In the letter to Titus, Paul gives us a neat little recap. In chapter one, we are reminded that God promised and provided eternal life right from the beginning. And as promised, manifested Himself here on earth at the proper time...
(Titus 1:1-3) Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior
His work on the cross is what provides salvation (NOT our righteous work) in order that we can live through Him right now. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we will want to do good deeds, and these are the things for which we will be judged and rewarded - at the time of His appearing (the rapture).
NOTE: in the PRESENT AGE (which is the age of the Gentiles / the Church Age) - we can look forward to the rapture. If the Church is to go through even part of the Tribulation, then we could not look forward to the rapture in this age, since all seven years of the Tribulation is part of the Jewish Age...
(Titus 2:11-14) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Today's takeaway: I'm not sure why, but it's been on my heart about how some church members are extra zealous about judging others - maybe thinking that this is going to help purify the church in some way - like if it is their mission to cleanse the church of all chaff. They might be sincere, but they would be sincerely wrong. The last two verses below would apply to these types of people, because this sort of self-righteousness is a sin and needs to be dealt with.
People who feel it is their gift and their right to judge people... I have seen this sort of thing get so out of hand before. They will use gossip and slander to malign someone, and then apply Matthew 18:15-20 in order to justify their attacks and cause divisions. Interestingly, the last verse below tells the church to apply the principles of Matthew 18 to the very people who do this.
Keeping everything in context, we must be careful how we approach people regarding their actions. First of all, we must make very sure that what they are doing is actually a sin. We must then, with a loving spirit, go to speak to them in private!!! Nowhere does it say we should talk to other people about it first. We know that gossiping and slander is a sin!
We must also ask ourselves several other questions before approaching someone else regarding their sin: have we prayed about it? is it our place to approach them? how would we want to be approached? is it to encourage and edify them? does it help to build up the church or tear it down?
Titus 2:14 says we should be zealous for good deeds! Then below we are told what that actually looks like...
(Titus 3:1-11) Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Saturday, February 24, 2018
eschatology, in the Last Days (2 Tim.1-4)
As I read the verses below, I'm thinking these also apply to believers who argue about the order of eschatological events. Some churches have even deemed the end times as a minor doctrine. Whether pre-Trib or mid-Trib - these do not change the gospel message or God's instructions to the Church. This does not mean that we shouldn't study all of God's words and defend them, it just means that we should not argue about them...
(2 Timothy 2:20-26) Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
Now, regarding the end times - we should be aware - as it says in verse 3:1 just below. But do "the last days" in this verse mean the last days of this age? During the history of the Church Age we have seen ups and downs regarding the wickedness of mankind. And now in current times, are things really getting "worse" - or are we just more aware of everything because of immediate coverage through television and internet?
I do lean more towards this interpretation - that - DEFINITELY things will get more difficult and more evil in the last days of the Tribulation!
But no matter which age or times this verse is referencing - these words of advice are wise and applicable all of the time...
(2 Timothy 3:1-9) But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. 6 For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.
Now, we have another statement below in verse 13 which could imply that mankind becomes more and more evil as the years go by - but - maybe - this could be on an individual basis. What I mean is - individuals who become intent on persecuting Christians only become more determined and zealous as they go? Just a thought, since there is not a "timeline-phrase" attached to that statement.
I'll give an example. There is a person I know who had in the past said they were a Christian, but eventually decided they were an atheist. And not just an atheist - but an evangelical one at that. It's become his mission in life to try to take down Christianity. And I've noticed that over the years, he has become angrier and angrier towards what he believes is complete foolishness, so his words have become less considerate and definitely more bitter and vicious...
(2 Timothy 3:10-17) Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Today's takeaway: as believers - who have been saved and given the hope of eternal life - of course we will long for and love Jesus' appearing! For us in the Church Age - it will be His coming to gather us in the air! For those who become believers in the Tribulation - it will be His Second Coming to earth to set up the Millennial kingdom.
- When Jesus appears in the air to gather up all believers - He will judge us at the Bema Seat according to the good works that we have done with pure motives.
- When Jesus appears at the end of the Tribulation - He will judge the nations, separating the sheep from the goats. Sinners will be removed from earth and thrown into hell, and those who have become believers during the Tribulation will enter the Millennium.
- During the Millennial kingdom, Jesus will sit on the throne and offer firsthand advice and hand out immediate judgment. At the end of which will be the White Throne Judgment to judge sinners of all times according to the evil deeds.
I typically use NASB version, but I'm going to copy-paste the first verse in the New King James Version because it reads a little clearer...
(2 Timothy 4:1) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom
And until that time, let us faithfully fight the good fight - keeping our eyes on the prize, which we will receive at the Bema Seat (as Paul mentions right at the end of this scripture portion)...
(2 Timothy 2:20-26) Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
Now, regarding the end times - we should be aware - as it says in verse 3:1 just below. But do "the last days" in this verse mean the last days of this age? During the history of the Church Age we have seen ups and downs regarding the wickedness of mankind. And now in current times, are things really getting "worse" - or are we just more aware of everything because of immediate coverage through television and internet?
