Category Archives: bible study

Pastoral Epistles Lesson 9 Part 1

2 Timothy 3:1-2

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2 Timothy 3:1-2

Dr. John Cook / General Adult

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Pastoral Epistles Lesson 9 – Part 1

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2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

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“This know also”

  • God wants us to know what is coming.
  • Prophecy is proof of the greatness of our God!

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“in the last days”

  • The time we live in!

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“perilous times shall come”

  • ‌Sin makes the perils!
  • ‌Wickedness is a downhill path.
  • ‌The outcome of puffing man up- “Man is the measure of all things”

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  • 2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
  • Carefully consider the effect of one sin leading to another!

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“For men shall be lovers of their own selves”

  • “Selfies”
  • ‌Commanding characteristic of mankind before our Lord’s return.
  • ‌Self-love brings perilous times.
    • Those that are in love with themselves do not benefit anyone but themselves!
    • Note how self-love leads to more wicked behavior.
  • ‌“Me Generation”

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“Covetous”

  • “Gains the name of the game!”
    • Can’t get enough, build enough!
  • Love of money overruling all other love!

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  • 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
    • Painful to pursue!

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“boasters”

  • ‌Bragging on self and self accomplishments!
  • Thinking self is the answer to the world.

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“proud”

  • ‌Pride is guaranteed to bring a fall as the novice warned of in

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  • 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
    • Pride is not of God:

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  • 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
    • Pride stands in the way of a man getting saved:

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  • Psalm 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek afterGod: God is not in all his thoughts.
    • Men are proud of self, possessions, sins, and their intellect

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“blasphemers”

  • ‌Perfect description of men’s mouths today!

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  • James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
    • Characteristic of the antichrist:

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Revelation 13:6

 KJV 1900

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

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“disobedient to parents”

  • Major characteristic of children today!
    • Stubborn, rebellious!
    • Demanding children’s rights.
  • Children are just little adults in a child’s body:

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  • Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
    • God does not agree!

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“unthankful”

  • Not grateful to man or God!
  • Believe they are owed it all!
  • Opposite of what we are to be as children of God:

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  • Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

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  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

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“unholy”

  • ‌Wicked and filthy:

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  • Jude 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
    • Remember this all started with “self-love”
    • But there is more to come:

Pastoral Epistles Lesson 8 (Part 9)

2 Timothy 2:19-26

Pastoral Epistles Lesson 8

Part 9

2 Timothy 2:19-26

Introduction: We are continuing our study on the Pastoral Epistles, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. We have seen the importance of studying the words of God, the importance of reminding, and shunning man’s empty and foolish questioning of scripture.

      Now we are reminded of the stability, and responsibility, that is ours.

  1. The Stability (2 Timothy 2:19)
    1. “Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure”
      1. The foundation (cf. Eph.2:20; 1 Cor. 3:11)
      1. The unbelief of man does not make the words of God empty.
        1. Faith may be shaken
        1. Not so the foundation of God.
    1. “having this seal”
      1. Seal of ownership and authority (cf. Esther 3:12)
        1. We are “sealed” (see Eph. 1:13)
    1. “the Lord knoweth them that are his” (cp. John 10:14)
      1. Only 3 people know whether saved or not (God, me, the devil—Dr. Peter Ruckman)
        1. This is the guarantee of my salvation.
          1. 2 seals (This one; and Hebrews 13:5)
          1. This is my eternal security.
  2. The Responsibility (2 Timothy 2:19ff)
    1. “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity”
      1. Received the Savior, leave the paths of sin.
      1. This is my duty to the Savior. (cf. Luke 17:10)
      1. Reject false doctrines wicked behavior that appeals to the flesh.
  3. Usefulness (2 Tim 2:20)
    1. “a great house” (cf. 1 Tim. 3:!5; Heb 3:6)
      1. What a truly great house is our Lord’s.
    1. “vessels of gold…silver…honour”
      1. “vessels” people believers
    1. “vessels of…wood..earth…dishonour”
      1. “vessels” people “make-believers”
        1. “Make-believers” could be Christian that pretends things that are so are not so; and things that are so are not so”
    1. What makes the difference?
  4. Difference (2 Tim. 2:21)
    1. “If a man therefore purge himself”
      1. Personal behavior, choice
    1. “from these”
      1. These speaks to the false doctrine, and false teachers, that some have followed.
      1. Separation required for purging. (Negative)
    1. “he shall be a vessel unto honour…meet for the Master’s use”
      1. Separated believer (Negative that brings about a positive.)
      1. Studier of the Scripture (2 Timothy 3:15-17)
      1. Obedient to the Lord’s Leadership (Example: Acts 16:6,7,9-10)
    1. “meet” (cf. Gen. 2:18)
    1. “sanctified”
      1. Separated to the Savior (cf. Rom. 6:13,19)
    1. “prepared unto every good work”
      1. Preparation for service.
  5. Run Away (2 Tim. 2:22)
    1. “Flee also youthful lusts” 
      1. We are not to argue the point, nor stay in its neighborhood.
      1. Run quickly like Joseph (cp. Gen. 29:7-12)
      1. Required of a “vessel unto honor”
    1. “Follow after”
      1. We are going to walk one way or the other, choose the way of the Lord.
      1. Don’t try to live in a vacuum (Replace the negative with the positive)
        1. “put off” “put on” (Eph 4:22,25 with 4:24; 6:11)
  6. Avoid (2 Tim. 2:23)
    1. “foolish and unlearned questions”
      1. Repeated warnings show danger and avoidance needed.
      1. Example: Genesis 3:1
    1. “knowing…gender strife”
      1. Purpose is not what we are to be focused on.
  7. Restrictions to Service (2 Tim. 2:24,25)
    1. “must not strive”
      1. Violation of vs. 23 will lead to violation of vs. 24
      1. Deals with personal work, personal soul-winning or counseling. (NOT preaching)
      1. Flip side in preaching (cf. Rom. 15:20; 1 Thess. 2:2; Tit. 1:13; 1 Tim. 2:20; 2Tim 4:2; Acts 9:29; 1 Cor 15:36; Phil 3:19; Rom 3:8)
        1. Importance of “rightly dividing word” for right application.
    1. “in meekness instructing”
      1. “meekness” forbearance, patient, quiet temperament.
    1. “those that oppose themselves”
      1. They are their own worst enemy.
      1. Give them the truth.
    1. “if God peradventure”
      1. God must move in the hearts of men.
        1. Does so through His words (cf. Mark 4:4; Deut. 8:3)
    1. “peradventure”
      1. Based on what a man does with the words of God.
        1. Receive or reject bring opposite effects.
    1. “give them repentance”
      1. God will work in the heart of those that receive His words.
      1. Notice the last part of this verse:
    1. “to the acknowledging of the truth”
      1. Here is the condition that must be met.
        1. Remember this specifically deals with those that were drawn way from the truth.
  8. Recovery (2 Tim 2:26)
    1. “That they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil”
      1. Conditional to escape the devil’s trap.
    1. “that are taken captive by him at his will”
      1. The devil’s will is to trap men in unbelief.
      1. He can snare men if. Hs so chooses
        1. We are all susceptible to his snares. (Psa. 39:5)
        1. He trapped Job (Job 1:9-11)
        1. He trapped Peter (cf. Luke 22:31-34, 57)

