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.

From Bad to Worse

“while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2Tim 3:13)

These are amazing days. It makes my head hurt when I think about all the advancements over the past few years. The Internet. Smartphones. GPS. Decoding the human genome. The Segway. (Okay, maybe NOT the Segway. By the way, weren’t we promised flying cars by now?)

While the field of science and technology seems to have made the jump to light speed, there’s just one little problem. It’s clear that not everything is headed up and to the right. Have you seen what’s going on out there? A quick Google search of “Darwin Award nominees” will prove the point. Go ahead. Check it out for yourself. Not a pretty sight.

Religious Quacks and Con Artists

Let’s be honest. Religion may have cornered the market on quacks. You’ve probably heard of that weird cult started by a dead science fiction writer made famous by an actor who danced in his underwear. And don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because a church mentions the name of Jesus that everything is on the up and up. An endless parade of con artists and hucksters have realized there’s no business like God’s business.

It’s something Paul saw coming more than 2,000 years ago in a little letter to Timothy. He warns his spiritual son that things will eventually go into the the toilet “while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (v13). He tells us we can expect a rapid rise of religious con artists who not only fool unsuspecting followers but also fall for their own lies. And it will go from bad to worse.

A Letter from Death Row

Don’t make the mistake of seeing Paul as some wild-eyed weirdo wearing blogging about the end of the world from his parents’ basement. Nothing could be further from the truth. The apostle writes this letter from prison. More specficially, Death Row (2Tim 1:9, 16; 2:9; 4:6-7). Knowing his days are numbered, he’s quickly scribbling down instructions and passing the torch of ministry to a young pastor in Ephesus named Timothy (2Tim 1:2; 2:1-4:5).

A Pain in the Faith

A big focus of the apostle’s epistle is a team of false teachers who’ve weaseled their way into the Ephesian church (2Tim 2:16-18, 24-26; 3:1-9; 4:3-4). These are “evil people and imposters” (v13) he’s talking about. By describing them as “evil,” he drops a word in the original language (Gr. πονηρος/poneros) that means wicked, malicious, morally corrupt, malignant, perilous, and painful. It comes from a root word (Gr. πονος/ponos) meaning intense pain.

Paul wants us to know these folks aren’t simply a pain in the neck. They are intentionally inflicting pain in the faith! Jesus uses it to describe the religious snake pit known as the Pharisees (Mt 12:34-35). A little later, Christ slaps this label on the devil as “the evil one (Gr. πονηρος/poneros)” (Mt 13:19, 38). The Lord literally calls our enemy “The Evil”! Not just any evil. We’re talking THE Evil. When someone like the apostle puts you list as religious bullies and Satan, you’re in serious trouble.

Phonies and Frauds

If they aren’t bad enough, these nasty cats aren’t alone. They’re accompanied by “imposters” (v13). Paul dusts off a word (Gr. γοης/goes) you won’t find anywhere else in the entire Bible. The word paints a picture of a deceiver, charlatan, swindler, cheater, or seducer. It’s somebody who intentionally fools others through lies and pretense. A phony. A fraud. An imposter.

Ancient Greek writers used it to describe wizards or sorcerers who loudly cast spells. Think of somebody who diverts your focus through hocus pocus. These are people who not only know every trick in book but are willing to use it to their advantage. Don’t miss the emphasis on magic. Ephesus is a historical hotbed of occult practices (Acts 19:19). And apparently they’re back in a big way and Tim’s faced with it in the church. You can bet this is a reference to his earlier comparison of them to “Jannes and Jambres” (2Tim 3:8), Pharaoh’s wicked wizards who tried to match God’s miracles through Moses with demonic black magic (Ex 7:11, 22; 8:7, 18-19; 9:11).

Hoodoo and Voodoo

While I don’t want to that guy who freaks out when their kid watches a Harry Potter movie, we do need to be aware of the dangers of dark spirituality. God makes it very clear that His people should never mess with the occult, seances, mojo, voodoo, or any sort of hoodoo (Lev 19:31; 20:6; Dt 18:9-14; Is 8:19). There are some things that seem quite innocent that could crack the door for demonic activity in your life. Why take the chance?

We mentioned before what a pain in the faith these phonies have been in Ephesus. Spiritual snake oil salesmen have been duping people with a false gospel, leading them away from Jesus (2Tim 2:16). Hymenaeus and Philetus are two prime suspects spreading this fast-growing religious cancer in the churches (2Tim 2:17). They’re freaking folks out by telling them they’ve missed Christ’s Second Coming and the resurrection of the dead (2Tim 2:18).

Paul has already warned Tim not to get sucked into word wars with these goofballs (2Tim 2:24). Instead, kill them with kindness and grace in the hope that God may use it to snap them out of it (2Tim 2:24-26).

100% Chance of Danger!

What the apostle has to say in here in verses 12 and 13 is just a restatement of his prophetic forecast of of the last days. There’s 100% chance of danger (2Tim 3:1)! We’re to steer clear of people who appear like like followers of Jesus at first but when we look closer are really self-centered, self-absorbed, self-promoting, and self-obsessed (2Tim 3:2-5).

If that’s not bad enough, some of these pseudo-Christian creeps are nothing more than sexual predators who use every trick in their abusive bag of tricks to oppose the truth (2Tim 3:6-8). Before you throw in the towel and think this is a lost cause, the apostle lets us know God will expose these slime balls for who they really are (2Tim 3:9).

From Bad to Worse
But before that happens, the whole situation “will go on from bad to worse” (v13). Paul literally writes how it will “advance to the worse.” When it comes to false teachers and spiritual hucksters, things are headed in the wrong direction and speeding up. Remember the episode of “I Love Lucy” when Lucy and Ethel are working on the assembly line in the candy factory? The conveyer belt speeds up and they get absolutely overwhelmed. Change candy to cults and that’s exactly what’s about to go down.

Does it seem like there are more and more cults and whacky religions popping up these days? Do you feel like you can’t turn on TV or surf the web without bumping into another flavor-of-the-month heresy or false teacher? Well, there’s a reason for that. This religious garbage will continue to multiply until Jesus comes back. Just one more reason to read and understand God’s Word. When we know the truth of Scripture, we’ll know the one who’s the embodiment of all Truth (Jn 14:6). That’s one way to make sure we don’t get caught into the death spiral of phony religion as things “go on from bad to worse” (v13).

If someone claiming to be a spiritual teacher never mentions Jesus, encourages you to dive into a deeper relationship with Christ, or motivates you to be a firehose of His love and grace, you probably need to drop them like a bad habit. Folks are selling a lot of self-improvement stuff and slapping a Christian label on it. Remember, following Jesus isn’t about behavior modification or becoming a better you. It’s about dying to self and placing your trust in the One who did what we could never do for ourselves.

Victims of Their Own Con

Just in case you think nobody would ever buy the religious garbage they’re selling, Paul makes it clear these con artists are “deceiving and being deceived” (v13). They are making others believe what is false and wrong is actually true and right. But they’ve become victims of their own con. These hucksters not only dupe others but they also fall for their own lies. They’re self-deceived!

When you lead people astray, you go with them. Tell a lie long enough that you eventually believe it yourself. The more you play with the lies, the more you’re comfortable with them. They become victims of their own deception. Don’t hate them. Your heart should break for them. Take Paul’s advice and be unbelievably kind to them and gently correct them when you have the chance. “God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth and they may come to their senses” (2Tim 2:25-26). There’s always a chance for God to miraculously turn them around. Just ask Paul.

In the meantime, we’ll be dealing with a growing problem of false teachers and spiritual con artists. People who are a pain in the faith. People who appear to be spiritual but are actually dabbling in the demonic. It’s going to get worse. And worse. And worse. But never forget the end of the story. God’s Story. He wins. And when He wins, His people win. But until then, we can count on it to go from bad to worse.

The Apprentice

“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (2Tim 3:10).

“You’re fired!” Ah yes, Donald Trump’s infamous catchphrase from “The Apprentice.” Forget voting people off the island “Survivor” style, the boss does the dirty work all by himself in the boardroom, sacking losing contestants each week. When it’s all over, the winner earns a job with Trump’s company and the alleged opportunity to personally study the business at the foot of the Donald.

