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orthodoxydaily · 2 years ago

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Saints&Reading: Sunday, Feruary 5, 2023

feruary 5_january 23

Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

This parabole marks the beginning of the pre-lenten period, It’s the first day of the reading and chanting of the Lenten Triodion. And the beginning of a free-fast week.

Today is the second of the preparatory Sundays leading us toward the holy season of Great Lent. On this Sunday we read the Gospel parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Our Lord tells us that two men went into the temple to pray – one was a Pharisee who was diligent in keeping the fasts and all the rules of the Jewish law and the other was a Publican, a lowly and despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood in the temple with great confidence and pride, thanking God that he was not like other men. The Publican stood in the back of the temple and could hardly raise his eyes to heaven, only crying out ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ Our Lord Jesus Christ makes the point that it was the prayer of the Publican that was pleasing in God’s sight – “for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

It is very interesting and instructive and appropriate that on this day we read the Epistle from Apostle Paul to his spiritual child Timothy. In today’s Epistle we are exhorted to follow Orthodox ‘doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions.’ We are warned to beware evil men and imposters who might lead us astray from the true path. The Apostle advises us that we ‘must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Apostle Paul is urging us to hold fast to the faith, to the traditions and teachings that have been handed down to us. We are forewarned of evil men and imposters who might lead us astray from the true path. We must know our faith and our traditions and we must adhere to them with all fidelity.

Isn’t this an interesting pair of readings assigned for this Sunday? In the Gospel lesson for today we are told very clearly that preoccupation with the letter of the law and an over-emphasis on the rules of tradition will not pave our way into the kingdom of heaven and can be a cause for spiritual arrogance and pride. However, in the Epistle lesson for today we are warned to carefully hold on to the traditions which have been handed down to us, that we must beware of straying from the true path, that these things ‘are able to make us wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus’.

Our Holy Mother Church is so wise in presenting these two teachings to us now, as we prepare ourselves for the Great Fast.

How are we to understand these seeming contradictions? Are strict adherence to the traditions of our faith on the one hand and simple-hearted humility on the other hand contradictory to each other? The answer, of course, is a resounding ‘no!’… these things are not contradictory. In fact, if we approach and pursue them in the right way, they can and should serve to complement and even fuel zeal for one another. The key to both of these things is in the correct disposition of our heart and mind.

The Pharisee of today’s Gospel is a man who held to the traditions of his fathers in the faith. He prayed daily, he fasted twice a week, he donated to the church, he was honest in his dealings with men. This is not a bad man… but he was missing something critically important! The disposition of his heart and mind was completely off track… he exalted himself through his careful observance of the Law and looked down upon the simple Publican saying ‘I thank God I’m not like this man.’ All of his fasting, all of his standing in the temple, all of his donations – these good things had not penetrated the coldness and arrogance of his heart.

The Publican recognized his unworthiness and could not even raise his eyes to heaven. He stood in the back of the temple, beating his breast and crying ‘Have mercy on me a sinner!’ The disposition of his heart and mind were right… his heart was breaking with sorrow and love for God. This was the contrite heart that God will not despise.

Listen to the words of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk who states very clearly: ‘If someone should say that true faith is the correct holding and confession of correct dogmas, he would be telling the truth, for a believer absolutely needs the Orthodox holding and confession of dogmas. But this knowledge and confession by itself does not make a man a faithful and true Christian. The keeping and confession of Orthodox dogmas is always to be found in true faith in Christ, but the true faith of Christ is not always to be found in the confession of Orthodoxy…. The knowledge of correct dogmas is in the mind, and it is often fruitless, arrogant, and proud…. The true faith in Christ is in the heart, and it is fruitful, humble, patient, loving, merciful, compassionate, hungering and thirsting for righteousness; it withdraws from worldly lusts and clings to God alone, strives and seeks always for what is heavenly and eternal, struggles against every sin, and constantly seeks and begs help from God for this.’

Brothers and sisters in Christ - our approach and our attitude to standing firm in the traditions and disciplines of the Church must be humble and must be motivated and activated first and foremost by love for God.

What greater example may we have than those holy ones whom we commemorate today – the holy new martyrs of Russia? Through their sufferings they demonstrated that harmony of bold and courageous fidelity to Christ along with deep repentance and extreme humility.

May God grant us this integrated and holistic approach to our prayer and fasting. First of all, granting us a contrite and broken heart like the Publican, which cries out to God: ‘Be merciful to me a sinner!’ And may that love and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ then inspire and strengthen us to heed His words: ‘If you love me, you will keep My commandments.’ Letting our Lenten efforts of fasting, of prayer, of disciplining our lives to be in accordance with Christ’s commandments – to be an expression of our deep love and gratitude to God. And may that cycle of ‘love inspiring effort’ and ‘effort inspiring love’ cascade like a snowball, so that our love increases our efforts and our efforts increase our love.

By, Archpriest Fr.Martin person

THE MONK GENNADIUS OF KOSTROMA AND LIUBIMOGRAD ( 1565)

Saint Gennadius of Kostroma and Liubimograd, in the world Gregory, was born in the city of Mogilev into a rich family. He early displayed love for the church, and his frequent visits to monasteries evoked the dismay of his parents. Gregory, however, was firmly resolved to devote himself to God, and changing into tattered clothing, he secretly left his parental home and journeyed to Moscow.

He visited the holy places in Moscow, but he did not find it suitable in spirit and so set out to the Novgorod region. The destiny of the future ascetic was decided by an encounter with Saint Alexander of Svir (August 30). With his blessing, Gregory went to the Vologda forest to Saint Cornelius of Komel (May 19), and was tonsured by him with the name Gennadius. Together with Saint Cornelius, Gennadius moved on to the Kostroma forest. Here, on the shores of Lake Sura, in about the year 1529, there emerged the monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord, afterwards called “the Gennadiev monastery”. Having become igumen, Saint Gennadius did not slacken his monastic efforts, and together with the brethren he went out to the monastery tasks: he chopped wood, carried firewood, made candles and baked prosphora. He also wore heavy chains. One of his favorite tasks was the painting of icons, with which he adorned his new monastery.

