“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (2Tim 3:14).
You’ve heard their stories before. A small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world. A city boy raised in South Detroit. A singer in a smoky room. Strangers waiting. Streetlight people. You’re singing in your head right now, aren’t you? Yeah, me too.
Unless you didn’t grow up listening to ‘80s rock, never saw an episode of “Glee,” or have simply been living under rock for the past couple of decades, we’re talking about the song “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The boys from Journey have cashed a few checks thanks to their hit tune from 1981. Go ahead. Sing it out. You know you want to. “Don’t stop believin’! Hold on to that feelin’!”
While Paul never owned any Journey albums, he certainly knew what Steve Perry and the guys are singing about. The apostle expresses a very similar sentiment in a letter to his protege Timothy. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (v14). No matter what else happens, don’t let go of what you know. Keep on trusting what you’ve learned. Keep on trusting who you’ve learned it from.
Don’t stop believin’. Don’t stop applyin’. Keep on keepin’ on.
Pseudo-Christian Con Artists
Nobody can accuse Paul of “do what I say, not what I do.” Writing to Tim from behind bars (2Tim 1:9, 16; 2:9), he proves he’s a living, breathing example of someone who doesn’t stop beleivin’, who doesn’t stop applyin’, and who keeps on keepin’ on.
The apostle has faithfully followed Jesus all the way to Death Row in Rome (2Tim 4:6-7). With his execution not a matter of “if” but “when,” he fires off one last letter to the young pastor of the Ephesian church. Paul hopes he’ll see Tim one final time (2Tim 4:9, 21). Just in case that doesn’t happen, he chucks this note full of critical info about continuing to teach people about Christ (2Tim 2:1-4:5).
A big part of his instructions deal with fighting a team of spiritual hucksters who’ve wormed their way into the church. Led by a couple of guys named Hymenaeus and Philetus, they’ve distracted folks with all sorts of ridiculous garbage that sounds religious but has nothing to do with Jesus (2Tim 2:16-18).
They’re just the first in a long line of self-centered pseudo-Christian con artists who are nothing more than creepy sexual predators (2Tim 3:1-7). And the problem with these goobers is just going to get worse before it gets better (2Tim 3:13).
One of These Things Is Not Like the Other
At this point Paul puts the young pastor side by side with these religious hucksters and compares them. “But as for you” (v14). The contrast is obvious. The apostle’s phrasing in the original language emphasizes the HUGE contrast between Tim and the false teachers. As they sing on Sesame Street, one of these things is not like the other. One of these things is not the same. In this case, it’s Timothy.
Which brings us to one of those rather awkward moments of self-reflection. If we claim to be followers of the radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Galilee, are we different from those out to make a fast buck? Do I stand out from the crowd as someone who cares about people more than profit? Does my Savior shine brightly enough through my brokenness that folks can tell me from the counterfeit?
Keep on Keepin’ on
After clearly pointing out Timothy’s contrast to flimflammers of faith, Paul tells him what to do next. “Continue in what you have learned” (v14). Believe it or not, “continue” is the main verb and the key to unlocking the rest of the verse. And it’s in the form of a command. In other words, he tells Tim, “You must continue…You must keep on keepin’ on.”
The apostle uses a Greek word here (Gr. μενω/meno) which means to remain, abide, live, dwell, last, endure, or stay permanently. Dr. Luke describes the time a pregnant Mary moved in with her cousin Elizabeth and she “remained (Gr. μενω/meno) with her about three months” (Lk 1:56). When Jesus stops by the Samaritan village, they begged him to not to leave. “They asked Him to stay (Gr. μενω/meno) with them, and He stayed (Gr. μενω/meno) there two more days” (Jn 4:40). As they song says, “Stay…just a little bit longer.”
But one of my personal favorite uses of μενω/meno comes when Christ compares His relationship with us with a grapevine and its branches. Playing the part of grapevine is Jesus. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides (Gr. μενω/meno) in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Anything is possible when when make our home in Him. We’re spiritually fruitless when we we fail to stay connected.
