2 Timothy 2:14-21 Outline

 2 Timothy 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. 

a. NLT: Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

b. Amplified Bible: Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, that does no good, but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers. 

1. “Of these things put them in remembrance…”

a. Of these things [Strong: 5023 tauta tow'-tah nominative or accusative case neuter plural of 3778; these things:--+ afterward, follow, + hereafter, X him, the same, so, such, that, then, these, they, this, those, thus.]

1). “These things” are the subject of the passage 2 Timothy 2:14-21. Paul lists three of them, of which we will attempt to cover in detail.

b. put them in remembrance [Strong: 5279 hupomimnesko hoop-om-im-nace'-ko from 5259 and 3403; to remind quietly, i.e. suggest to the (middle voice, one's own) memory:--put in mind, remember, bring to (put in) remembrance.]

1). Puting in remembrance can and should stir things up in your spirit.

a). 2 Peter 1:13

b). 2 Peter 3:1

c). 2 Peter 1:12

d). John 14:26

2. “…charging them before the Lord…” 

a. charge [Strong: 1263  diamarturomai dee-am-ar-too'-rom-ahee from 1223 and 3140; to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively:--charge, testify (unto), witness.] [Zodhiates: To bear witness, testify earnestly or repeatedly, or to charge as it were before witnesses, to affirm.]

1). The word “charge” is used two other times by Paul in 1 & 2 Timothy. Paul is telling Timothy that God is witnessing this command of Paul’s to Timothy.

a). 1 Timothy 5:21 

b). 2 Timothy 4:1 

2). A Hebrew word translated “charge” is also used in the Old Testament in connection with the commandments of God. It is never used lightly. One can do a word search of it and be struck by the heaviness associated with it.

a). 1 Kings 2:1-3 

b). Numbers 27:18-23 

3. “…that they strive not about words to no profit…” 

1). We are not to fight over words that won’t help anybody grow spiritually.

4. “…but to the subverting of the hearers.”

a. subverting [Strong:2692 katastrophe kat-as-trof-ay' from 2690; an overturn ("catastrophe"), i.e. demolition; figuratively, apostasy:--overthrow, subverting.] [Thayer:  overthrow, destruction, metaphorically, of the extinction of a spirit of consecration.]

1). The Greek word translated “subverting” is  “katastrophe” This is where we get the English word catastrophe, so in light of that I don’t believe the meaning is just to shake up or wound a person’s faith. It means to overthrow or destroy it. If our discussion with other Christians is only going to destroy or completely overthrow their faith, we need to keep our mouths shut. This is the first on the list of “these things” that Paul was admonishing Timothy to not only be obedient to himself but to pass these commandments on to those under him.

2 Timothy 2:15

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

a. Amplified Bible: Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved tested by trial, a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and dividing reightly handling and skillfully teaching the Word of Truth.

1. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…”

a. study [Strong: 4704 spoudazo spoo-dad'-zo from 4710; to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest:--do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.  ] [Zodhiates: To be diligent, earnest, eager.] 

1). The word translated “study” in 2 Timothy 2:15 is translated “labor” in Hebrews 4:11; “give diligence” in 2 Peter 1:10; and “will endeavor” in 2 Peter 1:15. The word was translated “study” by the KJV translators I believe, because of the association with the phrase, “rightly dividing the word of truth”, and there is room for it. Personally I believe the blessing of “rightly dividing the word of truth”, is pending upon “showing ourselves approved unto God.”  The context will bear this out. In light of that, the rendering of spoudazo to the idea of “diligence” is more precise. 

b. to shew [Strong: 3936 paristemi par-is'-tay-mee, or prolonged paristano par-is-tan'-o from 3844 and 2476; to stand beside, i.e. (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or ready), aid:--assist, bring before, command, commend, give presently, present, prove, provide, shew, stand (before, by, here, up, with), yield.] [Zodhiates: To place or set before someone, present, exhibit.] [Strong: to stand beside, i.e. (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or ready), aid:--assist, bring before, command, commend, give presently, present, prove, provide, shew, stand (before, by, here, up, with), yield.]

1). Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2). Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.   

3). Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

a).  In light of these uses, whoever we are consistently obeying, to them we are presenting ourselves as “living sacrifices”, “servants”, and as “weapons”. In the use here in 2 Timothy 2:15 we can also add we are “showing” or “proving” ourselves as such to either God or the devil.

c. thyself [Strong: 4572 seautou seh-ow-too', genitive case from 4571 and 846, also dative case of the same, seautoi seh-ow-to', and accusative case seauton seh-ow-ton', likewise contracted sautou sow-too', sautoi sow-to', and sauton sow-ton', respectively of (with, to) thyself:--thee, thine own self, (thou) thy(-self).]  

d. approved [Strong: 1384 dokimos dok'-ee-mos from 1380; properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e. approved:--approved, tried.] [Zodhiates:Proved, tried as metals by fire and thus purified. Hence to be approved as acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. Approval does not mean self-commendation, but the commendation of the Lord.]

e. [unto] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

1). This principle of “showing ourselves approved unto God” in our behavior has nothing to do with our salvation, but everything to do with showing ourselves trustworth, dependable. This principle is referring to after salvation and the Lord being able to depend upon us to be used by Him after He has witnessed our faithfulness. 

2. “…a workman…”

a. a workman [Strong: 2040 ergates er-gat'-ace from 2041; a toiler; figuratively, a teacher:--labourer, worker(-men).] [Zodhaites: A laborer, primarily in farming. In 2 Timothy 2:15, a spiritual workman or laborer.] [Strong: a toiler; figuratively, a teacher:--labourer, worker(-men).]

1). Our salvation is the gift of God, we cannot work our way to heaven.

a). Ephesians 2:8, 9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

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

2). Yet in this verse we are called “workman”. Why? Because we are co-laborers with God, we are to labor, yield and grow within our covenant relationship with him, yielding and cooperating with the Spirit and word of God on a daily basis as we pursue Him. The following passages will bear that out.

a). 2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

b). Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

c). Philippians 2:12, 13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 

2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

(1) Working out our own salvation is this: When we get born again whoever we are, because of the New Birth we are all delivered, we are forgiven, made righteous and set free from our sin, but we have to walk it out. When I got saved the desire to get high left me, I had a filthy mouth, and it also left me. After I got saved I had no trouble with profanity coming out of my mouth, it stopped completely. There were other things though that I had to work through or walk out requiring constant vigilance. I quit smoking on the third day after I got saved and though they were never again picked up, the desire to smoke dogged me for about three months, the desire diminished little by little until there was no desire. None. I was also delivered from the bondage of alcohol. But because I live in this flesh body I have to be in constant vigilance to yield to the Spirit of God, to walk free from the law of sin and death that dwells in me. I have to work out or walk out my own salvation.

        

3. “…that needeth not to be ashamed…”

a. that needeth not to be ashamed [Strong: 422 anepaischuntos; a-without; epi-on, upon; aischuno-shame, an-ep-ah'-ee-skhoon-tos; a presumed derivative of the compound word 1909 epi & 153 aischuno; not ashamed, i.e., by implication irreprehensible:-- that needeth not to be ashamed.]

1). The following two passages contain the Greek word for shame, aischuno, of which the word in 2 Timothy 2:15 is a derivative.

a). 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

b). Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or death.

2). The next two passages contain the Greek word, epaischunomai, [1870], [Zodhiates: To bring shame upon oneself, to be ashamed of.]

a). 2 Timothy 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.

b). Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

3). I believe the implication is obvious. The choice of whether or not we are going to be ashamed when we stand before Christ rests solely on us. If we choose to be obedient to his word, no matter what the cost, when we stand before Jesus we will not be ashamed. However, if we allow yielding to the law of sin and death to keep us from being obedient to his words and we are ashamed to do them, Jesus will be ashamed of us, and we will be ashamed when we stand before Him. 

