Let’s continue with Paul’s instructions to young Timothy: “Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness – all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word and deed. [And aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace – which is harmony and concord with others – in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. But refuse – shut your mind against, have nothing to do with trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels. And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome – fighting and contending. Instead he must be kindly to every one and mild-tempered – preserving the bond of peace; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong. He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth – that is, that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it, And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God’s] will.” II Timothy 2: 22-26, Amplified.
This same passage in God’s Word for the Nations, goes like this: “Stay away from lusts which tempt young people. Pursue what has God's approval. Pursue faith, love, and peace together with those who worship the Lord with a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. You know they cause quarrels. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel. Instead, he must be kind to everyone. He must be a good teacher. He must be willing to suffer wrong. He must be gentle in correcting those who oppose the Good News. Maybe God will allow them to change the way they think and act and lead them to know the truth. Then they might come back to their senses and God will free them from the devil's snare so that they can do his will.” II Timothy 2:22-26.
In writing this epistle to Timothy, Paul was keenly aware that Timothy needed to study and know God’s Word in order to minister to others and to stand firm against unrighteous temptations and behaviors. It was imperative that Timothy have this divine illumination guiding his personal life and his ministry. He needed to teach these same principles to others and set a good example, even as a young man. Paul instructs Timothy in effective servant leadership, knowing that this is the example set by Christ, Himself. Several times, Paul refers to knowing and doing God’s will and the key to revelation knowledge of God’s will, of course, is knowledge of the Truth of God’s Word. In verse 25 Paul says, “so that they may know the truth.” So here we see it again, the Truth is found in the Word of God and knowledge of God’s Word will help us stay on God’s righteous path, illuminating the way, helping us recognize and avoid the snare of the devil. As I said before he, (the devil), has a plan, or we may call it a plot, for our lives. But following the ways of our Lord, as clearly defined in His Word, will help us avoid his snares and even captivity.
In the Bible, there are many terms used to refer to God’s Word, such as “precepts,” and “statutes.” One of the most common is “law,” the Jewish name for Pentateuch, which consists of the first five books of the Old Testament. “Law/s” appears 318 times in the Old Testament and 219 times in the New Testament.
The word “law” is found many times in Proverbs, the “Book of Wisdom.” That is because wisdom from God is imbedded in His Word. Proverbs 3 is a good illustration of the value, wisdom and benefits of allowing the Law to direct one’s path.
This passage begins, “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to your life.” Proverbs 3:1. One may say, “This appears to be a father speaking to his son about the house hold rules.” Well, it is more than just a man’s rules as this proverb uses a common literary approach. The commentary for this verse, given in the Spirit Filled Life Bible, helps to clarify: “The Law (Torah), the Jewish Pentateuch, and meaning basically ‘teaching,’ is the foundation of righteousness. The expression “my law,” assuming it is still the parent speaking, implies the more personal principles of the house hold -- close to those of God, but with detailed application.”
Already, in verse one we see a father figure extolling the value of remembering and keeping these statutes, bringing the resulting benefits: “length of days and long life, and peace.” He continues: “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 2-6. The writer goes on for many more verses declaring the value of righteous living and the rewards that come as a result. See the invaluable benefits of walking on the righteous path that is directed by godly precepts: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. Happy is the man who finds wisdom. And the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; by His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew.”
“My son, let them not depart from your eyes -- Keep sound wisdom and discretion; so they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.”
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake. Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.”
“Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; for the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.” Proverbs 3: 7-35 NKJV
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
PART 2: A Lamp - Continued -If you're reading my blog for the first time or have never read my previous posts, I recommend starting at the beginning.
As John 1:4-5 states, Jesus “was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” When Jesus came into the world, a light that mankind had not yet known, came into the world. That is the light that illuminates the way. John goes on to elaborate in verses 6-17: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will or the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” and of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
With words like these and the evidences of the consequences faced by our Hebrew brethren not walking in the Light God provided, why are so many believers so indifferent to God’s Word? Why is such a small percentage really studying His Truths? Paul’s instructions to Timothy stand good for all believers. He said, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15. Most of us who were in Sunday School as children memorized this verse, but we were either not taught what it meant or where not paying much attention to the teacher. The latter was probably my own case. Some part of that principle must have been planted in my spirit though, because I can recall that even in high school and college, I respected my Bible and did some semi regular “devotional” type reading of it. I even thought about and had some desire to read through the whole thing and get into systematic study. But, in reality, it seems that cares of the world and the desire to have fun took higher priority. My flesh was stronger than my spirit and it is no wonder since my lifestyle was nurturing my flesh more than my spirit. Gratefully, by my mid 20’s, I began to hunger for more of its Truth and started into actual study. By that time I had two small sons and I wanted them to have a relationship with Christ and walk in the light of God’s Word. How could I expect them to honor God and His Word if I did not do so myself? I really wanted to be a godly mother for them and to set a good example. And besides, in my spirit, I just knew there was food there that I needed to satisfy my own hungry soul and living water to quench my thirst and guidance to light my path that often seemed crooked.