When it comes to following Jesus, we must remain. We must last. We must endure. We can because He did. We can because He still does. Flip back a page or two and see what Paul wrote. “If we endure, we will also reign with Him…if we are faithless, He remains faithful” (2Tim 12, 13). Because Christ keeps on keepin’ on, we must keep on keepin’ on.
Going on a Field Trip
The apostle tells Tim to never let go of “what you have learned” (v14). In doing so, Paul uses a word (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) that can certainly mean sitting in a classroom. Ancient writers would use it when talking about someone attending a rabbinical school or seminary. Before we start falling asleep in class, let’s discover together what’s behind this term.
Μανθανω/manthano actually describes a learning experience outside the school. Think of it as taking an awesome field trip. It means to find out through exploration and discovery or to learn by personal and practical experience. Jesus busts the chops of the religious police when He tells them to discover God’s truth for themselves. Go and learn (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Mt 9:13).
A little later, the Lord makes an amazing offer to those thrown under the religious bus. “Take My yoke upon you and learn (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) from Me” so we personal experience just how gentle and humble our Savior really is (Mt 11:29). Paul tells his Philippian friends that he’s discovered and “learned (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil 4:11). The writer of Hebrews talks about how the Son of God fully explored the depths of willing submission to His heavenly Dad and “learned (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) obedience through what He suffered” (Heb 5:8).
Tim personally explored what it means to follow Jesus. He discovered firsthand as he obeyed the Lord’s leadership. This isn’t about classroom study, written assignments, and end-of-grade testing.
This kind of educational experience is done in the real world. It requires a field trip and exploration. We discover how to follow Jesus by loving those He places in our lives. We explore our walk with Him by willingly doing what He tells us. We discover God’s goodness when we apply what we learn and keep on applyin’.
Don’t Stop Believin'
Paul encourages Tim to never give up on what he has “firmly believed” (v14). When the Bible talks about belief, it’s NOT talking about some pie-in-the-sky, believe-with-all-your-might, if-you-can-dream-it-you-can-do-it sort of mumbo jumbo. Belief is an all out trust in something. Or in this case, Someone. That Someone being Jesus.
We’re to firmly trust in Who He is. And Who He is is the one and only Son of God. The sinless, spotless Savior. The Second Person of the Trinity. Jesus is SO much more than a legendary teacher with a few tips for a better life. SO much more than spectacular miracle-working healer. He’s God. Firmly trust in Who He is.
We also firmly trust in what He has done. Why? Because Jesus did for you and me what we could never dream of doing for ourselves. Christ lived the perfectly obedient life to God’s commands that we fail to live. He died the death for our disobedience and rebellion that we deserved. He even rose to a glorious new life that we certainly don’t deserve.
Our trust in Who Jesus is and what He has done isn’t a one time thing. I need Him just as much now as the day He saved me. We don’t just believe in Him once and walk the aisle as a teenager at church camp. We keep on trusting Him. We don’t stop believin’.
Firmly believing in the Lord means trusting in the goodness of His leadership. He loves us and wants His best for us. His commands aren’t some supernatural plot to spoil our fun. Actually, they are just the opposite. Obedience to His guidance is the ultimate secret to joy. Jesus calls it an overflowing life of blessing (Jn 10:10). It’s the whole reason He came. So don’t stop believin’.
Trust Your Sources
Back in Paul’s last letter to Timothy, the apostle reminds the young pastor that he can trust the sources of his spiritual info, “knowing from whom you learned it” (v14). One of those sources is the man writing this letter. Paul has already encouraged him to “follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me” (2Tim 1:13). He should never forget what he heard the apostle teach large groups (2Tim 2:2). Tim has been the apostle’s apprentice in every sense of the word (2Tim 3:10-11).
But Timothy has more than one teacher in his life. One thing we don’t see in our English translations is that “whom” is actually plural. Tim’s other sources include his Grandma Eunice and his mom Lois. Paul may be Tim’s spiritual father (1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2), but the apostle recognizes the family members who have poured into his life like Mom and Memaw (2Tim 1:5).