Conclusion: So, what have we learned?

  • Stability and responsibility
  • Difference in vessels
  • Usefulness a product of obedience and faith in God’s words.

Pastoral Epistles Lesson 8 (Part 8)

2 Timothy 2:15-19

Pastoral Epistles

Lesson 8 Part 8

2 Timothy 2:15-19

Introduction: We enter now on obedience to the scripture that is changed in every so-called updated bible. This is the only place in Scripture where we are told to “study” God’s word. Who would want to remove that????

  1. “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)
    1. “Study” a work in itself (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
      1. Previous Timothy called to suffer, now he is called to his work.
        1. The job of all pastors begins here.
      1. Requires:
        1. Read (Deuteronomy 17:19)
        1. Believe (Psalms 119:160)
        1. Meditate (Psalms 119:15)
        1. Pray over (Psalms 119:18, 34)
        1. Look for doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16)
    1. “to shew thyself approved unto God” (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:18)
      1. The goal of every preacher (God’s approval) (Matthew 25:23; Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Hebrews 11:5-6)
    1. “a workman”
      1. Preachers must accomplish their given work (Example John 21:21-22)
    1. “needeth not to be ashamed”
      1. In contrast to those who corrupt the words of God (2 Corinthians 2:17)
    1. “rightly dividing the word of truth”
      1. “Cut straight”
      1. Note there are definite divisions (Things that are different are not the same)
      1. Right division absolutely necessary to understand scripture.
        1. Example: OT NT
      1. Not in the business of inventing but in the business of delivering (2 Timothy 4:2)
    1. “truth” (Psalms 119:160)
  2. “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2 Timothy 2:16)
    1. “shun” stay clear
    1. “profane and vain babblings”
      1. The teachings of men (Titus 3:9; 1 Timothy 1:4; 4:7; 6:20; Colossians 2:8)
  3. “And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;” (2 Timothy 2:17)
    1. “eat as doth a canker” (like cancer)
    1. “Hymenaeus and Philetus;” (false teachers in the church)
      1. Paul turned over to satan for the destruction of the flesh (1 Timothy 1:20)
        1. Overthrow the faith of some (1 Timothy 1:18)
  4. “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:18)
    1. “concerning the truth have erred”
      1. Erring from the truth is sin.
        1. Note: they erred concerning “THE TRUTH”
      1. The truth they had erred from:
    1. “saying that the resurrection is past already”
      1. Denial of the resurrection is a corrupting doctrine
      1. The defense of which is found clearly and plainly in 1 Corinthians 15.
      1. The doctrine of the resurrection is the foundation of the Gospel message (no resurrection no gospel.)
        1. Corrupted the interpretation of the clear teaching of Scripture.
      1. The first resurrection is physical (Rev. 20:2-5), future, is not the second resurrection (which is also future) (Rev. 20:11-15)
        1. “The King is Coming” basically teaches a general resurrection.
    1. “overthrow the faith of some”
      1. To overthrow is to take by force.
      1. The fruit of erring from the truth.
        1. “Error is productive, it spreads like wildfire, destroys the faith of some”
  5. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19)
    1. “the foundation of God”
      1. Christ and the Apostles (Eph. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:11)
      1. Context is someone’s faith being overthrown compared to a faith which cannot be overthrown.
        1. The faith that God laid  (1 Tim. 1:2, 4, 19; 2 Tim. 3:8; 4:7; Tit. 1:1,4)
      1. The faith of our God is secure.
    1. “having this seal”
      1. First seal comforts: “the Lord knoweth them that are his”
        1. He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5)
        1. He has sealed us (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22)
        1. He knows us (John 10:14)
    1. “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
      1. Response to the Lord’s seal upon us is departing from iniquity.
        1. Leave the paths of sin.
      1. This is my duty as His purchased possession (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Conclusion: So let us do our duty to God and glorify the One that bought us out of the slave market of sin.

