Paul's Letters to Timothy - Session 10 - Godlessness In the Last Days/How To Recognize God's Voice

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

Last week the title of our study was A Workman Approved By God. What we learned was that the a workman approved by God was one who was 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.

2 Timothy 2:23-25 (HCSB)23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.24 The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient,25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading ⌊them⌋ to the knowledge of the truth.

To do that he or she couldn't get caught up in quarreling or even engaging conversation about stuff that isn't important to the gospel or the teaching of it. Quarreling or quibbling ruins those who listen and those who quarrel. It wears people out and chips away at the faith.

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.

It would be silly and a waste of time to argue with them. You can't convince them to change their minds anyway.

2 Timothy 2:16-18 (HCSB)16 But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.17 And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them.18 They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some.

The example that Paul used to demonstrate the kind of false teaching that he should avoid was that of The example was Hymenaeus and Philetus who were teaching that the resurrection had already happened.

2 Timothy 2:16-18 (HCSB)16 But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.17 And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them.18 They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some.

They taught that when you believed you came to life again or were resurrected. They said that this was the resurrection. They didn't 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 the resurrection is still in the future. Jesus will come again and everybody would be resurrected physically, believers to be with Jesus and unbelievers for judgement.

Mark 13:26-27 (HCSB) Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.27 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)13 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.14 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. 15 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. 16 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.17 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.

Introduction

2 Timothy 3:1-17

Paul ended chapter 2 by telling Timothy that he must be able to teach the truth and try to correct those who oppose the truth. The people that Paul was talking about at that point about are people who may  have a resistance or some problem with some aspect of the gospel, like immersion vs. sprinkling, tongues or no tongues, Saturday worship or Sunday. Paul says be gentle and kind to these folk because they may repent. The goal is to correct what is false and help these people know and accept the truth. Maybe this will cause them to repent and if so God will forgive them.

In chapter 3 however he is talking about false teachers who have a different motive. Their motive is what? Money.  It can also be pride or notoriety.

What Motivates False Teachers 

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (HCSB)3 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,4 he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions,5 and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.

Most of us go through stages in our lives where we are vulnerable to false teachers. Life crises, a serious illness, financial issues, divorce or breakup of a relationship, death, are all doors to change—for good or bad. In addition, guilt, greed and other lusts often distort judgment and give false teachers their opportunity.

Philetus and Hymanaeus, who we talked about last week and just a minute ago are examples.  This is something Timothy fought against and something that we need to recognize and fight also.  We can expect the same kind of struggle that Timothy and Paul had but in spite of the appeal of false teaching  and teachers Paul had confidence in both Scripture and those who live by it. In this chapter he encourages Timothy to have confidence in these things.

What we want to do today is set out some standards for distinguishing truth from false teaching and teachers.

1. What factors do you think would make a person particularly susceptible to heresy?

I just gave you a few a serious illness, financial crises, divorce or breakup of a relationship, death of a loved one. Can you think of others?

2.  What did Paul call to our attention? 

2 Timothy 3:1 (HCSB) But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days.

In the last days, perilous times will come. The word translated as perilous is chlepos which means harsh, difficult, painful, dangerous, fierce, grievous, hard to deal with. It describes a society that has no virtue.

The next few verses list the bad attitudes and the evils that are to come.

2 Timothy 3:2-5 (HCSB)2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people!

• They are selfish and only think about themselves. Their aim in life is to get as much money as they can for their own benefit.
• They are proud. They try to convince people of how much better they are. 
• They will say evil things. They will not respect other people in how they speak. They will be insulting and not polite. They will not obey or show respect for their own parents.
• They are not at all grateful for what they are or have. They do not give thanks to God for all that he has given. 
• They do not have natural feelings and they do not show love. They never forgive people if they think that they have done wrong things to them.
• They will wrongly accuse people and speak bad things about them. They are not able to control their own actions. They are fierce and wild. They hate everything good because they are evil.
• You cannot depend on them because they will not be loyal. They will not do what they have promised. They do things without thinking. And they do not care what the effects might be. They will do anything to get what they want.
• They see themselves as important and they are proud of it. Their one aim is to satisfy their own desires. They love to please themselves. They have no room for God in their lives. They do not love or know him.

We can see them all already in the world. But they will spread wider and get far worse in the last days.

These people Paul is talking about are leaders

3.  What kind of "godliness" will people have in the last days? and What should we do with the kind of people Paul described?

They have a "form of godliness" but "deny its power."   These people wicked persons say that they have some kind of religion. Some will even claim to be Christians. A true belief in God will have the power to change us. And it will change how we live. The attitudes of these people show that they do not have a real belief in God. How they live denies the power of their religion. And so it shows that their religion is false. They keep the God of creation in some box in the heavens where He can accomplish nothing in His own creation. They claim to be people of faith but the only faith they display is in humanistic works

Paul tells Timothy to avoid these people and so should we.