For his holy life Saint Gennadius received from the Lord the gift of clairvoyance and wonderworking. Journeying to Moscow on monastic affairs, at the house of the nobleman Roman Zakharin, the saint predicted to his daughter Anastasia that she would become Tsaritsa. Indeed, Tsar Ivan the Terrible chose her as his wife.

The Life of Saint Gennadius was written by his disciple, Iguman Alexis, between the years 1584-1587. In it was inserted his spiritual testament, dictated by Saint Gennadius himself. In it he commands the monks to observe the monastery Rule, to toil constantly, to be at peace with everyone, and to preserve the books collected at the monastery, while striving to understand their meaning. He said, “Strive towards the light, and shun the darkness.”

Saint Gennadius died on January 23, 1565, and was glorified by the Church on August 19, 1646.

Source; Orthodox Church in America

MATTHEW 28:16-20

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.

2 TIMOTHY 3:10-15

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love perseverance,11persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra-what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

#orthodoxy #orthodoxchristianity #easternorthodoxchurch #originofchristianity #spirituality #holyscriptures #gospel #bible

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thepastisalreadywritten · 2 years ago

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SAINTS OF THE DAY (December 26)

On January 26, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, close companions of the Apostle Paul and bishops of the Catholic Church in its earliest days.

Both men received letters from St. Paul, which are included in the New Testament.

Pope Benedict XVI discussed these early bishops during a general audience on 13 December 2006, noting “their readiness to take on various offices in far from easy circumstances."

The Pope said:

“Both saints teach us to serve the Gospel with generosity, realizing that this also entails a service to the Church herself.”

The son of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father, Timothy came from Lystra in present-day Turkey.

His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, are known to have joined the Church. Timothy himself is described as a student of Sacred Scripture from his youth.

After St. Paul’s visit to Timothy’s home region of Lycaonia, around the year 51, the young man joined the apostle and accompanied him in his travels.

After religious strife forced Paul to leave the city of Berea, Timothy remained to help the local church. Paul later sent him to Thessalonica to help the Church during a period of persecution.

The two met up again in Corinth and Timothy eventually journeyed to Macedonia on Paul’s behalf.

Problems in the Corinthian Church brought Timothy back for a time, after which he joined Paul and accompanied the apostle in subsequent travels.

Like Paul, Timothy endured a period of imprisonment in the course of his missionary work. His release is mentioned in the New Testament Epistle to the Hebrews.

Around the year 64, Timothy became the first bishop of the Church of Ephesus.

During that same year, he received the first of two surviving letters from St. Paul.

The second, written the next year, urges Timothy to visit St. Paul in Rome, where he was imprisoned before his martyrdom.

Ancient sources state that St. Timothy followed his mentor in dying as a martyr for the faith.

In the year 93, during his leadership of the Church in Ephesus, he took a stand against the worship of idols and was consequently killed by a mob.

The pagan festival he was protesting was held on January 22, and this date was preserved as St. Timothy’s memorial in the Christian East.

In contrast with Timothy’s partial Jewish descent and early Biblical studies, St. Titus – who was born into a pagan family – is said to have studied Greek philosophy and poetry in his early years.

But he pursued a life of virtue and purportedly had a prophetic dream that caused him to begin reading the Hebrew Scriptures.

According to tradition, Titus journeyed to Jerusalem and witnessed the preaching of Christ during the Lord’s ministry on earth.

Only later, however – after the conversion of St. Paul and the beginning of his ministry – did Titus receive baptism from the apostle, who called the pagan convert his “true child in our common faith.”

St. Paul was not only Titus’ spiritual father but also depended on his convert as an assistant and interpreter.

Titus accompanied Paul to the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem during the year 51 and was later sent to the Corinthian Church on two occasions.

After the end of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, the apostle ordained Titus as the Bishop of Crete.

Paul sent his only surviving letter to Titus around the year 64, giving instructions in pastoral ministry to his disciple as he prepared to meet up with him in the Greek city of Nicopolis.

Titus evangelized the region of Dalmatia in modern Croatia before returning to Crete.

Titus is credited with leading the Church of Crete well into his 90s, overturning paganism and promoting the faith through his prayers and preaching.

Unlike St. Timothy, St. Titus was not martyred but died peacefully in old age.

#Saints of the Day #Saint Timothy #Saint Titus

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bibleversegarden · 2 years ago

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A Truly Liberated and Fruitful Life Brings Glory to God

The one, true and living God, the everlasting King, made the heavens and the earth and everything in them, by His great wisdom and power. Not the gods that are a lie and shall perish.

All God's works are done in truth; He is the truth. In Him, there is no falsehood or margins of error.

Being enticed by the devil, the first man and woman sinned and sin led to death, physically and spiritually. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, the second Adam from above, to reconcile us to God.

Jesus declares in John 14 verse 6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

To follow Christ, is to walk in truth and be set free. For whom the Son sets free is free indeed. (See John 8:31-59)

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." (John 15:7 & 8)

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regards to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:20-23)

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (The Third Epistle of John, Chapter 1:3 & 4)

A truly liberated and fruitful life, brings glory to God. Abide in Him and eat His words.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings:

John 1:14 & 17; John 4:23 & 24; John 7:14-29; John 8:31-59; John 14:6 and John 14:15-17; John Chapter 15 in its entirety; John 16:12-15; John 17:3 & 17; John 18:37; First Epistle of John in its entirety; 1 Corinthians 13:6; 1 Corinthians 5:8; Galatians Chapter 5; Ephesians 6:10-24; 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2; 1 Timothy Chapter 4; 1 Timothy 6:3-6; 2 Timothy 2:15-19; Hebrews 10:26 & 27; James 5:19 & 20; Second Epistle of Peter in its entirety; Epistle of Jude; Genesis Chapter 3; Psalm 25:4, 5, 10; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 43:3; Psalm 85:10-13; Psalm 86:11; Psalm 89:14-18; Proverbs 3:3 & 4; Proverbs 23:23; Isaiah 42:8; Isaiah Chapter 44; Isaiah Chapter 61; Jeremiah 10:1-16

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pooma-bible · 2 days ago

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Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second Peter: DIVISION 02 – The Warnings Against False Teachers: Part (A) – The Description & Judgement of False Teachers!

