Holy Week
Sunday

• Jesus enters into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)
• Zechariah 9:9 - Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem!
Look, your King is coming to you;
he is righteous and victorious,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey. [1]
Monday

• Jesus clears the temple
• Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. 13 He said to them, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!”[2]

Tuesday

• Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse at the Mt. of Olives with His disciples.
• Matthew 21:23 – 24:51.

Wednesday

• No record in the Scripture

Thursday

• Jesus told Peter and John to go and prepare for the Passover Meal.

 
“Thank You Jesus for the Blood” –            Charity Gayle


THE LORD’S SUPPER
MATTHEW 26
26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”[3]

• They left singing and went to the Garden of Gethsemane
• Jesus asked them stay awake and pray with him three times.
• Matthew 26:39 - Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.[4]
• Judas came and betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
• The religious mob arrested Jesus.
• Peter cut off the High Priest’s servant's ear.
• Jesus healed the ear.
• The disciples scattered.
• Jesus’s trial with the Sanhedrin took place in the early morning hours.
• Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.

Friday

• Before 9 AM (third hour), Jesus had been through trials and sentenced to death on the cross.
• As He was led away, He was mocked, spit on, beaten and had a crown of thorns placed on His head.
• He was mocked as Roman soldiers nailed Him to the cross and hung between two thieves.
• Jesus gave seven statements on the cross.
• The first was, Luke 23:34 - Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”[5]
• On the 9th hour (3 PM), Jesus breathed His last and died.
• No bones were broken, as was prophesied.
• By 6 PM, Jesus was taken down and placed in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb before sundown.

 
“At this point, I am going to ask that you sit in silence for just a minute. There is no reason for you to be alarmed, trust me. But I would like to speak with our safety team in the parking lot right now. There is nothing to worry about.”
 
Saturday – The Day with No Name

• What were you experiencing in the room while I was gone?
• What were the disciples experiencing on that day?
• The crowds are gone.
• Their minds and hearts were numb.
• And they were not sure what’s next.
• Do you ever feel like you are living in the day with no name?
• You’re just waiting…
• While the whole time life is going on around you.
• Matthew 27:62-66 - The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come, steal him, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”
• 65 “You have a guard of soldiers,” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” 66 They went and secured the tomb by setting a seal on the stone and placing the guards.[6]

 
Sunday

• Early Sunday morning, several women (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Salome, and Mary the mother of James) went to the tomb and discovered that the large stone covering the entrance had been rolled away. An angel announced:
• Matthew 28:5-7 - The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”[7]
• Jesus appeared to the disciples.

Matthew 28:16-20 - The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”[8]

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Zec 9:9.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Mt 21:12–13.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Mt 26:26–28.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Mt 26:39.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Lk 23:34.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Mt 27:62–66.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Mt 28:5–7.
[8] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Mt 28:16–20.

67 AD (4 years later)

• Paul is in prison in Roman
  
  

FULFILL YOUR MINISTRY
2 TIMOTHY 4
1 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom:

• “Before God and Jesus Christ” – they are watching you
• Judge the living – Judgment Seat of Christ
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.[1]
• “good” = righteousness or “evil” = self righteousness
• Judge the dead – Great White Throne Judgment
• Revelation 20:11-15 - Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. 12 I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books. 13 Then the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; each one was judged according to their works. 14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.[2]
• “his appearing” – Everything had to be prepared to perfection.

2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.

• “preach” – aloud, publicly in all seasons
• “correct” (point out) those in error (an appeal to the emotions).
• “rebuke” those in sin (an appeal to the mind).
• “encourage” those living in harmony with God's will (an appeal to the will).
• Christian reproof without the grace of long-suffering has often led to a harsh attitude intensely harmful to the cause of Christ.

3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.

• Who are “they” – those following his teaching now? (believers)
• In the future, “they” would only listen to speakers who told them what they wanted to hear (false doctrine, entertainment, etc.).
• They would choose to believe myths rather than the truth (e.g., evolution, humanism, reincarnation, legalism, etc.)

