I come to You with honesty, because You already see my heart.
You know this season of the year is scary for me, a time when memories of my husband's past health issues stir up fear, worry, and old emotions.
But today I choose to bring all of this to You.
I lay it at the Cross. Your Word says in 2 Timothy 1:7 that You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
So right now, I reject fear, and I receive the power, love, and sound mind You freely offer me.
Let Your peace settle deeper in me than any anxious thought.
Your Word also says in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all my anxiety on You because You care for me.
So Lord, I cast it: every fear, every old memory, every "what if," every tightness in my chest, every intrusive thought.
I place them in Your hands, not mine.
You care for me more than I can understand, and I release the weight of worry to You. I lift up the "fiery darts" that come : the sudden fears, the feelings, the emotional pulls, and instead I take up the shield of faith, just as You command in Ephesians 6:16.
Extinguish every dart of fear, every whisper of danger that is not from You, Lord, off of me and my entire family and our loved ones.
Fill me and my family with Your truth so fully, that fear has nowhere to land.
Lord, Your Word says in James 1:19 to be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry,
so help me in my relationships, especially with my husband, to walk with grace, patience, and peace.
Teach my heart to communicate with love, and soften any place in me that feels overly burdened, overwhelmed, or unheard.
And Father, You tell me in 1 Peter 3:7 and Ephesians 4:15 to walk in understanding and speak the truth in love.
So I ask You to strengthen our unity: spiritually, emotionally, and in communication.
Let my words be filled with gentleness, and let my heart feel safe,held, and understood.
Like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1, who poured out her soul before You, I pour out my emotions to You w/out shame
I hope this is the name you prefer. I have prayed for you.
2 Timothy 1:7. "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
It's one of my favorite verses. Please note the word "given". He gives us these things. It's not up to us. This is where faith comes into play, and it takes time as He changes us.
I come before You with reverence and holy boldness in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ. You are the God who knew this child before they were formed in the womb, who wrote their story before a single day passed. You are their Defender, their Healer, their God.
Lord, I lift up my unborn granddaughter to You.
Cover this child with the Blood of Jesus from the crown of their head to the soles of their feet. Let every cell, organ, and system be formed under Your perfect hand.
"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb." - Psalm 139:13
I plead the Blood of Jesus over their physical body.
No sickness, no deformity, no affliction, no diagnosis, no generational weakness shall take root. I reject and renounce every inherited physical condition passed down from either side of the bloodline-it ends here with no root in Jesus' Name!
"By His stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5
"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law." - Galatians 3:13
I plead the Blood of Jesus over their emotions.
I declare that this child, my grandchild, M., will not inherit shame, trauma, fear, anxiety, or torment from any parent, grandparent, or family spirit. I block every soul wound and emotional imbalance that can be passed down through family cycles and make them powerless, null and void, now and forever. Let the Holy Spirit form their soul, body, mind, in peace, joy, and wholeness.
"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7
I plead the Blood of Jesus over their spirit.
This child will be marked for God from the womb: set apart, sealed, and anointed. I break every generational curse, every occult tie, every spirit of rebellion, addiction, abuse, rage, manipulation, control, curse, rejection, or perversion.
It is broken now by the authority of Jesus Christ!
"I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants." - Isaiah 44:3
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are SANCTIFIED, but ye are JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus, and BY THE SPIRIT OF OUR GOD.
1 Corinthians 6:10-11.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that ( HE IS ABLE TO KEEP THAT WHICH I HAVE COMMITTED UNTO HIM AGAINST THAT DAY. 2 Timothy 1:12
CHRIST HATH REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: Galatians 3:13.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby YE ARE SEALED UNTO THE DAY OF REDEMPTION. Ephesians 4:30.
Paul never teaches that believers in the Body of Christ can lose salvation, though some verses are misread that way. For example, 1 Corinthians 9:27 warns of being a "castaway," but Paul is referring to disqualification from reward or service, not loss of eternal life. In Galatians 5:4, "fallen from grace" means leaving the principle of grace for law-keeping, not forfeiting salvation. 2 Corinthians 13:5 calls for self-examination of genuine faith, not teaching that salvation can be undone. Likewise, Colossians 1:23 emphasizes perseverance as evidence of true faith.
In contrast, Paul repeatedly assures believers of eternal security. Romans 8:38-39 declares that nothing can separate us from Christ's love. Ephesians 1:13-14 teaches that believers are sealed with the Spirit until redemption. Philippians 1:6 promises that God will complete His saving work. 2 Timothy 1:12 affirms Christ's power to keep what is entrusted to Him. Romans 11:29 states that God's gifts and calling are without repentance.
Thus, the "warning" passages deal with reward, service, and testimony, while Paul's consistent teaching is that salvation itself is secure in Christ.
I certainly cannot disparage such sentiments; as to who receives tongues God does distribute severally as He wishes ( 1 Cor. 12:11). Paul evidently spoke in tongues more than anyone although there is no definitive verse saying we will recieve a particular gift and certainly I will not go as far as some Pentecostals saying if we don't speak in tongues we aren't saved.
