Itching Ears 2 Timothy 4:3

As Paul began to wind down his final directions to Timothy, he told him to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” Paul knew “the word of God” could not be improved upon for guidance within everyone's life, and because many false teachers and doctrines would creep into the church, Timothy was to stay steadfast within the scriptures to overcome them. In chapter four and verse three of this final letter from Paul, he wrote of people who “will not endure sound doctrine” but will rather have “itching ears” where we read:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

The verse begins, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;” Paul began with the word “For” which means “because, since, on account of, no doubt and seeing then” “the time” or “in due measure or at a fixed and definite time” “will come” or “will be, have and follow” “when” which means “where, while and as long as” “they will not endure” which is the Greek phrase “anechō ou anechō” and means “will not hold up, erect, make firm, sustain or bear” “sound” or “well, good, strong, free from error and within the graces” “doctrine” which means “teaching, instruction and precepts”. In other words, there will be a time when people will not desire or keep “good, strong and free from error” teaching.

The verse goes on to say, “but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” Paul continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just written, “after” or “down from, through out, according to, toward and along” “their own” or “pertaining to one's self, one's own and belonging to one's self” “lusts” which means “desires, cravings and longings for what is forbidden” “shall they heap” or “accumulate in piles” “to themselves” or “toward their own selves” “teachers” which refers to “those fitted to teach or thinks themselves so or instructors” “having itching ears” which means “ears that need scratching, tickling or are desirous of hearing something pleasant”. The idea is that people who reject “sound doctrine” want their “ears” tickled with something pleasant to hear. They do not want to be taught the truth or something convicting or that which makes them feel shameful or guilty, but would rather hear nice, enjoyable and gratifying doctrine instead. They gather to themselves teachers who only say what they want to hear rather than listen to the full council of the word of God.

While we meditate upon Paul's words, we can think of many people who do not want to hear “sound doctrine” of the “word of God”. Rather than hear the truth about sin, judgment, hell and corruption, they would rather only hear teachings about the “goodness of man”, the “grace of God”, and the “joy” that comes from living a life of prosperity and abundance. We must be careful to listen to and follow the “full council” of God's word rather than only portions we like, lest we become as teachers with “itching ears”. Certainly it is more enjoyable to taste the sweet portions of the Bible, and many would rather know those doctrines alone, however, the reality of sin, error and judgment to come may be the very medicine that keeps us from being “ungodly” and guards us from following “after” our “own lusts” rather than following after God. May the Lord Jesus help us to desire and follow the “full council” of His word.

Next time Paul tells Timothy there will be people who will “turn away their ears from the truth”, 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.

Preach the Word 2 Timothy 4:2

As Paul the apostle began the last chapter in his final letter to Timothy his “dearly beloved son”, he “charged” him “before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ” whom Paul said “shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom”, and in chapter four and verse two we discover that Paul “charged” Timothy to “preach the word” and “be instant” where we read:

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;

reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

The verse begins, “Preach the word;” Paul began with the word, “Preach” which is the Greek word “kēryssō” and means “to be, officiate and proclaim after the manner of a herald; to publish or proclaim publicly something that has been done”. He added, “the word” which is “the doctrine, discourse, teaching and accounting of the Word of God, Jesus Christ, whose personal wisdom and power is in union with God and is minister in creation and government of the universe. He is the cause of all the world's life both physical and ethical and for the procurement of man's salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah who is the second person in the Godhead and is shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.” Timothy was to declare all of the council of the “Word of God” as it related to Jesus Christ who is the Messiah and Son of the One and True living God.

The verse continues, “be instant in season, out of season;” Paul went on to say, “be instant” which means “be at hand, ready, on time and in place” “in season” or “seasonally or when opportunity occurs” “out of season” which refers to “an unseasonable time or inopportunely”. The idea is for Timothy to be ready to “preach the word” at any time whether it was a convenient and pre-arranged time or when a time comes to share when he is not expecting it.

