The Precious Promises of the Lord

Precious Promises

Book of 2 Timothy 2

Again, we are learning ourselves as we study this letter written to Timothy that would also be preached to all the New Testament Church establish by the Lord Jesus Christ, the foundation of all Christianity.

We should know by now that the Church is to be a mirror of God's "Grace" and Oh how we fail as a whole!

"Grace" is the undeserved favor of God, but every gift is useless unless it is received in the "Grace" in which God gave it!

*****2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 2:2 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.

God's "Grace", that can come only by the Lord Jesus Christ, is the free gift that God offers to every human being!

Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

It is by God's "Grace" through, the Lord Jesus Christ, that we will be able to live with God in Heaven!

Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

So, without the "Grace of God" that comes by Jesus Christ, no one can know what salvation is all about!

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Even when we were already dead in sins, God our Father, "and He is our Father", sent His Only Son to pay that debt we could never have paid in order to know and receive His salvation plan.

Paul, by the Holy Spirit, says we must be strong in "Grace", but not just any "Grace", the "Grace" that comes by Jesus Christ!

It is only by this "Grace" that we can be of any use to God!

1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and 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.

It is only by the "Grace" of God that we may receive any gift of God!

We must be strong in the "Grace" of God!

Our Spiritual strength comes by the source of all God's Strength, which comes by our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ!

Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we cannot know the "Grace" of God!

We should understand that at the time of this letter to Timothy, Paul was on death row in a Roman prison for preaching the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ.

Probably all the remaining apostles except the Apostle John had already been murdered and John was being sought after.

Paul's race was almost over, and He was passing the baton over to this young man Timothy, who was still on fire for God.

All the things Paul preached, Timothy was to teach!

All the letters Paul had written by the Holy Spirit, Timothy was to preach!

All the Old Testament that was passed down by the Jews, Timothy was to preach!

Timothy was not like Paul in his young body, but Timothy was to be like Paul in his preaching and in his life style.

This was not preacher worship, this was the making a true disciple!

This is the same thing each and every church is called to do today, make disciples who would preach the "apostles doctrine" given to them by the words of Jesus and the Holy Ghost.

The key to be a true Christian, is to endure as a good soldier in the army of God!

*****2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

We already know, we as the army of God are to dress properly by wearing the armor of God that was not prepared for those who turn their backs on God.

1) God's armor was all made for defense, because we are to defend the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ.

2) God's armor was made for us to go on offense with all the Word of God, which can only lead to the Knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Again, this armor has no protection for the rear!

Each Christian believer is to be a strong soldier for Christ!

Every soldier for Christ must be prepared to go to war!

There are many soldiers who love to dress up in parade uniforms and march to the delight of spectators, but these are not allowed in the army of God.

I can tell you from experience that war is a dirty nasty business that requires hardship and a true soldier of God will understand this before the battle begins.

The only way to avoid being a casualty in this war, is to not get entangled with the affairs of this life!

Just for all those who have seen all those old movies, the Roman soldier was not allowed to have a wife. (Maybe why rape was a regular event)

The Roman soldier was not allowed to be involved in any business or trade for profit, and they were not allowed to teach their skills to others, they were dedicated to only one thing and, that was the obedience to the commands of their superiors!

Their call was probably "rape, pillage, and burn" as it is in with most armies on the battle front!

Understanding these things, we can better understand some of the things Paul said by the Holy Spirit.

1Co 7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

1Co 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Paul was seeking for all those who would be on fire for God and to commit and devote themselves to the furthering of the "Gospel"!

We must understand, no matter who we are, we will suffer some persecution at the hands of Satan, just as Preacher Sam has been preaching on the Tempter.

We are never to duck and run, because we are to stand our ground.

If we give up one inch of ground to Satan, then he has some wiggle room to start his business of ruining your testimony for the Lord Jesus.

*****2Ti 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

If we have any knowledge of the recent Olympic Games, we know that the doping of athletes was real a big story.

These athletes did not strive lawfully in their sport and were disqualified, they were not crowned the victor, nor could they compete!

What did the Lord say?

Joh_8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Luk_9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

We must continue in the Word of God that we now have, and deny the things of this world, to be in the family of God!

The Olympic athlete must dedicate his life and all he has in him, to have an opportunity to be crowned.

It is no different for the Christian who obeys the Lord Jesus Christ.

We must deny our self and commit ourselves to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Being a Christian is a 24/7 obligation!

The appointed discipline, is Prayer.