4. “…rightly dividing the word of truth.”

a. rightly dividing [Strong: 3718 orthotomeo or-thot-om-eh'-o from a compound of 3717 and the base of 5114, to make a straight cut, i.e. (figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message):--rightly divide.] [Vines: The meaning passed from the idea of cutting or dividing, to the more general sense of rightly dealing with a thing. Teaching Scripture accurately.] [Zodhiates: orthotomeo; ortho-straight; temno-to cut; To handle correctly, skillfully; to correctly teach the word of truth.]

1). I am fully persuaded that our ability to receive the Spirit led revelation/interpretation, and then to Spirit lead teach the Scriptures, is greatly affected by our free will to either diligently walk in the light revealed to us, or to entertain sin in our lives. I believe 2 Timothy 2:15 touches on it. We can see it also in 2 Peter 3:16.

a). 2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. 

2). Institute Of Creation Research Daily Devotional 7/31/2013 The key is to "rightly divide" the Scriptures. The Greek word orthotomeo, only used this one time, has several shades of meaning: to cut straight, to cut straight ways; to proceed on straight paths, hold a straight course; to make straight and smooth; to handle aright; to teach the truth directly and correctly. Two passages emphasize the way to "divide" the Scriptures. When Isaiah asked rhetorical questions about how to learn and understand biblical knowledge, the answer was "precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little" (Isaiah 28:9, 10). Thus:  Find the major pieces first. Find the supporting elements next. Find the pieces throughout the text.  Solomon, as the "wise preacher," noted that one who would teach the people knowledge must have given "good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs" (Ecclesiastes 12:9). Pay attention to the words (meanings, context). Penetrate (research) the teaching (text first, then books). Organize the information for teaching purposes. This kind of study preparation requires a "workman"—one who is willing to give the "diligence" necessary to produce the powerful sayings built on the "word of truth." If properly prepared, the workman will never be "ashamed." HMM III

b. The word of truth is of course the word of God.

2 Timothy 2:16

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

a.  Amplified Bible: But avoid all empty vain, useless, idle talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.

1. “But shun profane and vain babblings…”

a. shun [Strong: 4026 periistemi per-ee-is'-tay-mee from 4012 and 2476; to stand all around, i.e. (near) to be a bystander, or (aloof) to keep away from:--avoid, shun, stand by (round about).] [Zodhiates: to place oneself from a distance from, avoiding.]

b. profane [Strong: 952 bebelos beb'-ay-los from the base of 939 and belos (a threshold); accessible (as by crossing the door-way), i.e. (by implication, of Jewish notions) heathenish, wicked:--profane (person).] [Zodhiates: unhallowed, the opposite of sacred, profane, void of religion.] [Google Chrome Search: relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious. (of a person or their behavior) not respectful of orthodox religious practice; irreverent. (of language) blasphemous or obscene.]

c. [and] vain babblings [Strong: 2757 kenophonia ken-of-o-nee'-ah from a presumed compound of 2756 and 5456; empty sounding, i.e. fruitless discussion:--vain.] [Zodhiates: kenophonia; keno-vain; phone-a voice; Empty or fruitless speaking.]

1). Would it be so out of context to interpret it thus: Avoid, place much distance between yourself and secular vanities.

2. “…for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”

a. for [Strong: 1063 gar gar a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.]

b. [they will] increase [Strong: 4298  prokopto prok-op'-to from 4253 and 2875; to drive forward (as if by beating), i.e. (figuratively and intransitively) to advance (in amount, to grow; in time, to be well along):--increase, proceed, profit, be far spent, wax.] [Zodhiates: prokopto; pro-before, forward; kopto-to cut, strike, impel; In 2 Timothy 2:16 it means to further.]

b. unto [Strong: 1909 epi ep-ee' a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.:--about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).

c. more [Strong: 4119  pleion pli-own, or neuter pleion pli'-on, or pleon pleh'-on comparative of 4183; more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion:--X above, + exceed, more excellent, further, (very) great(-er), long(-er), (very) many, greater (more) part, + yet but.]

d. ungodliness [Strong: 763 asebeia as-eb'-i-ah from 765; impiety, i.e. (by implication) wickedness:--ungodly(-liness).]

1). Profane, secular, empty speaking will increase [or descend] into ungodliness. The process is further described in the next verse.

