Don't Stop Believin'

“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.

Jesus Junkies

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1Tim 4:13).

A bong. A crack pipe. A Bible. One of these things is not like the other. One of these things is not the same. But they’re all indicators of possible addiction. Just to make sure we’re all on the same page, you should NOT own either of those first two items. If you’re hooked on anything, there’s nothing better than the third.

In his letter to the lead pastor in Ephesus, Paul says all ministers ought to have a monkey for God’s message on their backs. “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (v13). Every pastor should be a Jesus junkie in possession of God’s grace with intent to distribute in three ways. Proclaiming the Gospel. Explaining the Gospel. Applying the Gospel.

As with any passage, context is key. So what exactly led to Paul grabbing a pen in the first place? We see in the opening lines that this is a letter and that the apostle is writing to his spiritual son Timothy (1Tim 1:1-2). Apparently Paul had a pressing matter in Macedonia needing immediate attention. So he leaves Tim in charge of the church in Ephesus (1Tim 1:3), a massive port city on the west coast of what we know today as Turkey. A few years back, Paul spent three years in E City spreading telling people about Jesus and getting this new church off the ground (Acts 19:1-41; 20:31). As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us more about the church in Ephesus than any other congregation.

But things are anything but unicorns and rainbows in the Ephesian church. A team of religious hucksters weaseled its way inside the fellowship. They’ve distracted folks from following Jesus with a false gospel that’s really no Gospel at all. False teachers been dealing a destructive message of self-salvation through subtraction (1Tim 4:1-3). As a result, the church is in desperate need of rehab. Tim’s assignment is clear. Kick out the con artists cold turkey (1Tim 1:3-7). Find new godly leaders (1Tim 3:1-12). 

By the time we hit chapter four, Paul has some important instructions for his young protege as well as every other pastor. Hit the spiritual gym and get CrossFit in Jesus’ message of grace (1Tim 4:6-8). While we don’t save ourselves by our own performance, we need to leave it all on the field for others since Christ gave max effort to rescue you and me (1Tim 4:9-10). Let God use each of us to make a dent that really makes a difference by how we live (1Tim 4:11-12). The Good News is going to leave a mark!

At this point, the apostle reminds Tim that help is on the way. “Until I come” (v13), he writes. Hang on, my friend. The calvary’s coming! A closer look at the original language and grammar sure seems to indicate Paul may well be on the road and heading back to Ephesus. The New Living Bible nails that idea with its translation “Until I get there” (v13 NLT). It’s not the first time the mentor has told Tim he hopes to be there ASAP (1Tim 3:14). A great reminder that we don’t do ministry alone. We look out for each other. We don’t leave our brothers and sisters swinging in the ministerial breeze.

In the meantime, the man from Tarsus tells the Ephesian pastor to make a habit of three particular practices. “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (v13). Proclaim God’s message. Explain God’s message. Apply God’s message. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The word behind “devote” is Greek verb prosecho. It literally means to hold onto. It’s basically the idea of turning toward something in order to grab it. Get your hands on your Bible, Tim. Latch on to God’s Word and don’t let go. As golfers like to say, “Grip it and rip it, baby!”

Writers of the New Testament use prosecho in a couple of ways. It can mean to be alert to, be intent, or watch out for something. Several times in the Gospels Jesus uses it to sound the warning siren to His followers (Mt 6:1; 7:15; 10:17; 16:6, 11, 12; Lk 12:1; 17:3; 20:46; 21:34). The other meaning is to give yourself completely to or be totally captivated by something. Paul uses it four times in 1 Timothy. Three of those are negative. Think addiction. Believers need to stop getting their fix on urban myths and family trees (1Tim 1:4). Deacons can’t have substance abuse problems (1Tim 3:8). The Spirit correctly predicted how folks would get hooked on godless spirituality and demon doctrine (1Tim 4:1).

