More Traits of People in the Last Days 2 Timothy 3:4

As he wrote his final letter to Timothy, Paul the apostle listed many characteristics of people who would live in “the last days”. He declared that “perilous times” would come, and in chapter three and verse four of his last words, Paul gave even more traits of people who would be living in those final days where we read:

Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

The verse begins, “Traitors, heady, high-minded,...” Paul continued his list with, “traitors” which refers to “betrayers in the sense of giving someone into the enemy's hands”. Paul added, “heady” or “precipitate, rash and reckless” and “high-minded” which literally means “to lift a smoke or wrap in a mist” and metaphorically means “to make proud, puffed up with pride, insolent, haughty, blind with pride and conceit and rendered foolish or stupid”. No doubt Paul had observed these traits in others and knew this was the manner in which people would live in “the last days”.

The verse goes on to say, “...lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” Paul went on to say, “lovers of pleasure” or “voluptuous and fond of pleasure” “more than” or “to a greater degree and by far, rather and sooner” “than lovers of God” which means “loving and fond of God”. In other words, people in “the last days” will love their pleasure filled activities more than they love God.

As we meditate upon these words from Paul, perhaps we know those who “betray” others, and are “prideful, rash and reckless” with their lives. Maybe we know those who love “pleasure”, and “pleasure seeking” is a priority where “loving God” and serving Him takes a distant second if any thought at all. These characteristics as well as those previously mentioned are evidence that we are living “in the last days”, and as these traits manifest themselves more and more in the coming days, may we be aware of them and know that our Lord Jesus Christ is going to return very soon. Even so, Come quickly, Lord Jesus we pray.

Next time Paul shares how those in the “last days” “have a form of godliness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

More Traits of People in the Last Days 2 Timothy 3:3

Paul the apostle knew that his demise was imminent. He was to give his life for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and before he left the earth, he desired to give Timothy, his “son in the faith” and “dearly beloved son” some personal instructions as well as direction for the church Timothy pastored in Ephesus. Paul told Timothy “in the last days perilous times shall come” and listed characteristics of people who would live in those “last days” such as: “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful” and “unholy”. In chapter three and verse three of his final letter, Paul continued his list with six more traits people would exhibit at that time. We read:

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,

fierce, despisers of those that are good,

The verse begins, “Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,...” Paul continued his list of characteristics with, “Without natural affection” which is the Greek word “astorgos” and means “unsociable, inhuman, unloving and hard-hearted”, and “trucebreakers” or “without a treaty or things agree upon, abstinences from hostilities which cannot be persuaded to enter into a covenant and implacable”. Paul said they would also be “false accusers” which is the Greek word, “diabolos” which means “prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely and a calumniator”. This term is usually “applied to a man who, by opposing the cause of God, may be said to act the part of the devil or to side with him”. Paul wrote that they would be, “incontinent” which means “without self control and intemperate”, and if those traits were not enough, he continued them in the next portion of the verse.

The verse continues, “... fierce, despisers of those that are good,” In addition to the characteristics Paul listed above, he went on to add, “fierce” or “not tame and savage” as well as “despisers of those that are good” which is all one Greek word, “aphilagathos” and means “opposed to goodness and good men” and “hostile to virtue”. Paul predicted the behavior of those who would live “in the last days”, and even as he declared people to be “savage” and “opposed to good”, it is manifested just as he wrote.

When we think carefully through these traits as declared by Paul, we see the fulfillment of them right before our eyes. How many people are “without natural affection” today, and how many do not keep “covenant relationships” and willingly “slander” one another? How many people are “without self control” and “savage” in their behavior as well as openly “opposing and hostile to goodness, good men and virtue”? If we sit back for a moment and ponder these traits, we will know we are indeed living among people who manifest the characteristics of those within “the last days”, and because of this, how much more should we align ourselves with the traits found within Jesus Christ and His words as these days continue? May the Lord help us to keep within His ways, and be aware of the characteristics of those who surround us every day.

