"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith...Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments." vv.7,13
Read chapter 4
2 Timothy is most likely the last book of the New Testament written. In relation to Colossians and Ephesians we can tell 2 Timothy is written afterwards due to events such as all in Asia have turned away (2 Timothy 1:15) which were he wrote to earlier in his letter to the Ephesians. Paul asks Timothy to bring him the books, especially the parchments which shows that there was a distinction between the writings, most likely his writings and other letters to the believers that were circulating at the time. "To say that the Bible was put together by the Catholics and voted on by them is not really correct. The Bible, as we know it, was written by the apostles of the Lord. It is likely that they left a record of which books were written by them and were God-breathed. We know that the true books of the Bible were in circulation in the first century AD, including collections of all Paul’s books. However, many uninspired books were written, as we know from verses like II Thessalonians 2:2." Bible Teacher Nathan Johnson
Paul is not about to die by saying he's finished the race, but referring to his specific commission by God how he was to preach to the nations (Acts 9). Moreover when he finished writing this letter to Timothy his commission was complete. Yet that doesn't mean Paul was to stop living for the Lord, but now to serve and live for God as best as he saw fit- just as we are to do today.
How are you enduring the good fight to finish the race keeping the faith?
Friday, June 3, 2016
Thursday, June 2, 2016
2 Timothy 3
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be..." vv.1-9
Read chapter 3
Every generation believes they're in the last days due to this world waxing worse and worse of these signs listed in 2 Timothy 3, and I'm one to believe that it is now waiting expectantly for the Kingdom of God to come any moment. There are 21 characteristics, not signs, of the perilous times of the last days all which no one can deny is in our present time. Now it's not just sin or sinful people that show it's the last days or else we could start all the way back to when Cain killed Able saying that was the "last days," but more that these twenty-one characteristics are so manifest that it's "normal." Timothy is told to turn away from these symptoms (not the people which verse five is not translated correctly). Most believers would agree that this perilous time will come to an end at some point and will not go on forever. Psalm 64 seems to be parallel with 2 Timothy 3:1-9 of the evil that goes on but will come to and end once God speaks and causes the evil men to fear Him and declare the works of the Lord (64:9). Read through all 21 characteristics and see how manifest they are around you? But let us stand on the promise that God will speak and end these wicked days.
Read chapter 3
Every generation believes they're in the last days due to this world waxing worse and worse of these signs listed in 2 Timothy 3, and I'm one to believe that it is now waiting expectantly for the Kingdom of God to come any moment. There are 21 characteristics, not signs, of the perilous times of the last days all which no one can deny is in our present time. Now it's not just sin or sinful people that show it's the last days or else we could start all the way back to when Cain killed Able saying that was the "last days," but more that these twenty-one characteristics are so manifest that it's "normal." Timothy is told to turn away from these symptoms (not the people which verse five is not translated correctly). Most believers would agree that this perilous time will come to an end at some point and will not go on forever. Psalm 64 seems to be parallel with 2 Timothy 3:1-9 of the evil that goes on but will come to and end once God speaks and causes the evil men to fear Him and declare the works of the Lord (64:9). Read through all 21 characteristics and see how manifest they are around you? But let us stand on the promise that God will speak and end these wicked days.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
2 Timothy 2
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." v.15
Read chapter 2
Does studying scripture every seem like a jigsaw puzzle? Hard, confusing, contradictory, etc? There are many divisions in the Bible the are obvious to man: Old vs. New Testament, chapter breaks, time before and after fall of man, time before and after the world wide flood, time before and after Jesus died and rose from the dead. But there are many divisions that men today don't see or understand that then confuse the Word of God.
Read chapter 2
Does studying scripture every seem like a jigsaw puzzle? Hard, confusing, contradictory, etc? There are many divisions in the Bible the are obvious to man: Old vs. New Testament, chapter breaks, time before and after fall of man, time before and after the world wide flood, time before and after Jesus died and rose from the dead. But there are many divisions that men today don't see or understand that then confuse the Word of God.
"Now if there ever was a truth that needed to be known and understood today, it is this truth of right division...Only when we place every part of God’s Word into its proper context and place dispensationally and in the history of God and His workings with men, only then will we be able to understand everything that God has for us today, and how we fit into His works and His plans." -Bible Teacher Nathan Johnson
It reminds me of one time I was in science class dissecting a frog. I thought I cut through the head and had the clearest view of the brain, yet what really happened is I cut through the whole brain and was seeing the tongue. I did not correctly dissect which led to not seeing or understanding the right thing I was suppose to see.
