The Superior Word Daily Devotional on 2 Timothy

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:8, 24 March 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018


Saturday, 24 March 2018


Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 2 Timothy 2:8


The KJV and the NKJV are incorrect in their translation of this verse. The order is wrong, and the word “that” is incorrectly supplied. It should read: “Remember Jesus Christ, raised out of the dead, of the seed of David, according to my good news” (YLT). By diverting from the proper order of the Greek, the actual focus is wholly obscured. It is first on Christ Jesus – Remember Christ Jesus. “Christ” means “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” He is the fulfillment of the messianic promises which existed from the very fall of man. From there, the focus is directed to the raising of Christ from the dead. The Anointed One is alive, now and forever.

Paul has been speaking of the hardships a minister will encounter, and also of the responsibilities and benefits which go with the position. But things for a minister, by the very nature of the job, will be difficult on good days and almost overly burdensome on bad days. If the job were just a regular one, meaning with no connection to Christ Jesus, he who filled it would surely become despondent rather quickly. But it is not.


The job of a minister is one which is based on factual history. As this history is the basis for being a minister, it is to be remembered and considered at all times. Jesus Christ was raised out of the dead. He is a literal, physical human being who suffered and died in the execution of His duties – given to Him to perform by God.


However, in properly performing His role, He prevailed over death; having died without sin of His own. Thus it demonstrates that His death is sufficient for the removal of the sins of His people He died for (substitution). As this is so, then death can no longer hold them either. It is a one-time act with eternal ramifications. Paul is telling Timothy that his duties as a minister have eternal significance, and that should prompt him on during even the lowest moment of his ministerial life.


From this remarkable point of surety, he then says that Jesus Christ is “of the seed of David.” His words here are given to substantiate and validate Christ’s human nature – both before and after the resurrection. As a human, He truly died. As a human, He truly rose. Being “of the seed of David” also confirms His acceptability as Messiah. The Lord’s promise to, and covenant with, David concerning the Messiah (2 Samuel 7) is that He would come from David’s line.


The ancestral line of Christ, which is clearly recorded in the Gospels; the work He performed; the death He died; and the resurrection He was given; all point to His fulfillment of Scripture. This is what Timothy is being asked to remember when he is downtrodden and worn out from the battle. The remembrance of these truths is to be the elixir which will pick him up and set him on his feet once again.


Paul then finishes up with, “according to my gospel.” The message he preached was committed to him by Christ personally. It was a bestowal which is in accord with sound doctrine anticipated in the Old Testament, and which is realized in the work of Jesus Christ. He calls it “my gospel,” because it is a personal gospel to him as much as it is a proclamation for others to hear. And yet, elsewhere Paul speaks of “our gospel.” It is in the plural (1 Thessalonians 1:5 & 2 Thessalonians 2:14). In this, he shows that though the gospel is personal, it is not his anymore than it is for all other ministers who preach it. The thought is similar to saying, “I love my Jesus,” and yet a group can say, “O how we love our Jesus.” Like the gospel message, He is both a personal Savior, and the Savior of all who are saved.”


Paul’s words here in 2 Timothy are reflected by his opening words to those in Rome –

“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:1-4


Life application: Paul is speaking to Timothy as a minister who will surely face immense difficulties and times of great trial. But the words of this verse belong to all in Christ. We should remember Christ Jesus, raised from the dead, of the seed of David at all times. What God has done in Him is something we can reflect on, and hold securely in our hearts at all times. It is the great reassurance that all is ok!


Lord God, it is true that we face times of real trial and difficulty, but as followers of Christ, if we just redirect our thoughts and minds to what He accomplished, we can let go of the troubles and stresses we face. He came, He lived, He died, and He rose again. The theology which is tied up in that thought should be enough to keep us upbeat and content through any time of trouble that we face. Hallelujah! Christ has prevailed. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:9, 25 March 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2018

Sunday, 25 March 2018


...for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 2 Timothy 2:9


The words, “for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer” are referring to Paul’s proclamation of the gospel. For speaking of the only message that can free humanity from the bondage of imprisonment and slavery to sin, Paul is himself held as a prisoner. His pen brings forth the irony of the situation. Although translator’s preference allows any of various words to be selected for a given original word, the use of “evildoer” is not a great choice. A person can do wrong without actually doing evil. Paul is held by the Romans for supposed wrongdoing according to their law. Thus, a word such as “criminal” would be a better choice of translation to form the proper analogy. The meaning here is technical rather than moral.


It is as a criminal that he is held, “even to the point of chains.” This is not a unique occurrence in Paul’s life. In Ephesians 6, he asked for prayers from those at Ephesus by saying, “that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19, 20). Paul was bound because of the gospel. It inhibited his ability to get out and speak, but even in his chains, he still proclaimed the word to whoever was around. He also continued to write letters, encouraging the churches he had ministered to, and providing doctrine for their continued growth. And so he next says that even though he was chained, “the word of God is not chained.”


At times while chained, Paul was able to speak forth the words of salvation to others, even to kings and governors. This is seen, for example, in Acts 26 –

“And Paul said, ‘I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.’” Acts 26:29


He repeats the sentiment in his letter to those at Philippi –

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:13, 14

Paul found that every possible cunning attempt, by devil and by man, was made to silence the gospel, but yet it continued to go forth. His unselfish attitude towards his Lord, and towards the message of salvation found in Christ Jesus, kept the word going. His letters did so as well, and they continue to do so 2000 years later. And based on this precious book called the Bible, which includes these letters, people are willing to follow in Paul’s example and speak boldly of Christ Jesus, even to chains or death.

Life application: How important to you is the message of salvation found in Christ Jesus? Are you willing to proclaim it, even at the expense of your freedom? What about at the expense of your life? Is that which is of infinite value worth your finite, temporary proclamation?


Lord God, how willing are we to proclaim the gospel message of Jesus Christ? This good news, which is of infinite value, often doesn’t seem as important to us as a temporary sports game, or a Hollywood movie. We put more care and attention in keeping our car clean than we do in telling others about the only way to find peace with You. Where are our priorities? Help us to set them straight, and to honor You with the lives You have redeemed by telling others of this good news. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:10, 26 March 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2018


Monday, 26 March 2018


Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:10


In verse 9, Paul said concerning his proclamation of the gospel, “for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains.” Before that, he gave comparisons concerning the rights and responsibilities of teaching others about Christ Jesus. He spoke of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer. They endured the challenges of their profession in order to achieve a good result. Because of these things, Paul now says, “Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect.”


His many trials, physical hardships and deprivations, imprisonments, and so on, were for the sake of the elect. He had just said that “the word of God is not chained.” He was willing to take this unchained message and proclaim it even if it led to chains, and even in his chains. The elect are those who will obtain salvation through Jesus Christ. This is clearly explained in the words, “that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.” This is a statement similar to 1 Thessalonians 5:9 –

“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”


Relevant questions to be asked are, “Who are the elect?”, and “How does their election come about?” For the Gentile-led church age, Paul shows in Romans 15:29, that a certain number of Gentiles will come in before the partial blindness of Israel is lifted. Elsewhere, the church is equated to a building (see, for example, 1 Corinthians 3:9 & Ephesians 2:21). A building is a structure with a set size. Therefore, there are a set number who will obtain salvation in order to form this building. The “how” of the process is explained by Paul in this verse and elsewhere. It is through his proclamation of the gospel, and of any others who proclaim it.


As this is so, there is necessarily to be an active part by those already saved in order to get this word out to others. Paul and others actively wrote the epistles, and that effort will lead to some being saved. Paul and others actively proclaimed the message, and that effort will lead to some being saved, etc. This implies free will on the part of those sharing the message. They could say, “Today, I won’t go out and evangelize.” If this is their decision, then there are some who will miss hearing the words necessary for them to be saved. His words also imply free will on the part of those who then hear that message. He says he endured all of these things “that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.”


If people are saved apart from free will, then there would be no need for Paul to even say this. But somebody must share, and there must be a response to the message which is shared. Just because God knows the number of people in advance of completing the building, and just because He knows who will accept the message, it in no way negates free will in the process. In fact, as Jesus, and the apostles all show, free will is a necessary part of this equation – believe, call on, receive, etc., are all active words requiring a person to respond to what they have been presented.


Once responded to, Paul says that this salvation comes “with eternal glory.” To be saved implies “from.” One is saved from something bad unto something good. If a person is drowning in the ocean, they must be saved from that. If someone is in a burning house, the fireman will go in to save him. This is what salvation is meant to bring about, a rescue. However, in salvation comes something extra, eternal glory. We aren’t just saved to live out eternity in these fallen, corruptible bodies which get sick, get tired, get cancer, etc. Rather, we are destined to receive new and incorruptible bodies (see 1 Corinthians 15). There is glory for the redeemed, and it will be eternal in duration.


Life application: Paul was willing to suffer a great deal in order get the only saving message for fallen men out. Without his (and other’s) efforts, there can be no salvation. A person who does not hear the message will not be saved. This is the means of salvation which God has chosen, and he will not violate that by doing an end-around the labors of His people. Paul makes this clear. Faith in the messages is what saves, and faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. What effort are you willing to exert in order for others to be saved?