I pray now that He indeed will grant you this; along with other desires of the heart. He does provide all good gifts; and this doesn't include material or other things as He sees fit. All other things are promised if we put the Kingdom of God first as Matthew 6:33 states. I personally haven't spoken in tongues; may have been close at times.
Obviously whatever He gives you are for ministering to the saints and personal edification; although as Paul points out there are certain aspects of personal edification that tongues uniquely places us in; with interpretation in order expected in public worship.
I think the focus needs to be on gifts in general for use in the corporate body as Paul emphasized. Whatever else He has gifted you in likely will be a catalyst for receiving tongues. Spiritual warfare in particular is an emphasis where we can be stoking the fire of the Spirit as was mentioned in scripture ( 2 Timothy 1:6). As with anything else there are warnings not to be too hasty and to make sure we know what spirit is operating when we lay hands on others; for instance.
Deep intercessory prayer is essential. Gifts of course in tongues are in a public environment actual foreign languages at times as Acts showed in the beginning; heavenly languages of course need an interpreter but the emphasis on breaking strongholds in heavenly places is the key. This; I would say with the discernment He has given me enables us to pray for other believers we haven't met physically around the world. He tells us where to go and what to do as well as what not to do.
Chris has given you a good reply. However, if we examine the saying, "once saved, always saved," it can be true or false; we can use Scripture to support or refute it. So where does that leave us?
In John 3:16, it says that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. Jesus promises never to fail. Salvation is based on the grace of God, through faith, not by our efforts, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation depends on the righteousness of Christ and God's mercy, Titus 3:5.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23-24. We are justified not by works of the law but by faith, Galatians 2:16. We are called not because of our works but because of God's purpose and grace given to us through Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Our salvation is founded on our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 10:27-29, we are His sheep, hear His voice, follow Him, and are granted eternal life, which no one can take from His hand. Our salvation is secure because it relies on Jesus' work. As Hebrews 10:23 states, we are to hold fast to our faith without wavering because He is faithful.
Conversely, there is the risk of apostasy or falling away. Luke 8:4-15 illustrates this. In verse 13, it describes someone who received the word with joy and believed for a while but fell away when tempted. This person was a believer who later turned away; individuals can walk away on their own.
We must live by faith and be led by the Spirit. Paul says in Colossians 1:23, "If ye continue in the faith." We also see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 about the great falling away when the beast rises, along with many other verses too numerous to list that emphasize we must endure to the end, like Revelation 2:10, also we are told to hold fast. If we remain strong in our faith, nothing can take our salvation away.
I understand that some say those who fall away were never truly saved, but I do not see that supported by Scripture, and it may be false hope for one who is weak.
i prayed over you sister i know exactly what your feeling i think we all have been there at one point but one thing I've learned is that GOD will never leave us we cant forget we are just human so we still feel every feeling but there's a man , a son who came down here as human so he felt everything we could ever feel yes lord ! the bible says we need to walk like Jesus we need to be like Jesus and that being said , NO we cant be Jesus but as children of God we look back in the word and see what Jesus did when he felt like you feel and see what he did read the word for your self pray to our father tell him how you feel let it out to him there's no one who can love us like he can i love you and im here for you as well i just want you to know dont let your own feelings over come you sister 2 timothy 1: 7 for GOD has not given us the spirit of fear BUT the power of LOVE and A SOUND MIND heep his words in your heart and remind your self how much our FATHER loves us and how much we mean to him john 3:16 for GOD so loved the WORLD he GAVE his ONLY begotten SON and my Lord thats real love remember gosple music helps me the most i get in prayer and praise him and let him surround me plz try it right now that you feel like this , our Lord is closes to the weak hearted my love i love you i know your day will get better reading this while you feel the present of our lord he keep you on my heart since last night that i read your message so he wants you to know this
As a rule; there were almost no personal prayers mentioned in the New Testament. We don't have record of most of Jesus' prayers and discussions with God but in terms of the Apostles the closest we get is Paul asking for boldness ( Ephesians 6:19-20).
This is intriguing indeed considering how bold Paul already was as to a prayer He would ask others to give on his behalf. Paul's prayers were ever for the church who He prayed for day and night; in the case of 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night (was said by Paul to Timothy).
Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
This beautiful prayer certainly shows Paul's wishes for the Ephesian church; which makes the situation in Revelation 2:1-7 even more pitiful. They had forgotten their first love.
And of course as I am sure I pointed out before we have prayers for Peter's escape from prison ( Acts 12:5-17) and Paul's miraculous escape also Acts 16:25-34 when prayer and praise of Paul and Silas was followed by the gates opening. This would lead at least the jailor and his family to faith in the Lord.
I pray Jesus that no weapon formed against Verris will prosper in the name of Jesus! It was you Jesus that went to hell and grabbed the keys! I pray Jesus that all strongholds, evil assignments, and generational curses will be rebuked and sent back to hell in the name of Jesus! Thank you Jesus that you are the KING! Praise your name Jesus! 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind". I pray Jesus that Verris will have financial breakthrough and be provided by you in Jesus name! Thank you Jesus that you are a great provider. Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus". I am keeping you in my prayers. Let me know if there is anything else I can pray with you about.