The appointed diet, is "all" the Word of God and Fasting.

The appointed person, will be a child of God by Jesus Christ.

The appointed rule book, will have been written by the Holy Ghost.

To be a Christian, we must follow the Lord Jesus Christ! This is what gets the attention of an evil world!

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Paul has taught us as a teacher.

Paul has taught us as a soldier.

Paul has taught us as an athlete.

Paul will also teach us as the farmer.

*****2Ti 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

For the farmer to partake of his own fruit, he must do much more than just cast some seed to the ground.

He must labor diligently, to clear the land and prepare the soil!

The farmer must be diligent in knowing the proper season to plant!

The farmer must be diligent to work his crop as it grows!

It is the diligent farmer who will reap a reward in the season of harvest!

It is the diligent Christian who will reap the greater reward at the "judgment seat of Christ"!

It is the diligent Christian who will be first rewarded at the "judgment seat of Christ"!

Very few people have the faith of the farmer who plants believing that God will provide the Sun and the Rain in the proper amounts!

2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2Co 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

We must consider all these words of Paul by the Holy Spirit!

*****2Ti 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

It is certain that the Bible was not given to those who have not invited the Lord Jesus to come into their hearts and their lives.

Without the Holy Spirit who moves in, at the moment of salvation, we could never understand what God is teaching us. The Bible was written for Christians who were then to take that message to the world. For most of us, this is our own community and our own workplace.

1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

It would not be going against this Scripture, to understand that if the lost read the Bible they can get saved because there is much power in the Word of God. The Word of God is convicting, when it is believed!

It would not be going against these words to realize that the Holy Spirit will always be working in an area, ahead of time before God sends a missionary into that area.

It is the same for that person that God lays on your heart to go visit or to pray for.

God is working in this world whether we are working or not!

The truth is, that we cannot have the mind of Christ until we are filled with the Spirit of Christ!

Rom_8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

We certainly must meditate on all these things before our mind and our heart will be pure enough to lead some lost soul to the Lord!

But we do not have to be Bible Scholars!

What does Jesus ask His disciples?

Mat 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

Mat 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

We must meditate on all these things and after this we must remember them and must understand that the Word of God cannot be bound!

*****2Ti 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

2Ti 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

If the Lord Jesus Christ had not been of the seed of David, then He could not have been the Messiah, and Christianity would be just another false religion.

If the Lord Jesus Christ had not raised from the dead, then we would be claiming a false religion and we would all still die in our sins!

God has given us the means to know the truth and once we have heard the truth, it is time to make a choice to believe the truth of God or to reject the truth of God.

Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

This world just cannot get around the truth of God and makes many of them so mad it becomes hate!

The Lord Jesus Christ became a man, not giving up His Deity, to pay our sin debt, that we had no means to pay!

The Lord Jesus Christ became a man, not giving up His deity, to personally know exactly what we face in life!

The truth is, there is only One, who has ever been raised from the dead, to never die again and it is the Lord Jesus Christ.

People can say what they will and deny Our Lord, but no one can deny that the entire world changed when our Savior rose from the dead!

The Lord Jesus offers every person who is alive on this earth an opportunity to know the truth!

For those that say the Bible is just some old book do not realize it, but the Scriptures were written for the days we are living in right now!

*****2Ti 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Paul was encouraged because he knew that the Word of God cannot be bound, and it is this same Word of God that will judge all those who have, by their own choice, ended up in Hell.

We to should be able to endure all things because we have a much better life ahead of us.

All those who have elected to believe the truth of the Scriptures can be encourage knowing that salvation can come only by the truth of God and it is this message that we have been assigned to take to the world.

Psa_66:16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

We must be willing to pay any price for the "Gospel" go forward and lost souls be saved, no matter who they are!

Luk 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

The Word of God makes a promise of eternal glory, but the Word of God also makes a promise of eternal judgment!

Paul had only one reason and it was to give his life's work for the church of the Living God. The same church he at one time had fought so hard to destroy

It should be the same for each of us.

Paul does not say any other Christian should suffer as he did, in fact there will not be one Christian who will suffer more than Paul suffered to get the Gospel out to this world.

*****2Ti 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

2Ti 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

In another passage we are told to mortify our flesh. We must treat our flesh as being already dead and live through our soul, already redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ and made alive through the Holy Spirit!

In other words, we must be dead to sin and ready to die for the Lord Jesus Christ!

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Rom 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

Death has no dominion over the child of God! When our flesh comes to that appointed death, we will be more alive than we can even comprehend!