Rhema Word: 2 Peter 2:1-2 (NKJV) “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.”

Let us pray. Our Gracious Loving Father, thank You for giving us an opportunity to meditate Your Word today along with Your children who have been called to live a holy life, Father. I commit everyone who are all meditating this message into Your mighty hand Father. Bless them and give them the oneness of Spirit and make their heart as a good land to receive each Word which is living and active Father. Thank You Holy Spirit for helping us to understand the in-depth treasure of Your Word and helping us to live a life as per Your Word Lord. We give all the Glory and Honour to You only Father. We pray in the mighty Name of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduction: To Whom Written: “To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1). “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle” (2 Peter 3:1).

The epistle was apparently sent to the same believers who had received 1 Peter. Remember: they were scattered all throughout Asia. It was also probably written from the same place, Rome.

Purpose of this Letter: To combat and warn the church against false teachers and false doctrine.

Special Features of Epistle Second Peter:

(i) II Peter is “A General Epistle”. That is, it is not written to a specific church or individual, but rather, it is written to all Christian believers.

(ii) II Peter is “An Epistle Written to Combat False Teaching”. From its earliest days, the church had been born in controversy:

=> At first, it was the judaizing or legalistic problem which arose at Antioch (Acts 15:1).

=> Then there was the denial of the literal resurrection of the body by some in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 15:1).

=> There was also arising the corruptible beginnings of antinomianism and Gnosticism. These false doctrines were appearing all throughout the Roman empire. They were appearing all throughout the Roman empire. They were using God’s grace as an excuse for sinning. They were using God’s grace as an excuse for sinning. The epistles of II Peter, I, II and III John, and Jude were written to combat such errors as these.

(iii) II Peter is “An Epistle Stressing the Importance of Knowledge”. The words know, knowing, and knowledge are used ten times. Knowing the truth is the answer to false teaching.

(iv) II Peter is “An Epistle Verifying the Inspiration of the Scripture”. Peter says in 2 Peter 1:20-21 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Peter’s statement that Paul’s writings were Scripture shows that the canon was already being formed by the early church even while the early apostles were still alive (2 Peter 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16). The word “canon” simply means a collection of the writings considered to be inspired and breathed forth by God.

(v) II Peter is “An Epistle of the Missionary Apostle to the Jews”. Peter was given the primary responsibility of reaching the Jews throughout the world. He was the apostle to the Jews (Galatians 2:7-8; 11-21).

We have been meditating II Peter in following Three Divisions since last few weeks and completed Division 01:

DIVISION 01 – The Great Salvation of God: Part (A) – The Great Gift of Christ the Messiah: Salvation!

DIVISION 01 – The Great Salvation of God: Part (B) – The Great Things of the Believer’s Life!

DIVISION 01 – The Great Salvation of God: Part (C) – The Great Proof of Salvation!

DIVISION 02 – The Warnings Against False Teachers: Part (A) – The Description & Judgement of False Teachers!

DIVISION 02 – The Warnings Against False Teachers: Part (B) – The Character & Conduct of False Teachers!

DIVISION 03 – The Coming Again of Jesus Christ & The End of the World: Part (A) – The First Thing to Know: Scoffers Shall Come!

DIVISION 03 – The Coming Again of Jesus Christ & The End of the World: Part (B) – The One Thing Not to Be Ignorant About: Why Christ Has Not Yet Returned!

DIVISION 03 – The Coming Again of Jesus Christ & The End of the World: Part (C) – The Things Believers Must Do Since Jesus Christ is Coming Again (Part I)!

DIVISION 03 – The Coming Again of Jesus Christ & The End of the World: Part (D) – The Things Believers Must Do Since Jesus Christ is Coming Again (Part II)!

Let us try to meditate the First topic in Division 02 - DIVISION 02– The Warnings Against False Teachers: Part (A) – The Description & Judgement of False Teachers! today on the following, with the help of our Holy Spirit:

Introduction: If the world ever needed a warning, it needs to be warned against false teachers. Why? Because false teachers lead a person to doom himself quicker than any other single thing. Too many people are too quick to believe a lie. Why? So that they can go ahead and live like they want. They want some excuse to get away from the restraints and demands that Jesus Christ puts upon them. Therefore, they grope after any teaching hat lowers the Person of Christ. The more He is lowered, the less binding His demands are. But note: there is one major problem with false teaching. It is a lie; it is not the truth. A person dooms himself to and eternal hell if he follows false teaching. This is the critical message of this section of Second Peter: the warning against false teachers. This passage describes false teachers for us:

(01) False Teachers Have Always Existed:

(02) False Teachers Teach Destructive Heresies:

(03) False Teachers Mislead People:

(04) False Teachers Exploit People:

(05) False Teachers Shall be Judged & Destroyed:

(01) False Teachers Have Always Existed:

The Bible says in 2 Peter 2:1 “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

False teachers and false prophets have always existed. They have always carried on their destructive work. Note the verse 2:1 “There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.”

When did the false prophets do their destructive work in the world? When did the false prophets move among the people and introduce their destructive heresies? Note the previous verse along with this verse: 2 Peter 1:21-2:1 “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

The false prophets were at work while God was giving His Word to men. Imagine! Even while God was speaking and giving His Word to men there were some who were denying His Word and teaching destructive heresies and misleading people. There were false prophets all throughout the Old Testament period. They were the people who were denying God and His Word. But note: false teachers did not only exist throughout the Old Testament period but they exist now as well. Scripture declares plainly: “There will be false teachers among you”. The idea is this: there will always be false teachers; false teachers will fill every generation of man and they will continue to introduce their destructive heresies until the world ends.