2). This is one of the warnings against indulging in popular culture. American popular culture is overflowing with content fit only for a sewer. Under the guise of free speech, TV programs, movies and music provide seeds and fertilizer to produce more and more ungodliness. It is a universal spiritual law that seeds will reproduce after their own kind. Not only is the level of corruption increasing but the speed at which it is increasing is accelerating. Ungodliness is increasing.

3). Institute Of Creation Research Daily Devotional 8/2/2013  Paul's earlier warning about "word fights" (2 Timothy 2:14) is strengthened in the text above with a different emphasis. Word fights are "picky" debates started by quarrelsome people. They are useless and divisive. They create conflicts and schisms.  Profane and vain babblings, however, are worldly and valueless "noise." Less obvious and more subtle than fighting, they have the effect of destroying godliness. "But refuse profane |ungodly| and old wives' fables |myths, baseless stories|, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7).  Because "godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8), Paul strongly urged Timothy to "keep |guard| that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith" (1 Timothy 6:20, 21). The "oppositions" spoken of are the "antithesis"—the conflict, the stand against knowledge. Paul calls this anti-knowledge a pseudonumos—a false name. It sounds like knowledge but is not true. The results of these "babblings" are not good. Ungodliness will increase. Error will eat away at spiritual health and truth like gangrene. The two church leaders that Paul mentions, Hymenaeus and Philetus, are listed as examples of such a cancer. They taught that the resurrection had already occurred for the saints. Peter's warning is very similar: "Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness" (2 Peter 3:17). HMM III

2 Timothy 2:17

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

a. Amplified Bible: And their teaching will devour; it will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus.

1. “And their word will eat as doth a canker…”

a.  word [Strong: 3056 logos log'-os from 3004; something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):--account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.]

b. will eat [Strong: 2192 echo ekh'-o, including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; (used in certain tenses only) a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.]

c. doth a canker [Strong: 1044 gaggraina gang'-grahee-nah from graino (to gnaw); an ulcer ("gangrene"):--canker.] [Zodhiates: Gangrene or mortification which, unless properly treated, spreads from the place affected and eats away or consumes the neighboring parts of the body and at length destroys the whole body.]

1). Combining the two verses, it seems to be saying that profane, fruitless and empty words that are the opposite of, or opposing the sacred, opposing the truth of Scripture are to be avoided because dwelling on them will increase ungodliness. The words themselves will eat like gangrene. It will be a breeding ground or a feeding ground for ungodliness.

2). This verse reinforces the principle of the power of words. Here Paul writes that words, profane, unhallowed, and secular will further ungodliness. These kinds of words will eat like gangrene and instead of flesh it eats something else. The next two verses reveal just what it eats. Profane , secular and empty words will eat away at our faith.

2. “…of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus;”

a. Hymeneus [Unger’s Bible Dictionary] “Pertaining to Hymen, the god of marriage, a person in Ephesus twice named in the Epistles of Timothy, who along with Alexander (1 Timothy 1:20) and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:18) had departed from the truth in faith and practice. The chief doctrinal error of these persons consisted in maintaining that “the resurrection was past already” 2 Timothy 2:18. The precise meaning of this expression is by no means clearly ascertained; the most general and perhaps best founded opinion is, that they understood the resurrection in a figurative sense of the great change produced by the gospel dispensation, thus he stands as on of the earliest of the Gnostics.”

1). As mentioned above the Apostle Paul had dealings with Hymenaeus that was recorded in his first epistle to Timothy.

a). 1 Timothy 1:19, 20 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

b). In Scripture the phrase to “deliver to Satan” is the last action included in the process of church discipline. The individual or individuals are cast out from the local body and then they are “delivered unto Satan”. This probably is an action of prayer where all Divine protection is removed from the person involved and they become an open target for the enemy to attack them in order to force them to repent. More can be found on my notes on 1 Corinthians 5:5.