This is the way that it is today in religions of the world. Islam claims to know God but they think that they have to conquer the world for Him and they deny His Son. Jews claim to know God but Israel makes decisions contrary to their own God given scriptures and they still deny His Son. Eastern religious and new age religions claim to know of God or gods but they think that they will exist on earth until, by their own efforts, they become one with the higher powers of the universe. Most in religion today have a form of godliness but they live as if God does nothing supernatural. They live as if God can do nothing outside of the efforts of man. Their God is no God at all.

Christians and those who claim to be Christians can and often do have a form of godliness and deny it's power.

A few examples are:

•  Those who claim salvation comes through the good works of man 
• Those who think man will bring a paradise on the earth through his own efforts 
• Those who do not believe in the power of prayer to God to change things 
• Those who are do not believe that the Bible is the word of God sufficiently preserved by God for our faith and practice 
• Those organizations that use, predatory and misleading fund raising techniques 
• The leader who preys on those in a life crisis 

I'm sure you can think of other examples.

Paul says have nothing to do with these folk. 

4.  How do godless people exploit others? 

2 Timothy 3:6-9 (HCSB) 6 For among them are those who worm their way into households and capture idle women burdened down with sins, led along by a variety of passions,7 always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.8 Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men who are corrupt in mind, worthless in regard to the faith.9 But they will not make further progress, for their lack of understanding will be clear to all, as theirs was also

The people Paul tells us to avoid are those who want to gain control.   The example that Paul uses is women but it can be anyone who is going through something or who is looking for answers to the issues of life.

They prey on our own weaknesses or unresolved emotions so it’s important that we recognize them so that we can avoid being manipulated. We are prey false teachers and teaching when we have guilt, because we can tend to give them the power to absolve us of that guilt. We are also vulnerable when we have self-worth problems, because we think they can offer us approval. When we are lonely, we are susceptible if they offer us friendship or community. When we have a sense of anxiety, we are vulnerable because we think they are strong and can bring order to us. All of these factors tend to motivate people to doubt their own judgment and relinquish it to a powerful leader

5. How can what Paul wrote to Timothy help us to discern when we are being spiritually manipulated?

When we are convinced we are being over influenced by these kinds of people, we should "have nothing to do with them"—make a clean break. Arguing with them would be pointless.   It can be difficult when we are at a low point in our lives to make the decision to get out of an unhealthy involvement. Often the "false teacher" has convinced, or least confused, the person at an intellectual level. It is the feeling or inadequacy that continues to speak.

6. Who were Jannes and Jambres and why are they mentioned?

2 Timothy 3:8-9 (HCSB)8 Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men who are corrupt in mind, worthless in regard to the faith.9 But they will not make further progress, for their lack of understanding will be clear to all, as theirs was also.

Illustration of the rods of Aaron and the magicians becoming snakes.

Jannes and Jambres are traditional names for the magicians who turned their staffs into serpents.
Long-standing Jewish tradition says that Jannes and Jambres were the two chief magicians who withstood Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 7:10-12 (HCSB)10 So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw down his staff before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent.11 But then Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers—the magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same thing by their occult practices.12 Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed their staffs.

Exodus 7:20-22 (HCSB)20 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the sight of Pharaoh and his officials, he raised the staff and struck the water in the Nile, and all the water in the Nile was turned to blood.21 The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad the Egyptians could not drink water from it. There was blood throughout the land of Egypt.22 But the magicians of Egypt did the same thing by their occult practices. So Pharaoh’s heart hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.

Exodus 8:5-7 (HCSB)5 The LORD then said to Moses, “Tell Aaron: Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, canals, and ponds, and cause the frogs to come up onto the land of Egypt.”6 When Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.7 But the magicians did the same thing by their occult practices and brought frogs up onto the land of Egypt.

Here’s Paul’s point

Exodus 8:18-19 (HCSB)18 The magicians tried to produce gnats using their occult practices, but they could not. The gnats remained on man and beast.19 “This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.

Paul's point  was to use the wickedness of Jannes and Jambres, as presented in the Torah, as an illustration of a widespread, active rejection of the truth in the last days. In that it reaches a certain point and after that point is reached it will then have no effect at all.

False teachers and teaching may seem to succeed. But that success will not last. The truth will win in the end. In due time, all will see the true character of these teachers.

7. Why could Timothy trust Paul's spiritual influence?

2 Timothy 3:10-13 (HCSB)10 But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance,11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from them all.12 In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.13 Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived.

These are the things that we should look for in leaders to combat false teaching. Here Paul talks about his credentials in contrast to the false teachers. In contrast to being a deceiver, Paul's life had been an open book to Timothy. Paul's influence on Timothy came more through example not through control. He lived by what he taught and paid the price.

Timothy knew that Paul practiced what he preached because He had traveled and worked with him. He had seen how Paul lived out what he believed. Paul’s aim in life was to please the Lord. His main purpose in life was to preach the gospel of Christ to all people.