The verse goes on to say, “reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” Paul then gave Timothy three short instructions concerning how he should “preach the word”. The first was, “reprove” which is the Greek word “elegchō” or “convict, refute, confute, find fault with and correct”. The second was, “rebuke” which is the Greek word “epitimaō” and means “to show honor, raise the price of, adjudge, award, admonish or charge sharply”, and the third word is “exhort” which is the Greek word “parakaleō” and means “to call to one's side, summon, address, speak to in a way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, console and encourage and strengthen by consolation”. Finally Paul shared the manner in which Timothy should declare these things, “with all long-suffering” or “each, every, any, the whole, everyone and all things with patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs and perseverance” “and doctrine” or “teaching and instruction”. In other words Timothy was to “reprove, rebuke and exhort” people with perseverance and consistency while seeking to increase their value through the teaching and instruction in the word of God.

When we think about Paul's instructions to Timothy, we see the value in sharing “the word” of God, and we understand the importance of being able to share it at any time whether planned or unplanned. Too often people have opportunities to share the “word of God” but do not have enough of it in them to be able to share. We should understand that declaring the “word of God” has an effect upon people, and those who listen to and study the word of God will be “reproved, rebuked and exhorted” through its doctrine. Paul's direction to Timothy should be noted by us, and when we have an opportunity to “preach the word” let us do so in a spirit which is seeking to add value to those who hear it regardless of the manner in which it impacts their lives.

Next time Paul tells Timothy a time will come when people will not “endure sound doctrine”, 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.

Charged Before God 2 Timothy 4:1

As Paul the apostle continued to exhort Timothy, he shared with him the importance of the “holy scriptures” and their roll in guiding and giving correction in his life. In chapter four and verse one of this final letter from Paul, he “charges” Timothy “before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ” as he begins his final inspirational words to his “dearly beloved son” where we read:

I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,

who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

The verse begins, “I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,...” Paul began with, “I charge” or “earnestly, religiously, attest, testify and solemnly affirm” “you therefore” which means “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “before God” which refers to “in front of and over and opposite to the Godhead trinity consisting of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit who is the one and only true God”. Paul then added, “and the Lord” who is “the owner and one who has control; the master and one who is entitled to honor expressive of respect and reverence; and the title give to God, the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” “Christ” or “the anointed one and Messiah”. There was no one greater before whom Paul could “charge” and “solemnly affirm” Timothy.

The verse goes on to say, “...who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom” Paul added this description of “God and the Lord Jesus Christ” “who shall” or “be about, intend, have in mind and think to” “judge” which means “separate, put asunder, pick out, select, choose, approve, esteem and prefer” “the quick” or “the living, breathing and enjoying life” “and the dead” which refers to “one who has breathed his last, lifeless, deceased, departed, destitute and without life, inanimate and one whose soul is in heaven or hell”. Paul went on to add the timing of this judgment, “at his appearing” or “manifestation and brightness especially at the advent of Christ” “and his kingdom” which means “royal power, kingship, dominion, rule and dignity conferred in the Messiah's kingdom”. The One to whom Paul is making reference is none other than Jesus Christ, and when he arrives on the scene in His second advent, He will set up His kingdom and “separate, put asunder, pick out, select, choose, approve, esteem and prefer” both the living and the dead.

When we think about Paul's words, we can sense the awesomeness and weight of this “charge”. Timothy was to take what Paul was about to write seriously. What if we were “charged” in similar fashion and with such Holy witnesses before us? How would we respond? To understand Timothy's position, let us imagine receiving this letter from Paul and reading these words. What would we think, and how would we react? The truth is, we have just received Paul's words, and the words written after these should have pre-eminence in our minds. As we meditate upon them, may we allow the Lord Jesus to show us their weight and value, and may we as Timothy take and use these words in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Next time Paul tells Timothy to “preach the word” and be “instant”, 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.

Perfect and Throughly Furnished 2 Timothy 3:17

As Paul the apostle continued to give final instructions to Timothy his “dearly beloved son” concerning his personal life and the life of the church in Ephesus, he insured that Timothy knew “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” because “in the last days, perilous times shall come” and “evil men and seducers” will increase more and more. Paul continued his thought concerning the “holy scriptures” in chapter three and verse seventeen of this final letter before his death where we read:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The verse begins, “That the man of God may be perfect,...” Paul continued by sharing the reason the scriptures were “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” by adding, “That the man” which refers to “a human being whether male or female” “of God” or “Godhead, trinity consisting of God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who is the one and only true God” “may be perfect” which means “fitted, complete and having special aptitude for given uses”. In other words, the Holy and God inspired scriptures “equip” a person completely and give them a capacity to fulfill whatever assignment is put before them.

