Comments for November 25

v.12 - Using this system, as the Levites represented one twelfth of the people (one tribe), then to receive one tenth from each of the other eleven would make them in the region of 22% better off than the people. This, of course, was only true if the people paid up their dues on demand, which here they had not done until it came to Nehemiah's attention and he sorted it.

13:7 Nehemiah had been away from the city of Jerusalem and because his powerful good influence had not been there morality had slipped. He had to restore things to how they had been before.
In less than ten years those enemies of Israel who had sought to frustrate the work of God were  ensconced in Jerusalem - but actually in the temple.
We must beware that our initial enthusiasm for the truth does not become compromised as time passes.

v.2 - Here we have one of the greatest and simplest of all teachings that show that no-one can stand against God. The account of Balaam and Balak in Num.22-24 leaves us in no doubt (especially with Peters comment in 2Pet.2:15) that Balaam's desire against God had been aroused, and that God intervened absolutely, in a way almost unprecedented, and influenced directly the words that Balaam spoke, so that he could not say what he wanted to. Let us take this lesson to heart and rely on our God, who can do anything.

13:22 Nehemiah's request that God would spare him is a cry that all faithful servants of God can cry. Malachi 3:17 shows that this is how God will treat them who speak often of the Word.

13:7 This is Nehemiah's second visit to Jerusalem and is the event which Malachi refers to (3:1). Of course Malachi is speaking of John the Baptist also but his first focus is the coming of Nehemiah to resolve the problems amongst the priesthood which Nehemiah 13 speaks about.

NEH.13. Upon his return to Jerusalem Nehemiah found that every item of the covenant (ch 10:30-35) had been broken.
      v.23. Marriage with aliens.
      v.25. Observance of the Sabbath.
      v.11. Voluntary yearly tax.
      v.31. Wood offering.
      v.11. Observance of firstfruits and firstborn.    

13:1-2 The quotation from Deut 23:3-4  highlights that Israel should have had nothing to do with Tobiah - but this realisation is at Nehemiah's second visit some 12 years after his first visit. I suspect that the teaching had been forgotten during that 12 years rather than not having been known at all.

Neh 13:28 is the last historical verse in the Old Testament, (the last 3 verses being Nehemiah’s prayer.)  And how sad it is. The grandson of the High Priest had married the daughter of the leader of the opposition.  The young man who would probably have held the holiest position in Israel, had not only married out of the Truth, but he had brought home the daughter of the enemy of Israel. Sanballat had led the opposition to the Jewish rebuilding of the wall.  So Nehemiah “chased him from me.”   There’s a type here.  The Old Testament ends with a vacant position in the priesthood.  Then, Luke 1, the first historical book in the New Testament, starts with a new priest – John the Baptist, who is to prepare the way for the King Priest.

V.11 They had manifested a direct denial of their covenant (10:39) Note that Nehemiah quotes their very words to draw attention to their infidelity. The priests were at fault for deserting their responsibilities, but these influential and wealthy Jews were also to be blamed, for keeping back the tithes. They coveted that which was not theirs; it belonged to their Father in heaven.

When the cat's away the mice will play.  That saying illustrates what happened during Nehemiah's absence.  The people, without a strong leader, became lax in their behaviour. But when Nehemiah returned he cleaned house of those who were strangers and antagonists.   He curtailed Tobiah's lodging in the temple.  Eliashib should have known better than to give Tobiah lodging in the temple because the chambers of the temple were essentially the domain of the Levites (1Chron 9:26,27; 23:27,28).  To note, Eliashib's son also occupied a room in the temple (Ezra 10:6). Nehemiah also chased away Eliashib's grandson, the one who married Sanballat's daughter (v.28).  We do not read of any reprimand given to Eliashib for his errors.   

13:4 Notice the change that had taken place in Eliashib. In Neh 3:1 he was a faithful man.

Nehemiah exercised strong leadership to make sure that the congregation of the LORD walked correctly.  We see that Paul did the same thing for the Corinthians (for example).  Are we prepared to offer strong leadership in the LORD's community today?

13:23 The evil practice of marrying women of the land is also reproved by the contemporary prophet – Mal 2:15

13:6 That Nehemiah had not been in Jerusalem seems to have had a terrible effect on the people. They did not know the law and Eliashib had compromised himself. We see from this the powerful effect that one man can have on a group of people. It was not just what Nehemiah said but his demeanour also. In fact what he said carried more weight because of the way he lived.