      In our next study we will consider, to begin with, the vessels in the household.

Pastoral Epistles Lesson 8 (Part 7)

2 Timothy 2:11-14

Pastoral Epistles

Lesson 8 (part 7)

2 Timothy 2:11-14

Introduction: We are now come to part 6, in our study on Lesson 8, Pastoral Epistles. In verses 8 through 13 we see a:

  1. Faithful preaching text (2 Timothy 2:11)
    1. “It is a faithful saying”
      1. “faithful saying” used 4 times in scripture
        1. “Christ Jesus came to save sinners”(1Timothy 1:15)
        1. “godliness is profitable unto all things” )1 Timothy 4:8-9)
        1. “dead with him…also live with him” (2 Timothy 2:11)
        1. “careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8)
        1. These are texts we are to preach, without fear of contradiction.
        1. God’s words are faithful and pure words (Psalms 12:6, 7; 119:138)
    1. “For if we be dead with him”
      1. “old man crucified” (Romans 6:5-7)
        1. We are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:19-20)
    1. “we shall also live with him”
      1. “live with him” (Romans 6:8-12)
      1. Our life hid (Colossians 3:3,4)
      1. Yes, weak today, but just wait (2 Corinthians 13:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:10)
  2. Suffering rewarded (2 Timothy 2:12)
    1. “If we suffer”
      1. Suffering requires endurance by the grace of God (2 Corinthians 12:9)
        1. Reproached for Christ’s sake (1 Peter 4:13-16)
        1. “suffer according to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:19)
    1. “we shall also reign with him”
      1. Reminder that suffering now condition of reigning then (Romans 8:17-18)
      1. “well done” (Luke 19:17)
    1. “If we deny him”
      1. Why would we?
        1. The weakness of the flesh in everyday living, sometimes to comfortable.
        1. Peter’s denial (John 13:36-38)
        1. Spirit willing flesh weak (Matthew 26:38-41)
    1. “he also will deny us”
      1. Deny us what?
        1. Cannot speak of our salvation for we are sealed by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30)
        1. Speaks of loss of reigning in the millennial reign of the Savior.
          1. Inheritance is a reward, conditional on suffering and serving (Romans 8:17)
          1. Lost by failure to suffer and serve. (Revelation 3:11)
          1. Example: Things people do (Galatians 5:19-21)
          1. Example: What people can be (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
          1. Example: What a Christian cannot be (1 Corinthians 6:11)
  3. What about failure in faith (2 Timothy 2:13)?
    1. “If we believe not”
      1. The weakness of the flesh under torture.
      1. The weakness of the flesh through doubting
    1. “yet he abideth faithful”
      1. It is the Lord that never fails (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
      1. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2)
    1. “he cannot deny himself”
      1. We are born into his family (John 1:10-13)
        1. This is our consolation (Hebrews 6:18-20)
      1. Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2)
      1. He can never say of the believer “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23)
        1. For he knows us (John 10:27-29)
        1. Our salvation is not in question only our inheritance in the millennium.
  4. Remember! (2 Timothy 2:14)
    1. “Of these things put them in remembrance”
      1. “these things” to be reminded of:
        1. The benefit of being dead with the Savior (vs. 11)
        1. The benefit of suffering for the Savior (vs. 12)
        1. The knowledge that our salvation is secure in the Savior. (vs. 13)
    1. “charging them”
      1. Orders to be given, not suggestions.
        1. Instructing, commanding
      1. Duty to be done.
    1. “that they strive not about words to no profit”
      1. A call that is repeated to Timothy and Titus (1 Timothy 6:4, 5, 23; 1:4; 6:20; Titus 3:9)
        1. Good for us to remember in our day when words are twisted.
    1. “but to the subverting of the hearers”
      1. Such are used to confuse not to benefit. (cp. Jeremiah 23:36)
      1. To overthrow not to establish.
        1. “corrupting, confusing, perverting” the hearers.
        1. Entirely destroying the faith of the hearer.