He also reminded Timothy that he isn't the only one who has to suffer for being a Christian. All who live out their trust in the Lord Jesus will have persecution. All who want to live like this must be ready to suffer. It should not surprise them when trouble comes because they serve the Lord.

He tells him that it’s going to get worse as time goes on. Those who are wicked will get still more evil. There is so much that is false. And there is so much that will turn people from the truth. Even the false teachers will start to believe what they teach.

8. What does he expect Timothy to do and why?

2 Timothy 3:14-15 (HCSB)14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you,15 and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul expects Timothy to obey what he has been taught because (1) those who taught him were trustworthy, and (2) he has personally experienced spiritual life from the Scriptures they introduced him to.

He knew who taught him. He knows what they believed. And he knows how they lived. He can trust them because he knows them. Among those who taught him were his mother Eunice, his grandmother Lois and Paul.

2 Timothy 1:5 (HCSB) clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also.

His mother raised him to know the Jewish Scriptures. It was the custom for the Jews to teach their children the law of God from an early age. This law of God is the Old Testament, called here the holy scriptures. God gave these scriptures to prepare the Jews and us for the coming of the Messiah. The scriptures teach us about the  Jesus and about our need of salvation. By the scriptures, we can know the truth because they are the words of God.

9. Where does Scripture come from and what is its power ?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (HCSB)16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness,17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Scripture comes from God. It is able to bring about a saving relationship with God and instructs us both inside and out.so that we can live as a "thoroughly equipped" man or woman of God. It is as if he breathed them through the human writers.

2 Peter 1:20-21 (HCSB)20 First of all, you should know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation,21 because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

• The scriptures show us what God is like. 
• They show us how God sees us.
• They teach us what pleases God. T
• The scriptures show us what sin is. 
• The scriptures teach that, as we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, God can forgive us our sins. If we repent of them and bring them to God, he will remove them from us. 
• By doing what the scriptures tell us, God can change us. 
• They teach us how to live, as God wants us to live. 
• God gave the scriptures was to prepare his people for good works. 

This is why it is essential then that Christians read and study the scriptures.

Next Week Chapter 4

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Paul's Letters to Timothy - Session 9 - A Workman Approved By God

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

Paul's Second Letter To Timothy

When we were together last, two weeks ago we started our study in Paul’s second and last letter to Timothy. Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome and are the last known words of Paul because he
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.

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. 

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 

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.

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?

Next week chapter 3

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Paul's Letters to Timothy - Session 8 - Introduction to 2 Timothy and Paul's Encouragement to be Faithful

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:

Paul's Second Letter to Timothy

Last week we finished Paul’s instructions on how Timothy was to direct the way that the members of the church in Ephesus should deal with specific groups of people. Two weeks ago we discussed how the church was to deal with widows, and elders. We finished up that part of our study last week with how slaves should respect their masters. Then last week in chapter 6 Paul addressed money and the rich, in other words, find your riches in Christ.

We learned that the motivation of the false teachers in Ephesus was money, and that they thought and taught that godliness was a way to riches. What they taught resulted in envy and constant quarreling. Godliness does bring great gain but that gain is in contentment not material wealth. Paul didn’t say that wealth is a sin. It’s the wanting to be rich that's dangerous. When your desire is to gain wealth, that desire can tempt you. to do wrong things.

Those who want to be rich and make that their purpose in life will never be content. The desire to be rich will ruin and destroy them. The love of money is the strong desire to get wealth. It is greater than the desire to love and serve God. It becomes the main purpose in life.  There are people who, because of their desire to get money, have gone away from the faith.

Paul told Timothy to tell no, to command the wealthy;

1 Timothy 6:17 (NKJV) Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.


1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NKJV)18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.


We can end that discussion on finding your riches in Christ with this from Proverbs 11;


Proverbs 11:4 (NLT) Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.

Introduction to 2 Timothy

At the end of the book of Acts, the apostle Paul was still in prison in Rome. When he came out of prison, he went to Macedonia.

1 Timothy 1:3 (HCSB) As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different doctrine


After that, he traveled to other places. While on these journeys, he wrote the first letter to Timothy. Timothy was then in the city of Ephesus. Timothy was the leader of the church there. Later Paul was again in prison in Rome. It was from there that he wrote this second letter to Timothy. Timothy was still in Ephesus.

When and where he wrote

The first time that Paul was in prison in Rome was about AD 60. He was there for two years. Then he traveled again and he went to Macedonia. He may have traveled as far as Spain before he went back to Rome. He was in prison again and soon after that the Emperor Nero had him killed.


Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy from prison just before he died. Paul knew that the time of his death had come.
  
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (HCSB) ⁶  For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. ⁷  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
⁸  There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.

The Emperor Nero killed himself in the month of June AD 68. Paul asked Timothy to come to him before winter.  So, the date of the letter could not be later than AD 67.

 2 Timothy 4:21 (HCSB) Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.


This letter to Timothy are the last words found from the Paul. 

