Titus 3

B1 This is a list of rules that reflects God’s kingdom, worldview, plan, and lifestyle for all Christians

B2 Some rules to live by

C1 To obey secular authorities as much as possible. God must be first. Acts 5:29 NIV Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than human beings!

C2 Not to speak evil of anyone.

D1 Speak the truth. We can name names and notify others of their deeds. See 2 Timothy 4:13, 1 Timothy 1:19-20, and Matthew 12:34.

D2 The truth might be to name someone as a thief, thug, liar, narcissist, etc.

D3 We are not to lie, slander, cover up, verbally abuse, gaslight, etc.

C3 Not to be a brawler, a fighter. The opposite of a brawler is one who tries to be peaceful. The opposite of brawler does not get face to face and start yelling.

C4 To have meekness. This is not being a wimp, but rather one who yields, that is, picks their fights carefully, instead of pushing and bullying.

D1 Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:19 NLT

D2 See Matthew 5:5 (gentleness), Matthew 11:29, 1 Peter 2:21-23, etc.

B3 Our past. May have included:

C1 Foolishness—as opposed to wisely. Foolish people don't care if they sin, but good people want to be forgiven. Proverbs 14:9 GNB. See Matthew 7:26-28.

C2 Disobedience—This has the idea of refusing to be persuaded. This Lord Jesus faced this. Matthew 23:37 NIV Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.

C3 Deceived—doing foolishness or sin because of being tricked, seduced, lied to, etc. Pride will let us be deceived; see Obadiah 1:3. Persuasive speech, see Colossians 2:4.

C4 Slave to various desires and pleasures. Before trusting into Jesus, people are enslaved to sinful pleasures. They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 2 Peter 2:19 NLT

C5 Malice—this is intense ill will, wishing hurt on others.

C6 Envious

C7 Hateful—hate is in the heart then in actions and words. Consider sarcasm, verbal abuse, etc.

C8 Hating—this is the emotion, the feeling that arises towards unlikable things. People naturally do not love God or His ways. Bible Knowledge Commentary has this note:

Far from being peaceable, considerate, and humble, they were characterized by malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. Such is the brutish existence of people apart from God. While a veneer of civilization often obscures the bleak truth, the slightest crack in the surface of society reveals the reality behind the facade. The painful truth is that apart from God people degenerate into little more than animals wrangling over bones.

B4 Salvation 4-7

C1 God our Savior who shows by thoughts, desires, words, and deeds the opposite of the above.

D1 Kindness Compare Romans 2:4.

D2 Love See an example in Acts 28:2.

C2 Salvation is not what we do religiously

C3 Salvation is by HIM, by His grace

C4 Salvation by

D1 God's Grace

D2 Washing of regeneration

E1 Not baptism

E2 Being born again.

F1 Regeneration means reborn, not baptizing.

F2 Greek word means bath, not baptism

F3 It is a regeneration and renewing done by the Holy Spirit which results in salvation.

D3 Renewing by the Holy Spirit

E1 Renewing is not by us, a church, a man, a prophet, a teacher, etc.

E2 Renewing means a complete change. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

D4 Justified—just as if I'd never sinned

D5 Make heirs—joint heirs—with His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. See Romans 8:17.

D6 Given eternal life as opposed to eternal death

B5 Bearing fruit for God, verse 8. Now being saved, it is expected for us to bear fruit. God defines this—living the fruit of the Spirit:. Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

B6 Some things to avoid, verse 9-11

C1 Stupid questions

C2 Genealogies (“I’m related to...”)

C3 Arguments

C4 Fighting over the Law—the Ten Commandments. The Jews would like to start a fight over following the Law.

C5 Heretics (verse 11)—after two times dealing with them, showing them the truth, and counseling them, disfellowship them from the church. Their actions show they are condemned. We can be a heretic in what we believe, live, or both.

D1 Convinced that wrong doctrine is true.

D2 Convinced that some sin is OK. Sins by following a lie

B7 Verse 12-13. Instructions concerning some people and the need to help them.

B8 Verse 14-doing good things that God would approve of and that would glorify Him. It is easy to get caught up in life that we often forget living the faith.

