RELATED TOPICS
The Power of God's Word - A Simple Inductive Study
Inductive Bible Study: Application
2 Timothy 2:19 Study of A Firm Foundation
2 Timothy 3:16-17 Study of the Authority of God's Word
2 Timothy Overview Guard the Treasure
2 Timothy Handle Accurately the Word of Truth
Life Hid and Not Hid by Alexander Maclaren
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APPROVED UNTO GOD: |
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| "The Faithful" | "The Unfaithful" | |||||||||||
| THE CONTEXT |
DIED LIVE |
ENDURE REIGN |
DENY DENY |
FAITHLESS FAITHFUL |
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The Goal: Accurately Handle (interpret) 2Timothy 2:11-13 What is the most important "tool" the diligent student has at his or her disposal to facilitate accurate handling of the word of truth? Reading the text with careful attention to the text that is before and after - paying closest attention to the immediate verses but also attempting to understand the emphasis of the book as a whole (key words) as well as the purpose for writing the book What other "tool" do we all have access to aid accurate interpretation? We can all compare Scripture with Scripture
What should the diligent student "diligently" avoid as he or she begins to study a specific passage, the interpretation of which might be difficult or controversial? Avoid commentaries (this includes your "study Bible" notes) so you are not biased. Once you have read someone else's interpretation, you will have a certain degree of bias. How would you characterize the two contrasting groups of people in 2 Timothy (click)? Who are the faithful men? Paul Timothy Onesiphorus Luke Who are the unfaithful men (specifically named)? Phygelus & Hermogenes Hymenaeus & Philetus Demas How does the "trustworthy statement" correlate with the theme of "faithful and unfaithful" men that runs through the letter? 1st two lines describe faithful 2nd two lines describe unfaithful Now let's establish the context of What is the main theme of the section just before the "trustworthy statement" according to? (2Ti 2:2) Entrusting the gospel to faithful men What do we learn from metaphor of a soldier? (2Ti 2:3-4) Suffer hardship What do we learn from metaphor of a athlete? (2Ti 2:5) Compete according to the rules What do we learn from metaphor of a farmer? (2Ti 2:6) How can we practically understand what Paul is saying? (2Ti 2:7) Our Part: consider what Paul says God's Part: Will give us understanding What is Timothy to constantly be mindful of (2Ti 2:8)? Remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, descendant of David
What is Paul experiencing because of the gospel (2Ti 2:9)? Suffers hardship: imprisonment as criminal What does Paul remind Timothy of in order to encourage him to endure hardship (2Ti 2:9)? Word of God (gospel) not imprisoned What motivates Paul to endure even imprisonment (2Ti 2:10)? That the chosen may obtain salvation What will it "cost" to fulfill the goal of entrusting the gospel to faithful men? (2Ti 2:8-10) What instructions immediate follow the trustworthy statement?
What should we focus on? (2Ti 2:15) What should we avoid? Why avoid? Resurrection speculation upset faith What should we cleanse ourselves from and why? From vessels of dishonor from those who espouse worldly & empty chatter and false teaching so that we might be vessels of honor - sanctified, useful, prepared for good deeds How can we remain in a state of readiness or prepared for every good work? (2Ti 2:22-23) Flee youthful lusts Pursuing +R, faith, love, peace Refuse foolish & ignorant speculations How are we to behave as bondservants? (2Ti 2:24-26) Not quarrel, be kind, able to teach, patient when wronged, gently correcting those who oppose What is the main theme of the instructions (context) following this trustworthy statement? Remain faithful to task - responsibility to the gospel This trustworthy statement is placed in midst of instructions & warnings about how to be faithful or unfaithful. It is into this context that Paul records a trustworthy statement. Let's look at that in the next column. |
If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him
What "death" is Paul referring to? spiritual or physical? Let's use context and cross references to arrive at our interpretation.