Paul is urging Timothy to be diligent in rightly dividing the word of truth and this comes from studying scriptures, something never to be ashamed of, and understanding divisions of God's dealing with man. Why is it do you think that Divine healings aren't like back in the Acts period? Why is it that we don't see God wiping out nations like He did in the Old Testament? Why don't we hear God's voice like so many prophets did? Correct division of the truth will help answer many questions.
How can you dig in to rightly dividing the Word to questions you have?
How can you dig in to rightly dividing the Word to questions you have?
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
2 Timothy 1
"when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also." v.5
Read chapter 1
Two great women of the faith: Lois and Eunice. They were mother and daughter. Their grandson and son was Timothy. Three generations in that family had genuine faith after the Lord Jesus Christ. It's interesting that Paul doesn't mention Timothy's father. We see from Acts 16 that Timothy's father was a Greek, so didn't have the same belief not being a Jew or hearing and following the Way of Jesus. Timothy we know wasn't circumcised (Acts 16:3) which is one sign that his father didn't follow the law of Moses as most Jewish fathers would do to their son. Yet Lois and Eunice leave their stamp of faith on Timothy that he follows in. Most boys seem to follow in their father's footsteps, but this was more than just wanting to be like dad, this was genuine faith and truth that Timothy saw and learned from these two very influential women in his life- and that in his own family. We don't learn about these women other than here in scripture, it's not like they're in the faith hall of fame chapter of Hebrew 11, but the one sentence of scripture they're named in is a most honoring one. Motherhood is such an important job as it reflects on how your children choose to live and what to believe in. Don't just let your child hear about Jesus in church, live the life of faith in your home raising a child up in what the truth is and reflecting the faith you have or desire them to have. It's hard when both parents don't believe in the same god. How have you seen that hinder raising up children?
If you have children, how can you bring faith and truth into raising them up? How have you seen generations of the faith in your family pass down to generations? If you are the first in your family, how do you desire to continue it?
Read chapter 1
Two great women of the faith: Lois and Eunice. They were mother and daughter. Their grandson and son was Timothy. Three generations in that family had genuine faith after the Lord Jesus Christ. It's interesting that Paul doesn't mention Timothy's father. We see from Acts 16 that Timothy's father was a Greek, so didn't have the same belief not being a Jew or hearing and following the Way of Jesus. Timothy we know wasn't circumcised (Acts 16:3) which is one sign that his father didn't follow the law of Moses as most Jewish fathers would do to their son. Yet Lois and Eunice leave their stamp of faith on Timothy that he follows in. Most boys seem to follow in their father's footsteps, but this was more than just wanting to be like dad, this was genuine faith and truth that Timothy saw and learned from these two very influential women in his life- and that in his own family. We don't learn about these women other than here in scripture, it's not like they're in the faith hall of fame chapter of Hebrew 11, but the one sentence of scripture they're named in is a most honoring one. Motherhood is such an important job as it reflects on how your children choose to live and what to believe in. Don't just let your child hear about Jesus in church, live the life of faith in your home raising a child up in what the truth is and reflecting the faith you have or desire them to have. It's hard when both parents don't believe in the same god. How have you seen that hinder raising up children?
If you have children, how can you bring faith and truth into raising them up? How have you seen generations of the faith in your family pass down to generations? If you are the first in your family, how do you desire to continue it?
Monday, May 30, 2016
1 Timothy 6
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain." v.6
Read chapter 6
This world teaches us to never be content. To always want more. To never be fully satisfied. To have great gain you need money and power. Yet Christ says differently, the exact opposite really. "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we cannot bring anything out" (vv.6-7). We were born bringing nothing and when we die we can't take anything, even if one tries to be buried with certain possessions. Godliness is the only thing that will matter in the next life as God will remember and bring to account in the Kingdom.
Paul and Timothy most likely had many nights without a roof over their head and probably only one set of clothes, yet they were content knowing what they were gaining. Now this isn't to say you have to be poor for eternal gain, but rather to be content with what you have. If you have riches in this life don't feel guilty that you should have less, if you are middle class or poor don't strive all your days after being rich. Contentment in all matters of life whether money, clothing, singlehood, married/family life, house, car, friends, etc. What is something in your life that you are not content in and why? How can you see great gain in being content with what God has given you?