On the other hand, Paul tells Tim that if you’re going to be addicted to anything let it be proclaiming, explaining, and applying the grace of Jesus. Addicted? Really? Check out one dictionary’s definition of addiction: a conscious and persistent action characterized by repetition and obsession. Ministers of the Gospel must be conscious and persistent as they dig into God’s amazing message. Be intentional. Be tenacious. Repeatedly and obsessively dive into Scripture. Be relentless. Be compulsive. Get hooked on God’s Word and what He says about the Good News.

This goes not just for pastors but every follower of Christ. Make a point of getting addicted to His grace. Let Him captivate you. Let Him fascinate you. Let Him compel you. Let Him absolutely and totally overwhelm you. Let “the Founder and Perfecter of our faith” completely consume your thoughts (Heb 12:2). Feed your addiction by sacrificially loving others just as He did (Jn 13:34-35). Be devoted. Be a Jesus junkie. 

Many addicts try to kick the habit using twelve steps. Paul instructs Tim to actually insure that he’s hooked on God’s message of salvation using three steps. Be addicted “to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (v13). Proclaiming the Gospel. Explaining the Gospel. Applying the Gospel. Step one, announce the Good news. The original text here is interesting. Paul instructs the young pastor to simply “the public reading” (v13). Exactly what he is to read out loud is simply assumed by the translators. It’s not there in the Greek. It’s simply the word anagnosis. 

The term describes reading out loud something previously written down. There’s a long tradition of rabbis publicly reading from the Hebrew Bible in the synagogue. Dr. Luke uses a VERY similar word (Gr. anaginosko) and gives us a front row seat for Jesus’ reading from Isaiah in a worship service (Lk 4:16). The good doctor also writes about the time folks in Antioch asked Paul and his buddy Barnabas to speak “after the reading (Gr. anagnosis) from Law and the Prophets” (Acts 13:15). 

While Paul doesn’t specifically tell Tim what is to be read out loud, every other time we see this idea in the NT, it’s always God’s Word. There is unspeakable value is the public reading of Scripture. God inspired these books to be read out loud to His people. The apostle wrote his letters to be communicated in one sitting to entire churches. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17). We read the Bible out loud so we can live it out loud. Be a junkie when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel.

The second step is “exhortation” (v13) or explaining the message of Jesus. The Greek word here is paraklesis, which literally describes a calling near to you or a summons to something. Translators often render it with the idea of encouragement, but in certain passages like this one it means interpretation. It’s providing context and clarification. Jesus regularly used everyday illustrations called parables to unpack big theological ideas. When he was in Athens, Paul creatively explained the Gospel using elements of first century pop culture like poems and public art. I’m pretty confident he would have used movies, TV shows, and social media if they would’ve been around at the time. It’s important to explain and illustrate God’s Word, especially to those of us who didn’t grow up hearing all the Bible stories much less speaking Christianese.

Here are a few examples. After folks at the home office in Jerusalem sent a letter to Antioch announcing that Gentiles did not have to convert to Judaism in order to follow Jesus, “when they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement (Gr. paraklesis)” (Acts 15:31). In other words, once they explained it to them. Paul writes to his friends in Rome about how we have hope through the interpretation and “encouragement (Gr. paraklesis) of the Scriptures” (Rom 15:5). Jesus is the “Consolation (Gr. paraklesis) of Israel” (Lk 2:25) as the perfect explanation and embodiment of God’s grace. 

Preachers and teachers of God’s Word must do more than simply proclaim Scripture. They must unpack it. They must give it context. How does what was just read fit into the big picture of the God’s story of redemption? Interpret. Expound. Use illustrations. Don’t be afraid to say you’re not sure what a passage means. Get hooked on creatively teaching the truth of God’s Word. Be a junkie when it comes to explaining the Gospel.

The third and often overlooked step is “teaching” (v13). But hold your horses! Aren’t the steps one and two nothing but teaching? Yes, but this final idea is telling how we apply God’s Word once it’s proclaimed and explained. “Teaching (Gr. didaskalia)” describes instruction, doctrine, or precepts.  In other words, these general rules that can applied to any situation we face in life. Broad principles we can put in our hip pockets and use at other times than Sunday morning. 