(This is where I will leave it to each one of you to insert your own paragraph about the 44th President of the United States. You’re welcome.)

A couple of thousand years before Trump made Omarosa famous, the Apostle Paul wrote about what a real apprentice looks like. He tells his spiritual son Timothy, “You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). Instead of trying to coin a catchy tagline and score high ratings, Paul looks to make disciples who make disciples.

He’s not firing apprentice wannabes but firing up his own spiritual apprentice. The apostle encourages Tim by telling the young pastor he’s legit when it comes to ministry. He’s learned the right things but more importantly lived and loved the right way. Tim’s passion for telling people about Jesus is the complete opposite of the religious con artists causing problems in Ephesus (2Tim 3:1-9).

Don’t think that Paul’s gotten cocky and believes he’s all that and a bag of chips. Sure, the man from Tarsus certainly has a ton of cred as a card-carrying, capital “A” Apostle. But an apostle is only as good as the one who sent him. In case you didn’t know, he’s following the resurrected Rabbi from Galilee, Christ Jesus. You may have heard of Him. Son of God. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. That’s the Savior Paul is following. And that’s the Savior he sees Tim following too. The apostle knows that good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.

This is even more important when you consider the context of the Paul’s letter to his spiritual apprentice. As the apostle writes, he’s in the final countdown as a condemned man in a Roman slammer (2Tim 1:8, 17; 2:9; 4:6-7). He pleads with Tim to get his tail to Rome for one last visit before his date with the executioner (2Tim 4:9, 21). But he spends a good chunk of this epistle scribbling down critical instructions for ministry just in case they never see each other again (2Tim 2:1-4:5). These may well be the final words from the mentor to his student.

Paul begins verse 10 by drawing a clear distinction between Tim and the religious snake oil salesmen who’ve weaseled their way into the local church. “You, however” (v10). Could Timothy be any more different from the false teachers? Just check out the rap sheet of dudes like Hymenaeus and Philetus in 2 Timothy 2.

They may have started by teaching the Gospel but have gone off the rails long ago and now spread an aggressive cancer among God’s people (2Tim 2:17). They distract believers from following Jesus with all sorts of religious double talk (2Tim 2:14, 16, 23). They are self-absorbed and self-obsessed and some members of their posse have become dangerous sexual predators on the prowl for weak women (2Tim 3:1-8).

Maybe the young pastor has begun to doubt himself and question his qualifications. In his previous letter, the former Pharisee tells Tim not to let anybody use his youth to put him down (1Tim 4:12). He encourages him to “fan into flames the gift of God, which is in you” (2Tim 1:6) and stop giving into fear (2Tim 1:7). God’s Spirit lives inside every follower of Jesus (2Tim 1:14). Lean into the amazing grace of Jesus for His strength (2Tim 2:1).

Same goes for you if you’re a follower of Jesus. There should be no age discrimination when it comes to loving and leading others. God has personally given each believer at least one supernatural gift. It’s up to us stoke the fires of what He’s entrusted and share it with others. If we’re afraid, we need to remember that it wasn’t Jesus that gave us the jitters. He gave us the power to live and love with focus. God’s Spirit empowers every one of His followers. So let’s be generous and gracious with others since He’s be so generous and gracious to us.

An honest critique and strong encouragement are critical components of any apprentice relationship. Do you have someone in your life to honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses? Someone who will speak truth into your life? A mentor must also motivate when a protege has doubts. They cast a clear vision and know when a pep talk is appropriate.

Turn all that around. Are you doing that for someone else as well? Don’t give me that I’m-not-good-enough-to-be-someone’s-mentor stuff. We all are. Yes, you. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that God has placed someone in your life who’s at least a little less spiritually mature than you are. Every Paul needs a Timothy. Every Timothy needs a Paul. In the end, it’s not about the quality of the apprentice or mentor but the Lord they are following.

Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.

Paul gives Tim the ultimate “attaboy” by telling him how he has “followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). He uses a fascinating verb in the original language (Gr. παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo). It’s a compound word that literally means to “follow (-ακολοθεω/-akoloutheo) alongside (παρα-/para-).” It paints a picture of accompanying faithfully, being ever present and attentive, and being close enough to carefully dig deep into the details about something or someone.

This kind of investigation isn’t done from a distance or a Google search. As the old saying goes, it’s up close and personal. For instance, Dr. Luke opens his report to Theophilus about how he’s thoroughly investigated the facts about Jesus for over a long period of time and “followed (Gr. παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo) all things closely for some time past” (Lk 1:3). The good doctor hit the road to hear the truth about Christ from the people who knew Him best. He personally interviews the Lord’s closest friends and followers.

But there’s another important element to παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo and it’s one very important step further than an simply an in-depth investigation. You carefully check things out in order to do them yourself. You follow every step so that you can take those same steps yourself. In his prequel to this letter, Paul encourages Tim for “the good doctrine that you have followed (Gr. παρακολοθεω/parakoloutheo)” (1Tim 4:6). The young pastor gives us a classic example of how to mirror your mentor.

Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.

The word in the original Greek is so wonderfully rich that the various Bible translations use a variety of terms to help us wrap our heads around it.
“followed” (NASB, HCSB, NET)
“followed after” (YLT)
“carefully followed” (NKJV)
“diligently followed [my example] (AMP)
“fully known” (KJV)
“intimately known” (Weymouth)
“know all about” (NIV)
“know” (NLT)
“thoroughly acquainted with” (Darby)
“observed” (NRS)
“took as your example” (BBE)
“gone after” (ABPE)
But my favorite is actually from the paraphrase of The Message. “You’ve been a good apprentice to me” (v10 The Message). Did you see it? A good apprentice. But this kind of apprentice isn’t worried about getting fired or winning the grand prize on a reality show. This kind of apprentice is all about carefully following a humble mentor who’s following Jesus.

Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.

So just what behaviors and habits are now part of Tim’s life after hanging out with Paul? According to the apostle, here’s the list: “my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). In other words, Timothy has modeled what the apostle has said, what he has done, his direction in life, his trust in Jesus, his long fuse, his love in action, as well as his grit. At this point, Tim probably walks and talks just like Paul. And that’s NOT a bad thing since Paul probably walks and talks a lot like Christ. Let me know if you’ve got a better suggestion.

Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.

“My teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). Maybe you might think the man from Tarsus has gotten the big head when you read his repeated use of “my” in this list. My oh my, it’s just the opposite. The apostle is simply recognizing that Tim modeled his behavior by mimicking Paul. This isn’t some sort of biblical humble brag. Timothy learned how to follow Jesus from watching Paul follow Jesus.

Over the course of his ministry, Paul did what he could to set an example for others in following Jesus. He invites the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1Cor 11:1). The apostle tells his Philippian friends to “join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil 3:17). In other words, if you’re not sure of what following Jesus looks like, cut-and-paste what Paul does until you can figure it out on your own.

Finding or being a mentor does NOT mean perfection. You DO realize there’s only one Jesus, right? Every believer should keep their eyes locked on the One who will be there from start to finish in our faith (Heb 12:2). Paul gives us a powerful example of what a realistic mentor looks like. Look past the apostolic title on his LinkedIn profile. This is a dude with a seriously checkered past. Remember the whole hunt-down-torture-and-kill-Jesus’-followers part? Paul pulls no punches when it comes to his rather sordid history (Acts 22:4-5; 26:9-11; Gal 1:13; Phil 3:6; 1Tim 1:13). It’s all on the table.

Follow Paul’s example. Readily admit your sins, your failings, your flaws, your faults, and your mistakes. Live transparently with those closest to you. Repent regularly. Remember, you’re NOT Jesus. You’re just trying to follow Him. When you do that with humility, you’re going to look over your shoulder and see others following you. If not, you’re not so much leading but simply on a long, lonely walk by yourself.

Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.

What sort of stuff is Tim focusing on as he follows Paul? According to the apostle, it’s “my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v10). It all starts with what Paul said as a teacher. Christ is at the core of his curriculum. Every single thing Paul taught was about Jesus. Timothy not only studied at foot of the apostle but made our Savior the focus of his teaching as well.