What kind of death does (Ro 6:4-10) refer to - spiritual or physical? Spiritual death = identification with Christ's death, burial, resurrection This became a reality at salvation. When He died on the Cross, we died with Him to the power of sin What kind of death does (2Cor 5:6-8) refer to - spiritual or physical? What kind of death could this verse signify - spiritual or physical? This death could be either spiritual or physical What kind of death is Paul facing? 2Ti 4:6 What does Col 3:3-4 teach that helps understand "live with Him"? 1) When we died with Him spiritually our life was hidden with Christ in God - our life is secure no matter what we suffer now 2) Christ is now our life 3) Christ is our life in the future - "then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" So "live with Him" can refer to our present earthly life as well as our life to come. |
If we endure we shall also reign with Him
What does 2 Timothy 2:10 teach about enduring? Paul was convinced of the power of the gospel ("word of God is not imprisoned") and was willing to accept suffering even as a prisoner if that is what he had to do to see the chosen (elect) obtain salvation. What does Hebrews 10:32-39 teach about enduring? 32 Endure great conflict of sufferings The Hebrew readers had need of endurance (noun form of "endure"), so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. If we shrink back God has no pleasure in us and the result is destruction (v38-39) What does James 1:12 teach about enduring trials? He will be blessed Will be approved Receive crown of life Why does this man Because he loves God Who should we take as our example of suffering and patience in (James 5:10-11) 1) Prophets spoke in name of Lord 2) Job What is the reward for enduring? Blessed What encouraging truth can we be assured of when we suffer? Lord is full of compassion and mercy How should we endure according to Hebrews 12:1-3? Eyes fixed on Jesus (cf remember Jesus Christ 2Ti2:8) Look toward Him Who has run the race - Jesus the Author & Finisher, endured the cross, despised the shame Why did he endure and despise? For the joy set before What was Set down at right hand of throne of God (pleasing to His Father) What else are we to think about carefully and completely as we run? Consider Jesus - endured hostility by sinners against Him Why should we keep thinking about the endurance of Jesus? So that we may not grow weary and lose heart WE SHALL REIGN What does Rev 3:21 teach about who will reign? Overcomers will sit with Jesus on His throne Who is an overcomer? 1Jn5:4-5 One born of by faith. Believes Jesus = Son What does Rev 5:9-10 teach about how and where we will reign? We will reign as... -- Kings (KJV) -- Priests Where? -- Upon the earth What does Rev 20:4-6 teach about this reign - who, their state, how long? Souls beheaded 1st resurrection (1C15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming) Blessed - how? 1) 2nd death has no power 2) Priests 3) 1000 years What does 1 Cor 6:2-3 imply? Believers will judge the world and angels Who else will reign with Christ Mt 19:28? 12 disciples will reign with Him Who else will reign with Christ according to Daniel 7:27? OT Saints When do OT saints arise (resurrection) and reign with Christ Da 12:13? At end of the age What do we learn about our reign with Christ from Rev 22:5? Context = new heaven and new earth, after the 1000 year reign Saints reign forever |
If we deny Him, He also will deny us
What is Jesus' warning about denying Him in Mt 10:33? If we deny Jesus now He will deny him before His Father What does Paul teach about those who deny God? (Titus 1:16) They profess to know God, but by their deeds they (continually) deny Him Being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed. How does Jude describe those who deny Jesus? (Jude 4) Crept in unnoticed Long beforehand marked out for condemnation Ungodly persons Turn grace of our God > licentiousness Deny our Master and Lord Jesus Christ What does John describe those who deny Jesus? (1Jn 2:23) Whoever denies (present tense) the Son does not have the Father In sum, what does Paul mean by "if we deny Him"? Are there not two possibilities - a momentary denial like Peter or a permanent denial like Judas. It is the latter who will be denied by Jesus before the Father and like Judas will be condemned to perdition, away from the presence of the One Whom he denied. Was Demas' "denial" permanent? The honest observer will be forced to conclude that ultimately only God knows contingent upon whether he ever repented. If he never repented, he was always an unbeliever or professor and in no case did he "lose his salvation". What then does "He will deny us" mean? The most straightforward reading of this verse and one which fits well with the context is that He will deny us stating He does not know us and is not related to us.