Pastors should give us examples of how to respond to what we’ve heard. How do we apply the truth to our daily lives? Let’s be clear. Passages of Scripture have ONE key truth but they have LIMITLESS applications. Think of it like an iPhone commercial. Love? There’s an app for that. Forgiveness? There’s an app for that. Generosity? There’s an app for that. 

Preachers often drop the application ball. Why is this such a big deal. Check it out. When you by an over-the-counter med, you should read the instructions. Okay, I realize I’ve already lost a large percentage folks. Yes, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! Because we need to know how to use the ointment, lotion, or pills so we get their max effectiveness. As the label says, “Apply as directed.” When we teach God’s Word, let’s be addicted to giving folks directions on how to apply. 

Addicts in recovery like to say that the first step to getting help is admitting you have a problem. The big problem is sin. The big problem is looking back at me in the mirror every morning. The only answer is found in the Gospel. Ministers ought to have a monkey for God’s message on their backs. Be a Jesus junkie in possession of God’s grace with intent to distribute in three ways. Proclaim His Gospel. Explain His Gospel. Apply His Gospel.

Get in the Game

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

There comes a moment when we either need to put up or shut up. We’ve taken lessons, watched a video, read an article, and observed someone else doing it in person. Now it’s our turn. It’s at this moment we go from being a spectator to a player. It’s time to climb out of the bleachers and run onto the field. Once Jesus makes us part of His team, He wants us to stop watching and start playing. 

Paul tells his Philippian friends that the time has come to get in the game. He’s coached them up. They know what to do. They know how to do it. They’ve seen him do it. The only thing left to do now is to do it themselves. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things and the God of peace will be with you” (v9). The time for talk is over. The time for action has come. And don’t miss what happens when we start applying what we’ve learned. God will be right there in the trenches with you giving you His peace. 

The apostle remembers those crazy days God used him to plant the Philippian church on his first visit to the city. Dr. Luke was part of the team and records a lot of it in the sequel to his biography of Jesus (Acts 16:12-40). He stopped by a couple of more times, once as after spending a few feast days while traveling (Acts 20:6) and the other when the church gave money for a drought relief fundraiser (2Cor 8:1-5). Each time he was with them, Paul taught them all about Jesus and what it means to be one of His followers. Here in this letter, he makes the point that it’s game time. It’s time to stop talking and start doing. It’s time to apply what they’ve learned and let God use them to be a firehose of His grace.

From his Roman prison cell, the apostle tells them it’s “go” time. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things” (v9). He describes four different ways that he’s passed along the message and application of the Gospel. They’ve learned. They’ve received. They’ve heard. They’ve seen. There’s a HUGE lesson here if you’re a teacher, instructor, or coach. People learn in different ways. Some respond to lectures. Others need demonstrations. There are folks who are visual learners. When teaching, let’s not be a one-trick pony. Try different methods. Use different techniques. Research shows people retain and apply the information more quickly when we break things up, move them around, and change the environment. It sure appears that the man from Tarsus is an expert in this idea.

Learning. Receiving. Hearing. Seeing. Each of these four methods of teaching have one critical thing in common. Without going into boring detail on the original language, every last one of them leads to a result. In other words, the folks in Philippi didn’t just fill their heads with meaningless details and Bible trivia in order to do well on the final exam. This isn’t about getting a grade. No, they sat under Paul’s instruction with the intent of doing something with it. They weren’t simply professional students who were afraid of putting into practice everything they had learned. 

A team goes through drills and scrimmages with the idea of playing their opponent. Let’s never miss a big point of why we listen to messages, attend a small group, or even have our own quiet time. (Can I be blunt? I absolutely hate the phrase “quiet time.” It sounds like I’m having a prim and proper tea party with Jesus. There are mornings I need be anything but quiet. We now return you to our regular program already in progress.) But sermons, small groups, and personal Scripture study are actually means to an end. 