Glorious heavenly Father, You have chosen the means of man’s redemption, and You have given us the task of getting that word out. Man is saved through faith in the finished work of Christ, and salvation is found in no other. We are told that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Help us to be willing to open our mouths and speak. Eternity hangs in the balance for all people. Let us feel the weight of our inaction, and respond by acting. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:11, 27 March 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2018

Tuesday, 27 March 2018


This is a faithful saying:

For if we died with Him,

We shall also live with Him. 2 Timothy 2:11


Like the book of 1 Timothy, Paul’s second letter to his young protege centers on a poetic saying. Paul now begins that poetic saying for us to consider. He has just spoken of “the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” With that in mind, he says, “This is a faithful saying.” As with the words found in 1 Timothy 1:15, 3:1, and 4:9, the Greek reads, “Faithful is the saying.” Thus, this refers to what precedes it, meaning the “eternal glory.”


From there, he begins his words. It is believed by some that what he says formed an ancient Christian creed that was already in use, being a part of the liturgy of churches. There is really nothing to substantiate this, but it is still possible. Whether it is true or not, what he says is also reflected in other parts of his writings. Paul is ever-consistent to relay the truth of the works of Christ. For now, he begins with, “For if we died with Him.” This is speaking about our death to sin; it being crucified with Him.


Although we are still physically alive, and although we continue to do things which could be considered as sin, God no longer views us in this light. Through faith in the work of Christ, meaning His death, we are counted as having died with Him. Thus when God looks at us, He no longer sees us as we were, meaning dead in sin. Instead, we are reckoned in a new way – alive in Christ. That is confirmed by the next words, “We shall also live with Him.”


We are positionally in this new state already. Our hope and faith stands in the fact that it will be realized in us actually at some future point. This is a sentiment similar to Romans 6:8 – “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.”

What occurred here is explained by Paul in a very detailed way in 2 Corinthians 5 –

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-19


Dying with Him means that our sin nature (even if we still actually sin) has died with him. As we are dead to sin through Him, God no longer counts our sins against us. As the wages of sin is death, and as we no longer have sin imputed to us, then we are alive with Christ. And so even if our earthly body dies, we must (no if’s, and’s, or but’s) resurrect to eternal life. Just as it was impossible for death to hold Christ (Acts 2:24) because He had no sin, it is likewise impossible that death can hold us. We have died to sin, sin is not being imputed to us, and thus it is not possible that death can hold us. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 –


“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 ‘O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?’

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”


Indeed, if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.


Life application: Beloved, if you have received Jesus Christ as Savior, you have died to sin. The process of resurrection to eternal life is more assured than the next sunrise. Christ did not die to give you a possible hope, and the Bible is not written to teach you eternal insecurity. Rather, Christ died for us to give us a sure hope, and the Bible records that eternal salvation is found in the blood of Christ. Death is swallowed up in victory, and nothing in all of creation can separate you from God’s love which is found in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Heavenly Father, the magnificence of what You have done through Christ Jesus for us is only matched by its simplicity. Christ died for our sins. When we accept that premise we die to sin. The law can no longer accuse us because You are no longer imputing sin to us. As we have died to sin, and as we no longer have sin imputed to us, it is not possible for death to hold us. Death is swallowed up in victory! Thanks be to You, O God, for the full, final, and forever effective work of Jesus Christ in our lives! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:12, 28 March 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018


Wednesday, 28 March 2018


If we endure,

We shall also reign with Him.

If we deny Him,

He also will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:12


Paul continues with his poetic offset, instructing Timothy on the mystery of our relationship with Christ. He now says, “If we endure.” The word is properly translated. It signifies not just suffering, but bearing up under a load. All believers in Christ suffered in Christ, participating in the penalty of the cross through His substitutionary act. We have died to the law through His death. In accepting what Christ did, we bear up under the load of His work. This may continue on after receiving Christ, but it does not naturally follow so. Some receive Christ at the end of their lives, and they are taken to glory. Others have lives which are not riddled with suffering. While others have to endure a lifetime of suffering because of their faith in Christ. This then obviously speaks of the penalty of the cross, and bearing up under what it signifies. If we so endure, “We shall also reign with Him.” This is specifically stated again by Paul in Romans 8 –


“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:16, 17


The truth we shouldn't miss is that suffering, in and of itself, doesn’t meet the necessary conditions for the glory of heaven’s riches. Only suffering with Christ does. When we suffer with Him in this manner Paul says that we will “also be glorified together” with Him. There is nothing shameful in suffering for Christ, and in fact, it is the most honorable of all aspects of our Christian walk. To suffer for Him, and to endure with Him, is to have emulated Him in His highest moment leading to glory – the cross.

We are to bear the reproach of the cross with us at all times. If that turns into actual suffering, we are to endure through it. This is the expectation of the faithful believer, and it is a proof that we shall reign together with Christ. Paul then gives the opposing scenario for us to consider by saying, “If we deny Him.”


The verb is in the future tense and speaks of anyone who would deny Christ at any point into the future. The result of such an action is that “He will also deny us.” To deny Christ is to be denied by Christ. It is a voluntary act of the free-will. The implication is that to confess Christ is to be saved by Christ. Thus receiving Christ is an act of the free will as well. Paul made this explicit in Romans 10 where he states the opposite of what is being referred to in Timothy –

“...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9


Romans 10:9 is a verse of salvation. It is applicable any time and at all times. When a person receives Christ, they are saved. Their salvation is from the time of Paul’s writing, a future action which is passive in nature. In other words, Christ saves the person based on the proclamation. The same is true with denying Christ. His denial of them is in the future tense as well. At any point that a person denies Christ, Christ will also deny him. However, this cannot negate a later acceptance of Christ which leads to salvation.

For example, Bill denies Christ, and so Christ denies him. However, five years later, Bill receives Christ. At that time, Christ no longer denies Bill, but rather He saves him. It is important to understand this, because Paul’s words here in Timothy cannot be referring to a loss of salvation. This will become clear with the third verse in his poetic offset, meaning verse 13.


Life application: Does the Bible teach one can lose his salvation? Taking verses out of their context could lead one to believe that this is possible. 1 Timothy 1:12 may lead someone to believe that such is the case. But it is a part of a larger section of thought which Paul is fleshing out for us to consider. He has already said that if we die with Christ, we will live with Him. That is a done deal for those who have accepted the finished work of Christ. He now says that if we deny Him, He also will deny us. How can the first sentence be true if this overrides it? The full and final thought must then be considered. As a life application, keep all things in context. Context is needed to derive proper interpretation.


Lord God, there sure are a lot of opinions about various verses in Your word. But when You wrote it through Your chosen prophets and apostles, there was one meaning flowing from You. Where is the breakdown then? It is obviously in us. Help us to keep all things in context, and to not pull individual verses out of that context in order to form a doctrine. In doing so, we only produce a pretext. Give us wisdom in how we handle Your word so that our doctrine will be approved by You. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:13, 29 March 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018


Thursday, 29 March 2018


If we are faithless,

He remains faithful;

He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13


There are several major opinions on what Paul is saying in this verse. Two of which are diametrically opposed to one another. The word translated as “faithless” is one which everywhere else speaks of not believing. In using the word in this consistent manner, the first view looks at this as comparable to Romans 3:3 –

“For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?”


Therefore, the opinion is that God is ever faithful, even when some do not believe. This would then indicate that God cannot receive as faithful one who has not proven true to him by receiving Christ Jesus. To do so would be to deny Himself. In this then, the view is that it is speaking of those who have never believed and been saved, who are then contrasted to God who is unchanging, and who cannot accept those who do not come to Him in faith.


The second view is that the word Greek word translated as “faithful” is a correct translation (which it is). Therefore, the word “faithless” is not speaking of “not believing,” but of not remaining faithful after having believed. In other words, the two words, “faithless” and “faithful” are set in opposition to one another. This would be the person who “died with Him” in verse 11, but has not been perfectly faithful to Him after receiving Him; something that every single person who has come to Christ has done.


The words would then explain God’s character towards those who have received Him, but have slipped and tripped along their walk. Despite any faithlessness in us, God remains faithful. Examples of this relationship are found in 2 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 11:11; & etc. In such a case, the final clause, “He cannot deny Himself,” is speaking of keeping safe the believer despite his failings. If God were to deny one who has come to Him, then He would be denying Himself, because those who have come to Him are “in Christ.” They are united to Him through faith. To deny them, despite their times of faithlessness, would be a denial of the covenant commitment rendered through His shed blood.


A third view is that this is speaking of someone who once believed, but has fallen away. That does not at all square up with Romans 3:3, nor is does it square up with Paul’s words elsewhere. Only the first two options can be considered as valid. And so which of the first two is correct? The answer is most assuredly “both.” Matthew Poole evaluates this verse with the words, “...whether we believe or believe not, or whether we be faithful to our trust or be not, yet God will show himself faithful, either to his promises made to them that believe, or to his threatenings denounced against those that believe not.”


For those who have not come to Him, there will be wrath and indignation. For those who have come to Him, there will be mercy and salvation. Either way, the Lord cannot deny Himself. If someone is not in Him, He would deny His own character to save him anyway. If someone is in Him, He would deny His own character by not following through with that person’s salvation. As Paul says, “...let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).


Life application: Being “in Christ” means that one is united to Christ. If this is true, He would have to deny Himself if He rejected such a person. But God cannot deny Himself. Be of good cheer. If you have come to Christ, you are saved despite yourself – wholly and eternally.


Lord God, Your word says that those who received Jesus as Savior are “in Christ.” If at some point we act unfaithfully after coming to You, Your word also says that You cannot deny Yourself. You remain faithful, even when we are faithless. This is really great news, because the fact is that all of us are unfaithful at times. And yet, we continue to be saved despite our failings. Thank You for the sure, complete, and eternal covering of Christ. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:14, 30 March 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018


Friday, 30 March 2018


Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 2 Timothy 2:14


Paul now exhorts Timothy concerning what he has been speaking about. This doesn’t mean just the preceding few verses, but all of the exhortations thus far. In verse 1:8, he spoke of not being ashamed of the gospel. In 1:13, he exhorted Timothy to hold fast to the pattern of sound words which he had heard. In 2:1, Timothy was told to be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus. In 2:8, Paul spoke of Christ’s person, ancestry, and resurrection. In 2:11, he gave the poetic thought concerning the relationship between Christ and those who have or have not called on Him. These, and so many other points connected to those verses, are what Timothy is to remind others of. But along with reminding them, he is to charge “them before the Lord.”