We need to remember that the events which occurred during Israel's history were written down for us to consider (Rom 15:4).  Nehemiah took meticulous care to keep the LORD's community separate and holy.  The same care should apply today in the household of Jesus.  Marriages with non-believers are not acceptable (2Cor 6:14).

13:3 In saying that they ‘separated’ the ‘mixed multitude’ it reads as if the people did not know what was said in Deut 23 until they heard it read on this occasion. That might seem an amazing thing. But if we do not read Scripture on a regular basis – all of it – then there will be parts of it that slip from our minds.

13:15-18 I suppose that it might have seemed reasonable to work on the Sabbath given the job in hand – being involved in maintaining the city of Jerusalem – after all it was the ‘city of the Psa 48:2. However God’s law takes precedence over our justifications for avoiding its constraints.

Neh 13:6 - Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem about 433 or 432 BC.

Neh 13:23-27 - there was unfaithfulness to God by marrying foreigners. Neh 4:1,3,7 - Sanballat and Tobiah were the key opponents to building the wall. Neh 13:28 - David Simpson, in his 2005 comments, noted the marriage of the grandson of the high priest Eliashib to Sanballat's daughter. The priest Berechiah had his granddaughter marry Tobiah's son while Arah's granddaughter married Tobiah (Neh 3:4,28,30;6:17-18).

Neh 2:19;Deut 23:3-4;Neh 13:1,4,5,7,8 - Eliashib should not have allowed Tobiah, an Ammonite, access to the temple chamber nor should Tobiah have received tithes.

Neh 13:10;Deut 18:1 - the Levites disobeyed the commandment regarding ownership of land, but they had not received their tithes.

Neh 13:12,31 - grain, new wine, oil, wood offering and firstfruits perhaps reminds us of the anointed Christ, his offered sacrifice on the cross, and his resurrection as firstborn of the new creation (1Cor 15:20).

Consider how grieved Nehemiah was, that all through this narrative he is appealing to God to spare him and remember his deeds:

13:12  It was not simply that the people had associated themselves with the inhabitants of the land. That association had deflected them from doing the service God required,. The priesthood were neglected.  Jesus said ‘Ye cannot serve God and mammon’ –Matt 6:24

13:10  ‘Then I perceived’ indicates that Nehemiah  gave some thought to the implications that flowed from the fact that Tobiah had a room in the house. Error in one area often has implications elsewhere as was the case here.

13:2  The practice of hiring people to try and lead God’s people astray is seen in a seemingly casual comment in Titus 1:11 where such people are spoken of as preaching a message “for filthy lucre’s sake”

13:4-5  The way in which the unfaithful  high priest Eliashib prepared a chamber for Tobiah in the house of God contrasts markedly with Jesus – the faithful high priest – who is preparing a place for his servants – John 14:1-2

13:8    Being troubled about wrong is not sufficient. There will be times, like this, when action is required. Doubtless the action was seen as extreme by some. However what alternative did Nehemiah have?

13:7  Ezekiel, when Israel was in captivity, saw a vision of a future temple. One element of that vision was that the uncircumcised should not enter it – Eze 44:7. In Nehemiah’s days – the first time that there was a temple since the days of Ezekiel – Tobiah has a room in the temple in violation of what Ezekiel said.

13:29    In saying that the priesthood was defiled Nehemiah is making a similar comment to the contemporary prophet – Mal 2:8

13:18  ‘did not our fathers thus’ teaches a powerful lesson. The Scripture records of Israel’s behaviour is written ‘for our learning’ Rom 15:4. We neglect Israel’s history at our peril.

13:11-12         Nehemiah’s command here is identical ot that of Mal 3:10. The prophet Malachi spoke at the same time ad this part of the record of Nehemiah.

13:26‘Did not Solomon ...’ shows that even the sordid details in Scripture are ‘for our learning’ Rom 15:4

13:22  Gate keeping is an important task. Not a menial one. It was the Levites who kept the gates who ensured that the Sabbath was observed with respect to the traders.

13:14,22,31   Nehemiah was a faithful man. However, against the background of the persecution and opposition that he was receiving he was in despair. Like Jeremiah later – Jer 15:15– he was seeking for deliverance from the current problems. We should not assume that faithful people do not despair. Jesus contended with those who contradicted him (Heb 12:3). How did he manage to do it? He saw beyond the “here and now” to a better time to come. To sharing God’s nature (Psa 17:15)

13:1 Many times in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah we read of the word of God wing read publically. It is worth going back over those two books and noting each time that the scriptures were read. It gives an indication as to how important the readings of the scriptures was to them and gives an indication to us about the importance of Bible reading.