5 But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

• JOB OR MINISTRY?
• A job is one you choose;
• A ministry is one Christ chooses for you.
• A job depends on your abilities;
• A ministry depends on your availability to God.
• In a job you expect to receive;
• In a ministry, you expect to give.
• A job done well brings you self-esteem;
• A ministry done well brings honor to Jesus Christ.
• In a job, you give something to get something;
• In a ministry, you return something already given to you.
• A job well done has temporal pay for service.
• A ministry well done brings eternal rewards.

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close.

• Paul believed that he would die very soon.
• "poured out" - like the daily drink offerings in Judaism
• After the Jewish priest offered the lamb, ram, or bull in this ritual, he poured wine beside the altar.
• Symbolized the dedication of the believer to God in worship.
• The apostle believed that Nero would not release him from prison but would execute him.
• Christian tradition confirms that Paul died as a martyr in Rome.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

• Paul probably meant that he had run in the noblest race of all, namely, the ministry of the gospel.
• NOT that he had done his best in the contest.

8 There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing.

• This reward will go to all Christians like Paul who, by the way, they lived, demonstrated a longing for the Lord's return.
• Not all Christians are anxious for the Lord to return since some know they need to change their way of living.

BELIEVERS' CROWNS
Title                      Reason         Reference

• An Imperishable Crown         For leading a disciplined life                        1 Cor. 9:25
• A Crown of Rejoicing             For evangelism and discipleship                 1 Thess. 2:19
• A Crown of Righteousness    For loving the Lord's appearing                   2 Tim. 4:8
• A Crown of Life                      For enduring trials                                       James 1:12; Rev. 2:10
• A Crown of Glory                   For shepherding God's flock faithfully         1 Pet. 5:4

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS
9 Make every effort to come to me soon,

• Paul evidently had reason to believe that his execution was imminent.[3]

10 because Demas (Dee-moss) has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens (Creese-kees)) has gone to Galatia (Gala-tia), Titus to Dalmatia (Dalma-tia).

• The constitutional method of inflicting capital punishment on a Roman citizen was by the lictor's (emperor’s bodyguard) axe.
• The criminal was tied to a stake; cruelly scourged with the rods, and then beheaded.
• Demas loved this present world. He gone!

11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.

• Luke is most likely transcribing for Paul
• Mark had just previously left Paul & Barnabas.
• Mark had caused division between Paul & Barnabas.
• This is a statement of encouragement & affirmation after the incident.
• Tychicus was sent to relieve Timothy, whom Paul was requesting, and his cloak… winter was coming… he was frail… looking for comfort.
• Parchments – OT, or even his own writings… still wanted to study.

 
14 Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works. 15 Watch out for him yourself because he strongly opposed our words.

• Possible reference to 1 Timothy 1:20 – Turned him over to satan.
• Not a salvation issue.

16 At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.

• Customarily, under Roman law, accused prisoners underwent a preliminary hearing before their trial.
• At this hearing, witnesses could speak on behalf of the accused.
• In Paul's case, no one came to his defense.
• This was probably because when Rome burned in July of 64 AD
• Nero blamed the Christians.
• From then on, it was dangerous to be a known Christian in Rome.
• Neither local Christians nor Paul's fellow workers were willing to stand with the apostle.
• Paul hoped the Lord would not hold their failure against them.

17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.

• Evidently, Paul could give a word of witness at his hearing that furthered his mission to the Gentiles.
• He had so far escaped death, though he was ready to die as a martyr.
• The "lion's mouth" may refer to the lions in the Roman Coliseum that were devouring Christians at the time.
• However, the Romans would have beheaded Paul rather than thrown him to the lions since he was a Roman citizen.
• More a general allusion to Satan's instruments of evil that have always sought to destroy God's faithful servants.