2). In 1 Timothy 1:19, 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are described as having “made shipwreck”, because they put away faith. These individuals such, as who Jude described in Jude 12. 

a). Jude 12 [NASB] “These men are those who are hidden reefs in your love feats…”

b). Reefs cause shipwreck.

b. Philetus [Strong: Philetos fil-ay-tos' from 5368; amiable; Philetus, an opposer of Christianity:--Philetus.] [Unger’s Bible Dictionary: an apostate Christian name in connection with Hymenaeus as holding false views regarding the resurrection.]

2 Timothy 2:18

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

a. Amplified Bible: Who have missed the mark and swerved from the truth by arguing that the resurrection has already taken place. They are undermining the faith of some.

1. “Who concerning the truth have erred…”

a. truth [225 aletheia al-ay'-thi-a] [Strong: truth:--true, X truly, truth, verity.] [Vine: objectively, signifying "the reality lying at the basis of an appearance; the manifested, veritable essence of a matter"… in Ephesians 4:21, where the RV, "even as truth is in Jesus," gives the correct rendering, the meaning is not merely ethical "truth," but "truth" in all its fullness and scope, as embodied in Him; He was the perfect expression of the truth; this is virtually equivalent to His statement in John 14:6;]

c. have erred [Strong: 795  astocheo as-tokh-eh'-o from a compound of 1 (as a negative particle) and stoichos (an aim); to miss the mark, i.e. (figuratively) deviate from truth:--err, swerve. ]

2. “…saying that the resurrection is past already…”

a. resurrection [Strong: 386 anastasis an-as'-tas-is from 450; a standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth):--raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again.]

d. is past [Strong: ginomai ghin'-om-ahee a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):--arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.]

e. already [Strong: 2235  ede ay'-day apparently from 2228 (or possibly 2229) and 1211; even now:--already, (even) now (already), by this time.]

1). The doctrine of the resurrection is one of the foundational doctrines of Christianity.

a). Hebrews 6:1, 2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3. “…and overthrow the faith of some.”

a. overthrow [Strong: 396 anatrepo an-at-rep'-o from 303 and the base of 5157; to overturn (figuratively):--overthrow, subvert.] [Zodhiates: to subvert, overturn.]

c. faith [Strong: 4102 pistis pis'-tis from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.]

e. of some [Strong: 5100 tis tis an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:--a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).]

1). A foundation of faith can be eaten away by profane secular words similar to gangrene to the extent it will be overthrown. Lester Sumrall used to say, “Feed your faith and starve your doubts to death!”  As has been previously mentioned, Hymeneus had already been excommunicated, probably out of the Ephesian church. The only two times he is mentioned is in both of Paul’s epistles to Timothy and Timothy was the overseer of the Ephesian church. Looking at the context of his first mention in 1 Timothy, he was probably a leader in the church of Ephesus.

a). 1 Timothy 1:18-2:2  This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 

1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

2). Notice that after Paul mentioned Hymenaeus being excommunicated in verse 20, Paul begins to exhort Timothy and us about prayer for our leaders. The probable reason is Hymenaeus was a leader in the Ephesian church.

2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

a. Amplified Bible: But the firm foundation laid by God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and Let everyone who names himself by the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it.

1. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure.”

a. foundation [Strong: 2310 themelios them-el'-ee-os from a derivative of 5087; something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively):--foundation.] [Thayer: laid down as a foundation, the foundation (of a building, wall, city) metaphorically the foundations, beginnings, first principals of institution or system of truth.]

b. standeth [Strong: 2476 histemi his'-tay-mee a prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):--abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up).]

f. sure [Strong: 4731 er-eh-os' from 2476; stiff, i.e. solid, stable (literally or figuratively):--stedfast, strong, sure.] [Thayer: strong, firm, immovable, solid, firm, steadfast.]

1). I believe the foundation of God consists of two things. The first is Jesus Christ, He is our foundation

 

a). 1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 2). Another aspect here is obedience to His Lordship.

a). Luke 4:46-48 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

4:47 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

4:48 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

3). The use of this word picture is bolstered later in this verse by another use of the same metaphor by Jesus in describing the link between Lordship and obedience.

2. “…having this seal…”

a. seal [Strong: 4973 sphragis sfrag-ece' probably strengthened from 5420; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively:--seal.] [Zodhiates: A seal impressed as a guarantee of something’s genuineness; as a motto, inscription.]