A big part of those life lessons was the Old Testament. Remember, the only Bible First Century followers had was the OT. His family got Tim ready for life by teaching him Scripture from a very early age (2Tim 3:16-17). And when he was bigger, the young pastor learned of “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness” (1Tim 6:3). Let’s face it, if you can’t trust what Jesus has to say, who can you trust?
Quality journalists won’t go with a story unless they multiple credible sources. They don’t report something they hear from just one person. They don’t trust rumors. They don’t believe everything they read on the World Wide Interweb. They need multiple trusted sources in order to report the news. Tim has multiple credible sources when it comes to the Good News.
Tim could trust his sources. Can you? Who are your spiritual sources? Are you a member of a solid Bible teaching church? Are you part of a small group that digs into God’s Word? Do you have a Paul in your life? Do you do check out what you hear for yourself like the folks in Berea (Acts 17:11)? Make sure you have more than one source to confirm what you learn. Otherwise, you may go rogue with some sort of cockamamy understanding of Jesus.
So What Now?
You may be asking, “What good do these words from a 2,000-year-old letter are to me?” So very glad you asked. First of all, learning to follow Jesus is more than just loading up your brain with facts from the Bible. It’s all about getting out of the classroom and taking a field trip to grow your faith. Discover and experience what it means to love our Savior as we love the people He places in our lives. Learn it by applying it.
Don’t stop applyin’.
Remember that by firmly believing in Christ, we’re NOT trusting in ourselves. I’m going to fall short. I’m going to fail. I’m going to sin. We can take it to the bank that Jesus never comes up short. He’s forever faithful even when we stumble and fall. Trust in the only One who’s worthy of your trust.
Don’t stop believin’.
But the key to all this applyin’ and believin’ is back at the beginning of the verse. It’s all about continuing to do them. A life with Christ is a lot more than a one-and-done deal. Check how the Message spells it out. “Don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers” (v14 The Message). It’s abiding in Him. Making my home in Him. Keep on keepin’ on in Him.
Don’t stop believin’. Don’t stop applyin’. Keep on keepin’ on.
You’ve heard their stories before. A small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world. A city boy raised in South Detroit. A singer in a smoky room. Strangers waiting. Streetlight people. You’re singing in your head right now, aren’t you? Yeah, me too.
Unless you didn’t grow up listening to ‘80s rock, never saw an episode of “Glee,” or have simply been living under rock for the past couple of decades, we’re talking about the song “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The boys from Journey have cashed a few checks thanks to their hit tune from 1981. Go ahead. Sing it out. You know you want to. “Don’t stop believin’! Hold on to that feelin’!”
While Paul never owned any Journey albums, he certainly knew what Steve Perry and the guys are singing about. The apostle expresses a very similar sentiment in a letter to his protege Timothy. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (v14). No matter what else happens, don’t let go of what you know. Keep on trusting what you’ve learned. Keep on trusting who you’ve learned it from.
Don’t stop believin’. Don’t stop applyin’. Keep on keepin’ on.
Pseudo-Christian Con Artists
Nobody can accuse Paul of “do what I say, not what I do.” Writing to Tim from behind bars (2Tim 1:9, 16; 2:9), he proves he’s a living, breathing example of someone who doesn’t stop beleivin’, who doesn’t stop applyin’, and who keeps on keepin’ on.
The apostle has faithfully followed Jesus all the way to Death Row in Rome (2Tim 4:6-7). With his execution not a matter of “if” but “when,” he fires off one last letter to the young pastor of the Ephesian church. Paul hopes he’ll see Tim one final time (2Tim 4:9, 21). Just in case that doesn’t happen, he chucks this note full of critical info about continuing to teach people about Christ (2Tim 2:1-4:5).
A big part of his instructions deal with fighting a team of spiritual hucksters who’ve wormed their way into the church. Led by a couple of guys named Hymenaeus and Philetus, they’ve distracted folks with all sorts of ridiculous garbage that sounds religious but has nothing to do with Jesus (2Tim 2:16-18).
They’re just the first in a long line of self-centered pseudo-Christian con artists who are nothing more than creepy sexual predators (2Tim 3:1-7). And the problem with these goobers is just going to get worse before it gets better (2Tim 3:13).
