2 Timothy, Chapter 2
© Copyright 2001 Darroll Evans, all rights
reserved
2 Timothy 2: 1 Thou therefore, my son, be
strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Paul continues his display of affection for
Timothy by writing, "Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is
in Christ Jesus."
How does one do that?
First, let me offer an alternative
translation.
"Therefore, my son, be invigorated, energized, and strengthened
in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
Why would I make that small change?
We cannot be strong in grace because we have
nothing to do with the giving or continuance of grace.
Grace is a gift
independent of the moral strength of the recipient.
However, knowing that God's grace shall not
be withdrawn from us is spiritually invigorating.
God invigorates and energizes physically and
spiritually us through His power.
2 Timothy 2:2 And
the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit
thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Paul goes on with his instruction to Timothy.
"Entrust to faithful men the things,
which you have heard about me from many witnesses. So that, who will be able to
teach others also."
Timothy had been a witness to many things
Paul taught, but he had no doubt heard many more things.
He was commissioned to teach what he knew to
others so that they may in turn teach others.
Education is a wonderful thing.
The cycle is this: Others teach us so that we
may teach others, and that they, in turn, may teach others.
Timothy had not only sat at Paul's feet as
was the educational custom of that day, but he knew others that had the same
opportunity.
Each generation teaches another generation.
Paul was calling upon Timothy to distribute
the accumulated knowledge of his experiences and those of others.
His accumulated knowledge consisted no only of theory, but also of practical knowledge in the
power of Christ.
Unless theory is put into practice it is of
little value.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 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.
Paul told Timothy to "endure
hardness," or suffer hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
We too are soldiers for Christ.
We should be willing to shoulder the
responsibility to tell others about God' love as expressed through Christ
Jesus.
If we do that we shall meet opposition.
Even in
2 Timothy 2: 5-6
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he
not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first
partaker of the fruits.
The Greek word translated
"masteries" is where we get the English word athletics.
In his writing, Paul often makes reference to
athletics.
Here Paul is saying that if a person wished
to train for an athletic competition, he does not win unless he competes
legitimately.
He says that one does not win by defrauding
another.
What does that have to do with Christianity?
I fear that many pretenders are now living in
the midst of the Church.
They are trying to reap the benefits of God's
love without being chosen.
Let me tell you a story.
In the Bible (Matthew 22) there is a story of
a king that invited his friends to a wedding.
Each in turn made an excuse and declined the
invitation.
Then, the King sent his servants to bring
those many that were not originally invited to come to the wedding. You have no
doubt heard the story.
The wedding was a marvelous success because
of so many attended.
However, there is something at the end of
that story that is seldom used in a sermon.
Let's look at section.
Matthew 22:11-14
11 And when the king came in to see the guests,
he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And
he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take
him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing
of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
The king came to see all that had been
admitted to the feast.
He saw one man that had come in but failed to
get the proper attire.
The attire was given for the asking.
It was not denied to those that ask.
Yet, here was one who wanted to eat at the
feast, but was not willing to ask for the proper attire.
That one man represents a multitude of
parishioners in today's Church.
Christ Jesus said, "You must be born
again!"
He did not mean that to be an option.
The “invitation” given to the disciples,
“Follow me!”
Was not an invitation!
It was a command!
In turn, we too are commanded!
And yet, thousands of supposed Christians are
opposed to being born again.
They may attend Church, but they are not
followers of Christ.
God does not deny those that sincerely ask.
However, He does not give to those that
refuse to ask!
Paul then moves from athletics to
agriculture.
Those that teach the gospel are sharecroppers
with Christ.
A sharecropper rightfully receives his fair
share from what he grows.
That is how he/she lives.
Any Church that does not adequately provide
for its minister needs to close its doors.
The term "adequately" is determined
by mutual agreement between the minister and the parishioners.
On the other side, ministers that only seek
material wealth need to get a 9-5 job and quit fooling the Church.
