Peace Series: Peace or Sword?

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Do not think that I came to bring peace but a sword.  For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household‘” (Matthew 10:34-35).

“Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?  I tell you not at all, but rather division.  For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three.  Father will be against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law” (Luke 12:51-53).

How can this be?  The Messiah was to be the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7).  Angels announced Jesus’ birth by saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14).

Jesus’ message, if followed, leads to peace: Peace with God (Romans 5:1), and peace between men (Ephesians 2:14-18).  Christians are taught to be a peaceful people: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18); “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14); “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2); “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9); “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

However, not all follow Jesus’ message.  John W. Haley comments, “A religion of inherent, radical purity could not be propagated in the world without awaking the fierce antagonism of everything impure and evil.  Hence would arise strife and division, bitter conflicts…” (Haley, Alleged Discrepancies, p. 119).  Oliver Greene comments, “When Jesus spoke of sending a sword to divide even the nearest relatives, we understand that He came for the purpose of teaching doctrine which would inevitably lead to this division to which He referred.  These evils were not what Jesus wished for, but they occur because men love darkness rather than light” (Greene, The Gospel According to Matthew, Vol. 2, p. 467).

Why does Jesus say this?  First, He wants us to know that there will be opposition.  Things will not always be easy. Opposition may come even from one’s own family. Second, He is challenging our committment and loyalty. It is in this context that He says – “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:37-39). While we love our families, our loyalty to Him must surpass our devotion to them, and our desire for peace in our homes.

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Have You Been Circumcised?

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through Faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:11-12).

Judaizing teachers, for years, tried to bind physical circumcision on gentile converts to Christianity (cf. Acts 15:1, 5; Galatians 2:1-4; 5:1-4; 6:15; 1 Corinthians 7:18-19; Colossians 2:11-12; 3:10-11).  They were wrong in this (Acts 15:23-29).  “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing,  but the keeping of the commandments of God is what matters” (1 Corinthians 7:19).  Physical circumcision is not a part of the New Covenant.

However, there is a circumcision which is needed, spiritual circumcision.  This circumcision is performed without hands; meaning – this is something that God does and not man (cf. Daniel 2:34, 45; 8:25; Colossians 2:11-12).

There is a similarity between physical circumcision and spiritual circumcision.  The word “circumcision” literally means to “cut around.”  It refers to an operation to remove something.   The priests of old performed circumcision removing the foreskin of the male organ.  God performs circumcision removing sin.  He performs this operation when one is buried with Christ in baptism.  The same power which raised Jesus from physical death, removes one’s sins and raises one from spiritual death to walk in newness of life (Colossians 2:11-12 cf. 3:1-2; Ephesians 1:20 cf. 2:5-6; Romans 6:4).

Some have appealed to this circumcision illustration to try to defend infant baptism.  Therefore it is worth pointing out some dissimilarities between physical circumcision and spiritual circumcision.  (1) Physical circumcision was performed on Israelite males eight days old (Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3).  The New Testament teaches that baptism is for those who believe (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:35-39; Acts 18:8).  (2) Physical circumcision was performed only on males (Genesis 17:14; Exodus 12:48).  Baptism is for both men and women (Acts 8:12; Galatians 3:26-28).  (3) Physical circumcision did not make one a Hebrew or an Israelite.  One was born such (Leviticus 23:42 k.j.v.; Romans 11:1).  Though, the uncircumcised were to be cut off (Genesis 17:14; Exodus 4:24-26).  Baptism places one in the Kingdom (John 3:5) and makes one a child of God (Galatians 3:26-28).  There are differences between physical circumcision and spiritual circumcision.

Additionally, let us point out that there is a circumcision we are to do.  God instructed Israel to circumcise their heart (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4).  One is not humble but stiff-necked and rebellious, if he is uncircumcised of heart and ears (cf. Leviticus 26:41; Jeremiah 6:10; Acts 7:51).  God desires us to be circumcised in the heart (Romans 2:26).  May we remove pride and rebellion and make our hearts and ears tender and receptive to His will. It takes a circumcised heart to receive circumcision from sin.