The apostle’s apprentice didn’t just listen to what was said but keeps a keen eye on how life is to be lived, “my conduct” (v10). As my dear friend Ross Turner liked to say, “A talk talks and a walk talks, but a walk talks louder than a talk talks.” Say that three times fast! Words about Jesus are always important but we must back them up with our behavior.

Tim takes note of Paul’s “aim in life” (v10). This is a predetermined plan of action that you stick to even when the fecal matter hits the whirling device. Think of it as a publicly posted mission statement that tells everybody where you’re headed. It explains why you do what you do. A good mentor makes the “why” and the “where” of the “what” and “how” obvious.

The young pastor emulates the apostle’s “faith” (v10). Paul doesn’t place his confidence in his own religious resume. He tried that once before and despite being really good at it failed miserably. His best effort was nothing more than a big steaming pile compared to Christ (Phil 3:-11). Instead of a do-it-yourself salvation, we trust in the person and work of Jesus. He lived the perfect life we failed to live. He died the death for our sin we should have died. He rose to the glorious new life we don’t deserve.

Because of Paul’s deep faith in Christ, Tim sees the apostle’s “patience” (v10). You can literally translate the original Greek word here (Gr. μακροθυμια/makrothumia) as having a long fuse. You can take a lot of garbage and abuse before you lose your cool. Jesus certainly modeled it during His torture and crucifixion. It’s all part of God making us more and more like His Son (Rom 8:29). That’s why Paul lists it as part of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Gal 5:22-23).

Timothy puts into practice Paul’s incredible “love” (v10). Considering how the apostle squeezes this in between “patience” and “steadfastness,” he’s probably not talking about warm fuzzy feelings he has just for people who are nice to him. This is a practical demonstration of love-in-action for those who are hard to love. People who are messy. People who don’t like you. People who may have the middle digit locked and loaded. This is loving our enemies just like Jesus not only taught (Mt 5:44) but personally demonstrated (Rom 5:8).

The apostle’s spiritual son follows the example when it comes to “steadfastness” (v10). This is different word (Gr. ‘υπομονη/hupomone) and slightly different idea from “patience.” It’s hanging in there in hard times because of a strong hope. Call it an attitude of fortitude. As the great Vince Lombardi would say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Paul would probably add, “And KEEP going!” Once again, Jesus sets the standard. The writer of Hebrews uses a very similar word when describing how Christ “endured (Gr. ‘υπομονω/hupomeno) the cross” (Heb 12:2).

This is what a godly apprentice looks like. What do we do with all this? First of all, find a Paul, find a Timothy…shoot, find more than one of each!! Remember that people are watching whether you know it or not. Leaders lead by personal example whether they realize it or not. Following Jesus is not so much taught at caught.

What sort of example do you set for others? Are you aware of your influence on them? Do you have a solid self-awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses? Are you willing to be transparent about them? Do you have the kind of close relationships with others to invite them to follow you or ask to follow them?

Most importantly, how is YOUR relationship with Jesus? If someone is going to follow you, you need to be following Christ. Do you do what He tells you to do? Do you repent regularly? Remember, It’s NOT about you. It’s all about the One you follow. That’s what it means to be an apprentice.

Good followers follow good followers who follow Jesus.

Phonies Exposed

“Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men” (2Tim 3:8-9).

Man, we love us some magic. Allow me to conjure up a few examples. Harry Potter has made millions appear in J.K. Rowling’s bank account. David Blaine dazzles crowds with his patented Street Magic. There’s America’s favorite Mind Freak, Criss Angel. Penn and Teller remain one of the biggest acts in the history of Vegas. David Copperfield has not only made the Statue of Liberty disappear but, in one of the greatest illusions ever performed, dates Claudia Schiffer.

No matter the magician, we watch them closely. This time they won’t fool us. This time we’re gonna figure it out. Then…ABRACADABRA ALAKAZAM! They pull off yet one more spectacular piece of hocus locus and leave us scratching our heads. How in the world did they do THAT?!?!

But here’s the deal. These magicians are really just illusionists. They only appear to pull off the impossible. You do realize they really aren’t sawing a woman in half, don’t you? Remember the show “Breaking the Magician’s Code”? The star was some dude named the Masked Magician who spent an hour each week revealing the ugly truth behind some of the greatest tricks.

What in the world does this have to do with following Jesus? There are plenty of phonies out there conning believers with their spiritual sleight of hand. And it’s nothing new. Two thousand years ago, Paul wrote a letter to a young pastor warning him about folks who were the latest in a long line of religious hucksters.

The apostle compares them to a pair of ancient Egyptian wizards back in the day. “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men” (v8-9). He reassures Tim that these posers won’t get away with their con in the end. God will expose them for the phonies they really are.

Paul is writing the last letter of his life. He’s on Death Row in a Roman prison (2Tim 1:8, 17; 2:9; 4:6-7). He fires off this final note with two important purposes. One, he begs Tim to drop everything and hurry to Rome for one final visit before it’s too late (2Tim 4:9, 21). Two, he scribbles down critical info for ministry after he’s gone (2Tim 2:1-5).

A critical part of his instructions are dealing a growing number of false teachers. Earlier we read how they have begun to weasel their way into the church like an aggressive cancer, even driving some folks to doubt their trust in Jesus (2Tim 2:1718). Their M.O. is to suck you into endless arguments and ridiculous controversies in order to distract people from the following Jesus (2Tim 2:12-16, 22-23).

These spiritual snake oil salesmen are nothing more than self-centered, self-obsessed, self-lovers to be avoided at all costs (2Tim 3:1-5). Paul pulls no punches when he describes them as pseudo-Christian creeps. They’re sexual predators on the prowl, looking for women who are desperate for male companionship (2Tim 3:6-7).

For those who are familiar with Moses and the amazing Israelite escape from Egypt, the apostle compares them to a pair pharaoh’s personal wizards. “Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses” (v8). You won’t find this demonic duo named anywhere in the original story in the Old Testament. They’re only described as the top “magicians” of Egypt skilled in the “secret arts” (Ex 7:11, 22; 8:7, 18-19; 9:11). This is yet another example where the Holy Spirit inspires to writers of the NT to pull back the curtain on what we read in the OT.

But the writer of Exodus uses a Hebrew term translated as “magicians (Heb. chartom)” that paints these men as much more than as master illusionists who dazzle their friends at dinner parties. These are sorcerers deep into the dark corners of the occult. In case you didn’t know, the people of God are supposed to steer clear of stuff like witchcraft, soothsayers, sorcery, and seances (Dt 18:9-12). In other words, toss that Ouija board in the trash and flip open your Bible ASAP.

Flipping back to 2 Timothy, Paul says the phonies he and Tim are facing are the direct diabolical descendants of Jannes and Jambres. Just as Pharaoh’s sorcerers tried to stand up to Moses, “these men also oppose the truth” (v8). A couple of things to remember. First of all, it didn’t end well for the Egyptian wizards. Sure, they had a couple of cool things in the black magic bag of tricks. But after Aaron’s snake eats theirs (Ex 7:12) and they end up covered in boils (Ex 9:11), Jannes and Jambres tap out and are never heard from again.

Second, John MacArthur believes Paul’s comparison to pharaoh’s sorcerers indicates the first century false teachers were also dabbling in the occult. This is an important reminder that not everything supernatural is from God. Our enemy has the ability to mimic the miraculous. Jesus’ best buddy John encourages us to “not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God” (1Jn 4:1). We can know a spirit is legit when it makes Jesus famous (1Jn 4:2-3). Anything else is from the dark side, young Padawan.

Jannes and Jambres’ opposition to the Big Mo was incredibly similar to these dudes who “also oppose the truth” (v8). By using a Greek verb we translate as “opposed” (Gr. ανθιστημι/anthistemi) not once but twice here, Paul goes out of his way to point out the open and obvious rebellion. This is NOT simply agreeing to disagree. The original language paint a picture of of active and hostile resistance. 

A little later in this letter, the apostle warns Tim about a coppersmith named Alexander who “strongly opposed (Gr. ανθιστημι/anthistemi) our message” (2Tim 4:15). Paul writes to the Galatians about the time his buddy Peter stopped hanging out with non-Jewish believers. He has to get up in Pete’s grill and says “I opposed (Gr. ανθιστημι/anthistemi) him to his face” (Gal 2:11).