B9 Say “Hi” to all—a sign of our all being in the fellowship with the saints and God himself. 1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

B10 Application

• We need to get smaller, humbler, and serving God.

• It is growth.

• The Lord Jesus needs to be glorified by our lives.

• It is growth.

Titus 2

B1 Titus, all pastors and teachers, are to teach what are the truths of Christianity including lifestyle and worldview. Here, in context, it refers to character of those who are Christians. It is our standard of behavior. Even though men and women are listed separately, the characteristics apply to all.

C1 Characteristics of the elderly (over 50-60)

D1 Men

E1 Sober—instead of drunk, further, not acting like you’re drunk

E2 Grave—to have an honorable life, instead of silly and foolish life

E3 Temperate—being self-controlled

E4 Sound in faith—knowing what the truth is, living it, and teaching it

E5 Sound in love—having a real love for God and the saints, but also for the lost. It is also showing compassion.

E6 Sound in patience

D2 Women

E1 Holy behavior—holy as defined by God

E2 Not false accuser—not making up lies, twisting the truth, embellishing

E3 Not addicted to much wine—not drunk or acting like a drunk

E4 Teachers of good things—a ministry of teaching others by word and life.

C2 Young (roughly between 20-49)

D1 Men

E1 Sober minded—instead of silliness

E2 1 Peter 5:5 NCV In the same way, younger people should be willing to be under older people. And all of you should be very humble with each other. “God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.

D2 Women

E1 Discreet—instead of letting passions control your life

E2 Chaste—in dress, actions, words, and thoughts

E3 Keepers at home—instead of running the countryside

E4 Willing to get along, not fight with husbands—there must be order in the family. The husband must have the same attitude.

C3 Pastor

D1 A life lived knowing that people are watching. It is living a life that others will want to imitate (living the way God wants us to live).

D2 Good works—to glorify our Father in heaven. This is our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds in public and private.

D3 Incorruptible doctrine—The Bible is our ONLY source of what is true and false. Other things may or may not be true.

D4 Grave—honorable, our word must be good and honest. What we say must be true, and what we promise, we must keep.

D5 Sincere—a type of truth. This is revealed in our lives as true compassion, true interest in helping, etc.

D6 Sound speech—instead of running at the mouth, angrily arguing, etc.

C4 Servants—even employees

D1 Following the rules and directives

D2 To please them—by doing a good job

D3 Not arguing with them to such as not to do what was requested

D4 Not embezzling

D5 Good faith—trustworthy to complete was requested

D6 The motivation for living in this manner is to glorify God and give witness to those who do not believe of God’s goodness in order for these unbelievers to be saved.

C5 Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all people.

D1 For the grace of God

E1 Grace is receiving what we DO NOT deserve.

E2 This grace comes from God.

D2 A grace that brings salvation

D3 This grace of God has appeared to all people

C6 Titus 2:11 The application of God’s grace teaches us to

D1 Deny

E1 Ungodliness

E2 Worldly lusts (Compare Galatians 5:19-21)

D2 Living

E1 Soberly—showing self-control

E2 Righteously

E3 Godly

E4 Looking for return of Lord Jesus

C7 Redemption

D1 From all iniquity

D2 To purify us

E1 A special people for being zealous to do good as God defines it and to glorify God. Glorying God is showing others how great His worldview and lifestyle is.

E2 A psalm of David. Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. 3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. 4 Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. 5 Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. Psalm 15:1-5 NLT

E3 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 AFV

B2 Things all believers are to look for expectantly

C1 The return of the Lord Jesus.

D1 He is God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are three persons who are one god. They are not separate gods. They are NOT one god who fills different roles. The oneness of God is nature and essence, which is the stuff that God is. There is only one in the God class—Yahweh. There are many in the spirit class. There are many in the human class. There are many in the animal class, etc. Jesus is one person. He has the nature of God and the nature of humanity. He is the Son of God and the Son of Man. See the Athanasian Creed.

D2 Jesus is the only Messiah. He always has been Messiah, is Messiah, and always be Messiah.

