II Timothy 2
Develop a good understanding of the Christian lifeverses 1-7
You therefore – my son – be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus
and the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses
the same commit you to faithful men
who shall be able to teach others also
You therefore endure hardness – as a good soldier of Jesus Christ
no man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life
that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier
And IF a man also strive for masteries – yet is he not crowned
except he strive lawfully
The husbandmen that labors must be first partaker of the fruit
consider what I say
and the Lord give you understanding in all things
Leaders are to endure all things for Christverses 8-10
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel – wherein I suffer trouble
as an evildoer – even in bonds
but the word of God is not bound
THEREFORE I endure all things for the elect’s sake
that they may also obtain the salvation which is in
Christ Jesus with eternal glory
Paul gives rewards of faithful servantsverses 11-13
It is a faithful saying
FOR IF we be dead with HIM – we shall also live with HIM
IF we suffer – we shall also reign with HIM
IF we deny HIM – HE also will deny us
IF we believe not – YET HE abides faithful
HE cannot deny HIMSELF
Importance of rightly dividing the word of truthverses 14-19
OF these things put them in remembrance
charging them before the Lord
that they strive not about words to no profit
but to the subverting of the hearers
Study to show yourself approved unto God
a workman that needs not to be ashamed
rightly dividing the word of truth
BUT shun profane and vain babblings
for they will increase to more ungodliness
and their word will eat as does a canker
of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus
who concerning the truth have erred
saying that the resurrection is past already
and overthrow the faith of some
Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure – having this seal
The Lord knows them that are HIS
AND – Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity
Vessels of honor describedverses 20-26
BUT in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver
but also of wood and of earth
and some to honor – and some to dishonor
IF a man therefore purge himself from these
he shall be a vessel unto honor – sanctified
and meet for the master’s use
and prepared to every good work
Flee also youthful lusts – BUT follow righteousness
faith – charity – peace
with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart
but foolish and unlearned questions avoid
knowing that they do gender strives
AND the servant of the Lord must not strive
but be gentle to all men – apt to teach – patient
in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves
IF God peradventure will give them repentance to acknowledging of the truth
and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil
who are taken captive by him at his will
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (118 “strive” [athleo] means to engage in a contest, contend in public games, content for a prize, to endure, compete, or wrestle)
DEVOTION: There are rules in any sporting event. There are people watching to make sure the rules are followed. Today there are even instant replays if the officials don’t catch it the first time. No cheating.
In the Christian world there are guidelines for those who serve the LORD faithfully. They have been laid down in the Old Testament. They have been laid down by the teachings of Christ. They were being laid down by Paul and the Apostles in the early church. All of these guidelines or rules were given under the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the people of God.
Today we have the Bible as our guide to living the Christian life. We have the examples of faithful men and women who have served the LORD. We have Biblical teachers today who are faithful to the Word of God. Each helping us understand what is involved in our being faithful in our service to HIM.
One day those who are believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive our rewards for our faithful service to HIM. There are some who will be saved “yet so as by fire” or in other words all their works will be burned up and they will not receive any crowns or rewards.
Others will receive both crowns and rewards. Remember the crowns will be thrown at the feet of Jesus maybe to make sure the sin of pride is not present in heaven.
Our responsibility is to be faithful to what we know now and also to be willing to learn more as we mature in the faith. An athlete starts out with very little understanding of a sport but as he moves from amateur to professional he has really developed in his knowledge of the sport. Our sport is Christianity.
We are to be good soldiers in the LORD’S army. We should all be in the group called SPECIAL FORCES.
CHALLENGE: Where are you now in the area of contenting for the faith? Are you still in basic training or are you in the SPECIAL FORCES for Jesus?
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even to bonds; but he word of God is not bound. (2553 “trouble” [kakopatheo] means to undergo hardship, be afflicted, or endure afflictions)
Paul is in prison. He is undergoing hardship because he is preaching the resurrection of Christ. Paul suffered many ways for his service to the LORD. He was in jail many times. He was falsely accused many times. He was shipwrecked a few times.
Many in the world around Paul thought he was an evil man. The Jewish leaders wanted him dead. The idol makers and worshippers wanted him dead. He didn’t stop preaching the word of God. He ended up in jail but the Word of God was never stopped.
