Opposing Sides

2 Tim 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

From his dungeon location, Paul continues to urge Timothy to protect the delivery of God’s Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Having established how important it is for each generation to share the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and how He has impacted their lives, Paul now turns to the subject of truth – and protecting the essence of truth.

Do not be taken in by “foolish and ignorant disputes,” Paul writes, recognizing the danger which may come from divisions of opinion about how to apply truth, and how avoiding the whole of God’s Word can and will cause great differences of opinion about a statement from God’s Word.

We often say that, “a text without context is the basis for pretext,” and this seems to be what Paul is arguing here. To Timothy: “Never allow God’s Word to be used as a weapon to deceive or to confuse.”

Who would do such a thing?

Satan, working through people, even people in the ‘church.’ Paul names them without reservation. “Hymenaeus and Philetus – and – this sort.” This will not be a singular instance, but a recurring theme in the history of the church. Hymenaeus and Philetus are only mentioned as types of those who will follow, and they are mentioned as types to be avoided at all cost – because of the cost – for the real harm they do to those who are in the process of making a decision for Christ, or walking by faith following Christ.

The strange doctrines which have entered the church without Biblical support have done harm because they always appeal to the flesh. The flesh is the LAST thing which needs to be exalted in the church.  

-  Pastor Bill

Carry It Forward

2 Tim 2:1 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. 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. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

It has been well-said that Biblical Christianity is one generation away from completely disappearing. It has always been this way.

The world is passing away, its inhabitants are dying, and there is one thin line standing between humanity and eternal life in hell.

This is the calling of the generation of Christians alive on the earth right now. Unless we carry the Gospel forward, it will die out completely from the face of the earth. That is an amazing responsibility.

It is also a wonderful opportunity – especially since we know it is Jesus Who has entrusted us with this amazing work!

The question is: How are we doing? Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ being carried forward in this world? How is the church doing? How is the family doing? How are you doing?

If you were left as the ONLY one upon whom the entire future of the Gospel of Jesus depended – what would that look like? Would the Gospel be carried forward?

This may sound awesome and terrifying, but in a sense, it is true. How the Gospel is carried forward DOES depend upon me, (and Christ alive in me of course - as He is the One accomplishing the work.)

For the Gospel to be carried forward in my family, I am chiefly responsible. For the Gospel to be carried forward with my classmates, I am chiefly responsible. For the Gospel to be carried forward in my workplace, I am chiefly responsible. I am that thin line between those I have relationship with and eternity

Isn’t it both amazing and wonderful that with all the resources and power available to Jesus, He has specifically chosen me for this work? Paul says, “Remember Jesus died for you and has been raised from the dead.” This memory will propel you always.

-  Pastor Bill

Unashamed

2 Timothy 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who 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 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day--and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.

Glory is always difficult to achieve, and requires learning, diligence, and faithfulness.

Sometimes people are willing and able to learn, and sometimes people can be very diligent for a period of time. But faithfulness can flee when shame becomes involved.

Any time you make yourself different you make yourself visible, because people notice what is different more than they notice what is common.

Anyone who has been walking in and with the world, and then suddenly receives Jesus Christ will stand out. Paul stood out. Timothy stood out. If you have received Christ, YOU stand out.

Paul is saying, “Once you stand out, stand up!” And that’s the hardest part - to stand out, and to stand up - and to be unashamed about it. Embarrassment is a powerful weapon in our enemy’s hand, and he wields it against anyone willing to take a stand for Jesus Christ.

Fortunately, we have a powerful example to follow after. Can you imagine the shame Jesus felt as He was tried, and judged, and stripped, and beaten, and spit upon, and killed? The Bible tells us Jesus despised that shame. (The same way I would have.) But in spite of the shame, Jesus went to the cross – looking beyond the cross to see me. And, in spite of that shame Jesus stood up for God’s Word and God’s plan – for my life.

In this world, some will fall away. Maybe even most will. Denial comes much easier than standing up in the midst of shame. But when you choose to stand for Christ, you no longer are the one who bears that shame because Jesus already has.

-  Pastor Bill

Fear Not

2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 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. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who 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 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

You can almost feel Paul’s aching heart as he writes Timothy this second letter. It is now a few years following his first letter to Timothy, and we see much has changed.

When Paul was first at Rome, he was held under house arrest, and he had many opportunities to visit and share the Gospel with all those who came to see him. (He was allowed to see visitors freely.) The newly-presented “good news” was being investigated and received, and Paul’s ministry had life, even if in a vastly different form than he may have had as a traveling missionary. But he was making the best of a bad situation. (Some even believe Paul witnessed to Emperor Nero, as he would certainly have appeared before him for trial, and it is difficult to imagine Paul not sharing the gospel.)

At some point Paul was released from prison, but then as Nero went mad, Paul was re-arrested, and this time he was held alone, chained in a dank dungeon. This is where Paul writes Timothy from, and it is important to understand this as we study this letter. Here is the great evangelist of the world at the end of his service, and at the end of his life. This would be his last recorded word.

It is in this environment Paul’s faith receives its final test, as he is abandoned by all his friends save for Onesiphorus. Paul’s last words to Timothy are meant as encouragement. “Fear not,” he writes. “In Christ, we have no need to fear, because no matter where we are…perfect love casts out fear.”

The promise of immortality from life-giving Christ is more than the sentence of death from death-giving man. Fear not indeed!

-  Pastor Bill

Contentment

1 Timothy 6:1 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. 2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3 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, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 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. 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul writes, (Phil 4:11,) …”I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”

  

When we speak of contentment, what are we talking about? More importantly - what is Paul talking about?

If you were to ask the “man on the street” about contentment, they would most likely link their ‘contentment’ to a sense of personal happiness based upon fulfillment provided by external forces, be it finances and personal possessions or relationships. In other words, my contentment is based on the status of my stuff, or how much I enjoy my job, or how satisfied I am with my current relationships. We might also add the peace of the nation and the health of our nation’s economy to the list.

All these are fluctuating factors we really have no control over. Thus, most people, and maybe more than most, lack contentment. It is elusive. You may have it for a moment – but it always seems to escape our grasp.

Paul teaches contentment as a “learned” blessing. But, can contentment be learned?

The simple answer is: Yes, contentment can be learned. But how? How can we ‘learn’ to hang on to something so elusive? The whole world seeks happiness, and none have it.

True contentment BEGINS with fulfillment. Fulfillment is the end of emptiness to such an extent we are never empty again. And when we are fully filled, the thought of emptiness never enters our hearts again.

There is an emptiness in the human heart which can only be filled with Jesus Christ. This is God’s design. It cannot be contradicted no matter how hard or how often we try. Only Jesus can fill the human heart with eternal gladness and peace. When I learn of Jesus, I learn and know contentment from the inside-out, and nothing from the outside can take that away. All it takes to learn of this contentment is to believe.

 -  Pastor Bill