Author: Art Davison

THE APOSTASY AND THE LAST DAYS–II TIMOTHY 3:1-17– LESSON 3

Art Davison PAULINE EPISTLE STUDY OUTLINES--By E. L. BYNUM 0 Comment

THE APOSTASY AND THE LAST DAYS
II TIMOTHY– LESSON 3

—By E. L. Bynum
Lesson: II Timothy 3:1-17
Memory Verse: II Timothy 3:16

I. THE PREDICTED APOSTASY. vs. 1-5

A. The Date Of The Apostasy. v. 1

1. This is something to know. “This know also….”

2. This is in the “last days.” The N.T. refers in this manner concerning the days in which Christ will come. This is not to say that there has not been apostates in every age. See I Tim. 4:1. There is a sense in which the last days began with the ministry of Christ. Heb. 1 :12. However, the events recorded here will intensify in the last days of the last days.

3. The apostasy will produce “perilous times.”

B. The Description Of The Apostates. v. 2-5a

Paul lists 18 characteristics of these apostates. Note their emphasis on love: “lovers of their own selves,” lovers of money (“covetous”), “lovers of pleasure.” The apostates of our day speak of “love” frequently. Jesus commanded us to love God supremely and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Matt. 22:34-40. If we love ourselves supremely, we can never love God or our neighbors as we should.

1. They are self-lovers and money-lovers. v. 2a. It is significant that the description ends in v. 4, by saying that they are “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” Their diabolical nature and acts are prefaced and followed by the revelation of their misplaced love.

2. Their corrupt attitude. v. 2b. “boasters, proud, blasphemers.” They boast in self, they’re proud of self, and they blaspheme the holy.

3. Their unholy nature. v. 2c. “Disobedient to parents (unfilial), unthankful, unholy.” “The last three vices in v. 2 are all … bringing out forcefully the idea of militant moral perversion. ” Tyndale N. T. Commentary

4. Their unnatural affection and diabolical acts. v. 3a. They have no real affection for family, no respect for truces or agreements, and no affinity for truth. Instead of natural love, there is unnatural love which God condemns. Rom. 1:18-27; I Cor. 6:9-10

5. Their violent conduct. v. 3b. They have no self control, are violent, and have an hatred for the separated believer.

6. They are self inflated traitors. v. 4a. Traitors to Christ, to Christianity, and to the Scriptures; they continue on in their modernistic high-minded ways.

7. They are “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” v. 4b. They are lovers of sports, dances, movies, drink, and all sorts of pleasures. Churches now use recreation and pleasures to get people into the services where their ears may be tickled.

a. True pleasure comes from God. Psa. 16:11, Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

b. The pleasures of sin only last a short while. Heb. 11:25, Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

8. They know not God, but have a powerless form of religion and ritual. v. 5a

C. The Disposition Of The Apostates. v. 5b

1. True believers are to turn away from these. v. 5b

2. True believers are to have no fellowship with them. Eph. 5:11, And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

3. True believers are to reject them. Titus 3:10, A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject.

4. True believers are to separate from them. II Cor. 6:17, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. I John 4:1, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. II John 10-11, If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Rom. 16:17, Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

II. THE RESULTS OF APOSTASY. v. 6-9

A. Ignorance Of The Truth. v. 6-7

1. By falsehoods they take advantage of silly women, both spiritually and morally. v. 6. II Pet. 2:10-14, But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children. Jude 4, 8, 10, 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignifies. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know riot: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Titus 1:11, Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

2. They learn much, but not spiritual truth. v. 7. I Cor. 2:10-11. We live in an age of learning (even religious learning), that is devoid of truth.

B . Resistance To The Truth . v . 8-9

1. They oppose the truth as those who withstood Moses. v. 8a. Christ is truth, so they oppose Him. John 1:14, 17; 14:6. Read Exodus 7-9 and you will find that these men opposed Moses by imitating what Moses did.