The verse goes on to say, “... throughly furnished unto all good works.” Paul continued, “thoroughly furnished” or “completely finished and accomplished” “unto all” which means “each, every, any, the whole and everyone” “good” or “useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent and distinguished” “works” which means “business, employment, that which one occupies, undertakes, does or acts upon”. When we are equipped with the ideas within the holy scriptures, we are ready in spirit to take on every useful and pleasant employment which comes our way.

While we meditate upon Paul's words, let us allow ourselves to examine the impact of the word of God on everything we do. Do we allow the Spirit of God to guide us through His scriptures to work in a manner that is pleasing to Him? Does the effect of our daily reading and studying of the Bible manifest itself in our activities and responsibilities? When we apply God's word to our lives, nothing we do will be will be without the influence of the thoughts of God, and when His “doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness” drives our lives, others are bound to notice the Spirit of God living within us. May the Lord Jesus continue to put a desire within us to read, study and apply the “holy scriptures”, and as we do may others realize we are people who have been with God.

Next time we begin the final chapter of this letter and see Paul begin to give Timothy a “charge”, 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.

All Scripture Inspired of God 2 Timothy 3:16

Because “evil men and seducers” would increase during the last days, Paul the apostle exhorted Timothy, his “dearly beloved son”, to “continue in the things” he had “learned”, and he reminded him “from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” In chapter three and verse sixteen of this final letter from Paul, he declared “God” as the source of the “inspiration” of “all scripture” where we read:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The verse begins, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,...” Paul began with the word, “All” which means “each, every, any and the whole” “scripture” which refers to “writings, contents and portions of the Holy Scripture” “is given by inspiration of God” which is all one Greek word, “theopneustos” and means “inspired and divinely breathed by God”. In other words, “all” of the “holy scriptures” are “God-breathed” and fully developed, produced, instituted and given by God's guidance.

The verse goes on to say, “...and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” Paul went on to add the benefits of “all” the divinely inspired “scripture” by writing, “and is profitable” or “helpful, serviceable and advantageous” “for doctrine” which is “teachings, instructions and precepts”. He continued, “for reproof” or “that by which a thing is proved or tested” and carries the idea of “conviction”. Paul added, “for correction” which means “restoration to an upright or right state and improvement of life or character”. He finally wrote, “for instruction” or “training, education, cultivation and chastisement which aims at increasing virtue” “in righteousness” or “doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God, integrity, virtue, purity of life and correctness of thinking, feeling and acting”. No doubt with these four advantages found within “all scripture” Timothy would be well equipped to handle anything he faced personally and within the church.

While we think upon Paul's words, let us realize the importance of “All Scripture” being “God-breathed”. Every scripture in the Bible has its purpose, and the Lord God Almighty has a plan for each of them. By reading, studying and meditating upon “all scripture” our lives are shaped, formed, corrected and aligned with the ways of God. Our understanding of correct teaching and doctrine is found in the Bible. Our necessary proofs and evidence of God, Jesus Christ, the fall of man, the redemption plan of man through Jesus' death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection and imminent return are all found within the scriptures. When we need “correction” the “scriptures” are the altering device, and when we need “instruction” in ways which are “righteous” and in alignment with “integrity, virtue, purity of life and correctness”, the “scriptures” will be our guide. We are a blessed people to have the God-breathed Bible, and “all scripture” being inspired by God for our benefit is more than ample proof. May we learn to value this incredible gift of the “Divinely inspired” word of God.

Next time Paul tells Timothy the purpose of the God inspired scripture, 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.