They’re important ways of taking our relationship with Jesus to a new level. Our man Paul knows all about the passion to know Christ more deeply (Phil 3:7-11). They’re means of giving us God’s way of thinking and seeing the world (Rom 12:2). The Lord uses them to do spiritual surgery (Heb 4:12). You see, God is taking this goofy hot mess of my life and remaking it into the image of His one and only Son (Rom 8:29). A key part of that is putting what I learn into practice. Mike Lee says if we’re going to church and reading the Bible and our lives our changing, we’re doing it wrong. If I’m not changing, I’m wasting my time. If I’m not applying what I learn Paul says I’m just filling my head with hot air (1Cor 8:1). I learn so I can apply. I study so I can do something with it. I practice so I can play the game.

A big part of Paul’s coaching has been setting an example for the Philippians. They’re to do what they’ve “seen in me” (v9). Aren’t there times that imitating someone else’s technique is the best way to learn a new skill? Playing the imitation game is a key part of the apostle’s teaching tool box. He’s already told his readers, “Brothers, join in imitating me” (Phil 3:17). When the church over in Corinth runs off the rails, the apostle tells them the best way to get back on track is to “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1Cor 11:1). Paul tells his boy Tim, “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1Tim 4:12). The apostle Jesus nicknamed Rocky writes that spiritual leaders shouldn’t be heavy handed but instead “being examples to the flock” (1Pet 5:3). Paul isn’t so much a washed up athlete as he is a player-coach. He knows his fundamentals. He knows his technique. He knows the scouting report. If you don’t do anything else, do what he does when you get on the field.

So who are you watching? Who are the fellow Christ followers you’ve got your eyes on? Who are godly examples of how to live out what you’re learning? Maybe it’s a friend at work. Or your pastor. A buddy in your small group. That lady down the street. Maybe it’s an author you read. You know, it doesn’t have to be just one. A couple of VERY important points about following the example of others. First of all, do NOT turn them into an idol. Don’t make them your savior. Don’t make them your hero. Jesus already has that job. Second, know they’re probably going to put their life in the ditch at some point. Remember, Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians to follow him while he follows Christ. Once someone stops doing what Jesus does, you need to keep following Jesus. There’s a pretty good chance they’re going to drop the ball at some point. There are many imitators but only one Jesus.

Let’s turn that around. Who’s watching you as an example? This might seem like stupid question but it doesn’t change the fact that folks are watching. They want to know how you apply God’s Word to your life. They watch how you work. They watch how you parent. They watch you love. They watch how you drive (and wonder just how does that fish sticker hang on to that fender at such high speeds!). You may not like it, but people all around you are watching how you live as a follower of Jesus. And get this, some of them aren’t even Christian (GASP!). While the thought of folks watching you might be a little creepy, remember that this ultimately isn’t about you. They’re watching what Jesus is doing in and through you. Give Him the credit. Point people back to the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth every chance you get.

Who doesn’t have butterflies before the big game? You’re lying if you say you don’t. Just in case you haven’t been paying attention, lying is bad. So bad that it made God’s Top Ten list. It’s okay to be nervous. But don’t freak out and never take the field because “the God of peace will be with you” (v9). Nothing like the peace of God straight from the God of peace when things get a little scary (Rom 15:33; 16:20; 2Cor 13:11). If you’re anxious and feel far from God, the best thing to do is to do what He says. The writer of Hebrews goes so far as to pray, “Now may the God of peace….equip you with everything good that you may do His will” (Heb 13:20-21). He promises to be present and accounted for. He promises to be right there with you. He promises to give you His peace in your obedience. Remember, His peace “surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7). It’s reassuring to know God and His peace will be right there at your side during crunch time.

Don’t think of this so much as a letter from Paul to the Philippians as it is a pre-game locker room speech from the coach to his team before the season opener. You know the scouting report. You know your techniques. You know all the plays. It’s time to lace up your cleats. It’s time to buckle your chin strap. It’s time get on the field. It’s “go” time. It’s game. Don’t worry, the God of peace is lining up right beside you.

Apply as Directed

A few years ago, my neighbor invited me to come over and see her new computer. She is an older lady who had never taken the leap into deep end of the technological pool. She was absolutely stoked about her purchase. When I arrived, I expected to see her shiny new machine set up and ready to go. That’s when she pointed to a stack of boxes over in the corner. “There it is! That’s my new computer!” My neighbor owned a new computer. There was only one problem. She still hadn’t ever turned it on. Before she could ever get any use out of her new PC, she needed somebody to set it up and teach her how to use it. 