13:1 On that day they read from the Book of Moses

13:31 here as his work was finished Nehemiah specifically asked God to remember him for good. This was no arrogant claim on Nehemiah’s part. Rather it was a realisation that God remembered His servants and he was praying for mercy from the hand of God. He, doubtless, was looking forward to the time of the kingdom and eternal life.

v.15 - In the permissive and tolerant society in which we live, it is quite hard to hate evil in the way that we clearly should do in order to please God. We should instead seek peace and pursue it. Psa.34:14, 36:4, 37:27, 97:10, 119:104, 139:21,22, Rom 7:15,16,22, 8:7, 12:9, 1Th 5:21,22, 3John v.11

5:2 The 'virgin of Israel' catches on the beautiful picture presented in the Song of Solomon. By the time of Amos she had defiled herself and was now 'sitting in ashes' as Judah was told she would when the Babylonians took her captive. Jeremiah 6:26 Though they did not know it.

As we read this chapter and realise that this wrath was poured out on them because of their idolatry, let us take heed and be sure that our worship is that of the true God and is not motivated by anything manmade. Let us also remember that covetousness is idolatry. Col.3:5

5:4, 6 The call to seek the Lord because this would bring life was a call to the nation to respond to the chastening hand of God which the prophet spoke of in Chapter 4.

5:11 This verse quotes from the curse in Deuteronomy 28:30. 5:21 quotes from Leviticus 26:31. You may have noticed other quotations from the curses in earlier chapters, a recurring theme in Amos to show that the nation had chosen evil rather than good.

5:1-2 Verse 2 is the 'lamentation' spoken of in verse 1. notice the poetic fourfold nature of the repetition lamenting Israel's state.

V.21-24 - God wanted a change of heart not an outward show. See also Joel 2:13; Hos 6:6.

V.21-27 Amos charges the people of intolerance of honest criticism, with extortion, with corruption in the court. Away with evil, seek good so that Yahweh can save a remnant and be gracious to you. The prophet shows them that there is no escape from the imminent calamities. In your streets and vineyard will be wailing. God has no pleasure in your feasts, your assemblies, your offerings, your hymns, and your melodies.

SEEK
 
There are three Seek's in this chapter.  God says, "Seek me and live." (Amos 5:4)  Then Amos tells the people, "Seek the LORD and live." (v.6)  And finally Amos says, "Seek good, and not evil, that you may live." (v.14)
 
Seeking is something we have to determine to do.  It doesn't accidentally happen.  If we go bargain hunting we look and look until we find the best value product at the best possible price.  It's not often called seeking, but that is exactly what we have done.  Or if we have lost our keys, we search and search until we find them.  That is also how we seek.
 
So in order to seek the LORD we must look in all the places he might be found.  We must leave no stone unturned as we look for him.  The best places to seek God are in his word, the Bible, and among those who believe in him.  To seek God requires effort and determination.  It requires commitment and dedication.  In fact, it will take a lifetime to find him in the fullest possible sense.
 
It is no different when we seek good and not evil.  Our seeking will be seen in every decision we make in our lives.  Let's make the effort.  Seeking good and seeking the LORD might not be an easy choice, but the reward of life over death will be well worth while.

In today’s chapter Amos tells Israel that there is still opportunity to repent (Amos 5:4-15). If they seek God they will live. They didn't, and obviously God knew they would not, but the offer was still made. In a strange way that is rather like some of our preaching, isn't it?  We must offer people the chance to accept the word.

5:21 In saying ‘I will not smell in your solemn assemblies’ Amos is reminding them again of the curses, this time he is quoting Lev 26:31

Amos in 755 BC talks of two well-known star clusters: Pleiades (the seven stars) and Orion (v.8).  The only other place in the Bible that these are mentioned is in Job (Job 9:9; 38:31).  Job was probably contemporary with the Jews' 40-year wanderings in the desert after leaving Egypt (circa 1400 BC).  Thus, we see that certain astronomical knowledge had been known for a long time.  