2. Their minds are corrupt. v. 8b. I Tim. 6:5

3. They are “reprobate concerning the faith.” v. 8c. Many Seminaries and Bible Colleges are this way today.

4. Their judgement and doom. v. 9

III. THE RESPONSE TO APOSTASY. v. 10-13

A. Apostasy Brings Persecution. v. 10-11

1. Proper doctrine and practice needed. v. 10 (Note that doctrine is first).

2. Doctrine and practice are to be maintained in spite of persecution. v. 11. See Acts 13:45-50; 14:5,6,19.

3. Faith in God’s deliverance must be believed. v. 11

B. Apostasy Persecutes Godliness. V. 12-13

1. The godly will be persecuted . v. 12. Psa. 37:12, The wicked plotteth against the just, arid gnasheth upon him with his teeth. Matt. 5:10, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness ‘ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2. The apostates will grow in number and power. v. 13. This certainly refutes the Post-Millennial view that the world is getting better and better.

IV. THE NEEDED SCRIPTURES AND THE APOSTASY. v. 14-17

A. Depend On The Scriptures. v. 14-15

1. Timothy learned the truth as taught by Paul and others, based on the Scriptures. v. 14

2. Timothy learned the Holy Scriptures in childhood. v. 15; II Tim . 1:5. How this is needed today! Parents should take advantage of the great opportunity to teach their children from the cradle to adulthood.

3. Please notice that they are the “holy” scriptures, and that they lead to salvation. See I Thess. 2:13.

B. Declare And Defend The Inspiration Of The Scriptures. v. 16-17

1. The source of all Scriptures. v. 16a. “Inspired of God,” means God-breathed. The OT and NT come from God, even the very words. God also promised many times to preserve His Word. Psa. 12:6-7, The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. Matt. 5:18, For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one little shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

2. The use of all Scriptures. v. 16b

3. The purpose of all Scriptures. v. 17

—By E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. When is the time of the apostasy?

2. What will the apostasy produce?

3. What three things do the apostates love?

4. What does the lesson say about the godliness of the apostates?

5. Give a description of the apostates.

6. How are true believers to treat the apostates?

7. What about the learning of the apostates, and the truth?

8. Who will be persecuted?

9. When and how did Timothy learn the Scriptures?

10. What is the meaning of “inspired of God?”

11. What is the use and purpose of the Scriptures?

12. Quote the memory verse.

APOSTASY AND THE GOOD SOLDIER–II TIMOTHY–LESSON 2

Art Davison PAULINE EPISTLE STUDY OUTLINES--By E. L. BYNUM 0 Comment
APOSTASY AND THE GOOD SOLDIER
II TIMOTHY–LESSON 2

By E. L. Bynum
Lesson: II Timothy 2:1-26
Memory Verse: II Timothy 2:15

Introduction:

Paul was facing certain death (II Timothy 4:6). He was not concerned about himself, but he was concerned about Timothy. He wanted him to be strong, and to be able to take over great responsibilities after Paul was gone.

I. THE GOOD SOLDIER MUST TRAIN FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

vs. 1-13

A. He Must Be STRONG In Grace. vs. 1-7

1. As a SON he must be strong in grace. v. 1

a. This is in view of the Asian defection from grace. II Timothy 1:15

b. He must be strong to dig out the great treasures of truth. Proverbs 3:13-15; 8:10-21; I Corinthians 3:10-23; I Corinthians 15:10, But by the grace of God I am what I am: arid his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

c. Timothy must be strong in grace, for those who preach salvation to be wholly the result of the finished work of Christ without any admixture of works, human merit, or legalistic observance will be satanically attacked. See II Timothy 4:1-5.