Next time Paul shares even more characteristics of people in the last days, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Lovers of Their Own Selves 2 Timothy 3:2

As Paul the apostle continued his final exhortation to Timothy concerning the church in Ephesus, he told him, “in the last days perilous times shall come”, and in chapter three and verse two of this letter, Paul shares some of the characteristics of those who live in the last days where we read:

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,

proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

The verse begins, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,...” Paul began this verse with the word, “For” which in this case means “because, since, seeing that, indeed, no doubt and verily” “men” which refers to “human beings whether male or female” “shall be” or “will be, what will follow, in the future and what will come to pass” “lovers of their own selves” which is one Greek word “philautos” and means “loving one's self, intent upon self or selfish”. Not only will they be selfish, but Paul includes, “covetous” which is the Greek word “philargyros” or “loving money and avarice”, and they also will be “boasters” which means “an empty pretender”.

The verse continues, “...proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” Paul began his list of the characteristics of those in the “last days” and continued with, “proud” or “showing one's self above others, overtopping, conspicuous over others, pre-eminent with an overweening estimate of one's means or merits while despising others or even treating them with contempt and haughtiness”. Paul added, “blasphemers” which is “speaking evil, slanderous, reproachful, railing and abusive” “disobedient” or “impersuadible, not compliant, contumacious and insubordinate” “to parents” who are “fathers and mothers”, “unthankful” which means “ungrateful, thankless, unpleasing and ungracious”, as well as “unholy” or “impious and wicked”. So far Paul's list of those in the last days leaves much to be desired in the way of character.

While we think about these traits found within “the last days”, we may easily discover they are abundantly demonstrated today. Have we ever seen such a day when people are obsessed with themselves? “Selfies” are the new norm, and there is even a magazine named “SELF”. Have we ever known a day when “covetousness” and greed was so abundant, and “boasting”, “pride”, “disobedience to parents and authorities”, ingrates and wickedness flourished as it does right now? Paul wrote these words almost two thousand years ago, and he described people in our world today. Could we actually be “in the last days”, and are these simply signs that the return of our Lord Jesus is very soon? As Paul continues his list in the next few verses, let us meditate upon this, and may the Heavenly Father keep us watching and waiting for His return as we see these characteristics exhibited more and more.

Next time Paul shares more characteristics of people in the last days, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Perilous Times Shall Come 2 Timothy 3:1

As Paul the apostle continued sharing with Timothy concerning those who promoted “profane and vain babblings” and false teachings, he told Timothy to instruct them “in meekness” because there was the possibility that God “will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth”, and when he does, “they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will”. In chapter three and verse one, Paul shifts his attention toward “the last days” where he proclaimed, “perilous times shall come”. We read:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

The verse begins, “This know also,...” Paul continued his thought with, “This know” which means “what is about to be declared have knowledge of, understand, perceive and feel” “also” or “moreover, and, additionally”. We must keep in mind that originally the scriptures were not divided into chapters and verses but were continuous thoughts and ideas conveyed in letter and writings form. Paul went directly from sharing with Timothy concerning false prophets in the church to the idea he is about to present, and he desired for Timothy to pay close attention to what he was about to write.

The verse goes on to say, “...that in the last days perilous times shall come.” Paul continued, “that in the last” which means the “in the extreme, uttermost part and the end” “days” which is “used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night” “perilous” or “hard to do, take, approach and bear, troublesome, dangerous, harsh, fierce and savage” “times” which means “due measure, measure of time and opportune and seasonable periods” “shall come” or “be in place or among, put in, be upon, impend, threaten, be close at hand and present”. Paul's warning and prophecy to Timothy was that in the “times” of the “last days”, “dangerous, harsh, fierce and savage periods” will be among us.

As we think through Paul's words, we can almost sense the warning tone in his words. Though Timothy was going to have to manage those who pontificated “false teachings” and ideas, that was only the beginning of his difficulties. Paul's prediction was for there to be more and more “dangerous” surroundings as we approach the “uttermost or end days”. When we look around today we can see that his prophecy was correct, and the safety and security of most people is threatened greater now than ever before. While we enter this new area of study, let us pray that we will see the Lord Jesus in light of His word and the conditions surrounding us, and may we study to align ourselves with the words He shares with us by His Holy Spirit through Paul the apostle concerning these “perilous last days”.