Why he wrote

Paul wanted to see Timothy again. He thinks about him as his own son.

 2 Timothy 1:4 (HCSB)  Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy,

He also wants Timothy to bring his coat, books and papers.

 2 Timothy 4:13 (HCSB) When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.


All his friends except Luke had left him.

 2 Timothy 4:11 (HCSB)  Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.


Paul writes to encourage Timothy.  Timothy must use the gifts that God has given to him. He must preach the gospel and teach the truth which are some of the same things he wrote to Timothy in his first letter.

Contents of the letter

This letter is much more personal than the first one

• Paul urges him to be strong in his belief in the Lord
• He should not be ashamed of the Lord or of Paul
• He must be prepared to suffer for the gospel
• As he had done in the first letter, Paul warns against the false teachers
• Timothy must be a noble servant of Christ
• In the last days, people will do awful things but he must continue to do what he has learned and knows.
• He must do what the scriptures say
• He must preach the gospel because it is urgent that people hear it
• Paul then talks about his own life and what he expects to happen and he tells him about his situation 
• He ends the letter with greetings to his friends and asks the Lord to bless Timothy

Now Let's Get Into Paul's Letter 

What I hope that we see today is how tough circumstances call for us not to despair, but keep the big picture and fight for what is of the greatest value.


1.  What did Paul do night and day, why did he long to see Timothy and what did Paul say about his mother and grandmother (1:1-5)?


2 Timothy 1:1-5 (HCSB)1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the promise of life in Christ Jesus:2 To Timothy, my dearly loved son. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.4 Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy,5 clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also.

After his usual salutation, which is typical of all his letters, he tells Timothy that he remembers him and prays for him constantly. In praying for him he was thanking God even in his current situation in prison.  He wanted to see Timothy because he considered him his son in the gospel and he really cared for him and seeing him would make him very happy. Remember he’s in prison and everybody but Luke had deserted him.


He reminds Timothy that he had wonderful examples in his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois and the result of him following their example, the faith in Jesus that they have he also has. You remember from our study in 1 Timothy that his mother and grandmother were Jews and his father was a Gentile.


Acts 16:1 (HCSB) Then he went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek.


Acts 16:3 (HCSB) Paul wanted Timothy to go with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek.


2. What was Timothy reminded to do? (1:6-7)


2 Timothy 1:6-7 (HCSB)6 Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.7 For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.


Paul reminded Timothy to use with fervor the spiritual gift that the was given. The gift that Paul was

talking about was apparently made manifest by the laying of hands by Paul and the elders.


1 Timothy 4:14 (HCSB) Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.


We’re not sure of what that gift was other than it was from the Holy Spirit. He was to use this gift without fear. He was to be bold in proclaiming the gospel because along with the gift he was given a spirit of boldness.  Remember in 1 Timothy Paul told him to not let anybody intimidate him because he was young?


1 Timothy 4:12 (HCSB) Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.


God by his Spirit gives power to all who need it. He gives them the power to do what he asks them to do. Timothy, and we, can be the leaders that God wants. With the gift of God provides the strength of character that we need. Paul also says that the gift of the Spirit brings with it the control of our minds.

3.  What is Paul's situation and why is he in it (2 Tim. 1:8-12)?


2 Timothy 1:8-12 (HCSB)8 So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.10 This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.11 For this ⌊gospel⌋ I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher,12 and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.

Paul says that he says that he is in prison because of the gospel and he describes the gospel in verses 9 and 10.

 2 Timothy 1:9-10 (HCSB) ⁹  He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. ¹⁰  This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

God had appointed him to preach this gospel (holy calling). He doesn’t say he’s having a good time, in fact he says that he’s suffering but he’s not ashamed of it. He tells Timothy that he shouldn’t be ashamed of the gospel or or him because he’s in prison.


You know how sometimes we are ashamed of something that a friend or a relative has done. They may or may not be in jail but we are ashamed. Paul tells Timothy don’t be ashamed because of him.


It is remarkable but true that when Paul was imprisoned the church in Rome did not come to Paul's defense. Only one believer came looking for him.  The rest probably held back from fear or considered the imprisonment something shameful. But although he has been rejected, Paul tells us he is not ashamed. This could also be a warning to Timothy that he could be abandoned in the future too.


2 Timothy 1:15-18 (HCSB)15 This you know: All those in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me.18 May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from Him on that day. And you know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.



Describe a situation in which non-Christian friends or pressures from the world have caused you to feel ashamed of the gospel.


4.  What did Paul tell Timothy to do with his training and what to guard? (1:13-14)


2 Timothy 1:13-14 (HCSB)13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.


Paul had taught Timothy the truth about God and the  Jesus. He had told Timothy how Christians should behave. He had shown him what Christians ought to believe. All that Paul taught was true. All of this was a pattern for Timothy to follow.  He shouldn't just  repeat what Paul said but his life should also reflect it with faith and love.