But probably the best example of supernatural opposition to the Gospel comes in Acts, Luke’s description of the incredible tsunami of grace across the Mediterranean rim. When Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark brought the message of Jesus to the island of Cyprus, that “Elymas the magician…opposed (Gr. ανθιστημι/anthistemi) them” and used every trick in the book to keep folks from hearing the Gospel (Acts 13:8). Just so you know, God blinded Cypriot sorcerer and people placed their trust in Jesus (Acts 13:11-12). Oh, you can resist. But when you make the mistake of resisting Almighty God, resistance, as they say, is ultimately futile.

Opposing the truth standing in the way of someone’s relationship with Jesus. Throughout his two letters to Timothy, that’s exactly how Paul talks about it. He describes how God “desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Tim 2:4). In his sequel, he says we must treat our enemies gently so that “God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2Tim 2:25). And some of these very same sleazy false teachers search for fragile female victims so that they will “never be able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth” (2Tim 3:7).

The truth Paul’s describing is much more than a list of facts. He’s talking about Jesus, the One who is Truth with capital T. That’s how He describes Himself to His closest followers. “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn 14:6). The resurrected Rabbi from Galilee isn’t inviting to memorize a long list of religious FAQs. You see, Truth is a Person inviting into a relationship.

So why do those ancient Egyptian sorcerers and these first century phonies use any means necessary to keep folks from know Jesus? Because they are “corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith” (v8). Paul uses a verb the ESV translates as “corrupted” (Gr. καταφθειρω/katathpheiro) that describes what’s going on between their ears as totally perverted. That certainly lines up with how he calls them creeps just up the page, doesn’t it?

If that’s not enough, they’re “disqualified (Gr. αδοκιμος/adokimos) from the faith” (v8). In doing so, the apostle tells Tim these spiritual con artists have failed the test and proven to be frauds. In NASCAR, drivers and teams that cheat are DQ’d and kicked out. In a note to another protege, the former Pharisee tells Titus to watch out for people who talk a good game about their relationship with Jesus but have absolutely zero evidence for it in their lives. “They are detestable, disobedient, unfit (Gr. αδοκιμος/adokimos) for any good work” (Titus 1:16).

There’s no magic spell or incantation necessary to be a qualified and bonafide follower of Jesus. It’s simply trusting in who He is and what He’s done that we could never do for ourselves. The sinless Son of God lived the perfect life that we’ve failed to live. He died the death for our sin that we should have died. He rose to new life that we in no way deserve. He trades His perfection for our rebellion (2Cor 5:21). As a result, we willingly submit ourselves to His loving leadership in order to enjoy the overflowing life of abundance He came to bring (Jn 10:10).

Just God exposed Jannes and Jambres for the phonies they were, Paul reassures us that these false teachers “will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was the of those two men” (v9). It’s like the scene in “The Wizard of Oz.” Dorothy and friends catch a glimpse of what’s really going on. When he’s exposed as a fraud, the not-so-great-and-powerful Oz desperately tries to divert their eyes, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” Too late. The jig is up. The con exposed. The folly plain.

God guarantees that con artists, counterfeits, and frauds won’t get away with it. He’ll reveal them for who they really are. They’ll get what’s coming to them. But don’t miss the big idea. He knows EVERYBODY for who they really are. You. Me. Them. Everybody. That’s the big idea behind one of King David’s hit songs (Ps 139). Jesus makes it plain that there will come a day when nothing is left secret and everything brought into the bright light of God’s truth (Lk 6:17).

Maybe you’re a fan of the Masked Magician and love finding out how illusionists pull off their tricks. But that’s nothing to what’s going to happen when God exposes religious phonies for who they really are. No magic wands. No secret potions. No incantations. Just the Light of the World revealing every single spiritual hoax while at the same time showing Himself to be Truth Incarnate. 

Pseudo-Christian Creeps

“For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning but never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth” (2Tim 3:6-7).

Some dudes just give you the willies. You know the ones. They try WAY too hard with the ladies and clearly up to no good. And these sleaze balls have a type. They’re constantly on the prowl for women who are weak and vulnerable. They’re really nothing more than self-absorbed sexual predators. Let’s call it like it is. They’re creeps.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking the natural habitat for the lowlife is limited to the singles bar. They’re not just lurking on Tinder. These dirtbags are anywhere and everywhere. I hate to say it but church is one of their favorite hunting grounds. If you’ve ever been to any singles ministry mixer, you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about!

Like the cockroach, the rat, and the shark, this species has been stalking the planet for thousands of years. For instance, did you know that Paul and Timothy had to deal with an infestation of creeps at the church in Ephesus? Yeah, you read that right. Creeps are literally in the Bible.

In his second letter to a young pastor named Timothy, the apostle spends a good bit of time addressing a team of false teachers and their impact on the Ephesian church. It’s obviously a VERY big deal. Why else would Paul take the time to address these slime balls in the last letter he will ever write?

You see, the man from Tarsus is walking the Green Mile. He’s on Death Row in Rome at the infamous Mamertine Prison. The apostle knows a date with the executioner is right around the corner (2Tim 4:6-7). He pleads with his protege to make one last visit before it’s too late (2Tim 4:9, 21). Paul spends the rest of this epistle passing the torch of spreading the Gospel to his spiritual son (2Tim 1:1-2; 2:1-4:5).

There’s no doubt that spiritual hucksters have weaseled their way into the Ephesian church. Their destructive message is spreading like an aggressive cancer (2Tim 2:16). Instead bringing people together, they tearing people apart (2Tim 2:14, 23). Instead of getting up in their grill, Paul tells Tim to treat them gently. You never know, “God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” and snap out of it (2Tim 2:25-26).

If you think it’s bad now, just you wait. The apostle tips us off that things are going really go off the rails “in the last days” (2Tim 3:1). That’s when the false teachers and their followers become self-absorbed, self-centered, self-obsessed, self-worshipers (2Tim 3:2-5). Seen Instagram lately? Looks like we’re well on our way. Well, buckle your seat belts, boys and girls. Things will soon spiral completely out of control.

Paul lets us know that a significant percentage of these snake oil salesmen have something else up their sleazy sleeves. “For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women” (v6). The ESV uses the phrase “those who creep” as the translation for the Greek verb ενδυνω (enduno). It means to enter on the sly with ulterior motives, worm your way into, or secretly slip in.

One ancient translation of this verse in the Syriac language actually uses the word “weasel” here. A commentator by the name of Bloomfield says Paul is comparing them to snakes. These infiltrators can slither through the smallest openings. If you’re starting to get the willies, you get the drift. The apostle pulls no punches when talking about these pervs. He calls them creeps.

Not buying it? Don’t believe one of the writers of the Bible would stoop to this kind of name-calling? Well, take one look at who these lowlifes are targeting. They’re hoping to “capture weak women” (v6). Creepy enough for you? Paul uses a verb here (Gr. αιχμαλωτιζω/aichmalotizo) that’s actually a military term describing the capture prisoners of war.

Check out its other uses in the NT. Jesus paints a bleak picture of how the last days will go down when many “will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive (Gr. αιχμαλωτιζω/aichmalotizo) among all nations” (Lk 21:24). Paul uses it to describe his own internal firefight and it’s “make me captive (Gr. αιχμαλωτιζω/aichmalotizo) to the law of sin that dwells in my members” (Rom 7:23). The apostle tells the Corinthians that the followers of Jesus must win the war over the voices in their heads and “take every though captive (Gr. αιχμαλωτιζω/aichmalotizo) to obey Christ” (2Cor 10:5).

Is Paul comparing these First Century creeps to those van-driving dirtbags who kidnap young women and hold them hostage for years in the basement? I’ll let you make that call. One way or the other, the apostle is not exactly describing a guy looking out for a lady’s best interest. These false teachers look to control and manipulate their victims. It’s really no more than low grade human trafficking.

These sexual predators set their sites on “weak women” (v6). The apostle once again doesn’t waste his time with P.C. language. He dusts off a word (Gr. γυναικαριον/gunaikarion) that’s not exactly a compliment. It paints a picture of a frivolous and foolish female who is morally immature. You might say a desperate housewife. This is a woman whose situation in life has left her prone to temptation. Desperate for a little attention. Easily flattered. Emotionally available.