Next time Paul tells Timothy, “men shall be lovers of their own selves”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Out of the Snare of the Devil 2 Timothy 2:26

Although there were people who followed “profane and vane babblings” and false teachings in the days of Paul and Timothy, Paul gave instruction as to the manner in which Timothy should work with them, “in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves”. He knew there was a possibility that God would “give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth”, and in chapter two and verse twenty-six of this final letter from him, Paul continued his thought with the idea that they “may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil” where we read:

And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil,

who are taken captive by him at his will.

The verse begins, “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil,...” Paul began with the word, “And” which is a conjunction word meaning his thought continued “that they may recover themselves” which is all one Greek word “ananēphō” and refers to those who are following false ways and teachings that they may literally “return to soberness” “out of the snare” or “from the trap, noose and whatever brings peril, loss, destruction” “of the devil” which means “prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely, calumniator, false accuser and slanderer”. Paul knew those who followed the false teachers and doctrine were like birds caught in a net or animals caught in a trap by the “false accuser” and most “slanderous” one of all – the devil himself.

The verse goes on to say, “...who are taken captive by him at his will.” Paul continued with, “who are taken captive” which is the Greek word “zōgreō” which means “to take alive, catch and capture” “by him” referring to “the devil” “at his will” or “wish, determination, choice, inclination, desire and pleasure”. In other words, those who followed after the “profane and vain babblings” promoted particularly by “Hymenaeus and Philetus” were as those who were willingly captured by the devil and led astray with their pernicious ideas.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, we see the importance of continuing in the word of God. These false teachers were being used at will by “the devil” himself to “snare, trap and bring to peril and destruction” those who followed after them. When we imagine a literal “trap” set out for prey, we begin to understand how these false teachers led people to follow their doctrine, and it is not much different today. Timothy was to instruct those who had fallen with a spirit of meekness because God might work within their hearts and give them understanding of the truth, and those who are “snared” by false doctrine today should be handled in the same manner. May the Lord Jesus help us to know the gravity of “the devil's” traps, and may we always be willing to free someone from them.

Next time we begin a new chapter as Paul tells Timothy “perilous times shall come” “in the last days”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

In Meekness Instructing 2 Timothy 2:25

Paul the apostle gave instructions to his “dearly beloved son” Timothy who was the pastor of the church in Ephesus. Among his words in this final letter from Paul was, “the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,...”, and in chapter two and verse twenty-five of his letter, Paul continued his list of characteristics by adding “in meekness instructing” where we read:

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;

if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

The verse begins, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;” Paul began with the phrase, “In meekness” which means “by, with and through gentleness or mildness” “instructing” or “training, causing to learn, chastising and castigating with words in order to correct” “those that oppose themselves” which refers to “people who are in opposition, disposed in turn, take in hand and retaliate”. Paul knew those who were in opposition needed correction, however, Timothy was to do so in a spirit of “meekness”, gently and with humility.

The verse continues, “if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” Paul continued with, “if God peradventure” which is the Greek phrase “mēpote theos mēpote” which means “lest, whether and perhaps the Godhead, which is God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the one and only true God” “will give” or “grant, bestow, give over and deliver” “them” referring to those in opposition, “repentance” which is the Greek word “metanoia” and means “a change of mind, as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done” “to the acknowledging” or “precise and correct knowledge” “of the truth” which means “what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth”. Paul knew there was a chance for those who “oppose” the gospel by spreading their pernicious lies and false teachings to come “to the acknowledging of the truth”, and since there was that opportunity, Timothy was to teach and correct them in a spirit of “meekness”.

When we think about Paul's words, perhaps people have come to our minds who think in ways other than the truth of the God's word found in the Bible. Some people pontificate all kinds of false teachings because they either do not know any better or have been taught in error by someone else. We can learn from Paul's exhortation to Timothy as to the manner in which we should approach and instruct those who have not yet learned the truth. If we address them in “meekness” we are much more likely to persuade them of their errors, however, if we are prideful, arrogant and combative, we will have less likelihood of convincing them. We must always remember, God can “give them repentance”, and with that thought in mind, let us allow Him to do His work in everyone who opposes God, and may the Lord Jesus Christ help us to instruct in “meekness” according to His word.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how how “those that oppose themselves” “may recover”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Servant of the Lord 2 Timothy 2:24

Timothy, the apostle Paul's “dearly beloved son”, was to “avoid” foolish and unlearned questions” “knowing that they do gender strifes” as he pastored the church located in Ephesus. While Paul gave Timothy instructions in this letter, he wrote in chapter two and verse twenty-four of his final words, “the servant of the Lord must not strive” where we read:

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,...