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Observing The Wind

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

The meaning?  John Waddey comments, “His illustration is that of a farmer who is so concerned about having perfect conditions for sowing or reaping that he never gets his crop planted; or if he does, he fails to get it harvested” (Waddey, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, A Exposition, p. 64).  Matthew Henry comments, “If the husbandman should decline, or leave off, sowing for the sake of every flying cloud, and reaping for the sake of every blast of wind, he would make an ill account of husbandry at the year’s end” (Henry’s Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 859).  Adam Clark comments, “If a man neither plough nor sow till the weather is entirely to his mind, the season will in all probability pass before he will have done anything” (Clark’s Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 834).

Too many excuse their inactivity by claiming that “It is not the right time.”  They claim that they are looking for the ideal circumstance.  However, such never seems to come.

There is much that needs to be done.  Life is short.  If we wait until all difficulties are removed, likely what needs to be done, will never be done.  Think on this.  Then, get to work!

“To the work!  To the work!  We are servants of God, Let us follow the path that our Master has trod; with the balm of His counsel our strength to renew, let us do with our might what our hands find to do” (Song: To The Work by Fanny Crosby).

“I want to be a worker for the Lord.  I want to love and trust His holy word; I want to sing and pray and be busy ev’ry day, in the vineyard of the Lord\I want to be a worker ev’ry day; I want to lead the erring in the way that leads to heav’n above Where all is peace and love, in the kingdom of the Lord\I want to be a worker strong and brave; I want to trust in Jesus pow’r to save; all who will truly come shall find a happy home in the kingdom of the Lord” (Song: I Want to be a Worker by I. Baltzell).

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Holding Down The Truth

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18, KJV).

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18, NKJV).

The original word Katecho comes from Kata, which means “down,” and echo which means “hold,”  It is used in this passage of “unrighteous man who restrain the spread of the truth by their unrighteousness” (Vine’s).

God’s people are to shine as lights in this world.  Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).  Paul wanted the Philippian brethren to be “children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” adding, “among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).  Peter wrote, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles…” (1 Peter 2:11-12).

When we are not what we should be, our behavior can hinder others from receiving the truth.  Consider: “You therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?  You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?  You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery?  You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?  You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?  For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’  as it is written” (Romans 2:21-24).  Let us be careful that we do not become a hindrances to the truth.

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A Lesson on Borrowing

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

The Bible is clear that we should be willing to lend and share, if we are able, with those in need.  “A good man deals graciously and lends” (Psalm 112:5).  “Give to  him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away” (Matthew 5:42).  “(Those who are rich) Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share… that they may lay hold on eternal life” (2 Timothy 6:18-19).  There are qualifications to these work.  One has a duty to first provide for his own family (Matthew 15:3-6; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16).  Next, one is to give priority to helping Christian brethren who are in need (Galatians 6:10).  Then, others should be helped as we have opportunity (and ability).  Moreover, one should not enable bad behavior (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

But, what about the borrower?  Does he have a responsibility?  I do believe that he does, and such is the focus of this writing.

Have you ever loaned something to someone, only to be disappointed at the condition of the item when it was returned?  Have you ever borrowed something from someone, and had it break or be damaged, while it was in your possession?  What does the Bible say about this?  Consider from the Old Testament: (1) “The wicked borrows and does not repay” (Psalm 37:21).  We should return what we borrow.  (2) “If a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it becomes injured or dies, the owner of it not being with it, he shall surely make it good” (Exodus 22:14).  One should try to replace, repair, or pay damage to the lender.  (3) “When they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.  But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, ‘Alas, Master!  For it was borrowed.”  (2 Kings 6:4-5).  This is what one of the “sons of the prophets” said to Elisha.  He was greatly concerned, not simply for the loss of the ax head, but because it was borrowed.  Elisha miraculous caused the iron to float, and it was retrieved (2 Kings 6:6-7).  The righteous take their responsibility to care for borrowed items seriously.  True, these are Old Testament passages, but does God expect less care for others property today?