They may be ordained by a denomination, but
they are not men or women of God.
2 Timothy 2:7 Consider
what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Paul then gives the secret to Bible study.
He reminds Timothy to meditate on what he has
said, and the Lord will give understanding.
How often do you read the Bible without
taking time to meditate upon what you read?
I fear most of us do
it that way, and the results are a weak and unknowledgeable Church.
I recently read of a poll in which fully one
third of freshmen at a "religious" (Christian) college in
Just because a person is born in
That person may belong to the American
Heathen Denomination, and need not be a follower of Christ.
2 Timothy 2: 8-9
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even
unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Paul reminds Timothy, and those that would
read this letter that Jesus Christ is a descendent of King David, and that He
had risen from the dead according to the gospel Paul preached.
Do you know that most heathen in
Let me be bold!
It is my opinion that most Orthodox Jews
believe in the resurrection of Jesus, but due to peer pressure will not
publicly admit it!
Many years ago, I was watching an Orthodox
Jewish TV program.
The rabbi referred to the time "the Messiah RETURNS."
Was it a slip of the tongue or spoken from
the heart?
Orthodox Judaism believes in two Messiahs.
Ha Messhiach ben Joseph, the suffering servant of Isaiah, and Ha Messhiach ben David, the
conquering King.
Jesus Christ came as the suffering servant.
Christ Jesus shall return as the conquering
King.
Jesus' earthly father was "Joseph."
Friends, we are not discussing rocket
science.
Jesus was from the lineage of David.
One day, all
Because he preached the GOOD NEWS and people
wanted to hear the bad news,
Paul suffered many indignities.
If you take the words of life to a lost
world, you too shall suffer.
When we take the gospel to the lost world, be
reminded that "the word of God is not bound."
Indeed it cannot be bound, and our freedom is
found in the freedom of the word of God.
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all
things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is
in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
For the sake of the gospel and those chosen
to believe the Truth Paul endured all those indignities.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not
believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom
they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a
preacher?
Those that do not believe in or practice
evangelism are doing injustice to the gospel.
God appointed us to carry the gospel to
others just as others carried it to us.
It is my private opinion that those who do
not engage in some form of evangelism are NOT Christians at all, but just
social pretenders.
2 Timothy 2:11-13
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live
with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will
deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he
cannot deny himself.
What Paul is writing to Timothy is completely
trustworthy.
And that trustworthy statement is this: If we
died with Christ, we shall live, co-exist, and continue in life with Him.
The Greek text indicates that we shall live
in complete co-existence with Christ Jesus.
Do you understand the power that shall be
delegated to the siblings of Christ in the ages to come?
Paul goes on, if we suffer patiently, remain
faithful under misfortunes and trials, and continue firm we shall also reign with Him.
"We shall reign with Him" implies
that we shall have great honor and humanly unknowable joy as we reign with
Christ.
However, Paul was a Jew and Jewish Biblical
writers almost always add a negative side to anything they write.
In this case, he writes that if we deny
Christ by disregarding his offer of life, He will, in turn, deny us in the
next.
This ruling is a reward.
Our endurance does not affect our salvation,
because our salvation is not based in us but in Christ.
The endurance spoken of here affects our
rewards in Christ.
Now back to the good stuff.
The Greek text says that if we do not
believe, His faithfulness abides because He cannot deny Himself.
It is impossible to teach the fullness of
that statement without coming into conflict with mainstream, orthodox
Christianity.
I guess that I cannot let this go without a
thought or two.
Our faith is not saving faith. Christ's faith
is!
Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah
64:6).
The Hebrew indicates that our righteousness
is similar to soiled clothing.
We are not party to a covenant! Instead, we are the result of a covenant!
The Old Covenant did not work because it was
between God and man, and man cannot fulfill his portion of the covenant!
The New Covenant is between God the Father
and God the Son!
The faithfulness of man is not an issue!
We have life due to the faithfulness of God
the Son, Christ Jesus!