The word translated as “charging” indicates solemn witness. It is an intensified compound word which gives the sense of giving complete and clear testimony. Therefore, Paul is particularly interested in Timothy’s special handling of what he has been taught. Paul is an apostle, and therefore Timothy could use the words written to him as authoritative. Anyone contradicting what is written would then be given the charge to correct his error. This is exactly what responsible teachers of the Bible should be doing to this day. When someone wants to get argumentative over an issue, the teacher is to charge them, in the presence of the Lord, “not to strive about words to no profit.”


The idea here is someone who argues over points which are invalid, twisting words to suit a perverse and incorrect agenda. He engages in “Scripture tennis,” pulling verses out of context, and manipulating words, thoughts, verses, and concepts in order to come to improper conclusions. Paul’s focus is consistently centered on the Person and work of Christ. This builds up his audience, edifies them, and sets them on a sound path of doctrine and holiness. However, those who strive over words to no profit do so “to the ruin of the hearers.”


They confuse the minds of those untrained in the word, mislead them into strange doctrines, divide the fellowship so that they can conquer as many as possible to their perverse side, and overthrow the faith of these people. They go from being set and secure in Christ, to becoming legalistic work-your-way-to-heaven robots. Or they go from purity in Christ to license-to-sin-and-call-it-ok deviants. On and on it goes with cults and aberrant sects. They are filled with people who have been ruined by those with perverse agendas.


Life application: Paul always sets doctrine as the most important point in our relationship with Christ. Those who dismiss biblical doctrine do so because they have no knowledge of the Bible, and they are to lazy to put in the effort to get to know it. After all, it is so much easier to watch a movie than it is to engage one’s brain in sound, reasonable theology.


Lord God; Heavenly Father; Almighty Creator – You have pieced all things together for Your glory. You have set in motion the plan of redemption, and You have fulfilled what is needed for our salvation through the work of Christ. Connected to this are many points of doctrine, given to keep us on a sound and straight path in life. And yet, we spend a lot more time watching TV than we do engaging our brains in the pursuit of theology. What a waste! When we stand before You, what will we present as having brought You honor? So many will have little to identify them as even minutely interested in the great things You have done for us. Help us to correct this, O God. Help us to desire You more, and to be pleasing and approved in Your sight. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:15, 31 March 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2018


Saturday, 31 March 2018


Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15


The previous verse exhorted Timothy to charge others “before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit.” Now he contrasts that with a thought concerning Timothy himself, beginning with, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God.” The word translated as “Be diligent” carries with it the sense of being swift, or hastening. And so there is a sense of urgency in the act. To paraphrase it, “Present yourself approved to God, and do so with fervency.”


In his statement is a contrast to striving about words to no profit. Such striving will only ruin those who hear. However, in presenting oneself approved to God, the minister will teach what is sound, reasonable, and in context. His doctrine will be set in order to please God rather than his hearers. Instead of ruining the hearer, there will be edification and growth in sanctification and towards holiness. In performing in this manner, Timothy (and any such minister) will be “a worker who does not need to be ashamed.”


In presenting proper doctrine, there may be bitterness towards the teacher, but there will be no shame before God. Which is more important? In 2 Corinthians 11:13, Paul contrasts this with those who will be ashamed. There he says, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.” Timothy is implored now to remember such people and not act like them. In the end, all will stand before God, and they will have their works revealed. They will be tested for purity at that time. Many will stand ashamed. One particular way to ensure that such will not be the case is for the minster to ensure he is “rightly dividing the word of truth.”


Here Paul uses a word found only here in the Bible. It comes from two words which signify “straight” and “cut.” We can imagine a carpenter ensuring that the board he is cutting is straight, so that it will fit properly elsewhere. A tile-setter will make his cuts straight so that the mosaic will be harmonious and pleasing to the eye. The priest of Israel would cut the sacrifices properly to ensure that the parts which were dedicated to God would be wholly reserved to Him as required. To improperly cut any such thing will lead to faults or flaws in what is cut. Therefore, the one receiving the item will have a diminished quality of product. The house frame will be off, the mosaic will look odd, and the sacrifice to God will be displeasing.


The same is true with presenting Scripture. Pulling one verse out of its intended context, and then inserting it with another verse in an inappropriate manner, will lead to something wholly unintended by God. Scripture should be used to interpret Scripture, not misinterpret it. The axiom, “A verse out of context is a pretext,” is correct. It should always be remembered. To rightly divide the word of truth is to maintain truth in the word. Anything else is to form a lie, not intended by God for the instruction of His people.

In 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, Paul speaks of erecting a building upon a foundation. He says there that the foundation is Jesus Christ. Elsewhere (Ephesians 2:20), he says that the foundation is the prophets and apostles with Christ as the chief Cornerstone. What that means is that the prophets and apostles spoke of Christ. Their word is what teaches of Him. Thus He is both the Cornerstone and the Foundation, as revealed through their words. This building is now being constructed out of the people of the church. Our works are being revealed through this process, and Paul says that there is a time of judgment upon those works. Take time to read that passage and consider if what you are doing is in line with the concept of “rightly dividing” the word of truth.


Life application: It can be difficult for a minister to continue with sound doctrine when the numbers are dwindling and no new congregants are coming in to replace them, or when people turn away because they don’t like what they hear. But in the end, if the ministry is the Lord’s to begin with, it is His to end. A church not established on this ideal is one not worth attending. And one that is faithful should be considered that way, even if it is time to close the doors. If He established it, then He will continue it or close it. Changing doctrine away from what is biblically correct to keep a church open is evidence that the church is not in the Lord’s will at all. Run, don’t walk from such a place.


Lord God, when a church is established on Your word, and it later changes its doctrine away from what Your word teaches, it really is no longer Your church. Your word is eternal and unchanging. How sad it is that so many churches are now accepting what You have already forbidden. What a mournful day for them when they present their life and doctrine for Your evaluation. Convert hearts now Lord, before that terrifying day comes when many find out that they were never approved. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:16, 1 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 2018


Sunday, 1 April 2018


But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:16


The word “But” here is given as a strong and stark contrast to the things just stated, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” It was a positive exhortation intended to guide Timothy’s life and conduct before the Lord, and in the handling of His precious word. Now, Paul exhorts him to “...shun profane and idle babblings.”


The word translated as “shun” is one which means, “to stand around.” As it is in the middle voice here, it thus signifies to turn oneself around in order to avoid contact with something. The sense then is to look away from, and keep away from, such things. In this case, it is “profane and idle babblings.” The word “profane” means “worldly.” It comes from two words signifying “go” and “threshold.” Thus it is to cross a threshold which profanes due to improper entrance. The words are unfit to access God, particularly because faith is not involved.


The second word, translated as “babblings,” was first used by Paul in 1 Timothy 6:20 as he closed out his first letter to Timothy. It signifies empty disputing and worthless babble. This is now the second and last use of it in the Bible. In other words, Paul has already said this to him, but he is reminding him of the danger of such contact. This is how Paul stated it there –

“O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.


Grace be with you. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:20, 21


Paul then gives a sound reason for avoiding these things by saying, “for they will increase to more ungodliness.” The word translated as “increase” means to advance. It is as if they are on a mission, removing obstacles in the process in order to meet a set goal. They are as soldiers marching from a state of ungodliness to more ungodliness. In the process, they spit out their worthless words in order to bring more into their ranks as they continue forward.


Such people are found in abundance in Christian blogs, chat rooms, and discussion boards. They play Scripture tennis, pulling verses out of context, and dispute simply for the sake of disputing. Their goal is never edification, but destruction. Two of such people will be mentioned by Paul next, and he will explain the destructive effects of their march toward ruin.


Life application: Paul says elsewhere, “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Playing Scripture tennis with a fool can only lead you too looking like one too. Give your case, state your stand, support your doctrine, and the be done with the perverse people who simply want to hear themselves as they rush headlong into destruction. Don’t let them take you there as well.


Heavenly Father, give us wise discernment to not argue with fools. Your word tells us to reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition. It’s hard to follow this path, because pride steps in and we want to defend our case concerning You and Your gospel. But there are many who couldn’t care diddly. They only want to hear themselves, and to prove their know-it-all-ness in the process. Give us wisdom with such warped people, and the presence of mind to cut them off from further words. May we conduct our affairs to Your glory alone. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:17, 2 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018


Monday, 2 April 2018


And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 2 Timothy 2:17


The words of this verse build on what Paul said concerning “profane and idle babblings” of the previous verse. Paul exhorted Timothy to shun those things. Unless that was done, Paul knew one thing was for sure concerning those who spoke out such nonsense, “their message will spread.”


The Greek words here literally state, “will have a pasture.” In other words, just as animals find a field of grass and come in to eat it up, moving ever-outward in order to find more fresh grass, so will such a perverse message spread. Paul then says, “like cancer.” The Greek word is gaggraina, and it is found only here in the Bible. It signifies “gangrene.” The word “cancer” is not a good choice. Cancer can get into a person and affect only one portion of the body. Further, it can take quite a while for the cancer to finally destroy the person, even years. Gangrene is something which spreads quickly, and if not excised immediately, it will eat up everything around it.


