Pastoral Epistles Lesson 8 (Part 9)

2 Timothy 2:19-26

Pastoral Epistles Lesson 8

Part 9

2 Timothy 2:19-26

Introduction: We are continuing our study on the Pastoral Epistles, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. We have seen the importance of studying the words of God, the importance of reminding, and shunning man’s empty and foolish questioning of scripture.

      Now we are reminded of the stability, and responsibility, that is ours.

1. The Stability (2 Timothy 2:19)
   1. “Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure”
      1. The foundation (cf. Eph.2:20; 1 Cor. 3:11)
      1. The unbelief of man does not make the words of God empty.
         1. Faith may be shaken
         1. Not so the foundation of God.
   1. “having this seal”
      1. Seal of ownership and authority (cf. Esther 3:12)
         1. We are “sealed” (see Eph. 1:13)
   1. “the Lord knoweth them that are his” (cp. John 10:14)
      1. Only 3 people know whether saved or not (God, me, the devil—Dr. Peter Ruckman)
         1. This is the guarantee of my salvation.
            1. 2 seals (This one; and Hebrews 13:5)
            1. This is my eternal security.
2. The Responsibility (2 Timothy 2:19ff)
   1. “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity”
      1. Received the Savior, leave the paths of sin.
      1. This is my duty to the Savior. (cf. Luke 17:10)
      1. Reject false doctrines wicked behavior that appeals to the flesh.
3. Usefulness (2 Tim 2:20)
   1. “a great house” (cf. 1 Tim. 3:!5; Heb 3:6)
      1. What a truly great house is our Lord’s.
   1. “vessels of gold…silver…honour”
      1. “vessels” people believers
   1. “vessels of…wood..earth…dishonour”
      1. “vessels” people “make-believers”
         1. “Make-believers” could be Christian that pretends things that are so are not so; and things that are so are not so”
   1. What makes the difference?
4. Difference (2 Tim. 2:21)
   1. “If a man therefore purge himself”
      1. Personal behavior, choice
   1. “from these”
      1. These speaks to the false doctrine, and false teachers, that some have followed.
      1. Separation required for purging. (Negative)
   1. “he shall be a vessel unto honour…meet for the Master’s use”
      1. Separated believer (Negative that brings about a positive.)
      1. Studier of the Scripture (2 Timothy 3:15-17)
      1. Obedient to the Lord’s Leadership (Example: Acts 16:6,7,9-10)
   1. “meet” (cf. Gen. 2:18)
   1. “sanctified”
      1. Separated to the Savior (cf. Rom. 6:13,19)
   1. “prepared unto every good work”
      1. Preparation for service.
5. Run Away (2 Tim. 2:22)
   1. “Flee also youthful lusts” 
      1. We are not to argue the point, nor stay in its neighborhood.
      1. Run quickly like Joseph (cp. Gen. 29:7-12)
      1. Required of a “vessel unto honor”
   1. “Follow after”
      1. We are going to walk one way or the other, choose the way of the Lord.
      1. Don’t try to live in a vacuum (Replace the negative with the positive)
         1. “put off” “put on” (Eph 4:22,25 with 4:24; 6:11)
6. Avoid (2 Tim. 2:23)
   1. “foolish and unlearned questions”
      1. Repeated warnings show danger and avoidance needed.
      1. Example: Genesis 3:1
   1. “knowing…gender strife”
      1. Purpose is not what we are to be focused on.
7. Restrictions to Service (2 Tim. 2:24,25)
   1. “must not strive”
      1. Violation of vs. 23 will lead to violation of vs. 24
      1. Deals with personal work, personal soul-winning or counseling. (NOT preaching)
      1. Flip side in preaching (cf. Rom. 15:20; 1 Thess. 2:2; Tit. 1:13; 1 Tim. 2:20; 2Tim 4:2; Acts 9:29; 1 Cor 15:36; Phil 3:19; Rom 3:8)
         1. Importance of “rightly dividing word” for right application.
   1. “in meekness instructing”
      1. “meekness” forbearance, patient, quiet temperament.
   1. “those that oppose themselves”
      1. They are their own worst enemy.
      1. Give them the truth.
   1. “if God peradventure”
      1. God must move in the hearts of men.
         1. Does so through His words (cf. Mark 4:4; Deut. 8:3)
   1. “peradventure”
      1. Based on what a man does with the words of God.
         1. Receive or reject bring opposite effects.
   1. “give them repentance”
      1. God will work in the heart of those that receive His words.
      1. Notice the last part of this verse:
   1. “to the acknowledging of the truth”
      1. Here is the condition that must be met.
         1. Remember this specifically deals with those that were drawn way from the truth.
8. Recovery (2 Tim 2:26)
   1. “That they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil”
      1. Conditional to escape the devil’s trap.
   1. “that are taken captive by him at his will”
      1. The devil’s will is to trap men in unbelief.
      1. He can snare men if. Hs so chooses
         1. We are all susceptible to his snares. (Psa. 39:5)
         1. He trapped Job (Job 1:9-11)
         1. He trapped Peter (cf. Luke 22:31-34, 57)

Conclusion: So, what have we learned?

• Stability and responsibility
• Difference in vessels
• Usefulness a product of obedience and faith in God’s words.