If we deny the Lord Jesus Christ just to escape suffering for Him, when we die we will be more dead in torment than we could ever comprehend!

We should remember what Paul had just written, we must endure some the suffering that Jesus suffered!

For the biggest part most of us will suffer mentally!

We must not ever deny the Lord and choose that murderer, Satan! This is what the Jews did when they chose Barabbas.

Act 3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Act 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

When we choose the Lord Jesus we have chosen life!

When we suffer with Him we will also reign with Him!

Even though the most of this world denies the Lord Jesus Christ it does not make them right, it only makes them to be fools.

Though they believe not, nothing can hinder God from keeping the promises that He has made.

It is impossible for the Word of God to fail!

Num 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

When we cannot accept the basics of our Savior, who gave all that He could, then how do we suppose that God is not God!

God means what He says (every word) and God says what He means (every word)!

The only sin that cannot be forgiven is the sin of unbelief!

We live in a nation that can only blame God when bad things happen, so how can they deny Him yet blame Him!

How can people deny the God that they reject? This makes them all to be liars!

God is faithful to keep His words of salvation and God will just as faithful to keep His words of damnation! Yes, world there is a Hell!

We need to remember all these things as we meditate on the truth of God!

*****2Ti 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We are never to debate the Word of God with those who reject the Word of God!

We are to present the Word and they must make that choice to believe or that choice to reject which will lead to eternal death!

There are certainly those who choose to debate, and they have the knowledge to do so but, I am not sure even this is Biblical.

We must be aware that those who have rejected the Word of God are waiting on us to make a mistake with our words, but the Word of God is always perfect in every situation.

The Lord said "Preach"! The word "preach" is used 47 times in the New Testament.

What was the message of Jesus?

Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

The Kingdom of Heaven has never been closer than it is today!

This same message is to be preach today, along with all the Words of God!

It seems that message of "repent" is also forgotten today!

That one who is saved cannot continue in sin and please the Lord!

The Christian has already been approved to one day walk the streets of Gold, but if we study the Word of God and rightly divide the Word of God, seeing those God spoke to the Jews from those God spoke to the Christians and God spoke to those who reject His words, then we can be approved again by Him.

The Word of God has already been approved in Heaven and when we rightly divide the Word of God, then those words will also be approved in Heaven.

We can be sure the Holy Ghost is involved in this process according to the words we use! God's Word is already perfect!

We must never allow anyone to twist the Word of God into to something will make that babe in Christ stumble!

We must understand that we are fools if we do not seek the approval of God.

To avoid being a fool then we must be like that worker who is working for the Lord who works just as hard studying the Word of God!

We can tell from this one passage that God will not be pleased with those who twist the Word of God into a lie!

Jer 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

We must understand that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Living Bread of Life and like Jeremiah we need to eat the Word of God!

Joh_6:48 I am that bread of life.

Joh_6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

This is not being a cannibal, this is hard study, and much meditation, and much prayer until the Holy Ghost will teach us what these things mean.

We can study and read and meditate but if we do not apply these things to our lives, we have wasted our time and God's time!

We must also stay away from those who would deny the Lord!

*****2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

2Ti 2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

2Ti 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Those that are profane, are all ungodly people!

Babblings is just foolish talk and those who twist the Word of God into a lie are certainly profane babblers who speak nothingness!

In the day of Paul many of these were Jews but they were just as mixed up and profane about their own beliefs!

These things are just as important today because we are living in the completition of the remaining prophesies!

Satan is busier now than he ever has been, knowing his time grows shorter.

Hymenaeus and Philetus were just two of those who twisted the Word of God into an early form of Gnosticism.

These two made the resurrection to be spiritual rather than physical as God says it will be!

These two like Judas and a few others have their name written the Word of God as sinners who rejected the truth of the Scriptures!

The resurrection of Jesus Has taken place but the rapture and resurrection of all those sleeping in Jesus, has not taken place but may be next on God's agenda.

We would be wise to escape when we hear those disputing of God's Word, just to be near them can affect out testimony for the Lord.

Ungodly talk is like a cancer that spreads and then kills, having no shame in speaking against a Holy God!

The thing we need to remember as Christians is that the foundation of God stands sure have His seal. God has already placed His "seal" upon every true Christian!

If we study the Word of God, then we will know when we hear a lie.

If it comes from a teacher, then we need to educate that teacher.

If it comes from a Preacher, then we need to avoid his teaching.