Read chapter 6
This world teaches us to never be content. To always want more. To never be fully satisfied. To have great gain you need money and power. Yet Christ says differently, the exact opposite really. "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we cannot bring anything out" (vv.6-7). We were born bringing nothing and when we die we can't take anything, even if one tries to be buried with certain possessions. Godliness is the only thing that will matter in the next life as God will remember and bring to account in the Kingdom.
Paul and Timothy most likely had many nights without a roof over their head and probably only one set of clothes, yet they were content knowing what they were gaining. Now this isn't to say you have to be poor for eternal gain, but rather to be content with what you have. If you have riches in this life don't feel guilty that you should have less, if you are middle class or poor don't strive all your days after being rich. Contentment in all matters of life whether money, clothing, singlehood, married/family life, house, car, friends, etc. What is something in your life that you are not content in and why? How can you see great gain in being content with what God has given you?
Sunday, May 29, 2016
1 Timothy 5
"Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine." v.17
Read chapter 5
How little respect and honor is given today for those that labor in the word and doctrine. Not just by unbelievers but by believers too. It seems to be one receives higher value by getting involved in service projects or church programs. Yet Paul says here that those who labor in the word are worthy of double honor. Studying scripture is not an easy thing, it requires work, just like weight lifting it's hard work but so good to the body (and mind). Those that study well the scriptures are then to teach others of what they find and lead others according to the way. The elders who rule were not just those in the religious circle for there wasn't separation of church and state then. The ruling elders made decisions on matter for both the religious, secular and the community. How can you show honor do those who labor in word and doctrine? How can you enjoy and desire the hard work of studying the scriptures?
Read chapter 5
How little respect and honor is given today for those that labor in the word and doctrine. Not just by unbelievers but by believers too. It seems to be one receives higher value by getting involved in service projects or church programs. Yet Paul says here that those who labor in the word are worthy of double honor. Studying scripture is not an easy thing, it requires work, just like weight lifting it's hard work but so good to the body (and mind). Those that study well the scriptures are then to teach others of what they find and lead others according to the way. The elders who rule were not just those in the religious circle for there wasn't separation of church and state then. The ruling elders made decisions on matter for both the religious, secular and the community. How can you show honor do those who labor in word and doctrine? How can you enjoy and desire the hard work of studying the scriptures?
Saturday, May 28, 2016
1 Timothy 4
"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." v.8
Read chapter 4
Today in age people are obsessed with working out. The weight loss industry is a $20 billion dollar industry from foods, to books, to workout videos and machines, etc. It consumes us, yet do we let Christ consume us more?
Exercise isn't a bad thing, it does profit us for health and vocations (i.e. landscaper, carpenter, mom, soldier). But physical exercise won't help us at all in the life to come when we have new bodies from God. In contrast godliness is profitable both for this life and the next. So what is godliness? The Greek word is eusebeia and could mean "devoutness" or the "true worship" of God. "True worship has to do with the opinion you really have of God, the value you truly judge Him at, the worth He truly has to you, and the value you truly place upon Him. When we through reading and coming to a greater understanding of the Scriptures grow in appreciation for Who God is and what He has done and our hearts are lifted up in appreciation towards Him for these things, this is real and true worship before God"(Bible Teacher Nathan Johnson). What part of life couldn't benefit from godliness?
How much time do you spend working out your body verses how much time do you spending working out your faith? Now I don't want to get confused with works based mindset that the more good things you do the better person you are, it's how fit your soul is becoming.
Read chapter 4
Today in age people are obsessed with working out. The weight loss industry is a $20 billion dollar industry from foods, to books, to workout videos and machines, etc. It consumes us, yet do we let Christ consume us more?
Exercise isn't a bad thing, it does profit us for health and vocations (i.e. landscaper, carpenter, mom, soldier). But physical exercise won't help us at all in the life to come when we have new bodies from God. In contrast godliness is profitable both for this life and the next. So what is godliness? The Greek word is eusebeia and could mean "devoutness" or the "true worship" of God. "True worship has to do with the opinion you really have of God, the value you truly judge Him at, the worth He truly has to you, and the value you truly place upon Him. When we through reading and coming to a greater understanding of the Scriptures grow in appreciation for Who God is and what He has done and our hearts are lifted up in appreciation towards Him for these things, this is real and true worship before God"(Bible Teacher Nathan Johnson). What part of life couldn't benefit from godliness?
How much time do you spend working out your body verses how much time do you spending working out your faith? Now I don't want to get confused with works based mindset that the more good things you do the better person you are, it's how fit your soul is becoming.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)