While in jail he is writing Timothy to train men to be the next teachers of the truth of the Word of God. He wanted him to be faithful to the LORD. He wanted to let them know that they were not to be sidetracked by profane and vain babblings. He warned of some who had tried to overthrown the faith of some by false teachings.
Paul taught Timothy what characteristics are to be found in those who are genuinely following the LORD. The list in this chapter is long. The only way that anyone can manifest this list in their lives is to be like soldiers or athletes that work hard to be in the proper shape for service. The way to be in shape for proper service to the LORD is to let the Holy Spirit change an individual from the inside out.
Today we find many individuals in different countries dying for their faith in the LORD Jesus Christ. There are groups in India that are killing those who are Christians. There are groups in Iran and Iraq that are killing Christians for no reason except that they are Christian.
Churches are being burned in many countries with those in law enforcement watching or doing nothing to stop groups. The government of many countries don’t care what happens to those who are followers of Christ.
Even in our nation we will be called evil for preaching the word of God. We are called radical if we teach the truth of the Word of God. God’s Word teaches that some actions are SIN. The world does not want to hear this message. Some Christians are afraid to spread this message. They are remaining quiet instead of telling other the truths that are found in the Word of God.
Paul instructs Timothy to find FAITHFUL men to carry on the work of the LORD. This needs to happen in our country too. We need to raise another generation of individuals who love the LORD so much that they are willing to die or go to jail for teaching the truth of the Word of God.
Are we willing to share the whole counsel of God even if it meant going to jail? Will we change our beliefs to please those around us? Will we be good soldiers of the cross? Our prayer is that we all will stand firm on the Word of God until the LORD takes us home.
CHALLENGE: Study the Word of God to be a workman who RIGHTLY DIVIDES the Word. Don’t be ashamed of the TRUTH of the Word of God.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 15 Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (1384 “approved” [dokimos] means tested, genuine, honored, considered good, compelling recognition, valued, or tried and true)
DEVOTION: We are required to get an education in this country. We attend school for thirteen years to receive a diploma from High School. Then we can go on to college for more education. Doctors have to go to school for about twelve years after high school. Those who want to accomplish much need to receive a good education. Some but not most have the ability to pass exams with very little study.
Here we find that Paul is telling all believers that they should work hard to gain the approval of God for presenting HIS Word to those around us.
Our approval for salvation is based on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ alone. We can’t earn it. We can’t use our education toward it but HE wants us to understand HIS teachings through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our life, as well as, good Bible teachers.
There are people who think that Bible education is a waste of time. They sometime think that they can be self-taught and go into the ministry. This is rarely true of those who are genuinely faithful to the Word of God and to the ministry. A good Biblical education can stop you from falling into the traps of false teachers.
God wants all of HIS servants to be able to correctly explain the Bible. There are many incorrect answers to Biblical questions and they are all out there. Satan wants to deceive believers into thinking that all they need is the Holy Spirit with no reading or study of the Bible with good Bible teachers.
CHALLENGE: All of us need to learn the fundamentals of the faith through good servants of the LORD and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (1939 “lusts” [epithumia] means desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust. [Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship])
DEVOTION: When we are young, we are bombarded with temptation. There are always the physical lusts which enter our minds (mostly having to do with members of the opposite sex). In addition, there are the lusts for material things and comfort as well as the lusts for power and pride (1 John 2:15-16). While these temptations are still present as we get older, the potential to give into any one of them is much greater when we are young.
Paul is writing to a young man (Timothy) who is a pastor. Timothy experienced the same kinds of temptations in his life at a young age as all young men do. Paul reminded his closest friend Timothy to watch out for the temptations which would come his way. We need to be aware of how Satan sets traps for us, so that we will be ready to resist him.
Lusts often start in one’s thought life long before they become actions. That is why Jesus stressed the need in Matthew 6 to clear out our thought lives. We see something and then wish that that were true of us. Unfortunately, in this day there are a lot of appeals through media that make us think about things that we should be thinking about. That is why we need to be particularly aware of how much time we are spending with media each day and make a sincere effort to restrict it. This is a very effective way to flee these kinds of lusts.