We have a startling statement in v18: "Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD!". For those of us waiting for the Kingdom of God, and the return of Jesus, how would we feel if this was directed at us? But it might as well be directed at us. We can see from v21-23 that these people were worshippers of God. They sacrificed. They gave peace offerings. They kept religious feast days. They Sang hymns to God. They assembled in much the same way as we probably do on a Sunday or Sabbath. These were people who were waiting for the promised Messiah and the "day of the LORD". Yet to them this day would be darkness, and not light.

It might be hard for us to understand why God would be so scathing of their worship. In fact He despised it (v21). But it becomes clearer to us when we consider verses 10-13 and consider how similar these people were to the Pharisees whose religion Jesus challenged. He summed it up in a parable found in Matt 24:45-51. No matter how much we look forward to the day of Christ's coming, and no matter how religious we are, it will all come to everlasting darkness for us if we do not treat our neighbours in a loving way now.

5:14We have seen in :6 and 14 that Israel were called upon to seek God that they might live. Now they are called upon to seek 'good and not evil'. This highlights what seeking God is all about. It is not possible to on the one hand seek God but on the other hand follow evil practices.

Men like Amos are never popular with the majority of people. But, it is better to have God's approval than that of the people. Like Paul, Amos spoke "not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts" (1Thess 2:4). However we see that he did not belittle or verbally abuse the people; he simply recounted their guilt and issued a tender, loving call to repentance. If this call went unheeded, then weeping would replace their empty songs....which it did in a short period of time. All their joys were overshadowed, and the lament of the desolate was heard. Amos 5:16-17

The LORD's invitation to Israel is to Seek me and live (v.4).  In order to do that, Israel would have to cease from idolatrous worship (v.5).  Moreover, Israel would have to Seek good, not evil (v.14) so that unsympathetic practices would be reversed.  Without that change of heart, all the sacrifices in the world would be ineffective (vs.21-23).  The LORD's sums up His wishes when He says: For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6).

5:1 Notice this ‘word’ is against ‘Israel’ – that is the northern kingdom. In the evil time of Jeroboam the prophet is encouraging the people to turn to God and live. That was tantamount to a call to the people to leave the north and migrate to Judah in the south.

V.5 Three places of idolatry are mentioned:

Bethel means the House of God. But, Hosea mockingly calls it Beth-Aven which means House of Vanity (Hos 10:5,8).

Gilgal means rolling or circle and is condemned for its idolatry by both Amos and Hosea (Hos 9:15;12:11).

Beer-Sheba means well of seven or well of oath. It was here that Abraham planted a tamarisk tree and worshipped Yahweh (Gen 21:33). Thus, Beer-Sheba became a center for cult-worship. The same thing happened with the brazen serpent that was eventually destroyed by Hezekiah (2Kin 18:4).

V.26 Molech was the Ammonite god to which people sacrificed their children (Jer 32:35). Chiun is probably the same as Chevan which was a god linked to Saturn. Chiun’s symbol was a star.

5:3 The prophet describes the decimation of the cities – only ten percent remaining. This is rather like what Isa 6:13 describes.

Amos 5:25-27;Acts 7:42-43.

SEEK

We didn't get to know God just by good luck. He doesn't spring himself on us and programme us to be his people like a computer whiz programmes a computer. We have to make the choice to get to know God, and then, once the decision is made, we need to follow it with action that helps us get know him.

Amos uses one particular word four times in one chapter. The word he uses is "Seek."

"This is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: 'Seek me and live; do not seek Bethel.'" (Amos 5:4-5)

"Seek he LORD and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire." (v.6)

"Seek good and not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is." (v.14)

It is only by seeking the LORD that we can have life. We can seek all sorts of different things - even religious things, but the one place we will find life is with the LORD our God.

The children's game Hide and Seek is a good example of how to seek for the LORD. He is not hiding behind a door or under a chair. We can find him in his word, the Bible, and when we come near to him in prayer. We need to actively seek him. When we do, we can be sure we will find him.

Seek God today. Find him and find life.

5:25-27 ‘Beyond Damascus’ is, for the northern kingdom Assyria. Damascus being named because of Israel’s confederacy with Syria against Judah which Ahaz feared – Isa 7:2

5:21  That God hated Israel’s feasts is further developed in Lamentations of Lam 2:7 where, after the Babylonian captivity God says he ‘abhorred His sanctuary’

5:15   The call to ‘hate the evil and love the good’ is appealed to by Paul – Rom 12:9

 Amos 5:8.