The verse begins, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive;” Paul began this verse with the word, “And” which is a continuation conjunction meaning there is more to his thought as he directed his attention toward, “the servant” which literally means “slave, bondman or man of servile condition” and refers to “one who willingly gives himself up to another's will and those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men” “of the Lord” or “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding which includes a title of respect and reverence and is the title given to God the Messiah” “must” or “is necessary, in need of, behooved, right and proper” “not strive” which literally means “not fight” or “not engage in a war of words, quarrels, wranglings, disputes or contentions at the law over property and privileges”. Those who willingly give themselves to Jesus Christ and His gospel “must not” involve themselves in these quarrels and disputes.

The verse continues, “but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,...” Paul went on to add, “But” which means “moreover, nevertheless and notwithstanding” “be gentle” or “exist in presence as affable or mild” “unto all” or “towards each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone”, “men apt to teach” which means “he was to be capable and skillful in teaching”, “patient” or “forbearing of ills and wrongs”. Rather than be contentious and combative, Timothy was to be mild with every person, capable and skillful in teaching and forbearing of everyone he encountered.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, perhaps we should survey our own lives and measure ourselves against his directions. Do we live as “servants of the Lord”? Do we “strive” and “fight” with one another? Are we “gentle unto all men”, and are we “apt to teach” and “patient”? As we study the scriptures we must apply what we have learned and realize that the instructions for others within them are often for us as well. The characteristics Paul gave to Timothy serve as example for us, and as we seek the Lord Jesus and ask for the power of His Holy Spirit to carry them out, may we do so with humility of mind knowing we are prone to leave these traits aside.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how to teach “those that oppose themselves”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Avoid Foolish and Unlearned Questions 2 Timothy 2:23

As Paul the apostle continued giving instructions to Timothy concerning his own personal life and the life of the church located in Ephesus, he told him to “flee youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Paul knew the tendency for a younger man to be tempted by ungodly desires and wanted Timothy to direct himself toward righteous characteristics. In chapter two and verse twenty-three of this final letter from Paul, he gave Timothy more Godly advice as he instructed him to “avoid” “foolish and unlearned questions” where we read:

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

The verse begins, “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid,...” Paul began with the word “but” which is a disassociation conjunction which means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was previously written, and in this case means “moreover, in addition, nevertheless or then” “foolish” which is the Greek word “mōros” and means “impious, ungodly, dull, stupid, heedless, blockhead and absurd” “and unlearned” or “without instruction or disciple, uneducated, ignorant and rude” “questions” which are “enquiries, debates and matters of controversy” “avoid” or “avert by entreaty or seek to avert, to deprecate, refuse, decline and shun”. As a disciple of Paul and minister within the church in Ephesus, Timothy was to refuse to be involved with questions which were absurd and ignorant.

The verse goes on to say, “...knowing that they do gender strifes.” Paul went on to add the reason for “avoiding” “foolish and unlearned questions” as he wrote, “knowing” or “perceiving, noticing, discerning, seeing and discovering” “that they do gender” which referred to the “foolish and unlearned questions” which is the Greek word “gennaō” which literally means “to father children, be begotten” and metaphorically means “to engender, cause to arise, excite and bring to life” “strifes” or “fights, combats, battles, variances, disputes, contentions and quarrels”. The by product of “foolish and unlearned questions” is “strifes” and contentions among those who share them with one another. Timothy was to “avoid” any “questions” which only lead to quarrels.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, perhaps we can think of a few “foolish and unlearned questions” which have been asked of us such as, “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” or “If God is so big, why can't He make a rock that is so heavy that He cannot pick it up?”. If we take our time, we can discover the spirit of the person who is asking these questions. Let's face it, some people only want to argue and fight, and they are not happy unless they are in a quarrel with someone else. We must “avoid” or “avert, refuse, decline and shun” “questions” that are not meant to learn, but only meant to stir up strife. It really makes no difference whether “Adam and Eve had a belly button” in the grand scheme of things, and when quarrels, debates and endless strivings are caused because of “foolish and unlearned” inquiries, we must “avoid” them and keep our conversations directed toward the Godly traits of our Lord Jesus Christ. May He help us to know the difference between them.