18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

• Paul knew he would die a martyr's death (vv. 6-8), but he saw death as God's vehicle to deliver him from an evil deed (his execution) and to bring him into his Lord's presence.
• For this prospect, he glorified God.

 
BENEDICTION
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

• Greetings to his old friends Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, who then lived in Ephesus.
• He also greeted the loyal family of Onesiphorus, whom he had written about earlier (1:16).

20 Erastus has remained at Corinth; I left Trophimus (trophy-mose) sick at Miletus (Mee-Le-toes).

• Erastus and Trophimus were old associates of Timothy

21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as do Pudens (Poo-dees), Linus (Lean-ose), Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.

• Winter severely restricted travel in some parts of the Roman world.
• Timothy needed to leave Ephesus soon to reach Rome without difficulty.
• Paul relayed the greetings of four other brethren, probably local, whom Timothy evidently knew, as well as the greetings of all the local Christians.

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.[4]

• Paul first wished the Lord's ministry of grace on Timothy's spirit, perhaps encouraging him to remain faithful.
• Paul’s last recorded written words.
• Then he wished God's grace for all this epistle's readers (plural "you" in the Greek text).
• Paul avoided indulging his disappointments.
• Paul could rejoice in the victory won in the life of Mark.
• Paul found no room for vindictiveness toward those who hurt or opposed him."

______________________________________________
“Understanding the Spirit's role, how would you communicate this message if your eighteen-year-old son had made up his mind to walk away from everything you have taught him, morally, ethically, and theologically, unless he had a compelling reason not to?”

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Co 5:9–10.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Re 20:11–15.
[3] A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 759.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Ti 4:1–22.

67 AD (4 years later)

• Paul is in prison in Roman
  
  

DIFFICULT TIMES AHEAD
2 TIMOTHY 3
1 But know this: Hard times will come in the last days.

• Last days = Season before the Lord Returns (Tribulation, etc.)?
• Today, we live in the last days, that period between Christ’s exaltation and his return.[1]
• So why worry about how bad things are?

 

• When an individual's center of gravity shifts from God to self, a plethora of sins can spring up.[2]

2 For people will be lovers of self (self-centered, narcissistic, self-absorbed)1, lovers of money (money hungry), boastful (of their own importance, self-promoting), proud (in attitude, arrogant, stuck up), demeaning (abusive to others, scoffing at God, profane), disobedient to parents (unresponsive to parental discipline, contemptuous), ungrateful (unthankful, unappreciative, crude), unholy (impure, nothing is sacred, coarse), 3 unloving (heartless, callous, hateful, dog eat dog), irreconcilable (unforgiving, unbending), slanderers (of others, speaking with malicious gossip), without self-control (impulsively wild), brutal (uncivilized, cruel, savage), without love for what is good (antagonistic, haters of good, no interest of good, cynical), 4 traitors (betrayal of friends, treacherous), reckless (headstrong, rash, ruthless), conceited (puffed up with pride, wrapped in a mist of self-delusion, bloated windbags), lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (devoted to personal pleasure, addicted to lust and allergic to God), 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power (religious). Avoid these people!

• This last characteristic clarifies that those individuals described in verses 2-4 would even claim to be Christians (i.e., false teachers and their followers).
• Timothy was to avoid association with people who demonstrated these characteristics except, of course, for purposes of evangelism and instruction.
• Who influences who?

6 For among them are those who worm their way into households and deceive gullible women overwhelmed by sins and led astray by a variety of passions, 7 always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

• These false religious leaders take advantage of the problems people have and promise them quick and easy solutions.[3]
• TV evangelists are a great example for today.
• They were listening to the false teachers and Judaizers.
• They had an insatiable curiosity about religion but little discernment to distinguish truth from error.[4]
• Today we have Google doctors, tik tok scientists and Facebook selective knowledge.

8 Just as Jannes (yawn-ees) and Jambres (yawm-brees) resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth. They are men who are corrupt in mind and worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress, for their foolishness will be clear to all, as was the foolishness of Jannes and Jambres.

