Category: spiritual growth and maturity

Tips to Timid Timothy to Tolerate Troubling Times #8

Sunday, December 8, 2013

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

We have often heard the expression “timid Timothy,” but have you ever wondered why he was timid?

In today’s Scripture, the Bible explains how a mature Christian is to think during difficult times:

  • “THE SPIRIT OF POWER.” This is God’s power, not our power. “And he [Jesus Christ] said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9,10). Always be conscious of God’s power given you in Christ, lest your troubles cause you to doubt His Word to you (Philippians 4:13).
  • “THE SPIRIT OF LOVE.” This is God’s (great) love for us, not our (weak) love for Him. “For the love of Christ constraineth us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14): Jesus Christ’s immeasurable love for us demonstrated at Calvary (Romans 5:8) compels us! Always be conscious of God’s love for you in Christ; otherwise, your dire circumstances will cause you to believe that God does not love you (Romans 8:35-39). God’s love for you is further discussed below.
  • “THE SPIRIT OF A SOUND MIND.” This is God’s mentality in troubling times, not the world’s “wisdom.” While God does not cause our troubles, we can let Him use them to our advantage and for His glory. Romans 5:3-5: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Always be conscious of how God has given you His mind in Christ. In the form of the Holy Bible, “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16)….

Tips to Timid Timothy to Tolerate Troubling Times #7

Saturday, December 7, 2013

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

We have often heard the expression “timid Timothy,” but have you ever wondered why he was timid?

The word “spirit” in today’s Scripture should be understood in the sense of “attitude or state of mind; mentality.” For clarity’s sake, we must remember to attach the term “spirit” to the three items listed: “For God hath not given us the spirit [mentality] of fear; but [the spirit] of power, and [the spirit] of love, and [the spirit] of a sound mind.”

Remember the “spirit of fear” has gripped Timothy. He is becoming craven; he is beginning to lose the boldness that is required in the Christian ministry. Satan does not like competition, and when he opposes the Christian’s service by using persecution and/or other suffering (in hopes of forcing the saint to quit entirely), the Christian must be mindful to have the mentality that God would want him or her to have during those troubles (that spiritual destruction, apostasy, et cetera, not result).

How would a mature Christian handle troubles? Firstly, spiritual maturity only comes by personal Bible study. We study God’s Word, believe it, and let it transform our minds. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2ab). “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23)—the same “spirit” found in today’s Scripture. “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:10).

Satan cannot take us out of Jesus Christ; however, he can deceive us into thinking we are outside of Jesus Christ (thus causing us to lose sight of our provisions in Christ). Consider the troubles of life described in Romans 8:35-39, which Satan utilized to discourage Timothy (he will do the same with us if we are not mindful of sound Pauline doctrine!). We, like Timothy, need to remember who God the Father has made us in Christ, and use the “arsenal” God has given us to protect our minds in dire circumstances….

Tips to Timid Timothy to Tolerate Troubling Times #6

Friday, December 6, 2013

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

We have often heard the expression “timid Timothy,” but have you ever wondered why he was timid?

None of us are exempt from troubles—even the Lord Jesus Christ experienced them! Difficulties in life exist because of the curse of sin (Romans 8:18-23), bad choices that we and others make (Galatians 6:7,8), and persecution for choosing to live godly in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12). While suffering will not be abolished until our death (or the rapture), we need not lapse into the mentality of hopelessness (today’s Scripture indicates Timothy did). God has the answer, the key, to handling those awful circumstances.

In the verse previous to today’s Scripture, Paul reminded young Timothy about how he had ordained him in the ministry. Timothy received a very important ministry, but Satan was using Timothy’s difficult circumstances to discourage him, to distract him from that ministry from God. Beloved, Satan still attempts to do this with us, so it is imperative we understand and apply today’s Scripture by faith!

Thankfully, in today’s Scripture, God the Holy Spirit informed us how our adversary the devil operates, but let us look at a companion passage for additional insight. Before He wrote today’s Scripture, He had penned through Paul many years earlier: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; ) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Scripture warns about Satan “corrupting our minds” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Satan attacks the Christian’s mind using bad information—false doctrine, religious tradition, philosophy, et cetera (Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; 2 Timothy 2:14-18). Hence, today’s Scripture speaks of the “spirit,” or mind, of the Christian. Let us discuss the mentality God has given us in Jesus Christ….

Tips to Timid Timothy to Tolerate Troubling Times #5

Thursday, December 5, 2013

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

We have often heard the expression “timid Timothy,” but have you ever wondered why he was timid?

Timothy was despised because of his young age (1 Timothy 4:12), he was imprisoned for Jesus Christ at least once (Hebrews 13:23), he was facing intense opposition from false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3-11), and he suffered “often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23). Now, Paul, his dear friend and brother in Christ, is in prison again. Timothy is beset with troubles, troubles, troubles! He is weary, mentally and emotionally distressed. He wants to give up.