Paul then speaks of two people who were just like gangrene, Hymenaeus and Philetus. Hymenaeus is probably the same person noted in 1 Timothy 1:20 whom Paul “delivered to Satan” along with a guy named Alexander so that “they may learn not to blaspheme.” Apparently, he didn’t learn anything. He and Philetus were like a festering gangrene which ate away at the saints with their profane and idle babblings.


The name Hymenaeus comes from Hymen, the Greek god of weddings. Instead of looking in anticipation of a marriage to Christ, he taught others to be wedded to unsound things which profited no one. The name Philetos gives the sense of “amiable,” or “worthy of close friendship.” Unfortunately, the things he taught only made him unworthy of the friendship of the saints. Until these two stopped their unholy speaking, they would only cause dissension, not unity. In the coming verse, the false message they proclaimed will be explained.


Life application: As you go to Bible class, or discuss biblical matters on social media, watch closely and see who is teaching something sound and reasonable, and who is engaging in the discourse to simply stir up trouble. If you step back and carefully evaluate people’s words, it won’t take long for you to come across these gangrenous folks. Once you have identified them, don’t argue with them, just cut them off. They are a festering sore which will only spread and cause trouble and division.


Lord God, Paul describes the message that some folks spread among the church as gangrene. That is something which is festering, destroys quickly, and unless cut off, it will continue to cause disruption and harm. Help us to identify such festering folly, and then to cut off communication with those teachers so that they don’t continue to harm proper doctrine. Your word is far too precious to be attacked in this way. Give us wisdom in this, O Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:18, 3 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2018


Tuesday, 3 April 2018


...who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 2 Timothy 2:18


“Who” is referring to Hymenaeus and Philetus of the previous verse. Paul said of them that their message would spread like a gangrene which quickly consumes and corrupts. Thus, the message they proclaim is a false one. He then says of them, “who have strayed concerning the truth.”


The words, “have strayed” are from a Greek word used only by Paul in 1 & 2 Timothy. This is its final use. It signifies “off target.” If proper doctrine were a straight line, these two have gone off that straight line. This does not mean that such people are necessarily heretics, but that their doctrine is askew. Heresy and bad doctrine are not always the same thing. In this case, what they are teaching is a type of heresy, and it is a source of causing others to wander and have their faith overthrown. As Paul notes, it is not correct “concerning the truth.” Thus, they are teaching that which is false.


And what is their false doctrine? They are “saying that the resurrection is already past.” The reason that what they are teaching can be considered heretical is because although they are teaching that the resurrection is true, they are saying that it had already occurred. The problem with this is that in taking the Lord’s Supper, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 11, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” If the resurrection is already past, then the Lord must have returned, and we are taking the Lord’s Supper for no reason at all. In their doctrine, they are teaching one of a few possible scenarios.


1) That Christ has returned and resurrected His believers at the rapture. If this is so, then everyone else, including these two numb skulls, have been left behind. The implication is that they must now enter the tribulation period. This means that those left behind were not true Christians. Talk about wrecking someone’s faith.


2) That the resurrection has occurred, and the tribulation period is now anticipated as outlined by Paul in 2 Thessalonians. This means that all living believers must then go through the tribulation period. Only the dead have been resurrected, but there is no pre-tribulation rapture for those who were left alive at the Lord’s coming. But Paul has already explained this is incorrect in 1 Thessalonians 4. This would ruin the faith of those who had been instructed concerning this event as it was outlined in Paul’s other letters. (Note: If you accept a mid- or post- tribulation, you will still be going pre-trib. However, you will just be more surprised than the rest of us).


3) That the resurrection has occurred, and those resurrected are living among the believers, awaiting the end times events together. This would mean that Paul was wrong about the conversion of our bodies to new bodies in 1 Corinthians 15. This would ruin the faith of the believers because Paul was wrong about this issue. Instead of new bodies, we are forever stuck in these fallen, corruptible, pain-filled bodies.


For one of these, and possibly other reasons, these people were wrecking the faith of others by claiming that the resurrection is past. Why is this important to have recorded in Paul’s letter? It is because the truth of the issue has not, and will not, change throughout the church age. Anyone who claims that the resurrection has occurred is causing the same confusion now as was caused at Paul’s time. In this, they are calling into question the truth of Paul’s words, and thus the truth of Scripture. In doing so, “they overthrow the faith of some.”


This is a constant state of some people. It has been the same since the beginning. They teach this nonsense, and it can be found on Christian blogs and discussion boards even today. People will claim that the tribulation period has already started. People will claim that the rapture has already occurred, people will claim that there is a resurrection but it is not tied to the rapture, and so on. Each time they make these inane claims, they imply that what Paul says is incorrect. Each of these views comes from someone with a perverse mind, who is filled with vain babbling, and who has no idea of what he is talking about.


There will be a resurrection, it will be at the time of the rapture, and it will be for all true believers in Christ – from the first to the last throughout the church age – and it will be pre-tribulation. The saints will not enter the tribulation period; something implied in Paul’s words here. Note: John’s “first resurrection” of Revelation 20:5 is not what is being referred to in these comments. The rapture is something different than the resurrection of those who die for Christ in the Tribulation period.


To understand the timing of these things, as outlined by Paul, this video can be watched. It clearly and concisely presents the timing of the events –




Life application: If you are a saved believer in Jesus Christ, and someone tells you that the resurrection is already past, tell them to take a hike. They have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. When the resurrection occurs, the believer in Christ will know it, personally. There is no secret knowledge that these folks possess in this matter. When the event occurs, all true believers will be affected at the same time.


Lord God, please keep us from people who teach false messages about things like the rapture, the resurrection, and the tribulation period. Your word shows that nobody is going to know in advance when the rapture will occur. It details the timeline of Your coming for Your people, and it tells about the tribulation period after that. Help us to not have our faith shaken by those who have not properly handled Scripture. May our doctrine be sound and in line with Your word! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:19, 4 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2018


Wednesday, 4 April 2018


Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19


The word “Nevertheless” is given as a contrast to the false teachings of people such as have been mentioned in verses 16-18. The two false teachers, Hymenaeus and Philetus, had taught that which was untrue about the resurrection, but no matter what they had said, “the solid foundation of God stands.” In other words, there is one foundation, Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 3:11), and that foundation is proclaimed by the prophets and apostles (see Ephesians 2:20) where Christ is the chief cornerstone of this foundation.

What Paul is saying is that the truth of the word of God is not diminished by false teachings. Despite people making outrageous or misleading claims which dupe people, the truth of the word stands. Some may walk away from the faith because they have been misled, but what they should have done is turned to the word and studied it on their own instead of losing heart and turning away. Paul then confirms the truth of God’s word in this manner by saying, “having this seal.”


Paul is using the term here metaphorically. A letter from a king is sealed with his royal seal in order to show its authenticity, that it has not been altered, and that it is official. Buildings, at times, are inscribed with a note of their original purpose, and who had been behind their construction. Such things show the source, the intent, and the reliability of what is stated. Likewise, the solid foundation of God is similarly sealed. The seal is that, “The Lord knows those who are His.”


This then is one of the inscriptions which is permanently seen on the foundation stone. Christ knows who belongs to Him, and who does not. Being led astray does not negate being His, just as having sound doctrine doesn’t necessarily mean one is His. Belief in His work is the deciding factor. In Nahum 1:7, it says, “...He knows who trust Him.” This is what the Lord looks for above all else. In his words now, Paul may have been thinking of Numbers 16:5 –

“...and he spoke to Korah and all his company, saying, “Tomorrow morning the Lord will show who is His and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him. That one whom He chooses He will cause to come near to Him.”


Jesus gave this same type of terminology in John 10:14, acknowledging that He knows His sheep. No true believer will be left out of His promises. The inscription is written. Further, Paul next says, “and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’” This is a second seal, or inscription, made upon the foundation. It may be a loose merging together of several verses from Isaiah. In Isaiah 26:13, we read –

“O Lord our God, masters besides You

Have had dominion over us;

But by You only we make mention of Your name.”

Also, we read in Isaiah 52:11 this –

“Depart! Depart! Go out from there,

Touch no unclean thing;

Go out from the midst of her,

Be clean,

You who bear the vessels of the Lord.”


Paul may be citing these two verses, or maybe he was just drawing them from the store of his memory as truth which apply to the church. Either way, the Lord divinely inspired Paul that this is the second inscription of the foundation. Those who are known by the Lord are to live lives of holiness to Him. We are to depart from iniquity and follow sound doctrine.


In citing these two things, it cannot be inferred that Paul is saying the two false teachers are not saved believers. Instead, he could be saying exactly the opposite. The Lord knows who are His, despite the incorrect doctrine, and they are being admonished by Paul, through Timothy, to turn from the iniquity of their false teaching. As it was, thy are examples for the church in all subsequent generations to not be followed or emulated. For those who follow the proper path, they are to stay on it and not get caught up in such false ramblings.


Life application: We are all accountable to God for our doctrine. If we fail to follow sound teaching, it does not negate our salvation – if our conversion was true. However, we will not be considered obedient to the Lord, and so we are exhorted to turn from the iniquity of false teachings, and to pursue holiness and righteousness through a sound evaluation of Scripture.