Consider the word of John and the New Testament: (1) “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).  (2) “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).  (3) “Love does no harm to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).  (4) “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).  True, these passages are not specifically addressing the borrowing issue, but is there not an application?

I have seen many problems develop between brethren over borrowed items.  I have seen friendships damaged over such.  Many problems could be avoided if the above passages were considered.

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The Value of Asking Questions

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out” (Proverbs 20:5).

Here is what some have said of this passage:

(1)  Adam Clark – “Men of the deepest and most comprehensive minds are rarely apt, unsolicited, to join in any discourse in which they might appear even to the greatest advantage; but a man of understanding will elicit this, by questions framed for the purpose, and this pump up the salubrious waters from the deep and capacious well.”

(2)  Matthew Henry – “A man’s wisdom is here said to be of use to him for the pumping of other people… to get knowledge of them… some are very able and fit to give counsel… but they are modest, and reserved, and not communicative; they have a good deal in them, but it is loth to come out.  In such a case a man of understanding will draw it out… we lose the benefit we might have by the conversion of wise men for want of the art of being inquisitive.”

(3)  Albert Barnes – “Every question is, as it were, a turning of the windlass.”

Will Rogers once said, “Everyone is ignorant (of something).  We are just ignorant of different things.”  The most knowledgeable of humans, no doubt, know only a small fraction of the sum total of human knowledge.  The point is: There is a vast wealth of wisdom and knowledge in the people around us.  A wise person asks questions.  He seeks to learn.

The disciples and others asked Jesus many spiritual questions (e.g. Mark 4:10; 7:17; 10:10; 10:17; 12:28; 13:3-4).  The apostles were asked spiritual questions (e.g. Acts 2:37; 16:30; 1 Corinthians 7:1a).  Do you care enough about spiritual matters to ask questions?

My advice is two-fold:  First, never stop asking questions.  Ask questions to self as you read.  Ask questions to others.  An inquisitive mind is a helpful thing in preventing stagnation in Biblical knowledge.  Second, test all answers with God’s word (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).  Remember that, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).  Scripture and doctrine must harmonize.  Thomas Warren points out – “Any doctrine which implies a fake doctrine is itself a false doctrine” (Warren, Logic and the Bible, p. 68).

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Peace Series: Peace and Goodwill Toward Men!

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“The Dayspring on high has visited us… to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79).

The Dayspring refers to the rising of the sun.  The prophets depicted the coming Messiah as a coming light (Isaiah 9:1-2 cf. Matthew 4:16; Isaiah 60:1-3; Malachi 4:2).  Jesus is the true light (John 1:4-5; 1:9; 3:19; 8:12; 12:46-48; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Timothy 1:10).  J.W. McGarvey comments, “Travelers in the Judean mountains often waited patiently for the morning light, lest they should lose their lives by a false step taken in the darkness” (McGarvey, The Fourfold Gospel, p. 22).  Burt Groves comments, “As the sun blesses man with physical light, the gospel brings enlightenment to guide him to heaven” (Groves, The Gospel According to Luke Commentary, p. 12).

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!‘” (Luke 2:13-14).

Jesus’ first coming was not to condemn the lost.  “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17).

Many did not, and do not, receive this message of peace.  (a) “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11).  (b) “This condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

Some did, and do.  (a) “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become Children of God, to those who believe in His name; who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of God” (John 1:12-13).  Those who believe have the right to become children of God. Man’s response starts with belief.  Let us point out that there is a difference between having the right to become something, and actually being something.  A man may have the right to become a member of a certain credit union, but that does not mean that he is a member.  A man may have the right to become a citizen of a certain country, but that does not mean that he is a citizen.  God’s children are born of God (John 1:13 cf. 3:3; Galatians 3:26-28).  They are not born of blood (literally plural ‘bloods’ – mother and fathers; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, etc.  It is not a fleshly birth).  They are born of God.  (b) “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).  Belief, as used here, refers to an obedient belief which accepts and responds to His authority for salvation (cf. John 3:3, 5, 21; Hebrews 5:9). Have you?

“Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word;  Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard; Tell how the angels in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth: ‘Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings on earth'” (song: Tell me the story of Jesus by Fanny Crosby).

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Peace Series: Righteousness and Peace Have Kissed

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed” (Psalm 85:10).

If God demanded righteous according to truth without mercy there could be no peace.  This is true because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).  “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:10).

If God only cared about mercy and peace, then truth and righteousness would be neglected.  There would be little incentive for righteous behavior.

Tom Wacaster comments, “In human governments, the balance between truth and mercy are difficult to achieve.  If punishment is inflicted to the full measure, then there is no mercy shown, and hopelessness sets in.  On the other hand, if mercy is shown and justice is ignored, the unlawful go unpunished and lawlessness reigns.  It is only in the Divine government that mercy and truth come together in exact proportion” (Wacaster, The Songs and Devotions of David, Vol. 4, p. 221).

Many believe that these things ultimately and perfectly meet in Jesus Christ.  Tom Wacaster comments, “It is only in the Divine government that mercy and truth come together in exact proportion.  This finds its ultimate fulfillment in the atonement of Christ our Lord” (Wacaster, p.221).  Adam Clark comments, “Truth requires righteousness; mercy calls for peace.  They meet together on the way; one going to make inquisition for sin, the other to plead for reconciliation.  Having met… their mutual claims are blended together in one common interest; on which peace and righteousness immediately embrace… Now where do these meet?  In Christ Jesus.  When were they reconciled?  When He poured out His life on Calvary?  (Clark’s Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 486).  “Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

Righteousness and peace kiss.  Albert Barnes comments, “As friends and lovers do; as they do who have been long separated; as they do who after having been alienated and estranged, are made friends again… they have now been united … and have embraced each other as friends do; that is, they blend together in beautiful harmony” (Barnes Notes, Vol. 4, p. 351).

God’s mercy does not out-run His truth.  Tom Wacaster comments, “Mercy and truth are inseparably linked together.  If God is to maintain His holy and righteous nature, mercy can only be extended so far as truth allows.  He will never contradict His own word, nor will He grant mercy contrary to His divine promises” (Wacaster, p.221).  He means what He says.  He does not lie (Hebrews 6:18; Titus 1:1-2).  He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:11-13).

“Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.  Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase” (Psalm 85:11-12).

God provides what man needs.  Albert Barnes comments, “There is not an intended contrast between the two clauses of this verse, as if truth came from the earth, and righteousness from heaven; but the idea is that they would come in a manner that might be compared with the way in which God’s other abundant blessings are bestowed, as springing on the one hand from the fertility of the earth, and on the other hand from the rain, the dew, and the sun-beam” (Barnes, pp. 350-351).  God provides His word; man must provide the right type of heart (cf. Luke 8:11-15).  Through God’s provisions, man can be saved (Romans 1:16).

Some see this as a reference to the fullness of truth which came through Jesus. Tom Wacaster comments, “Perhaps we are being somewhat bold to suggest that this is a prophetic reference to the coming Messiah.  Did not He say that He is ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ (John 14:6)?  Who would argue that God’s mercy and truth met ultimately in Christ?… If the language is NOT prophetic, it certainly finds its greatest application in Jesus our redeemer” (Wacaster, p. 222).

“Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our path” (Psalm 85:13).

Some believe that this foresees John’s ministry.  Albert Barnes comments, “The idea seems to be, that in order to his appearing, there would be a proclamation of righteousness, and a preparation for his advent by the diffusion of righteousness among the people… Thus John proclaimed the coming of the Redeemer, ‘Repent ye, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand'” (Barnes, p. 351).  Tom Wacaster comments, “Our opinion is that there is a prophetic note here concerning the work of John the Baptist” (Wacaster, p. 223).