One of These Things Is Not Like the Other
At this point Paul puts the young pastor side by side with these religious hucksters and compares them. “But as for you” (v14). The contrast is obvious. The apostle’s phrasing in the original language emphasizes the HUGE contrast between Tim and the false teachers. As they sing on Sesame Street, one of these things is not like the other. One of these things is not the same. In this case, it’s Timothy.
Which brings us to one of those rather awkward moments of self-reflection. If we claim to be followers of the radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Galilee, are we different from those out to make a fast buck? Do I stand out from the crowd as someone who cares about people more than profit? Does my Savior shine brightly enough through my brokenness that folks can tell me from the counterfeit?
Keep on Keepin’ on
After clearly pointing out Timothy’s contrast to flimflammers of faith, Paul tells him what to do next. “Continue in what you have learned” (v14). Believe it or not, “continue” is the main verb and the key to unlocking the rest of the verse. And it’s in the form of a command. In other words, he tells Tim, “You must continue…You must keep on keepin’ on.”
The apostle uses a Greek word here (Gr. μενω/meno) which means to remain, abide, live, dwell, last, endure, or stay permanently. Dr. Luke describes the time a pregnant Mary moved in with her cousin Elizabeth and she “remained (Gr. μενω/meno) with her about three months” (Lk 1:56). When Jesus stops by the Samaritan village, they begged him to not to leave. “They asked Him to stay (Gr. μενω/meno) with them, and He stayed (Gr. μενω/meno) there two more days” (Jn 4:40). As they song says, “Stay…just a little bit longer.”
But one of my personal favorite uses of μενω/meno comes when Christ compares His relationship with us with a grapevine and its branches. Playing the part of grapevine is Jesus. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides (Gr. μενω/meno) in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Anything is possible when when make our home in Him. We’re spiritually fruitless when we we fail to stay connected.
When it comes to following Jesus, we must remain. We must last. We must endure. We can because He did. We can because He still does. Flip back a page or two and see what Paul wrote. “If we endure, we will also reign with Him…if we are faithless, He remains faithful” (2Tim 12, 13). Because Christ keeps on keepin’ on, we must keep on keepin’ on.
Going on a Field Trip
The apostle tells Tim to never let go of “what you have learned” (v14). In doing so, Paul uses a word (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) that can certainly mean sitting in a classroom. Ancient writers would use it when talking about someone attending a rabbinical school or seminary. Before we start falling asleep in class, let’s discover together what’s behind this term.
Μανθανω/manthano actually describes a learning experience outside the school. Think of it as taking an awesome field trip. It means to find out through exploration and discovery or to learn by personal and practical experience. Jesus busts the chops of the religious police when He tells them to discover God’s truth for themselves. Go and learn (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Mt 9:13).
A little later, the Lord makes an amazing offer to those thrown under the religious bus. “Take My yoke upon you and learn (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) from Me” so we personal experience just how gentle and humble our Savior really is (Mt 11:29). Paul tells his Philippian friends that he’s discovered and “learned (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil 4:11). The writer of Hebrews talks about how the Son of God fully explored the depths of willing submission to His heavenly Dad and “learned (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) obedience through what He suffered” (Heb 5:8).
Tim personally explored what it means to follow Jesus. He discovered firsthand as he obeyed the Lord’s leadership. This isn’t about classroom study, written assignments, and end-of-grade testing.
This kind of educational experience is done in the real world. It requires a field trip and exploration. We discover how to follow Jesus by loving those He places in our lives. We explore our walk with Him by willingly doing what He tells us. We discover God’s goodness when we apply what we learn and keep on applyin’.
Don’t Stop Believin'
Paul encourages Tim to never give up on what he has “firmly believed” (v14). When the Bible talks about belief, it’s NOT talking about some pie-in-the-sky, believe-with-all-your-might, if-you-can-dream-it-you-can-do-it sort of mumbo jumbo. Belief is an all out trust in something. Or in this case, Someone. That Someone being Jesus.