Lord God, You know who belong to You. The Shepherd knows each of His flock. But we often get misdirected from the fold. We are prone to wander off into unsound teachings. Help us to not do this, but give us hearts that are willing to search out what is true, and to stay in line with that always. In this, we will stay safely among the flock and not be exposed to the false teachings of wolves. This we pray that we will be pleasing to You in our lives and doctrine. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:20, 5 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018


Thursday, 5 April 2018


But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 2 Timothy 2:20


Paul has just spoken of the solid foundation of God. After that he said, “The Lord knows who are His,” and then “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Now he turns to the words, “But in a great house.” It seems like a diversion from what he was saying, but it is not. It is the same theme he has used before, and which Peter will also use. God is building a temple out of the people of God. This is stated by Paul in Ephesians 2:19-22 –

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”


Likewise, Peter says –

“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 2:4, 5.


It is this idea of a spiritual temple, being built by God out of the people of God, that is being addressed again here by Paul. He somewhat changes the imagery however. Instead of the actual structure of the building, he turns to the things within the building. Of this great house, he says that “there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay.”


Not everything within a house is made of the same materials. Some things are made of that which is highly valued, such as gold and silver. Some things are made of that which is far more common, such as wood and clay. Each thing is used for a specific purpose and is treated more carefully, or less so, based on what it is made of, or even how it is formed. Again, this same imagery is used by Paul when speaking of the works of those within the church, and which will be evaluated at our judgment –

“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15


What is obvious here is that Paul is speaking about saved believers, not the lost. The lost will face a different judgment. The judgment of believers is for rewards and losses, not salvation or condemnation. And so we can see that in Paul’s reference to Hymenaeus and Philetus in verse 17 & 18, he considers them saved but wayward. This is the reason for his words now.

There are those in the church who are formed “for honor and some for dishonor.” Likewise, even the works of the honorable may be burned up if they are not of merit, and those works which are worthy will be purified in the fire. Paul’s words should be a comfort to those in the church that salvation of believers is guaranteed, but they should also stand as a warning that our lives now are being carefully evaluated. Each thing we do is either of value in the eternal state which is coming, or it is of no value. What we do now counts for all time.


Life application: As our deeds in this life have eternal consequences, let us daily consider all we do, and then let us be careful to direct our actions towards being pleasing vessels in God’s house. In the end, our judgment will be perfectly fair and unbiased, and it will be based on what we do now. Our salvation has been procured by Christ. Our placement and benefits in God’s house are now being determined by us as we live out our lives in the presence of God.


Glorious heavenly Father, thank You for the salvation which is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. All that is necessary to reconcile us to You has been accomplished by His work. And now, You allow us to determine our rewards and losses at our judgment by how we live out our salvation in Christ. Help us to be proper stewards of our time and actions by pursuing You and Your will always. Be with us, keep us from tripping, and spur us on to great deeds for You! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:21, 6 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018


Friday, 6 April 2018


Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21


Paul continues the thought of the previous verse which speaks of vessels of gold and silver, as well as vessels of wood and clay. Some are “for honor and some for dishonor.” He doesn’t really explain the thought. Instead, he assumes that Timothy (and all who read his words) will understand the metaphor he is using. And so he says, “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter.” It cannot be that Paul is speaking of cleansing from one type of vessel to another type, meaning clay, wood, silver, or gold. Instead, he is referring to what the vessel is used for, meaning an honorable or a dishonorable use.


There are wood vessels which are used for honorable things, and it is possible that a silver or gold bowl could carry something dishonorable. The makeup of the vessel, combined with an honorable use, is what Paul is referring to. When an otherwise noble person associates with those who teach false doctrine, and when a regular blue-collar worker refrains from associating with such falsities, which of the two is cleansing himself properly? Of course it is the latter. Even though “wood” in comparison to “gold,” he has made himself “a vessel for honor.”


In this then, he is becoming “sanctified and useful for the Master.” The meaning is obvious, any vessel which is cleansed – meaning a person regardless of their status – is acceptable for serving the Lord in their station of life. This is certain, because a vessel is not considered unclean in the Levitical law until it touches something unclean. Once this occurs, different things would happen to different materials. Clay vessels were to be broken. Bronze vessels were to be scoured. In Leviticus 15:12 it says for one type of defilement that, “The vessel of earth that he who has the discharge touches shall be broken, and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.”


When even a wooden vessel is rinsed in this way, it was once again “prepared for every good work.” It is true that a gold vessel is generally considered as possessing the highest value, but a golden vessel which was defiled was of less value for holy service than an undefiled wood vessel. It remained so until it was once again cleansed. The only suitable vessel for the Lord’s work is one which is undefiled.


Life application: In the end, we are being shown that doctrine really matters to the Lord. The introduction of Hymenaeus and Philetus in verse 17 shows us that bad doctrine defiles a person, and that bad doctrine will corrupt good character. We must separate ourselves from those who teach falsities, and we much cleanse ourselves through the application of pure doctrine. In this, we will be acceptable for the Master’s use, and able to instruct others in what is right, sound, and edifying.


Lord God, we are who we are in person and position, but regardless of our station in life, we can be acceptable and of use to You. The noblest person who applies defiled doctrine to his life is less acceptable than the lowest commoner among us whose doctrine is pure and sound. Help us to cleanse ourselves of that which is incorrect through a careful study of Your word, and then help us to pursue Your word further, day by day, applying its precepts to our walk in Your presence. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:22, 7 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018


Saturday, 7 April 2018


Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22


Paul has noted that ministers are to “depart from iniquity” (2:19). He then brought in the idea of vessels of gold, silver, wood, and clay, noting that when properly cleansed, they will be vessels for honor which are “sanctified and useful for the Master.” Now, he continues with an exhortation that ministers are to “Flee also youthful lusts.” This ties in well with his thought of 1 Corinthians 6:8. There he says, “Flee sexual immorality.”


Youthful lusts are not wholly sexual in nature, but that is certainly a large part of what is on a young man’s mind. Along with that target, come all the things associated with it – cars, fancy clothes, etc., which are intended to attain the goal of meeting the sexual desires that have been formed. Paul would have Timothy, and certainly all in the church, to flee from such things. They turn our minds from what is good, proper, and holy. Further, such lusts, when acted out, inevitably will lead to scandals within the church, and which will not go unnoticed outside of the church. Instead of engaging one’s youthful lusts, he gives a list of things to pursue in its place, starting with “righteousness.”


The man of God is to pursue that which is right and just, that which harms no one else, and that which involves integrity and an upright attitude. He is to pursue the righteousness of Christ which is the epitome of all of these things.


Next, he mentions “faith.” Hebrews says that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (11:1). We have a hope which is in us, even if we cannot see it. But our faith is evidenced in that we trust what is unseen, and when we live our lives in accord with that unseen force. If we believe that God will reward those who seek Him and live according to His will, then we should pursue that belief, increase it through our study of His word, and apply it to our daily walk. In other words, as we learn what His word says about Him, and what He expects of us, we should live out our faith in accord with that word.


Next “love” is noted. The love spoken of here is beautifully described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. We are to pursue love of God, love of Christ Jesus, love of our brethren, and love for the lost. In pursuing love, we will learn to put aside hate, bitterness, wrath, and the like.


Paul then says that we are to pursue “peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” In Romans 12:18, Paul says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” In Titus 3:2, he says “to be peaceable.” Each of these leaves it open to understanding that not all want peace with God’s people. Some are so perverse that they will neither accept peace, nor will they act peaceably. There is no need to seek peace with such perverse people. If we live peaceably, and if we act in a peaceable manner, we have done our job towards those outside the faith. For those in the faith, we are to pursue peace with them “out of a pure heart.” This means that we are to act in peace towards them for the sake of peace itself, not with ulterior motives, such as profit or gain.


Life application: To flee is an active action. To pursue is an active action as well. We are not just to bumble through life allowing the winds to direct our steps. Instead, we are to actively shun and run away from that which is wrong, and we are to actively seek after, and pursue, that which is morally right and sound. Let us remember this as we hit the highway of life. May our feet actively do what our mind knows is right.


Lord God, Your word asks us to flee youthful lusts, and instead to pursue righteousness, faith, and love. We are also to do our best to live peaceably with all men. Help us in this! It is a giant challenge to act upon in these fallen, frail bodies. We are weak in ourselves, but through studying Your word and applying it to our lives, we can certainly prevail. Be with us, guide us, and keep us from those situations which will have us act in a manner contrary to what You wish. May we be found acceptable in Your sight always! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:23, 8 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2018


Sunday, 8 April 2018


But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 2 Timothy 2:23


What a verse for modern times! How easy it is to get into inane, ignorant disputes with others on social media. How many people have been eviscerated, and who return the evisceration, by the use of a keyboard and mere words! This is true in almost every subject possible. Whether the earth is flat or not has brought people to ridiculous arguments as posts fly back and forth. Whether this person is suitable to hold office or not is argued to the point of nausea.


Paul is certainly referring to any such argument – be it religion, politics, or whether chicken tastes better than beef. However, this verse can be kept to religion alone, and that will suffice as an example for all other areas. Paul might say, “There are a million points which one could squabble over which will turn into foolish and ignorant arguments. Just don’t go there, Timothy.” He has already mentioned “fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes” in his first letter.


There are some things which might be inferred from Scripture that are debatable. There are some things which are completely unknown, such as the day of the rapture. There are things which are so complicated that we will never fully grasp them (such as the complete nature of God – it being an infinite subject). To endlessly argue over such things can be, and usually is, foolish. Those who do the arguing are normally ignorant.


The Greek word for “foolish” gives the sense of being dull (insipid) or flat (without an edge). It is móros, the root of our modern “moron.” It is a person who is mentally inert – a dolt – who speaks that which is moronic or insensible. We might call him “brainless.” The word translated as “ignorant” is found only here. It means “uninstructed.” Thus it is a person who shows a complete lack of proper training or education. Paul’s choice of these descriptive words is careful and purposeful.