I do lean more towards this interpretation - that - DEFINITELY things will get more difficult and more evil in the last days of the Tribulation!
But no matter which age or times this verse is referencing - these words of advice are wise and applicable all of the time...
(2 Timothy 3:1-9) But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. 6 For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.
Now, we have another statement below in verse 13 which could imply that mankind becomes more and more evil as the years go by - but - maybe - this could be on an individual basis. What I mean is - individuals who become intent on persecuting Christians only become more determined and zealous as they go? Just a thought, since there is not a "timeline-phrase" attached to that statement.
I'll give an example. There is a person I know who had in the past said they were a Christian, but eventually decided they were an atheist. And not just an atheist - but an evangelical one at that. It's become his mission in life to try to take down Christianity. And I've noticed that over the years, he has become angrier and angrier towards what he believes is complete foolishness, so his words have become less considerate and definitely more bitter and vicious...
(2 Timothy 3:10-17) Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Today's takeaway: as believers - who have been saved and given the hope of eternal life - of course we will long for and love Jesus' appearing! For us in the Church Age - it will be His coming to gather us in the air! For those who become believers in the Tribulation - it will be His Second Coming to earth to set up the Millennial kingdom.
- When Jesus appears in the air to gather up all believers - He will judge us at the Bema Seat according to the good works that we have done with pure motives.
- When Jesus appears at the end of the Tribulation - He will judge the nations, separating the sheep from the goats. Sinners will be removed from earth and thrown into hell, and those who have become believers during the Tribulation will enter the Millennium.
- During the Millennial kingdom, Jesus will sit on the throne and offer firsthand advice and hand out immediate judgment. At the end of which will be the White Throne Judgment to judge sinners of all times according to the evil deeds.
I typically use NASB version, but I'm going to copy-paste the first verse in the New King James Version because it reads a little clearer...
(2 Timothy 4:1) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom
And until that time, let us faithfully fight the good fight - keeping our eyes on the prize, which we will receive at the Bema Seat (as Paul mentions right at the end of this scripture portion)...
(2 Timothy 4:1-8) I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Friday, February 23, 2018
eschatology, Now vs "In Later Times" (1 Tim.1-6)
We have already seen in the scriptures that Jesus came to die for sins at the proper time. And at the proper time that only God knows - the rapture will happen and the Tribulation will begin. This will happen when people are saying "Peace and safety!" Interestingly, we are told right here - to pray for peace and safety.
And, what I just noticed is, there must have been some racial tensions going on this church. In the scripture portion below, Paul really emphasizes the point that God's good news is for ALL mankind, and ALL mankind should strive to live in peace and safety...
In the next scripture portion, we see the phrase "in later times..." People do "fall away from the faith" in this age, but DEFINITELY this will happen in the Tribulation to a much greater degree, although God's message and promise (to keep a believer's salvation secure) remains the same.
No matter how or when, we are encouraged to know God's word and faithfully do God's will. This benefits us in this life now, as well as in the next life to come - when we reach heaven - and we are rewarded for our good deeds done with the right motives...
Today's takeaway: our faithfulness benefits us for the PRESENT LIFE and for the LIFE TO COME. It does not say in between those two stages that there is the "tribulation to come" or the "wrath to come" - believers get to avoid that, because we have chosen LIFE - - - eternal life!
We will face tests and trials here on earth; but as it says below, we are to continue on in obedience - UNTIL the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. For us, this will be the rapture. For those who become believers during the Tribulation, this will be Jesus' Second Coming. Either way - it will happen at the proper time. These two events will happen exactly 7 years apart.
I am pretty sure that a few copies of the Bible will be found by people during the Tribulation - and God's words and instructions are always applicable, no matter which age...
And, what I just noticed is, there must have been some racial tensions going on this church. In the scripture portion below, Paul really emphasizes the point that God's good news is for ALL mankind, and ALL mankind should strive to live in peace and safety...
(1 Timothy 2:1-8) First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
In the next scripture portion, we see the phrase "in later times..." People do "fall away from the faith" in this age, but DEFINITELY this will happen in the Tribulation to a much greater degree, although God's message and promise (to keep a believer's salvation secure) remains the same.
No matter how or when, we are encouraged to know God's word and faithfully do God's will. This benefits us in this life now, as well as in the next life to come - when we reach heaven - and we are rewarded for our good deeds done with the right motives...
(1 Timothy 4:1-10) But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
Today's takeaway: our faithfulness benefits us for the PRESENT LIFE and for the LIFE TO COME. It does not say in between those two stages that there is the "tribulation to come" or the "wrath to come" - believers get to avoid that, because we have chosen LIFE - - - eternal life!
We will face tests and trials here on earth; but as it says below, we are to continue on in obedience - UNTIL the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. For us, this will be the rapture. For those who become believers during the Tribulation, this will be Jesus' Second Coming. Either way - it will happen at the proper time. These two events will happen exactly 7 years apart.
I am pretty sure that a few copies of the Bible will be found by people during the Tribulation - and God's words and instructions are always applicable, no matter which age...
(1 Timothy 6:11-19) But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
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