2. As a STEWARD he is to train others to pass on the gospel of grace. v. 2. I Timothy 3:2; II Timothy 2:24

3. As a SOLDIER he must be disciplined. vs. 3-4; II Corinthians 5:9, Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

a. He must expect hardship and suffering. v. 3. Ephesians 6:10-18

b. He must practice separation. v. 4a. A soldier cannot be fettered down with worldly affairs and be a good soldier. He must not be distracted by sidelines. (For Paul’s military metaphors see Romans 6:13: 7:23: I Corinthians 9:7; II Corinthians 6:7; and Ephesians 6:11-18).

c. He must please his commander who chose him. v. 4b

4. As an ATHLETE he must strive according to God’s rules, v. 5; I Timothy 4:7-8; I Corinthians 9:24-27. Although Paul was in prison, he had kept the rules, and he would be crowned.

5. As a FARMER he must work hard. v. 6. I Corinthians 3:5-9; Proverbs 24:30-34, I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

6. As a STUDENT he is to learn the above lessons. v. 7

B. He Must Be Willing To SUFFER For The Gospel Of Grace. vs. 8-13

1. The CAUSE for the suffering. vs. 8-9a. The gospel of grace, as it relates to the resurrection of the incarnate Christ (Messiah) as the seed of David was the cause. See also Ephesians 6:19-20.

2. The RESULTS of the suffering. v. 9b-10

a. Paul was bound, but the Word of God was not, and it would accomplish salvation. v. 9b. Psalm 147:15, He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly. Acts 12:24, But the word of God grew and multiplied.

b. Paul endured for the elect’s sake. v. 10. These are the believers or believers to be. Ephesians 1:4-14; Romans 8:28-30

c. They will have eternal glory. II Thessalonians 2: 13-14; Romans 5:1-2; 8:21-25

3. The Christian’s position of union with Christ. v. 11. The death aspect and the life aspect are inseparable. See other “faithful sayings” in l Timothy 1:15; 4:9; and Titus 3:8.

4. The Christian’s experience of union with Christ. v. 12a. Suffering leads to reigning in glory. Matthew 10:33

5. The Christian’s problem of unfaithfulness. vs. 12b-13. He may waver and deny Christ, as Peter did, but if a true believer he will return. Of course this will affect his rewards. All who are truly saved will be kept by the faithful Lord, even the wavering. “It is not by trying to be faithful, but in looking to the Faithful One, that we win the victory.”–J. Hudson Taylor

II. THE GOOD SOLDIER MUST PROPERLY DEAL WITH FALSE TEACHERS. vs. 14-26

A. The Proper Use of the Scriptures, God’s Antidote for Errors. vs. 14-15

1. They are to be charged to abandon unprofitable words and doctrines. v. 14. II Corinthians 4:2, But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, riot walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. In many so-called “sharing times,” people only share their “spiritual ignorance.”

2. He is to study and he diligent to rightly divide and apply the word of truth. v. 15

B. The Proper Shunning of the Profane. vs. 16-19

1. Shun profane babblings. v. 16

2. Profane doctrine spreads like canker. v. 17a. It is as deadly gangrene.

3. Two examples of defectors and their heresy. vs.17b-18. They may have been teaching that the new birth was the resurrection. Any denial of the resurrection is a serious matter. I Corinthians 15:12-18

4. They were to depart from iniquity. v. 19. Note the sureness of God’s foundation and the result. Numbers 16:26, And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. Ephesians 1:4, According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

C. The Proper Separation and Spiritual Usefulness. vs. 20-23

1. Separation illustrated. v. 20-21. Vessels of gold and silver are the good teachers. Vessels of wood and clay are the false teachers.

2. Separation enunciated. vs. 22-23

a. Flee the lusts of the flesh. v. 22

b. Flee foolish and unlearned questions. v. 23

D. The Proper Spiritual Victory. vs. 24-26

1. The servant of the Lord. vs. 24-25a. This is the pastor in this case who is to be a teacher and instructor, thus utilizing the power of the Word.

2. The servant’s victory over Satan. vs. 25b-26. The Lord uses proper teaching and instruction. He gives repentance and faith to acknowledge the truth which results in sinners being delivered from the devil’s snare.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. How were the teachings of Christ and the apostles preserved?