How long has this stuff been going on? A long time. A VERY long time! Flip back to our first parents first days on the planet. That’s when Satan duped Eve into believing God was holding out on her and Adam (Gen 3:1-7). From what we’ve seen in 2 Timothy, it should come as no shock that our enemy showed up as a talking snake. The devil used a little scriptural slight of hand to fool Eve into chomping into the forbidden fruit and then handing it to her husband.

Ever since, pseudo-Christian creeps have been twisting Scripture so that their victims will be “burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth” (v6-7). They overwhelm these women with all sorts of teaching that sounds like it comes from the Bible but is really nothing more than spiritual bondage. Their counterfeit gospel entices people further from our Heavenly Father, not closer. They pile on condemnation instead of leading them under the waterfall of God’s grace.

A word to the women and then to the men. Ladies, could there be a stronger encouragement to deepen your walk with Jesus and have a fuller understanding of God’s Word? That’s the best way to protect yourself from these creeps. When we know the Gospel, we much less likely to fall for something phony. Don’t let anyone try to convince you that he has the secret formula for salvation.

Remember, Jesus lived the perfect life we failed to live. He died the death for our sin we should have died. He rose to the glorious new life we don’t deserve. We place our trust in what He’s done on our behalf. We trust in His leadership and lordship of our lives. We obey God’s commands as an act of gratitude for what He’s done, not in order to earn our way into heaven. It really is that simple.

Ladies, don’t look for any other savior. Don’t subtly substitute the need for a boyfriend or husband for the place reserved only for Jesus. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with those relationships…EXCEPT when they become the ultimate object of worship. Idolatry is a lot more than bowing down to some handcrafted statue. Anytime we take a good thing and make it a god thing, that’s a bad thing.

Gentlemen, now can I have your attention for just a moment? First of all, if you feel like Paul’s getting personal here, now is the time to repent and ask for the forgiveness that only comes through Christ. We’re to see the women who follow Jesus as our sisters, not targets. As their brothers, we look out for their best interest. That means protecting them from creeps and any other sexual predators who are on the prowl.

And now a specific word for the husbands. Paul is not just talking about the single ladies here in 2 Timothy. Our wives need us to be fully involved in our marriages. That means our day isn’t done when we walk in the door from work. Instead of plopping down on the couch and watching SportsCenter, we love and serve our wives. She gets our best.

Just a reminder. God not only expects us to treat her the same way Jesus treated His bride, the church (Eph 5:25-33). I’m to love her. Give myself for her. Wash her in God’s Word. That does NOT mean guilting and manipulating her into doing what you want and when you want. When we do that, we’re really no better than the pseudo-Christian creeps Paul writes about.

Something's Gotta Give

“But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity’” (2Tim 2:19).

The Irresistible Force versus the Immovable Object. It’s THE classic battle. A clash of the titans. In sports, you see it when a record-setting offense goes against a shutdown defense for the championship. The greatest hitter stepping in against the greatest pitcher. Something’s gotta give.

In a letter to his protege Timothy, Paul gives us a lesson in biblical physics. Nothing moves God or His Gospel. Skeptics, doubters, and false teachers can dig deep into their bag of dirty tricks but it won’t do any good. “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity’” (v19).

Something’s gotta give alright. But it won’t be God.

One look at Paul’s situation as he writes this letter and you might think is faith would be wobbling. He’s not just behind bars but in full restraints (2Tim 1:16; 2:8). The apostle knows his days are numbered as he sits on Death Row in Rome (2Tim 4:6-7). If that’s not enough, there’s big trouble back at the church in Ephesus. A cancer of heresy is spreading throughout the body of Christ and driving folks away from Jesus (2Tim 2:16-17). That happened when a pair of goofballs shot a total air ball when it comes to the resurrection and turned the faith of many believers upside down (2Tim 17-18).

There would be more than a few cracks in the foundation of my faith if it were me. But the apostle has complete confidence. Not so much in Timothy. But in what God can and will do THROUGH Tim. Paul knows that the young pastor can use God’s Word as both a sword to defend the truth or a scalpel to remove the tumor (2Tim 2:15). Ultimately he knows that even the most destructive nuclear attack can’t quake the unshakeable base of God’s grace.

Something’s gotta give alright. But it won’t be God.

In the previous verse we read that a couple of con artists named Hymenaeus and Philetus have spread the word that Ephesian believers have missed the resurrection of the dead. Think about that for just a minute. That’s a huge part of what Jesus predicted would happen at His Second Coming. In other words, THE Big Event of your faith went down and you had no clue. They’ve been peddling a lie that’s totally turned people’s trust in Christ upside down.

Paul reassures us that none of this changes the end of the story. “But God’s foundation stands” (v19). You might not realize it but a huge part of what the apostle writes to Tim here is found in that first little word: “but.” The man from Tarsus dusts off a term (Gr. μεντοι) that indicates the strongest possible contrast in Greek. It means however or nonetheless. The author wants his readers to know that whatever you’ve just read doesn’t matter once we see what he has to say next.

Forget Sir Mix-A-Lot. There’s nothing better than a great big “But God.” Nevertheless God. However God. In other words, God is the ultimate Game Changer. He’s the cosmic Trump Card. Nothing that happens that doesn’t change when He shows up. Or to tweak the quote from “Animal House,” it’s not over until He says it’s over. Despite all the garbage false teachers like Hymenaeus and Philetus might stir up, God’s rock solid foundation isn’t going anywhere. But God.

Something’s gotta give alright. But it won’t be God.

Scripture is loaded with “but God” moments. A quick search reveals a minimum of 41 times we see the phrase “but God” in His Word. Old Testament. New Testament. You see it everywhere. There’s no situation so bad, no day so dark, no sin too deep that doesn’t get changed with a “but God” moment. Joseph knew his brothers tried to throw him under the bus BUT GOD turned it into blessing (Gen 50:20). We’re terrorists against His kingdom BUT GOD still drenches us in His grace (Eph 2:1-10). We’re total train wrecks of sin and disobedience BUT GOD loves us by giving us His Son (Rom 5:8).

Same idea here in 2 Timothy. While it looks like these two snake oil salesmen are destroying the church from the inside out, Jesus won’t let that happen. “But God’s firm foundation stands” (v19). What Christ has built isn’t going anywhere. Paul says this supernatural structure is “firm” (Gr. στερεος), a word that describes it as solid, compact, strong, steadfast, stiff, and stubborn. The term here is in huge contrast to something squishy, soft, or ooey gooey.

Check out a few other uses of this word in the NT. Pete tells us Jesus gives us the strength to dig in against Satan and stand “firm (Gr. στερεος) in your faith” (1Pet 5:9). The writer of Hebrews uses it to describe the high protein of the biblical ribeye as “solid (Gr. στερεος) food” (Heb 5:12, 14). Those who tried to get spiritual footing on the soft-serve stuff sold by Hymenaeus and Philetus would slip and fall.

Anybody in the building and contracting business knows that the strength of any structure starts at the bottom. Great buildings that stand the test of time always have great foundations. Same with God. He’s built an immovable “foundation” (v19). The apostle uses construction lingo by choosing the word θεμελιος. He’s describing the footings or base on which a structure is built. In the first century, this is the stones beneath the walls.

Jesus uses θεμελιος when talking about how we should construct a foundation of obedience to protect our lives from the storm surge of life (Lk 6:48-49). Paul tells the Corinthians how he’s made it priority one to build skillfully on the base of grace, “for no one can lay a foundation (Gr. θεμελιος) than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1Cor 3:10-12). When the Apostle John gets a sneak peek at New Jerusalem, he reports that “the wall of the city had twelve foundations (Gr. θεμελιος)” (Rev 21:14).

Paul wants us to come closer and read what’s written on cornerstone of God’s rock solid foundation. There are twin inscriptions. “‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity’” (v19). Just about every Bible commentator agree that the apostle is digging deep into the OT for a couple of quotes from the Book of Numbers.