When we become unfaithful, He remains
faithful, because He cannot deny Himself!
Psalms 2:7-8
7 I will declare the
decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I
begotten thee.
8 Ask
of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine
inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
In Ps 2:8, God the Father promises
to give the heathen to His Son, He promises the Goyim to Him!
You and I are the Goyim, the
heathen Gentiles promised to Christ Jesus, the Son of God!
Our righteousness is not the
issue, His is!
*Go back and re-read the section dealing with
the man who went to the wedding without the proper clothing (vv. 5-6).
Our faith is useless in gaining salvation.
We must learn to rely on Christ.
Salvation is by grace though faith plus
nothing.
It is the work of God!
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is
not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we
might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the
law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own
righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of
Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
It is Christ's faith working in us that
brings us salvation!
2 Timothy 2:14 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.
Paul tells Timothy that he has reminded his
charges and should keep on reminding them not to fuss about words.
Such disagreements are of little value, and
according to the Greek text, they cause apostasy among the hearers---those that
give them credence.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth.
This verse contains one of the more
frequently used phrases in Christianity that is also is, perhaps, the least
understood.
Paul says "study," be persistent in
the word so that you might present yourself "approved unto God," a
person of integrity before God.
The Greek word translated
"approved" indicates a person that has stood the test of time in
dealings with God.
It was used in relation to honest
moneychangers.
We should be workmen who need not be ashamed
of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We should accurately teach the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:16-17a
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness.
17a And their word will eat as doth a canker:
We are to "shun," or avoid profane
and vain babblings.
In the English, the meaning is not clearly
expressed.
We are not to take part in those exchanges.
Instead we are to be a disinterested "by
stander," or turn our backs on such.
The Greek word translated "profane"
speaks of common, or ungodly communication.
"Vain babblings" points to
fruitless discussions.
Such fruitless debate will drive us toward,
or beat us into submission to wickedness.
The value of these Greek words used goes far
beyond what I have presented.
Such unfruitful talk will eat away at our
faithfulness to God as a "canker," an open ulcerous gangrene
infection that gnaws away at the flesh.
It is not a pretty picture.
2 Timothy 2:17b-18
17b of whom is Hymenaeus
and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past
already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Hymenaeus and Philetus were two such
that participated in such exchanges, and it led them into spiritual error.
Many have followed them into like error of
false teaching.
The specific error they proclaimed was that
the resurrection had already happened.
That teaching upset many of the babes in the
faith.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation
of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every
one that nameth the name of Christ depart from
iniquity.
Did that mean that they and the "upset
ones," or those with overthrown faith were lost again?
Absolutely not!
What is this foundation?
Ephesians 2:19-20
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of
God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself
being the chief corner stone;
The Foundation or substructure is built
first.
The Apostles and prophets were called first.
Then, the rest of us.
Christ is the cornerstone.
It is from the Cornerstone that the rest of
the building gains its direction and purpose.
The
Notice that the foundation has a seal.
That seal is the Holy Spirit.
He keeps all Building materials safe from
harm.
Many will intimate that we are not sealed
that we may fall from grace at the slightest hint of indiscretion.
Let me be blunt.
That is a satanic lie!
Those that want to crucify Christ Jesus
afresh on an hourly basis are among some of the more religious folks in the
world.
However, they are not Christians.
Christians do not doubt Christ's saving
power.
Paul goes on the tell Timothy, "The
Lord, Christ Jesus knows those that are his."
We were not called and appointed by
happenstance.
Christ Jesus knows what he is doing.
We have been called into a freedom that most
people cannot understand.
Romans 8:1-2
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the
law of sin and death.
That is beyond all mental gymnastics and may
only be absorbed spiritually be the called-out ones at the times of their
calling.
Prior to their call to freedom even the
called-out ones cannot understand.
Because we are called and appointed, we
should join with the Holy Spirit in its rejection of sin.
Sin and its resulting death are no longer our
destiny.