In many ways, that’s the scene in Nehemiah 7:73-8:8. The people have God’s Word but don’t know what to do with it. They plead with one of the top Bible teachers on the planet to teach them God’s truth and tell them what to do with it. Like my neighbor’s computer, Scripture won’t do them any good unless they know what to do with it. They need instructions. They need directions. They need understanding. They need somebody to take the time and tell them how to apply what God says. God’s Word comes alive when we apply as directed.

We pick up the action just as Nehemiah finishes going over the roster of Jews who returned to the Promised Land from Persia under Zerubbabel 93 years ago (Neh 7:6-73). God inspires the governor get everybody together for a roll call by family (Neh 7:5). It’s now safe to hold this massive meeting because the city walls are complete (Neh 6:15). The author puts a time stamp on this get-together and tells us it’s the first day of the “seventh month” (v73, 2). That’s Tishri. It falls on the last half of September and first half of October. It’s the year 445 BC. And we’re less than a week after wrapping up the huge wall project (Neh 6:15). But just because they’re safer than they’ve been in a long time, the people desperately want to know what to do.

The Hebrew people plead with Ezra the scribe to do what he does best: “bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD commanded Israel” (v1). This is Ezra’s first appearance in the pages of Nehemiah. He led the second expedition from Persia to the Promised Land back in 458 BC (Ez 7:1-6). As a scribe, Ezra had mad skills when it comes to God’s Word (Ez 7:6). Because God has a tight grip on him, “Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach His statues and rules in Israel” (Ez 7:10). By all indications, this is the first time he’s had the privilege to teach Scripture to what amounts to a stadium-sized crowd. It’s one of the biggest reasons the Big E back in the Promised Land. And 44 years later, he finally gets his chance.

The crowd makes the request that Ezra teach from “the Book of the Law of Moses” (v1). We’re talking the Pentateuch which is the first five books of the Bible. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. He’s going to go back to the beginning and remind everyone of who God is and His special relationship with His chosen people. Talk about jumping into the deep end of the pool! Several hundred years later, Jesus tells folks that when Moses wrote those five books, “he wrote of Me” (Jn 5:46). Christ says that the Book of the Law is all about the Messiah, the awesome Good News of the One who’s coming to the rescue. You might not think of Jesus being the focus of Ezra’s teaching, but it’s true.

Ezra unrolls the scroll and teaches God’s Word “before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard” (v2). This is an “all skate.” Not just the guys. Not just the ladies. The big point is that people “could understand what they heard” (v2). We see the Hebrew word biyn, which means to discern, perceive, consider with full attention, or give heed to. This term shows up six times in just 11 verses. It describes so much more than collecting data or memorizing facts. The BIG idea of this passage is understanding Scripture so that you can do what it says. It’s knowing what to do with what you’ve learned. It’s putting what you’ve learned into practice. It’s applying as directed.

This isn’t your typical one-hour-and-done suburban American church service. No 20-minute sermon with three points and a poem. “And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early in the morning until midday” (v3). We’re talking from dawn until lunch. That certainly makes sense with Ezra teaching the story of God from the first five books and then making sure everyone knows how to apply this truth to their lives. You may be wondering if folks were on their feet the entire time. Great question. We’ll see later in the passage how they broke up into small groups to discuss the sermon (v8). It doesn’t take much imagination to see Ezra reading sections of Scripture with people standing and then stopping so they could sit and discuss what that might look like in their own lives. Nonetheless, there’s a lot of standing. Hope you’re wearing your comfy sandals.

This huge crowd can see and hear the speaker because he’s on a stage constructed for this event. “Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for this purpose” (v4). Here’s where we get the church tradition of a pulpit. It was big enough to hold 14 people (check out the list of the other 13 dudes here in v4). These men are probably priests who stand with the Big E as a clear demonstration of their support. Because he was visible to the audience, everybody could see Ezra when he opens up God’s Word (v5). We see another church tradition. The preacher opens up his Bible in front of God and everybody. Not a command, but certainly not a bad thing to do. Once Ezra starts reading “all the people stood” (v5). And here’s yet one more tradition in many churches. Folks rise to their feet as the pastor reads from Scripture. Again, not a command but certainly not a bad idea. It’s an acknowledgement that God is present in His Word. 