• Paul used the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in the plagues (Exod. 7:11; 9:11) to illustrate the fate of these false teachers.
• 1,400 years earlier… they are still mentioned by name.
• They turned staffs into snakes but couldn’t compete with Moses in boils.
• Jewish oral or written tradition preserved their names even though the Old Testament did not.
• As these magicians, the false teachers opposed God's revealed truth, possessed corrupt minds, and were outside the fold of the faithful.
• They would proceed only so far, as their Egyptian predecessors did.
• Their foolishness would become common knowledge when their power proved inadequate.

 
STRUGGLES IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
10 But you have followed my teaching (ministry), conduct (ministry), purpose (ministry), faith (life), patience (life), love (life), and endurance (life), 11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured—and yet the Lord rescued me from them all.

• The fact that Paul was delivered from his persecutions was to be an encouragement to Timothy.

Romans 8:38—39 -- For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.[5]
12 In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

• Some “prosperity” messages will not filter here.
• This course is in opposition to the world system.
• Confrontation and conflict are inevitable.

13 Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived.

• This statement does not contradict what Paul said in verse 9.
• In verse 13 he meant that evil becomes more intensive as time passes.
• In verse 9, he meant that teaching evil does not necessarily become more extensive and captures a wider audience as evil worsens.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

• Jewish parents were expected to teach their children the Law from age five onwards.
              - Bate Safair (Torah – First 5 books)
              - Bate Talmude (Law & Prophets)
              - Bate Midrash (rabbi disciple)
• 1:5 - I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.[6]
• What you know is reliable and powerful.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.[7]

• It is God's Word, the expression of His person (heart, mind, will, etc.).
• This was the view of the Old Testament that Jews in the first century commonly held.
• 2 Peter 3:15-16 (67 AD, same year as 2 Timothy) - 15 Also, regard the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our dear brother Paul has written to you according to the wisdom given to him. 16 He speaks about these things in all his letters. There are some things that are hard to understand in them. The untaught and unstable will twist them to their own destruction, as they do with the rest of the Scriptures. [8]
• They are profitable for doctrine (what is right),
• for reproof (what is not right),
• for correction (how to get right),
• and for instruction in righteousness (how to be right)."

 

• “man of God” – direct reference to Timothy
• Also to those who commit themselves to God
• What completes you for every good work?
              - The Helper
              - The Scripture
• “good work” is not the goal… it is the byproduct of what we have been given.

[1] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 223). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[2] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 224). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 250). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 228). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ro 8:38–39.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Ti 1:5.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Ti 3:1–17.
[8] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Pe 3:15–16.

67 AD (4 years later)

• Paul is in prison in Roman
• Nero has been persecuting the believers in Rome.
• Believers are staying clear of Paul.
• No one came to support Paul in his preliminary hearing.
• Luke visits Paul and pens the letter for Paul.
• Paul knows his time is near.
• Paul warns Timothy about those who will fall away from the faith.
• Needs to encourage Timothy to keep discipling.

 
BE STRONG IN GRACE
2 TIMOTHY 2
1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
 -   Be

• strong (dunamus = power) – empowered with grace
• To be enabled
• We are empowered by Jesus… not our own strength.
• Continuous active cooperation & dependence with Jesus

2 What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
 -   Thankful to be gone occasionally.

• Keith, Matt, Doug, Phil, Shannon, Luke, Scott and others are incredible at teaching.
• We had 16 people at our Logos class on Tuesday.
• “Faithful”… not ordained.
• We do not test modern teachers by popularity, education, or skill.
• We test them by the Word of God, particularly the doctrines of grace given by Paul.[1]
• You are encouraged to do ministry here.
• Hand off… Figure this thing out… Go… Go…

3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

• We are in a spiritual battle.
• It is all around us.

4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer.

• Stay focused… don’t be distracted with nonsense.
• Our time can be consumed with “good things”…
• Bump that up to “excellent things”.
• Choose the right priorities.

