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Paul gave a serious charge to his ward Timothy, to preach the word! The charge was serious because it was made, “before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1).

Without forgetting in the context that Timothy was a young evangelist, I would like to emphasize how important it is to the Father and Son for disciples to share the gospel of our Lord. It is not worded as a suggestion, or even a plea. It is a charge!

The Almighty God in heaven, and His Son, to whom He gave the right to judge is giving an order to “Preach the word! Be ready in season, and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (4:2).

The world frowns upon any Christian who has the temerity to “proselytize.” However, that is exactly what God requires of us. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Simply put, we take our marching orders from the Lord. And, as our general, He has been given absolute authority over us. We are to do His will, without hesitation or question. His marching orders are to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Are we heeding the charge of our Lord?

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Psalm 60 is an acknowledgement of sin as Israel was “cast off” by God due to His displeasure (1). The Psalmist recognized that victory for Israel was possible only if God was with her. Consider these words at the end of the Psalm:

“Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies? Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies” (10-12).

What a sad state to be “cast off” by God Himself. How could such happen? Well, it is certainly not because of any capricious tendency of God. Every time, the fault is with men. Jehovah told Israel through the prophet Isaiah, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

We can not prosper without God. No matter the circumstance, without God “the help of man is useless.” Only with God can we gain victory, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:57). “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15).

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Fairly soon after leading Israel out of Egypt, Moses met with his father-in-law Jethro in the wilderness. As they talked, Jethro witnessed Moses acting as judge before the people, and suggested that Moses give some of the responsibility to others. “And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you” (Exodus 18:22). Moses liked the idea, and it apparently pleased God as well, (cf. 18:19), so Moses followed the advice.

There is an analogue to this in the church. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4 that the work of evangelists, pastors and teachers is to equip the saints “for the work of ministry” (4:12). So, the whole body will grow by the work done by “every joint”, “according to the effective working by which every part does its share” (4:16).

Rather than the clergy/laity model, where the clergy ministers to the needs of the laity, God’s pattern is for the spiritually mature to equip all others so that they can themselves become ministers of the gospel. In simple terms, it is not my purpose to do for you. Rather, my purpose is to train you to do your own work; to equip you for ministry; to help you take part in the work of edification.

We each have our own part to play. Is your attitude, “What can you do for me?” Or, “What can I do for others?!”

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How often the righteous are derided as ignorant and superstitious. We are told that a belief in God is a belief in fairy tales. The truly educated, it is contended, have no use for such a crutch.

The dependence upon scripture as a standard of morality is condemned. As the enlightenment of man continues, our moral standards must evolve and improve. No longer should we judge others with dogmatic contentions about the rightness and wrongness of moral choices others make. Social warriors rail against those with the temerity to speak out against sin.

Even religious people today often follow their own counsel rather than the counsel of God. Doctrinal views are established by the opinions and speculations of men rather than an appeal to the Bible.

The wise man had something to say about these attacks on faith that are present in every generation, but seemingly pervasive in our own:

“There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord” (Proverbs 21:30).

Such human wisdom is not wisdom at all. It is simply the presumptuous railing of the ignorant, who refuse to hear the words of the Lord.

No man is wise who rejects the wisdom that descends from above (cf. James 3:13-18). Don’t be intimidated by the claims of the unrighteous…they lack understanding.

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In Colossians 3:12, one of the characteristics that Paul indicated the elect should “put on” is “tender mercies.” The KJV and Young’s literal translation put it most literally, “bowels of mercy.” The ASV and ESV have it “a heart of compassion” and “compassionate hearts”, respectively.

It is not surprising Paul would use such biological terms to indicate the seat of empathy. We do the same, which is why the newer translations use the word heart to translate the phrase. We talk about broken hearts, tender hearts and smitten hearts. Here, the apostle is talking about the need for the child of God to be compassionate, and to express that compassion to others.

Paul used the same words in Philippians 2:1, indicating that such compassion is the appropriate response of a child of God who has experienced consolation in Christ.

Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Philippians, said it well. He notes that bowels of mercy indicate legitimate compassion, not merely outward action:

“Though I know that to put on, and to be clothed with, are figurative expressions, and mean to assume such and such characters and qualities; yet there may be a higher meaning here. The apostle would have them to feel the slightest touch of another’s misery; and, as their clothes are put over their body, so their tenderest feeling should be always within the reach of the miserable. Let your feelings be at hand, and feel and commiserate as soon as touched.”

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A common theme of the apostle John in his letters is the need to love your brothers and sisters in Christ. He states in 1 John 3:10, “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” Love is the characteristic that distinguishes God’s people from the rest of society. “We know that we have passed from death to live, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death” (3:14).

