The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: 2 Timothy

  • A Form Without Power

    “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

    2 Timothy 3:5

    In the Old Testament divided kingdom years, Israel had the form of worship (a religion) without the power (true nature) of that worship of God. King Jeroboam established two places of worship at Dan and Bethel, with golden calves in each city. They still performed sacrifices, but they were to idols — not to God. They “practiced” their religion as they always had, but they were denying the “power” of God because they replaced Him with the idols. Because of this, they never had a good king. We learned that each king “took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin” (2 Kings 10:31). Those sacrifices were supposed to remind them of their sin, and that God would send One to remove that sin. Without the correct worship, they would never seek for their Messiah (which was Jesus).

    This helps us recognize that Israel had ceased to worship God. They had been practicing a religion. God could not be recognized in that empty religion. When God could not be seen in the lives of Israel by others, God sent Jonah to be a testimony to the people of Nineveh. God was vividly seen in the life of Jonah as he was in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights. When the people of Nineveh saw Jonah and heard his testimony, they believed in God and repented (Jonah 3:5).

    When Jesus came, He reminded the people of Jonah (see Luke 11:29-32). Jesus was greater than Jonah who survived three days and three nights in the belly of the whale. The nation of Israel rejected Jesus. Jesus was crucified, but on the third day, He rose from the dead. Jesus revealed the only way to God was through Him. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Only those who believe Jesus is the Christ, that once and for all sacrifice for sins, will be saved. “4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth … 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:4, 9–10, 13).

    Read the following warning: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). Form means “the process or activity of forming or shaping; specifically in reference to the Law as the source of knowledge and truth. This refers to the godliness, which is only a form and an external appearance. Such godliness is a sham and devoid of any real power to break the power of sin.” Power means “true nature of something as opposed to just talking about something.” From this verse, we can understand that just because someone acts like they are “godly” (i.e. practicing a religion) does not actually make them godly (a Christian) if they do not have Jesus in their heart. For someone to act “godly” and not have Jesus, is someone who has denied the power (true nature of something) of Jesus in one’s life. It may look and sound real, but it is not. This verse teaches that we are to “turn away” from someone, or even things, like that.

    A very important thing we should understand is summed up in 1 Corinthians 2:5: “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” It really does not matter what one thinks, it matters what God has said in His Word. Once we understand this, we have a hope the world does not have. Although it was hidden somewhat from those who lived in Old Testament times in that they did not know who it would be, we know that Jesus was that One promised from the beginning of time. Just as they could not understand in the Old Testament, we today can understand because it has been written in the Bible for us to read. Why doesn’t everyone in the world understand? “3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Satan does not want anyone to know the simplicity of the truth. That is why it is important for us to first live a life that reveals Jesus, and then tell the world what Jesus has done — so that they, too, may be saved. Israel failed to reveal God to the world. Christians today must live a Christ-like life so others can trust in Jesus.

    Have you trusted in Jesus, having the power and not just a religion (a form of godliness without the power)?

    Do you live a Christ-like life so that others can see Jesus in you?

  • Thoroughly Furnished

    “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
    2 Timothy 3:17

    After learning of Paul and his missionary journeys in the book of Acts, we can read the letters he wrote to the Gentile churches – many of which he started while on those missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts. When we study these letters, we begin to recognize a pattern that develops. This pattern is revealed in an important verse found in Second Timothy. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).  Look at this verse more in depth by using the following definitions to help in the understanding of it: 

    • Scripture means “every part of the whole and all of it together; that which has been written once and for all and constitutes the final authority of God’s revelation.”
    • Given by inspiration of God means “prompted by God; divinely inspired; appears only in 2 Timothy 3:16.”
    • Profitable means “to be useful, profitable, or advantageous.”
    • Doctrine means “teaching or instruction with the meaning of warning.”
    • Reproof means “to convict; in the sense of refutation of adversaries; not merely the charge on the basis of which one is convicted, but the manifestation of the truth of that charge and the results to be reaped; the acknowledgement of its truth on the part of the accused.”
    • Correction means “to set right again; to correct or make straight.”
    • Instruction means “to instruct; rectification; including discipline.”