Lesson: This means there are false teachers among us. We must, therefore, be alert to what every man or woman teaches. This does not mean that we should be on a witch hunt; it means that we should test all preaching and teaching by the Word of God.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 7:15; 15:9 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” … “They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’”+

Apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:3; 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Titus 1:10 “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine.” … “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” … “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” … “For there are many insubordinates, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

(02) False Teachers Teach Destructive Heresies:

False teachers secretly teach destructive heresies. Note: Scripture says that false teachers secretly introduce or bring in destructive heresies. They teach destructive heresies, but they do not do it openly. They do it deceptively, quietly, secretly, slipping in false doctrine here and there.

Note where false teachers teach their destructive heresies. In the church, right among believers. The false teachers are not out in the world, but they are within the church. They have joined the church and they have been outstanding members long enough to become teachers and preachers within the church. They hold leadership positions from which they can teach their destructive heresies. Note that the word “heresies” (haireseis) is plural. What are the heresies being referred to? Any teaching that goes contrary to the Scripture, that is, the Word of God or Bible. This is clearly what is meant, for the exhortation has just been given: “Pay attention to the word of the prophets, to the Scripture” (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 1:19-21 “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

The point is this: any teaching that is contrary to God’s Word is a destructive heresy. It destroys God’s purpose for the church, and it destroys the lives of people within the church. Teachings that are contrary to God’s Word are destructive and there is no escaping the fact. No matter how personable a person may be, no matter how much we may like him, if he is teaching a destructive heresy, he is destroying the church and the lives of people.

A heretic is a man who believes what he wishes to believe instead of accepting the truth of God which he must believe.

What was happening in the case of Peter’s people was that certain men, who claimed to the prophets, were insidiously persuading men to believe the things they wished to be true rather than the things which God has revealed as true. They did not set themselves up as opponents of Christianity. Far from it. Rather they set themselves up as the finest fruits of Christian thinking. Insidiously, unconsciously, imperceptible, so gradually and so subtly that they did not even notice it, people were being lured away from God’s truth to men’s private opinions, for that is what heresy is.

(i) The most tragic heresy is the heresy that denies the Lord who bought us. Jesus Christ bought us, and He has paid the supreme price to buy us. He gave all that He is and all the He has – even His life – in order to buy us out of sin and death. We owe our lives to Him; we owe everything to Him. The picture is that of a servant: we owe Christ our minds and hearts, our duty and service. Therefore, to deny Him is to deny our Lord and Master. And we all know what happens to the servant who denies his Lord and Master: swift destruction. No matter who the servant is, no matter how high a position he holds or how influential he is, if he denies his Master, he brings swift destruction upon himself. What does it mean to deny Christ? It means…

=> to deny that Jesus Christ is the Son of God: that He left heaven above and came to earth as Man (the God-Man) to reveal God’s great love for man;

=> to deny that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world: that He lived a perfect and sinless life and secured the perfect righteousness for man;

=> to deny that Jesus Christ died for man: that He took man’s sin upon Himself and bore the judgement and condemnation and punishment for man;

=> to deny that Jesus Christ arose from the dead and conquered death for man;

=> to deny that Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God to receive all the worship and glory and honour and praise of the universe.

The list could go on and on to include all that the Scriptures teach about Christ. To deny any teaching of Scripture about Christ is to deny Christ. This is the very point that Peter is making: we must take heed to the Scriptures:” “For the Scriptures have been given by God Himself (2 Peter 1:2), and there are false teachers among us”.

Lesson: Remember: These men are in the church. They are the preachers and teachers who profess Christ and say that they are following Christ and building up His church. But what they are preaching and teaching is a complete denial of Him, and it is destroying the church.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 7:21;10:33; Mark 8:38 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” … “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” … “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:12 “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.”

Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 2:1 “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 2:22; 2 John 1:7 “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.” … “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

(ii) False teachers shall be destroyed swiftly. Note that they bring destruction upon themselves. They are responsible for their own actions. They do not have to teach false doctrine; they make the choice to teach it. They could teach the truth [the Holy Scriptures], but they make a deliberate choice to teach contrary to what God has said. Therefore, they shall bring swift destruction upon themselves. The idea of swift is both certain and quick. When the judgement come, there will be no discussion about the matter – no questioning, no leniency, no mercy, no love. There will be pure justice: swift, immediate judgement and destruction.

=> The word “destruction” (apoleian) means to lose one’s well-being; to be ruined; to be wasted; to perish; to be destroyed; to suffer perdition.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 13:41-42; Matthew 23:33; 24:50-51; 25:41 “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” … “Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?” … “The master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” … “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ said further in Mark 9:43-48; John 3:36 “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where ‘Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.’ And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where ‘Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.’ And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’” … “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:17 “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

The Bible says in Hebrews 2:2-3; 10:29; Jude 1:12-13 “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.” … “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” … “These are spots in your love feasts, while they [False teachers] feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”

(03) False Teachers Mislead People:

The Bible says in 2 Peter 2:2 “And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.”

False teachers mislead many people. False teachers do two terrible things:

(i) False teachers encourage people to live immoral and licentious lives. This is what is meant by “destructive ways”. “Destructive ways” means the ways of immorality and of the flesh (sinful nature). How do false teachers lead men to live worldly and fleshly lives?

(a) False teachers say this: Christ is not the Son of God and Bible is not the Word of God. But note this: if this is so, then there is no Lord over our lives and God has not told us how to live. There is no absolute authority over us, no absolute Word telling us how to live and how to get to God. The only authority that we have is the best thinking we as men can do. This teaching, of course, leads to worldly and fleshly living, for man cannot lead men above what he himself is. And man by nature is worldly and fleshly. If there is no absolute truth, no instructions telling us how to live, then we are free to live pretty much as we want just so we turn to some idea of God – some idea that we have of what He is like – just so we turn to Him every now and then. And if God has not instructed us how to live – clearly instructed us – then He cannot hold us accountable if we mess up here and there. As stated, this kind of teaching lends itself to worldly and fleshly living. And remember: any religion and any philosophy that stresses that man is his own authority can go to higher than man. And man is worldly and fleshly by nature.

(b) False teachers take the love of God and twist it. They say that God is so loving that HE would never condemn man to an eternity of hell. They say that a man must believe in Christ and follow Him, but if he fails, God still loves him and will forgive him and will never condemn and punish him – certainly not for long if at all.