The concept of love can be nebulous. When someone says, “I love you,” what do they mean? What kind of love is it? Is it philanthropy? (A love of mankind in general)? It is fondness? Is it romantic attachment? Consider the young lady seeking to kindly dissuade the young man who seeks to woo her, “I love you, just not in that way.”

In the call to love your brother, the great apostle clearly establishes what is intended by the words. He writes in 1 John 3:18, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” This does not mean that it is wrong to proclaim our love for our brother, rather that we are to show that love through action! Anything less is below the standard established by the Holy Spirit.

So, the next time you want to profess your love for your brother in Christ, express it through actions that accord with God’s call to righteousness. It is easy to talk the talk, but God expects us to walk the walk!

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“‘Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm” (Joel 2:12-13).

The date of Joel’s writing is undetermined. Many speculate, but no one knows for sure. All that his known is that his warning to God’s people is for them to repent of their sins, and turn themselves back to Him.

The language used in this passage teaches us the nature of true repentance. “Turn to Me with all your heart…” indicates that repentance requires full submission to the Lord. You can’t have true repentance if you reserve the “right” to do as you will in any matter. “I will repent, but…” has no place in the Christian’s confession.

In order for repentance to be accepted by God it must be fully sincere. The phrase, “So rend your heart, and not your garments” shows this perfectly. Too often men make a show of sorrow, to lead men to think they are truly repentant. The Jews of Jesus day did this, disfiguring their faces while fasting (cf. Matthew 16:6), and praying on the corners of the streets “that they may be seen by men” (Matthew 6:5). When men see actions, God sees the heart.

Repentance must be total and heartfelt. If it is, God is “gracious and merciful” and just to forgive!

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“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).

WHO? God. He is the one to whom we owe our inclusion in the kingdom. It was God’s intention from before the world began to redeem us through the sacrifice of His Son (cf. Ephesians 1:3-6).

WHAT? Conveyed. The word is defined by Thayer: “to transpose, transfer, remove from one place to another.” It is otherwise rendered “translated” (KJV), and “transferred” (ESV). Being in the kingdom separates the Christian from all others. He is granted all the privileges of citizenship.

WHEN? Already. Note the word conveyed is in the past tense. Those who are Christians are already in the kingdom. That means that the kingdom is already in existence. Those who believe it is yet to be established are wrong.

WHERE? The kingdom of Christ. The bondage of sin puts us into the domain of the wicked one. However, to be in the kingdom of Christ removes us from the reach of the Devil. We belong to the Lord. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47). So long as we are citizens in good standing, the Devil can’t touch us.

WHY? Why are we in the kingdom? Because we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ! Any who respond in faith to the gospel of the Lord are automatically worthy of citizenship in the Kingdom of God! Christ died for all, and is the Savior of those who believe! Have you believed the gospel Christ?

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Psalm 106 details the many rebellions and examples of disobedience committed by the Israelites against God. He dealt with their disobedience, even to the point of allowing them to be subjected by their enemies. However, it is amazing how many times God restored His people because of His love for them.

“Many times He delivered them; but they rebelled in their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry; and for their sake He remembered His covenant, and relented according to the multitude of His mercies” (Psalm 106:43-45).

In the same way, we can receive pardon, no matter how badly we have grieved our God. It is required that we cry out to Him with a penitent spirit. If we do, we too can expect that for our sake He will remember His promises to us, and “relent according to the multitude of His mercies.”

As the Psalmist concludes, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Praise the Lord!” (106:48).

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

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“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed” (Hebrews 12:12-13).

The text mirrors Isaiah 35:3 and Proverbs 4:26. The idea is one of discouragement and weakness through exhaustion. The proper response to persecution and distress is to exult in the growth it brings — “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (vs. 11). But, as the writer states, “no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful…” (vs. 11).

We see another in a weakened state, and our love demands a response. It is possible for me to give my brother in Christ encouragement. I can help him to rest, and regroup, thereby strengthening him. I can, and must help! “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Those who are handicapped (lame) have many challenges. We reserve parking spaces for them near entrances. We build gentle ramps with rails to assist them from one level to another. We supply crutches, splints, braces, walkers and wheel chairs to enable them opportunity where otherwise they would be shut out.

It is so important to supply the spiritually exhausted the same benefits. We have a responsibility to help them, to make their paths as unencumbered as possible to that they will not falter. We need to love. We need to help.

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“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:10-21).

Are you a vessel of honor in the great house belonging to God? Cleansing yourself from “the latter” means to cleanse yourself from dishonor.