We have been called and appointed to liberty
and life IN Christ Jesus.
There is another foundation that holds up the
Church.
That foundation is the basis for Christian
doctrine.
Hebrews 6:1-2
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and
of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection
of the dead, and of eternal [eonian] judgment.
To write adequately about these would take a
book.
Instead, let me recommend a book by Carl Langlois, Foundations I © Dr. Carl A. Langlois
1988, 1993.
You make obtain a copy by writing to him.
Present Truth Ministries, Inc.
Southeastern Office
POB 211113
2 Timothy 2: 20-24
20 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 honour,
and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he
shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet
for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity,
peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid,
knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men,
apt to teach, patient,
He then tells Timothy that in a large,
well-furnished home there are not only formal place settings and dishes, but
also common dishes and utensils.
Some are for special occasions.
Some are for "every day" use.
If any person cleanses him/herself from these
things, he/she will be a vessel for honor, and thereby useful to the Master.
But, how does a person cleanse him/herself?
If you believe in Christ you have been
cleansed.
However, Satan believes and trembles in
un-cleansed fear.
Belief and obedience work together.
True belief brings on obedience!
Jesus gave us the answer when he said,
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things
which I say?"
Belief without obedience is rejection of
Christ.
Too many supposed Christians think that
Christianity carries with it no responsibility.
Indeed it does, and all true believers are
obedient to Christ, pretenders are not.
Pretenders when confronted with obedience
will cry, "Legalism!"
If you are truly led by the Holy Spirit, you
shall be led into obedience.
The Holy Spirit does not lead us into
disobedience.
Such a notion is contrary to all in the
father and the Son!
It is also contrary to Paul’s teaching.
Ephesians 2:10---For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Have you ever watched a cable TV shopping
program?
The other day one of the personalities was
selling a "simulated" gem.
It was not fake or imitation.
It was "simulated."
All too often those sitting in a Church
sanctuary are "simulated" Christians.
Paul then counsels Timothy to flee from
youthful lusts.
He told Timothy to pursue righteousness,
faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Timothy is to avoid moron-ish
and uneducated debate that do nothing but produce combative situations.
Perhaps we should follow that advice.
The fact is that the Lord's servants must not
be contentious.
We should be mild mannered toward all, and
able to teach mercifulness because we have received mercy.
2 Timothy 2:25-26
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure
will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who
are taken captive by him at his will.
We are to teach those that are living in
opposition to Christ, because God may call them out of darkness into the light
of Jesus.
Notice that verse 25 says, "will give
them repentance."
It is God that gives us the desire and
ability to repent of our sins.
Our "free will" has nothing to do
with His decision to lead us into the light.
Verse 26 says, "And that they may
recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who
are taken captive by him at his will."
The Greek text indicates that they may return
to sobriety from the seductions of the devil into which all men have fallen.
The last part of verse 26 is demanding of our
understanding of God's plan.
It refers to those "who are taken
captive by him at his will."
Your human will cannot withstand Satan's
will.
If given the choice between good and evil,
unrepentant men will always choose evil.
One controversy is in the phrase "by him
at his will."
It seems to be straight forward, but look
again.
It seems that both "him" and
"his" refer to Satan until you put it in the context of verse 25,
"if God peradventure will give them repentance."
This may be confusing.
If we are not at a specific time called into
God’s protective will, does that mean that we are subject to Satan because of
God’s will?
God calls us out of darkness!
We do not and cannot, by our own free will,
decide to walk into the light of Christ.
Repentance is given!
It is not appropriated.
The only way to avoid falling victim to Satan
is to be called into God's protective will.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not, nor
can they be subject to Satan's demented will.
In Christ we have been freed from a satanic
destiny.
The point is this, perhaps the phrase should
be interpreted "who are taken captive by him at His (God’s) will."
Again, that is controversial.
John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye
shall be free indeed.
And, I might add, until the Son makes you
free, you shall remain a slave to Satan.