Next time Paul shares with Timothy about the way “the servant of the Lord” should be, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Flee Youthful Lusts 2 Timothy 2:22

After declaring to Timothy, Paul's “dearly beloved son”, examples of “vessels of honor” and “vessels of dishonor” to describe those within the church, Paul told Timothy how to be a “vessel of honor”. In chapter two and verse twenty-two of his final letter to Timothy, Paul went on to tell Timothy to “flee youthful lust” and then gave him four things he should “follow” where we read:

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity,

peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

The verse begins, “Flee also youthful lusts:” Paul began with the word “Flee” which means “seek safety by flight, shun, avoid, escape and vanish from” “also” or “moreover” “youthful” which are “younger by a particular age” “lusts” or “desires, cravings, longings and particularly desires for what is forbidden”. Timothy was to run away and escape from desires which were particularly attractive to those who are younger in age which Timothy was.

The verse goes on to say, “but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace,...” Paul went on to add four characteristics which Timothy was to “follow” as he declared, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction meaning what is about to be stated takes precedence over the previous words, “follow” which means “to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after or pursue” “righteousness” which is “the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God, integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness and correctness of thinking feeling, and acting”; Next Paul wrote, “faith” which is “the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ and a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God”; Paul added, “charity” which is the Greek word “agapē” and means “affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly and unconditional love”; Finally Paul included, “peace” which is “a state of tranquillity, harmony, accord and concord”. Rather than pursuing “youthful lusts”, Timothy was to run after characteristics which were pleasing to God.

Finally Paul wrote, “...with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Not only was Timothy to pursue these Godly traits himself, but also “with them that call on” which means “alongside those who put on the name of, are called by, surnamed and invoked by” “the Lord” who is “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding and who is master with a title of reverence and respect” particularly “the title given to God the Messiah” “out of” or “from or by” “a pure” which means “clean, free from corrupt desire, sin, guilt and free from every admixture of what is false”. It refers to what is “sincere genuine, blameless, innocent and unstained with the guilt of anything” “heart” or “the centre of all physical and spiritual life which is the soul, mind, will, character, faculty and seat of the intelligence and refers to middle or central or inmost part”. Timothy was to “follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace ” with those who had “pure hearts” and who bear the name of “the Lord”.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we understand his exhortation to “flee” “lusts” which are usually sought by younger people. The attraction of the worldly things can promote coveting, and those who are deceived by their empty promises will often seek them. Rather than pursuing and running after empty things, Paul's desire for Timothy and those who “call upon the name of the Lord” was to seek after Godly traits such as “ righteousness, faith, charity, peace”. Do we pursue these? Have we taken the time lately to seek all four of these characteristics in our lives? Do we seek them alongside others who are pursuing them as well? Perhaps this is a good time to learn what these traits truly are and begin adding them to our lives as the Lord Jesus gives us the ability. Even so give us this desire and ability Heavenly Father we pray, in Jesus' name, amen.

Next time Paul tells Timothy what to do with “foolish and unlearned questions”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

How to Be a Vessel of Honor 2 Timothy 2:21

As Paul the apostle continued giving Timothy final instructions for himself and the church in Ephesus, he used the example of “vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth” which are in a “great house”, and he declared some of them to be “of honor” and “some of dishonor”. He used these “vessels” to describe the differences between the people within a church. In chapter two and verse twenty-one, Paul told Timothy how to insure that he would be a “vessel unto honor” where we read:

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

The verse begins, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor,...” Paul began with the word “if” which is a conditional particle which means “in case or provided that”. The idea is there is a choice to be made. Paul continued, “a man” which refers to “any certain or particular person” “therefore” or “then, consequently and these being so” “purge himself” which means “cleanse out and clean thoroughly his own self” “from these” which refers to the “profane and vain babblings” and false teachings Paul referred to in previous verses, “he shall be” or “in the future will be or have” “a vessel” which is the Greek word “skeuos” and literally means “utensil, domestic gear or tackle of a ship like unto sails and ropes” and metaphorically means “a man of quality and a chosen instrument” “unto honor” or “to, toward, for and among value upon which a price, deference and reverence is placed”. This conditional phrase written by Paul is the manner in which anyone may become a “vessel unto honor” within the house of God.