As Christians, we are to live sanctified and useful lives. We are to “flee youthful lusts” (vs 22), pursuing “righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (vs. 22).

A woman presents to important guests in her home her best dishes and cutlery. On these special occasions, she doesn’t typically set down paper plates, plastic forks and gimme cups from the local fast food restaurant. She wishes to present her best for her friends.

Are we seeking to become special, so as to be the best our Lord has to offer? It takes diligence on our part to be “vessels of gold and silver.” The divisive, quarrelsome, worldly Christian is a dishonor to his Master. The vessel of honor is “gentle, able to teach, patient” (vs. 24).

It’s not enough simply to call yourself a Christian. Rather, it is expected that we be “a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master.” Does that describe you?

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An interesting word study is found in 2 Kings 21, which records the death of Naboth, who refused to sell King Ahab a vineyard he desired. His refusal to sell “the inheritance of my fathers” to Ahab, left the king pouting. Worse, it made Queen Jezebel angry.

Jezebel set in order a conspiracy to kill Naboth for his actions. Men were recruited to bear false witness against Naboth in the presence of the people, proclaiming, “Naboth has blasphemed God and the king” (vs. 13). On the basis of their testimony, Naboth was taken outside of the city and stoned to death. Ahab got his vineyard.

These men who bore false witness were identified as “sons of Belial” in the KJV, (vs. 10, 13). Later, Paul equated the name Belial with Satan Himself (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:15). Other translations call these men, “scoundrels” (NKJV), “base fellows” (ASV), “worthless men” (ESV), and “sons of worthlessness” (YLT).

The Hebrew words bên (sons) belîya’al (of Belial) indicate individuals who are without profit, worthless, destructive, wicked, evil, ungodly. Evil recruits evil for the express purpose of harming the righteous. Thus it has always been, and thus it shall always be. But remember, in the face of such ungodliness, “it is a righteous things with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you… in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8).

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Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians used two phrases to characterize his view of his standing with God. He wrote, “we are always confident…” (5:6); and “We are confident…” (5:8). His reason for his confidence? “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (5:7).

Paul began this section of the letter by stating, “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (5:1).

Through the eye of faith, Christians can look at “the things which are not seen…” (4:18). Faith is the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

While our faith is focused on the spiritual, the unseen, the eternal—that faith is not unreasonable. Our faith is based in the rational testimony of both God and man. God said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). He established that by both the miracles Jesus performed (cf. John 20:30-31), and by raising Him from the dead (cf. Acts 2:32). The human witnesses of that resurrection ran into the hundreds, including the preeminent enemy of that Lord in that day, Saul of Tarsus (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11).

Do you have that confidence? If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, then you should be confident! Our faith is in the true God of Heaven and His begotten Son!

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In Acts 1, as Jesus’ disciples were looking up to the heavens having followed the ascension of their Lord into the clouds, two angels of God addressed them, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (vs. 11).

There are lessons to be learned from Jesus’ ascension:

1. This was God’s exaltation of His Son. After He did the work of the Father, Jesus returned to God’s right hand. It is there where He presently reigns in His kingdom!
2. Gazing upward is not truly preparing for Jesus’ second coming. The angels asked, “why do you stand gazing up.” This is a good question to ask today of those who seek to predict Jesus’ second coming. We know He will come “as a thief in the night.” There is no predicting the day. Preparation comes through faith and obedience!
3. The promise of His second coming is sure and similar to His departure. This is God’s promise. Jesus will come again. When Jesus comes, those who are His, “shall be caught up together with them [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

We rejoice in the truth revealed in our text. When Jesus left, He promised to return! “I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).

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“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!” (Philippians 3:2).

Paul here refers to the Judaizing teachers, who sought to “spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage” (cf. Galatians 2:4).

Any departure from the gospel of Christ brings the condemnation of God upon them (cf. Galatians 1:9), and endangers the souls of those who might be influenced by them.

Paul’s words were strong. While our society holds a soft place in its collective heart for domesticated canines, the term “dog” meant something far different in the first century. Most were vicious and untrained, roaming streets, and feeding on garbage. Consider the words of the prophet Ahijah, “The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Jeroboam and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field; for the Lord has spoken!” (1 Kings 14:11).

As such, when the term is used to describe a person, it was always a term of strong derision, just as Paul used it here, (cf. 2 Samuel 16:9 for another example of this).

How do we feel about those who teach error? Do we note the danger they bring, and denounce without equivocation their efforts to bewitch the vulnerable? Or, do we tolerate or accept them as they spread their lies?

We must stand with Paul, denounce the false teacher, reject his error, keep the church pure!

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