So what is Paul saying to young Timothy? Paul is telling him to study, just as the Holy Spirit was telling me to study. What would Timothy study but God’s Word? At that time, it would be the Old Testament. Paul was also likely referring to his own prior instructions to Timothy, his protégé and student. The word “study,” (Strong’s #4704) in the Greek, is “spoudazo,” meaning “to make effort, be prompt or earnest: do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labor, study.” So Paul is telling Timothy that he needs to continually study -- the verb is a present imperative meaning that this is to be Timothy’s regular practice. Timothy is to continue in regular, serious study of Scriptures with diligence and effort so that he can please God and be knowledgeable, as an example of Christ, before others. This should be the heart’s desire of every one of us who calls ourselves “Christian.”
Most of us have embarrassed ourselves while trying to discuss some Truth or fact from Scripture when we ourselves, and those listening, came to the conclusion that either we did not have enough knowledge, or we simply did not know what we were talking about. I have been there more times than I care to think about and do not like finding myself in that position. It is through study as well as seeking God in prayer that we can avert these incidences of embarrassment. This is not saying that we will have all wisdom and all the answers. But we will know our God well enough and walk in step with Him on that illuminated path and closely enough to Him that we will have the right words to say, with genuine authority and power as well as wisdom to say, “I don’t know” when appropriate, as well. Another important component to having and gaining biblical knowledge and wisdom is that of being a part of a good Bible based church fellowship. The value of sitting under good, sound teaching and preaching is beyond measure. We are never too old or “mature” for Sunday School or Bible study groups. This small group systematic study, as well as the personal accountability that generally comes with it, helps us do as instructed and exampled in God’s Word. “Iron sharpens iron” and we need it!
The Amplified version, starting with verse 14, says: “Remind [the people] of these facts, and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers. Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing -- rightly handling and skillfully teaching – the Word of Truth.” II Tim. 2:14-15. I want to interject one point here. These verses, v.15 in particular, should be especially meaningful to, and taken to heart by, anyone who God calls to be a teacher. For the teacher, this verse contains the heart of his or her ministry gift. All believers are to study and understand God’s Word, but the teacher will be held to a higher level of accountability in this regard. Teaching the Holy Scriptures to others is a high privilege and a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly.
This does not let those, without the teacher gift/calling, completely off the hook, because every person has a teacher type influence on someone – our own family members as well as those we encounter in the market place.
Let us continue with this passage: “But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. And their teaching [will devour; it] will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have missed the mark and swerved from the truth by arguing that the resurrection has already taken place. They are undermining the faith of some. But the firm foundation [laid by] God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription): The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let every one who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. [Num.16:5; Isa. 26:13.]” II Tim. 2:16-19.
Like Timothy, we should “avoid godless chatter” (NIV) --- “profane and idle babblings” (NKJV) --- and adhere to the Word of Truth. How can we if we do not know the difference? Here is a very simplistic example -- “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” It appears that a vast number of people have been told and really believe that those words are Scripture. Though good hygiene is a desirable thing, this is not a quote from the Bible. Believing that it is, reflects ignorance of God’s Word.
Jack Hayford comments on II Timothy 2:15: “The Bible -- God’s inspired Word -- is the only conclusive source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding concerning ultimate realities. It is a fountainhead of freeing truth (John 8:32) and a gold mine of practical principles (Ps. 19:10), waiting to liberate and/or enrich the person who will pursue its truth and wealth. Thus, Paul’s instruction to “be diligent … a worker” has been applied by serious Christians through the centuries as a directive to study the Word of God. The only way to healthy, balanced living is through the ‘rightly dividing’ (Greek orthotomounta, literally, ‘cutting straight’) of God’s Word. Such correct, straight-on application of God’s Word is the result of diligent study. The test calls us beyond casual approaches to the Scriptures, telling us to refuse to suit the Bible to our own convenience or ideology.”
“In his earlier words (I Tim. 4:13) Paul also told Timothy, ‘Give attention to reading [God’s Word],’ but now he emphasizes studying like a ‘worker’ (from Greek ergon—‘toil, effort’). Ps. 119:11 urges memorizing of the Word of God as a mighty deterrent against sin. Memorizing the Scripture also provides an immediate availability of God’s ‘words’ as a sword, ready in witnessing and effective in spiritual warfare (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). (Is. 55:10,11/ 2 Tim.3:16).” Jack Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Bible, Kingdom Dynamics, p. 1854.