    Recognize that this verse cites the four benefits (profitableness) of the Word of God: doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction. The different parts of this verse reveal that each of these components are interdependent and are all necessary in the process of sanctification of a Christian’s life. First, the Word of God is presented as doctrine or instruction as in authoritative teaching. Then as truth, which is ethically persuasive, convincing one of error. Next, it places that person in a correct moral position, which allows one to be brought to the final place where that one can be provided the discipline, chastisement, or training needed to bring about righteousness. This verse summarizes the third division of the New Testament:  Romans – 2 Thessalonians. It is with this insight that Paul spent much of his time writing to the new churches, so that they would know how to become righteous.

    Remember theses letters of Paul that are important for each Christian to study:

    • Romans: the teaching of doctrine,
    • 1 and 2 Corinthians: reproof for failure to live right,
    • Galatians: correction, rectifying wrong doctrine that had permeated the church,
    • Ephesians: the revealing of deeper doctrinal truths intended for growing Christians,
    • Philippians: reproof for wrong living, the rectifying of a potential problem,
    • Colossians: correction to rectify wrong doctrine,
    • 1 and 2 Thessalonians: the teaching of doctrine and instructions.   

    Did you notice the pattern of how these books, or letters, can be used as doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction? As we read about the churches as they received these letters from Paul, some of them immediately put into practice what was taught therein. When that happened, we read that Paul received encouraging words about the growth of the churches. After reading theses letters (books), can you recognize the different stages of implementation each one was designed to teach? Remember, that these books (letters) are for Christians to use even today. Remember what the very next verse in Second Timothy says. “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17). The words throughly furnished means “to equip fully; completely.” This is the purpose of God’s Word. To equip Christians completely to be able to do what God wants us to do.

    Do you read understanding that all Scripture, when it is implemented into one’s life, will furnish you unto all good works?

  • Read Your Bible

    “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
    (2 Timothy 3:16)

    “Have you ever tried to play a game with someone without reading the instructions? Was there arguing over unknown rules? Was it a peaceful game or was there much disagreement? Was it any fun?

    How about putting something together without instructions? Or making a trip without consulting directions? Living a Christian life without reading the “rules” is impossible to do. The rules are God’s Word. Read 2 Timothy 3:16. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Understand it better by using the following definitions:

    • inspiration of God: breathed by God; divinely inspired
    • profitable: helpful; useful; advantageous
    • doctrine: instruction; not only the teaching but also the authority of the teacher
    • reproof: conviction; manifestation of the truth and the results
    • correction: set right again; correct
    • instruction: teaching that includes chastening

    Notice that 2 Timothy 3:16 builds upon itself in its instruction. They are interdependent (mutually dependant) upon each other. First we see it is a doctrine (used for instruction or warning), then as truth (knowing the truth, convincing us of error), correction (morally correcting), and instruction (we see discipline to lead us to righteousness).”  (Excerpt from Y1Q4 – Lesson 6)

    As Christians read the Bible, they can understand the importance of seeking God with their whole heart and to not wander (stray) from God’s commands. It is good to hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). It would be good to read all of Psalm 119. Let it be an encouragement to those who truly seek to know and please God; to seek God’s heart (remember David?). This Psalm was written by one who truly loved God and did not find His Word laborious. Reading the Bible to know God better must be our hearts’ desire in order to walk with God. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) We should be happy to walk according to God’s Word. “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” (Psalm 119:140).

    Christians must read the Bible to remember what God has done, which leads to understanding the value of God’s Word. It is at this point we begin to recognize the importance of walking with God, obeying God’s Words, to live a life pleasing to and blessed by God.

    Do you love to read God’s Word?

    Does the Bible light your path?