The Firm Foundation of God (2 Timothy 2:19-21) By Jon W.
Quinn (http://www.geocities.com/Athens/4051/)
"Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having
this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone
who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness.'"
(2 Timothy 2:19).
This is a statement of confidence and victory. It is important
that every Christian understand the implications of this verse.
No matter what circumstances one may be facing, however stressful
or discouraging they may seem; every child of God must remember
that the foundation of our hope is God, and that foundation will
never be destroyed.
Disappointments must not be allowed to embitter us. Nor should
we allow them to deter us from being fully committed to exalting
Jesus Christ in our lives. Our lights must continue to shine brightly.
Our hope has a solid foundation that does not waver.
The Background
Perhaps Timothy was discouraged. He had at one time been imprisoned
for his faith (Hebrews 13:23). And now, Paul was in prison, and
let Timothy know up front that he would remain so until his execution
(2 Timothy 4:6-8). Then, some brethren Timothy was associated
with were being adversely effected by a couple of false teachers
named Hymenaeus and Philetus. This is always a huge disappointment
to God's people and fellow workers when this occurs.
Paul wrote, "Remind them of these things, and solemnly
charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words,
which is useless, and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent
to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not
need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. But
avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,
and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus
and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that
the resurrection has already taken place, and thus they upset
the faith of some." (2 Timothy 2:14-18).
It is against the backdrop of these negative circumstances, and
perhaps others, that Paul seeks to assure Timothy that "Nevertheless,
the firm foundation of God stands." When one seeks to do
what is right, regardless of such disappointments, he or she should
always be aware that everything God has promised still stands,
including the special promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
No Chips, Cracks or Faults
The foundation of God is secure. The events of life do not change
that. The words of the apostles and prophets are His revelation
and they are all still true. The gospel plan of salvation is still
valid. The hope of eternal life is still sure and steadfast. God's
plan for His people as individuals and as local churches is still
valid. None of this changes any at all.
Timothy seemed especially concerned about the work of Hymenaeus
and Philetus, and how they had gone "astray from the truth"
and "upset the faith of some." (2 Timothy 2:18). He
was concerned that others had followed them away from the truth.
Were cracks beginning to appear in the foundation of God? Paul
insists that despite these falling away, the foundation of God
still stands. When brethren disappoint, we must remember that
our faith rests in God, not in man.
The Seal of God
The seal, or guarantee of God, is still valid. There are a couple
reasons given for this in verse nineteen (2 Timothy 2:19).
First, "The Lord knows those who are His." He knows
who we are and where we are and what we need. He understands what
we face. He is watching. He will not lose us in the shuffle and
upheavals of life's traumas. Jesus once put it this way: "I
am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me, even
as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My
life for the sheep." (John 10:14,15). and "My sheep
hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give
eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one
shall snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:27,28).
And the second reason given in verse 19 is that faithful Christians
do not follow false teachers into sin. Paul wrote, "Let everyone
who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness."
They continue to hear the voice of Jesus and follow Him (see the
aforementioned reference in John 10:27,28). Your faithfulness
and the promises of God will not be broken by
another's failure to be what they ought to be.
God's House is Still Home
"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. Therefore, if a man cleanses
himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified,
useful to the Master, prepared for every good work."
(2 Timothy 2:20,21).
Yes, the evils of the world sometimes effect brethren in various
ways. Peter mentions those who have returned to living by the
standards of the world rather than according to the word of God
(1 Peter 2:18-22). Such behavior is certainly incompatible with
living in God's house, but it is not going to bring the house
down. The Lord knows which vessels are of honor and useful, and
which are not.
Peter also uses the house illustration, but in a slightly different
way. He said, "...you also, as living stones, are being built
up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual
sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." and "But
you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies
of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
(1 Peter 2:5,9).
God's Salvation is Personal
Another point is this: I will stand before God as an individual.
Paul told Timothy "Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue
righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the
Lord from a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:21). He could do that,
no matter if others were making shipwreck of their faith.
Timothy was also told to "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15). He could also do that. So can we. In the midst of this life's most stressful events, we can live by faith, confident that " nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands."
The First Day Of The Week by Jim Jonas (jjbogator@aol.com)
"On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the
tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had
been taken away from the tomb." (John 20:1)
Until the resurrection of Jesus, the first day of each week was
of no particular religious significance. Under Mosaic Law, it
was the day when daily activity returned to normal after the Sabbath.
But the resurrection of Jesus on the third day after His crucifixion
(Friday-Sunday inclusive, by Jewish reckoning) made the first
day of the week eternally significant.
The Pentecost after His death, fifty days after the Passover
Sabbath (inclusive), would have fallen on the first day of the
week. On this day, the promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled
upon the apostles and, for the first time under Christ's rule
from heaven, people were "delivered from the power of darkness
and translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love" (Colossians
1:13). Thus, with Jesus' resurrection and the inauguration of
His kingdom occurring on the first day of the week, it is little
wonder this day became known as the "Lord's Day" (Revelation
1:10).
And it is little wonder that Christians in Troas, with apostolic
approval and participation, observed the Lord's memorial supper
on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). According to the pattern
we see develop in the New Testament; it is completely consistent
for Paul to direct the Corinthian church to make their financial
deposits for the saints in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). This
is the day, the Lord's Day, that they gathered to remember the
Lord's death via the Lord's Supper (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:20).
Sadly, this weekly day has been weakly remembered. Sunday in our
society is our day, a day to sleep late, read the paper, enjoy
a family dinner, watch football and rest for work on Monday. Even
among many religious people, Sunday has become the religious day
of the week, and the other six are lived without spiritual meaning.
Is Sunday and its spiritual activities a day eagerly anticipated
in your life? Is it a special day, the Lord's day, on which to
honor Him and rejoice being in His presence with other saints?
Or has it perhaps become habitual, a day of ceremony and ritual?
Our lives belong to the Lord every day, but the first day of the
week should have eternal significance for everyone who is a Christian.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A problem is your chance to do your best. --Duke Ellington (See James 1:12.)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Our weekly services are held at 1318 Griffin Road, Leesburg, Florida
34748.
Phone: (352) 365-9946 for times of services.
Web site: http://www.geocities.com/~cdillinger/cocbs/cocbshp.htm
MONTHLY BIBLE READING: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and 1 Samuel.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
BIBLE INSIGHT is published for the members of,
and visitors to, the Church of Christ at Beverly Shores, Leesburg,
Florida, USA.
Carey Dillinger is the editor. He can be reached at the church
address or via e-mail: dillinc@yahoo.com