From a Child You Have Known the Scriptures 2 Timothy 3:15

Paul the apostle noted “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” as he wrote to Timothy, and because this was certain, he exhorted Timothy to “continue in the things which” he had “learned” and “been assured of, knowing of whom” he had “learned them”. In chapter three and verse fifteen of this final letter from Paul, he reminded Timothy “that from a child” he had “known the holy scriptures” where we read:

And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able

to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The verse begins, “And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures,...” Paul began with the word, “And” which shows a continuance of thought as he added, “that from a child” or “indeed, also and even since you were an infant, new-born or babe” “ you have known” which means “seen, perceived, understood and had knowledge of” “the holy” or “sacred, consecrated to deity, pertaining to God and divine” “scriptures” which refers to “letters, writings, documents and records of sacred learning”. Timothy was blessed to have been exposed to the “scriptures” from the time he was an infant, and his exposure would no doubt be to his advantage as “evil men and seducers” increased.

The verse goes on to say, “...which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Paul continued, “which are able” or “have the power whether by virtue of one's own ability and resources, or a state of mind, or through favorable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom” “to make you wise” which is the Greek phrase “sophizō se sophizō” and means “to make or become with understanding and wisdom” “unto salvation” or “towards, for and among deliverance, preservation and safety” “through faith” or “by way of, with, in and by the belief and conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, and He is the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ” “which is in Christ Jesus” or “that is by way of, with, in and by the anointed Messiah and Son of God whose name means Jehovah is Salvation”. Paul knew the power of the “holy scriptures” was that Timothy would understand salvation which comes by putting faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

While we think upon Paul's words, we note the value which he places upon “the holy scriptures”. We also see the great advantage Timothy had by knowing them from the time he was a small child. In light of the pending “evil men and seducers” who are to increase in number and deception, what value should we place upon the “holy scriptures”? Some of us may have also experienced the benefit of being taught the word of God from the time we were children, however, we rarely look at them now. Others may have learned the “holy scriptures” later in their lives, and yet, the pages within their Bibles are only occasionally open. When we consider this, let us be inspired to read and study the Bible and to place value upon understanding and wisdom found within its verses, and if we need inspiration for seeking the word of God once again, let us consider that our eternal “salvation” is found within it.

Next time Paul tells Timothy “all scripture is given by inspiration of God”, 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.

Continue in Things You Have Learned 2 Timothy 3:14

Paul the apostle continued to give direction concerning the church in Ephesus to Timothy who was the young pastor located there. Timothy was Paul's “dearly beloved son” in the faith, and Paul's desire was for Timothy to be informed concerning heretical people whom Paul called, “evil men and seducers”. He knew these men “shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived”, and Paul's warning concerning them was not only going to help Timothy, but also to caution the church he pastored. In chapter three and verse fourteen of this final letter to Timothy, Paul exhorts him to “continue in the things which you have learned” where we read:

But continue in the things which you have learned

and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them;

The verse begins, “But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of,...” Once again Paul employs the word, “But” which means “moreover, in addition and” “continue” or “remain, abide, tarry, sojourn and do not depart from” “in the things which” or “in what or that” “you have learned” which means “apprised of, increased in knowledge within, heard, were informed about by use and habit”. Paul added, “and have been assured of” which means “made faithful, firm, established, rendered trustworthy and are firmly persuaded of”. Timothy learned principles and ways from Paul the apostle, and he was established in them. Paul's exhortation for Timothy was to “remain, abide, tarry, sojourn and not depart from” his teachings.

The verse continues, “...knowing of whom you have learned them;” Paul went on to add, “knowing” or “perceiving, noticing, discerning and paying attention to” “of whom” or “from whom” “you have learned them” which means “apprised of, increased in knowledge within, heard, were informed about by use and habit”. Paul was Timothy's earthly instructor, and by the Holy Spirit of God Timothy learned the ways of God. He was not to depart from the roots of his learning.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we see the importance of the source of our doctrine and teaching. Ideas and philosophies come from various places, and when we consider Paul's previous warning concerning “evil men and seducers”, we understand why we should make considerable provision to assure our information is correct. We cannot afford to persuaded by false teachings and heresies, and our best path to avoiding them is to continue in the Bible which is God's word. Let us remember from whom we have learned, and let us not depart from God's ways, and should anyone present ideas and philosophies that are contradictory to the Bible, let us not only flee from them, but consider them as spiritual plague.

Next time Paul refers to how Timothy “from a child” has “known the holy scriptures”, 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.