1 But the Spirit explicitly (specifically) says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits (Pneuma i.e. an angel used of demons, or evil spirits, who were conceived as inhabiting the bodies of men the spiritual nature of Christ, www.biblemaster.com)
and doctrines of demons (the divine power, deity, divinity a spirit, a being inferior to God, superior to men evil spirits or the messengers and ministers of the devil, www.biblemaster.com and for the following paragraph:)
we are saved by grace (Eph. 2:8,9) but we can fall from grace (Gal. 5:2-4). We are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1) but our faith can become shipwrecked (1 Tim. 1:19,20) and cease to exist (Lk. 8:13; Rom. 11:19-23). We are not under the law (Rom. 6:14,15) but if you live according to the sinful nature you will die (Rom. 8:13). Paul taught against legalism (Gal. 5:3,4) but he also taught that no immoral, impure or greedy person has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Eph. 5:5-7). We are not saved by works (Eph. 2:8,9) but to reap eternal life and not destruction you must sow to please the Spirit and not the sinful nature (Gal. 6:8,9). God is faithful to us (1 Jn. 1:9; 1 Cor. 10:13) but we must be faithful to him to the very end of our lives to escape the lake of fire or second death (Rev. 2:10,11). God surely loves us (Jn. 3:16; Mk. 10:21; Rom. 8:35-39) but those who inherit the kingdom of God love God (Jam 2:5; 1 Cor. 2:9) and to love God means to obey his commands (Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 5:3). We have freedom in Christ (Gal. 5:1) but this freedom is not to indulge the sinful nature (Gal. 5:13; 1 Pet 2:16).
2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron (This happens if we sin too much. If we ignore the Holy Spirit’s promptings, He may not speak to us.)
3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. (Several major religions still believe this.)
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;
5 for it is sanctified (holy) by means of the word of God and prayer. (Both of these are important. We defile / misuse things, not God. Are we grateful? Now thank we all our God is a famous song.)
6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. (We eat daily, so we should study The Bible daily. We need to know why we believe what we do.)
7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women (old wives’ tales:). On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; (Disciples are disciplined.)
8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. We should take care of our bodies, soul (mind, will, emotions) & spirit.
9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. (The Bible is trustworthy so we should accept it.)
10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. (Another famous song: Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. On Christ the solid Rock I stand.)
11 Prescribe and teach these things. (What is in the Bible re: prayer, worship, evangelism, discipleship, etc.)
12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness (Timothy), but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (People are watching what we do to see if it matches what we say. Walk the talk.)
13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. (Maranatha!)
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. (We all have a gift (1 Cor 12, Eph 4, Rom 12, etc.) and we need to use it. The pastors / elders / deacons can lay hands on you for prayer.)
15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
Following Jesus is not easy. I’m more convinced we are closer to Revelation than ever before. Carlmedearis.com spent a long time in Lebanon. I like his way of talking to others about Jesus: The highlight was this - our new friend, a Palestinian Arab Christian, leaned into the middle of the table and whispered, “Can I share a secret?” He certainly had our attention at that point... He said, “I’ve been reading the New Testament and reading about Jesus. I know this is controversial, but...” He looked around as if someone else was watching and said, “I am beginning to think that Christianity and Jesus are not the same thing.” He looked for our reaction. We all started laughing and I said, “You have no idea how much we like that thought. That’s exactly what we’re thinking as well.” He was so surprised. “Aren’t you all Christians? I thought you’d be offended!” “Yes, our religious backgrounds are Christian, but each of us thinks outside the box a bit on that one and prefer to use the term ‘follower of Jesus’ rather than Christian.”
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
Are we improving? Are we resilient? Are we sure we’re saved? Are we sharing Jesus with others?