Both should be presented to the Church in hope of repentance.

We must understand that with the Power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us, we as Christians are now the guardians of the Word of God!

Another truth is, God knows all His children which means that God also knows all those who reject Him!

*****2Ti 2:19 "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.

The Church that Christ Jesus built will stand until it is removed by the Lord. No one can change this fact!

Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The world just does not understand that all those ornate buildings are just that, buildings where the true church, each individual child of God gather together to worship our Savior.

All God's children proudly wear the seal of the Holy Spirit and He knows us because He lives within us!

To all those that would destroy the House of God, God does not know them at all, but God still loves them!

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

There are no false confessions, there are no hypocrites, there is no one who can fool God! God knows all His children on a personal basis and calls out their name regularly!

It is only those who depart from iniquity that have called out to the Lord.

2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Co 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,

2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

All those who understand these things and obey are the true children of God and a Temple where He dwells!

*****2Ti 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

2Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

For all those who refer to a building, God knows there will always be some vessels of wood and earth, and some to dishonor!

God knows all those that honor Him, but He also knows all those who dishonor Him.

1Co 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

To the world that vessel of gold and that vessel of wood may look the same but that one of wood will be friendlier to the world.

It is the same with that vessel of silver and that made of the earth. They may resemble each other but that made of earth will be most friendly to those of the world.

The truth is God will separate the vessels that are true from those who are false on the day God calls out His church.

Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

Mat_13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Mat_13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

In most cases that vessel of honor will know that vessel of dishonor and he will avoid partaking of his sin and have no fellowship with him!

It is the intent of those vessels of dishonor to ruin the testimony of those vessels of honor!

If we are observant we can spot those that are set apart by God the Father but remember the parable, if we try to remove these vessels ourselves then it could cause problems in the church but if they stay, they will hear the truth of God and may still become a vessel of honor before the Lord returns when He will remove all those vessels of dishonor!

In most cases we will be able to tell them by their works!

We must not forget Timothy was in Ephesus to root out all those who taught a false gospel!

It is the same for everybody of believers, Satan will sneak in and plant some tares, vessels of dishonor!

It is all those who are righteous (doing things the right way) by the Word of God who we are to follow!

*****2Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2Ti 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

If we survived our days as teenagers, we know exactly what the Lord is saying when He says flee youthful lust!

This is what our youth must do today!

This is what all those who are addicted to anything must do today. They must flee youthful lust!

Peter said it is lust that will war with the soul!

1Pe 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Timothy was no longer a teenager, but he was still a young man who had followed the Lord all through his teenage days. This is one of the greatest problems our young people face today.

They are raised in the church or they have come to know the Lord while in the church and once they must go out into the world, the world will try its best to alter the lifestyle of these young people if they do not remain true to God.

That word lust means "passionate desires".

It is normal for us to have these desires as men and women, Gods made us this way. It is when we use these things to hurt or damage others they become sin.

We must put these things aside until either commit to God and then to a marriage or we commit to God and remain single and sin free by fleeing from these youthful lusts.

Know that these youthful lusts can also mean peer pressure and the desire to be recognized and accepted by those of your own age. We as Christians must flee from all such desires that lead to sin!

There are many other lust or cravings that reach out to our young people and we must teach them to be on guard and to flee from all these things.

That phrase "say no to" originated in the Word of God and it is the Lord our God who said it first!

Remember there are many whose lust and cravings become addictions which are truly harmful and lead to a living death!

It is in the church where these who become addicted to their youthful lust can find righteousness, faith, charity, peace with all them that call upon the Lord with a pure heart.

*****2Ti 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2Ti 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

We must always remember that a false teacher will intentionally bring forth foolish and unlearned questions to cause discussion rather than get trapped in their ignorance of the Scriptures.

They will do the very best they can to divide the church.

God's answer to these things is to remain that good servant of the Lord and refuse to get caught up in strife but be gentle, apt to teach, patient, in meekness opposing those who oppose themselves.

We can believe that Timothy had much more knowledge in the Scriptures than the average preacher of that day and it would only harm his message to argue with those false teachers who would use these things against him.

What is a fact of our school systems of today there is so much useless learning, that is pointless, "stupid as well as foolish" that in the end makes those students ignorant rather than educated especially in the schools of so-called higher learning.

It is the same in the church when a false teacher gives his message. It makes those sitting in the pews more confused than they were to begin with which is the goal of Satan!

We are never to argue with those who confuse the Word of God!