Conclusion: Thus, we learn our responsibilities as shepherds to the Lord’s flock.

Pastoral Epistles Lesson 8 (Part 6)

2 Timothy 2:8-14

Pastoral Epistles Lesson 8 (Part 6)

Pastoral Epistles

Lesson 8 (part 6)

2 Timothy 2:8-14

Introduction: We are now come to part 6, in our study on Lesson 8, Pastoral Epistles. In verses 8 through 13 we see a:

  1. Reminder to the shepherd: (2 Timothy 2:8)
    1. “Remember”
      1. We are a forgetful people: (cp. Deuteronomy 8:11)
        1. Forgetfulness leads to disobedience and faithlessness.
    1. “that Jesus Christ of the seed of David”
      1. Our Lord’s physical birth, “made of the seed of David” (Romans 1:3 cp. John 7:42)
    1. “was raised from the dead”
      1. The testimony of witnesses (Acts 3:15)
      1. “dieth no more” (Romans 6:9)
      1. The Savior we await (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
    1. “according to my gospel”
      1. The gospel message given to Paul directly from the Savior received not of man (Galatians 1:11-12)
      1. The gospel Paul preached (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
        1. Problem confronting (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)
        1. Assurance given (1 Corinthians 15:20)
        1. Remember Paul gives us church doctrine and behavior in the church (1 Timothy 3:15)
  2. Problem right doctrine causes (2 Timothy 2:9)
    1. “Wherein I suffer trouble”
      1. Trouble is to be expected, preacher
        1. Jesus said of Paul (Acts 9:16)
        1. Paul says of the preacher (2 Timothy 3:12)
          1. Jesus says of His own (Mark 13:13)
    1. “as an evil doer even unto bonds”
      1. Ambassador in bonds” (Ephesians 6:20)
      1. Causing shame to come on (1 Peter 3:16)
        1. Make certain not truly an evil doer (1 Peter 4:15)
      1. See that we are not ashamed of the chain that may come (2 Timothy 1:8, 16)
    1. “but the word of God is not bound”
      1. The preacher may be, but not the message (Col 4:3)
      1. For it is the living words of the Living God (Hebrews 4:12)
        1. Moving, searching, life giving.
  3. Responding to the opposition (2 Timothy 2:10)
    1. “Therefore”
      1. In view of the gift given of the Father (John 3:16)
      1. In view of the resurrection power of God (Romans 1:4; Philippians 3:10)
      1. In view of the lively hope that is ours (1 Peter 1:3)
        1. What is that lively hope? (Revelation 20:6)
    1. “I endure all things”
      1. Endure is ours today (2 Timothy 2:3)
    1. “for the elect’s sake”
      1. Paul’s enduring to encourage the Christians (Ephesians 3:13)
      1. “Elect” (1 Peter 1:2)
        1. We are elect by believing the gospel message (1 Thessalonians 1:4-6)
    1. “that they”
      1. The “they” is the saved believers
      1. “the elect” spoken of previously.
    1. “may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus”
      1. That which Paul wanted for the saved, more than just being saved.
      1. Wanted a complete ministry for the Savior.
        1. Standing fast (Philippians 1:27)
        1. “abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
    1. “with eternal glory”
      1. Deals with millennial reign of the Savior (2 Timothy 2:12)
        1. Our inheritance in the kingdom of Christ that can be lost (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 2:24)
          1. Not our salvation, our inheritance!
      1. Reigning is conditional upon suffering (Romans 8:17-18)
      1. Reigning is conditional on serving (Colossians 3:24)
  4. Faithful preaching text (2 Timothy 2:11)
    1. “It is a faithful saying”
      1. This is a text we can preach without fear of contradiction.
      1. God’s words are faithful and pure words (Psalms 12:6, 7; 119:138)
    1. “For if we be dead with him”
      1. We are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:19-20)
    1. “we shall also live with him”
      1. Our life hid (Colossians 3:3,4)
      1. Yes, weak today, but just wait (2 Corinthians 13:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:10)
  5. Suffering rewarded (2 Timothy 2:12)
    1. “If we suffer”
      1. Suffering requires endurance by the grace of God (Acts 14:12)
        1. Reproached for Christ’s sake (1 Peter 4:13-16)
    1. “we shall also reign with him”
      1. Reminder that suffering now condition of reigning then (Romans 8:17-18)
    1. “If we deny him”
      1. Why would we?
        1. The weakness of the flesh in every day living, sometimes to comfortable.
    1. “he also will deny us”
      1. Deny us what?
        1. Cannot speak of our salvation for we are sealed by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30)
        1. Speaks of loss of reigning in the millennial reign of the Savior.
          1. Earned by suffering and serving.
          1. Lost by failure to suffer and serve.
  6. What about failure in faith (2 Timothy 2:13)?
    1. “If we believe not”
      1. The weakness of the flesh under torture.
      1. The weakness of the flesh through doubting
    1. “yet he abideth faithful”
      1. It is the Lord that never fails (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
      1. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2)
    1. “he cannot deny himself”
      1. We are born into his family (John 1:10-13)
        1. This is our consolation (Hebrews 6:18-20)
      1. Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2)
      1. He can never say of the believer “I never knew you”
        1. For he knows us (John 10:27-29)
        1. Our salvation is not in question only our inheritance in the millennium.
  7. Remember! (2 Timothy 2:14)
    1. “Of these things put them in remembrance”
      1. “these things” to be reminded of:
        1. The benefit of being dead with the Savior (vs. 11)
        1. The benefit of suffering for the Savior (vs. 12)
        1. The knowledge that our salvation is secure in the Savior. (vs. 13)
    1. “charging them”
      1. Orders to be given, not suggestions.
      1. Duty to be done.
    1. “that they strive not about words to no profit”
      1. The danger of arguing over words, semantics. (cf. 1 Timothy 6:4-5)
        1. Good for us to remember in our day when words are twisted.
    1. “but to the subverting of the hearers”
      1. Such are used to confuse not to benefit. (cp. Jeremiah 23:36)
        1. “corrupting, confusing, perverting” the overhearing.