Of course, the consequence of this teaching is devastating. For if a man is not to be judged and punished for his sin, he can go ahead and live like he wants. He will never be condemned or punished for his sin, not for long if al all.

(c) False teachers take the grace of God and faith and pervert them. They say that a person must believe in Jesus Christ. This, of course, is true; we are saved by believing in Jesus Christ; we are saved by grace through faith. But false teachers add that once we believe, we are okay forever and ever even if we do return to the world and live in sin. False teachers say that God accepts us even if we live like the devil and live after the world and flesh – just so we believe in Jesus Christ. False teachers say that faith exists without ever producing fruit: that a person can believe in Jesus Christ…

=> without repenting;

=> without changing his life;

=> without separating from the world;

=> without denying and controlling his flesh;

=> without following Christ.

False teachers say that God’s love and grace are so inexhaustible that a man is free to sin just so he believes in Jesus Christ. The result of this teaching, of course, is the indulgence and license to sin. A man never has to worry about being rejected by God. He can live like he wants and sin as much as he wants just so he believes in Jesus Christ, for God’s grace will forgive him and still make him acceptable.

Apostle Paul says in Romans 16:18; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 3:13 “For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” … “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” … “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

That is why apostle Peter cautions in 2 Peter 3:17 “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.”

(ii) False teachers cause the name of Christ to be abused. They cause people to slander God, Christ, the church, believers, and the Scriptures. The very name of God is blasphemed because of hypocritical living and false profession. How often we hear comments such as “those hypocrites”. Note that the blame lies at the feet of the false teachers. It is they who mislead people.

Apostle Paul says in Romans 2:23-24; Titus 2:3-5 “You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonour God through breaking the law? For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.” … “The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”

The Bible says in 2 Samuel 12:14; Nehamiah 5:9 “However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.” … “Then I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?”

(04) False Teachers Exploit People:

The Bible says in 2 Peter 2:3 “By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time, their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”

False teachers exploit people. They use people just like they use merchandise, for their own ends. They are in the church ministering and teaching, but they are covetous, full of greed and lust. What is it that they are coveting? Popularity; recognition; a large church; livelihood; security; position; leadership; attention; success; money; gifts; and fame?

A false teacher is often more interested in being popular and having the people accept him and his idea than he is in ministering to them. He is more concerned with a people following him, thinking he is a good teacher or preacher than he is in ministering to them. False ministers exploit people for their own ends.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Luke 12:15 “And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 16:18; Titus 1:10-11 “For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” … “For there are many insubordinates, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.”

The Bible says in Isaiah 56:10-11; Ezekiel 34:2-3 “His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough. And they are shepherds who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Everyone for his own gain, from his own territory.” … “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock.”

(05) False Teachers Shall be Judged & Destroyed:

The Bible says in 2 Peter 2:3-9 “By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time, their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.”

False teachers shall be judged and destroyed. Verse 3 describes plainly that it may seem that false teaching goes on and on upon earth forever without ever being corrected or handled by God. But no matter how successful or prosperous a false teacher may seem to be, judgement does not linger; it is not idle. The damnation of false teachers has not fallen asleep. The day is coming when all false teachers will pay for teaching destructive heresies. They will be damned (apoleia), that is, destroyed, because they did not teach the truth of Christ and of God’s Word.

Now, how do we know that false teachers will be judged and destroyed? Because God is God, which means that He is not only love but He is also just. He has the power not only to love people with a perfect love, but He also has the power to judge people with a perfect justice. Note four clear facts:

(i) God did not spare the angels who sinned (v.4). He sent them to hell. Eons ago in distant past, satan was apparently the highest created being ever created by God. At that time his name was Lucifer. But he did what so many people have done: he chose to go his own way; he rebelled against God. And he led a host of angels to rebel with him. Therefore, God judged him and sent him from his exalted position into hell. From what we can glean from Scripture, this is how satan and the angels fell and became antagonists of God.

The point is this: even angels were sent to hell and chained with darkness. And God is holding them for eternal judgement. If God judged such glorious beings as Lucifer and the angels, how much more will He judge men, especially if they teach false doctrine and mislead people?

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 3:19-20; 2 Peter 2:4 “By whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.” … “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment.”

The Bible says in Revelation 12:6-8; Jude 1:6 “Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.” … “And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.”

God spoke through prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 14:12-15 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.”

God also spoke through prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 28:11-19 “ Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created. “You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you. “By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore, I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones. “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendour; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you. “You defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trading; Therefore, I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, And I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; You have become a horror, And shall be no more forever.”

(ii) God did not spare the ancient world (v.5). The word had become totally wicked; wickedness prevailed in every mind, heart, and life.

The Bible says in Genesis 6:5 “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

He destroyed the whole world of the ungodly by a flood. God had no choice; His righteousness demanded that He judge the world of the ungodly. And this He did. God sent a flood of water to cover the word, and all the ungodly were destroyed. But note: there was one family saved – a preacher and his family. The preacher’s name was Noah and note what he preached: righteousness. He preached the righteousness of God. All the other preachers and priests of that day perished with all the other ungodly. But not Noah; he was saved, and the reason he was saved was because he was faithful to God and His righteousness. He lived and preached the truth of god and His Word.

The point is this: if God judged and destroyed the whole world of the ungodly people, He will certainly judge and destroy a false teacher.

(iii) God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (v.6-8). God caused an explosion, a combustion of fire, to fall upon Sodom and Gomorrah. Note the facts:

(a) The cities were turned into ashes (v.6).

(b) The cities were made an example to all who live ungodly lives (v.6).

(a) The reason for the judgement and destruction was twofold:

=> The citizens were living filthy, immoral, and unjust lives.

=> The sin and shame of the citizens were disturbing the heart of Lot. There was so much sin and shame that Lot’s heart was distressed and tortured to see the law of God violated so much.

Note what happened: everyone in the city was judged and destroyed except one man, Lot. And note why he was saved – because he was righteous.

The point is this: if God judged and destroyed two great cities and all the people in them, He will certainly judge and destroy a false teacher.