Here Amos, in referring to the power of God, says that He made the Pleiades and Orion. Some Bible believers think that God purposely arranged the stars in such a way that pictures of important future events in man's history are actually there in the stars if one on earth mentally connects them in a dot-to-dot way. Is that feasible, or instead has man simply looked at the stars and invented stories that sometimes match up with important events as recorded in Scripture?

While anything is possible with God, it seems pretty far fetched to me to say with confidence that hundreds and hundreds of stars have been arranged in the sky in a purposeful way by God so that people on the planet earth can look at them and connect the dots to form pictures of Gods' ultimate plan. I think what is much more likely is that the plan was there from the beginning and people then who had some knowledge of it could at night do some imagining with the stars in the constellations and develop stories that matched up with that plan that was revealed by God.

I believe there are only 3 places in Scripture where different constellations are mentioned by name - here; Job 9:9; and Job 38:31. Orion is mentioned in all three. According to my concordance, it is a southern one seen in November, and it's the figure of a hunter with belt and sword.

Pleaides is here ("the seven stars" - K.J.V.) and in both Job references, and according to my dictionary is a conspicuous loose cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus (the bull) that includes 6 stars visible to the average eye. The other one mentioned in the two Job references is Arcturus, which is a constellation commonly called the Great Bear of which the principle star is Dubbhe (according to Young's concordance). But interestingly my Webster's Dictionary has a different definition for Arcturus. It states that it's a giant fixed star of the first magnitude in the northern constellation Bootes (Bootes = literally "plowman").

I don't really know what to make of all this. I know there is a book out there called Witness of (or in) the Stars by Mr. Bullinger, who is associated with the Companion Bible. But I haven't read it but have heard others say that his point throughout was that the stars were purposely arranged by God in the way suggested in the first part of my question. Though I haven't researched it, the 2nd alternative seems much more likely to me. If any of you have any thoughts on this, I'd be glad to hear them and pass them on.

5:1   We so often read that the words spoken are a ‘lamentation’ but give some thought to this. The prophet, speaking the words of God, sees the problem as lamentable. God is disappointed at the behaviour of His people.

5:7     Is speaking of God’s judgment which the people had turned into ‘wormwood’ he is using the same idea as the contemporary prophet – Hos 10:4 – uses to reprove Israel. 

5:8  In challenging Israel to seek the God who made the stars we have a similar challenge to that Job was faced with – Job 38:31. The lesson clearly being that Job responded to the challenge.

5:7   The mention of “wormwood” teaches us that the good that flows from righteous judgment would be turned into bitterness.

5:12      How often do we remember that God know exactly what we do and think? Whilst we may not be as wicked as Israel were in the days of their last king the warning is clear. Maybe if we could keep the fact that God knows our thoughts clearly in the forefront of our minds it might impact on the things we say and do.

5:5    The warning about going to Bethel echoes what the prophet said – Amos 4:4 and is a reflection of the way that Israel served other gods worshipping at Bethel rather than Jerusalem.

Amos 5:24

“But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, a clergyman and activist leader of the American Civil Rights Movement from 1950 to his assassination in 1968 gave a beautiful and profound speech in 1963, I Have a Dream.” His dream was that “little black boys and black girls” would be “able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.” In his Dream Speech he quoted Isa 40:4 Isa 45:2, and this verse of Amos.

Dr. King longed for the day when white men and black men, when Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics would join hands and sing, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” The sad truth is his dream did not materialize fully, and what did, did not last long, and with very few exceptions.

Amos spoke of worship that was not accompanied by moral behaviour (Amos 5:22). God desires justice and righteousness and this desire for justice and righteousness should build up in us until it overflows like an unfailing stream. The righteous Government we all seek wherein all races join hands in love and unity, wherein the wolf will sleep with a lamb, wherein no one will seek to hurt and destroy will happen, but only during the millennial reign of Christ (Isa 11). Then, and only then, may the captives sing, “Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.” His dream is our dream too and it will come true.

5:18 There were those in Israel who did not appreciate that their behaviour was going to bring judgment against them. So they looked for “the day of the Lord” as if it was something good – maybe they looked for the fall of the Assyrian who was, at that time, the threat. However they had completely miss-judged the situation. God was going to judge them, not Assyria.

5:6 Again in calling the nation to seek the Lord we see, through the prophet, God’s mercy. This should help us to understand that our Father is merciful and wishes to forgive. All He is looking for is repentance.