Conclusion: Thus, we learn our responsibilities as shepherds to the Lord’s flock.

Just a Thought on Revelation 17! Part 2

Revelation 17:7-18

Just a Thought on Revelation 17! Part 2

Just a Thought on Revelation

Part 2

Revelation 17:7-18

Introduction: John has seen the woman that is “drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” He wonders at the sight of her and is not able to identify her at that time. The angel Then goes on to identify her to John and to us.

  1. The Angel’s question to John. (Vs. 7)
    1. “Wherefore didst thou marvel”: A certainty that this does not just deal with pagan Rome of John’s day.
      1. No question as to pagan Rome’s opposition to believers in his day.
    1. “I will tell thee the mystery of the woman…the beast”: No guess work needed, God’s words identify them both.
  2. The identity of the beast. Vs. 8
    1. “The beast that thou sawest was…is not…shall ascend out of the bottomless pit…go into perdition”
      1. A person that was in the past, is not in John’s day, shall come out of hell in the future and shall return to hell.
        1. Satan the imitator.
        1. Judas (?) was, is not alive in John’s day, is in hell shall come out of hell and return to hell.
          1. Judas is called a devil (John 6:70)
          1. Judas is called the son of perdition (John 17:12 cp with 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4): direct connection to antichrist.
          1. Judas is said to go to his own place (Acts 1:24-25)
      1. Devil incarnate (Isaiah 14:15-19; Revelation 13:18)
    1. “Earth shall wonder”: the lost in the Tribulation astonished to see this person resurrected.
      1. Are deceived by wonders and signs (Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13:14; 19:20)
      1. Mystery of the satanic trinity (counterfeit trinity)
      1. Devil busy operating now in this world.
  3. The identity of the “seven heads” (vs. 9-11)
    1. “The mind which hath wisdom”:Wisdom comes from God (James 1:5)
    1. Identifies the heads as to geological location.
      1. “Are”: no question, or guess work.
      1. “Seven mountains on which the woman sitteth”: Rome.
    1.  “There are seven kings” (vs. 10 cf. 12:3): Nimrod, Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Alexander, Caesar (last kingdom seen in Gospels).
      1. The Lord counts by sevens.
    1. “Five are fallen”: Two kings of Babylon (Nimrod, Nebuchadnezzar); Pharaoh (Egypt); Sennacherib (Assyria); Cyrus (Persia); Alexander (Greece).
    1. “One is”: Caesar (Rome)
    1. “The other is not yet come”: restored Roman, another king of Rome to come.
      1. “When he cometh, must continue for a short space”: antichrist.
    1. “Is of the seven”: identity of the beast as part of the past world empires
      1. 6th head of satan (number 666)
        1. Incarnate devil.
      1. “Goeth into perdition”: Judas back to hell.
  4. The ten horns. (Vs. 12-14)
    1. “Are ten kings…no kingdom as yet”: kingdoms to come.
    1. “Give their power and strength to the beast”: join up with the devil.
    1. “Make war with the Lamb”: gladly fight the Lord
    1. “The Lamb shall overcome them”: victory ahead.
    1. When Jesus comes there will be a revived Roman Empire.
      1. It is agreed in bible interpretation that the whore is Rome (even by the Roman Catholic Church)
        1. Pagan or today?
  5. The identity of the waters. (Vs. 15)
    1. “The waters…peoples…multitudes…nations…tongues”: clear identification the world today.
      1. “Where the whore sitteth”: she is in authority and living off of this world.
  6. Response of the world powers to the whore then (vs. 16)
    1. “Shall hate the whore”: no love; a marriage of convenience until then
    1. “Shall make her desolate..eat her…burn her”: This is the antichrist and his crowd.
      1. The world is cannibalistic eats their own
      1. The world hates the phony religion
      1. When the devil runs the dhow he will turn on Rome.
      1. Will occur at the time when the worship of the beast is set up.
  7. The world only thinks itself in control. (vs. 17)
    1. “For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will”: God is in control.
      1. He is the mover of men, even though they know it not.
    1. “Until the words of God shall be fulfilled”: Note “words of God” (its the words brother its the words)
  8. The identity of “the woman” (vs. 18)
    1. “Is that great city that reigneth over the kings of the earth”: Rome rules today and she will join up with the antichrist then.