Notice also that Paul’s instruction to Timothy is to flee youthful lusts. That is in contrast to other instructions to resist the devil (see for example, James 4:7). Why the difference? Because the temptations that come to us directly by Satan are usually in response to others’ persecution of Christ and His message, rather than the lusts of the flesh. God never intended for us to stand in the face of lust!
CHALLENGE: Is there any area of your life where you have been tempted to compromise with Satan? If so, confess that now, and find ways to block Satan’s temptations to do what is wrong! (MW)
: 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (3803 “snare” means trap, whatever brings peril, allurement of sin, or gin)
DEVOTION: Paul describes two men who have fallen into the trap of the devil with their beliefs and teachings. They had erred from the truth by teaching people in Ephesus that the resurrection of believers was already past and the people they were teaching were left behind. They didn’t make the cut. They were not true believers and this caused them to doubt their faith.
If fact Paul states that the faith of some who believed these two false teachers was overthrow. This is a sad state to be in as someone who is trying to follow the LORD.
We are all capable of falling into a snare of the devil. Paul wants the believers in Ephesus to escape any snares that Satan might put in their way. He knows that there are false teacher everywhere. He is warning them to watch out for them.
It is easier to follow a false teacher than someone who is true to the Word of God. The ones that are false will just tickle the ears of those who come to hear them. Or they will give them false regulations to follow which gives a false sense of security. We have both pitfalls available to us. There are those who fall into the pitfall of license where you can do anything and still go to heaven. Or the pitfall of legalism where you are told that if you just obey these certain rules faithfully you will be a good believer. Both are wrong.
CHALLENGE: We need to follow the LORD Jesus Christ’s example and HIS teachings in the Word of God.
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Call on the Lordverse 22
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Gospelverse 8
Word of Godverse 9
Word of truthverse 15
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
Godverses 9, 15, 19, 25
Word of Godverse 9
Foundation of Godverse 19
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Christ verses 1, 3, 8, 10, 19
Jesus verses 1, 3, 8, 10
Christ Jesusverses 1, 10
Jesus Christverses 3, 8
Lordverses 7, 14, 19, 22, 24
Seed of Davidverse 8
Resurrectionverse 8
Christ denies those who deny HIMverse 12
Christ abides faithfulverse 13
Not deny HIMSELFverse 13
Lord knows those who are HISverse 19
Servant of the Lordverse 24
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Devilverse 26
Snare of the devilverse 26
Takes captive of those who gender strivesverse 26
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Soldierverses 3, 4
Husbandmanverse 6
Seed of Davidverse 8
Hymenaeusverse 17
Philetusverse 17
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Entangled with things of this lifeverse 4
Evildoerverse 9
Deny Christverse 12
Believe notverse 13
Strive about words to no profitverses 14, 23
Subvertingverse 14
Profane and vain babblingsverse 16
Ungodlinessverse 16
Erred from the truthverse 18
False teaching: resurrection is pastverse 18
Overthrowing faith of someverse 18
Iniquityverse 19
Vessels of dishonorverse 20
Lustsverse 22
Foolish and unlearned questionsverse 23
Strifeverse 23
Snare of the devilverse 26
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Strengthverse 1
Graceverse 1
Faithfulverse 2
Witnessesverse 2
Able to teachverse 2
Endure hardnessverses 3, 10
Good soldierverse 3
Please HIMverse 4
Chosenverse 4
Soldierverse 4
Strive for masteriesverse 5
Strive lawfullyverse 5
Laborerverse 6
Partake of fruitverse 6
Understandingverse 7
Suffer troubleverses 9, 12
Word of God not boundverse 9
Electverse 10
Salvationverse 10
Dead with Christ = live with Christverse 11
Reign with Christverse 12
Studyverse 15
Approved verse 15
Workmanverse 15
Needs not to be ashamedverse 15
Rightly dividing the word of truthverse 15
Shun profane and vain babblingsverse 16
Faithverses 18, 22
Depart from iniquityverse 19
Vessel of honorverses 20, 21
Purge ourselvesverse 21
Sanctifiedverse 21
Meet for the master’s useverse 21
Prepared to every good workverse 21
Flee youthful lustverse 22
Followverse 22
Righteousness
Charity
Peace
Call on the Lord out of pure heartverse 22
Avoid foolish and unlearned questionsverse 23
Servant of the Lordverse 24
Not striveverse 24
Gentleverse 24
Apt to teachverses 24, 25
Patientverse 24
Meekverse 25
Repentanceverse 25
Acknowledging the truthverse 25
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Seed of Davidverse 8
Church (New Testament people of God)
Heard from Paulverse 2
Commit to faithful menverse 2
Apt to teachverse 2
Good soldiersverses 3, 4
Gospel: Christ raised from the deadverse 8
Put believers to remembranceverse 14
Servant of the Lordverse 24
Last Things (Future Events)
Eternal gloryverse 10
Reign with Christverse 12
DONATIONS:
Remember that all donations to Small Church Ministries are greatly appreciated. The treasurer will send a receipt, at the end of the year unless otherwise requested. Please be sure to make check out to “Small Church Ministries.” The address for the treasurer is P.O. Box 604, East Amherst, New York 14051. A second way to give to the ministry is through PayPal on the website: www.smallchurchministries.org. Also, if you can support this ministry through your local church please use that method. Thank you.