As part of his teaching, “Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God” (v6). He makes sure that the focus is God, not the preacher and not the people. The Bible is about God, not us. Are we part of His story? Absolutely. But only because we’re the ones who wrecked His perfect creation, rebelled against His kingdom, and are the ones He’s coming to rescue. Ezra thanks God for His goodness, His grace, and His mercy. When he does, “all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen’” (v6). Yup, here’s another tradition in many churches (especially if you grew up Southern Baptist like me). When the preacher drops some particularly convicting truth, folks shout, “Amen!” This is the Hebrew term ‘amen. It means truly or so be it. Throughout the OT, it’s used as an expression of agreement with what’s just been said. It’s like saying, “You got that right!” Or “You’re darn tootin’!” Or even “You ain’t frontin’!” Earlier when Nehemiah put a stop to the rampant loan sharking and payday lending in the Promised Land, the people shouted, “Amen!” (Neh 5:13). That makes sense since they are hearing Scripture inspired by the “God of truth (Heb ‘amen)” (Is 65:16). Jesus goes out of His way to describe Himself as “the Truth” (Jn 14:6). Can I get an amen?

An amazing thing happens at this point. Folks are “lifting their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground” (v6). They have a physical response to the internal impact of God’s truth on their lives. This massive audience doesn’t just stand their like statues. They are certainly not the Frozen Chosen like some of the churches I’ve been a part of. Raising our hands is a quite biblical form of worship (Dt 32:40; Ps 63:4; 119:48; 134:2; 141:2; Lam 3:41; Lk 24:50; 1Tim 2:8). It’s not limited to our more charismatic friends. Get your hands in the air like your really do care! The people in the crowd fall on their faces as an act of worship to God. Once again, we see this all throughout Scripture (Gen 17:17; Lev 9:24; Dan 10:9; Mt 17:6; Acts 9:4; Rev 1:17; 5:8). It’s the most obvious physical act of submission to God’s authority and holiness. It’s reminiscent of that day when King Jehoshaphat led God’s people is a massive expression of worship. “Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD” (2Chr 20:18). When it comes to worship, let’s get physical. Hands up. Faces down. 

At some point, the huge crowd breaks up into smaller groups for explanation and application. “The Levites helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book, from the Law of God clearly and they gave the sense, so the people understood the reading” (v7-8). One o the Levites’ roles is serve as small group leaders and teachers (Dt 33:8-10; 2Chr 17:8-9; 35:3). They explain the deeper meaning of the passages. They put what the people have heard into perspective. They go out of their way to do everything in their power to make sure people understand God’s Word. What we see here in Nehemiah may well be the first message-based small group discussions in history. They know that simply hearing the Bible without knowing what to do with what you’ve heard is a total waste of time. Do you have folks who explain Scripture to you? Do you sit down with other folks at your church to talk about the message and how to apply it? 

God's truth is most powerful when we know how to apply as directed.

Apply as Directed

“Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace” (v14).

If you don’t use something in the way it was designed, it won’t work correctly. Let me give you an example. I can’t expect sunscreen to protect me if put in my hair and not on my skin. Toothpaste in my ears won’t clean my choppers. My car won’t shine if I put the wax on the tires instead of the body. I must follow the instructions. Uh oh, I may have just lost every dude who’s reading this. But we know it’s true. You must use the product properly. That’s what the Apostle Peter is doing here in these closing verses of his second letter. He’s telling us what to do with what he’s written. He’s getting to the instructions. 