(iv) God knows how to deliver the godly and reserve the unjust until the day of judgement to be punished. This verse completes the sentence began in verse 4. Note what it is that God delivers the godly from: temptations and trials (peirasmou); all the temptations and trials of life. There is no excuse for a false teacher preaching or teaching false doctrine – no excuse for him to fear other preachers or teachers or other men within his church nor to shy away from the truth – for God knows how to meet the needs of the man. God knows how to deliver the man from every obstacle and through every difficulty, no matter how great a trial or temptation. No matter who opposes the teacher, God knows how to deliver him. He delivered Noah and Lot both through the most trying opposition and ungodliness. But note this: God also knows how to keep the ungodly until the day of judgement and doom. All false teachers shall be judged and doomed to punishment.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28; 13:41-42; 18:6, 8-9; 25:41,46 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” … “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” … “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” … “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.” … “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” … “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ further said in Mark 8:38; John 3:19 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” … “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

Apostle Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 “And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Bible says in Hebrews 10:29; Revelation 20:15; Jude 1:14-15 “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” … “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” … “Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousand of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”

Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 3:7 “But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

Let us introspect ourselves.

Shall we submit ourselves to be alert to what every man or woman teaches and test all preaching and teaching by the Word of God as there are false teachers exist among us as well?

Shall we thank our God for making us to understand the fact that any teaching that is contrary to God’s Word is destructive heresy which destroys God’s purpose for the church, and it destroys the lives of people within the church as well?

Shall we be more careful in identifying the preachers and teachers who profess Christ, but their preaching and teaching is a complete denial of Christ Himself?

Shall we be more careful about the preachers and teachers who encourage people to live immoral and licentious lives, who say that Christ is NOT the Son of God and the Bible is NOT the Word of God, who take the love of God and twist it, who take the grace of God and faith and pervert them saying that a person can believe in Jesus Christ WITHOUT repenting, separating from the world, changing his/her life, controlling his/her flesh and without following Christ besides exploiting people with deceptive words?

Shall we thank our God as He knows how to deliver the godly and reserve the unjust until the day of judgement to be punished?

Let us Pray: Our Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank You for helping us to understand about “Second Peter: DIVISION 02 – The Warnings Against False Teachers: Part (A) – The Description & Judgement of False Teachers”, today, Father. Please help us to submit ourselves to be alert to what every man or woman teaches us and test all preaching and teaching by the Word of God as there are false teachers exist among us as well, Father. We thank You Father for making us to understand the fact that any teaching that is contrary to Your Word is destructive heresy which destroys Your purpose for the church, and it destroys the lives of people within the church as well, Father. Please help us to be more careful in identifying the preachers and teachers who profess Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, but their preaching and teaching is a complete denial of Christ Himself, to be more careful about the preachers and teachers who encourage people to live immoral and licentious lives, denying Your beloved Son and Your Word, twisting Your love and grace besides exploiting people with deceptive words, Father. We thank You Father as You know how to deliver the godly and reserve the unjust until the day of judgement to be punished, Father. We thank You Father for filling us with Your joy, peace, and hope, for accepting us when we approach You through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ besides being merciful on us and loving us so much and predestined us to receive Your promise of glory through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, Father. We give all praise, glory, and honour to Your Holy Name. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

God bless you all.

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veale2006-blog · 3 days ago

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Three Life-Changing Words Thursday, December 19, 2024

The Power of Being Wrong Paul, wrote in 1 Timothy: 'even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy… Messiah came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst.' In effect, Paul is saying, "I was wrong." He not only said that at the end of his life, he undoubtedly said it, acted on it, manifested it and lived it from the moment he encountered God on the road to Damascus onward… It all started there with three holy words: I was wrong. Had he never been able to say those words he would've never been forgiven, given a ministry, and been able to preach the Word, write the epistles and change the world. In fact, everything he ever said or wrote all rested on three initial words: I was wrong. Those three powerful words turned the chief of sinners into the foremost of apostles. Those three words in the grace of God will set you free from the old and open up your life to the healing and glory of God. It all begins when you say, "I was wrong."

Today's Mission Today, if you have a situation that calls for it, don't be afraid to say "I was wrong."

2 Corinthians 12:13 King James Version 13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. Well, now I’ve done it! I’ve made a complete fool of myself by going on like this. But it’s not all my fault; you put me up to it. You should have been doing this for me, sticking up for me and commending me instead of making me do it for myself. You know from personal experience that even if I’m a nobody, a nothing, I wasn’t second-rate compared to those big-shot apostles you’re so taken with. All the signs that mark a true apostle were in evidence while I was with you through both good times and bad: signs of portent, signs of wonder, signs of power. Did you get less of me or of God than any of the other churches? The only thing you got less of was less responsibility for my upkeep. Well, I’m sorry. Forgive me for depriving you.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY AND WEEKEND!

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yhwhrulz · 15 days ago

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Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional for December 7

Morning

“The love of money is the root of all evil.”

1 Timothy 6

The first epistle to Timothy concludes with a practical exhortation relating to various classes in the church, and with an earnest word to the young minister himself.

1 Timothy 6:1 , 1 Timothy 6:2

For Christian servants to take undue liberties because their employers are believers, is shameful, they ought rather to render them higher respect and more willing service.

1 Timothy 6:6

It makes us truly happy, by making our little into much and sweetening all the trials of life: “Poor and content is rich, and rich enough.”

1 Timothy 6:7 , 1 Timothy 6:8

Enough is as good as a feast, and frequently better, for it saves us from the ills of surfeit, the sure punishment of greediness.

1 Timothy 6:9 , 1 Timothy 6:10

Money can be used for the best of purposes, but the love of it is idolatry and the cause of countless evils. How is it that so many professed Christians live only to make money, and are just as eager after wealth as the avowed worldling?

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Having spoken to those who seek riches, he now admonishes those who possess them, that they must not hoard for themselves, but lay up treasure in heaven by generously distributing their goods on earth. Have we property? Let us hold it as stewards of the Lord. It is both our duty and our happiness to use all that we have to glorify him who, though he was rich, yet became poor for our sakes. Is he truly ours? Then let all ours be truly his.

