"The warning “the time is coming” is put ..."

The warning “the time is coming” is put very frankly in 2 Timothy 4, a time when “people will not endure sound teaching … and turn away from listening to the truth …” (verses 3-4). How clear it is that that happened – as an unbiased study of the history of Christianity reveals. Finally, Paul is aware he is about to die, but how wonderfully he spells out his conviction of his future life in verses 7,8, a reward he will be given “on that day” (verse 8). Can we have the same hope “laid up” for us as for Paul? We must not let these perilous times discourage us.

"...AND HAVE FIRMLY BELIEVED" Bible Readings thoughts for 26/11/13

“ … AND HAVE FIRMLY BELIEVED”

     Today we completed reading Paul’s letters to Timothy whom he calls “my true child in the faith [1 Tim.1 v.2]  Paul writes in a most passionate way.  It is a very intimate letter revealing the bond of service to Christ that had grown up between them. He tells him, “You however (in contrast to some others) have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions …” [3 v.10,11]

     He then makes the point  - which has been true in various degrees in all ages – but is not true in countries such as ours, well not in recent decades.  Paul states, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  [v.12], but what he then adds is true today – everywhere!   “ … evil people … will go from bad to worse.” [v.13]

     The words that come next jump out as a message especially for us.  “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed.”   There must be no doubt in our minds about the foundations of our faith.  It must be based, as Timothy’s was, on our being thoroughly “acquainted with the sacred writings (the Old Testament)  which are able you make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” [v.15]  Of course the New Testament was in the process of being written – and that now adds an extra plank to the foundation of our faith. Peter acknowledges the ``wisdom God gave to Paul in his writings (2 Peter 3 v.15)

      We are not saved through knowledge, but through the wisdom and belief that our knowing the word of God imparts.  The Scripture, says Paul, has been “breathed out (i.e. inspired) by God”   It is “profitable” in many ways, “for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” [v.16]

      The result of doing this is so that the man and woman “of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” [v.17]  Are you becoming so equipped?  If you “have firmly believed” you will realize that knowing God and his word, is not just to acquire head knowledge, but to become competent in using every day, at least in some small way, in a “good work” of some kind – for we are “known” by our works, just as much as by our words – together they become a witness to others of the reality of our faith.  

Today's thought “Persist in this” (November 22 2013)

“Persist in this”

(November 22)

Paul’s letters to Timothy are very personal in parts and contain much sound advice, especially for those in a position of responsibility among believers. True believers always need to look to the future: solving problems effectively is not achieved through emergency stop gap measures; the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15) is an example of how things should be done.

God revealed to Paul that “the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods …” (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Timothy had many things to try to correct at Ephesus and also needed to anticipate problems the spirit’s guidance foretold.

Problems like these were evident among believers down through the centuries and some are evident today. The reference to some forbidding marriage brought to mind the unnatural and unscriptural practice of the Catholic Church in requiring its priests to be celibate. It is evident that their alleged first Pope, Peter, was married (Matthew 8:14)! In today’s very ‘open’ world it is increasingly hard to keep anything hidden from public view, and it is now clear what celibacy has led to in some cases. Paul and Barnabas did not marry (1 Corinthians 9:5,6) but this was their personal decision in giving their all in the service of Christ.

Timothy is advised to “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (verses 7,8). This implies that the degree of godliness we attain now will be reflected in responsibilities in the life to come as some of Jesus’ parables indicate (Luke 19:17-19). A psalmist wrote, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God …” (84:10).

Timothy is to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity … devote yourself to the public reading of scripture …” (verses 12,13). None would have had their own Bibles so public reading was very important. Paul emphasizes: “Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and the teaching. Persist in this …” (verses 15,16).

In the “race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1) let us “persist in this” – for the race is not over until the finishing line is reached – and how tragic it will be to “have run in vain” (Philippians 2:16).

Today's thought “Love that issues from a pure heart”

The word “love” is in common usage these days, but the way it is used and the meaning given to it, is so different to its use in the Bible! Paul has “urged (Timothy) … remain at Ephesus that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). Paul advises him of the “stewardship from God that is by faith” adding “the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and asincere faith” (verses 4,5).

Those three phrases are the vital components our lives must possess and use if we really desire to live our lives in the service of our Lord Jesus and the Father with the anticipation of an utterly wondrous future in God’s kingdom.

The ‘oil’ that makes the ‘engine’ of our minds function in the way God approves must operate from a “pure heart” – do we understand what kind of heart this is? Is this impossible for normal humans? We notice the Greek word here is quite often translated as ‘clean’. Jesus told his disciples, “You are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:3,4). It is the word of God, rightly and humbly used, which cleanses our hearts to make and keep them pure.

We recall David’s impassioned Psalm after his grievous sins; “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (51:10). A clean heart is the foundation for a “good conscience” and a faith that is “sincere”. Paul tells Timothy that some at Ephesus “by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion …” (verse 6).

We live in a world of much “vain discussion” which lacks the essential foundation of “love that issues from a pure heart”. One of the subjects some discuss and debate is the role of women and this was a factor at Ephesus. But notice how Paul advises Timothy to teach them, “Let the women learn quietly and with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man” (2:11,12). When Paul wrote his Epistle to them he emphasized this point – see Ephesians 5:22-24.

