We have been looking at the Apostle Paul’s illustrations for one who would be spirit-filled. He is exemplifying for us the necessary qualities of one who would be led of the Spirit. If you haven’t already I encourage you to look back at the recent blog posts to see what ground we have already covered here in 2 Timothy 2. Please note that Jesus is the personification of A Soldier, Athlete, and Farmer. He is the prime of all of these and the ones to come. Now Paul transitions to the personal example of “The Christ” and himself in verses 8-13.
2 Timothy 2.8-13 says— “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
There is a reward waiting for us, if we only see Jesus as our prime example and follow in His steps. Paul then explains how he used Jesus as His example to follow as well, no matter the cost. Even if you are killed for obeying, He has power over that when he said, “raised from the dead”. Paul was unfairly persecuted, “wherein I suffer trouble…as an evil doer”. Paul contrasts being chained “bonds”, with the Gospel not being chained. Absolutely nothing stops the Gospel of Jesus…nothing! But it doesn’t mean He can use us. And that’s where we find the last three examples in this text.
Jesus is in us, an emboss of His life and character is written in our Bibles and in our hearts by His Spirit. In each and every area of our life, we ask, ‘Is this Jesus?…is this the will, character, or motivation of Jesus?’ To know for sure, we have given for us some more examples: The Worker; The Vessel; and The Slave. They are our practical how-to’s.
Let’s start with The Worker in 2 Timothy 2.14-19— “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Notice the word: “remembrance”. It’s imperative then we remind and review the material Paul just reviewed. The examples are essential for us to be in remembrance… or we drift. If, for instance, you’ve felt a push back on these principles so far… you may already be drifting. Then notice the word: “charge”. This is togive solemn evidence, thoroughly, through testifying (declare) as a witness. Do not argue with false teachers. Their content is always and forever empty (to no profit). Charge them with evidence! Prove them wrong, in front of the hearers, from the scripture (15), and move on.
Falseness always has a tinge of ‘truth specks’ in it. Like Satan with Eve. Blatant lies always start with a context of facts. It is useless to argue with someone who is doing this. They get no “profit” out of it. They may be a scorner, only seeking to tear down. It “subverts” the others listening. This word means ‘to overthrow’ as in total ruin. It will be atotal catastrophe for those who listen to the trash. Stop them. Don’t argue, just shut it down. You won’t get a trophy or a friendship badge, but others will be saved from ruin. We do this with the Word of God. Not subjectively or novelly, but with “study”. Without study there is no real sense of what the Word is saying in any given context of life. This is why he said “…to show yourself approved unto God.” That is not worrying about what people may think, but what is accurate.
Our maximum effort should be to please the One who saved us. In order to do this… We have got to “rightly divide the truth” (cut it straight). Like with any trade, without cutting it straight, the project (person) will not come together correctly. The one thing that will get in the way of that: “profane and vain babbling”. Endless worldly empty discussion. Have you ever left a conversation and felt like you’re more empty than when you started talking? Idle jibber jabber isn’t a problem, until it is the main conversation. The scripture clearly tells us that our conversation should be predominantly about Jesus and eternity (1 Timothy 6.20, Titus 3.9, 2 Timothy 2.14). It’s actually intensely destructive! It increases to more ungodliness. It not only can, verse 16 says, it will take you further away from Jesus. It’s cancerous. Watch those who do this constantly… they are ate up with negativity or pettiness, as stated here, “canker”. The words they give just tear down and decimate, rather than what we should be about, edifying and building each other up. He names some names of those in that particular church who just won’t shut it.
Advice: If someone is tearing others down, tell them to stop, or walk away un-politely. Paul even gives an example in verse 18. As in Corinth, someone was stirring the pot. They gave a false statement and it made some people quit the fight we have been talking about…“overthrow the faith of some”.
To close, Paul gave a series of “if’s” in verse 13— “For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself…” Let us ask these in succession: Are you dead with Him? Are you alive with Him? Are you suffering with Him? Are you going to reign with Him? Are you denying Him? Will He deny you? These all point back to why we are spirit-led Christ followers. We simply… follow Christ. He is faithful. But am I?