Lesson 561

(Lesson 561)(02-28-13) 2 Timothy 2:16-26 "But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

This lesson is one of the most illustrative of modern Christianity to be found in the New Testament. The examples Paul warns Timothy of herein are rampant among the many isms today. Paul tells Timothy to be watchful of those who would distort the gospel of Jesus Christ by trying to intermingle their own philosophies into the divine word. He, so very correctly, says those things fester and work like a cancer to destroy the truth. Paul gave examples of those who, at that time, were at work planting seeds of distortion within the Church, "But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some."

It can't be said enough that in this age of instant information, Christian people should insist that no preacher, teacher, or anyone else presenting themselves as purveyors of the gospel, be allowed to get by with adding to, or taking from, the simple doctrine presented to us by Jesus Christ Himself.

Why should we insist that the gospel be pure? The answer is in Matthew 7:14, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."~

Lesson 560

(Lesson 560)(02-27-13) 2 Timothy 2:1-15, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

In today's lesson Paul instructs those who would take on the task of preachers or teachers to conduct themselves in a manner reflective of their that position. Not varying from the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ, and not allowing themselves to be coerced into applying fruitless restrictions on those who seek salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul says, "Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:". Paul, in essence, is saying that he only preached the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He went on to say that everything he had done was done for the benefit of the Church, "I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."

In the final portion of this lesson we are instructed to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

If all professed "Christians" would obey this simple instruction, what a wonderful place this old world could be.

Sadly, mankind has so muddled the simple requirement for eternal salvation, by adding unnecessary demands, so as to virtually hide it from the lost. All that is required to be saved can be found in Acts 16:31 when Paul and Silas had been asked "Sirs, what must I do to be saved," "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." There are NO other requirements.~

Lesson 559

(Lesson 558)(02-26-13) 2 Timothy Chapter 1, "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well."

Today's lesson relates the importance of women the Church. Paul said, "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." Paul acknowledges that the faith through which Timothy served originated with his grandmother and mother.

The remainder of the lesson is Paul's expression of gratitude for the work of the faithful and an exhortation to continue in that work.~

Lesson 558

(Lesson 558)(02-25-13) 1 Timothy Chapter 6, "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen."

This lesson advises those who work for others to remain humble and do a good job for their employers seeing that if a Christian employer is benefitted by their efforts, so are they. Likewise, Christian bosses are to treat their employees with dignity. Both are to encourage the practice of their faith and if an employer should benefit from the efforts of the employee that benefit should be passed on to the employee.

Herein, Paul warns against the love of money, "For the love of money is the root of all evil:".

One of the most prevalent evils among so called Christians today is greed. We live in a land that, by the grace of God, has been given more wealth than the rest of the world all together, yet we have among us some of the poorest of the world's poor.

In the final portion of this lesson, we are advised to rise above greed by living with a charitable heart and returning our attention to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, away from our worldly wealth.~

Lesson 557

(Lesson 557)(02-24-13) 1 Timothy 5:17-25, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid."

Today's lesson instructs us to treat elders with respect and to give them due deference. It also tells us that when someone within the Church is found guilty of a wrongdoing they should be exposed to the whole Church. The guilty party is to be rebuked in the presence of the whole Church.
This lesson contains the famous line, "use a little wine for thy stomach's sake". Some use this statement as a license to stay drunk. That was most certainly NOT what Paul intended. Although it is clearly established that the moderate consumption of alcohol is acceptable so long as it does not become a problem for the consumer. Even the deacons were to be selected from those "not given to much wine" clearly implying that some limited consumption of alcohol is acceptable within the Church.

The final portion of this lesson tells us that the sins of some take time to come to light, and likewise, the good deeds of some will become apparent long after the work was performed.~

Lesson 556

(Lesson 556)(02-23-13) 1 Timothy 5:1-16, "Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed."

This lesson instructs the members of the Church as to how they are to deal with women who's husbands have died. Reference is made here to a "widow indeed", that term defines a woman who has lost her husband and has no family left to care for her. Women of that period could not own property under Jewish tradition, therefore the needs of the "widow indeed" were to be met by the entire Church community. Widows who had adult children were to be cared for by the men in their own families so as not to burden the Church with their upkeep.

Paul instructs the young widows, not to remain with their family but to to seek marriage and to create families of their own in an effort to stabilize their lives.

The underlying, and most important issue in this lesson, is that the Church body is to do whatever it takes to care for the community. A stable, educated Church membership is far more likely to closely adhere to the gospel of Jesus Christ than someone whose life is allowed to dangle in the wind.~

Lesson 555

(Lesson 555)(02-22-13) 1 Timothy 4:7-16, "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."

In today's lesson Paul once again instructs us to maintain the faith in its purest form. Not giving in to "profane old wives fables".

The battle to make sure the gospel of Jesus Christ was always taught in its purest form was lost while the Church was still in its infancy, and even though His word sometimes seems to have vanished, we should always remember that somewhere one can still hear the word of God taught as it was originally intended to be taught. As Jesus said, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

The gospel will always be available to those who humbly seek it. Those of us who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ should always be available, and educated, to teach His divine gospel on a moments notice. We can never know when someone might require us to teach. ~