothy was to proceed according to the Word, avoiding vanities, remembering the marks of the sure foundation, and seeking, by right conduct, to be useful to the Lord. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
1. What is result of quarreling about words? (2:14)
2 Timothy 2:14 (HCSB) Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.
Paul tells Timothy to charge or command the people to not quibble over words but to seek the truth. Because the result of quarreling or quibbling ruins those who listen and those who quarrel. It wears people out and chips away at the faith.
2. What are some examples in the bible of disagreement of something that is not essential to the message of the gospel?
Romans 14:5-6 (HCSB) One person considers one day to be above another day. Someone else considers every day to be the same. Each one must be fully convinced in his own mind. Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat ⌊it⌋, yet he thanks God.
Paul is referring to the discussion in the church in Rome of fasting, on one day over another. You should remember this from our study of Romans. Some Christians thought that it was still necessary to obey certain food laws. They thought that they must be careful to keep special holy days. Those Christians were ‘weak in the faith’. They had not discovered the real meaning of Christian freedom. They were worried that certain practices were still necessary. The weaker Christian prefers one day above another. The stronger Christian holds every day in esteem. The apostle does not take sides here but merely insists that each one be fully convinced in his own mind. This tacitly suggests that each one take thought about the basis for his own opinion. Both groups, whether they observe a day or not, whether they eat or not, are giving thanks to God. Hence there is no question of their devotion to the Lord.
Another example is the discussion about food offered to idols in 1 Corinthians chapter 8.
The problems, then, were these: (1) Might a Christian partake of meat offered to a false god in a heathen feast? (2) Might a Christian buy and eat flesh offered to idols? (3) Might a Christian, when invited to the home of a friend, eat flesh which had been offered to idols? - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Paul’s response was;
1 Corinthians 8:8-9 (HCSB) Food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat. But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.
3. Rather than argue what did Paul encourage Timothy to do? (2:15)
2 Timothy 2:15 (HCSB) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.
Instead of arguing or quibbling over words Timothy (replace Timothy with us especially those of us who are leaders) should concentrate on doing our best for God by laying out the truth. Don’t add to it or take anything away from it. As Paul told Timothy in his first letter, teach what he learned from Paul and the other apostles. Paul refers to the words of Jesus which is an indication that written Gospel narratives were well known and in circulation.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 (HCSB) If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.
He should be Give diligence to present thyself approved (asv). Rightly dividing. Handling aright (asv), as a master workman would his tool. -The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Like a master carpenter with his tools, or a master chef, or a butcher, or a teacher whose tools are books and other documents.
He also told Timothy that he shouldn’t be ashamed of the truth and what he was teaching. A good worker is not ashamed when people test his work. He knows that what he has done is of the right quality. Timothy must be like that. God has given him a job to do.
4. Why should we avoid godless chatter? (2:16-18)
2 Timothy 2:16-18 (HCSB) But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some.
To argue about words is of no use at all. It is foolish and vain. The only effect that it can have is to draw people away from the Lord. They draw away those who say these things and those who listen to them. It would be silly and a waist of time to argue with them. You won't convince them to change their minds anyway. So don't not get involved with it, avoid all such talk.
The examples were Hymenaeus and Philetus. We remember Hymenaeus from our study in 1 Timothy that he was one of the false teachers who had a form of godliness but whose faith was shipwrecked.
1 Timothy 1:18-20 (HCSB) Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle, having faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith. Hymenaeus and Alexander are among them, and I have delivered them to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
They were false teachers who were teaching that the resurrection had already happened.
Paul’s response was;
1 Corinthians 8:8-9 (HCSB) Food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat. But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.
3. Rather than argue what did Paul encourage Timothy to do? (2:15)
2 Timothy 2:15 (HCSB) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.
Instead of arguing or quibbling over words Timothy (replace Timothy with us especially those of us who are leaders) should concentrate on doing our best for God by laying out the truth. Don’t add to it or take anything away from it. As Paul told Timothy in his first letter, teach what he learned from Paul and the other apostles. Paul refers to the words of Jesus which is an indication that written Gospel narratives were well known and in circulation.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 (HCSB) If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.
He should be Give diligence to present thyself approved (asv). Rightly dividing. Handling aright (asv), as a master workman would his tool. -The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Like a master carpenter with his tools, or a master chef, or a butcher, or a teacher whose tools are books and other documents.
He also told Timothy that he shouldn’t be ashamed of the truth and what he was teaching. A good worker is not ashamed when people test his work. He knows that what he has done is of the right quality. Timothy must be like that. God has given him a job to do.
4. Why should we avoid godless chatter? (2:16-18)
2 Timothy 2:16-18 (HCSB) But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some.
To argue about words is of no use at all. It is foolish and vain. The only effect that it can have is to draw people away from the Lord. They draw away those who say these things and those who listen to them. It would be silly and a waist of time to argue with them. You won't convince them to change their minds anyway. So don't not get involved with it, avoid all such talk.