Conclusion: This then identifies for us what men would prefer to keep hidden. But God reveals the truth whether we like it or not.

Just a Thought on Revelation 17! Part 1

Revelation 17:1-7

Just a Thought on Revelation 17! Part 1

Just a Thought on Revelation 17

Part 1

Revelation 17:1-7

Introduction: We have now seen how the Lord works by sevens through the Book of Revelation, 7 seals (Rev. 5), 7 trumpets (Rev. 8), 7 thunders (Rev. 10:3), 7 vials (Rev. 15). Now we come to the 7 Dooms (Larkin). We shall consider the 1st Doom beginning in Revelation 17.

  • Ecclesiastical Babylon (Revelation 17) “mystery Babylon the great”
    • Revelation 17 and 18 are not the same Babylon.
      • Mystery deals with religious Babylon (Rev. 17)
      • Identified in Revelation 17
    • Called mystery because hidden in OT (cf. Eph. 3:1-21)
      • “mystery” that Christ has a bride (cf. Eph. 5:23-32 with Rev. 21:9-10)
      • “mystery Babylon” is the antichrist’s bride.
  • Babylon
    • Built on Euphrates, 1 of 4 rivers that flowed through the Garden of Eden.
    • Built by Nimrod (Gen. 10:8-10)
      • Headquarters of idolatry.
      • Idolatry of graven images, confession, priests, and nuns.
      • Origination of the Pontiff of Rome; worship of the queen of heaven.
  • John Called to “Come, hither” (Rev. 17:1)
    • “I will show unto thee”
      • One of the 7 angels that had the 7 vials.
    • “the judgment of the great whore”
      • This which John was about to see was a religious prostitute
        • Sold herself to the world leaders.
    • “sitteth upon many waters”
      • We will see the interpretation the “waters” in verse 15/
  • John Is About to See this “Whore” (Rev. 17:2)
    • “With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication”
      • She is guilty of fornication with the world leaders
    • “the inhabitants of the world have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication”
      • The world is intoxicated with her.
  • John is “carried…into the wilderness” (Rev. 17:3)
    • There he sees “a woman sit on a scarlet coloured beast”
      • Connection to the devil (cp. Rev 12:1-4,9)
    • “full of the names of blasphemy”
      • They are both blasphemers of God and His words.
    • “having seven heads and ten horns” (cf. Rev 13:1)
  • Filthy and Filthy Rich (Rev. 17:4)
    • “the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls”
      • Is rich in the things of this world (cp. Rev. 3:17)
    • “purply and scarlet colour”
      • Colors of the Papacy.
    • “having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication”
      • Connection to Babylon (cf. Jer. 51:7)
      • Literal icon produced showing the queen of heaven holding the cup on the back of the beast.
        • Flip side the image of the Pope.
  • So, like the Antichrist (Rev. 17:5)
    • “upon her forehead was a name written”
      • As God marks His own (Rev. 14:1)
      • So, antichrist marks his own (Rev. 13:16,17)
    • “the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth”
      • Out of her come harlots and abominations.
      • Identified with idolatry and rebellion against God (cf. Gen. 10:10; 11:9)
        •  Idolatry is associated with sexual immorality and wickedness.
  • Hatred Made Manifest (Rev. 17:6)
    • I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints…of the martyrs of Jesus”
      • She is a drunk.
      • See this in history: the Inquisition
    • “when I saw her I wondered with great admiration”
      • John is shocked at what he sees.
        • Could not just be speaking of pagan Rome of john’s day, no shock there
        • Shocked at religious Rome.
  • Mystified by John’s Marveling. (Rev. 17:7)
    • “the angel…Wherefore didst thou marvel?”
      • The angel is shocked that John does not understand.
    • “I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.”
      • Four id’s about to be revealed!

Conclusion: We will pick up our study next time. What we have seen:

  • John is shown a woman that is seen in the OT as “the queen of heaven” (see. Jer. 7:18)
  • Babylon is identified with religious Rome.
  • A filthy religious organization and filthy rich like Laodicea.
  • A woman on the back of the beast (antichrist).

Just a Thought on Revelation 16! Part 4

Revelation 16:17-21

Just a Thought on Revelation 16! Part 4

Just a Thought on Revelation

Part 4

Revelation 16:17-21

Introduction: As we have said before, in our study on Just a Thought on Revelation, it seems we are taken through the Tribulation 4 times (like the 4 Gospels).