E1 He redeemed us. All before belief and trust in the Lord Jesus only are sold to sin. Jesus suffered for our sins. He is the voluntary, qualified substitute. Either we get the just penalty for our sins or a qualified substitute.

E2 He has a purpose for those who believe. This is to be zealous for good works, that is, a godly worldview and lifestyle.

C2 Pastors who are diligent. Paul encourages and urges Titus to continue. Pray for your pastor.

Titus Chapter 1

B1 Titus 1:2 ...in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

C1 God cannot lie.

D1 What an awesome description. The Greek word is ἀψευδής apseudḗs and means non-lying. It is an adjective modifying the word God, so it means the non-lying God. When compared to humans—Romans 3:4, God is truly a blessing.

D2 Not only is every individual a liar, but there is satan (his hordes also)— You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you desire to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar, and the father of lies. John 8:44 EMTV

C2 We can safely live our lives. He will not change.

B2 Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

C1 These are qualifications of elders, yet are good, godly characteristics for anyone. What a better society all would have, if all thought and lived God’s way.

D1 Blameless

E1 This is not sinless. Blameless has the idea of living the lifestyle and having the worldview aligned with God’s. When we sin, we confess our sins, ask forgiveness, and He forgives, thus blameless.

E2 It is God’s desire and goal for us. Would to God more pastors would teach the Christian life. in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach before Him—Colossians 1:22 EMTV

D2 Monogamist

E1 I understand this to mean one wife at a time.

E2 Also, I understand that this does not mean that a pastor must be married.

D3 Faithful Children—these are children still at home.

D4 Blameless steward of God—steadfast and true to God’s doctrine, lifestyle, and worldview.

D5 Not self-willed—they are God-willed. Success as a pastor is not in numbers but in faithfulness to God. Noah had essentially no numbers from his ministry. Jonah had vast numbers. God judged them to be faithful. Discouraging as it might be, we should not give up because we are serving God, not committees or the need for greatness.

D6 Does quick tempered

D7 Not a drunkard

D8 Not violent—this is the abuser, sex molester, and cheat. These things are usually done in private, because they want to look good to the public for money and influence.

D9 Not greedy for money—too many pastors are, even though they appear very humble.

D10 Hospitable—this isn’t just hosting people at their home. It includes listening, giving them time when needed, and helping others in what we are able.

D11 Lover of good things (People and otherwise. Good is what God defines as good).

D12 Self-controlled

D13 Just (fair and not biased)—true justice treats all people the same.

D14 Holy—Devout, pure, following God's way.

D15 Disciplined—having time and knowing how to use it. This is also having right priorities as God first, spouse second, children third, other believers fourth, then the rest of people

D16 Holding on to the truth as one has been taught, that is, faithful to Bible teachings. Doctrine is important.

D17 Apologist for the faith—We must know what we believe and why. We must study the Scriptures and know them well. Reading and studying the Bible is more important than reading and studying theology.

C2 The need for truth—there were lots of liars, distorters, heretics who were causing all kinds of troubles in the church, the family, and in individuals. There is only one truth—the Bible.

B3 Titus 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

C1 Three things we need to avoid

D1 Lying—liars

D2 Evil beasts—acting like an animal—Rude, cruel, and brutal

D3 Lazy gluttons

C2 If we are like these Cretans or not believing and living the truth, we need to be told.

B4 Two Groups All things indeed are pure to the pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience have been defiled. They profess to know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:15-16 EMTV

C1 The pure—in heart and conscience

C2 The impure—in heart and conscience

D1 Defiled

E1 Mind (thinking, intelligence, attitude)

E2 Conscience (a poor sense of right and wrong)

E3 In body, soul, and spirit

E4 Both in public but especially in private

D2 Unbelieving—this is not believing what God says

D3 Deceived—think they know God, but don't (empty religion)

D4 False fruit (works, what they do) is

E1 Denying God—by being a hypocrite. They know, or should know, but will not think and live according to God’s rules.

E2 Abominable—shockingly vile. Compare Job 15:16.

E3 Disobedient—to God’s lifestyle, worldview, beliefs, and laws.

E5 Reprobate—this is not meeting God’s standards and thus rejected.