2. What did Paul say about suffering hardship? vs. 3-13

3. Why did Paul endure all things.

4. Give the metaphors used to describe the pastor’s works.

5. What results from the believer’s having died with Christ? What results from his suffering with Christ?

6. What should the workman be diligent in?

7. What is the result of vain and profane babblings?

8. How are we to treat false teachers?

9. Describe the false doctrine of Hymeneus and Philetus?

10. Quote the memory verse.

A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO TIMOTHY–II TIMOTHY–LESSON 1

Art Davison PAULINE EPISTLE STUDY OUTLINES--By E. L. BYNUM 0 Comment
A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO TIMOTHY
II TIMOTHY–LESSON 1
by E. L. Bynum
Lesson: II Timothy1:1-18
Memory Verse: II Timothy 1:12

Introduction:

If Paul was imprisoned twice, then this epistle was written during his second imprisonment. We believe it to be the last of his epistles, and it was likely written in about 66 A.D.

The apostle knew that the martyr’s death was soon to be his lot. He had a strong desire to see Timothy (II Timothy 1:4; 4:9,11, 21). He had some things given to him of the Lord that he desired to pass on to Timothy. This is revealed in this divinely inspired letter.

The underlying thought is the prophesied apostasy and what the believer should do about it. (II Timothy 3-4)

I. THE INTRODUCTION. vs. 1-5

A. The Salutation. vs. 1-2

1. The source of Paul’s apostleship. v. 1a

2. The purpose of his apostleship. v. 1b

3. The relationship of Timothy. v. 2a. This is stronger than I Timothy 1:2

4. The bestowal of a divine blessing. v. 2b. When Paul wrote to pastors he added mercy to his greetings. Pastors need mercy. I Timothy 1:2; II Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4

B. The Thanksgiving. vs. 3-5. His thanksgiving and love for Timothy is shown by:

1. Unceasing prayer. v. 3. What a blessing to know that the Apostle Paul was praying for him.

a. Before his conversion he persecuted Christians, even consenting to the death of Stephen. John 16:2-3, They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

b. Now after his conversion, he served the God of his forefathers with a pure conscience.

2. His intense longing for Timothy’s coming, for he knew he must soon die. v. 4. II Timothy 4:6; Romans 1:11; I Thessalonians 3:6; Philippians 1:8, For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

3. His memory of Timothy’s faith. v. 5

a. It is real for it is unfeigned. Timothy may have been saved on Paul’s first missionary journey and called to preach when Paul returned on his second missionary journey.

b. Its immediate source was Timothy’s mother and grandmother. They had taught him the Scriptures. (II Timothy 3:15)

II. EXHORTATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR A FAITHFUL PASTOR. vs. 6-18

A. The Preacher’s Afflictions. vs. 6-8

1. Afflictions demand the exercise of all God’s gift. v. 6. Paul had been on Timothy’s ordination council when the local church ordained him. I Timothy 4:14. He needed nothing new, but only to stir up and use that which God had already given.

2. Afflictions demand that fear be overcome. v. 7. This is done by utilizing the spirit power, love, and of a sound mind. I John 4:18. We should not grieve or quench the Spirit. Ephesians 4:30; I Thessalonians 5:19

3. Afflictions demand an unashamed stance. v. 8

a. Not ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. v. 8a

b. Not ashamed of the faithful servants of the Lord. v. 8b

4. Afflictions are a part of the faithful gospel testimony, and God gives the power to endure. v. 8. We should never suffer for wrongdoing, but for doing right. I Peter 2:20, For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. I Peter 3:16-17, Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

B. The Preacher’s Appointment. vs. 9-11

1. The description and character of the gospel call. vs. 9-10

a. The call is divine, God “called.”

b. The call is sanctifying, “an holy calling,” setting the called ones apart.