Timothy had to defend and teach the truth and  not let the false teachers to change it. He would not be able to do it in his own strength but he could do it with the help of the Holy Spirit.


Consider Timothy's situation: his mentor has been disgraced; many of his associates have deserted the ministry; many of his church's members are drifting from the faith or cowed by the threat of persecution. How have you struggled or are you struggling with similar situations?

 

Chapter 2:1-13

5. What did Paul encourage Timothy to do with what he had been taught? (2:1-2)


2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.


Paul tells Timothy to be strong but not with just natural strength. This grace is the kindness of Christ. He gives strength to those who ask him for it. With the help of Christ, Timothy will be strong.


Timothy’s task was to preach the gospel and to teach the truth in the church at Ephesus. He tells  Timothy to pick some people that he  could trust and train them.


6. How was Timothy to do this? (3-6)


2 Timothy 2:3-6 (NKJV)3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.6 The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops.


Like a soldier. A soldier accepts orders from his superior, which in Timothy’s case is Jesus. As a soldier all your physical needs are met, especially when you have been deployed, you have food, shelter, transportation, etc.


The Christian is in a war. There are enemies who fight against us and against Christ but this fight isn't against people.

Ephesians 6:10-17 (HCSB)10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest,15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.16 In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.


Paul gives two other examples what it’s like to live as a Christian, and athlete and a farmer.


The athlete is working for a prize and not just any prize but for the first prize, the gold medal.

In order to compete and to win and athlete has to train hard. To have a chance of winning they need to be very fit and strong. They must obey the rules. The winner receives the gold medal, blue ribbon whatever the prize is for first place. which is the prize.  The prize in this case is the crown of life to all who love and trust him to the end of their lives.


James 1:12 (HCSB) A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Revelation 2:10 (HCSB) Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will have affliction for 10 days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.


The farmer is the first one to benefit from his hard work.

A good farmer has to work hard. He has to prepare the ground and sow the seed. He has to make sure that the plants have enough water. And he has to clear the weeds. Then the harvest comes when he gathers the crops.  As his reward, he should have the first share of the crop.


Christians, like the farmer, should work hard to do what the Lord wants. The results of that good work will be like a harvest. The Lord will bless those who have worked well for him. This may be in this life but there are also eternal rewards.


Which of these 3 images (soldier, athlete, farmer) seems most applicable to your life right now? Why?



7. Why was Paul willing to endure all the suffering that he had gone through and was going through at the time that he wrote this letter? (2:8-10 )


2 Timothy 2:8-10 (HCSB)8 Keep your attention on Jesus Christ ⌊as⌋ risen from the dead and descended from David. ⌊This is⌋ according to my gospel. 9 I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. 10 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.


Paul is willing to suffer for the gospel the good news.  That good news is Jesus coming to provide forgiveness of sins for all who will believe


Romans 10:9 (HCSB) If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.


Colossians 1:14 (HCSB) We have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Him.


God saves by this gospel. So Paul is suffering for them so that they may believe in Christ Jesus. It is true that when we believe and accept the gospel, we choose Christ. But before we came to him, God chose us and when we agree with God confess and believe we become part of the elect.

 Paul says that he endures all these things for the elect.  The elect are those who will be saved by the preaching of the gospel.
  
Romans 10:17 (HCSB) So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.


As it stands, the concept of God electing those who will be saved isn’t controversial. What is controversial is how and in what manner God chooses those who will be saved. We are not going to talk about it today but just to give you and idea about the controversy.

One view, which we will call the prescient or foreknowledge view, teaches that God, through His omniscience, knows those who will in the course of time choose of their own free will to place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation. On the basis of this divine foreknowledge, God elects these individuals “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). This view is held by the majority of American evangelicals.


The second main view is the Augustinian view, which essentially teaches that God not only divinely elects those who will have faith in Jesus Christ, but also divinely elects to grant to these individuals the faith to believe in Christ. In other words, God’s election unto salvation is not based on a foreknowledge of an individual’s faith, but is based on the free, sovereign grace of Almighty God. God elects people to salvation, and in time these people will come to faith in Christ because God has elected them. http://www.gotquestions.org/elect-of-God.html#ixzz3VkR3pBdC

The only reason that I mention this today is that you may hear both views so I want to you know what they are.  Remember that I have mentioned in the past that there are things that we as Christians can  disagree about which are unessential in our salvation.  There are some things that are essential and they are: 

• Deity of Christ
• Salvation by grace 
• Salvation through Jesus Christ alone
• The resurrection of Christ
• The gospel ( “That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”)
• One God
• The Holy Trinity  

8. How did Paul encourage Timothy? (2:11-13)


2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NKJV)11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.


These words were from a Christian song or poem and Paul says that the message of these words is true.


There are four lines. Each one shows the actions of believers and the result or the reaction of Christ.


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.


This week think about this "How should this trustworthy, or faithful saying".  How can it motivate you?

