What does 2 Timothy 3:13 mean? It is not the question of discipline dealing With evil ways; but here we are in a state of things where we are in danger of being mixed up with vessels unto the Lord's dishonour. What am I to believe about God? Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Look at the rapid deterioration of our society. He said that one isn't inspired; obviously inspired. Why then yield to the enemy? We live in a fallen world with a spiritual enemy who prowls around as a roaring lion or appears to us as an angel of light seeking to devour, destroy, or deceive us.Jesus clearly told us that in this world, those who believe in Him would suffer persecution and pain, and Paul expands that truth by adding that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. And, let every one that nameth the name" not of "Christ," but "of the Lord depart from iniquity." How appropriate that "trucebreakers" is for this day. There is love. Paul goes on to list the things in which Timothy has been his disciple; and the interest of that list is that it consists of the strands out of which the life and work of an apostle are woven. And Jesus himself had said: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake" ( Matthew 5:10). Again, it is startling. Easy it seems to get sort of distracted and off course. It opened at the Sermon on the Mount. God takes care of His people, and ensures them a blessed end. See also 1 Timothy 4:7; 1 Timothy 6:11, and on godliness, 1 Timothy 2:2. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, It is not enough to be satisfied when a church is humming like a dynamo and every night in the week has its own crowded organization. How comes it so? Traitors . 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." That Day of the Lord was to be preceded by a time of terror, when evil would gather itself for its final assault and the world would be shaken to its moral and physical foundations. "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace." As I read the things that are happening in our modern-cultured Orange County, as I read the reports from the social department on the child abuse, I just shake my head in disbelief because a person could not possibly do these things unless they were without natural affection. On the other hand, it is unholy to tamper with evil. There were false teachers who were quick to take advantage of that. Look at the lack, lackness. The Christian leader will never lack his opponents. What Paul is thinking of here is more than faithlessness in friendship--although that in all truth is wounding enough--he is thinking of those who to pay back an old score would inform against the Christians to the Roman government. The essence of Christianity is not the enthronement but the obliteration of self. Trench, Richard Chenevix, D.D. Afterwards he also speaks of his own work and of that which he was suffering. Paul refers to his own experiences to illustrate the truth that the person who whole-heartedly follows God must expect persecution. He is sure that the ungodly man will go from bad to worse and that there is literally no future for the man who refuses to accept the way of God. repentance from dead works and of faith toward God. There is a sense in which slander is the most cruel of all sins. ' according to godliness, 1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 1:1; and in all godliness, 1 Timothy 2:2. So I listened to that voice, and heard the truth, and found my Saviour.". It is a great happiness to know the certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed (Luke 1:4); not only to know what the truths are, but to know that they are of undoubted certainty. Their falsity would be demonstrated and they would receive their appropriate reward. But let not a man who will do this, suppose that he has any claim to be numbered among the martyrs, or even entitled to the Christian name. When a man's language becomes filthy, obscene and crude, it shows that there's something wrong with him. Amidst all the stories one fact stands out--Jannes and Jambres became legendary figures typifying all those who opposed the purposes of God and the work of his true leaders. The emphasis of so many people is just on being beautiful, lovers of themselves. This of itself indicates that the epistle provides for a time when it is no longer simply a question of recognising persons coming out of the world. It is the ability not to lose patience when people are foolish, not to grow irritable when they seem unteachable. To many a man and woman has a little bit of dress done no small injury, just because they think it is too little for the Spirit of God to direct them in. In the Testament of Issachar, one of the books written between the Old and the New Testaments, we get a picture like this: "Know ye, therefore, my children, that in the last times. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? There are persons who think that the approach of death is intended to blot out everything here. "Beloved, consider it not strange concerning the fiery trials which are to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you" ( 1 Peter 4:12 ). 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Besides that, persecutions today are manifested much more indirectly. The world just exists, no real goal, no real meaning; you're just existing. What is the excellency of the scripture. that will, &c.Greek, "all whose will is to live," &c. So far should persecution be from being a stumbling-block to Timothy, he should consider it a mark of the pious. There is peril when men assess prosperity by material things. (186) Et tous ceux aussi qui veulent vivre en la crainte de Dieu. And all those also who wish to live in the fear of God., (187) Que rien ne luy est advenu que tous fideles ne doyvent aussi attendre. That nothing has happened to him which all believers must not also look for.. The numbers of people who flocked to the various athletic contests, loving pleasure. There are still Church dignitaries whose main thought is their own dignity; but the Christian is the follower of him who was meek and lowly in heart. Promotions are withheld, invitations are denied, and a snickering unpopularity are the daily portion of many precious souls working in a hostile, atheistic environment. It is one thing to start an evil and untrue report on its malicious way; it is entirely another thing to stop it. I think the next major event, Revelation 4:1 . 