C3 I don't want to be like this; do you?

C4 I read this in the Biblical Illustrator: I laid aside a coin one day but did not remember just where I had put it, till one day I found it in a comer, encrusted with rust. At first, I thought it was copper, but careful examination proved it to be silver. It had lain there so long that it was tarnished and unrecognisable. Just as many Christians, alas I are so covered with the grime and filth of this world that it is no wonder that the unconverted and Christians look upon them as copper instead of being good silver.

2 Timothy 4

B1 2 Timothy 4:1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom.

C1 The words of verse 1 are leading to the desire for Timothy to continue in his ministry and what to do.

C2 The word charge is διαμαρτύρομαι diamartýromai. It has the idea of telling information in a serious tone. It means getting someone’s attention and informing them of facts they need to know to avoid poor choices and consequences.

C3 The words of verse 1 are leading to the desire for Timothy to continue.

C4 Note that the Lord Jesus is Lord (King of all kings, compare 2 Corinthians 15:24-25), Judge (Judge of all judges, judging both living and dead; compare Revelation 19:11-16), and returning to establish His kingdom (see Daniel 2:44). God does not delegate to us to establish the kingdom. Humans cannot such things flawlessly.

B2 preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching. For there will be a time when they will not put up with sound doctrine, but according to their own lusts, they will heap up for themselves teachers, tickling their ears, and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 EMTV

C1 To do God’s will. We may become discouraged at the results. God wants good results, too, but even more, He was faithfulness.

C2 But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God. Luke 9:62 NLT

C3 Preach the Word. This is both preaching the gospel and making disciples of those who have believed in both doctrine, worldview, and lifestyle.

C4 Be ready when it is easy or hard. Show boldness. Speak out.

C5 We are to

D1 Convince someone that they are wrong, that is, wrong by the standards and doctrines of the Bible.

D2 Rebuke, that is, tell someone that they cannot, must not do, and teach something taught in the Bible

D3 Exhort, that is, plead and encourage doing what is right in God's eyes.

C6 Our attitude is to be

D1 Longsuffering, that is, to put up with, be patient, don't revenge or argue

D2 Teaching, that is, to tell the truth, correction, explain God's way honestly.

C7 A prophecy about the end times, that people will not want Bible truth, but messages that only soothe. Interestingly, they heap. One teacher is not enough. They flit from one to another. Just for enjoy, I guess.

C8 A time will come, and now is, when people don't want or will listen to the truth, but will want and listen to fables—lies, false dreams, prophecies, experiences, and warm, cuddly messages. They are impressed by degrees, charisma, and stardom. In fact, experiences become the source of truth rather than the Bible.

B3 Faithfulness to death verse 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. This is to be the goal for all believers. God gives us the grace to persevere. I always keep the LORD in front of me. When he is by my side, I cannot be moved. Psalms 16:8 GW

B4 Crown of righteousness to those who are excited, want, look for, anticipate the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

B5 Some people:

C1 Demas has forsaken me, because he loves this present world. The word loved is the highest love, the love of choice, the love of God, etc. Compare Moses. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. Hebrews 11:24-26 NLT

C2 Mark is profitable to Paul.

C3 Alexander: Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did. Watch out for him. He violently opposed what we said. 2 Timothy 4:14-15 GW

D1 A warning

E1 To Alexander about the coming judgment. Let God punish. He does a much better job than us. We might be too harsh or too lenient. God judgments are based on love, truth, wisdom, and holiness.

E2 To Timothy about an evil man name Alexander. We need to be warned by name those who are dangerous to the faith.

D2 It is OK to name names!

B6 Paul was forsaken by some, but However, the Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that I could finish spreading the Good News for all the nations to hear. I was snatched out of a lion's mouth. 2 Timothy 4:17 GW

B7 A word of faithful hope and trusting in God. This is something that is learned by experience. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 NRSV

2 Timothy 3

B1 The last days, a time that is

C1 Perilous: that is, a time of sorrows, persecution, hate, suffering

D1 Know that God does not leave His people. See Hebrews 13:5-6.

D2 The Greek word for perilous is χαλεπός chalepós.