1). Albert Barnes NT Commentary: The seal here is one that was affixed to the foundation, and seems to refer to some inscription on the foundation-stone which always remained there, and which denoted the character and design of the edifice. The allusion is to the custom, in rearing an edifice, of inscribing the name of the builder and the design of the edifice on the corner-stone.

2). The seal consists of two things.

3. “…The Lord knoweth them that are his…” 

a. [The] Lord [Strong: 2962 kurios koo'-ree-os from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.]

b. knoweth [Strong: 1097 ginosko ghin-oce'-ko; a prolonged form of a primary verb; to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed):--allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.]

c. 1). . The part of the seal is undoubtedly linked to a passage in Matthew. Notice the tie between Jesus not knowing someone because of their working iniquity even though they profess Him as Lord and do wonderful works. 

a). Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

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?

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

b). The Greek word used in Matthew 7:23 for “knoweth” is the same used in 2 Timothy 2:19 for “knew”.

c). Simply professing Jesus Christ as Lord in faith is not necessarily enough except in conversions immediately before or near death. I am in no way saying we are not saved by grace through faith only. Most definitely we are, it is one of the cardinal truths of the gospel, but faith without works is dead. If there is a life to be lived after the sincere profession of Christ there needs to be a change, as Christians we must depart from iniquity.

d). Albert Barnes NT Commentary: “The Lord knoweth them that are his. This is one of the inscriptions on the foundation-stone of the church, which seems to mark the character of the building. It always stands there, no matter who apostatizes. It is, at the same time, a fearful inscription --showing that no one can deceive God; that he is intimately acquainted with all who enter that building; and that in the multitudes which enter there, the friends and the foes of God are intimately known. He can separate his own friends from all others, and his constant care will be extended to all who are truly his own, to keep them from failing. This has the appearance of being a quotation, but no such passage is found in the Old Testament in so many words. In Nahum 1:7, the following words are found: "And he knoweth them that trust in him;" and it is possible that Paul may have had that in his eye; but it is not necessary to suppose that he designed it as a quotation. A phrase somewhat similar to this is found in Numbers 16:5, "The Lord will show who are his," rendered in the Septuagint, "God knoweth who are his;" and Whitby supposes that this is the passage referred to.”

4. “…And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

a. nameth [Strong: 3687 onomazo on-om-ad'-zo from 3686; to name, i.e. assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess:--call, name.]

b. Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos' from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]

c. depart [Strong: 868 aphistemi af-is'-tay-mee from 575 and 2476; to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.:--depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.]

h. iniquity [Strong: 93 adikia ad-ee-kee'-ah from 94; (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act):--iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.]

1). Albert Barnes NT Commentary. This is the other seal or inscription which is made on the foundation which God has laid. The foundation has two inscriptions-the first implying that God knows all who are his own people; the other, that all who are his professed people should depart from evil. This is not found in so many words in the Old Testament, and, like the former, it is not to be regarded as a quotation. The meaning is, that it is an elementary principle in the true church, that all who become members of it should lead holy lives.

 2). . The implication is clear that the profane and vain preaching of false teachers and their doctrine is iniquity and we are to shun it. After the parable of the leaven hid in three measures of meal, which was a parable warning against false doctrine, Jesus gave this warning.

a). Luke 13:20-27 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

13:21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

2 Timothy 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.

a. Amplified Bible: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also utensils of wood and earthenware, and some for honourable and noble use and some for menial and ignoble use.

1. “But in a great house…”

a. house [Strong: 3614 oikia oy-kee'-ah from 3624; properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics):--home, house(-hold).]

1). The house referred to here is the church.

a). Hebrews 3:4-6 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.