We must allow the truth of the Word of God to do what God intends for it to do!

If those who are confused would just listen to what God has to say, it could change their life forever.

Mic 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

In fact, all God wants us all to do is to tell His story to all that are in the world, so they too would have a chance to say yes or no!

The next thing is for those who believe to become disciples who go out to tell the truth about Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer!

Most of those who are lost do not even realize that they are caught up in a trap of Satan, the Devil.

Satan never does things in his own name because he would be rejected!

Satan can even lay a trap in the Scriptures which is why the Lord says to rightly divide all the Scriptures.

Satan knows the weakness of every Christian, because he does not have to worry about those who follow him until they are approached by one of God's children!

Timothy must clearly understand all these things, just as we are, or the Holy Spirit would not have mentioned these things to us!

Amen

Let's Pray

Precious Memories, God's Purpose

Precious Memories

Book of 2 Timothy Chapter 1

We should understand that some time had passed since Paul had written the first Book to Timothy. Paul had first written to Timothy while he was in Laodicea. At the time Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy Paul was imprisoned in Rome and he was sentenced to death. At this time the death penalty came by beheading and Paul would soon face this judgment with a smile because he knew he was going home to be with the Lord.

This time Paul was charged for inciting an insurrection against the Roman government. This will probably be the charge that will be used against Christian preachers if the Democrats get back in office, here in America.

Paul was writing this letter at a time when Christianity was banned in Rome and all Christians found and sentenced to death.

We should understand when we read the Book of 2 Timothy we are reading the very last words of the Apostle Paul!

We will see that like a prophet Paul knew that perilous times were coming for all!

*****2Ti 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

2Ti 1:2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul knew what would soon take place in his life and he wanted Timothy to understand that he would see him again.

What will we see from the Apostle Paul is that he would maintain his dignity as a man called of God right to the very end.

This letter to Timothy will seem to be a personal letter between he and Paul, but the Holy Spirit decided that even we of today needed to understand what Paul was saying here.

This letter is another of what we call the pastoral epistles which are written to answer questions about church organization.

This is another letter from Paul by the Holy Spirit teaching us how to act in the House of God.

One thing is very clear, only those called of the Lord Jesus Christ will have a ministry in the Christian Church. This is a personal calling from the Lord Jesus Christ to that person who is called.

That one who is called, is called to walk in the will of God, remembering that it is the will of God that every living soul be saved.

1Ti_2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Eternal life comes only by Jesus Christ! Eternal death comes to all that reject the Lord Jesus Christ!

Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

God's plan is really very simple, have faith in the works Lord Jesus Christ and be at peace with God forever!

Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Joh 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

When we meet Jesus, we will be meeting the God of all creation!

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

In all the Scriptures we do not find one harsh word about Timothy and it was the fact that Timothy was saved at an early age that he was able to do so good in the ministry of the Lord.

Timothy shows us the importance of discipling our young people with the truth of the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ.

*****2Ti 1:3 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;

What did Paul have? Paul had precious memories of the time he had spent with this young man who was also called of God.

Paul leaves us with the importance of disciple training covered with much prayer. We must realize that is not about self because the Lord will take care of that. It is about that prayer life for someone besides ourselves.

We must understand that God has given us this wonderful privilege to pray for those who are disciples!

Prayer is important for everyone but when we do not zero in on our young people we are neglecting the future of our church!

We should be thinking of our young disciples in our morning prayers and our nightly prayers and everything in between!

We should remember what Jesus said:

Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Mat 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

We need to pray that God would move all the evil things of this world (drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc.) out of the way of our young people.

Maybe we to need to shed a tear for our children!

*****2Ti 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

No doubt that when Timothy heard that Paul had been arrested again and sentenced to death, he shed tears for Paul who had taught him so much and had also been like a father to him.

We also see Paul who is sentence to death for preaching the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ, who is at peace with his death, is trying to comfort Timothy.

Timothy was strong in his faith and strong in his courage, yet he was still tender. We should remember the qualifications of a Pastor and Timothy met all these qualifications.

Timothy was young man who was not afraid to stand up for the Lord, yet he was still tender and compassionate and not afraid to show his tender side.

It is this powerful man of God who brought joy to the heart of the Apostle Paul!

Not many realize that after the martyr's death of the Apostle Paul, Timothy remained Ephesus where sometime later he was also died the martyr's because he preached the whole council of God without being ashamed of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psa 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

Timothy was never afraid to call Jesus his Savior!