We’re to firmly trust in Who He is. And Who He is is the one and only Son of God. The sinless, spotless Savior. The Second Person of the Trinity. Jesus is SO much more than a legendary teacher with a few tips for a better life. SO much more than spectacular miracle-working healer. He’s God. Firmly trust in Who He is.
We also firmly trust in what He has done. Why? Because Jesus did for you and me what we could never dream of doing for ourselves. Christ lived the perfectly obedient life to God’s commands that we fail to live. He died the death for our disobedience and rebellion that we deserved. He even rose to a glorious new life that we certainly don’t deserve.
Our trust in Who Jesus is and what He has done isn’t a one time thing. I need Him just as much now as the day He saved me. We don’t just believe in Him once and walk the aisle as a teenager at church camp. We keep on trusting Him. We don’t stop believin’.
Firmly believing in the Lord means trusting in the goodness of His leadership. He loves us and wants His best for us. His commands aren’t some supernatural plot to spoil our fun. Actually, they are just the opposite. Obedience to His guidance is the ultimate secret to joy. Jesus calls it an overflowing life of blessing (Jn 10:10). It’s the whole reason He came. So don’t stop believin’.
Trust Your Sources
Back in Paul’s last letter to Timothy, the apostle reminds the young pastor that he can trust the sources of his spiritual info, “knowing from whom you learned it” (v14). One of those sources is the man writing this letter. Paul has already encouraged him to “follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me” (2Tim 1:13). He should never forget what he heard the apostle teach large groups (2Tim 2:2). Tim has been the apostle’s apprentice in every sense of the word (2Tim 3:10-11).
But Timothy has more than one teacher in his life. One thing we don’t see in our English translations is that “whom” is actually plural. Tim’s other sources include his Grandma Eunice and his mom Lois. Paul may be Tim’s spiritual father (1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2), but the apostle recognizes the family members who have poured into his life like Mom and Memaw (2Tim 1:5).
A big part of those life lessons was the Old Testament. Remember, the only Bible First Century followers had was the OT. His family got Tim ready for life by teaching him Scripture from a very early age (2Tim 3:16-17). And when he was bigger, the young pastor learned of “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness” (1Tim 6:3). Let’s face it, if you can’t trust what Jesus has to say, who can you trust?
Quality journalists won’t go with a story unless they multiple credible sources. They don’t report something they hear from just one person. They don’t trust rumors. They don’t believe everything they read on the World Wide Interweb. They need multiple trusted sources in order to report the news. Tim has multiple credible sources when it comes to the Good News.
Tim could trust his sources. Can you? Who are your spiritual sources? Are you a member of a solid Bible teaching church? Are you part of a small group that digs into God’s Word? Do you have a Paul in your life? Do you do check out what you hear for yourself like the folks in Berea (Acts 17:11)? Make sure you have more than one source to confirm what you learn. Otherwise, you may go rogue with some sort of cockamamy understanding of Jesus.
So What Now?
You may be asking, “What good do these words from a 2,000-year-old letter are to me?” So very glad you asked. First of all, learning to follow Jesus is more than just loading up your brain with facts from the Bible. It’s all about getting out of the classroom and taking a field trip to grow your faith. Discover and experience what it means to love our Savior as we love the people He places in our lives. Learn it by applying it.
Don’t stop applyin’.
Remember that by firmly believing in Christ, we’re NOT trusting in ourselves. I’m going to fall short. I’m going to fail. I’m going to sin. We can take it to the bank that Jesus never comes up short. He’s forever faithful even when we stumble and fall. Trust in the only One who’s worthy of your trust.
Don’t stop believin’.
But the key to all this applyin’ and believin’ is back at the beginning of the verse. It’s all about continuing to do them. A life with Christ is a lot more than a one-and-done deal. Check how the Message spells it out. “Don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers” (v14 The Message). It’s abiding in Him. Making my home in Him. Keep on keepin’ on in Him.
Don’t stop believin’. Don’t stop applyin’. Keep on keepin’ on.
Very well said Jay! His true we must continually check ourselves to make sure we are 'in Christ'.
ReplyDeleteThen our relaying the Good Newd will be pure and proper.