Next week we will start with chapter 2 verse 14 

 

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Paul's Letters to Timothy - Session 7- Advice on Elders and Slaves, Love of Money and Paul's Charge to Timothy

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

Last week in chapter 5 of 1 Timothy which we didn't finish but will finish today, Paul gave Timothy instructions in how the church should help widows, how to decide which widows to help and  he told Timothy to tell those family members who had the resources that the should provide for the widows in their family.  That can be applied to us today and not only include widows but other family members.

1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV) But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

He included in his instructions why the church shouldn't support younger widows and those who had not fully committed themselves to the things of Christ and the church.

1 Timothy 5:5 (NKJV) Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

1 Timothy 5:6 (NKJV) But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.

1 Timothy 5:11-12 (NKJV) But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.

Then he gave instructions about compensating or paying the elder(s) who directed the affairs of the church. Paul said they should be given double honor including wages.

1 Timothy 5:17 (NKJV) Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

Paul then told Timothy how to handle any accusations against an elder or leader and that was to not take the word of one person but there had to be two or three witnesses and if after examination of the two or three witnesses the accusation was true then he was to rebuke the elder in front of the whole church as an example to the others.

That’s where we ended last week now let’ read the end of the chapter actually let’s read from 1 Timothy 5:22-6-2 because the first two verses of chapter 6 really fit with chapter 5

Be Careful in Appointing (Laying Hands) People to Leadership

1. What did Paul encourage Timothy to do and not to do and why? 

1 Timothy 5:22-25 (NKJV) Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure. No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

Paul laying on hands

It can be quite difficult to know whom to appoint to a task in the church. With some people, it is clear that they are not the right choice. The decision to refuse them is easy because you can see their sins. With other people, it is not that simple. They hide their sins and they appear to be good people. It is only later that they show their true nature. This is why Timothy, and us,  shouldn't be quick to lay hands on anybody until we have observed them for a while. He should wait until he is sure that they are right. Even then with some people, we will never know and may not know until the day when they stand before God.

Paul said that it's important to be careful and not be hasty because when you lay hand on someone to appoint them to leadership positions we are  to some extent responsible for them and,e responsible for what he or she does. If we make a bad choice, we share in the faults of that person and blame for the sins of that person.

Paul digressed a little to talk about Timothy and his health 

1 Timothy 5:23 (NKJV) No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

Timothy did not have good health. He was often sick and had a weak stomach. He only drank water but Paul now tells him to also drink some wine. It may be that poor water was partly the cause of the stomach problems. Wine would act against the bad effects of the water. So a little wine would be like a good medicine for the stomach.

2. Why should slaves consider their masters worthy of respect?

1 Timothy 6:1 (NKJV) Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.


In the time of Paul there were many slaves. Many of the first Christians were slaves. Paul teaches them how they should serve the Lord and their masters.  Some masters did not believe in God but there were some who were believers.  Christians who were slaves should respect their masters.

The reason why the slaves must serve like this is that they belong to God. What they do shows what they believe. Their masters wouldn't  speak evil about God if the slaves have the right attitude. But if the slaves do not show their God by their actions, the masters those master who were not believers will not turn to God and they would refuse to accept what the Christians teach. They will blame the gospel for the poor performance of their slaves.

Paul does not adress the ultimate question of the right and wrong of slavery, but stresses the obligations resting on the slave, and the opportunity even in that situation to "adorn the doctrine"

Titus 2:9-10 (NKJV) Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Paul points out that good works adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour. The character of God and the Gospel teaching will be hurt by wrong conduct. And those who have believing masters are not to fail to give full honor, but are to serve them all the better, since it is a Christian brother who is devoting himself to (or benefiting by) good service. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

Those Christian slave who did have believing masters should respect them because they serve the same Lord. They may know them as equal persons in the family of God and in the church. But they must perform the duties of slaves and give the honor due to them as masters. They must not make the beliefs that they hold in common an excuse for poor service. Instead, they should work harder and serve better. In this way, they would benefit those who were their brothers and sisters in Christ. The love of God for both slaves and masters has made them as one in his family. They must then love each other. So, the slaves should love their Christian masters and do their best for them. Timothy must teach these things to the church members. He must urge all who are slaves to give good service to their masters. They should see this as a duty given to them by the Lord. - An EasyEnglish Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on Paul’s First Letter to Timothy Ian Mackervoy

Paul gives instructions to master on how to treat their slaves in

Ephesians 6:5-9 (NKJV)  Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.


The purpose of the Bible is to point the way to salvation, not to reform society. The Bible often approaches issues from the inside out. If a person experiences the love, mercy, and grace of God by receiving His salvation, God will reform his soul, changing the way he thinks and acts. A person who has experienced God’s gift of salvation and freedom from the slavery of sin, as God reforms his soul, will realize that enslaving another human being is wrong.

A person who has truly experienced God’s grace will in turn be gracious towards others. That would be the Bible’s prescription for ending slavery.