Others believe that this refers to Jesus’ ministry.  James Burton Coffman comments, “This says that righteousness shall go before God; and the only time that ever happened on earth was in the instances in which Jesus Christ lived his life during the incarnation before God during his earthly ministry” (Coffman, web link) Adam Clark also is of this opinion (Clark, p. 487). He references Romans 3:25, which reads, “Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:25-26).

While we may have some uncertainty about some specific details, the basic message is clear.  God is a God of truth and righteousness; God is also a God of mercy and peace.  There is absolute unbending truth.  There is also the offer of mercy contained within this truth.  Moreover, the Bible teaches that the ultimate fulfillment of these things is found in Jesus Christ (whether or not such He is primarily in view in this context).

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Peace Series: A False Sense of Peace

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11).

God, through the prophet Jeremiah and others, had warned Judah that if they did not amend their ways, then captivity would come (e.g. Jeremiah 7:1-15; 2 Chronicles 36:15-16).  They did not listen.  Seventy years of captivity was promised (Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10).

False prophets provided a false sense of security.  They preached “Peace, peace!” even when the coming destruction was at the door.  Moreover, even after some had been taken into captivity, a false prophet named Hananiah told the people that God said, ‘I have broken the yoke of the King of Babylon.  Within two full years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD’S house, that Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon.  And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah the Son of Jehoiakim, King of Judah, with all the captives of Judah who went to Babylon,’ says the LORD, ‘for I will break the yoke of the King of Babylon'” (Jeremiah 28:2-4).  It was a lie.  The worst had not yet come to Judah.  Seven years later, Jerusalem would be destroyed and all but the very poor would be removed from the land (Jeremiah 28:1 cf. 39:1-10).

Why did the people listen to these false promises of peace?  It seems likely that they listened because they were hearing what they wanted to hear.  Many in Isaiah’s day said, “Do not prophesy to us right things; speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (Isaiah 30:10).  Paul told Timothy that there would be those who “will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers” (2 Timothy 4:3).

Let us make sure that we truly have peace with God.  We do not want to be like these who believed, “Peace, peace!”  – when there was no peace.

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Five Faithful Sayings

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

Paul verbally highlighted five points for emphasis sake in the books of  1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.  These are five things which should be remembered.

 1.  “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Jesus came into the world.  His birth was not His beginning.  His “goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).  “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7).

Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  Jesus said, “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10); “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:18).

Paul is an example of this.  Paul refers to himself as the chief of sinners.  If Jesus could save Paul, then Jesus can save us!

2.  “This is a faithful saying: if a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1).

There should be respect for the position of a bishop, and other positions in the church (deacons, preachers, teachers).  It is so easy to criticize those who serve in public roles.  However, our children and others need to know that we respect these positions and the organization by which God structured the church.  Paul wrote, “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.  Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:13).

There should be respected and appreciation for those who faithfully serve in the church.  Paul instructed, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17).  Too many who serve are under-appreciated.

Service should be encouraged.  Those who truly want to do the work should be encouraged, provided that they can meet the qualifications necessary for appointment.  Those currently unqualified to serve as an elder or deacon should be encouraged to develop (if possible) the characteristics needed.  Youth should have the idea planted in their mind that they might one day be able to serve as an elder, deacon, preacher, Bible class teacher, or song leader, or in some other way.  Too few today desire such responsibility or work.

3A.  “Exercise yourself toward godliness.  For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and that which is to come.  This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance” (1 Timothy 4:7b-9).

Most think that the words “this is a faithful saying…” goes with the preceding words.  They are words which stand out as memorable.