5:3 the way the cities of Israel are described here – devastated – contrasts with the way the nation would be victorious if they were faithful – Lev 26:8

5:2 Israel had turned from worshipping Yahweh to worshipping the  gods that they had made for themselves. Israel had been a virgin – that it not polluted by falsehood. But now, having fallen was destitute. The gods worshipped could not save – she could not “rise”.  How easy it is to forsake God and trust in no gods thinking that in them is salvation only to find them useless in time of need. This is true for us if we place confidence in things other than the risen Jesus Christ.

5:4 Some who lack a correct understanding of the character of the God of Israel would see the Old Testament God as one of anger and wrath. However notice here. The nation have turned to idols and are disregarding His laws. So what did he do? His first reaction was to call for repentance. This the same God that, in Jesus’ words, sought repentance so he could forgive – John 3:16.

5:13-14 the “priests” spoken of here are not Levites who were Yahweh’s priests. Rather it speaks here of the priests of the false gods who taught the people error in worshipping false gods.

It is in the “silence” of the false prophets that the people are encouraged to “seek good”.

v.10 - Paul's life was focused completely on the preaching of the gospel message throughout the world Rom 9:23

2:2 'among many witnesses' - an application of 'in the mouth of two or three witnesses. Against the background of the teaching of the Apostle Paul being undermined by those who were opposed to the true gospel.

2:14 The warning about 'striving about words' returns to the theme of 1 Timothy 6:20 etc:

:11-12 The 'faithful saying' quotes
Numbers 23:19
Matthew 10:33
Romans 3:13, 6:8, 8:17

v.15 - Rightly dividing the word, comes from the Hebrew way of writing with no spaces in between words and no vowels. If you 'divided' the word incorrectly, you changed the meaning. My sister used this once for a Sunday School program, stringing all the consonants together from a Bible verse, and we had to see how quickly we could rightly divide the words.

2:25  In 'meekness' catches the behaviour of Moses (Num 12:3) where Moses left the judgement to God. Likewise Paul is exhorting Timothy to use a Biblical basis for his admonition of those who oppose themselves rather than relying on his own strength and position as the elder of the ecclesia at Ephesus.

V.23-25 - the importance of avoiding stupid  arguments, being gentle (2261) meaning "affable, mild, kind, gentle" to all, and in meekness (4236) meaning "gentleness, humility, meekness" instructing. A little kindness and diplomacy can go a long way. Also, when we are wrong we can freely admit it and it never hurts to say "I'm sorry".

V.12 If we share the kind of treatment Christ received on earth, then we are assured of co-rulership with him on a regenerated earth (Rev 5:5-10). Such was the assurance given the apostles (Matt 19:28, Mark 10:28-30)

2:4  If only we could have the discipline to ensure that we could appreciate that the warfare we are involved in entails us not getting entangled in worldly things.

V.15 Bible study is of course a necessity for the servant of the Lord, with this study one should apply all the skills and ability that he has. We must always be aware that it is not academic knowledge that counts, it is the quality of ones meditation that produces spiritual insight and understanding. If one "loves the law" they will make it their "study all the day" (Psa 119:97). The Greek word SPOUDAZO (4704) emphases effort and earnestness more so than knowledge. It is translated diligence (2Tim 4:9,21) and endeavour in 2Pet 1:15. The exhortation is concerned with one's effort rather than knowledge.

The figure of a soldier as a servant of Christ is a powerful one (vs.3,4).  A soldier's job is to obey orders without questioning.  He is loyal to his commander and is prepared to suffer on the field of battle.  We are in a war against sin - are we ready for the consequences?  It would be stupid for a soldier to enter combat without being armed.  Likewise, the soldier of Christ should be prepared (Eph 6:13-17). 

It is important to handle the Word of truth correctly (v.15).  However, we should be aware that knowledge can be a source of pride (1Cor 8:1).  On the other hand, wisdom is to be desired at all costs (Prov 4:7).  The English poet William Cowper remarks: Knowledge is proud that she knows so much; Wisdom is humble that she knows no more.

2:15 In studying to be approved we differ from the ‘evil’ – Prov 24:2

2:16 This is the third time – 1Tim 4:7, 6:20 – and here where Paul has warned about profane talking. One would hardly think it would be something that would occur in the ecclesia but clearly it was a problem in Ephesus. But Ephesus was just a microcosm of the ecclesial world. The threefold warning should alert us to the fact that such behaviour may be manifest in our midst today.

