Part 2: A LAMP - Continued -

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