What did Jesus say in Mt 7:21-23 that conveys a similar somber warning to that found in this trustworthy statement? "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you;DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE (present tense) LAWLESSNESS.' In light of these sobering statements we need to take heed to Paul's advice to the Corinthians... "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-- unless indeed you fail the test?" (2 Cor 13:5) Ryrie commenting on this passage writes that "fail the test" means "they failed to pass the test and were not members of the household of faith" |
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself
How are two ways one might interpret "if we are faithless" ? (1) Believers who are not walking with the Lord (2) Unbelievers How does the fact that that the verb "are faithless" is in the present tense help us interpret this passage? (1) Since the present tense speaks of continuous or habitual action (as a lifestyle) one could paraphrase the passages as... "If we continually unfaithful" or "if we habitually demonstrate unfaithfulness" (2) This tense would support the interpretation that these are professors of faith but who demonstrate by their lifestyle that they are not possessors of genuine saving faith Now let's look at two of the uses of the verb "are faithless" (apisteo) which is used only 6 times in the NT. How does Peter use apisteo in (1 Peter 2:8)? "This precious value (Jesus Christ, our precious Cornerstone), then, is for you who (continually) believe (present tense). But for those who (continually) disbelieve (apisteo in the present tense) "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER stone," 8 and, "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE"; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed." (1 Peter 2:7-8) Clearly Peter uses apisteo to contrast believers with unbelievers What do you observe from Paul's only other NT use of apisteo in (Romans 3:3)? "What then? If some did not believe (apisteo), their unbelief (apistia) will not nullify the faithfulness (pistis) of God, will it? (The New Living Translation renders it "True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they broke their promises, does that mean God will break his promises?") (Romans 3:3) Paul also clearly uses similar combination of apisteo to describe unbelievers. What do you learn about God in (Romans 3:3) that parallels 2Ti 2:13? The disbelief or unfaithfulness of some does not make ineffective the power or force of God's faithfulness - He remains faithful How would you interpret "if we are faithless" based on the context, and the above observations? The weight of evidence would seem to support the interpretation that Paul is warning about having a profession of faith but lacking saving faith. This warning would speak to those who had departed in chapter 1, those who have gone astray in chapter 2, those who oppose in chapter 3 and Demas who loved this present world in chapter 4. Were they all lost? Were some saved and others lost? Ultimately only God knows, but if they claimed to be born again and yet spent the rest of their life living like the devil one would have to conclude they were never saved in the first place. Note that this verse is categorically not teaching one can lose their salvation! What does it mean that "He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself"? Nu 23:19 says "19 "God is not a man, that He should lie". Paul characterizes Him as (literally) the "non-lying God" (Titus 1:2) He is continually (forever) trustworthy and can be counted upon to keep His word to Reward the faithful with co-regency Deny He ever knew those who were continually unfaithful. |
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Now let's establish the immediate context of 2 Ti 2:11-13 What is the main theme of the section just before the "trustworthy statement" according to? (2Ti 2:2) Entrusting the gospel to faithful men What will it take to fulfill the charge to entrust the gospel to faithful men? What do we learn from the metaphor of a soldier? (2Ti 2:3-4) Suffer hardship Don't entangle with everyday affairs Please Jesus What do we learn from metaphor of a athlete? (2Ti 2:5) Compete according to the rules Win the prize What do we learn from metaphor of a farmer? (2Ti 2:6) Hard work Receive our share of the crops How can we practically understand what Paul is saying? (2Ti 2:7) Our Part: consider what Paul says God's Part: Will give us understanding What is Timothy to constantly be mindful of (2Ti 2:8)? Remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, descendant of David What is Paul experiencing because of the gospel (2Ti 2:9)? Suffers hardship: imprisonment as criminal What does Paul remind Timothy of in order to encourage him to endure hardship (2Ti 2:9)? Word of God (gospel) not imprisoned What motivates Paul to endure even imprisonment (2Ti 2:10)? That the chosen may obtain salvation What will it "cost" to fulfill the goal of entrusting the gospel to faithful men? (2Ti 2:8-10) Suffering Endurance What instructions immediate follow the trustworthy statement? Remind of these things - not wrangle about words = useless & leads to ruin of hearers