1 Timothy 6:20 , 1 Timothy 6:21

O Lord, grant that grace may be with us also, this day and till the last great day. Amen.

Let us, in life and death,

Thy steadfast truth declare;

And publish with our atest breath,

Thy love, and guardian care.

Evening

“Hold fast the form of sound words.”

2 Timothy 1

The second epistle to Timothy is remarkable as being probably the last which the apostle wrote; it contains dying advice, written in the immediate prospect of martyrdom. Looking forward calmly to the grave, and with the executioner’s axe in the foreground, Paul pens this letter to his favourite disciple, and solemnly charges him to abide faithful unto death.

2 Timothy 1:1-5

We see here the inmost heart of Paul. Deserted by many of his friends, and in the feebleness of old age, expecting a cruel death, he cherishes the memory of his beloved young disciple, and longs to look once more upon his face. With joy he remembers the holy mother and grandmother of his friend, and the unfeigned piety of Timothy himself. How natural and how touching!

2 Timothy 1:8-10

Do not hesitate to come to Rome and bear with me the reproaches and dangers which belong to the ministers of Christ,

2 Timothy 1:8-10

“The old man eloquent” feels his soul kindling as he describes the glories of the gospel, eternal in its purpose, matchless in its achievements. He sits on the brink of the grave, and sings of one who hath abolished death. Faith in the resurrection could alone suggest such a triumphant exclamation.

2 Timothy 1:13

This is the main burden of the apostle’s pleading with Timothy, “Hold fast.” We have equal need of the same exhortation, for this is an evil day, and thousands hold everything or nothing as the winds of opinion may change.

2 Timothy 1:14-18

This good man is here immortalised. When he risked his life to find out and succour a poor despised prisoner, he little knew that he would live for ever on the page of the church’s history. His cup of cold water given to an apostle has received an apostle’s reward. Are there any yet alive like Paul to whom we might minister in love after the manner of Onesiphorus?

Stripp’d of my earthly friends,

I find them all in One;

And peace, and joy that never ends,

And heav’n, in Christ alone!

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mybeautifulchristianjourney · 7 months ago

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As One Approved

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. — 2 Timothy 2:15 | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide. Cross References: Romans 6:13; Ephesians 1:13; James 1:12; James 1:18

#truth #integrity #unashamed #Word of Truth #Scripture #discernment #2 Timothy 2:15 #The Epistle of Second Timothy #New Testament #NIV #New International Version Bible #Biblica Inc.

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shammah8 · 2 years ago

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

Sunday 11 June 2023

CUSTODIANS OF TRUTH

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in (Isaiah 26:2).

I’ll like you to observe two things that qualify a nation to come into the gates of God. The first is righteousness. The second is that the nation must have and walk in the truth. What nation is this custodian and observer of the truth?

God’s Word is Truth, and His truth was given to us in Christ Jesus. Thus, the Church of Christ is this nation that keeps the truth. Paul, writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:15 called the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. We belong in the Church which is the custodian of the truth. The Church is a righteous nation. We’re God-like in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24).

The Bible says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Everyone who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour has been made righteous!

In Ephesians 4:24 (AMPC), Paul highlights that we were created in true righteousness and holiness: “And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.” If you walk with sin consciousness, you wouldn’t know that you’re righteous. But His gate is opened to the righteous ones—the Church! What a blessing!

Peter corroborates this in his first epistle when he called us a holy nation: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 AMPC).

We’re a peculiar nation, born in righteousness, producing fruits of righteousness, and proclaiming His truth in righteousness.

PRAYER

Righteous Father, your peace and prosperity reign in the nations of the world, as we, your Church, proclaim your truth and righteousness around the world. We overturn the structures, systems and schemes of satanic propagation of deception and fear across the nations, and we declare that your will be done in all the earth, as it is in heaven, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

3 John 1:3-4;

1 Timothy 3:15

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freebiblestudyhub · 20 days ago

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Who Wrote the Book of 2 Timothy in the Bible?

The Bible, as the sacred text of Christianity, is a compilation of various books, letters, poems, and prophecies, all of which were written by a diverse group of authors spanning several centuries. One of the most compelling and emotionally��charged letters in the New Testament is the book of 2 Timothy. This letter, often seen as a final communication from a mentor to his protégé, offers profound insights into the Christian faith, pastoral leadership, and the challenges of faithfulness in the face of suffering and persecution.

The authorship of the New Testament books is a topic of great interest for scholars and believers alike. Many of the New Testament writings are attributed to the Apostle Paul, a key figure in early Christianity who traveled extensively, planted churches, and wrote numerous letters to various Christian communities. 2 Timothy is one such letter, widely accepted as a work written by Paul during the final years of his life. However, questions about its authorship, historical context, and the purpose of its writing continue to be subjects of discussion.

In this article, we will explore the authorship of 2 Timothy in depth, examine the evidence supporting the view that the Apostle Paul wrote it, and discuss the significance of this letter in the context of early Christianity.

The Historical Context of 2 Timothy

Before diving into the question of who wrote 2 Timothy, it is essential to understand the historical backdrop in which this letter was written. 2 Timothy is one of the Pastoral Epistles (along with 1 Timothy and Titus), a group of letters traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. These letters are named for their practical guidance to individuals serving in leadership positions in the church.

2 Timothy, however, is distinct among the pastoral letters because it is seen as Paul’s final letter before his death, written during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Nero. The letter reveals Paul’s sense of urgency, the deep personal nature of his relationship with Timothy, and his awareness of the end of his earthly life.

Paul is believed to have written 2 Timothy during his second Roman imprisonment, which occurred around AD 67-68. This imprisonment was different from his earlier one described in the book of Acts, which had been relatively comfortable and allowed Paul some degree of freedom. By the time of writing 2 Timothy, Paul was facing harsher conditions—he was in a cold, damp prison cell, awaiting his imminent execution. His situation was dire, and the letter reflects a sense of finality.