3:14-17 But as for you, remain loyal to the things which you have learned, and in which your belief has been confirmed, for you know from whom you learned them, and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that will bring you salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus. And may not their freedom from it prove that they have surrendered the principles of their religion, where they should have stood firm, though the world were arrayed against them? This was to reverse the lesson of a risen Christ, and to open the way for all laxity. The volume of the book, the Old Testament, it's all about Jesus Christ. Difficult is the Greek word chalepos ( G5467) . Well soon your Bible will be so messed up you wouldn't be able to read it. He had fully known his conversation: Thou hast fully know my doctrine, and manner of life; his manner of life was of a piece with his doctrine, and did not contradict it. Timothy had a great advantage in being trained up under such a tutor, and being apprised of the doctrine he preached. By this general statement, therefore, Paul classes himself with the children of God, and, at the same time, exhorts all the children of God to prepare for enduring persecutions; for, if this condition is laid down for all who wish to live a godly life in Christ, they who wish to be exempt from persecutions must necessarily renounce Christ. Christian life is a life of purpose. But this is not what the Bible teaches. "It denotes living in the right attitude to God and to things divine. In either case home and family life were destroyed. Indeed it may be well to remark here, that we never read of Timothy appointing bishops or elders. Description of His Past Curriculum 2 Timothy 3:10-12. In the days between the Old and the New Testaments many Jewish books were written which expanded the Old Testament stories. (3) If we are persecuted, we should carefully inquire, before we avail ourselves of this consolation, whether we are persecuted because we live godly in Christ Jesus, or for some other reason. That persecution which will properly furnish any evidence that we are the friends of Christ, must be only that which is "for righteousness sake" Matthew 5:10, and must be brought upon us in an honest effort to obey the commands of God. Even an unbeliever is acting unfairly unless he tries to read it. This was always the becoming tone; but now it is imperiously necessary, as well as wise and good. That is, it is not enough that I should walk with the Lord individually, but I must clear myself of association with that which is contrary to His name. The apostle well knew that the God who had brought these glorious truths to man, the God that had manifested His grace, had given a witness of their reality in the man from whom he had learned them; and this was meant to have an enduring effect on the conscience and heart of Timothy. Accordingly, although they are not exposed to the same assaults, and do not engage in the same battles, yet they have a warfare in common, and shall never be wholly at peace and exempt from persecutions. The woman, thrilled to the heart, does so and is deluded into thinking that she can prophesy. Fear and timidity will keep us from using the gifts God gives. Narcissism is at an all-time peak, but with lovers of yourself comes. It is still possible for a teacher to gain an undue and unhealthy influence over others, especially when they are impressionable. "He kicked the world about," said one, "as if it had been a football." " Rejoice ( present imperative) and be glad ( present imperative ), for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Practical Bible study on 2 Timothy 1. And leaving guilelessness, will draw near to malice; And forsaking the commandments of the Lord. Men would be headlong in words and action. What use it will be of to us. But the apostle at the same time owns, and loves to own, that which another might perhaps despise. 3. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. And why read them anyhow if they're not inspired? "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all" ( Psalms 34:19 ). The early Church lived in an age when the time was waxing late; they expected the Second Coming at any moment. "Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.". If, in any manner, or in any way, he is subjected to disadvantage on account of his religious opinions, and deprived of any immunities and rights to which he would be otherwise entitled, this is persecution. In the last days there would come times which would menace the very existence of the Christian Church and of goodness itself, a kind of last tremendous assault of evil before its final defeat. It's instructing us in righteousness. And then Jesus will come and establish God's righteous kingdom, but by then, those that will remain will be saying, Oh, God help us. And the comfort is that, if prepared to cleave to the will of the Lord alone, we shall have, through His grace, fellowship with the true-hearted. But when dying upon the cross, He calls to John to behold His mother. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. (This book is used for definition of Greek words. C. Description of His Present Resource 2 Timothy 3:13-17. One must try disorders and prove profession. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. But we must exclude that which is contrary to His name; and the very same desire to prove one's love, one's faith, one's appreciation of Christ, will make one anxious not to be dragged into that which is not for His glory. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, and led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth ( 2 Timothy 3:5-7 ). A form of godliness, a profession of Christian faith without a godly life . There is no godliness (Greek, "piously") or piety out of Christ. Or are you going to develop a doctrine that is diametrically opposed to what Jesus said? Paul cites three instances when he had to suffer for Christ. So don't expect the world to speak well of you or to applaud you for your living a godly life and taking a righteous stand. 