*****2Ti 1:5 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.

As Paul was remembering the faith of Timothy he also remembered the strong faith of his grandmother Lois and also the strong faith of his mother Eunice.

Here we the fruit that can come from those mothers and grandmothers who teach their children the truth of the Word of God!

Unfeigned faith is a faith that is not counterfeit. It is not hypocritical. It is real faith. It is sincere faith. It is based upon God's love for his church!

Lois and Eunice had that faith that could move those mountains out of the way from this young man named Timothy!

We can see how the Christian family can produce fruit for the work of the Lord!

It seems that in every period of the history of the church, it is the church women who have been more open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and pass these things down to their children.

It is in these last days the Satan has used all his power to destroy the family in his attempt to destroy the church.

We must remember what Jesus has said.

Luk_18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Once the church is taken out of the world, during the time of the great falling away, there will not be much faith, if any left upon this world!

It is only those parents who have dedicated their lives to the Lord and walk in Christ Jesus everyday who have a chance to pass these things on to their children!

Pro_22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

God would not say this if it were no true!

Even as strong as Timothy was Paul knew that every Pastor needs to be encouraged from time to time.

*****2Ti 1:6 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.

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The biggest problem we face in the church today is that God's people have let their fire go out!

We will endure abuse if we claim the Lord Jesus Christ!

Joh 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

We already know that this world we live in will never get better than it is right now!

2Ti_3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Still like Timothy it is not time to quit on God!

We need to take a poker and stir up the fire that is within us, so our flame can shine brighter.

There was no indication that Timothy's fire was getting dim and about to go out!

The Apostle Paul was on death row and he wanted Timothy to know his fight was finished and he would soon be going home. It would be Timothy who would carry the torch of freedom until he too had fought his good fight.

The truth of these things is, if the Lord has given us a task, then we are to remain in that task until we go home to be with the Lord!

We must not ever forget that He has promised to provide our needs always!

Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

If we are afraid we must know that fear is a word that is not in God's dictionary!

God gives us the gift of active power, so that we are not afraid to speak up for Jesus!

God gives us the gift of speculative power, so we can think right, and discern right from wrong.

No need to fear what man can do to us if they kill us we just wake up in Heaven.

No need to fear the trials we face every day because we are on the winning side, look in the back of the book.

No need to fear what the world says about us, they are on the losing side, also in the back of the book.

God gives us the spirit power if we just ask, but power is not needed if we are not in the fight!

God gives the spirit of love for everyone we see, if we just show it. The agape love of God as our own Father!

God gives the spirit of a sound mind when we have the mind of Christ!

1Co_2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

With these gifts of the Holy Spirit plus all the fruit of the Holy Spirit how could we ever be ashamed of our Savior?

*****2Ti 1:8 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;

Makes me want to say, just jump in this battle and stay as close to Jesus Christ you can!

We can actually call this section "Ashamed"!

Why must we never be ashamed of the Lord Jesus? Because it is He who holds the power of the Almighty God for salvation but only for those who believe!

Rom 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.

It is a fact that cowardice is a bad thing. To a soldier it could lead to his death or imprisonment.

To the Christian who refuses to get into the war against evil, it could mean an early death because to be in the will of God is the safest place for any Christian to be.

Thank goodness our God is in the soul saving business!

Being ashamed of our Savior, is showing doubt that our Lord Jesus Christ does not have the power of God. We are nothing without Jesus Christ!

Why would anyone be ashamed of the "Gospel" when it actually does bring "Good News"!

The Gospel answers every question concerning sin and it is the remedy for fallen man!

We must never be ashamed that our God came to this earth to die!

We must never be ashamed of the blood of Jesus Christ that washes away all sin.

We must never be ashamed of the virgin birth!

We must never be ashamed of the cross that Jesus bore.

We must never be ashamed.

We must never be ashamed to take our stand on the "Gospel" of the Lord Jesus Christ!

When we cannot take a stand on freedom from the bondage of sin, then nothing else can satisfy that question of just "who am I".

When we cannot live for Jesus we will certainly die for Satan!

Joh 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

We must never be ashamed of persecution. Paul said to Timothy, do not be ashamed of my imprisonment"!

It should be an honor for a Christian to be so much like Jesus that he is imprisoned.

It should be an honor to speak the words of Jesus and be imprisoned for it.

This shows the weakness of those in charge who are so afraid to hear the "Gospel" because one, some know the Word of God is so powerful that they would suffer because of God's message and two, they are denying the truth to live in their own little false world of misery.

