THE SPIRIT SAYS. "Although the church supports the truth by preserving the secret of our religion in the world, the Spirit revealed to me and to others who are inspired, that apostasy will take place in the church itself. In fact, this is going on right now (2 Thessalonians 2:7)_."_ It was "standard... [ Continue Reading ]
THESE TEACHINGS COME FROM. The great mass of mankind are merely deceived, and can be taught the truth of God. But these men are active agents of the Devil. This is examined in notes on _Rev. ch 13._ "These teachings which I am about to mention, come from men who are liars. As hypocrites, they preten... [ Continue Reading ]
WRONG TO MARRY. Even Paul taught that marriage was sometimes not the best answer (1 Corinthians 7:26), but these will teach that marriage is wrong in itself. This false idea was very quickly introduced into the church by some who claimed marriage was the invention of the evil god (Satan). They said... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERYTHING. This points back to Genesis 1:31. See what Jesus said in Matthew 15:10-20. This shows that all dietary rules have been repealed, especially those of the Law.... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE. See how Paul applied this in his own actions (Acts 27:35). [There was a closer association in the minds of the early Christians between the ordinary act of eating and the Lord's Supper (Holy Meal), than of us today. They still ate the Supper in the context of a meal (Acts 20:7_ note)._ Comp... [ Continue Reading ]
THESE INSTRUCTIONS. "You must teach the truth about these things I have just mentioned, to warn the brothers about the false things that some will teach." AS YOU FEED YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY. "If you are to be a good servant of Christ, you must feed yourself spiritually, as you did in the past (2 Timot... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT KEEP AWAY FROM. "Some things appear to have wisdom (Colossians 2:20-23), but in truth they may be destructive. Those godless legends (1 Timothy 1:3-4) are an example of what I mean. These things actually IMPEACH the _goodness_ of the Creator, and so turn many away from Him!" KEEP YOURSELF IN TRA... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT SPIRITUAL EXERCISE. The Greeks spent a lot of time training and developing their bodies for the Games. In this same way, Christians are to think of themselves as _in training_ for Eternity! [_MacKnight_ thinks this may mean: "The false humility and severe treatment of the body seems wise, but it... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS IS A TRUE SAYING. What he just said in 1 Timothy 4:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT IS WHY. Paul examines this in 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. Neither physical exercise, nor severe treatment of the body, nor animal sacrifice, nor the power of any idol - can make you happy, either here or in Eternity!!! Note that eternal life begins NOW, in this present world, for those who love God!... [ Continue Reading ]
COMMAND. In the point of time, you first teach, and then command. This command must refer to basics which have been accepted, but are in danger of being forgotten. "Timothy, there will be times when you must speak out with the authority you have as an evangelist. Silent example or mild suggestion ma... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT LET. "Do not let anyone ignore what you say just because you are young. Use your authority, which belongs to the rank of an evangelist." Timothy was probably in his early thirties, but the first century worshiped age. Anyone under fifty years old was "just a kid." Compare John 8:57. The churc... [ Continue Reading ]
TO THE PUBLIC READING. Since the printing-press had not yet been invented, books were hand-made and scarce. Public reading of the Scriptures was an important part of the church meeting.... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT NEGLECT. "Do not fail to make use of the spiritual gift that you received when I laid my hands on you (2 Timothy 1:6), at the time you were publicly _identified_ as an evangelist of the Good News." Compare notes on Acts 13:1-3; Acts 16:1-3.... [ Continue Reading ]
PRACTICE THESE THINGS. The preacher, and every Christian as well, must practice what they preach if they expect to succeed in their life as a Christian. Compare Ephesians 4:13-16.... [ Continue Reading ]
BOTH YOURSELF AND THOSE WHO HEAR YOU. This is the special honor and reward of those who are servants of God! Compare Ezekiel 33:9; Romans 10:14-17.... [ Continue Reading ]