E1 It means hard to bear, troublesome, dangerous [Strong].

E2 It is used one other time in the NT. And when He came to the other side, to the region of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs; exceedingly violent, so that no one was able to pass by that way. Matthew 8:28 EMTV

E3 Other translations translate this word as

C2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, not loving what is good, traitors, headstrong, having been puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from these people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:2-5 EMTV

D1 People lovers of themselves, that is, “I'm number 1. I care about myself first.” This is selfish narcissism.

D2 Lovers of money, that is, they would sell their soul to the devil for money. They would hurt anyone, anywhere just for money. They would lie, cheat, steal, kill, whatever it takes for money.

D3 Boasters, that is, bragging about themselves. Another “me first” attitude.

D4 Proud, that is, think of themselves as being the greatest. This is often an unreasonable thought. Others think of them as immature.

D5 Blasphemers, that is, taking God's name in vain, not using it reverently. Also, it includes not believing God (as in interpreting the Bible), smearing His character, etc.

D6 Disobedient to parents. There is no respect, no helping them, etc.

D7 Unthankful, that is, for anything, ever, not to God or anyone else; their attitude is, “It's all about me.” “I can solve my own problems.”

D8 Unholy, that is, not doing what God wants them to, but what they want to do. There are no absolutes, no standard of right and wrong, and no accountability.

D9 Unloving, that is, only care about themselves. They want others to love them, but they will not show love to others. They use people instead of showing compassion.

D10 Unforgiving, that is, never forgive anyone anything. They will always remind someone of their fault, error, or mistake.

D11 Slanders, that is, they will lie about someone's character, in order to manipulate and control others.

D12 Without self-control

D13 Brutal, that is, mean, verbal, physical, financial abuse.

D14 Despisers of good, that is, they will hate good people, truth, God, anything good. They will want to ban good people, re-educate them, lock them down, etc.

D15 Traitors, that is, to anything, for anything. Their loyalty is to themselves.

D16 Headstrong, that is, stubborn. They are unable to be reasonable. There is no talking to them about facts. They will mock and revile.

D17 Haughty, that is, a way of carrying yourself will your chin high, thinking that everyone worships that ground you walk on.

D18 Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, that is, whatever feels good, they will do it. It makes no difference if it hurts someone or breaks laws.

D19 A form of godliness, this is, churchianity, not Christianity. They are often spiritual but do not show the fruit of the Spirit. What they appear to be in public is not what they are in private.

D20 Deny its power, that is, will not believe that being a true, Biblical Christian is to any advantage.

D21 Compare God’s Word translation: You must understand this: In the last days there will be violent periods of time. People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant, and use abusive language. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy, and lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone. They will be slanderous, lack self-control, be brutal, and have no love for what is good. They will be traitors. They will be reckless and conceited. They will love pleasure rather than God. They will appear to have a godly life, but they will not let its power change them. Stay away from such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 GW

B2 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

B3 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 GNB

2 Timothy Chapter 2

Chapter 2

B1 2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

C1 Church leaders to be chosen

D1 Faithful men—these are those who adhere to the plain, normal interpretation of the Scriptures, the teachings found therein, the lifestyle, and worldview.

D2 Able to teach

B2 2 Timothy 2:8 NKJV Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel.

C1 The importance of the resurrection. See The Significance of the Resurrection.

B3 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

C1 Study:

D1 This doesn't refer to study as in read, memorize, and practice.

D2 It does mean

E1 To be diligent, not to waste any time, to practice, live, the Christian life (Ephesians 5:15-16).

E2 To be faithful and steadfast until death (1 Corinthians 15:58).

B4 2 Timothy 2:17-18 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

C1 This resurrection has not yet happened. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus and some saints happened, but there are other resurrections; 1) to eternal life and 2) to eternal death—lake of fire

C2 Believer’s Bible Commentary writes: Greek philosophers typically viewed the soul as immortal and the body as its temporal prison. The idea of the physical resurrection of the body, both Christ’s and the Christians, as therefore foreign and difficult for them to grasp. Hence there was a natural tendency toward heresies which rejected bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-58; Acts 17:32). The heresy of Philetus and Hymenaeus probably involved the idea that resurrection was a purely spiritual affair which occurred at conversion or baptism. But bodily resurrection is the keystone of Christian doctrine, as Paul showed (1 Corinthians 15:1-58). Without it, the entire edifice of the gospel collapses. Little wonder then that Paul said that these two false teachers destroy the faith of some (cf. 1 Timothy 1:19).