They come from what’s known as Korah’s rebellion. It seems there was dude named Korah who led a nasty attempt to overthrow Moses and his leadership team (Num 16). The Big Mo made it clear to this rebel without a clue that he was making a HUGE mistake.“The Lord knowns those who are His” is paraphrase of Numbers 16:5. God’s not confused. He won’t accidentally pick the wrong people for His team and mistakenly leave someone off His roster. God’s Word reassures us of that consistently (Jer 1:5; Nah 1:7; Jn 10:14, 27-28; 1Cor 8:3). That’s inscription number one.

The other one reads “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity” (v19). It’s a rewrite of Numbers 16:26 when Moses warns folks to steer clear of that dingbat Korah before it’s too late. It doesn’t take a seminary degree to figure out what God wants us to do here. If you say you follow Jesus, start acting like it. Stop slapping His name on your sin and trying to justify your disobedience.

The original language here reveals a cool use of words that gets, shall we say, lost in translation. “Depart” (Gr. αφιστημι) means to go away, desert, leave, keep away but can also describe to rebel, reject authority, or event incite a riot. Instead of starting a revolution against God and His authority like crazy Korah, rebel against wrongdoing in the name of Jesus! Reject the authority sin no longer has over you. Incite a riot of righteousness. We must fight the power! Fight the power of sin!!

So what does all this have to do with you and me 2,000 years later? Much as we’ve tried, people are still spreading all sorts of distortion and lies when it comes to Jesus. Remember the craziness and controversy Dan Brown caused with “The DaVinci Code”? The current rage against our faith is led by the self-described Four Horsemen of Atheism: Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, and Christopher Hitchens. Like wrecking balls, their teaching slams against the core of our faith in Christ. It causes lots of us to question what we believe. But just because a bad teaching has left our faith in a shambles, we can trust that the foundation of God’s truth never moves. Despite all of these fierce attacks, God’s foundation never wobbles.

Something’s gotta give alright. But it won’t be God.

You see, God is not only the ultimate Irresistible Force, He’s also supreme Immovable Object. Jesus tells Peter that on the of rock of his faith in the Son of Man He “will build My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18). My faith my wobble at times but God and His Gospel never wavers. Just read the inscription on His unshakable foundation. Here’s how it’s paraphrased in the Message. “Meanwhile, God’s firm foundation is as firm as ever, these sentences engraved on the stones:
God knows who belongs to Him.
Spurn evil, all you who name God as God” (v19 The Message).

In other words, something’s gotta give alright. But it won’t be God.

Resurrection Airball

“Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some” (2Tim 2:17-18).

 

Ever totally missed something you had really looked forward to? Maybe you completely forgot about that awesome party until you saw the pictures later on Facebook. Possibly you totally blanked on the concert by your favorite band that you paid too much for tickets to see. Did you drop the ball on your spouse’s birthday or your anniversary (If this is you, I pray that either the couch has been somewhat comfortable or at least Duke has snuggled you in the doghouse)?

Those are nothing compared to the garbage a couple of troublemakers tried to stir up in the Ephesian church. Two fellas freaked out the followers of Jesus by telling them they totally missed resurrection of the dead. Paul writes to his protege Timothy all about it. “Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some” (v17-18).

Hymenaeus and his sidekick Philetus are spreading a destructive rumor that’s driving folks to doubt their trust in Jesus. According to them, He’s already come back and they totally missed it. They missed Christ’s countless followers walking out the cemetery in their resurrection bodies. That would be hard to ignore. Imagine being a lifelong Cubs fan and finding out they’ve won the World Series while you were out of town last weekend. Okay, I apologize. Let’s keep this grounded in some sort of reality. In other words, the event you’ve built your entire faith around has come and gone…and you missed it.

Let’s back up a bit for a little context. What we know as the New Testament is actually a collection of First Century documents written to the people who placed their trust in the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter from Galilee as God. A handful are biographies written by some of His inner circle we call the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Many are letters. Some to local churches who needed help getting past sticky situations. Others are notes to individuals who either need encouragement, specific guidance, or correction.

Second Timothy is a letter from the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son Timothy from Death Row in Rome (2Tim 1:16; 2:8; 4:6-7). On one hand, he desperately wants Tim to do everything he can to get his tail to the Mamertine Prison for one final visit (2Tim 4:9, 21). On the other, he frantically scribbles down as much critical information as he can to help the young pastor shepherd the flock in Ephesus and keep God’s tsunami of grace rolling throughout the world (2Tim 2:1-4:5). In other words, don’t forget that this is a REAL letter from a REAL person about REAL problems in a REAL place. So as we read, we’d better get ready to get REAL.

It’s at this point that the apostle introduces us to a pair of rabble rousers by the names of Hymenaeus and Philetus. His mention of the H Bomb is a big hint that Tim is still in Ephesus when he gets this letter. Hymenaeus was a big problem in E City back in the day when Paul first planted this church. The man from Tarsus kicked this goober to the curb along with his buddy Alexander so they might learn their lesson not to talk trash about Jesus (1Tim 1:20).

Apparently the apostle’s plan for their remedial education didn’t work. He’s baaa-aaack! Once again, Hymenaeus is patient zero for the spiritual cancer that’s spreading throughout the body of Christ in Ephesus (2Tim 2:16-17). He’s returned and he’s brought along a new partner in crime named Philetus. This is the only time we see his name in the Bible. There are a couple of main ways to get your name in Scripture. One is to be a broken and repentant sinner that God uses to humbly make an impact in the lives of others. The other is to be the bad example. Don’t be Philetus. Don’t be the bad example.

Paul tells Tim that this despicable duo has “swerved from the truth” (v18). In others words, they were originally headed in the right direction. They used to be rolling on the straight and narrow. But something happened. The apostle uses a word here the ESV translates as “swerved” (Gr. αστοχεω). It literally means to aim at the wrong target. It's missing the mark because you put the wrong bullseye in the crosshairs. You may be a crack shot but if you nail the wrong target, you lose.

Unfortunately Matt Emmons knows what it’s like to hit the wrong target. Rewind to the 2004 Olympics in Beijing. He’s one shot from winning the gold medal for the good ol’ US of A in the air rifle event. Shooting in lane two, Emmons’ final pellet headed for the target in…um…lane three. Uh oh. As a result, the American marksman didn’t win the gold. As a matter of fact, he didn’t even medal. With just one bad shot he finished in eighth place. Just like Hymenaeus and Philetus, he swerved. It doesn’t matter how accurate you are if you’re aiming at the wrong target. These two goofballs shoot the ultimate airball when it comes to the resurrection. 

They've aimed at the wrong target by “saying that the resurrection has already happened” (v18). They’re NOT talking about Jesus’ spectacular return after three days in the graveyard. The apostle formerly known as Saul saw that firsthand outside Damascus a few years back (Acts 9:3-8; 22:6-11; 26:12-18). Hymenaeus and Philetus are describing the resurrection of the dead that Jesus predicts would occur at His Second Coming.

An angel named Michael (NOT played by John Travolta!) told Daniel about it 600 hundred years before Christ made the scene (Dan 12:2-3). Jesus said a glorious day is coming when He will personally call everyone back from the dead and sort out who’s on His team and who’s playing for the enemy (Mt 25:31-33; Jn 5:28-29). Right before His murder, our Savior told His posse He was headed to heaven to get things ready for when He makes His spectacular curtain call and takes us back with Him (Jn 14:1-3).

The resurrection of the dead was a big idea all throughout Paul’s teaching and preaching. He tells the Corinthians that the Lord’s resurrection is living proof that Jesus’ followers are guaranteed to do the same (1Cor 15:35-54). In a letter to the church in Thessalonica, the apostle says a blast from the heavenly horn section will make sure we won’t miss it (1Th 4:16-17). But the resurrection is such a controversial topic that Paul knows it’s a big reason he got in hot water with the religious elite (Acts 23:6; 24:15, 21).

Yeah, the resurrection of the dead is kind of a big deal.

But according to the H Bomb and his toady Phil, Jesus has come and gone when we weren’t looking. You can imagine that’s a punch in the neck to those who follow Christ. Oops! You missed it! You’re not really saved. You were sold a bill of goods. Stinks to be you. So it’s no surprise that Paul writes how these two “are upsetting the faith of some” (v18).