c. The call is gracious, “not according to our works but…grace.”

d. The call is purposeful, “according to his own purpose.”

e. The call was preplanned, “given us … before the world began.”

f. The call revealed through Christ’s incarnation. v. 10

2. The call’s purpose. v. 10.

a. Why be timid or live in fear? Christ has defeated death. v. 10a. I Corinthians 15:55

b. Why be afraid? We have life and immortality through the gospel. v. 10b

c. In our resurrected bodies we will not he Abject to decay or corruption. I Corinthians 15:49-58

3. The call illustrated. v. 11

C. The Preacher’s Faith and Confidence. vs. 12-14

1. Why he could suffer and not be ashamed. v. 12

a. He knew whom he believed. v. 12a. Salvation is in the person of Jesus Christ. Romans 1:16

b. He knew God’s keeping power. v. 12b

c. He knew what he had committed to Him. v. 12c

2. The results of assurance. vs. 13-14

a. He could admonish others to hold fast to sound doctrine. v. 13a. Form means “a pattern, an architect’s sketch.” Paul and the first Century churches put great emphasis on sound doctrine.

b. He could admonish them to put this sound doctrine into practice. v. 13b

c. He could admonish others to guard or keep, by the help of the Holy Spirit, this ministry for Christ intact. v. 14. This is a constant battle the guarding of sound doctrine.

D. The Preacher’s Trials And Joys. vs. 15-18

1. The trials. v. 15

a. The churches of Asia had turned away from the message of grace. Paul had stayed 3 years in Ephesus and had evangelized the whole area of Asia. Acts 20:31. Now they are ashamed of his imprisonment.

b. Two defectors are named. They were church leaders who turned others against Paul. It was a trying time, for Demas had forsaken him also. II Timothy 4:10

2. The joys. vs. 16-18

a. Onesiphorus had not defected, but had helped Paul in Rome and in Ephesus. Thank God for the people who stand by the pastor as he stands for the truth.

b. Paul desired blessings for this faithful man. He had traveled to Rome and sought out Paul. Paul was chained to a Roman soldier 24 hours a day, but Onesiphorus was not ashamed of him.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. How did Paul describe himself to Timothy at the beginning of this letter?

2. Why was Timothy a cause of thanksgiving to Paul?

3. Name three things that God has given believers, and one thing He has not given them.

4. What do afflictions demand?

5. How did Paul describe the method of salvation?

6. Why was Paul not ashamed despite insult and injury?

7. What had happened to the churches of Asia?

8. Name two men involved in this.

9. Who had helped Paul, and where was he when this happened?

THE CHARGE CONCERNING SOUND DOCTRINE–I TIMOTHY LESSON 1

Art Davison PAULINE EPISTLE STUDY OUTLINES--By E. L. BYNUM 0 Comment
THE CHARGE CONCERNING SOUND DOCTRINE

I TIMOTHY LESSON 1
By E. L. Bynum

Lesson: I Timothy 1:1-20
Memory Verse: I Timothy 1:15

Introduction:

The books of Titus, I & II Timothy have come to be known as Pastoral Epistles; because they were written to pastors and give advice concerning their duties in the church. However, they are rich in truth that may be used by all Christians.
The Pauline authorship is accepted by all fundamental believers. “The unbroken tradition of the Church until the nineteenth century was to regard the Pastorals as the work of Paul and therefore authentic.” Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, vol. 14, p. 15. Of course they were inspired by God as in the case of all of the Scripture.
The date of this Epistle: This is not easy to decide, since the book of Acts does not pretend to give the complete life of Paul. Acts closes with Paul in Rome, where it is believed he died. Before going to Rome he expressed a plan to go to Spain (Romans 15:24). No record of that journey is found in the Bible. Many conservative scholars have accepted the strong tradition that Paul was imprisoned twice in Rome. If this be true, then I Timothy was probably written some time between the two terms in prison. A conservative date, if this was the case, would be about 65 A.D. However, the important thing about the Epistle is the message it contains.
Timothy was assigned to the Church at Ephesus by the Apostle Paul. Ephesus was devoted to the worship of Diana, the patroness of sexual instinct. The lascivious images of Diana helped to promote sexual immorality of all kinds (Acts 19). It was not an easy thing to pastor in the midst of such wickedness. It is much the same in our nation today.
I. THE SALUTATION. vs. 1-2
A. Paul The Writer. v. 1
1. His office — “an apostle of Jesus Christ.”
2. His authority — “by the commandment of God.”
3. His hope — the “Lord Jesus Christ.”
B. Timothy The Receiver. v. 2
1. His relationship — “my son in the faith.” See Acts 16:1-3; and II Timothy 1:5.
2. His blessing — “Grace, mercy, and peace.”
3. Its source — The Father and the Son.
II. THE CHARGE FOR SOUND DOCTRINE. vs. 3-11

A. The Pastor and Unsound Teachers. vs. 3-4
1. He is responsible to serve where placed. v. 3
2. He is responsible to enforce sound doctrine. v. 3. “Charge” is a military term, to give strict orders from superior officer. Sound doctrine is a necessity in the church. Doctrine that is sound is simply teaching what the scriptures teach. v. 10; 4:6; 11 Timothy 3:16
3. Sound doctrine is the only permissible doctrine. v. 3
a. There are 32 references to “doctrine,” “teach,” “teacher ” “teaches,” and “teaching” in I & II Timothy and Titus.
b. The only true doctrine is that found in the Bible.
(1) It is sound doctrine. v. 10; II Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1.
(2) It is godly doctrine. I Timothy 6:3.
(3) It is sound words. II Timothy 1:13.
(4) It is sound in the faith. Titus 1:13; 2:2.
(5) It is sound speech. Titus 2:8. Unfortunately many prefer vain jangling. I Timothy 1:6. This is true in teaching, preaching, and in music. Many songs teach no doctrine, and many even teach false doctrine.
4. Note Paul’s usage of “some.” v. 3; 1:6; 1:19; 4:1; 5:15.
5. What was to be avoided? v. 4. Myths and endless genealogies which result in questions and useless controversy. Cults and many others are thus engaged today. “Some love the meat; some love to pick the bones.”–John Bunyan
6. Give heed to that which builds up and is of faith. v. 4
B. The Pastor And Unsound Legalists. vs. 5-7
1. The end of the commandment is charity. v. 5. See John 13:34; 15:12; and Galatians 6:2. Note its 3-fold source.
a. Out of a pure heart. Purity a necessity.
b. Out of a good conscience. One that is self judged.
(1) Please note “good conscience.” The conscience should tell us when we have done right or wrong. Romans 2:14-15.
(2) However, the conscience may be defiled. Titus 1:15.
(3) Sin can harden the conscience so that it becomes seared as with a hot iron. I Timothy 4:2
c. Out of faith that is without pretense.
2. Some have turned aside to idle and useless talk. v. 6
3. These are more interested in the law than the gospel. v. 7
4. They were ignorant, which is terrible for a teacher. v. 7
C. The Pastor and Unsound Use of the Law. vs. 8-11
1. The law is good if used rightly. v. 8
2. Who the law is made for. vs. 9-10. “Defile themselves with mankind” is the Greek word “arsenokoites” which is homosexuals. Please note 14 kinds of people the law is made for in vs. 9-10.   He points out the violation of five of the commandments. Exodus 20:12-16
3. The purpose of the gospel. v. 11. The law cannot save. Only the gospel saves. Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
4. It was committed to Paul as a trust. v. 11
III. THE CHALLENGE FOR SOUND CONVERSION. vs. 12-17