With the coming of modern printing, the Bible has gone forth in a marvelous way. The word of God is opened up to millions, and there is true freedom in being able to pick it up, read it, and cherish it. And yet, at the same time, there are those who stick to one particular subject of doctrine, pulling it out of context, and then claim to be specialists in it. This is especially true with sensational subjects like angelology, demonology, or prophecy. They have no real training in proper theology, and they come to completely unfounded conclusions about these matters. And yet, they will argue their stand until blue in the face, constantly playing Scripture tennis in an attempt to look smart.


Such people are ignorant, and they are fools. He exhorts Timothy to stay away from them, “knowing that they generate strife.” This is what they live for, the argument for the argument’s sake. They have no desire to build anyone up, and they have no desire to be truly edified in the word of God. Instead, they perversely want to be proven right at all costs, and to the harm of any who would dare challenge them. Watch for them on Facebook or other social media. They are there, waiting to pounce. Paul has special words for dividers like this –

“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Titus 3:10, 11


They are the special type for which the BLOCK option is particularly designed for on social media. Let them argue with themselves. You should choose the better path and use your time building others up, edifying them in their walk with the Lord, and showing the love of Christ to those who are in need of His loving care.


Life application: It is so very easy to get sucked into tit for tat challenges about matters which don’t matter. Be wise and cautious to not go beyond what is written. Make your case, state your view, and then warn the divisive person up to a second time, and then POW! Ignore him, or even hit the block button, lest you argue yourself into the same state of foolishness that he has done.

Lord God, help us to not get into divisive arguments with fools. Your word specifically advises against this. If we give our view, and another wants to argue, we are advised to warn them once, warn them a second time, and then have nothing to do with them. How good it would be if we would follow this advice! We would save ourselves much grief in this world of easy-to-slay-one-another on social media and elsewhere. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:24, 9 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2018

Monday, 9 April 2018


And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 2 Timothy 2:24


Paul is still speaking primarily of ministers here, the letter being a pastoral epistle. However, as the minister is to be an example for the flock, the words are to be carried into the hearts of all believers, and they are to be then acted upon by them. He begins this thought with, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel.” The word he chooses here is one which signifies engaging in battle, fighting one another, and disputing in contention. It was used in Acts 7:26 when speaking of Moses who came upon two Israelites who were disputing between one another. Moses asked them why they would so wrong one another, implying it was a heavy, angry dispute.


Rather than such contentions, the minister of God (and by extension all believers) should strive to be amiable, speaking words of truth. They should maintain a calm demeanor without provoking others to anger or wrath. This was said to apply to Jesus when Matthew quoted Isaiah concerning the coming Messiah –

“He will not quarrel nor cry out,

Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.” Matthew 12:19


Instead of such a contrary attitude of quarreling, the minister should “be gentle to all.” The word épios is found only here. It gives the sense of “‘gentle-faith-speaking’ as we yield to God” (HELPS Word Studies). Believers should act in an even-tempered manner, and they should avoid being harsh. Rather, they should be congenial and speak in a forthright manner. In addition to this, ministers should be “able to teach.”


This is the same thing Paul said to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:2. The words are exactingly translated and should be easy to understand without further explanation.


Finally, he says that teachers are to be “patient.” It also is a word unique in Scripture. It signifies the ability to endure evil. A minister should be able to bear up, particularly when treated unjustly. Even if his treatment is undeserved, he should attempt to maintain his composure and be steadfast in his testimony before others.


Life application: A lot is expected of ministers. Keep them in prayer.


Lord God, Your word asks ministers to not quarrel, but to be gentle to all. They are to be patient, and also able to teach. Such things can be a daunting challenge when there are those who love to challenge their every spoken word as they conduct their duties. Grant them the ability to let these things go, and to continue to be patient and kind in the face of adversity. Surely Your hand is needed for them to be able to meet these demands. And so we pray for that in them. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:25, 10 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2018


Tuesday, 10 April 2018


...in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 2 Timothy 2:25


Paul’s words of exhortation to “the servant of the Lord” continue on. He just said that the minister “must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient...” Now in the same thought he says, “in humility correcting those who are in opposition.” This is obvious. The minister is not to be arrogant as he corrects those who have different views. However, this does not mean he cannot be stern. There is a difference. He should be firm and resolute in his doctrine, never waffling. And yet, he can do this while remaining humble.


Further, he is (as noted in the commentary on verse 23) to not prolong his correction of those who are divisive. That is noted in Titus –

“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Titus 3:10, 11


One can cut off a divisive person while being humble. There should be no reason to arrogantly attack such a person. A few choice words of dismissal should be carefully spoken, and the door is to be shut on him as he departs. Under normal circumstances, however, the words of humble correction to those who are in opposition are intended for a specific reason. That reason is, “if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.”


The sense here is that if one argues his point in an arrogant manner, the one in opposition will normally double down on his views, simply because of the attitude displayed toward him. On the other hand, if the minister speaks firmly but with humility, the one who is incorrect may take the time to evaluate his stand and repent of his incorrect doctrine. This will lead him to a knowledge of what is true.


An example for consideration would be that dreaded knock on the door by a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses. John warns about greeting such a person in his second epistle. There he says, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John -10, -11). Understanding this, you still need to answer the door. If you do so by saying, “You guys are a couple of heretics and you need to repent or be cast into hell,” there will probably not be any hope of them changing their mind.


However, if you address them with, “You don’t carry the proper doctrine of Jesus Christ, and so I can neither greet you, nor welcome you into my home, but I will show you where you are wrong here at the doorway if you wish,” then you might have a chance of showing them the error of their way. In such a meeting, God – through His word – may give their hearts repentance and a knowledge of the truth.


Life application: There is a right way to handle disagreements in doctrine, and then there is a wrong way. It is not possible to guess how each disagreement will pan out, and so the minister needs to keep a calm and humble attitude towards all. However, for those who become divisive, they need to be given one more chance to not be argumentative, and then they need to be excused. There is no point in arguing back and forth. It solves nothing, and it eventually makes both look foolish.


Heavenly Father, with so many disagreements on matters of biblical doctrine, the church has divided and redivided countless times. Despite the divisions, for those churches that hold to the core doctrines of the faith, it is wise and proper to not be arrogant with those in other denominations. Only when core doctrines are departed from should we consider totally cutting off fellowship. Give us wisdom concerning when we should make such a decision final. Help us in this Lord. This is Your church, and so grant us wisdom when dealing with others in it. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 2:26, 11 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018


Wednesday, 11 April 2018


... and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26


The words of the verse are rather complicated, but with a bit of thought, the true meaning should come through clearly.

First, Paul has been speaking of “those who are in opposition,” meaning those whose doctrine is unsound. He was instructing Timothy to not quarrel with such in hopes that God might grant them repentance, and thus come to the truth. Understanding that, he now says of them, “and that they may come to their senses.” The Greek word is found only here in Scripture. It gives the sense of recovering from a drunken stupor. The root of the word was used twice in 1 Thessalonians 5, imploring those in the church to be sober. Paul’s admonition here is that those who have incorrect doctrine are just like those who are inebriated, they have no idea of the danger which surrounds them.


In coming to their senses, they will then be able to “escape the snare of the devil.” In having bad doctrine, a person is caught as in a snare. A snare is something unseen, and it suddenly springs up and catches the unsuspecting one. From there, he is held prisoner, or as Paul says it, “having been taken captive by him.” This is speaking of the devil. It must be remembered that the word of God has been misused by him from the beginning. By subtly changing or manipulating the word, he caused the fall of man. He attempted to do this with Jesus, but Jesus stood on the word without compromise. Anyone caught up false doctrine has been snared by the devil, and he is now in bondage to him.


This leads to the final words of the verse, εἰς τὸ ἐκείνου θέλημα, “for to his will.” The major question and debate among scholars is, “Who is ‘his will’ referring to?” There are two possibilities, either the devil or God. If it is speaking of the devil, it is saying that in possessing bad doctrine, they are doing the devil’s will, and are thus subject to him. If it is speaking of God, then it is saying that once they have come to their senses, having escaped the devil’s will, they will now serve God’s will.


Without being overly dogmatic, a few points should be considered. First, verse 25 spoke of God granting “them repentance, so that they may know the truth.” The focus is on God and the truth. Secondly, two different pronouns are used in the Greek, both translated as “his.” The first is αὐτοῦ, and the second is ἐκείνου. It appears that Paul is using these different words to show a difference in subject. And thirdly, Paul is speaking of believers with faulty doctrine, not unbelievers. This goes back to verses 14-19. Therefore, it appears that Paul is speaking of God’s will. In order to accomplish this, these believers with faulty doctrine must come to their senses and escape the devil’s snare. This idea is expressed in 1 Corinthians 10 –

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-6


Charles Ellicott gives his rendering of this verse –

“And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil—being held captive by him—to do His (God’s) will.”

Life application: There are verses which are difficult to discern what is actually being said, or who is actually being referred to. Rather than being dogmatic, giving both possibilities will help the reader come to a fuller knowledge of what is being said. Further, by looking at the surrounding context, the meaning usually becomes clearer. And finally, by referring to other comparable passages, the actual intent may become realized. The study of the word of God is to be taken slowly, methodically, and with great care. In the end, our doctrine must be in accord with the Lord’s intent.