B5 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

C1 We are to follow, that is, to have thoughts, desires, words, and deeds that are

D1 Righteousness—what God says is right. It is not we who decide what is right or wrong; it is God.

D2 Faith—believing God. What He says in THE BIBLE is true.

D3 Love—a love of choice. It includes gentleness, care, compassion, standing up for the truth, boldness, etc.

D4 Peace—the peace of God. The peace that God has and gives. There is no other peace.

2 Timothy Chapter 1

2 Timothy

Chapter 1

B1 ...serve from my forefathers with pure conscience...v3

C1 This is by man's standards—what his peers would decide looking at his life. The Old Testament is God’s standard for the nation Israel, though much can be applied to all humanity, for example the 10 Commandments. The Jews of Jesus’s day had corrupted the law by making their interpretation of higher authority than Scripture. Mark 7:6-13. Paul, by the standards of the Pharisees was pure.

C2 By God's standards, Paul considered himself to be the greatest sinner: 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.

C3 What about our conscience? Is it pure in man's sight only or in God's, too? Read the 10 Commandments and decide.

B2 ...unfeigned faith...v5

C1 Unfeigned = sincere, not fake, not an outward show. It is a faith lived even when no one is around.

C2 Faith = believing God—what He says, what He does, what He wants, etc. Interpreting the Bible in its plain, normal sense is another way.

B3 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

C1 What He has NOT given.

D1 Spirit of fear: timidity

E1 Webster: want of courage or boldness to face danger; timorousness; habitual cowardice. Timidity in one person may be a good trait of character, while in another it is a deep reproach.

E2 Bravery is NOT an absence of fear; it IS, in the face of fear, doing what is right and needful.

D2 Paul was urging Timothy to not necessarily rekindle but to keep on stirring up his faith. There was a slow drift towards letting fear cloud Timothy’s witness. Don’t most of us do so? Some others that had natural timidity: Moses (Exodus 3:11-14), Gideon (Judges 6:14-15), Saul (1 Samuel 9:21), and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6). Note Paul’s use of the word us; He too had times of timidity.

C2 What He is doing

D1 Power = ability to do His will, to overcome temptation, to survive troubles, to live through persecution

D2 Love = the love of choice, to love what God loves.

D3 Sound mind = a disciplined, self-controlled mind, thoughts, actions.

C3 The Holy Spirit does this, not we, ourselves. John 15:5 GNB I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.

B4 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

C1 Saved: He did the saving; we did the believing. God initiates salvation because we cannot and do not seek God (Romans 3:9-20). When initiating salvation, God opens our minds and hearts to the truth. He also has freed the will to resist or not resist.

C2 Called: He invited us and called us not according to our efforts. We cannot and do not seek God. He has a purpose and gives us the grace to believe. To Jesus Christ be all the glory for salvation. We are called for holiness, not selfishness. It is not me first but God first. It wasn't what we have done, but we believed. This was His purpose and grace.

B5 2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

C1 The Gospel was not completely, purely understood until the Lord Jesus came. He is

D1 Savior—the only one who can us from God’s wrath that we fully deserve.

D2 Who abolished death—this death is spiritual, eternal death

D3 Who brought life—this life is eternal life that starts in the new heart at the time of belief. It is a new creation accomplished by God (2 Corinthians 5:17).

D4 Who brought immortality—this immortality is life doesn't end at physical death.

B6 2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

C1 Doctrine is important. Doctrine is our beliefs, our rules of living, our lifestyle, and our worldview.

C2 We are to believe and teach the same doctrine—no change.

B7 2 Timothy 1:15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

C1 Turned away = apostatizes

C2 We are told to “hold fast”, then Paul mentions these: Phygellus and Hermogenes, who did not “hold fast”.