Today, while none of us is a slave, very few if any are totally "free" economically. We have to deal with employers, teachers, bills and our level of income. We often resist and resent these boundaries.
http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-slavery.html#ixzz3UIQhRoDL

Now to chapter 6 which could be titled Find Your Riches In Christ

Some well-known Christian teachers and authors tell us that being a Christian means success and prosperity. If we are faithful, God will bless us with wealth. Other Christians advocate a simple lifestyle without interest in material possessions. What does Scripture say about how we are to regard money?  In this chapter Paul concludes his agenda of how to lead the powerful and the powerless by addressing the wealthy members of the church. - LifeGuide Bible Studies - LifeGuide Bible Studies – Timothy and Titus: Do What You Have Heard.

3. What evidence do you see of a love for money among your friends or coworkers?

4. Why do you think most people are or aren’t content with what they have?

Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:3-10, actually let’s start the reading with the end of verse 2 “Teach and exhort these things.

5. What do false teachers ignore?

1 Timothy 6:3 (NKJV) If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,

They ignore the words of Jesus and the doctrine which is the gospel

Paul refers to the words of Jesus which is an indication that written Gospel narratives were well known and in circulation. Remember last week in chapter 5 verse 18 the last part of that verse say the worker is worthy of his wages and that is from Luke 10:27, so it seems that Paul was familiar with the statement made by Jesus whether it was from Luke or some other writing. The words of Christ are the basis of the doctrine Paul is talking about here.

6. What harsh words did Paul have for those who teach false doctrines and what was the result of the false teachers’ unhealthy interests?

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (NKJV) If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.


They think that they are superior. They always want to discuss things that do not help people to believe in the Lord. They ask questions. They cause doubts about what the Lord and the apostles have taught as the truth. They like to argue about the meaning of words. They waste time on things that do not really matter.

The results of what they say and do leads people to envy each other. They want to have what someone else has. When they cannot have it, they are jealous.

By their arguments, they destroy the unity that there should be in the church. Instead of peace there was spite among the members.

Where there should be trust between the members there were evil doubts.

Then there were constant quarrels.

In addition to power and reputation, money was a primary motivator for false teachers. So, according to Paul, what these false teachers really wanted was money. 

Remember when we looked at the qualifications for elders or bishops

1 Timothy 3:3 (NKJV) not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

7. What really brings us great gain and with what should we be content ?

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Great gain. This word appears to have the uniform meaning, "way of gain," "means of livelihood," which yields a better sense here. Paul means to say: "The Christian faith with sufficiency for this life is a mighty way of gain." He has already said that godliness is profitable in every respect, giving the promise not only for this life but also for the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV) For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

True religion brings much gain maybe not in this life but for sure in the life to come. We should please God and be content with what we have. Then we will receive a rich reward. - Wycliffe Bible Commentary

When a child is born, it brings nothing with it. Neither can we take anything out of the world with us when we die. We will have to leave behind all that we possess. All the wealth that a person can get will be of no benefit, in the end. Nothing that we own can add anything to us. Death will strip all those things from us and leave us naked. Then only that which God gives will be of value. He gives it to those who believe in him. So then, we should be content with the things that are necessary for life. We should only want to have the food and the clothes that we need. That should be enough for us. - An EasyEnglish Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on Paul’s First Letter to Timothy Ian Mackervoy
8. What often happens to people who want to get rich?

1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NKJV) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Paul does not say it's wrong to be rich." but, what does he say about wanting to be rich?

There are many dangers for those who want to be rich. When they want to gain wealth, their desires tempt them to do wrong things. Once they start doing those things, it is like falling into a trap. Those who want to be rich and make that their purpose in life will never be content. The desire to be rich will ruin and destroy them.

The love of money is the strong desire to get wealth. It is greater than the desire to love and serve God. It becomes the main purpose in life. That love is like a root. It is like the root from which plants grow. From that source, there come all kinds of evil. - An EasyEnglish Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on Paul’s First Letter to Timothy Ian Mackervoy

 It is not possible to serve both God and money. One or other of them must be the more important. Those who reach out to grab money will lose their grip on the Lord.

Having just gone through this section of chapter 6 let me ask some questions. We won’t talk about all of them but I want to you think about all of them.

• How could someone think that godliness was a means to financial gain?
• How do people attempt to use Christianity for their own profit?
• Why is it hard to be content?
• What get-rich-quick schemes (big or small) have you fallen for?
• On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being very important), how important is money to you?
• Why do you think that money is important or not very important?
• How can you guard against placing too much stock in your personal possession

Now Let’s Read 11-21

9. What did Paul tell Timothy to pursue?

1 Timothy 6:11 (NKJV) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.


In contrast to the false teachers Timothy was to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

• Righteousness may be thought of as a comprehensive name for all the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (We had a study on the gifts of the Spirit but never on the fruit of the Spirit. We may do that some day)

• Godliness means "godly faith," "true religion.