  1. Here destruction of Babylon (Revelation 16:19 cp. Revelation 18:2; 14:8)
    1. 3 simultaneous accounts (not chronological). (under antichrist Revelation 12-14; under vials 16:19; details of the event 17-18)
  2. Second coming of Christ not yet occurred.
    1. Gathering the troops of the nations (Revelation 16:13-16)
    1. Post Tribulation Rapture (Revelation 16:15)
    1. Destruction of Babylon (Revelation 16:19)
      1. Revelation 17-18 description of Revelation 16:19.
    1. Post-Tribulation rapture (Revelation 16:15)
    1. Destruction of Babylon (Revelation 16:19)
    1. Then 2nd Advent occurs (Revelation 19:11)
    1. Revelation 17-18 describes Revelation 16:19
  3. “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.” (Revelation 16:17-18)
    1. Note: At the pouring out of the 7th vial, the breaking of the 7th seal, the sounding of the 7th trumpet the same things occur.
      1. Voices, thunderings, great lightenings, great earthquake
    1. Note: At the pouring of the 7th vial, sounding of the 7th trumpet: Great hail storm
      1. Shows what happens at the 7th seal, trumpet, vial same period pf time
      1. 7th seal reveals, 7th trumpets announces event to come, 7th vial executes them.
      1. 7th seal broken “silence in heave; 7th trumpet and 7th vial “Great voices”
    1.  “it is done”
      1. Christ declares from the cross “it is finished” (Finished salvation)
      1. Could be Christ declaring that the wrath of God is finished.
        1. End of Jacob’s trouble (70th week)
    1. Greatest earthquake this world has ever seen (Revelation 16:18)7t
  4. “And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” (Revelation 16:19)
    1. 2nd Advent not occurred yet.
      1. Gathering the troops of the nations (Revelation 16:13-16)
      1. Post Tribulation Rapture (Revelation 16:15)
    1. “that great city” Possibly Jerusalem
      1. Some believe it is Babylon
    1. “the cities of the nations”
      1. Capitals of the 10 kingdoms confederate with the antichrist.
    1. “great Babylon came in remembrance before God”
      1. God has not forgotten
      1. Destruction of Babylon (Revelation 16:19)
        1. Revelation 17-18 description of Revelation 16:19.
        1. Post-Tribulation rapture (Revelation 16:15)
        1. Then 2nd Advent occurs (Revelation 19:11)
      1. God pays Babylon what she is owed. (Described in Revelation 18).
  5. “And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” (Revelation 16:20-21)
    1. “islands…mountains…”
      1. Mountains leveled, islands destroyed.
        1. Change the contour and shape of Land of Palestine and surrounding changed
      1. Raise the Dead Sea so that it flows into the Red Sea (Ezekiel 47:1-12)
    1. “great hail”
      1. Repetition of 7th Egyptian plague (Exodus 9:13-35)
      1. God uses His creation as weapons of warfare.
        1. For Joshua (Joshua 10:11)
      1. Note: Law required the blasphemer be stoned to death (Leviticus 24:16)
        1. Here blasphemers are stoned to death by hail stones
        1. Probably occurs at the crisis in the Battle of Armageddon
        1. God’s missiles (cf. Job 38:22-23)
    1. “about the weight of a talent”
      1. 100-114 lbs. each.

Conclusion:

  • Seventh vial covers the whole period from the pouring out to the Christ’s return to the Mount of Olives.
  • Understand the purpose of all of this God is going to give man what he has earned by choosing the antichrist and rejecting the Savior.
  • Next, we will consider the Seven Dooms that shall fall following this event.

Just a Thought on Revelation 16! Part 3

Revelation 16:12-15

Just a Thought on Revelation 16! Part 3

Just a Thought on Revelation 16

Part 3

Revelation 16:12-15

Introduction: Today we are going to consider “the battle of the Great God Almighty.” A battle that shall take place in Armegeddon (the hill of the crowded) and the valley of Megiddo (Valley of Esdraelon).

  1. God’s coming gathering place for the nations of this world. (Revelation 16:16)
    1. We will consider this scripture in light of Revelation 16:1-15.
    1. Seen previously (Revelation 9:13-16)
      1. Trumpets and vials are simultaneous
        1. Middle of Tribulation (Possible last month of)
  2. Setup (Revelation 16:12)
    1. “the great river Euphrates dried up”
      1. Literal event.
      1. Prophesied (Isaiah 11:15-16)
        1. 2-fold purpose:
          1. Remnant of Israel from Assyria to return
          1. Kings of the East gathered for battle against Almighty God.
  3. Deception (Revelation 16:13)
    1. Note the word “like” (not literal)
      1. Sent forth from the satanic trinity
    1. “spirits of devils” (Revelation 16:14)
      1. Sent to deceive as Apostle Paul speaks (2 Thessalonians 2:9)
    1. “working miracles”
      1. Heal, tongues, raise dead.
        1. Example: Revelation 13:3
    1. “to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”
      1. Man is facing the unsheeted wrath the Lord God Almighty; the outraged Divine, Sovereign, Almighty God.
        1. God “a man of war” (Exodus 15:3)
        1. Called “captain” (Hebrews 2:10)
  4. Timing (Revelation 16:14, 15)
    1. Second coming of our Savior “come as a thief”
      1. Unexpected (Luke 12:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:2)
        1. No surprise to the believer (1 Thessalonians 5:4)
    1. Time of no mercy (2 Peter 3:10)
  5. Location (Revelation 16:16)
    1. Armageddon: hill of the crowded
      1. 200 million troops crowded into the place
      1. Prerecorded history (Joel 3:11-16)
        1. “valley of Megiddo”: Valley Esdraelon
          1. Perfect plain for war
    1. Lord returns in wrath and vengeance on His enemies
      1. Stomped under His feet, blood flows to the horses’ bridles, 160 miles down the Kishon to the Jordan River.