QUOTES regarding passage
4 No one “serving as a soldier” (strateuomenos) gets involved in “civilian affairs”—literally, “the affairs” (pragmateiais, “business, occupations,” only here in the NT) “of the [this] life.” The verb “gets involved” is empleketai (only here and 2 Peter 2:20). In the active voice emplekō means “weave in, entwine.” In the passive, as here, it is used metaphorically in the sense of “be involved, entangled in.” The soldier has to lay aside all secular pursuits, and the Christian minister must be willing to do the same.
“His commanding officer” is literally “the one who enrolled him as a soldier” (to stratologēsanti, only here in the NT). When Christ has enrolled us as full-time soldiers in his army, we should seek to please him by giving ourselves to his service without distraction. (Earle, R. (1981). 2 Timothy. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon (Vol. 11, p. 399). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
No soldier on service (οὐδεις στρατευομενος [oudeis strateuomenos]). “No one serving as a soldier.” See 1 Cor. 9:7 for this old verb and 2 Cor. 10:3; 1 Tim. 1:18 for the metaphorical use. Entangleth himself (ἐμπλεκεται [empleketai]). Old compound, to inweave (see Matt. 27:29 for πλεκω [plekō]), in N. T. only here and 2 Peter 2:20. Present middle (direct) indicative. In the affairs (ταις πραγματειαις [tais pragmateiais]). Old word (from πραγματευομαι [pragmateuomai], Luke 19:13), business, occupation, only here in N. T. Of this life (του βιου [tou biou]). No “this” in the Greek, “of life” (course of life as in 1 Tim. 2:2, not existence ζωη [zōē]). Him who enrolled him as a soldier (τῳ στρατολογησαντι [tōi stratologēsanti]). Dative case after ἀρεσῃ [aresēi] (first aorist active subjunctive of ἀρεσκω [areskō], to please, 1 Thess. 2:4, purpose clause with ἱνα [hina]) of the articular first aorist active participle of στρατολογεω [stratologeō], literary Koiné word (στρατολογος [stratologos], from στρατος [stratos] and λεγω [legō]), only here in N. T. (Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (2 Ti 2:4). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.)
2:3–4. Such faithfulness to God’s truth would inevitably involve Timothy in suffering, even as it had Paul. Thus without varnishing Timothy’s prospects the mentor once again called his protégé to share in hardship or suffering (cf. 1:8 for the same word used only in these two places: synkakopathēson, “to suffer hardship with someone”; also cf. 4:5) for the sake of Christ (cf. John 15:18–20). Paul introduced three common illustrations to emphasize his point (cf. 1 Cor. 9:7, 24 for the same three): a … soldier, an athlete, and a farmer (2 Tim. 2:3–6). Military images were common in Paul’s thought (cf. 1 Tim. 1:18), no doubt because the word pictures were familiar to his readers (cf. Rom. 6:13 [“instruments” can be trans. “weapons”]; Rom. 7:23; 1 Cor. 9:7; 2 Cor. 6:7; Eph. 6:11–18; Phil. 2:25; Phile. 2). A Roman soldier’s single-minded purpose, rigorous discipline, and unquestioning obedience to his commanding officer combine to make the figure of a soldier an apt one for a servant of the gospel. (Litfin, A. D. (1985). 2 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 752). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
He avoids worldly entanglements (v. 4). He is totally committed to his Commanding Officer, the One who enlisted him. In our case, this is Jesus Christ. I recall a story about a Civil War soldier who happened to be a watchmaker. One day the bugle sounded and the men were told to break camp. “But I can’t go now!” the soldier complained. “I have a dozen watches to repair!”