If Timothy is to survive the troubles yet to come (more false teaching, and worst of all, Paul’s execution), his mind must be corrected, reminded of God’s truth, and this farewell letter from Paul will accomplish just that. Today’s Scripture is excerpted from the Apostle Paul’s final epistle. If ever Timothy needed to remember his identity in Jesus Christ, it is now!

The Holy Spirit, writing through Paul, is preparing Timothy to handle the impending death of his good friend, and the increasing doctrinal errors within the Body of Christ. The Church the Body of Christ needs Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1), to remain faithful in the message of God’s grace and pass it on to “faithful men” who will teach others also (verse 2), to “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (verse 3). He needs not abandon God’s people when they need godly, mature leadership. The apostasy that is already occurring—the forsaking of Pauline grace truths and the embracing of the (Scriptural) Mosaic Law—is nothing new (2 Timothy 1:15).

Timothy needs to be reminded of today’s Scripture, three concepts that are key to handling all troubles. Let us discuss these three provisions that God has given Timothy (and us!) in Christ, and how they can sustain him (and us!) amidst those troubles of life….

Tips to Timid Timothy to Tolerate Troubling Times #4

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

We have often heard the expression “timid Timothy,” but have you ever wondered why he was timid?

Let us read today’s Scripture in its context (Paul writing to Timothy): “Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God” (verses 4-8).

Timothy was a young man when he trusted Jesus Christ alone as his personal Saviour. His grandmother and mother had educated him in the Scriptures (cf. 2 Timothy 3:15). Before Paul first met him in Acts 16:1-3, Timothy had a respectable testimony among other Christians. Thereafter, Timothy faithfully served with Paul in his ministry amongst the Gentiles: Paul had ordained Timothy to function in that ministry as a “secondary” apostle (“the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands;” 2 Timothy 1:6). In the context of today’s Scripture (see previous paragraph), Paul is reminding Timothy of his ordination (which he evidently forgot because of his dire circumstances).

Timothy is now ashamed: he wants to surrender to the opposition. The persecution, the false teaching, his young age, and now Paul’s imprisonment, have distracted Timothy (Satan’s goal). He is not thinking like God has designed a Christian to think, and today’s Scripture is the key to him handling the opposition as a mature Christian….

Enjoy a Grace Bible Conference!

Saturday, November 30, 2013

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV).

Having just returned from a grace Bible conference, let me summarize what occurred there.

Fellowshipping with like-minded believers in Jesus Christ was very enjoyable. Of course, “time just seemed to fly by.” How we wished to stay a few more minutes (or, a few more hours!) and further read and discuss the Scriptures with each other.

For some of us, the doctrine was “advanced;” for others, it was “review.” Although we may not understand everything that was taught, it still helped to familiarize ourselves with the Bible’s terminology and the Bible’s definitions of words. Although we do not understand every single verse in the Bible, at least we learned where each verse fits on the Bible timeline. Thus, we do not have to get bogged down trying to understand every last passage and verse that God gave Israel (verses He did not give to us anyway).

We learned how God has laid out His Word, and how He has a very clear method of how to study and understand it (“time past,” “but now,” and “the ages to come;” Ephesians 2:7,11-13). Learning that Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, are God’s Word to us, surely provided a clearer resolution for our spiritual eyes that have been dim for ever so long, and it relieved us of the weights of religious tradition that amassed on our spiritual backs for ever so long.

In short, we simply enjoyed our lives in Jesus Christ, the grace life described in Paul’s epistles, and encouraged each other to do the same (today’s Scripture). According to 2 Timothy 3:16,17, God has stored profit in His written Word. As “workmen,” we studied that Book “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15) in order to extract that profit, to the intent that God the Holy Spirit will work in and through us that believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13), to the intent we may grow spiritually and be able to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12).

We look forward to seeing each other again… Either there or “in the air!” 🙂

Attend a Grace Bible Conference!

Friday, November 29, 2013

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13 KJV).

Before attending a grace Bible conference today, I will briefly discuss what such gatherings are all about.

The Apostle Paul had left Timothy in Ephesus (modern-day western Turkey). According to chapter 1 (verses 3-11), he charged Timothy to address a major doctrinal issue—legalism. Today’s Scripture communicates some of Paul’s instructions to Timothy until he could come and personally assist Timothy in Ephesus.

Timothy was to pay attention to three specific areas of ministry, and today’s Scripture lists them: “reading,” “exhortation,” and “doctrine.” When we Pauline dispensationalists (or “grace believers”) assemble, we do so to read and study God’s Word God’s way, to encourage one another to study and believe God’s Word God’s way, and to uphold and proclaim the doctrine that we learn when we study God’s Word God’s way.

Stated another way, we fellowship around three basic ideas that guard us against the errors in Ephesus (the same threats to our Christian lives today):

  1. FINAL AUTHORITY: We believe in the inerrancy and authority of the King James Bible—God’s preserved Word for us as English-speaking people.
  2. SOUL SALVATION: We believe in the sufficiency of the Gospel of the Grace of God—that Jesus Christ died and shed His sinless blood to pay for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised again the third day for our justification (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).
  3. DAILY LIVING: We believe in the validity of the grace life—the doctrines of grace and their resultant manner of living that the ascended and glorified Jesus Christ first committed to the Apostle Paul (found in his epistles, Romans through Philemon).

