Knowing Him

I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

To be shamed is to feel that one’s humanity has come into question. Our human nature does not like to feel shame, great pains will be undertaken to avoid this feeling. We hide from all that will shame us whether that is our behavior or a sinful act exposed. The apostle says that he is not ashamed, no matter how the world would scoff or mock, in Christ we can have great boldness that our sins will never haunt us with the specter of shame.

Conjoined to his boldness, he mentions the hallmark of the Christian life. We must truly know him who we have believed. To know Christ is to know that he is trustworthy and he has canceled our sin debt. Our sins will never shame us by being exposed, as they are removed from us and his righteousness is imputed to the believer. If you are truly persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, then he must be able to keep that which we have committed to him, our very lives. To stop here is to truncate our Savior’s job, he has promised us that we will not feel shame, and that we will not stand judgment rather he is faithful to remove our sins and present us to the Father. Knowing him is trusting him.

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Proceed with caution!

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Do not lay hands quickly on anyone, neither be partaker of the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. (1Ti 5:22) 

The Apostle’s instructions to young Timothy are clear. Do not lay hands on anyone quickly. The context of this verse has to be kept in mind. Paul sends Timothy this letter as an encouragement and a reminder. Paul had previously begged Timothy to remain in Ephesus to correct those who were teaching false doctrines.

 This was an occasion were the temptation to lay hands quickly on someone was very much present. For all intents and purposes Timothy was by himself. He was facing false teachers and he was frequently ill. Yet, Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit instructs his young charge to avoid laying hands quickly on anyone.

 If there ever was someone who needed a co-laborer in the faith it was Timothy. The outlook for his ministry was bleak. As his soul longs for a kindred spirit in the faith, the most wise and learned Holy Spirit instructs the young pastor to move very cautiously. Do not lay hands on someone quickly. Timothy was to proceed slowly in finding leaders for the church. He was to examine them to make certain that they held fast to sound doctrine (cf. Acts 2:42, Eph.4:14)

The church today would do well to give an ear to what the Spirit says; do not lay hands quickly on anyone. Spend the requisite time necessary to find men that hold fast to sound words and are prepared to defend our doctrine (Titus 1:9). We must avoid unproven and untested men lest we become partakers of their sin.

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I pray not for the World

 

 

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John 17:9 I am praying for them, I pray not for the world….

Jesus Christ the unique Son of God offers a prayer for his elect. Beloved of the Lord Jesus Christ this was no generic prayer that our Lord offered.  As the Son of God he intimately knows those for whom his atoning death will be effecacious. Our Arminian friends would have us believe that this prayer of our Lord was sent out for all men however the Word of God is clear; this prayer is not for the world.

The Lord offers a prayer for all of those who belong to the Father. The Father has given them to the Son and here we see the Son offering a prayer for the elect. He prays for them, he loves them, and shortly from the perspective of scripture he goes to his death on the cross that he might atone for all of their sin for all times.  This prayer exists are a testimony to the plan of God that was decreed before the world began. God knows his elect, he loves them in Christ and Christ prays for them.

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