What should we focus on? (2Ti 2:15) Be diligent to handle accurately the Word Study of God's Word takes effort! Don't forget! What should we avoid? Avoid worldly & empty chatter Why avoid? Resurrection speculation upset faith What should we cleanse ourselves from and why? From vessels of dishonor from those who espouse worldly & empty chatter and false teaching so that we might be vessels of honor - sanctified, useful, prepared for good deeds How can we remain in a state of readiness or prepared for every good work? (2Ti 2:22-23) Flee youthful lusts Pursuing +R, faith, love, peace Refuse foolish & ignorant speculations How are we to behave as bondservants? (2Ti 2:24-26) Not quarrel, be kind, able to teach, patient when wronged, gently correcting those who oppose What is the main theme of the instructions (context) following this trustworthy statement? Remain faithful to task - responsibility to the gospel This trustworthy statement is placed in midst of instructions & warnings about how to be faithful or unfaithful. It is into this context that Paul records a trustworthy statement. Let's look at that in the next column. |
| "THE UNFAITHFUL" | "THE FAITHFUL" | |
| Chapter 1 | (1:15) All in Asia Phygelus & Hermogenes ACTION: |
(1:12) Paul ACTION: Not ashamed of the Gospel Knew Jesus would keep what he had entrusted to Him (1:16-18) Onesiphorus ACTION: Not ashamed of Paul's chains Often refreshed Paul Searched and found me |
| Chapter 2 | (2:16-18) Hymenaeus & Philetus ACTION: |
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| Chapter 3 | (3:5-9) Men holding form of godliness but have denied its power ACTION: (3:5-9) Evil men and impostors ACTION: Proceed from bad to worse Deceive and are themselves deceived |
(3:10) Timothy ACTION: Followed (did not turn away or desert) Paul's teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings |
| Chapter 4 | (4:3-4) Those who do not endure sound doctrine ACTION: Accumulate teachers ~ own desires Turn aside ears from the truth to Myths (4:10) Demas ACTION: Loved this present world Deserted Paul (4:14-15) Alexander Coppersmith ACTION Did much harm Vigorously opposed Paul's teaching |
(4:11) Luke ACTION: Stayed with Paul Mark ACTION: . Mark had deserted on 1st missionary journey Now he is useful to Paul for service |
| Summary | UNFAITHFUL | FAITHFUL |
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Supplementary Notes and Scriptures |
| ENDURE:
2 Ti 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. Hebrews 10:32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly, by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners, and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. 38 BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 5:10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. REIGN: Rev 3:21 (Jesus promises) 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. OVERCOMER = 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith. 5 And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Rev 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 "And Thou hast made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, 8 and will come out to deceive the nations which 1 Cor 6:2-3 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, matters of this life? Mt 19:27-28 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" 28 And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you (addressing the 12 disciples) also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Daniel 7:27 'Then the sovereignty, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.' Da 12:13 "But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age." Rev 22:5 And there shall no longer be any night; and they shall not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them; and they shall reign forever and ever. MacArthur comments that...
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| DENY:
Mt 10:33 "But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven" Phillips paraphrases Jesus
Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they (continually) deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed. Jude 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ 1John 2:23 Whoever denies (present tense) the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses (present tense) the Son has the Father also. Lu 9:26 "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels 1Peter 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even (continually) denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Luke 12:8-9 "And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man shall confess him also before the angels of God 9 but he who denies (aorist tense = "having denied") Me before men shall be denied (aorist tense = "He will thoroughly deny") before the angels of God. MacArthur commenting on this passage in Luke writes that
Barclay writes that
COMMENTS ON MATTHEW 10:33 JESUS' DENIAL OF THOSE WHO DENY HIM: Phillips renders this passage...
UBS Handbook writes that the thrust of Matthew 10:33 is that
One act of unfaithfulness does not disqualify a disciple from Jesus’ commendation but a lifestyle of denial does! A T Robertson writes
The New American Commentary notes that...
People's Commentary writes that...
Matthew Henry warns that Jesus
Life Application Bible Commentary explains that...
KJV Bible Commentary writes that...
MacDonald
Adam Clarke warns that
The College Press NIV Commentary writes that
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