With words like these and the evidences of the consequences faced by our Hebrew brethren not walking in the Light God provided, why are so many believers so indifferent to God’s Word? Why is such a small percentage really studying His Truths? Paul’s instructions to Timothy stand good for all believers. He said, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15. Most of us who were in Sunday School as children memorized this verse, but we were either not taught what it meant or where not paying much attention to the teacher. The latter was probably my own case. Some part of that principle must have been planted in my spirit though, because I can recall that even in high school and college, I respected my Bible and did some semi regular “devotional” type reading of it. I even thought about and had some desire to read through the whole thing and get into systematic study. But, in reality, it seems that cares of the world and the desire to have fun took higher priority. My flesh was stronger than my spirit and it is no wonder since my lifestyle was nurturing my flesh more than my spirit. Gratefully, by my mid 20’s, I began to hunger for more of its Truth and started into actual study. By that time I had two small sons and I wanted them to have a relationship with Christ and walk in the light of God’s Word. How could I expect them to honor God and His Word if I did not do so myself? I really wanted to be a godly mother for them and to set a good example. And besides, in my spirit, I just knew there was food there that I needed to satisfy my own hungry soul and living water to quench my thirst and guidance to light my path that often seemed crooked.
So what is Paul saying to young Timothy? Paul is telling him to study, just as the Holy Spirit was telling me to study. What would Timothy study but God’s Word? At that time, it would be the Old Testament. Paul was also likely referring to his own prior instructions to Timothy, his protégé and student. The word “study,” (Strong’s #4704) in the Greek, is “spoudazo,” meaning “to make effort, be prompt or earnest: do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labor, study.” So Paul is telling Timothy that he needs to continually study -- the verb is a present imperative meaning that this is to be Timothy’s regular practice. Timothy is to continue in regular, serious study of Scriptures with diligence and effort so that he can please God and be knowledgeable, as an example of Christ, before others. This should be the heart’s desire of every one of us who calls ourselves “Christian.”
Most of us have embarrassed ourselves while trying to discuss some Truth or fact from Scripture when we ourselves, and those listening, came to the conclusion that either we did not have enough knowledge, or we simply did not know what we were talking about. I have been there more times than I care to think about and do not like finding myself in that position. It is through study as well as seeking God in prayer that we can avert these incidences of embarrassment. This is not saying that we will have all wisdom and all the answers. But we will know our God well enough and walk in step with Him on that illuminated path and closely enough to Him that we will have the right words to say, with genuine authority and power as well as wisdom to say, “I don’t know” when appropriate, as well. Another important component to having and gaining biblical knowledge and wisdom is that of being a part of a good Bible based church fellowship. The value of sitting under good, sound teaching and preaching is beyond measure. We are never too old or “mature” for Sunday School or Bible study groups. This small group systematic study, as well as the personal accountability that generally comes with it, helps us do as instructed and exampled in God’s Word. “Iron sharpens iron” and we need it!
The Amplified version, starting with verse 14, says: “Remind [the people] of these facts, and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers. Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing -- rightly handling and skillfully teaching – the Word of Truth.” II Tim. 2:14-15. I want to interject one point here. These verses, v.15 in particular, should be especially meaningful to, and taken to heart by, anyone who God calls to be a teacher. For the teacher, this verse contains the heart of his or her ministry gift. All believers are to study and understand God’s Word, but the teacher will be held to a higher level of accountability in this regard. Teaching the Holy Scriptures to others is a high privilege and a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly.
This does not let those, without the teacher gift/calling, completely off the hook, because every person has a teacher type influence on someone – our own family members as well as those we encounter in the market place.
Let us continue with this passage: “But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. And their teaching [will devour; it] will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have missed the mark and swerved from the truth by arguing that the resurrection has already taken place. They are undermining the faith of some. But the firm foundation [laid by] God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription): The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let every one who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. [Num.16:5; Isa. 26:13.]” II Tim. 2:16-19.
Like Timothy, we should “avoid godless chatter” (NIV) --- “profane and idle babblings” (NKJV) --- and adhere to the Word of Truth. How can we if we do not know the difference? Here is a very simplistic example -- “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” It appears that a vast number of people have been told and really believe that those words are Scripture. Though good hygiene is a desirable thing, this is not a quote from the Bible. Believing that it is, reflects ignorance of God’s Word.
Jack Hayford comments on II Timothy 2:15: “The Bible -- God’s inspired Word -- is the only conclusive source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding concerning ultimate realities. It is a fountainhead of freeing truth (John 8:32) and a gold mine of practical principles (Ps. 19:10), waiting to liberate and/or enrich the person who will pursue its truth and wealth. Thus, Paul’s instruction to “be diligent … a worker” has been applied by serious Christians through the centuries as a directive to study the Word of God. The only way to healthy, balanced living is through the ‘rightly dividing’ (Greek orthotomounta, literally, ‘cutting straight’) of God’s Word. Such correct, straight-on application of God’s Word is the result of diligent study. The test calls us beyond casual approaches to the Scriptures, telling us to refuse to suit the Bible to our own convenience or ideology.”
“In his earlier words (I Tim. 4:13) Paul also told Timothy, ‘Give attention to reading [God’s Word],’ but now he emphasizes studying like a ‘worker’ (from Greek ergon—‘toil, effort’). Ps. 119:11 urges memorizing of the Word of God as a mighty deterrent against sin. Memorizing the Scripture also provides an immediate availability of God’s ‘words’ as a sword, ready in witnessing and effective in spiritual warfare (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). (Is. 55:10,11/ 2 Tim.3:16).” Jack Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Bible, Kingdom Dynamics, p. 1854.
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