Judged and Charged

 "I charge thee (Timothy) therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom;" (2 Tim 4.1)

First, who are the 'quick'? Quite simply, those that are alive.

Second, who are the 'dead'? Obviously, those that are no longer living and breathing.

Third, who escapes judgement?  Do you really need this answered? NO ONE!

Now, what is the job or business of the Pastor or Evangelist?

• to reprove - means to blame or censure
• rebuke - chasten, punish or afflict for correction
• exhort - use words or arguments to incite good deeds
• doctrinal training - truths of the gospel

So, the next time you get all puffed up at the preacher or evangelist for "doing what he is called to do," remember, he is suppose to "preach."  

According to Webster's 1828 dictionary this means a "pastor or evangelist" is to:

...discourse on the gospel way of salvation and exhort to repentance; to discourse on evangelical truths and exhort to a belief of them and acceptance of the terms of salvation. This was the extemporaneous manner of preaching pursued by Christ and His apostles. (Mt 4.17, 9.35, 10.27, 11.1, 24.14)

Why is a man of God so passionate when "preaching?" Because he knows "the time will come when they WILL NOT endure sound doctrine..." "How SHALL they hear without a preacher?" (Rom 10.14)

Of course, there are "false teachers and preachers" (Mt 7.14) but IF God has called on you to seek "while He is near" (Isa 55.6), in light of "judgement and condemnation" to eternal damnation, it is my hope that you will heed the warning.

NO ONE escapes judgement!

Much more could be said on the subject but the warning has gone out if you are reading these words.

Believer, pray for those in your realm of influence that are clearly "lost as a ball in high weeds."

Unbeliever,

.

Teaching others

It has been a recent prayer to have a kinder, gentler spirit.  The inclination of this believer is impatience to others who simply are ignorant and unlearned in things of the Lord. 

    The following is what the Spirit gave me this morning from II Tim 2.19-26.  

    {The child seen in the photos at right should be how you see EVERY one you feel is put in          your path for spiritual or practical instruction.}

   

The Lord knoweth them that are His. AND, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (vs 19)

• Sanctified...for the Master's use, (thus) prepared unto every good work. (vs 21)
• Avoiding foolish and unlearned questions (that help no one) (vs 23) - learned from another believer is the tact that if one does not accept the premise of the question, then "avoid" it! No need to answer comments or statements that have no truthful or factual basis.  This is not arrogant, it is wise.
• Very clearly, the servant of the Lord MUST NOT strive (have a quarrelsome, "I'm right, your wrong" spirit; but be gentle unto all, (have a teaching attitude),  patient (vs 24)
• (Meekly) instructing those that oppose themselves (unbelievers, basically) (vs 25)

The question(s) to ask oneself when reaching for this kinder, gentler spirit would be:

1. Am I gentle in dealing with others who are younger or just blind to truth?
2. When instructing do I use a "teachable" attitude rather than "I'm right and your wrong?" 
3. Do I indicate there was a time I didn't understand such truth and meekly explain as the Lord leads?
4. Is patience or impatience exercised that would guide "why can't you see this truth?"

The larger principle to utilizing the instructions above, in my mind at least, is realizing unbelievers, young or old, ARE blind to such truths.  If I am to be "a servant" to Him, the first order of business is to remain "clean and unspotted" (Jms 1.27) as much as possible from this world. (v 19, 21) However, IF patience, meekness and humbleness are in evidence when explaining a truth the Lord has impressed, I believe at some point, the seed is planted and will take root.  How often am I reminded of things other believers, saints, preachers, friends have said in days gone by, that encourage and help me go "farther on?"  

Patience is key.

Thank you, Lord for answering this prayer.  Amen  Ps 57.7

That "good thing"

In the Apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy, much time was given to encouraging thoughts that Timothy, "hold fast...that good thing committed...by the Holy Ghost."  2 Tim 1.13, 14

First, the Apostle reminded young Timothy of his heritage; "unfeigned faith...in(his) grandmother and (his) mother." 2 Tim 1.5

Second was the remembrance of "the gift of God,...in (him)." 2 Tim 1.6  The elder and the younger had probably discussed what Paul had seen in Timothy's life that would be his to use for the glory of God.  Maybe, he was articulate in expressing himself.  Maybe, people were naturally drawn to a good nature.  Whatever "the gift" was, you have one too and must do the same with it.

Thirdly, he was reminded that "God hath not given (him) a sprit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1.7  Wonder what Timothy was afraid or fearful of?  In our walk with the Lord Jesus, there are things in life that would make us fearful to stand for truth and right.   Yet, the apostle also admonished the young man not to "be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord..." 2 Tim 1.8  He was even given the reason to "hold fast."  The reason to stay true to one's testimony for the Lord Jesus is because He "saved us, and called us with a holy calling...according to HIS own purpose, and grace..." 2 Tim 1.9

Fourth, Timothy was further instructed by the older man as to why he could "go farther on."  The Apostle had experienced many things since his conversion and to this he told the young preacher, "I Know whom I have believed. and am persuaded that HE IS ABLE to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 2 Tim 1.12

Timothy was also instructed to:

• "hold fast...sound words"  2 Tim 1.13
• "endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."  2 Tim 2.3 (because it will come) 2 Tim 2.3
• Stay untangled "with the affairs of this life." 2 Tim 2.4
• Remember WHY you must endure:  for "the elects sake" - a testimony 2 Tim 2.10
• "Study..." 2 Tim 2.15
• Avoid "...babbling...that increases ungodliness." 2 Tim 2.16
• "Flee youthful lusts..." that will cause one to stumble 2 Tim 2.22
• AVOID "foolish and unlearned questions..."  2 Tim 2.23

Much time and effort was given to Young Timothy that he could go forward with confidence, grace and love for God's "elect people."

What "good thing" has the Lord gifted you?  Such an thing may be used for His honor and glory and peace in the believer's life when using the instructions above.  The guidance in these passages are for the laymen (or woman) as well as any young preacher man.

God bless and guide is the prayer of this blogger.  Ps 57.7