2:4 The war that Paul encouraged Timothy to be involved in was not one of strife about words but a war against the flesh – his own.

V.17-18 - Much like these verses, some people today believe the resurrection/ascension of the soul happens just after death and that it would have already occurred for many who had fallen asleep prior to Paul's writing of 2 Timothy circa 66 AD. According to 2 Timothy  by Andrew Hill, p.47 - Irenaeus and Tertullian both refer to an error that sprang up involving the transformation of the soul at death.  Both ideas found no foundation in the apostolic faith but were the results of an infusion of philosophical ideas foreign to the Truth. Both erroneous views were wide off the mark of such truths as contained in 1Cor 15:12-23;2Tim 2:8;Acts 2:34.

2Tim 2:8 First Principles>Sure mercies of David>King
Jesus, son of David is also the Son of God. For more about the King, go to 2Sam 7:12-16

2Tim 2:12 First Principles>Sure Mercies of David>Government
The rulership of God's Kingdom is not limited to the twelve apostles. The faithful will play a part as well.
For more information about the government of God's Kingdom, go to Matt 19:28

We would probably all do well to note how Timothy was to deal with foolish, ignorant and idle disputes.

This might come as a shock to us when we would naturally assume things should be dealt with "head on". Instead, Paul commands to take no part in these disputes at all. The reason is in v14, because the very dispute itself might be the "ruin of the hearers".

2:15 In speaking of a workman that is not ‘ashamed’ Paul is returning to a problem he perceived was manifest in Timothy – 2Tim 1:8,12,16

STRONG IN GRACE

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2Tim 2:1) The instruction Paul gave Timothy here seems a little bit of a paradox or an oxymoron. Grace is something we are given because we are too weak to do whatever it is in our own strength. In the case of living a Christian life, we are called to be followers of Jesus, and the high ideal we are faced with is to live as perfectly and sinless as Jesus lived. But try as hard as we like, we all fail, and fail miserably. It is only by the grace of God we can be saved from our shortcomings. It is only when God chooses to overlook our faults that he views us as anything at all like Jesus Christ.

Grace is an undeserved gift that makes up for what we lack. So being strong in grace means, as Paul said one other time, "When I am weak, then I am strong." (2Cor 12:10)

Paul was urging Timothy to take advantage of the strength he could gain from Christ as he lived his life every day. We need to do the same. We are all weak if we try to succeed all by ourselves, but with the grace of God in our lives and the strength we gain from his grace, our weaknesses are turned into strength. Let us, like Timothy, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2:2  Against the opposition that Timothy was experiencing in Ephesus Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him of the evidence that he had of God working and the truth of the things that he believed.  Likewise we will be strengthened by a reflection on the way that God has worked in the past both as recorded in Scripture and in our own experience.

2Tim 2:15

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

This verse of Scripture ought to be very meaningful to us who are accountable to the Chief Shepherd of the flock. We are to faithfully study, allowing the truth of God’s Word to become part of the very fabric of our being. Have you ever noticed that a Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t?

“Study” is the Greek word, spoudazo, # <4704>, and means: “to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest: -do (give diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.” Apostasy was setting in and there was a great urgency to make the utmost effort in keeping the “word of truth.” Paul tells us to do this we must put God first, not be ashamed of the Bible, and learn to handle God’s word accurately.

Learning and understanding God’s Word was necessary to help Timothy withstand the assaults of the false teachers, and it is just as vital for us today. Paul says in 2Tim 3:1, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”  Better translated, it reads: “in the last days exceedingly fierce seasons shall come.” Apostasy, evil, and imposters will proceed from bad to worse (2Tim 3:13). Because of the danger of the seasons we live in, the last days of human history, it is so vital to properly understand, apply, and continue in God’s Word. We cannot change the world, but we can change ourselves. “You see things and you say, Why? But I dream things that never were and say, why not?” – George Bernard Shaw

2:7    We should not presume that the ‘understanding’ that Paul was asking for on behalf of Timothy is some sort of mystical revelation. Rather Paul is expecting Timothy to measure what he hears against the rest of Scripture. Only in comparing what Paul said with Scripture will Timothy gain a deeper understanding of Paul’s teaching. The same is true of ourselves also.