O great and glorious God! How good it is to be in Your presence, and to share in Your goodness. You have fed us with the bread of Your word, You sustain us with Your open hand of grace, and You lead us in paths of righteousness – all for Your name’s sake. Help us to follow on that path, never diverting from it. Help us to receive Your grace with thanksgiving and praise, and help us to feast upon Your word daily – nourishing ourselves on that which truly sustains. All to Your glory we pray this. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 3:1, 12 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018


Thursday, 12 April 2018


But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 Timothy 3:1


In the previous chapter, Paul warned Timothy of those who would “strive about words.” He said, “their message will spread like cancer.” With warnings such as this, he exhorted Timothy to be strong in the faith, avoiding things that can lead to ruin, and striving for that which is honorable. Understanding this, he now begins a section which will point to the great challenges expected as the church would develop and grow.


“But know this,” are words of surety. What he says is certain, and Timothy was to be set and prepared for it. He was to apply what he had just been instructed to his life so that he would be ready to face what lay ahead. From this, Paul then says, “that in the last days.”


This term is often used by people to claim that the church is now in the last days, as if the time that they live is seeing the fulfillment of the words. In this claim, they are implying that before their time, these things didn’t exist, and that now – in their generation – they have come to pass, demonstrating that the last days are upon them. With this springboard, they have claimed that the return of Christ must be moments away.


Commentaries going back for eons have made this claim, or cited others who have. However, what Paul describes here are things common to any era, and some of which are actually recorded in the epistles themselves. They are the normal state of things in any given church at any given time. As churches age, the things Paul describes arise. New churches are established to correct the errors, and things eventually devolve again. Rather than a set time which proves the Lord’s return is right around the corner, Paul’s words here speak of the entire church age. This is validated, for example, by the words of John – a contemporary of Paul –

“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” 1 John 2:18


An honest reading of 2 Timothy 3:2-9 will reveal that the things Paul will speak of are to be noted throughout the church age. It may be true that wickedness will increase towards the end of the church age, and it appears that such is coming upon the world now, but the world has been on the precipice before and stepped back. Churches have likewise. Therefore, it is best to not get caught up in sensationalist teachings concerning Paul’s coming words. With this understanding, he next says, “perilous times will come.”


This is what he will begin warning Timothy about. The word “perilous” is an adjective found only here and in Matthew 8:28 when speaking of the violent demon-possessed men of the Gergesenes. They were exceedingly fierce. Thus Paul is warning that such men will arise to cause their own trouble against the church. There will be injurious times, and so he is giving advanced warning for Timothy, and thus all, to be prepared.


Life application: Paul’s warning of this verse is to Timothy. Further, it can be inferred from his other writings that he honestly thought that the return of the Lord was not far off. He was apparently not privy to the fact that the church would last over 2000 years. With this understanding, it becomes evident that his words were a warning for Timothy to be prepared in his own life for the things which he said were coming. As noted already, it is unwise to use these verses to make sensational claims about the certainty of the return of the Lord in one’s own day.


Lord God; Precious heavenly Father, and Source of all strength and grace – grant us Your peace and joy as we face our daily struggles. The stresses we face, the trials that arise, and the conflicts which surround us… these can be debilitating and overwhelming. But from You there is an infinite supply of help, if we are willing to reach out for it. You, who sent Your own Son to redeem us, certainly care for us in our redemption. And so still our hearts and invigorate our souls with Your presence. Grant us this peace, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 3:2, 13 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018


Friday, 13 April 2018


For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 2 Timothy 3:2


Paul now describes why “perilous times will come” as indicated in the previous verse. He will pen out a long list describing people whose life and conduct will bring about a stain on Christianity because of their character. As these are evaluated, remember that these type of people exist both in the church and outside of the church. Further, they have existed at all times in humanity. Therefore, Paul’s note about “the last days” in the previous verse encompass the entire church age which lies ahead from the time of his writing.


In his descriptions, he begins with, “For men will be lovers of themselves.” This is an obvious flaw that describes countless people. In the church, it is wholly inappropriate. If a person has called on Christ, it is because they realize they need to be saved. If one needs to be saved, then he realizes that he is fallen due to sin. For someone to be a lover of himself is to set himself against a need for Christ’s cleansing from sin. Self-idolatry and true worship of God through Christ cannot coexist.


Next he says, “lovers of money.” The sense here is someone whose god is money. He is greedy for it. It is his passion and desire to get rich, and to continue to increase in wealth. One can be a billionaire and not be a lover of money, and one can be a poor man and be a lover of money. The possession of money is not the issue, but rather the desire for the possession of money. Jesus, speaking under the law, stated a truth which exists at any and all times when He said in Matthew 6:24 –

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”


Paul next speaks of those who are “boastful.” The word describes a person who shows himself off in a loud and arrogant way. HELPS Word Studies says of this word, “properly, a wandering vagrant (vagabond), boasting to anyone who is foolish enough to take him seriously! This kind of person claims many things he can't really do, so he must always keep moving on to new, naive listeners.” This is a person who has an “I” problem.


The next category is the “proud.” In the Greek, it is a compound word, huperephanos. The word phaínō signifies to “shine forth.” Add the word “hyper” before it, and you can instantly get the sense. He “over-shines.” It is a person who goes beyond the faith that he has professed because he tries to be more than what God directs. Like the one who is boastful, this person also has a serious “I” problem.


Paul then mentions “blasphemers.” They are those who reverse both spiritual and moral conditions of reality, and who then use slanderous evil-speaking.


The next are those who are “disobedient to parents.” The family is the nucleus of a well running society. When the family structure breaks down, the society naturally breaks down as well. And so discipline within the family must be maintained. So great is the necessity for this, that God when speaking out the law to Israel included this –

“If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, when they have chastened him, will not heed them, then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, to the gate of his city. And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear.” Deuteronomy 21:18-21


Likewise, in Exodus 21:17, the Lord noted that anyone “who curses his father or his mother” shall be put to death. Unfortunately modern society has completely reversed the roles and television shows commonly portray children who are insolent to their parents and who tell the parents what to do rather than the other way around. This can only lead to chaos within a society because God’s order of what is right has been rejected.


After this are the “unthankful.” Here Paul uses a word found only here and in Luke 6:35. It is a word which signifies “experiencing grace,” but it begins with a negative prefix. In other words, “not experiencing grace.” When one doesn’t understand God’s grace (unmerited favor), they will naturally be ungraceful, and unthankful.


The last in this verse is “unholy.” This is a word used only by Paul, and only in 1 & 2 Timothy. It describes someone who ignores their duty to God, disregarding it as unnecessary to their life. They will profane the name of the Lord without compunction, and simply give up right living for a life of sin and wickedness. Such degenerates are coupled with the “profane.” The profane speak of sacred things in a lewd manner. Their actions may carry the same intent. Great examples of this type of person can be found all over the film and music industries.


Life application: Paul’s list is just getting started, but you can see that it describes people at all times and in all places. When such as these creep into the church, surely perilous times will come. We always need to be on the lookout for people like this and to ensure they are not allowed to come in and destroy the fellowship. Further, we need to remember what Christ saved us from, and not allow ourselves to fall back into such sins as well.


Heavenly Father, we are warned in Your word to watch out for those who walk contrary to You, and who have no heart for the work You accomplished in our salvation. But we surely must also remember that our salvation means that we once walked contrary to You. Help us to not fall back into our sins of the past, but to conduct our lives in holiness, and in a manner which honors you. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 3:3, 14 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2018


Saturday, 14 April 2018


...unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 2 Timothy 3:3


Paul continues his description of the miscreants who bring about the perilous times in the last days. The verse begins with the “unloving.” The word here comes from the concept of a person who lacks natural affection. This again transfers through what is moral to what is political. It points directly to the morally lacking thought process. The “natural affection” Paul is referring to is the bond between a parent and a child. What should be the strongest bond of all is missing when the knowledge of God is rejected. The Bible is replete with passages where children were sacrificed to Molech, and causing them to “pass through the fire,” such as in 1 Kings 17:16, 17 –

“So they left all the commandments of the Lord their God, made for themselves a molded image and two calves, made a wooden image and worshiped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. And they caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and soothsaying, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger.”


The cultures Paul was exposed to left female children out to die, preferring male babies. Some buried the children alive. Albert Barnes notes that during an earlier period, “In most of the Grecian states, infanticide was not merely permitted, but actually enforced by law. The Spartan lawgiver expressly ordained that every child that was born should be examined by the ancient men of the tribe, and that if found weak or deformed, should be thrown into a deep cavern at the foot of Mount Taygetus.”


The modern parallel is of course abortion. The left is rabid in their defense of abortion and any attempt at restricting or eliminating this legalized murder is met with the strongest opposition possible. They have lost any true natural affection and have replaced it with immoral sensuality and licentiousness. This moral depravity fits naturally with the next on the list, those who are “unforgiving.”

The Greek word comes from the thought of “without libation,” or “without truce.” Pouring out a libation to a god was a way of making peace with that god and thus forming a treaty. The idea then is a person who is completely unwilling to make peace; they are implacable. There is no agreement, there is no reconciliation, and there is no felicity. Instead, there is only “us and them,” and we will never cede an inch in our battle of depravity and moral perversity.


Next are the “slanderers.” The word is an adjective that would better be rendered “slanderous.” This signifies a false accuser, or one who unjustly criticizes others in order to hurt them, even to the point of severing relations. When an article is used in front of this Greek word, it speaks of the devil.


He then speaks of those who are “without self control.” It is translated from a single Greek word found only here in the Bible. It indicates “inclined to excess,” or “powerless.” Such a person is unable to control his inner urges, and plows ahead in whatever unhealthy addiction or perversion he is prone to. Just as a person who wears a diaper is incontinent and cannot control his physical body, such a person lacks the same ability to control himself.


