2 Timothy 1
This is the second epistle/letter to Timothy from the Apostle Paul (KJV)
Through these passages of Scripture Paul is teaching and encouraging Timothy in his faith.
He specifically teaches here that God the Father, the Creator has not given us the spirit of fear.
Every believer indwelt by Christ/Holy Spirit has this same promise, and therefore can remember that if feeling fear in our lives it is coming from the Devil and his minions/demons,
because the enemy is who gives the spirit of fear, not Jesus Christ. We have power in Christ to cast out that spirit of fear, because it is not of God.
Fear is the main spirit operating in the world system through the father of lies.
He uses bribery, blackmail, threats, violence, and murder to hold his antiChrist system together.
Followers of Jesus recognize that as the opposite of the Fruits of the Spirit. It is the spirit of Evil incarnate.
Fear comes from satan. And therefore does not have any real power over those in Christ.
Through these passages of Scripture Paul is teaching and encouraging Timothy in his faith.
He specifically teaches here that God the Father, the Creator has not given us the spirit of fear.
Every believer indwelt by Christ/Holy Spirit has this same promise, and therefore can remember that if feeling fear in our lives it is coming from the Devil and his minions/demons,
because the enemy is who gives the spirit of fear, not Jesus Christ. We have power in Christ to cast out that spirit of fear, because it is not of God.
Fear is the main spirit operating in the world system through the father of lies.
He uses bribery, blackmail, threats, violence, and murder to hold his antiChrist system together.
Followers of Jesus recognize that as the opposite of the Fruits of the Spirit. It is the spirit of Evil incarnate.
Fear comes from satan. And therefore does not have any real power over those in Christ.
To Timothy my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus
before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel:" ~ 2 Timothy 1-10
2 Timothy 2
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." ~ 2 Timothy 2:1-3
The Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy from prison is encouraging him that those who live Godly and/or are called to teach Christ crucified and risen, will endure many sufferings in this world - just as Paul in prison for sharing the Gospel has experienced himself.
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds;
but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elects' sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal
glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." ~ 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Two very important verses in this second chapter are important to note here as well.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Timothy 2:15
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his, and, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
2 Timothy 3
In this third chapter of 2nd Timothy, Paul is teaching about the time we are NOW living in.
These verses are so clear for the Spiritually-minded that they simply cannot be denied as what culture is at this time.
I encourage you to study the New Testament (with all 4 Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) often.
These verses are so clear for the Spiritually-minded that they simply cannot be denied as what culture is at this time.
I encourage you to study the New Testament (with all 4 Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) often.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. ~ 2 Timothy 3:1-5
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Paul is telling Timothy here very directly the result of living in a world system ruled by Satan and his fallen angels, and what to expect.
In no uncertain terms he says that "ALL that live godly in Christ Jesus SHALL suffer persecution." This applies to every single true Believer living in Christ.
He also reminds Timothy that although he endured brutal persecutions Father God, the great I Am, delivered him from them all.
Here is the example of this living hope and attitude of gratitude through seemingly insurmountable circumstances!
In no uncertain terms he says that "ALL that live godly in Christ Jesus SHALL suffer persecution." This applies to every single true Believer living in Christ.
He also reminds Timothy that although he endured brutal persecutions Father God, the great I Am, delivered him from them all.
Here is the example of this living hope and attitude of gratitude through seemingly insurmountable circumstances!
2 Timothy 4
As we move into chapter 4, Paul continues to encourage Timothy on how to continue in the real faith of Jesus Christ and how to be prepared.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. ~ 2 Timothy 4:1-4
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." ~ 2 Timothy 4:5-8
Paul continues to remind Timothy throughout the Epistle that to do the work of Christ, to fight the good fight of faith will require him to suffer persecution and endure affliction.
This is not even a question as we are taught throughout the book of 2nd Timothy. It is a fact.
And from this book, we can also clearly see that as the day of our Lord's kingdom comes nearer, we can expect this persecution to grow worse just as evil men continue to grow worse while deceiving people. I would venture to say that's where we are.
Some may look at all the "popular" Christian preachers and ask why aren't they being persecuted?
It is not my place to judge anyone. We do have to remember however, that if a Christian ministry has taken
Satan's world system's funding via a 501C3 tax status, then they are limited in what they are allowed to speak about.
This is certainly not the freedom that Christ won for us on the Cross and I feel it is a dangerous status regardless of intent,
due to the Lord's words about serving two masters.
This is not even a question as we are taught throughout the book of 2nd Timothy. It is a fact.
And from this book, we can also clearly see that as the day of our Lord's kingdom comes nearer, we can expect this persecution to grow worse just as evil men continue to grow worse while deceiving people. I would venture to say that's where we are.
Some may look at all the "popular" Christian preachers and ask why aren't they being persecuted?
It is not my place to judge anyone. We do have to remember however, that if a Christian ministry has taken
Satan's world system's funding via a 501C3 tax status, then they are limited in what they are allowed to speak about.
This is certainly not the freedom that Christ won for us on the Cross and I feel it is a dangerous status regardless of intent,
due to the Lord's words about serving two masters.
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen." ~ 2 Timothy 4:17-18
Here is what our proper response and attitude should be as persecuted, yet with a saving knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Yes we will suffer, especially now that we live during the days when evil is called good and good is called evil.
Yet we will never be shaken from our foundation built upon the solid rock, the chief Cornerstone... Jesus Christ, our Lord.
He will preserve us, deliver us, never leave nor forsake us, because we are His!
Those who serve the father of lies and have chosen to reject Christ and godly living, hate us with a venomous hatred.
They are filled with the spirit of Satan and/or are controlled by his demonic powers on earth.
Christians shining the Light of Christ are hated because even in the night, God's Presence is seen by them.
They cannot hide their evil deeds.
All the lies about "balancing" light and darkness are only serving the coming antiChrist system.
God is referred to as "the Father of Lights" in the book of James. And in Him is no darkness at all.
One of Satan's deceptions is to get people to believe that light and darkness can coexist... but they cannot.
One little flame pierces the darkness and evil cannot hide.
Satan's false kingdom and his demons need the darkness as they are totally exposed in the Light and cannot deceive any longer.
So many schemes were put into motion to attempt to silence and neutralize those who would shine the light of Christ
or try to teach people the truth of Jesus.
All those enduring persecution, be of good courage.
He has overcome the world. He will judge these wicked ones.
"Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." ~ Romans 12:19
Yes we will suffer, especially now that we live during the days when evil is called good and good is called evil.
Yet we will never be shaken from our foundation built upon the solid rock, the chief Cornerstone... Jesus Christ, our Lord.
He will preserve us, deliver us, never leave nor forsake us, because we are His!
Those who serve the father of lies and have chosen to reject Christ and godly living, hate us with a venomous hatred.
They are filled with the spirit of Satan and/or are controlled by his demonic powers on earth.
Christians shining the Light of Christ are hated because even in the night, God's Presence is seen by them.
They cannot hide their evil deeds.
All the lies about "balancing" light and darkness are only serving the coming antiChrist system.
God is referred to as "the Father of Lights" in the book of James. And in Him is no darkness at all.
One of Satan's deceptions is to get people to believe that light and darkness can coexist... but they cannot.
One little flame pierces the darkness and evil cannot hide.
Satan's false kingdom and his demons need the darkness as they are totally exposed in the Light and cannot deceive any longer.
So many schemes were put into motion to attempt to silence and neutralize those who would shine the light of Christ
or try to teach people the truth of Jesus.
All those enduring persecution, be of good courage.
He has overcome the world. He will judge these wicked ones.
"Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." ~ Romans 12:19