It is sometimes necessary for a pastor, or a pastor’s wife, to be employed because their church is not able to support them. This is a sacrifice on their part and an investment in the work. But a pastor who is fully supported should not get involved in sidelines that divide his interest and weaken his ministry. I have met pastors who spend more time on their real estate ventures than on their churches. Our purpose is to please the Lord, not ourselves. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 245). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books)
2:4 entangles himself. Just as a soldier called to duty is completely severed from the normal affairs of civilian life, so also must the good soldier of Jesus Christ refuse to allow the things of the world to distract him (cf. Jas 4:4; 1Jn 2:15–17). (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Ti 2:4). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
So Timothy is commanded, in verse 3, to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Each Christian is called to do valiant soldier service, contending earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). This figure is frequently used in the Epistles. Note specially 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Ephesians 6:10–18; 1 Thessalonians 5:8, as well as here. The Christian life is a constant warfare. We have three subtle and cruel enemies ever arrayed against us—the world, the flesh, and the Devil—and against all these we are called to make a resolute stand. We do not fight in our own strength but as we are empowered by Him whose soldiers we are.
So we find Paul, with zeal unquenched, urging upon the younger preacher, Timothy, that he persist relentlessly in the battle for righteousness against all the hosts of evil. He, himself, maintains this soldier character to the last, as he realized that his fighting days were nearly ended and that soon he should give account of his part in this warfare, when he would stand at the judgment-seat of Christ to receive the crown of righteousness, the divine recognition of faithful service, as he looked on to the appearing of his great General, who had fought and overcome, on his behalf, so long before.
The figure of the soldier suggests obedience to orders, rigid discipline, holding the body in subjection, and valor in defense of the truth. These things should characterize all Christ’s servants. The path of devotion to Christ is not an easy way. It calls for steadfast endurance and abiding faith. These are soldier qualities every Christian needs in order that he may overcome in the warfare with iniquity.
Then again a true soldier must be separated from the affairs of this world. “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” He has to leave many things to which he has been accustomed. So you and I who were poor, godless worldlings have now been separated to the Lord, and are called to walk apart from the world in devotion to the great Captain of our salvation. (Ironside, H. A. (1947). Addresses on the First and Second Epistles of Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (pp. 184–185). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers.)
Ver. 4. No man that warreth, &c.] Who is a soldier, and gives himself up to military service, in a literal sense: the Vulgate Latin version, without any authority, adds, to God; as if the apostle was speaking of a spiritual warfare; whereas he is illustrating a spiritual warfare by a corporeal one; and observes, that no one, that is in a military state, entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; with civil affairs, in distinction from military ones. The Roman soldiers might not follow any trade or business of life, or be concerned in husbandry, or merchandise of any sort, but were wholly to attend to military exercises, and to the orders of their general; for to be employed in any secular business was reckoned an entangling of them, a taking of them off from, and an hindrance to their military discipline: and by this the apostle suggests that Christ’s people, his soldiers: and especially his ministers, should not be involved and implicated in worldly affairs and cares; for no man can serve two masters, God and mammon; but should wholly give up themselves to the work and service to which they are called; and be ready to part with all worldly enjoyments, and cheerfully suffer the loss of all things, when called to it, for the sake of Christ and his Gospel: that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier; his captain, or general, who has enlisted him, enrolled and registered him among his soldiers; whom to please should be his chief concern; as it should be the principal thing attended to by a Christian soldier, or minister of the Gospel, not to please men, nor to please himself, by seeking his own ease and rest, his worldly emoluments and advantages, but to please the Lord Christ, in whose book his name is written. (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 3, pp. 324–325). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
2: 3-4 Timothy was called to suffer as well as to teach. This is a reiteration of the command in 2 Tm 1:8. The Military analogy was a favorite of the apostle’s (I Co 9:7; Php 2:25; Php 2: 25; Phm 2). Military service restricts one’s personal liberty. Similarly, the primary interest of those who minister for Christ must not be everyday affairs (lit., “the concerns of this life”)
(p. 1907, The Moody Bible Commentary by Faculty of Moody Bible Institute)
FROM MY READING:
Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree and signs of His second coming.