Rocky starts kicks things off by reminding us of every mind-blowing blessing given us by God. We can have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus because of all that He’s done for us (1:3-11). He’s warned us of a scheming team of false teachers who tear apart churches from the inside with their twisted message (2:1-22). And He’s let us know that these trash talkers may make Jesus and His Second Coming a punchline, but in the end He will return to punish evil and reward His people (3:1-13). As Pete lands the plane, he lets us know what to do with all that truth. He gives us instructions. In this case, he's talking about our spiritual complexion. If we want to get rid of those pesky pimples and blackheads in our lives, we need to apply God's truth. He tells us how to apply what he’s told us. If we don’t follow the directions, this truth won’t have the intended effect in our lives.

Let’s apply as directed.

We know that the former fisherman is coming to the application because he uses the term “therefore” (v14). You know the old saying, whenever we see the word “therefore,” we need to ask, “What is it there for?” In this case, Pete wants us to think back on what he’s written about all that our gracious God has done for us, the big con of the spiritual snake oil salesmen, and Jesus’ big comeback. That’s your context. That’s your background. That’s what it’s there for.

And don’t blow right past the term of endearment for Peter’s readers. “Beloved” (v14). This is the third of four times he’s called them by this nickname in this closing chapter. It’s from the same root word as agape. This means so much more than a warm fuzzy we might have for somebody. This is love expressed. This is love that does. He wants them to know just how much he loves them. The apostle has expressed his great love for these folks on numerous occasions. He’s personally carried the message of Jesus’ amazing love to them in Asia Minor. He then wrote a heartfelt letter to encourage them to keep following Jesus even when the world makes them an unfair target (1st Peter). And now he’s writing a second note warning them of a this nasty team of con artists (2:1-3). More important than Pete’s love for these people, he wants them to know that Jesus loves them. They matter to Him. He died for them. He rose for them. Do you know just how much Jesus loves you? Do you know that you matter to Him? You’re “beloved” (v14). The first application is to remember that Jesus loves you.

Apply as directed.

Rocky reminds us that we’re still expecting Jesus’ encore. We’re “waiting for these” (v14). “These” are God’s guarantee of “new heavens and new earth” Pete just told us about (3:13). The Greek verb here is prosdokao. This is the third time he’s dropped this word in three verses. It literally means to be looking forward. There’s tension. There’s expectation. The question isn’t if but when it will happen. Jesus’ followers are on the edge of their seats looking forward to His spectacular return. His readers were waiting. They were expecting. And we’re still waiting. And expecting. 

While we’re waiting, here’s what we should do. “Be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish” (v14). The word for “be diligent” in the original text means to do your absolute best. Spare no effort. Work hard. Hold nothing back. Do it now and give it everything you’ve got. He’s calling us to take our sin very seriously. Do I really hate the crap in my life or am I just managing it? Pete pushes me to get my act together. When Christ comes back, do I still want to be covered in the same slime as when He saved me?

This is in HUGE contrast to those filthy false teachers who leave churches in a big steaming pile. The apostle calls them “blots and blemishes” (2:13). In his prequel, Pete pleaded with us to remember what it cost God to save us, “the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1Pet 1:19). In the end, Jesus takes our garbage and gives us His holy perfection (2Cor 5:21). We don’t have to clean ourselves up. We don’t make ourselves “without spot or blemish” (v14). He’s already done that for us. We just simply need to live what we are. As Tullian Tchividjian so often says, the key to our sanctification is to remember our justification. In other words, the best way to be spotless is to remember that in Christ I am spotless. At the big finish, we’re going to be just like our Savior. Stainless. Blameless. Don’t be like those con artists! Be like Jesus!

Apply as directed. 

Pete concludes this verse by telling us to make it a priority to be “at peace” (v14). The peace described in the Bible is so much more than the lack of war and fighting. Sure, it is that. But that’s just a sliver of this incredible idea. It all goes back to the wonderful Hebrew word shalom. It paints the amazing picture of life as it should be. Everything in running in perfect rhythm. We’re at peace with each other. And that’s because we’re at peace with Jesus. We’re at peace with Him because we have absolutely no reason to fear His return. When we place our trust in Him, Jesus has already taken the punishment and judgment on our behalf. So when He returns to drop the hammer on sin and evil, we have nothing to worry about. We’re at peace.

So when Jesus comes back, I really want my spiritual complexion to be clear. To make sure those that ugly acne of my sin is gone, I need to apply His righteousness, not mine.