5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

• Romans were enthusiastic about their sports.
• Fishers Basketball won Sectionals – Rob Bell
• An Olympic athlete swore an oath to a statue of Zeus that they had physically trained for at least ten months.

6 The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.

• Planting and nurturing leads to a harvest.
• All three illustrations teach us that faithfulness is a huge portion of the formula that leads to reward.

7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

• Caught vs Taught
     - Avitar –
              Neytiri: Why save you? 
              Jake Sully: Yeah, why save me? 
              Neytiri: You have a strong heart. No fear. But stupid! Ignorant like a child! 
              Jake Sully: Well, if I'm like a child, then maybe you should teach me. 
              Neytiri: Sky People cannot learn, you do not see. 
              Jake Sully: Then teach me how to see. 
              Neytiri: No one can teach you to see

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel,

• The mention that Christ 'descended from David' shows that Christ has messianic qualifications and is the heir to the glorious promises of God for David.
• 2 Samuel 7:11-14 - “ ‘The Lord declares to you: The Lord himself will make a house for you. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son.”[2]
• “my gospel” – This message had been entrusted to Paul.
• The Truth is being distorted… among the Church… Facebook

9 for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound.

• Paul had been the chief suppressor & oppressor of Christianity.
• Now he has suffered the most due to his gospel.

10 This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy:
For if we died with him, (positive)
we will also live with him; (positive)
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; (positive)
if we deny him, he will also deny us; (negative)

• Great White Throne Judgment (nonbelievers) of the Judgment Seat (believers).

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself. (negative)

• Jesus will fulfill His Word either way.
• No matter what your choice may be.

 
AN APPROVED WORKER
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen.

• What are subjects that are causing Christians to “split hairs”?
• Reformed Theology; Evolutionism, End times/
• What about Law & Grace?

15 Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

• Just as a construction worker can point out “bad work”… so can a teacher.

16 Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness, 17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus (Hi-ma-knee-us) and Philetus (fill-eat-us) are among them.

• Paul had already turned Hymenaeus over to satan in 1 Timothy 1:20.
• Get to a point where you can distinguish “religious talk” vs truth.
• Gangrene is described as a sore that eats at the flesh.
• There is a difference between “getting into the weeds” of the Word vs the Word being active in nourishing others.
• How are we helping people (each other) if we just sit here on Sunday morning and study the Word?
• Spiritual constipation.

18 They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are ruining the faith of some.

• Certain carryovers from their pagan religions.
• Spiritual resurrection – sinless perfection?

19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, (Numbers 16:5) and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.

• We still have to make choices.
• Repentance – change your mind about your behavior.
• Who leads us to repentance? Romans 2:4 – “Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”[3]

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. 21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

• Those who become students of the Truth vs.
• Those who have a lack of commitment to study & even proclaim false truths.
• There will be a separation here on earth… not a salvation issue.

22 Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

• Youth movements: Veganism, peace, etc. Passion, reformed theology…
• 18-34 years old are more agenda driven
• Typically, in relation to the media/social networks
• They determine what is cool, what is right/wrong and what we tend to focus on in the world.

23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels.

• These questions are going to be brought before you…
• Calvinism vs Arminianism
• Predestined vs Free Will
• Preterist vs Futurist
• Law vs Grace

24 The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. 26 Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.[4]

• Who grants repentance? God does…

Through His kindness…

• Should I defriend blatant sinners on Facebook?
• There is a difference between acceptance & teaching with gentleness.
• How will those who have a sinful nature or are walking in their flesh ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
• How will the addicted ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
• How will a left-wing liberal tree-hugging hippie ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
• How will the staunch right-wing, good doing, 10 commandment card carrier ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
• It certainly will not be because of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas City.
• Why would the younger generation want to have anything to do with that type of religious condemnation?
• How do I engage them in conversation enough to intrigue them?
• The focus has to remain on Jesus alone.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 245). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Sa 7:11–14.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ro 2:4.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Ti 2:1–26.