3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

b). 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

2. “…there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth…”

a. vessels [Strong: 4632 skeuos skyoo'-os of uncertain affinity; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband)):--goods, sail, stuff, vessel.]

b. gold [Strong: 5552 chruseos khroo'-seh-os from 5557; made of gold:--of gold, golden.]

c. silver [ Strong: 693 argureos ar-goo'-reh-os from 696; made of silver:--(of) silver.]

d. wood [Strong: 3585 xulinos xoo'-lin-os from 3586; wooden:--of wood.]

e. earth [Strong: 3749 ostrakinos os-tra'-kin-os from ostrakon ("oyster") (a tile, i.e. terra cotta); earthen-ware, i.e. clayey; by implication, frail:--of earth, earthen.] 

3. “…and some to honour, and some to dishonor.”

a. honour [Strong: 5092  time tee-may' from 5099; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:--honour, precious, price, some.] [Thayer: a valuing by which the price is fixed, of the price itself, of the price paid or received for a person or thing bought or sold, honour which belongs or is shown to one, of the honour which one has by reason of rank and state of office which he holds, deference, reverence.]

b. dishonor [Strong: 819 atimia at-ee-mee'-ah from 820; infamy, i.e. (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace:--dishonour, reproach, shame, vile.] [Thayer: dishonour, ignominy, disgrace]

1). Family Bible Notes:  “…a figurative way of saying that in Christ's visible church there will be found the precious and the vile.”

2). . Within the Body of Christ there are vessels of gold and silver but also vessels of wood and earth. The vessels of gold and silver are vessels of honour, while the vessels of wood and earth are vessels of dishonor. This theme is all through the Scriptures. In the Old Covenant those who ministered with the vessels of God, those within the Temple, were commanded to be holy.

a). Isaiah 53:11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

3). The argument is made in error that God is sovereign to the point that He makes some people bad and others good and that we have no choice in the matter.

a). Romans 9:14-21 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonor?

4). But that is not the case as 2 Timothy 2:14-21 teaches along with other passages that the Apostle Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. We do have free will and we determine our behavior.

a). 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

3:12 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

5). We have free will, we must use our free will to live lives that glorify Jesus.

2 Timothy 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.

a.  Amplified Bible: So whoever cleanses himself for what is ignoble and unclean, who separates from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences will then himself be a vessel set apart and uselful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, and ready for any good work.

1. “If a man therefore purge himself from these…”

a. purge [Strong: 1571 ekkathairo ek-kath-ah'-ee-ro from 1537 and 2508; to cleanse thoroughly:--purge (out).]  [Thayers: to cleanse out, clean thoroughly, to cleanse.] [Vines: to cleanse out, clean thoroughly]

b. himself [Strong: 1438 heautou heh-ow-too' from a reflexive pronoun otherwise obsolete and the genitive case (dative case or accusative case) of 846; him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.:--alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves).]

e. these [Strong: 5130 touton too'-tone genitive case plural masculine or neuter of 3778; of (from or concerning) these (persons or things):--such, their, these (things), they, this sort, those.]

1). The items Paul is referring to as “these”, are the things he has mentioned, in the previous verses.

a). 2 Timothy 2:14-20 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

b). The things we are to purge ourselves from are the behaviors that contaminate the vessel, “us”, hindering us from becoming vessels of honor.

2). There is no question that the statement is conditional upon our obedience. Again, Paul is referring to the partial list of things individual believers have a responsibility to cleanse out of their lives, which they accomplish only with the power of God. We in no way can accomplish these ourselves but in the New Covenant there is a co-laboring together with God. It is his power ability and our obedience.  

a). 1 John 3:2, 3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

b). 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

c). Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.

d). 2 Timothy 2:21a [Amplified Bible] “So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean] who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corruptible influences…”

2). We choose by our own free will and our obedience what kind of vessel we will be, either a vessel of honor or a vessel of dishonor.

 2. “…he shall be a vessel unto honour…”

a. vessel 4632 skeuos skyoo'-os of uncertain affinity; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband)):--goods, sail, stuff, vessel.]

b. honour [Strong: 5092 time tee-may' from 5099; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:--honour, precious, price, some.] [Zodhiates: respect reverence, esteem.]