Two types of “exercise” (KJV, NKJV) “discipline” (NASB), or “training” (ESV) are under consideration – bodily exercise and godliness or spiritual exercise.  Physical exercise has a little profit.  It may slightly, very slightly, increase longevity.  It may significantly increase mobility and strength in old age.  Still physical life is brief.  “It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).  Spiritual exercise has benefits both in this life and in the life to come (Mark 10:29-30; 1 Timothy 4:8).

This is teaching the priority of spiritual matters.  The things of this material world will not last.  Jesus taught, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).  Paul said, “the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).  Peter said, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward… rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of the Lord” (1 Peter 3:4).

3B.  “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.  For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:9-10).

The consistent pattern, unless this is an exception, seems to be that the words “this is a faithful saying…” go with the words which follow (1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Titus 3:8).  It seems likely that such is the case here.

People may wonder why Paul and others did what they did, and endured what the endured.  The answer is that they trusted in God.  Paul stated, “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

God is described in this passage as “the living God.”  He is so described twelve times in the New Testament (Acts 14:15; Romans 9:26; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 6:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Timothy 3:15; 4:10; 6:17; Hebrews 3:12; 10:31; 12:22; Revelation 7:2).  These words distinguish Him from false gods and idols (Acts 14:11-15; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).

God is described as the Savior.  He is the Savior of all (in potential).  He is the Savior of those who believe (in reality).  He “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

4.  “This is a faithful saying: For if we die with Him, we shall also live with Him.  If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.  If we deny Him, He will also deny us.  If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:11-13).

These words are to encourage perseverance despite persecution and difficulties in life.  Let’s notice…

a.  If we die with Him, we also shall live with Him.

Does “die” refer to the death of the old man?  (Romans 6:1-3; 8:13; Colossians 3:5).  Does it refer to the death of self-rule? (Galatians 2:20).  Does it refer to being willing to literally die for the cause of Christ? (Matthew 16:24-25; Revelation 2:10; 12:11).  All of these concepts are closely related.  The Christian should die to sin, to self, and even be willing to die physically for the cause of Christ.  However, the context seems to refer to literal death (cf. 2 Timothy 2:8-10).  The crown of life awaits those who are faithful until death (Revelation 2:10).  The victorious ones do not “love their lives to the death” (Revelation 12:11).

b.  If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.

The need for endurance is emphasized in this book (2 Timothy 2:3; 2:10; 2:12; 3:11; 4:5).  The faithful will reign with Him (Revelation 3:21 cf. 22:1-5).  Wayne Jackson comments, “It is analogous to the ‘salvation’ (v. 10 B.H.), the ‘eternal glory’ (v. 10 B.H.) and, ‘we shall live with Him’ (v. 11 B.H.) of the preceding statements.  It is a regal state one cannot now fully appreciate, but which is clearly promised as a heavenly entitlement…  There is a sense in which we are royalty already (cf. 1 Peter 2:9), but the future state in heaven will eclipse our current earthly status” (Jackson, Before I Die, p. 235).

c.  If we deny Him, He will also deny us.

This is taught elsewhere.  Jesus taught this (Matthew 10:32-33).  John indicated that the victorious ones are willing to suffer for their testimony (Revelation 12:11 cf. 1:9; 1:13).

d.  If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

He is faithful whether we are or not.  He means what He says.  He does not lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:8).  We can trust His promises.  We can believe His warnings.

5.  “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who believe in God should be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good and profitable to men” (Titus 3:8).

These things are to be affirmed constantly.  Titus has been told in this book what to emphasize in his teaching and preaching.

The goal is to instruct and motivate the people to maintain good works.  “Good work(s) is emphasized in the books of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (1 Timothy 2:10; 3:1; 5:10; 5:24-25; 6:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:22; 3:16-17; Titus 1:16; 2:7-8; 2:11-14; 3:1; 3:8; 3:14).

These things are good and profitable to men.  It is profitable to teach this (Titus 3:8 cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Acts 20:20 KJV).  These things are profitable for others to see practiced (Titus 3:8 cf. 2:7a; Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).

These are faithful, trust-worthy sayings worthy of all acceptance!

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