He then next speaks of those who are “brutal.” Again, it is a word found only here in the Bible. It signifies someone who is not tame, but rather fierce or savage. He tears angrily at those around him, and cannot be controlled.


Finally, Paul notes those who are “despisers of good.” Again, it is a unique word in Scripture which indicates one who hates good. He is completely hostile to what is right. The things of God are abhorrent to him. He is an active enemy of his Creator and the work which God performs as is described in Scripture. He is exactly the opposite of the man called to serve the Lord in Titus 1:8. There Paul says an elder should be “a lover of what is good.” The only difference in the words is that a negative particle is added here to form the opposite thought.


Life application: It’s rather easy to find any and all of those described in this verse today. All we need to do is turn on the news and look at the left in our society. They call evil good, and they call good evil. They despise Christ Jesus, and yet they claim to be moral, pious people. Let us use their lives as examples of how not to act, and let us use Christ Jesus as our example of how to act!

Lord God, the news media, and the entertainment world, driven by left-wing ideology, is completely upside down. They exalt that which is evil, and they call out those who are moral and upright as wrongdoers. They support the murder of the unborn, and yet they refuse to hand over criminals for justice. How long will the wicked prosper? Help Your people to stand against them, and to proclaim righteousness until You come for judgment. Strengthen us, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 3:4, 15 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2018


Sunday, 15 April 2018


...traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 2 Timothy 3:4


Paul’s lengthy list of miscreants continues on once again in this verse. Here the words begin with “traitors.” The meaning of the word is obvious. Either “traitor” or “betrayer” is an acceptable translation. The word is found only in Luke 6:16, Acts 7:52, and here.

Next he names the “headstrong.” It is again a rare word, found elsewhere only in Acts 19:36. The word literally means, “fall forward.” Thus it is someone who is reckless, rash, or whose headstrong manner is brought on by foolhardy passion.


Paul then speaks of the “haughty.” It is a word used only by Paul, and only in the pastorals of 1 & 2 Timothy. This is its final use in Scripture. The word is tuphoó, and one can see the word “typhoon” coming from it. It signifies “to blow smoke,” or “to cloud up the air.” And so figuratively it means to have a cloudy mind-set which is a moral blindness leading to poor judgment. From there, further loss of spiritual perception is the natural result.


The verse finishes up with “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” People who are pleasure-lovers have always abounded in the world. They draw more closely to the animal instincts rather than focusing on the higher morals we are endowed with. Some focus all their pleasure on fast cars, some on sexual engagements, some on living in a drunken stupor, etc. Each of these has its own word to describe it, but these things may be used in different ways. The word here indicates that such things are engaged in simply for the pleasure obtained from them. In such a pursuit, a love and sense of God is eradicated. Whatever type of pleasure is sought after can become so addictive that it becomes its own idol in our minds. When this happens, the door to God is shut and locked.


Life application: It is important for us to evaluate individual words like those Paul is using. By developing them into their full meaning, we can see what he had on his mind when choosing those particular words. From there, we can then carefully evaluate if we bear any trace of these failings and correct them in our lives. Though an in-depth study of such things can be a bit tiring, in the end, we will have benefited greatly from the knowledge we have obtained.


Gracious heavenly Father, look upon Your people whom You have redeemed, and be merciful to us as we stray, fail in our obligations, and forget to put You first in our lives. Give Your people wisdom to turn again to You, and to reestablish our walk in uprightness and holiness before Your infinite glory. Guide us in paths which You have chosen for our feet to tread upon. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 3:5, 16 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018


Monday, 16 April 2018


...having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:5


Paul here is referring to the miscreants listed in verses 2-4. In those verses, he gave a lengthy list of people who possess faults which will bring about perilous times. Now, referring to them one final time, he notes that they have “a form of godliness.” The idea here is one of a wearing a mask. They appear one way, but they are actually different behind the mask. Their profession of religion is a show of piety, but it belies the truth of who they are.


Paul says that such people have this form of godliness, but they are “denying its power.” What they do is for show, but there is no sense of the true power of Christ working in them or through them. As one example, we could think of the pervert priests which infect many denominations. They profess Christ in the pulpit, and they wear the robes of a priest (thus looking showy and pious); but the truth of their lives is one which denies the cleansing power of Christ, the effective working of the Holy Spirit, and the life-changing abilities of the word of God. The words they speak may impress the hearer, but there is no power to convert the soul to Christ because they don’t believe the very message they proclaim.


In addition to lacking personal conviction in the word, such people may put forth traditions or extra-biblical church doctrines which are supposed to add to their external appearance of piety, but they add nothing to the truth of Scripture or the glory of God. The procession of church officials carrying crosses on a stick, marching in order through the church, raising hands and proclaiming church-written proclamations ad nauseam, do nothing to convert the soul. They are simply external forms of godliness with no substance behind them.


The same is true with modern teachings within the messianic movements. Leaders and congregants wear traditional Jewish garments, even when not Jewish, they follow traditions of the Jews, even when they have no biblical connection at all, and they utter words and names in Hebrew in order to sound more pious and godly than others, and yet they have departed from accepting the full and finished work of Christ. Instead, they rely on adhering to selected precepts the Law of Moses in order to seem more godly than others. These are the types of things that Paul warned against.


In this, he then directly and poignantly says, “And from such people turn away!” Paul’s words here to Timothy are in the present tense. This shows, without any doubt or need for further controversy, that the “last days” referred to in verse 3:1 are speaking of the entire church age. It is not a point in history where people can claim, “The Lord is near; the signs of the last day are fulfilled in our lifetime.” Rather, they were being seen at the time Paul wrote the epistle. His warning to Timothy, and then to all who would follow in right doctrine, is to turn away from such people. External acts of piety, exclusive “one version of the Bible only clubs,” wearing certain cheesy garments by priests or rabbis in order to appear more godly, adhering to church traditions, and on and on – all of these things have a form of godliness, but they deny its power.


The preacher who preaches from the word of God while in blue jeans can be much more powerful in converting the soul than any such-and-so wearing special clothes and uttering nonsense from tradition could ever produce.


Life application: Stick to the word of God for your doctrine. Don’t get caught up in traditions, showy rituals, or interesting but useless presentations during your church services. Instead, find a church where the word is opened, read from, and then explained. This is where true instruction from God comes, and this is what will open up the power of God in your life.


Heavenly Father, we need You in our lives, but we also need to know what that means. Lead us to churches which actually open the word each week and read from it. And after it being read, it is then explained. Keep us from showy presentations, dead rituals, and leaders who wear certain clothes which look pious, but add nothing to the message of Your word. Without Your word being introduced into our lives, we are not going to have You filling us as we should. Direct us to sound churches with sound doctrine. In this, we will become well-fed, mature followers of You. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 2 Timothy 3:6, 17 April 2018

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018


Tuesday, 17 April 2018


For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 2 Timothy 3:6


Paul continues to refer to the same wicked sort that he has been describing since verse 2. In the previous verse, he said that they have a form of godliness, but they deny its power. Now he continues to describe them, saying that “...of this sort are those who creep into households.”


The idea here is that their doctrine is false, and incompatible with what is open, sound, and reasonable in the church at large. And so they start their corrupt teachings by creeping into households. If their voice is not accepted in the congregation, then they will start in the home. They have enough Scripture memorized to sway those who are uninformed in proper theology. And so by capturing their unsuspecting prey in the household, they have a captive audience to lead astray without anyone to contradict them.

But once in the household, there is a particularly easy target to start with. Paul continues with, “and make captives of gullible women.” It was the woman who was deceived, and it is the woman’s makeup to base decisions more on emotions than man will. They are the more easily deceived, being gullible, easily flattered, and having an ear receptive to twisted doctrine. This is why Satan went to the woman first. The pattern remains with those who would infect households, normally starting with the woman.

Paul continues to describe the women next with the words, “loaded down with sins.” The false teachers can readily spot those who would make easy targets. By a simple look at the life being led by the woman, he can determine if she is already laden with sins. If so, then to manipulate her will be much easier than someone who is morally upright and sound. Women who are burdened with sinful lives will naturally fall prey to false doctrines, not having the knowledge of the truth stored up.


Finally, he says that they are “led away by various lusts.” This is generally believed to not exclusively be “lusts of the flesh,” such as sexual immorality, but the lust of life in general. They already have sinful lives, so if they can meld a religion that will ease their conscience while they continue in lustful pursuit, then how easily swayed they will be! They may be filled with pride, greed, vanity, susceptibility to flattery, and so on. When a false teacher comes into their home, they are already so misguided in their lives that adding in unsound theology is as easy as putting on a nice-fitting dress.


The goal for the false teacher here is not specifically to sexually seduce the woman, but to have control. As his false teaching is absorbed, it will hopefully spread. Paul points this out in Titus 1:11 by saying about these teachers that their “mouths must be stopped.” It is they “who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.” This is the goal then. They desire control, and control leads to profiting off those whom they have in bondage.


Life application: There is nothing wrong with home Bible studies, but they should be conducted in an open setting by someone who is known to have sound doctrine, and who is considered trustworthy. How easy it is to sway those who are not informed in the basics of biblical doctrine. Let us always be on guard, watching out for those who clearly fit Paul’s description in the words of this verse.


Precious Lord God! Daily we rise and see Your hand of infinite wisdom displayed in the things You have created. How sad it is that the world attributes Your handiwork to random chance. And how easy it is for us to be swayed by false doctrines that arise right from a false presentation of Your word. When we are duped in one area of it, that is bound to spread to other areas. From creation through salvation, and a hundred other areas of Scripture, help us to be attentive and not led astray by false teachings. Amen.