The verse goes on to say, “...sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” Paul went on to add, “sanctified” which means “rendered and acknowledged to be venerated, hallowed, separated, purified and dedicated” “and meet” or “useful and easy to make use of” “for the master's use” which refers to “the master and lord of the house and in this instance is a reference to Jesus Christ” “and prepared” which literally means “to make ready in advance” and metaphorically was “drawn from the oriental custom of sending on before kings on their journeys persons to level the roads and make them passable” and was “to prepare the minds of men to give the Messiah a fit reception and secure his blessings” “unto every” which means “each, any, all, the whole, everyone and all things” “good work” or “useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable business, employment, occupation, enterprise, undertaking and that which one undertakes to do”. In other words, “if” we “purge” ourselves from the “profane and vain babblings and false teachings” of people we will be “honored, set apart and prepared” for “everything” we do.

When we take the time to think about Paul's words, we see the value in being cleansed from the filth that can ruin our ability to be used by God. Jesus Christ desires to use us as “vessels unto honor”, and many times “profane and vain” pollution prohibits it. As Christians, our desire is to be “sanctified, and useful” for our Lord, however, impurity and defilement is within us. Let us take time to ask the Lord to cleanse us from all things which would inhibit us from His use, and may those around us know when we have truly been sanctified by His Mighty Hand.

Next time Paul tells Timothy to “flee youthful lusts”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Vessels of Honor and Dishonor 2 Timothy 2:20

As Paul continued to exhort and encourage Timothy his “dearly beloved son”, he told him, “the foundation of God stands sure” even though false teachers named “Hymenaeus and Philetus” were promoting “profane and vain babblings” in the church. According to Paul, Timothy could be certain of God's solid foundation because the Lord “sealed” it with His knowledge of “them that are his”, and because of this, “every one that names the name of Christ” should “depart from iniquity”. In chapter two and verse twenty of this final letter to Timothy, Paul uses the example of “vessels of honor” and “vessels of dishonor” to describe those within the church where we read:

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth;

and some to honor, and some to dishonor.

The verse begins, “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth;” Paul began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction which means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was previously stated, and in this case the word means, “however, moreover, and” “in a great house” or “splendid, prepared on a grand scale and stately inhabited edifice or dwelling place” “there are not only” or “not solely and alone” “vessels” which are “household utensils and domestic gear” “of gold and silver” or “which are made or overlaid with gold and silver”, “but also” or “nevertheless, withstanding, having exception, even, indeed and included” “of wood” or “made from wood” “and of earth” which are “made from clay or dirt”. The idea is some “vessels” within a house are extremely precious, durable and more valuable than others. Those made with precious metals would be carefully utilized and protected whereas those made of less precious material would be frail, more likely to break and become unusable.

The verse goes on to say, “and some to honor, and some to dishonor.” Paul continued, “and some to honor” or “value upon which a price, deference and reverence is placed” “and some to dishonor” which is “ignominy and disgrace”. In other words, some of the vessels within a house are “highly esteemed” and others are “shameful and not very valuable”.

As we think through Paul's words, we can almost imagine him thinking about the different utensils, pots, pans and such which are used in a “great” household. Fine china pieces and gold and silver goblets and dinnerware might have come to his mind, and he uses this example to describe those within the church. To help us understand, we might think of the “vessels” used within our houses. Are there certain ones we treasure more than others? Are there special meanings, sentimental values and precious thoughts attached to certain vessels more than ones? If so, we will relate to Paul's example. Paul desired for Timothy to understand that all of the vessels were important and useful, however there were some that were more durable, long lasting and more valuable than others. This may provide more questions for us than answers at this point, however, Paul doesn't end his thought with this conclusion because he goes on share more later. In the meantime, let us examine ourselves with Jesus Christ as our standard and ask honestly, would I be considered “a vessel of honor” or “dishonor”, and may the Lord Jesus help us to know the difference between the two.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how to be a “vessel of honor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.