1). As the Scriptures have already clearly revealed, in order to be a vessel of honor there is a matter of obedience on our part, we have to purge, cleanse thoroughly the things that he previously mentioned out of our lives and if that is accomplished we will be a vessel of honor. In the context, the honor, respect and esteem is directed toward the vessel. The vessel is described as a vessel of honor and as such can be used by God. This all goes back to 2 Timothy 2:15 where we, by our obedience present ourselves to God as tested and approved in order to be used by God. There is a powerful passage in Isaiah that teaches this very same lesson.

a). Isaiah 48:16-19 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. 

48:17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

48:19 Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.

b). In verse 17 the King James translation has , “I am  the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit.” The Hebrew word for “profit” is “yaal” [3276 Strong’s] and it means “to ascend, be valuable, useful, benefited.”  The Lord is saying that He is the one who teaches us to rise up, to be valuable, to be useful to grow spiritually. As the passage continues we see it all hinges on obedience, because the Scriptures go on to say that if they HAD obeyed His commandments their peace would have been like a river and their righteousness as the waves of the sea and their seed would have been greatly multiplied and not cut off. Likewise in 2 Timothy 2:21 Paul writes, “If a man purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel of honour.”

2). Institute Of Creation Research Daily Devotional 8/10/2013 There are several metaphors used by the New Testament writers to help us understand aspects of God's Kingdom. "Fowls" make a home in the mustard seed "tree" (Matthew 13:31, 32). "Tares" grow up with the "wheat" (Matthew 13:25). A "house" represents the church of God (1 Timothy 3:15), in which are both honorable and dishonorable "vessels" (2 Timothy 2:20). The first step in becoming an honorable vessel is to "purge" oneself from that which is dishonorable. The Greek term ekkathairo and its derivatives all are connected to active cleansing from falsehoods and defilements, as well as separation from those who tolerate ungodliness. "Purge out therefore the old leaven," Paul insists, "that ye may be a new lump" (1 Corinthians 5:7). Those who are the twice-born are to "possess" their "vessel" in honor (1 Thessalonians 4:4). Some, like Paul, are "chosen vessels" (Acts 9:15). All who would seek "honorable" service must be sanctified (set apart) for the Master's use. "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). An honorable vessel must be prepared (ready) for good works. Honorable and effective service in the house of God requires that such vessels must be willing to "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts" (1 Peter 3:15). There is no greater honor than being counted "sanctified, and meet for the master's use." HMM III

 

3. “…sanctified…”

a. sanctified [Strong: 37 hagiazo hag-ee-ad'-zo from 40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:--hallow, be holy, sanctify.] [Thayer’s: to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God.] [Zodhiates: To consecrate, devote, set apart from a common to a sacred use…]

4. “…and meet for the master’s use…”

a. meet [Strong: 2173 euchrestos yoo'-khrays-tos from 2095 and 5543; easily used, i.e. useful:--profitable, meet for use.] [Thayer’s; easy to make use of] [Zodhiates: Useful or very useful.]

b. master’s [use] [Strong: 1203 despotes des-pot'-ace perhaps from 1210 and posis (a husband); an absolute ruler ("despot"):--Lord, master.]

1). The obvious is that if we do not purge our self we will not be very useful.   

3. “…and prepared unto every good work.”

a. prepared [Strong: 2090  hetoimazo het-oy-mad'-zo from 2092; to prepare:--prepare, provide, make ready.]

b. good [Strong: 18 agathos ag-ath-os' a primary word; "good" (in any sense, often as noun):--benefit, good(-s, things), well.]

e. work [Strong: 2041 ergon er'-gon from a primary (but obsolete) ergo (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act:--deed, doing, labour, work.]

1). Preparation for ministry includes cleansing ourselves from the flesh. The opposite of course is shown in Titus.

a). Titus 1:15, 16 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and un believing is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

b). Titus 1:15, 16 [Amplified Bible] To the pure in heart and conscience all things are pure, but to the defiled and corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure; their very mind and conscience are defiled and polluted.

They profess to know God to recognize, perceive and to be acquainted with Him, but deny and disown and renounce Him by what they do; they are detestable and loathsome, unbelieving and disobedient and disloyal and rebellious, and they are unfit and worthless for good work deed or enterprise of any kind.

2). The Scriptures should prepare us unto all good works.

a). 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and  is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

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