The examples were Hymenaeus and Philetus. We remember Hymenaeus from our study in 1 Timothy that he was one of the false teachers who had a form of godliness but whose faith was shipwrecked.
1 Timothy 1:18-20 (HCSB) Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle, having faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith. Hymenaeus and Alexander are among them, and I have delivered them to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
They were false teachers who were teaching that the resurrection had already happened.
The Gnostics conceived of resurrection allegorically, as referring to an acquaintance with truth, occurring at baptism. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
They taught that when you believed you came to life again or were resurrected. They said that this was the resurrection. They did not believe that God would raise people from the dead physically. They thought that the body would remain in the grave. But the Bible teaches that it is still in the future. Jesus will come again. Then those who have died as believers in Him will rise from the dead. God will also raise up nonbelievers. All of them will have to come before God who will judge them.- An EasyEnglish Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy Ian Mackervoy
They taught that when you believed you came to life again or were resurrected. They said that this was the resurrection. They did not believe that God would raise people from the dead physically. They thought that the body would remain in the grave. But the Bible teaches that it is still in the future. Jesus will come again. Then those who have died as believers in Him will rise from the dead. God will also raise up nonbelievers. All of them will have to come before God who will judge them.- An EasyEnglish Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy Ian Mackervoy
Mark 13:26-27 (HCSB) Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (HCSB) We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord.18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Some people believed what these false teachers taught. They too were turning from the truth. The result of this would be that they would no longer trust in the Lord.
Since the writing of 1 Timothy, Hymanaeus' false teaching has progressed from mere speculative irrelevancies to definite heresy. It began with ego-driven "special teachings" and went on to attack basic articles of the faith, in this case the resurrection. The false teachers wandered from the truth and took followers with them. The result was that some had their faith destroyed. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
The effect of false teachers, whose motive according to Paul is money, is a reality today.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 (HCSB) If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.
5. What must everyone who confesses the name of the Lord do? (2:19)
2 Timothy 2:19 (HCSB) Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness.
God’s solid foundation is the church.
1 Timothy 3:15 (HCSB) But if I should be delayed, ⌊I have written⌋ so that you will know how people ought to act in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Ephesians 2:19-20 (HCSB) So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
That quotation “The Lord knows those who are His” is taken from
Numbers 16:5 (HCSB)5 Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him, who is set apart, and ⌊the one⌋ He will let come near Him. He will let the one He chooses come near Him.
If you don’t know the story around this verse it is something that happened while Isreal was in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. Korah was a Levite meaning he was from the same tribe as Moses and Aaron. Well Korah got together with a couple other guys and 250 leaders and rebelled against Moses. They said essentially that all of us are holy so why do you and Aaron exalt yourselves over us and everybody else. To make a long story short Moses said tomorrow the Lord will show you who he has chosen. He said tomorrow everybody, including Aaron bring your incense burners and light the incense. They all did the next day and while everybody was gathered together the Lord told Moses to tell the people to get away from the tents of all the rebels. In the end the bible says that the earth opened up and swallowed them, their families and all their stuff, showing that the Lord knew those who were His. That entire account is in Numbers chapter 16.
All who say that they are believers must depart from iniquity and separate from evil.
6. What does it mean that sort of articles are found in a large house, and how can someone become an instrument used for noble purposes? (2:20-21)
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (HCSB) Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
In the house of a rich man, there would be a variety of pots, pans, jars and dishes. Some of these would be gold or silver. Some would be cheaper materials such as wood or baked mud. Each of them would have their uses. That large house is the church.
In the church, there is a variety of people. They do not all have the same work to do for the Lord. But each of them should be ready to do what the master wants them to do. Some of the tasks seem to be better than other tasks. But the tasks that seem to be less pleasant are just as essential.
In the church there are both good and bad people. Those who want to follow the Lord must not go after the false teachers. They must be clean from all that is evil. Then they will be ready to do good works. They will be fit for the Lord to use in whatever tasks he wants them to do.
7. What was Timothy encouraged to flee and to pursue? (2:22)
2 Timothy 2:22 (HCSB) Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
The preceding verse calls for separation from evil company; this verse calls for fellowship with the Lord's people and seeking the graces of the Spirit. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Paul refers to Timothy as a young man. Timothy must have been between 30 and 40 years old.
Paul does not say what he meant by the wrong desires of youth. They may be such things as selfish ambitions, a lack of patience and the urge for wrong sex. Paul may have known that Timothy had some weak tendencies. So he tells Timothy to run away from these.
Instead of these wrong desires, Timothy must pursue good things. He must be eager to do what is right. He must want to please God. Timothy must trust God and put his confidence in him. He must love God and try to love other people. He must do all that he can to live in peace with all people.