For the Christian, this is the only world that we can suffer in, we will not suffer at all in Heaven.

Though the non-believer they may or may not suffer much in this world, but they will suffer an eternity of unreal suffering in Hell!

God sends His message to this world in order for those bound for Hell can repent and join Him in Heaven.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

My question to all those that reject the Word of God, why don’t you leave the Christians alone!

Why be so afraid of God's Word?

Joh 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

Joh 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

To a world that can believe in aliens and UFOs, why can you not believe in the supernatural, our Heavenly Savior.

I’m not sorry that I am called a Christian, I am sorry that so many just do not believe!

*****2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an 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,

2Ti 1:10 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:

Some people say we use the word saved to much, but this is the word that works for me!

I am saved. I am preserved, I am protected, I am redeemed, I am delivered from the sin of this world

Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

When you speak of salvation, you cannot get around the fact that Jesus Christ is the Author of salvation!

It is a fact that God has a purpose for everything that happens in the world. God does not do bad things, but He allows bad things to happen if they suit His purpose and His plans.

What is God's Purpose?

Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Now we know that everything in this world happens according to this purpose which God is so bold to give to us that we would know, and we can rest on the surety of these words!

If you are not in Jesus Christ, you simply will not be gathered when the Lord comes to take us home. This is known as the rapture of the church. These things are true because God says they are true. Now who do you trust?

Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

We have a hope that is much better than a guarantee when we place all our faith in the works of the Lord Jesus Christ!

There is absolutely no reason those in the Lord Jesus Christ should be uncertain about their salvation.

There is absolutely no reason that we should fear death as a Christian because we will be going home!

Over and over the Scriptures will lead us to Jesus Christ as our Savior, not just some other man but truly God come down from Heaven to die just so we can be saved.

Yes, I like that word saved!

It was also the work of the Lord Jesus Christ to abolish the death that Satan uses to hold onto his followers. There are far too many of these followers who have come out of the woodwork to declare they worship Satan to their own demise!

Evil abounds but God has more "grace" than this world has "evil"!

To be a believer we had to be bought from Satan's slave market but many more are left behind that we need to reach with the "Gospel of our salvation!

1Jn 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1Jn 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

What is the only method to become a preacher of the Gospel?

*****2Ti 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

Paul was appointed to preach by the Lord Jesus Christ, there is no other way to be a true preacher of the "Gospel" do not be fooled by nay sayers.

Paul was appointed Apostle by the Lord Jesus. The only way to be an Apostle was to have been selected by The Lord Jesus Christ seeing Him with his own eyes. For this reason, there can be no more Apostles, Paul was the last.

**Paul was appointed to be the Preacher assigned to the Gentiles.

The God called, Jesus Christ chosen, Holy Ghost filled preacher is the person who is chosen to go forth and proclaim the message of King Jesus!

The main message will be that Christ has abolished death followed with that He has brought life and immortality to those who believe upon Him!

What has happened to our preachers of today have they ignored this message or have they forgotten who Jesus is, or are they to ashamed to preach the truth?

**Paul was appointed to be an Apostle because he was sent by the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle is to go where ever he is sent with the message that "the King is Coming" and that sooner not later and speak the message he was given by the Lord.

It is the job of the Apostle to make known the business of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The business of our Savior was to do all the work necessary to provide his subjects a means of eternal life with Him and His true angels!

**Paul was appointed to be a teacher.

It is the job of the teacher to teach the curriculum that they have been assigned without changing it in any way. The Teacher will teach the whole council of God with diligence and perseverance!

Paul understood the hazards of what he had to do.

*****2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for 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.

The biggest problem with the Christian of today they make God out to be powerless and not able to fulfill His promises, which is very foolish if we just look around to what God has created for us!

When we have been justified (just as if we had never sinned) how can we think God is not able to fulfill His promises?

God says those He has justified will escape eternal death (the wrath of God) only if they have faith!

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Rom 1:20 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:

Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

There is no one (no one) who could have given us these majestic heavens but The Lord God!

It is so very foolish to think these things came about by some accident. The only thing accidents have ever brought is destruction!

Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

I along with the Apostle are not ashamed of our God of glory!

In fact, the Lord Jesus Christ came to this earth to reveal the power of God!

God is independent of His being because everything God is( His virtues, His decrees, His works, His causes, all God's character) depends on Him!

There is absolutely nothing cannot do but sin. God is who He says He is!