We do not rely on the modern English “bible” versions for reading. We do not trust in works-religion for soul salvation from sins and hell. We do not believe in legalism (Mosaic law-keeping) as the operating system for the Christian life.

In short, we seek God’s approval, not a denomination’s approval.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 KJB

NOTE: I plan on video-recording the aforementioned grace Bible conference and uploading the footage to our YouTube channel. Updates will follow in the coming weeks.

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Thursday, November 28, 2013

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).

Dear saints, take a moment this Thanksgiving to learn a valuable lesson from the Holy Scriptures!

God wants “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). To be “saved” here means you have been rescued from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire), and that you have a home in heaven, because you have trusted the death, shed blood, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for your sins. To “come unto the knowledge of the truth” is when a person who has trusted Christ, begins to understand why God saved him or her, and how God will use him or her for His glory. Although soul salvation is instantaneous, spiritual maturity is a life-long process (that is especially true regarding handling difficulties, the grace way!).

It is human nature to avoid difficulties and stress, to flee them, rather than confront them. This self-preservation is advantageous, particularly in “life or death” situations. However, running from troubling circumstances is not the way God has designed our life in Christ to function. Today’s Scripture says, “In every thing give thanks,” not “For every thing give thanks.” We do not thank God for our troubles; we thank God while we are enduring those troubles. This is tough, I know, but it takes time for us to learn it. Even the Apostle Paul had to learn this.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Be thankful in every thing. God’s grace is sufficient for you, dear saint, in all of life’s circumstances. When you learn this, you are “[coming] unto the knowledge of the truth.”

*Excerpted from our Thanksgiving 2012 Bible study with the same name. That study can be read here or watched here.

333’s 900th – Nourished Saints

Saturday, November 16, 2013

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Timothy 4:15 KJV).

Only by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, “333 Words of Grace” publishes its 900th devotional today!

A dear Christian brother always says, “Your Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance.” We cannot expect God to work in our lives unless we study His Word and learn what He is doing today. Dispensational Bible study is the key to understanding the Scriptures, and it enables you to, by faith, do God’s will, for you know what God is doing today and you can join Him in doing it.

Dear readers, for the past 900 days, it has been an honor to share with you the wonderful Word of God rightly divided. Surely, you have heard and learned things you had never before heard and learned. Our goal from day 1 has been to present to you the Holy King James Bible, clearly and concisely, free from the traditions of men that have made Bible study burdensome, to the intent that you would allow the Holy Spirit to teach you His Word, and that by faith, you would allow Him to use that doctrine to work in your life to accomplish God’s will.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul advised young Timothy to “meditate upon these things.” The “things” are listed in the previous 65 verses of 1 Timothy, the sound Bible doctrine that would save Timothy from the false teaching that was creeping into the local churches that Paul and his ministry coworkers had established (see 1 Timothy chapters 1 and 4). Timothy was to meditate on God’s Word, especially God’s Word rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15)—understanding that all of the Bible is for us, but not all of the Bible is to us or about us.

As Paul instructed, Timothy was to think about that sound Bible doctrine, and completely rely on it for his soul’s nourishment, so that others would be encouraged to do the same. We also want that for you, and so we hope to continue to labor in this regard as God’s grace enables.

Beloved, thank you for your prayer concerning this ministry, and Lord willing, onward we go to #1000! 🙂

Arrayed in Hypocrisy

Thursday, October 31, 2013

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:27,28 KJV).

“Looks can be deceiving” is not only true during Halloweentime, but confirmed year-round within Christendom.

Today is Halloween, when children dress up and feign themselves to be creatures they are not. Likewise, many church leaders today wear “Christian” garbs, but their ministries do not bring the Lord Jesus Christ glory and honor. They promote their denomination, and seek to perpetuate it, rather than serve and exalt the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. The Bible manifests these who appear to be good, as “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

In today’s Scripture, Jesus Christ exposed Israel’s corrupt religious leaders who misled the nation in His day. In His Parable of the Tares, Matthew 13:24-30,37-43, Christ explained how just as He had sown good seed (wheat, believing Jews) in Israel, Satan had also sown tares/weeds (unbelieving Jews). Tares resemble wheat; unbelieving Jews resemble believing Jews. The unbelieving Pharisees and scribes, for instance, looked like God’s people (believing Israel). Judas Iscariot was another example of Satan’s tares—the apostles never realized who Judas really was until it was too late!

But Satan’s counterfeit believers are not confined to Israel’s program. Today, within local assemblies of the Body of Christ, there are people feigning themselves to be Christians: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Beloved, beware of the church leaders who are arrayed in hypocrisy, “and avoid them” (Romans 16:17b). If their teaching does not agree with the rightly divided King James Bible, you have no business as a child of God to be listening to them.

*This is excerpted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.