In the Spiritual world there are two fathers or masters; Satan and God (2 Timothy 2:28; Romans 6:16; John 8:42-47). Satan is a created being that rebelled against the creator and he and his servants come to damnation (Revelation 20:10), but those who serve God will enter into his heaven (Matthew. 25:23; Revelation 7:9-17).
These are not equal masters. No created being can be compared to God in strength or any other attribute (Psalm 89:6; Exodus 15:11-13; 1 Kings 8:23; Psalm 113:5-9; John 10:29).
We serve the victor or the defeated, the infinite or the finite, the One who is love or the one who hates.
Who have you chosen (Joshua 24:15)?
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Creating Trouble
The King James translation of verse 25 is very interesting. "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;" (2 Timothy 2:25).
When we oppose sound teaching, we bring trouble into our lives. We are working in opposition to what is best for ourselves.
When we oppose sound teaching, we bring trouble into our lives. We are working in opposition to what is best for ourselves.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
A Dangerous Operation
"A servant of The Lord must be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition" (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
Correcting is a delicate operation. There are many dangers but one of the greatest is pride in the one doing the correction. There are several warnings in scripture about this.
"Brethren if anyone is overtaken by a temptation, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" ( Galatians 6:1). "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). He that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except as is common to man..." (1 Corinthians 10:12-13a).
It is our duty of love to correct, but we never forget that we too could fail and have done so in the past. Our goal in correcting is not to show ourselves righteous, but to rescue the fallen (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
Correcting is a delicate operation. There are many dangers but one of the greatest is pride in the one doing the correction. There are several warnings in scripture about this.
"Brethren if anyone is overtaken by a temptation, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" ( Galatians 6:1). "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). He that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except as is common to man..." (1 Corinthians 10:12-13a).
It is our duty of love to correct, but we never forget that we too could fail and have done so in the past. Our goal in correcting is not to show ourselves righteous, but to rescue the fallen (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
With Whom do We Join in the Pursuit?
Paul told Timothy to "pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace" (notice this next qualifier) "with those who call on The Lord out of a pure heart" (2Timothy 2:22). Attempting to pursue peace with those who use The Lord as a cover and are not sincere often results in anguish, turmoil, arguments and anything but peace. Paul tells the believers in Rome to avoid such people (Romans 16:17-20).
Arguing scripture leads to strife. Discussing scripture leads to life.
Arguing scripture leads to strife. Discussing scripture leads to life.
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