Exo 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

I too am persuaded that God can save my soul and that I will join Him when I die!

We must commit ourselves to the work of the Lord! Why?

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

We are kept by the power of God!

The Apostle Paul was very sure that judgment was coming but he was also very sure this would take place sometime after he was gone on to Heaven!

Paul was also very sure that when he met Jesus in the clouds, he would have to give an account of himself after his salvation because all the things Paul had done by persecuting the church before he was saved had been forgiven and God would not remember these things against him.

Even as we see the things of this world get even more evil we must still hold fast to the Word of God!

*****2Ti 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Because the nature of humanity is corrupt and sinful we cannot always trust that we can know the truth of their words.

This is not so with God. The Word of God is good for our health here on earth and eternal life when we join the Lord!

The only sound words that we can depend on come from the Lord!

When we start doubting the words that tell us the truth of our Savior then we are not clinging to the truth!

No false doctrine comes from sound words which are the words that Jesus Christ our only Savior has brought to us from God the Holy Spirit!

When we doubt the Word of God we are calling God a liar.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

It is impossible to truly believe upon Jesus Christ if we reject in any way the truth of Scriptures!

Joh 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

The Holy Spirit has decided that the words He has given to us are all we need to trust in the Lord for eternal life.

We have the truth and the results of the truth.

When it comes time to hear the Word of God, we can believe that it is true, beyond all doubt and yes Jonah was swallowed by a real whale!

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The Word of God brings so much truth many people spend too much time trying to find fault in the Word of God.

We must hold fast to the form of sound words!

*****2Ti 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

We should understand that trust works both ways with the Lord. We are to trust in His Words and He will trust us to take those words to someone else, so they also can make the choice to accept or reject the truth of God.

The world just does not understand that God wants everyone in this entire world to get an opportunity to compare His truth to what the world has to say about health, love, life and purpose!

We as Christians have the words of life, how can we not share it?

We must also understand that if God has something that affects humans then He will choose another human to do it.

The only humans who can do this thing must be filled with God the Holy Spirit!

In fact, the only good thing upon this world is the Word of God!

What is the greatest truth of the Word of God? It is all about Jesus Christ!

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

1Jn 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

There should be no doubt in the Christian, of what these things mean!

It is our Holy God the Father that gives us the Gift of Life and that gift comes by "The Word", God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ!

So, we can hold fast the gifts God places in our hands.

*****2Ti 1:15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

We should pay very close attention to what the Holy Spirit is saying here.

The Apostle Paul was arrested a second time and sentenced to death at the hands of Nero, just for preaching the truth of the Scriptures.

Phygellus and Hermogenes had travel with Paul since Paul was in Asia.

Most all those of Asia abandoned not only Paul but also the Lord and when we say no to God, we are committing sin.

Certainly, Rome was a dangerous place to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but God would take something bad and make good come from it!

Php 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

Php 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

Php 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

These things being true Phygellus and Herogenes both from Asia not being arrested with Paul abandoned him and took with them others from Asia.

This was a sad time for Paul, but he never gave up and the Lord never left his side just as He said, He will never forsake us.

Paul was not ashamed of the "Gospel" and this showed in these words given to Him by the Holy Spirit.

Rom_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.

There was one who stood by Paul and he became a very special help to him!

*****2Ti 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

2Ti 1:17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

Onesiphorus was a Christian from the church of Ephesus where Timothy was being sent.

While Onesiphorus was helping Paul his family back home was without their father and Paul prayed for mercy for this household and Paul was making Timothy aware of this family who may also have a need.

Onesiphorus came many times to visit Paul and while he was there he would cheer Paul up and it also reveals to us the Paul may have spent some time with family when he was in Ephesus.

This may be all we know of this man Onesiphorus, but it is obvious that he was a Christian who was not ashamed of the "Gospel" and he was a true friend to Paul.

Pro_18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

No doubt that the name of Onesiphorus had been written in the Lambs Book of Life.

*****2Ti 1:18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Not one of us deserve the mercy of God!

To ask God to show mercy is not so much to ask God to be good as it is to show we have a forgiving God.

I believe when Paul says, "that day" he is referring to the day of the "Rapture" when we will all face the Lord Jesus Christ, at the Bema Seat!

We must never abandon our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter the circumstances, we are all bound together by the blood of Jesus Christ and we must never bring shame to His name!

Heb 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

There will never be a day, while we live upon this earth that we will not need the mercy of God!

Amen