The original Greek verb here we translate as “upsetting” (Gr. ανατρεπω) describes turning something over completely. John uses it when painting a picture of Jesus epic beatdown of in the temple courts. Our Savior “poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned (Gr. ανατρεπω) the tables” (Jn 2:15). These knuckleheads are turning people’s lives upside down. They’re causing them to doubt everything they’ve come to believe. It case you haven’t been paying attention, God calls us to draw people closer to Jesus, not run them away!

Whacky teaching on the Second Coming of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead is alive and well in the 21st Century. Spiritual snake oil salesmen are still making a boatload of money selling books and DVDs with all sorts of cockamamy doctrine. Just take a walk through the Christian section at Barnes and Noble. Books about Bible diets, Bible codes, blood moons, and dinosaurs.

I’m not saying they’re all heretical. But they’re shooting at the wrong target and not focusing on Jesus. Take the advice of the writer of Hebrews and keep your eyes locked on “Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2). When we swerve from the truth, we stand a serious chance of turning the lives upside down. Instead of swerving, let’s be serving and loving. That’s exactly what our Savior has called us to do. Love God by serving others (Mt 22:27-40; Mk 12:29-31; Jn 13:34-35).

A big part of the application is actually in the previous verses in Paul’s letter to Timothy. First, do what you can to keep folks from getting into a destructive War of the Words (2Tim 2:14). Second, give it everything you’ve got right now to learn how to use God’s Word as both a sword and a scalpel (2Tim 2:15). Third, keep the cancer from spreading by performing a “babble-ectomy” in the body of Christ (2Tim 2:16-17).

So if you’ve placed your trust in who Jesus is and what He’s done for you, you don’t have to worry about missing the big event. He’ll make sure you aren’t left out. Think about it. If Christ went to all the trouble of leaving heaven and coming to our sin-filled planet to live a perfect life, die a substitutionary death, and rise to new life, do you REALLY think He’s leaving you behind? Don’t worry. If you’re His, He won’t let you miss it. But that won’t stop goofballs from shooting airballs.

Cutting Out the Cancer

“But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene” (2Tim 2:16-17).

My wife and I will never forget the day we got the news. Cancer. Specifically, breast cancer. There just aren’t words to describe your emotions when the Big C violently kicks in your front door like a medical home invader. Suddenly you understand life hangs by a thread. Your heart swings wildly between fear and faith.

Her doctor said the malignancy was confined. Debbie made it clear to those involved with her care that she wanted it gone before it could spread. My wife had seen the damage the disease had done to her sister when it assaulted her body. So she took an incredibly pragmatic and heroic attitude at her diagnosis. Do whatever it takes. If it’s cancer, get it out.

Paul gives a very similar diagnosis to his friend Timothy in his second letter to the young pastor. He’s detected a cancer in the body of Christ. “But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene” (v16-17). There’s a lot of spiritual talk going around that’s actually driving people away from Jesus. It’s a spiritual disease that must be stopped before it spreads and kills. It’s cancer so you’ve got to get it out.

The apostle has detected this deadly disorder from a distance. As a matter of fact, he faces death himself as he writes. Paul is locked up in Rome’s Mamertine Prison with an execution date in his not to distant future (2Tim 1:16; 2:8; 4:6-7). This is the second letter he’s written to his protege left to lead the church in Ephesus he planted a few years back (1Tim 1:1-3).

Clearly this has been an ongoing problem for Pastor Tim and God’s people in E City. In Paul’s prequel, he describes how a crew of spiritual con artists have weaseled their way into the Ephesian church and distracted folks from following Jesus with all sorts of goofball teaching (1Tim 1:4-7; 6:20). Just like cancer comes back all too often, this heretical malignancy has returned with a vengeance.

Paul’s treatment protocol is really very simple: “Avoid irreverent babble” (v16). He uses a word translated as “avoid” (Gr. περιιστημι) which paints a picture of going way around something in order to keep from getting near it. This disease is highly contagious. Don’t go anywhere close to to it. The situation is so highly infectious that the apostle orders a quarantine. If you find it anywhere, get away quickly!

What exactly are we supposed to avoid? He’s talking about the empty blathering that goes over the line to the point of profanity. No, not cuss words. This is something else altogether. “Irreverent” is the Greek word βεβηλοης, which comes from a root word meaning to step over the threshold. It’s talk that goes too far and steps over the line. Talk that disrespects God and those He makes in His image. Talk that’s flippant and derisive.

While Paul may not have been on social media, you know exactly the sorta stuff he’s talking about. It’s those super snarky posts on Facebook which trash a “friend.” That tweet which throws someone under the bus and then runs back over them again in 140 characters or less. It happens on Instagram. On Snapchat. On Pinterest. And who knows if anyone does it on LinkedIn?

The interwebs have given us the power of digital trash talk. You really need to think before you post. And when I say “you,” I’m talking directly to the dude with hands on the keyboard right now. When it comes to going over the line and being irreverent on the internet, I’m as guilty as the next troll.

The apostle slaps a quarantine warning on useless “babble” (v16). He dusts off a compound word (Gr. κενοφωνια) which literally means “empty (κενο-) sound (-φωνια).” He’s writing about any sort of foolish talk, empty chatter, or any kind of drivel that lacks significant content. Think of the non-stop chatter at a little league baseball game. “Hey, battah, battah, battah! Swing, battah!!” It’s talking just to be talking.

There’s this stupid idea that the person who does the most talking has the most to say. Wrong! Just the opposite. And it’s a mega-theme in the book of Proverbs (Prov 10:8, 10, 19; 12:13, 15, 18; 13:3; 14:23; 15:1; 16:23; 17:27; 18:4, 7, 21; 25:11, 14; 26:4-5; 27:5-6 The wise person has figured out they only need to talk when they really have something valuable, edifying, or encouraging to say. You can recognize them because they’re the ones who humbly listen and learn instead of talking a blue streak. Paul wants Pastor Tim to know this spiritual contagion is spread through verbal diarrhea.

Once again, this is a scriptural hand grenade that goes off in my own hand. Let’s just say that I like to hear my own voice. I’ve never heard dead air that didn’t need filling. I desperately want people to like and respect me so I’m in a never-ending battle to prove how smart I am. I’m a motor mouth of the first order.

Over the past few years, God has begun opening my eyes and started closing my mouth. I now realize that my incessant need for attention and approval steals the spotlight from the only One who is worthy of it. While I have a long way to go (and I do mean LONG!), the Holy Spirit continually reminds me that when I do speak to give God the glory He deserves and the grace others need.

Paul goes on to tell us about the damage caused by this particular cancer. “It will lead people into more ungodliness” (v16). He handpicks a term the ESV translates as “ungodliness” (Gr. ασεβεια) which describes a total lack of reverence toward God or being totally destitute when it comes to awe of the divine. It literally means “un (α-) worship (-σεβεια).” This disease is driving people further and further from God as opposed to encouraging them to grown closer to Jesus. These folks are unworship leaders. No clue if they wear skinny jeans.

Remember, one of God’s big purposes is transforming more and more people into worshipers. It’s not that He’s some metaphysical glory hound. He gets the center of the spotlight and all of the applause because He’s the only one who deserves it. Just as a focus of Proverbs is the tongue, the Psalms continually calls us to stand in awe of the Almighty (Ps 8:1, 9; 46:10; 47:1-2; 106:48; 108:5; 148:1, 13; 150).

Our worship and obedience of Him is the best thing for us. God is not the source of our blessing, He IS THE ULTIMATE BLESSING! Jeremiah discovered that truth through his own tears (Lam 3:24). Asaph wrote a song about it (Ps 73:25-26). Jesus personally gave Mary an “atta-girl” for realizing it (Lk 10:42). That being the case, let’s to do everything we can to escort as many people as possible into the worship of our Savior. Plenty of good seats available!

Meanwhile, the apostle knows that it’s critical to stop the spread of unworship before it becomes a spiritual pandemic. Otherwise, “their talk will spread like gangrene” (v17). He uses a medical term (Gr. γαγγραινα) for the rapid transmission of disease that eats away at flesh and bone. It’s the go-to word for ancient writers when describing the disgusting condition of rotting tissue that include forms of cancer. Paul’s talking about a plague so contagious that will spread like wildfire unless treated ASAP.