Conclusion: No “sweet little Jesus boy” here. Here is the man of war, the captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10), the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14).

    Miss peace now, war is in your future. How shall you win against the Lord God Almighty? Answer, you won’t!

Just a Thought on Revelation 16! Part 2

Revelation 16:8-15

Just a Thought on Revelation 16!

Just a Thought on Revelation 16 (Part 2)

Revelation 16:8-15

Introduction: God has already shown us His wrath falling on the earth in the first three vials; now we are going to see the last four vials and we are going to learn something about man in the face of the wrath of God.

  1. “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.” (Revelation 16:8)
    1. Talk about “global warming” (cf. Isaiah 30:26)
      1. Could this be what men are trying now to prevent then?
      1. Imagine a world where men have nothing but blood to drink and then the sun is 7 x’s hotter.
        1. Does someone want to change God’s plan?
        1. But change will be unsuccessful.
  2. “And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.” (Revelation 16:9)
    1. Why? “men scorched” as God says!
    1. Man’s response: “blasphemed the name of God”
      1. Blasphemed the very one that controls all the elements of nature—the foolishness of man.
    1. Man’s response: “repented not”
      1. Man will not change, will continue his rebellion against the Living God.
        1. We see this today already only gets more stubborn then!
  3. “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,” (Revelation 16:10)
    1. Nearing the end of the Tribulation; perhaps last six months.
      1. Repeat of Exodus 20:23: Moses.
    1. “seat of the beast”
      1. Ex-cathedra: where the beast sits (Revelation 2:13)
        1. Rome
    1. “gnawed their tongues for pain”
      1. Extreme thirst: blood to drink, great heat
      1. Two witnesses: Elijah and Moses
        1. “have power to shut up heaven” (Revelation 11:6)
        1. When we come to Revelation 16 all three:
          1. Plagues (Revelation 16:2)
          1. Blood (Revelation 16;3)
          1. No water (Revelation 16:10)
    1. “full of darkness”
      1. Sits in darkness, in heat, no water, painful time.
  4. “And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” (Revelation 16:11)
    1. Man’s reaction: “blasphemed the God of heaven”
      1. Man is stubborn.
      1. Heart is the problem (see Jeremiah 17:9; Psalms 39:5)
    1. See “strength of man’s will against God’s will” (Dr. Peter Ruckman)
      1. No matter what God does man will not repent and get saved.
  5. “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” (Revelation 16:12)
    1. New element appears (cf. Revelation 16:12)
      1. “Trumpets” and “vials” simultaneous.
    1. “kings of the east”: cavalry attack on Israel
      1. 200,000,000 strong (see Revelation 9:16)
      1. Possibly demonic army out of hell.
  6. “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” (Revelation 16:13)
    1. “unclean spirits like frogs”: Just get that picture
      1. Such corruption
    1. Compare with picture of Holy Spirit (Matthew 4)
      1. What a contrast!!!!!
    1. “dragon…beast…false prophet”: Satanic trinity
      1. Typified in Old Testament: Numbers 22:41
        1. Balak, Ballaam, Baal.
  7. “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Revelation 16:14)
    1. “they are spirits of devils”: Spirits sent forth to deceive: 2 Thessalonians 2:9
      1. Unclean spirits can heal, speak in tongues raise the dead. (cf. Revelation 13:3, 14)
    1. “the battle of that great day of God Almighty”
      1. Not just a little war, a war that will make all other wars seem as child’s play!
      1. Man facing off against God Almighty
        1. Such is the arrogance of man.
      1. Our God is called a man of war (Exodus 15:3)
      1. Our God is called a Captain (Hebrews 2:10 with Joshua 5:14)
      1. God says he will put hooks in their jaws (cf. Ezekiel 38:4)
        1. God will bring man where he is forced to face “God Almighty”
  8. “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” (Revelation 16:15)
    1. Intermission verse, as verse 16 is a continuation of verse 14.
    1. Intermission that points to a mid-Tribulation rapture of Tribulation saints.
      1. Takes place before battle of Armageddon
    1. “I come as a thief” (cf. Matthew 24:29-30 with Matthew 24:31)
      1. Immediately precedes Second Coming.
    1. “keepeth his garments”: works involved (cf. Revelation 6:11; 7:14; 12:11; 14:12)
      1. Rapture mentioned in Old Testament (see Psalms 50:3-5; Isaiah 26:12-21)
    1. “lest he walk naked, and they see his shame”
      1. Consider the implication
        1. Adam and Eve’s fear in the Garden of Eden.
      1. Imagine the shame of appearing before “God Almighty” “naked”

Conclusion: Next we are going to go on and study the battle of Armageddon