2:6   The agricultural analogy that Paul uses is similar to others that he uses when writing to the Corinthians – 1Cor 9:7-9

BE STRONG IN GRACE

"Be strong" Paul said to Timothy. At this Timothy could have flexed his muscles, worked out at the gym, exercised his authority, and never backed down from an argument.

When we think about strength, it is often the physical, emotional and mental strength that we think of and that we so often admire in other people. They are strong in the things that they do, and the way they are.

But Paul's encouragement to Timothy was not just to be strong. He said, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2Tim 2:1). This was not a strength Timothy had in himself, this was a strength in something external. He was to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

To be strong in this way, meant that Timothy would allow Jesus to guide his life, words and actions. It would mean that he would rely on the strength of Jesus in his life rather than in his own strength. Timothy would be a man of prayer. He would be forgiven and saved by the grace of Jesus, and would show the same forgiveness and grace to others. And Timothy would look for and draw out the best in the people he was with.

Let us also be "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

2:10  We might think our faithfulness is for our own eternal well being. But notice that Paul says he endured all things for the benefit of others. This is what service to the Father is all about. Serving others. 

2:2      Doubtless Timothy had several discussions with Paul before being left in Ephesus. It was Paul who laid hands on Timothy -2Tim 1:6 – and we cannot believe that Paul did that before significant discussion with Timothy.

2:13     When Paul quotes Matt 10:33 we gain an insight into which New Testament documents were available to Timothy. We have to conclude that he had access to Matthew’s gospel record.

2Tim 2:3-5

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…”

Good soldiers of Christ are dedicated to Christ’s cause. A good soldier is prepared for conflicts any time of day or night and not retreat to the enemy. A good soldier is not distracted from his target, and will not turn his back while facing the enemy. A good soldier is loyal to the cause, follows orders, is steadfast and determined to win. All this requires a lot of effort; it does not come easily. Therefore, it is critical the newly baptized be taught more than just the First Principals. It is all about counting the cost (Luke 14:28), and has everything to do with how we labour to obtain its fruits (v. 6; cf. Gal 5:22,23). If we are going to be disciples of Christ, we must first count the cost of following him.

“People who are wheedled into the truth by a mild, rose water style of advocacy are not worth the labour of catching, since they will be as tender and delicate as their mode of capture, and unfit for the robust service of Him who is content with nothing short of the absolute surrender of the whole heart and intellect to Himself and His concerns, as an everlasting hobby.” Robert Roberts, 1866

2:1     Being strong in God’s grace may seem to be a bit of a contradiction. We tend to think that we can be strong in our own efforts. But Paul is encouraging Timothy to have a great confidence is God’s grace. This is not an encouragement to be careless about trying to be faithful, rather it emphasises where our strength lies.

2:10 “therefore” teaches us a very powerful lesson. Paul was obligated to suffer for the “elect”. Whilst we maybe not be obligated to suffer for our fellow believers we must ask whether we are willing or do we always seek to make our lives easy and trouble free at the expense of others?

2:15-16 there is a contrast being drawn here. On either one hand “rightly dividing” and on the other hand “profane and vain babblings”. Do we ever consider that our wild speculations could be classed as “vain” or even “profane babblings”? This is quite a challenge isn’t it?

2:14 So when Timothy taught the believers in Ephesus he, although he was young, had the authority of “the lord”.  Equally Timothy had to appreciate that Jesus was aware of the counsel and commandments he had given. Do we ever consider that Jesus knows the decisions we have made about others?

2:1Once we appreciate the extent of God’s grace towards us we should renew our efforts to live up to the grace that has been extended to us.

1:1 Paul had been a vigorous opponent to the gospel, persecuting Jesus’ followers. But notice that Paul says he is an apostle “by the will of God”.  It would have been easy for God to stop the persecution brought by Paul by killing him. But no, He called him to the gospel!

We might not have persecuted Jesus’ followers like Saul of Tarsus did. But we are called “by the will of God” as was Paul.

This knowledge should give us confidence that he will forgive our sins faithfully repented of and grant us a place in His kingdom.

2:20 We should be careful to realise that it is not the case that the gold and silver vessels are automatically to honour. Any type of vessel can be to honour or dishonour. The material from which the vessel is made probably indicates what we might call skills in ecclesial life. Even the most “useful” and prominent may well end up being a vessel to dishonour.

2:8  In saying “according to my gospel” Paul is not presenting himself as an authority. Rather he is quoting his inspired letter to the Roam where we find in Rom 2:16