Authorship of 2 Timothy: The Case for Paul

The overwhelming majority of scholars and Christian tradition affirm that the Apostle Paul is the author of 2 Timothy. This conclusion is based on internal evidence within the letter itself, as well as external historical support.

1. Internal Evidence: Paul’s Personal References

One of the strongest pieces of evidence supporting Paul as the author of 2 Timothy is the letter’s personal tone and references to Paul’s own life and ministry. In the opening verses of the letter, Paul identifies himself explicitly as the author:

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:1, ESV)

Throughout the letter, Paul references his own sufferings, his faithfulness to the gospel, and his upcoming death. These personal reflections are consistent with what is known about Paul’s final years. For instance, in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Paul writes:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:6-7, ESV)

This language strongly suggests that Paul, in his own voice, is writing as someone who knows his death is near. Additionally, the letter includes several personal greetings, such as:

“Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica…” (2 Timothy 4:9-10, ESV)

These intimate and specific references provide further evidence that the letter was written by Paul, as they reflect his personal experiences and relationships with his companions.

2. Theological Consistency with Paul’s Other Writings

Another argument in favor of Pauline authorship is the theological consistency between 2 Timothy and Paul’s other letters. For example, themes such as the faithfulness of God, the importance of sound teaching, and the call to persevere in the gospel are present in many of Paul’s writings. In 2 Timothy, Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in the truth:

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:13, ESV)

Paul’s emphasis on endurance and faithfulness, even in the face of suffering, is also consistent with his teachings in other letters, such as Romans 8:18 and Philippians 3:10-14. The letter’s focus on the gospel and the need for Timothy to guard the faith aligns closely with the overarching themes of Paul’s ministry throughout the New Testament.

3. References to Paul’s Companions

In 2 Timothy, Paul mentions several of his companions by name, including Luke, Mark, and Crescens (2 Timothy 4:11, 4:13). These references are consistent with what we know of Paul’s ministry from other sources, including the Acts of the Apostles and his other letters. The mention of these companions helps to ground the letter in the historical context of Paul’s final years and further suggests that it was indeed written by Paul.

4. Writing Style and Vocabulary

While some critics have pointed to differences in writing style and vocabulary between 2 Timothy and other Pauline letters, these differences can often be explained by the personal nature of the letter, its immediate circumstances, and Paul’s advanced age. By the time Paul wrote 2 Timothy, he was likely in his 60s or 70s, and his writing style could have shifted due to his personal circumstances, the passage of time, and the nature of the letter. Scholars generally agree that the letter still contains enough Pauline characteristics, such as his characteristic use of metaphor and theological concepts, to affirm that Paul was indeed the author.

External Evidence Supporting Pauline Authorship

In addition to the internal evidence, there is strong external evidence that supports the view that Paul wrote 2 Timothy.

1. Early Christian Testimony

From the earliest times, Christian tradition has attributed the authorship of 2 Timothy to Paul. The Muratorian Fragment, a list of New Testament writings from the 2nd century, includes 2 Timothy as part of Paul’s corpus of letters. Similarly, early church fathers such as Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian all affirmed that Paul wrote the letter.

2. Historical Context of Paul’s Imprisonment

The historical context of Paul’s second Roman imprisonment provides additional support for Pauline authorship. As mentioned earlier, Paul was likely imprisoned under the emperor Nero, who was notorious for his persecution of Christians. 2 Timothy, with its urgent and personal tone, seems to reflect the environment of harsh Roman imprisonment and the impending death of its author.

3. No Compelling Counterarguments

While there are some who have questioned the authorship of 2 Timothy, these arguments are typically based on stylistic differences or questions about the historical reliability of the letter. However, there is no compelling evidence that definitively challenges the traditional view of Pauline authorship. Most scholars agree that the internal and external evidence overwhelmingly supports Paul as the author.

Why Did Paul Write 2 Timothy?

Understanding why Paul wrote 2 Timothy is crucial for grasping the significance of the letter. 2 Timothy is not just a personal letter; it is also a letter filled with pastoral advice and exhortations for future generations of believers. Paul’s primary purpose in writing was to encourage Timothy—his dear son in the faith—and to equip him for the challenges of ministry. As Paul faced the end of his life, he knew that Timothy would soon be responsible for carrying on the work of the gospel. Thus, Paul offered him his final words of encouragement and wisdom.

1. Encouragement to Persevere in the Faith

One of the key themes of 2 Timothy is the call to remain faithful to the gospel, despite the challenges and persecutions that might come. Paul exhorts Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and to endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-3).

2. Guarding the Gospel

Paul urges Timothy to guard the gospel message, ensuring that it is passed on accurately to future generations. This responsibility is underscored by the apostle’s concern that false teachings and heresies could undermine the work of the gospel. In 2 Timothy 1:13-14, Paul writes:

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”

3. Endurance in Suffering

Paul also emphasizes the importance of enduring suffering for the sake of the gospel. He encourages Timothy to expect persecution and to be prepared to endure hardship in order to fulfill the ministry entrusted to him. In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul writes:

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

4. Passing on the Legacy

Finally, Paul encourages Timothy to entrust the gospel to faithful men who will be able to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). This passing on of the faith is vital for the survival of the gospel message throughout future generations.

Conclusion

The evidence overwhelmingly supports the view that Paul the Apostle wrote 2 Timothy, one of his final letters to his beloved disciple, Timothy. The letter’s deeply personal tone, its theological consistency with Paul’s other writings, and the historical context of Paul’s imprisonment all point to Paul as the author.

In 2 Timothy, we find a profound example of mentorship and spiritual legacy. Paul’s exhortations to Timothy—encouraging him to persevere in the faith, guard the gospel, and endure suffering—remain relevant for Christians today. As a letter of encouragement, instruction, and exhortation, 2 Timothy continues to speak to the hearts of believers, reminding them of the importance of faithfulness to the gospel and the hope that awaits those who endure.

The authorship of 2 Timothy by Paul is not only supported by internal and external evidence but is also central to understanding the apostle’s legacy and the challenges of the early Christian church. Through this final letter, Paul’s voice rings out as a call to all Christians to remain steadfast, to preserve the truth, and to pass on the faith to future generations.

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