8. Now back to the quarrelling that Paul was talking about earlier. What produces quarrels and what must Timothy and us avoid and do? (2:23-25)
2 Timothy 2:23-25 (HCSB) But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading ⌊them⌋ to the knowledge of the truth.
Foolish discussions and quibbling about words produce quarrels. Paul tells Timothy to have nothing to do with them. He must refuse to argue with those who question the truth. These tend to divide the church and so destroy it.
All Christians are servants of the Lord but Paul is talking about leaders that’s why he refers to them as slaves or servants. They shouldn’t be people who quarrel.They should be kind to everybody even those who attack them or are unkind to them.
They must be able to teach the truth and try to correct those who oppose the truth. They should be patient with them even when they do wrong. The goal is to correct what is false and it is to help these people know and accept the truth. Maybe this will cause them to repent and if so God will forgive them.
9. What did Paul hope would happen to those who opposed those leaders? 26
2 Timothy 2:26 (HCSB) Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will.
That they would come to their senses. that God will give them repentance, though they are now in Satan's snare. Pride is indicated as the cause of rejection of truth and falling into Satan's snare - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Numbers 16:5 (HCSB)5 Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him, who is set apart, and ⌊the one⌋ He will let come near Him. He will let the one He chooses come near Him.
If you don’t know the story around this verse it is something that happened while Isreal was in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. Korah was a Levite meaning he was from the same tribe as Moses and Aaron. Well Korah got together with a couple other guys and 250 leaders and rebelled against Moses. They said essentially that all of us are holy so why do you and Aaron exalt yourselves over us and everybody else. To make a long story short Moses said tomorrow the Lord will show you who he has chosen. He said tomorrow everybody, including Aaron bring your incense burners and light the incense. They all did the next day and while everybody was gathered together the Lord told Moses to tell the people to get away from the tents of all the rebels. In the end the bible says that the earth opened up and swallowed them, their families and all their stuff, showing that the Lord knew those who were His. That entire account is in Numbers chapter 16.
All who say that they are believers must depart from iniquity and separate from evil.
6. What does it mean that sort of articles are found in a large house, and how can someone become an instrument used for noble purposes? (2:20-21)
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (HCSB) Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
In the house of a rich man, there would be a variety of pots, pans, jars and dishes. Some of these would be gold or silver. Some would be cheaper materials such as wood or baked mud. Each of them would have their uses. That large house is the church.
In the church, there is a variety of people. They do not all have the same work to do for the Lord. But each of them should be ready to do what the master wants them to do. Some of the tasks seem to be better than other tasks. But the tasks that seem to be less pleasant are just as essential.
In the church there are both good and bad people. Those who want to follow the Lord must not go after the false teachers. They must be clean from all that is evil. Then they will be ready to do good works. They will be fit for the Lord to use in whatever tasks he wants them to do.
7. What was Timothy encouraged to flee and to pursue? (2:22)
2 Timothy 2:22 (HCSB) Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
The preceding verse calls for separation from evil company; this verse calls for fellowship with the Lord's people and seeking the graces of the Spirit. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Paul refers to Timothy as a young man. Timothy must have been between 30 and 40 years old.
Paul does not say what he meant by the wrong desires of youth. They may be such things as selfish ambitions, a lack of patience and the urge for wrong sex. Paul may have known that Timothy had some weak tendencies. So he tells Timothy to run away from these.
Instead of these wrong desires, Timothy must pursue good things. He must be eager to do what is right. He must want to please God. Timothy must trust God and put his confidence in him. He must love God and try to love other people. He must do all that he can to live in peace with all people.
8. Now back to the quarrelling that Paul was talking about earlier. What produces quarrels and what must Timothy and us avoid and do? (2:23-25)
2 Timothy 2:23-25 (HCSB) But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading ⌊them⌋ to the knowledge of the truth.
Foolish discussions and quibbling about words produce quarrels. Paul tells Timothy to have nothing to do with them. He must refuse to argue with those who question the truth. These tend to divide the church and so destroy it.
All Christians are servants of the Lord but Paul is talking about leaders that’s why he refers to them as slaves or servants. They shouldn’t be people who quarrel.They should be kind to everybody even those who attack them or are unkind to them.
They must be able to teach the truth and try to correct those who oppose the truth. They should be patient with them even when they do wrong. The goal is to correct what is false and it is to help these people know and accept the truth. Maybe this will cause them to repent and if so God will forgive them.
9. What did Paul hope would happen to those who opposed those leaders? 26
2 Timothy 2:26 (HCSB) Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will.
That they would come to their senses. that God will give them repentance, though they are now in Satan's snare. Pride is indicated as the cause of rejection of truth and falling into Satan's snare - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Some things to think about this week.
- What kinds of things do we get into senseless arguments with other Christians?
- When are you tempted to engage in godless conversations?
- How do you need to change in your daily speech to weed out senseless and godless chatter?
- What false doctrines have destroyed the faith of somebody you know?
- How do you usually deal with people who oppose you?
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