Think of the worst epidemic possible. A flesh-eating bacteria like MRSA. Ebola. The Bubonic Plague. The Zombie Virus. They don’t hold a candle to the spiritual cancer caused by bad teaching. We can’t heal ourselves just like we can’t save ourselves. The only cure is the Gospel. Jesus comes to our rescue in the middle of our self-induced sin outbreak. He lives the perfect life we fail to live. He dies the death for our sin we should have died. He rises to a spectacular new life we don’t deserve

Christ calls us to a simple life of loving God by loving others (Mt 22:36-40; Mk 12:30-31). We must put on our biblical biohazard suits get involved. Time is running out. When we come across doctrinal disease, we must extract it immediately. Call it a “babble-ectomy.” Otherwise it will spread, leaving only unworshipers in its wake. 

If it’s cancer, cut it out.

Skid Marks and Grace

“for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you” (1Tim 6:21)

You can tell a lot at an accident scene when you look at the skid marks. What’s left of the car may be still smoking in the ditch, but the burnt rubber left on the road will tell you where the trouble began. That’s why police investigating any wreck will carefully examine and measure when and where the tires made their black marks on the pavement. 

At the very end of his letter to Timothy, Paul looks over the skid marks of another accident scene. It was a terrible crash. No, there wasn’t six chariot pileup on some Philippian freeway. He’s talking about the wreck of the Ephesian church. It all happened when a team of false teachers distracted folks from following Jesus with a lot of pointless discussions they claimed was essential to the faith. The result was tragic. “For by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you” (v21). 

When you take your eyes off grace, you’re going to leave skid marks.

As Paul wraps up his note, he personally encourages Pastor Tim to “guard the deposit entrusted to you” (1Tim 6:20). The apostle is talking about protecting the purity of the Gospel. When you compare spreading the Good News to reporting, it’s critical to maintain journalistic integrity. This goes for pastors, ministers, Bible teachers, as well as folks like you and me. We must make sure the message of Jesus remains untarnished, untainted, and undiluted. This is Paul’s call to quality assurance. And by guarding it, he doesn’t mean hoarding it. I’m to share it readily and generously.

Just a quick reminder of exactly the key ingredients of the crystal clear Gospel of grace. In an incredible moment of generosity, God created a perfect universe and put us in it. It wasn’t long before we jacked the whole deal up by thinking He was holding out on us. We continually rejected His goodness and repeatedly ignored His loving guidance. 

In order to save us from ourselves and restore creation, God personally got involved. His Son left heaven and went on the greatest search-and-rescue mission in all of history. Jesus lived the perfect life we should have lived. He died the death for our sin and rebellion we should have died. He rose to new life we don’t deserve. Christ restores our broken relationship with God for us. 

We simply trust in what He did for us that we could never do on our own. We follow His leadership as an act of gratitude and worship. I must keep my eyes locked on Jesus who not only starts and ends my rescue. When I’m distracted and start thinking it’s up to me to save myself, I headed for trouble. BIG trouble. When I take my eyes off grace, I’m going to leave skid marks.

Meanwhile back in Paul’s epistle, he stands at the accident scene knows exactly what happened. It all started when some of these spiritual hucksters began making promises they couldn’t keep. He writes how they were “professing it” (v21). “It” being the “irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge’” (1Tim 6:20). He uses a Greek word (Gr. epaggellomai) to describe what they said that describes someone promising publicly what will occur. The term literally means to “pre (epi-) announce (-announce).” They asserted openly and emphatically how things would go down. You may remember back near the beginning of the letter how Paul these religious con artists had a bad habit of talking about all sorts of goofy stuff “about which they make confident assertions” (1Tim 1:7). 

Check out how writers use this word in the NT. When Judas cooks up the plot to throw Jesus under the bus, religious leaders “were glad and promised (Gr. epaggellomai) to give him money” (Mk 14:11). Despite being well a VERY old man, Abraham put his trust in God’s covenant pledge to give he and Sarah a son because he was “fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised (Gr. epaggellomai)” (Rom 7:5). In the opening lines of his letter to Titus, Paul tells him how everything hinges “in on the hope of eternal life, which God who never lies, promised (Gr. epaggellomai) before the ages began” (Titus 1:2). A promise is only as good as the one making it. Hint, hint. Trust God’s promises!

You can bet when we take our eyes off Christ, we’ll hear squealing tires very soon. Folks in Ephesus saw it happen with their own eyes. Paul and Tim remember that horrible time false teachers made empty promises and “some have swerved from the faith” (v21). “Swerved” is the Greek verb astocheo, which describes someone who completely misses the target. Picture a distracted driver while texting who veers wildly into your lane and off the road (because we know neither one of us would EVER do something so stupid, right? RIGHT?!?).

Earlier in this letter, Paul reminds Tim how folks who once had a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith, “by swerving (Gr. astocheo) from these, have wandered away into vain discussion” (1Tim 1:5-6). In his followup note, the apostle tells Tim how two false teachers named Hymenaeus and Philetus “swerved (Gr. astocheo) from the truth” by claiming the resurrection of the dead has already happened (2Tim 2:17-18). Pastor Tim is certainly used to seeing skid marks at spiritual accident scenes. 

The man from Tarsus signs off his letter to his spiritual son by writing, “Grace be with you” (v21). No, it’s not “yours truly.” Not “sincerely.” Not “regards.” It’s “grace.” This is no automatically generated signature at the bottom of an email. If you’re familiar with our man Paul, you know God’s amazing grace is a big deal. A VERY big deal. Some folks call it God’s descending, one-way love. Paul Zahl says it’s “love that seeks you out when you have nothing to give in return…Grace is being loved when you are unlovable.” It’s God’s overwhelming and overflowing goodness to each one of us who really deserve a one-way ticket to the far side of hell instead. 

Flip back to the opening lines of this epistle. Paul starts with a prayer for God’s goodness to Tim. “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (1Tim 1:2). And now it ends celebrating His divine generosity to every follower of Jesus in the church. The apostle bookends every letter with grace (Rom 1:1; 16:20; 1Cor 1:3; 16:23; 2Cor 1:11 13:14; Gal 1:1; 6:18; Eph 1:1; 6:24; Phil 1:2; 4:23; Col 1:1; 4:18; 1Tim 1:1; 6:21; 2Tim 1:1; 4:22; Titus 1:4; 3:15; Phm 3, 25). Every. Single. One. See for yourself. I’ll hum the music to Final Jeopardy while you do.

Our journey with Jesus starts with grace. And it ends with grace. Why not open and close every conversation I have with a reminder of God’s undeserved and unmerited favor for you and me? Our relationship with our Heavenly Dad begins and ends with grace. His very act of creating the entire universe out of zilch for us to enjoy is certainly an example of it. It all starts with His grace and ends with His grace.

Paul constantly reminds us of the incredible impact of Jesus’ one-way love on his life. “The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1Tim 1:12). Remember, the apostle formerly known as Saul was a one-man wrecking crew on a search-and-destroy mission to kill the followers of Christ before our resurrected Savior blindsided him outside of Damascus. From murderer to missionary. From assassin to apostle. Now THAT’S grace!

When it comes to my own salvation, I bring nothing to the table except the sin that makes it absolutely necessary. Or as Paul tells his Ephesian friends, “Saving is all His idea, and all His work. All we do is trust Him enough to let Him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play a major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing!” (Eph 2:8-9 The Message). I absolutely love Tullian Tchividjian’s description. “Grace is unconditional acceptance given to an undeserving person by an unobligated Giver.” And if I don’t keep my eyes on His grace, I’ll swerve and wreck myself too.

There’s something curious about the very last word of the letter: “you” (v21). It’s actually plural. At the very end of this very personal note, Paul’s talking to the entire church. For those of you from the south of the Mason-Dixon line, you can read this as “y’all.” Well, the apostle is originally from southern part of Asia in the city of Tarsus. This is a powerful reminder that while our relationship with Jesus is very personal, it is certainly NOT private. We do it together. In other words, we’re carpooling in our journey with Christ. I’m not traveling solo. If I don’t focus on His grace I could easily end up careening and crashing. Just like that horrible accident in Ephesus. You can still see the skid marks.