2 Timothy 3:12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. And you will find as God's word becomes a very part of your life and you begin to be guided by the word of God, that God will begin to use you in very exciting ways. In it we find the duties, the qualities and the experiences of an apostle. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. The scriptures are able to make us truly wise, wise for our souls and another world. Confirmed that Noah was a real person and it was a real event. Perilous Times 2 Timothy 3:1. Parakolouthein ( G3877) is indeed the word for the disciple, for it includes the unwavering loyalty of the true comrade, the full understanding of the true scholar and the complete obedience of the dedicated servant. Closely allied with the braggart, but--as we shall see--even worse, is the man who is arrogant. Oh I know it costs more but . Yet. Avoid such people. . It will be getting better a little further down the road, but evil days are going to wax worse and worse, until the Lord takes His church out and then God judges the world for its unrighteousness and ungodliness. If we would know the holy scriptures, we must read and search them daily, as the noble Bereans did, Acts 17:11. Rather they are minimum requirements that otherwise suitable people must fulfil if the church is to recognize them as elders or deacons. He must maintain this confidence, knowing that the Scriptures are divinely given and that they are Gods means of instructing people in right belief and right living. Now I'm not about to say God was wrong. Each of the chapters are done individually. (1) that they who make a profession of religion, should come prepared to be persecuted. It is the Greek parakolouthein ( G3877) and literally means to follow alongside; but it is used with a magnificent width of meaning. shall suffer persecution; it is the will of God, and the appointment of heaven; Christ has foretold it, that so it shall be; and he the head has suffered it himself, and it is necessary that his members should, that they may be conformed unto him; it is the way Christ himself went to glory, and through many tribulations his people must enter the kingdom; and this is the common lot and certain case of all the saints, in one shape or another; for though all do not suffer confiscation of goods, beating, scourging, imprisonment, or a violent death; yet all are more or less afflicted and distressed by wicked men, and are subject to their reproaches and revilings, which are a branch of persecution; and that for professing Christ, and living a godly life in him and under his influence: and since such suffer as Christians, and not as evildoers; and this is the common condition of the people of God, in this world, it should not be thought strange, but be cheerfully endured; to encourage to which is the apostle's view in this passage. His answer was: "That which will be most useful to them when they are men." 2 Timothy 3 He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. 2 Timothy 3:12 New International Version 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, Read full chapter 2 Timothy 3:12 in all English translations 2 Timothy 2 2 Timothy 4 New International Version (NIV) In Greek writings these two words often went together; and they are both picturesque. The man who is huperephanos ( G5244) , said Theophrastus, has a kind of contempt for everyone except himself. (8) Using the boldness God gives, don't be ashamed of the imprisoned apostle. 6. Then are we Christ's disciples indeed, John 8:31. We should not be any more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive,Ephesians 4:14. Now this is in particular a difficulty for saints, when they have revived before the soul the blessedness of maintaining the unity of the Spirit. Now it is interesting that as Paul is referring to the Scriptures here, he is, of course, referring to the Old Testament Scriptures. They should remember that, in this respect, they are treated as the Master was, and are in the goodly company of the prophets, apostles, and martyrs; for they were all persecuted. The difference between the braggart and the man who is arrogant is this. God help us. This may be either an injury done to his feelings, his family, his reputation, his property, his liberty, his influence; it may be by depriving him of an office which he held, or preventing him from obtaining one to which he is eligible; it may be by subjecting him to fine or imprisonment, to banishment, torture, or death. The Jehovah Witnesses seeking to develop their doctrine concerning hell and that it is a place of oblivion, no consciousness, no awareness. But after giving the characteristics and traits of the godly man, Jesus then in the final Beatitudes said, "Blessed are ye, when men shall persecute you, and revile you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" ( Matthew 5:11 ). But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived ( 2 Timothy 3:13 ). (v) Paul makes a final point. Matthew 10:22-23; Luke 21:12; John 15:20; Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 3:4). So you have to be careful when you start chipping it away at one side because the whole thing will come down on you. If there is no human affection, the family cannot exist. It seems to me, I confess, that if there were simplicity of faith, the Lord would give one eyes to see some at least that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. It is used by ancient writers on astrology to describe what we would call a threatening conjunction of the heavenly bodies. It was not then an indifferent matter to God. The Gnostic heretics taught, either that, since matter is altogether evil, a rigid asceticism must be practiced and all the things of the body as far as possible eliminated, or that it does not matter what we do with the body and its desires can be indulged in to the limit because they do not matter.
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