Paul hopes to come to Ephesus, but says, “I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God …” (3:14,15). All who are part of this church (the assemblies of true believers) will be very conscious of Paul’s words and therefore readily work at developing and maintaining the “love that issues from a pure heart”.

Today's thought “Those who are perishing because …”

“Those who are perishing because …”

(November 19)

We are challenged by the way Paul uses the word “truth” three times in 2 Thessalonians 2. He also uses it eleven times in his letters to Timothy, which we are just about to read. There is not much “truth” spoken today. No one admits anything they say is a lie, but it is a challenging question to ask ourselves ‘Can we really make a positive statement about something which is neither a “lie” nor “the truth”?

The tactic of deliberately giving a misleading impression is all too common; some refer to such as ‘half-truths’! Let’s consider some of the points Paul makes. He writes of “those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (verse 10). So ‘truth’ is not just something to be spoken – there is a certain “truth” which is something to be loved – and those who do not do this – perish!

What is the specific “sense” of the “truth” Paul is referring to here? It is the truth about God and the truth about his ways and the beliefs he is looking for humans to accept and – as a result – then to live their lives in a way that shows they willingly – indeed joyfully – accept this truth as the only meaningful way to live their lives.

We are then challenged to understand the character of God when the next two verses tell us “therefore God shall send them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (verses 11,12).

Some pull a curtain across their minds as to the character of God; to simply say ‘God is love’ is an oversimplification. Those who have pleasure in unrighteousness cannot serve God acceptably. God knows our hearts; we can intellectually know – and say we understand what is true – but do we love that which is true? We may believe God is soon going to make his power known in a very dramatic way! Do we “see” in our hearts that God is being “righteous” in doing this – that God is doing the right thing – because the world deserves this!

Verse 13 says we are chosen by God “to be saved through sanctification (holiness) by the Spirit and belief in the truth”. In contrast, when Jesus returns he will “inflict vengeance on all those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel …” (1:8). But, oh the wonder and joy for those who do (1:9-12)! And you?

Today's thought “Those who are perishing because …” (November 19)

“Those who are perishing because …”

(November 19)

We are challenged by the way Paul uses the word “truth” three times in 2 Thessalonians 2. He also uses it eleven times in his letters to Timothy, which we are just about to read. There is not much “truth” spoken today. No one admits anything they say is a lie, but it is a challenging question to ask ourselves ‘Can we really make a positive statement about something which is neither a “lie” nor “the truth”?

The tactic of deliberately giving a misleading impression is all too common; some refer to such as ‘half-truths’! Let’s consider some of the points Paul makes. He writes of “those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (verse 10). So ‘truth’ is not just something to be spoken – there is a certain “truth” which is something to be loved – and those who do not do this – perish!

What is the specific “sense” of the “truth” Paul is referring to here? It is the truth about God and the truth about his ways and the beliefs he is looking for humans to accept and – as a result – then to live their lives in a way that shows they willingly – indeed joyfully – accept this truth as the only meaningful way to live their lives.

We are then challenged to understand the character of God when the next two verses tell us “therefore God shall send them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (verses 11,12).

Some pull a curtain across their minds as to the character of God; to simply say ‘God is love’ is an oversimplification. Those who have pleasure in unrighteousness cannot serve God acceptably. God knows our hearts; we can intellectually know – and say we understand what is true – but do we love that which is true? We may believe God is soon going to make his power known in a very dramatic way! Do we “see” in our hearts that God is being “righteous” in doing this – that God is doing the right thing – because the world deserves this!

Verse 13 says we are chosen by God “to be saved through sanctification (holiness) by the Spirit and belief in the truth”. In contrast, when Jesus returns he will “inflict vengeance on all those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel …” (1:8). But, oh the wonder and joy for those who do (1:9-12)! And you?

Today's thought “… but to please God”

“… but to please God”

(November 16)

A simple – and maybe obvious point – attracted our attention as we read the first 2 chapters of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. What motivates us to do things? What motivated Paul? Today, it can be: to make money, to create an opportunity for enjoyment; some excitement – and other things which centre on ourselves.

Paul makes a simple, yet vital point when he writes, “we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God” (2:4).

Let us be conscious, as Paul was – and states in his next words – that we, “… please God who tests our hearts”. So man, especially those who have no consciousness of the all-seeing eyes of God and his angels, speak and act with different motives. Paul observes this in the verses which follow; we note the contrast between his motives and theirs. He says, “for we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with pretext for greed – God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others …” (verses 5,6). The extreme opposite of this is seen in those seeking political positions of high office.

Prayerful reading and meditation of God’s word is the antidote for any inclination to do this, notice how Paul was pleased with the believers at Thessalonica over this, writing, “we also thank God constantly … that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God , which is at work in you believers” (2:13).

May that be happening among us, but it will only happen when we constantly read and reflect and act upon what we are reading so that the thoughts, God has inspired, become part of our way of thinking. We do this “to please God” and, as a result, it becomes true of us also that “the word of God” is “at work in you believers”