A. Paul The Sinner Saved And Commissioned. vs. 12-15
1. Paul put into the ministry by the Lord. v. 12. Christ enabled him, by saving him by the gospel (v. 11), and equipping him. Christ counted him faithful.
2. Paul’s pre-Christian state, and what God did for him. v. 13
3. All blessings have their fountainhead in the grace of our Lord. v. 14. Notice that grace was “exceeding abundant.”
4. The reason for Christ’s coming. v. 15
5. Paul’s confession of his past sin. v. 15
B. Paul’s Salvation an Example For Others. vs. 16-17
1. His former condition and conversion an example to all. v. 15
2. Paul’s experience a pattern for others. v. 16
3. Paul’s doxology. v. 17
IV. THE CHARGE TO THE PASTOR/SOLDIER. vs. 18-20

A. The Charge To Timothy. vs. 18-19a
1. He is to war a good warfare. v. 18. II Timothy 2:4
2. He is to hold faith and good conscience. v. 19a. See 3:9; and Ephesians 6:10-17. The ministry is no easy game, but is serious business.
B. The Warning About Bad Examples. vs. 19b-20
1. Some have not held faith and good conscience. v.19b
2. These have shipwrecked faith. v. l9b
3. Some are named. v. 20; II Timothy 2:17-18. Most people today do not want you to name the apostates. See II Timothy 2:16-18
4. These have been turned over to Satan for education. v. 20. See I Corinthians 5:5; I Corinthians 11:30-32; and I John 5:16. This was church discipline. The disciplined ones lose the protection of the church. They are to learn from this. The church is to proclaim the truth, and it is also to defend the church from false doctrine. I Timothy 4:1
STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Name the Pastoral Epistles and tell why they are thus named.
2. Give the approximate date of I Timothy.
3. Why had Paul instructed Timothy to remain at Ephesus?
4. What is the main theme of chapter 1?
5. What was Timothy to demand or charge of the teachers?
6. Some had disobeyed the charge and done what?
7. When is the law good?
8. Who is the law not made for, and who is it not made for?
9. How did Paul get into the ministry?
10. What was he like before his salvation?
11. What is the faithful saying of this chapter?
12. Why did Christ come into the world?

THE CREATOR, NOT THE CREATION–PSALM 104:27-30

Art Davison PSALM 0 Comment
THE CREATOR, NOT THE CREATION

Genesis 1 isn’t the only source of our conviction that God is Creator. Both Old and New Testaments teach the essential integrity of all we read in Genesis. Both help us explore the meaning of Genesis’ towering affirmations about God and the world, which we meet first in this initial chapter of our Bible.

One of the most striking additions is in Isaiah: “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:18.
See Psalm 104

Psalm 104:27-30, “These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. 28-That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. 29-Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. 30-Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.”

See Psalm 148

Vs. 5-6, “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. 6He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.”

The Personal Touch

When we teach the familiar Creation story, it’s important for us to adopt the attitude of the psalmist.

The psalmist acknowledges God as Creator.

? He knows the story of the seven days.

? But as the psalmist meditates, his thoughts are not drawn off to speculations about, “How?” Instead, the psalmist moves quickly beyond the “scientific” questions that so attract us to focus on the central message:

? All that exists is the work of a Person. Everything around us has been carefully and thoughtfully designed.

? Creation is a mirror, placed to reflect our thoughts and our worship back to the Person whose image Creation enables us to see.

? This is the central message of Genesis 1. Our attention is directed not to the world, but to its Maker.

? Psalm 19 points out that the universe itself is a wordless message about God which anyone, whatever his language, can hear.

1. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

2. 3-There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4-Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5-Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6-His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

3. 7-The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

4. 8-The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

5. 9-The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10-More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11-Moreover by them is thy servant warned:

? and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12-Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13-Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

? 14-Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Paul made this same point in Romans 1.

? But there Paul saw Creation as evidence to be used against those who do not believe.

? Paul argued that man’s wickedness is revealed in the human struggle to suppress the knowledge of God available to all in creation. Vs. 19-20, “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20-For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”