Apply as directed.

Are You Experienced?

But that is not the way you learned Christ! (Eph 4:20).

Fire up the Flux Capacitor and think back to those days in high school math.  Pick a class.  Any class.  It really doesn't matter.  Do you remember wondering what's the point.  Why am I learning this stuff?  When will I ever need to solve the Quadratic Equation in the real world?  I don't need to figure out the cosign but I might need to find someone to co-sign.  That's because knowledge means nothing until you put it into practice.  You need to roll up your sleeves and use what you learn.  You need experience.  

Paul looks back on what his Ephesian friends have learned about Jesus and compared it to how unbelievers flunked God's midterm.  "But that is not the way you learned Christ!" (v20).  As opposed to the Gentile outsiders, these folks have come to truly understand what it means to trust in Jesus by putting it into practice.  This isn't like some long lost lesson from Trig that seems tangent to real life.  You learn about Jesus by doing life with Him.  You learn about Jesus by trusting in who He says He is.  You learn about Jesus by trusting in what He's done.  You learn about Jesus from using His teaching.  You learn about Jesus by obeying His commands.  You learn about Jesus from experience.  

Are you experienced?

This itty bitty verse is chocked full of history and context.  Paul reminds the Ephesian believers of what went down during his three years there (Acts 20:31).  Three wild years.  Three VERY wild years.  Dr. Luke spends an entire chapter detailing those crazy days when God used the apostle turn the big city upside down (Acts 19).  After teaching local Jews that Jesus is their long-awaited Messiah, he got booted out of the Ephesian synagogue.  Paul leveraged that to his advantage and moved his lectures down the street to Tyrannus Hall.  That opened up the doors for non-Jews to hear about Jesus.  The Gospel was changing more than just the citizens of Ephesus but people from the entire region.  Paul didn't just teach, he performed miracles.  Even his shop rags were healing people!  There was the huge bonfire of magic books when Ephesian mystics turned their back on their demonic mojo and turned to Jesus.  Paul's three-year gig in the big port city ended with a huge riot and a wild scene at the outdoor amphitheater.  

For those who came to faith in Jesus during those days, it was quite an experience.  They discovered what it means to trust Jesus in the most trying of circumstances.  That's what Paul is talking about here.  He uses the the Greek verb manthano, which means to find out, discover, ascertain, learn by experience, understand, learn by use and practice.  The apostle reminds them how they truly found out what it means to follow Jesus.  He reminds them how they discovered how He would never fail them.  He reminds them how they learned about His teaching by using it and putting it into practice.  He reminds them that they learned from experience.

Are you experienced?

This kind of practical education can be either formal or informal.  Jewish leaders couldn't figure out how Jesus could teach so well "when He has never studied (Gr. manthano)" under one of the big name rabbis (Jn 7:15).  Jesus busted the Pharisees' highly educated chops by telling giving them homework.  "Go and learn (Gr. manthano) what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice'" (Mt 9:13).  And Paul let the folks in Philippi know that experience has taught him that Jesus is all he needs no matter what's going on.  "I have learned (Gr. manthano) in whatever situation to be content" (Phil 4:11).  Learning by practical application.  Learning from experience.

What's your experience?  Have you taken what you know and believe about Jesus and put it to work in your daily life?  What do you know about Him?  Have you placed your trust in what you know?  Let's take just a moment and make sure we're talking about the Jesus that Paul's talking about.  Jesus is the one and only Son of God.  He's fully God.  100%.  He lived the perfect life of obedience to God's standard that we completely failed to live.  He died the death for our sin that we should have died.  He rose to a glorious new life that we in no way deserve.  And He's given each of His followers His Holy Spirit to empower us to live a life of obedience.  When we trust in who He is, what He's done and live in the power of His Spirit, we learn about Christ.  That's exactly what Jesus' brother James meant when he said that faith in Christ without actions isn't faith at all (James 2:17).  Put your faith to work.  Put your faith into practice.  Experience what it means to truly trust and follow Jesus.  The Ephesians did.  Why don't you?

Are you experienced?

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