In our previous session we learned about avoiding profanity and empty words, not only in our lives but with our interaction with popular culture. Words are seeds and we will be held accountable to them when we stand before Christ. We learned about two false teachers who were preaching heresy that destroyed the faith of those who listened to them. False teachers are like reefs in the ocean, and they cause shipwreck.
October 27 teaching
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.
b. NASB20: Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.”
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). The foundation of God 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). The body of Christ is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ being the chief cornerstone.
a). Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
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.] [Outline of Biblical Usage: a seal, the seal placed upon books, a signet ring, the inscription or impression made by a seal, of the name of God and Christ stamped upon their foreheads, that by which anything is confirmed, proved, authenticated, as by a seal (a token or proof)
1). A derivative of this word is found in Ephesians 1:13 when Paul is instructing us on our redemption.
a). Ephesians 1:13, 14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
b). sealed [Strong: 4972. sphragizo sfrag-id'-zo from 4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest:--(set a, set to) seal up, stop.] [Outline of Biblical Usage: to set a seal upon, mark with a seal, to seal, for security: from Satan, since things sealed up are concealed (as the contents of a letter), to hide, keep in silence, keep secret, in order to mark a person or a thing, to set a mark upon by the impress of a seal or a stamp, angels are said to be sealed by God, in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing, to confirm authenticate, place beyond doubt, of a written document, to prove one's testimony to a person that he is what he professes to be.]
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.]
1). There are a few similar phrases found in the Bible but not an exact phrase. However in John 10 we get a number of clarifying verses.
a). John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
b). John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
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). Part of the seal for me is 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 “knew” [Strong: 1097 ginosko ghin-oce'-ko ] is the same used in 2 Timothy 2:19 for “knoweth”.
c). These people called him Lord, prophesied in his name, cast out devils in his name and did many wonderful works in his name, and yet Jesus said he did not know them. But the passage continues and he describes the sure foundation we are to be founded upon.
d). Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
2). 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. Scripture says let every word be established with two or three witnesses. Here is another.
a). Luke 13:23-27 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. The tares grew up with the wheat. In the parable of the kingdom of heaven likened as a huge net, the good was kept and the bad cast away ( Matthew 13:47-49). 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.
b). In the New Testament we don’t just carry the vessels, we are the vessels, and we by our obedience determine if we are honorable or dishonorable.
3). 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 our obedience or our disobedience.
a). 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, 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). 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 unbelieving 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.