INSIGHT
Matthew 24 and 25 offer some of the most comforting — and terrifying — verses in the Bible. They detail some of the judgments to fall on mankind at the end of history. Yet God will not be caught by surprise. He is able to protect His spiritual children.
If someone comes along and says, “I am Christ,” we do not have to be confused. We know he is a false teacher, for Jesus will come in the twinkling of an eye — there will be no time for such statements. The God of power is also the God of the future, and we can rest in His sovereign care as we trust in Him. (Quiet Walk)
SANCTIFICATION IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESURRECTION
…who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.
Romans 4:25
It is only in the light of the resurrection that I finally have an assurance of my sins forgiven. It is only in the light of the resurrection that I ultimately know that I stand in the presence of God absolved from guilt and shame and every condemnation. I can now say with Paul,“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1) because I look at the fact of the resurrection. It is there that I know it.
You notice how Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15:17 when he says, “If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” If it is not a fact that Christ literally rose from the grave, then you are still guilty before God. Your punishment has not been borne, your sins have not been dealt with, you are yet in your sins. It matters that much: Without the resurrection you have no standing at all; you are still uncertain as to whether you are forgiven and whether you are a child of God. And when one day you come to your deathbed you will not know you will be uncertain as to where you are going and what is going to happen to you. “Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:25). It is in the resurrection that I stand before God free and absolved and without fear and know that I am indeed a child of God.
So you see the importance of holding on to this doctrine and why we must insist upon the details of doctrine, and not be content with some vague general belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are concerned about your life in this world and the fight against the world, the first thing to do, says the apostle Paul, is to take an overall look at the great doctrine of the resurrection of our Lord.
A Thought to Ponder: Without Christ’s resurrection you have no standing at all.
(From Sanctified Through the Truth, pp. 144-145, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
The Sun of Righteousness
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.” (Malachi 4:2)
This is the very last of the numerous Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. After this, there were four centuries of silence from heaven, as far as inspired Scriptures were concerned. Thus this prophecy must have special significance.
The Messiah (“Christ”) is called “the Sun of righteousness” in contrast to “all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly” that “shall burn as an oven” when “the day cometh” (v. 1)—that “great and dreadful day of the LORD” (v. 5), and it “shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts” (v. 1).
The “Sun of righteousness” clearly refers to the coming Savior, for He will come “with healing in his wings.” The sun does not have wings, of course, so many commentators think this word refers to the rays of the sun, with their lifesustaining energy. However, the Hebrew word means “wings,” and nothing else. It is as though the sun is rising rapidly on great wings, dispelling the world’s darkness with its light, dispensing healing to its sin-sick soul.
The “Sun of righteousness,” of course, can be none other than God Himself, for “the Lord God is a sun and shield” who “will give grace and glory” to “them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). It is the LORD Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” (John 8:12) coming “from heaven with his mighty angels [his ‘wings’?], in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
But “you that fear my name” in that day “shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts,…when I make up my jewels” (Malachi 3:17). In the last prophecy of the Old Testament, Christ is the rising Sun; in the last prophecy of the New Testament (Revelation 22:16), He is “the bright and morning star.” (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
Spiritual integrity is consistency between what we believe about God and how we act before God. (p. 52)
While it is important in the small church to be relationally sensitive, we must always remain biblically driven. (p. 53)
Board positions ae often given to individuals based upon their length of involvement in the church rather than spiritual maturity. (p. 54)
(Developing Leaders for the Small Church by Glenn C. Daman)
Visit our Facebook page for Small Church Ministries – please invite others to join us on Facebook. Thank you. Look for the logo from the devotionals.