1 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

• Faith may mean "believing" or "faithfulness." A full realization of love means the experience of God's love for us, as well as our loving him and others.

• Patience means "endurance," and meekness seems to go back to the Lord's teaching and example 

Matthew 5:5 (NKJV) Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 11:29 (NKJV) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

10. What was Timothy urged to fight and take hold of ?

1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

One of the things that Paul did in most of his letters was to inform and try to prepare Christians for the opposition and persecution which was coming. The good fight involves holding fast the faith and committing it to others. It is closely related to holding fast and laying hold of eternal life. The same word translated fight is used by the Lord in

Luke 13:24 (NKJV) "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

The false teachers were doing all that they could to stop the spread of the gospel. So Timothy had to fight, not with swords but by trusting in the Lord and with prayer. This is because the real enemies are not men and women.

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

11.When did Jesus make the good confession and what was it?

1 Timothy 6:13 (NKJV)13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate,

After Jesus was betrayed by Judas and the Jewish court, The Sanhedrin, did their phony trial they sent Him to Pontius Pilate to be tried and judged by the Romans because they could not execute Him the Romans had to do that.  During the Pilate’s interrogation he asked the Jesus if He was the king of the Jews

John 18:33-37 (NKJV) Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered him, "Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Mark 15:2, Luke 23:3, and Matthew 27:11 all record this event.

Jesus said that he was a king. But he said that his kingdom was not of this world.

Jesus did what God had sent him to do. And, because of that, he suffered and died on the cross. Paul told Timothy should obey God like Jesus did. And so should we and all others who believe in Jesus Christ. We may have to suffer and even die for this but, we must be true to the faith that we confess. One day, we will have to give an account to the Jesus who God has made  the judge of all people.

12. What was Paul’s charge or command to Timothy?

1 Timothy 6:13-15 (NKJV) I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

The command is what the Lord has told him to do. It has come in the instructions that Paul and the elders gave to him. Paul has shown him in this letter what the command means. It is to keep and obey all that Jesus and the apostles taught. It is to be and to do all that the Lord requires. This is not just for Timothy but it should be the aim of all Christians.

When Jesus returns he will take up those Christians who are alive on the earth to be with him. and he will take up those Christians who have died. Until then, Timothy, and we, must do what the Lord orders. We all fail at some point but if we ask the Lord will forgive us. When he comes we must all give an account to him of everything that we have done.

God has planned the moment when his son, Jesus, will return. And he will control that moment. The Lord Jesus will come as the champion for all who believe in him. He will defeat all that is against us. All the struggles of this life will be over.

God has in himself all blessing. He blesses his people who in turn bless and praise him. God is the real and absolute ruler of all. He is the king of all those who rule as kings. He is the Lord of all who rule as lords. - An EasyEnglish Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on Paul’s First Letter to Timothy Ian Mackervoy

13. Why should those who are rich not be arrogant or put their hope in wealth?

1 Timothy 6:17 (NKJV) Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

• There is a danger that the rich may believe that they are better than other people. 
• All that they have could vanish in a very short time. 
• They can't be certain that they will always be rich. 
• When they die, these riches will have no value for them. They will go to someone else. 
• All the money in the world cannot buy life after death. 
• It is foolish to trust in riches for this life and for the future life.

Instead, they should trust in God who  owns all things anyway.  He gives to us all that we need for this life. The blessings of God are true riches.

Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV)  The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.

14. What command is given to those who are rich?

1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NKJV) Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

The command is that they do good. The rich are responsible to God for how they use their wealth. The more they have the greater their duty to use it to do what is good. Rich people have more than enough for their own needs. There is no benefit to them in owning an excess of wealth. They should share what they have. They should use their wealth for the benefit of those in need.

By doing good works rich Christians will reduce their wealth on earth, but they will be building up riches in eternity.

Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV) "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal..

15. What was Timothy to guard and turn away from?

1 Timothy 6:20-21 (NKJV) O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge-- by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul ends his letter with some final advice for Timothy.

The way he says "turn away from godless chatter", Timothymay have been prone to the weakness which the false teachers had made a way of life. As a natural teacher, he may have enjoyed intellectual curiosities. Timothy could not lead the church without resisting his own personal weaknesses. Part of guarding the church was to pursue his own purity. Many ministries have been damaged by a leader who ignored personal weaknesses. - An EasyEnglish Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on Paul’s First Letter to Timothy Ian Mackervoy

Timothy was entrusted with the message of the gospel and the Ephesian church. In your own life perhaps it is people, situations, a job or role in the fellowship, as well as the gospel itself, to which you are entrusted.

You could also ask, "How does the phrase 'turn away' fit with the call to guard what has been entrusted to his care?" And "What personal weakness seems to threaten your own call to 'guard'?" -
LifeGuide Bible Studies - LifeGuide Bible Studies – Timothy and Titus: Do What You Have Heard.

Next week we will start our study in the second letter that Paul writes to Timothy.

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