5, And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
On the surface, it can be seen that Jesus is asking to be glorified by the Father with the glory He shared before creation, indicating the eternal nature of Christ, who existed before time began. Does Philippians 2:6-8 justify this request? Jesus, for His obedient earthly ministry, He rightfully deserves?
Does all of Scripture agree with this? We have these verses with similar wording. Were the things in these verses physically present before the world was? Were they all in the mind, thoughts, and the plan of God? Can we say some were and some were not? Are they confirmation of God's eternal plan and foreknowledge?
Verses that say before the world was, before the world, and before the foundation of the world. God's foreknowledge, purpose, and plan were before creation.
1 Corinthians 2:7 This wisdom is the gospel of Jesus Christ, hidden in the thoughts of God from before the world was. It was ordained from before the world that would be revealed in the fullness of time, as stated in Ephesians 1:10 and Colossians 1:26-27. There are hints of it throughout the Old Testament, but hidden from the Gentile world, it is now revealed through the preaching of the apostles who were with Jesus from the beginning of His three-and-a-half-year ministry, and Paul, after the leaders of Jerusalem said no to Jesus being the Messiah and killed Stephen, Acts 7:54-60.
2 Timothy 1:9 Our calling and salvation are given not by anything we have done or can do to earn. It is according to God's grace and for His purpose. This grace, which was given to us in Jesus, is part of God's plan before the world began, as we see in Ephesians 2:8-10 and Romans 8:28-29.
Salvation through Jesus Christ is available to everyone who accepts it, it is received by faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God alone.
Titus 1:2 - In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
So, the premise of Paul's ministry includes three things: According to the same faith that God's elect has, according to the full knowledge of the truth which produces godliness, and upon the basis of the hope of eternal life. And then the promise of God: All of these things, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began; or more literally, before the time of the ages.
The God who cannot lie, that's a Hebraism from the Old Testament. In fact, the word lie in the Greek text is in the Attributive Position. It is the un-lying God. He can't lie. It's impossible.
Titus 1:4 - To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
The person the letter is written to is to Titus, my own son, and the word own is the word genuine. He says my genuine son, after the common faith:
In other words, Titus was born out of the same faith that Paul has. And Paul has mentioned this, and it is interesting that 2 Timothy 1:5 mentions the fact that Timothy had the same faith as his grandmother and his mother, and Paul says I'm persuaded that it's the same faith that is in you.
Believers are born out of the same faith. It's not different. Some people have a different faith. But if you are born out of the Spirit of God, you have the same faith as Paul, and Timothy, and Titus. So, he pronounces to Titus Grace, mercy, and peace. And again, in the pastoral letters, he includes one word more than in his other letters. It's the word mercy.
Grace is the Greek greeting. Peace is the Jewish greeting, Shalom. And mercy, he puts in for both Timothy and Titus who were leaders in the church. He then says this is from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Interesting, God our Savior, and now from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus our Savior!
2 Timothy 1:9 - Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Who hath saved us, and has called us with a holy calling. The Greek word for holy means set apart. It's a calling that sets us apart for Christ.
2 Timothy 1:13 - Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
He says hold fast, and that's a command to hold firm, one word in Greek, ECCA. Hold firm to the pattern of healthy words, which you have heard from me.
2 Timothy 1:17 - But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
The Greek text emphasizes that Onesiphorus came to Rome specifically looking for Paul, and he wasn't going to stop until he found him. Everybody else didn't want anything to do with Paul, but Onesiphorus who was from Ephesus is now in Rome, and he's seeking Paul out. And he found Paul, and he wasn't ashamed to be associated with him when he was looking at Paul chained up in prison.
2 Timothy 1:18 - The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
Even when Paul was in Ephesus before he was imprisoned, Onesiphorus was right there serving Paul, being a ministry to him even before he was imprisoned. So, there are what are called Optative Verbs. May God bless and have mercy on Onesiphorus, because he identified with the gospel, he identified with Paul, he identified with Paul's sufferings. He wasn't ashamed of it. He wasn't afraid of it. Paul says may God have mercy on him and on his household.
2 Timothy 1:6 - 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.
The Greek word for stirring up, it means to rekindle. Here's a fire that's about ready to go out, so you throw more wood on the fire to get the fire going again. It's an interesting term because Paul is noticing that as Timothy is withdrawing more and more because of his timidity, because of his lack of courage to face up to the tremendous attack against the gospel and the church, that he's quenching God's Spirit.
2 Timothy 2:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; That's the word cowardice. It's not PHOBOS, which is the normal word for fear. DEILIA is the word for cowardice. God hasn't given us a spirit to be cowards, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. And the Greek word for sound mind means a disciplined mind. God hasn't given us a disposition of cowardice. God's Spirit gives us power, and love, and a disciplined mind.
What he's telling him when he says stir up the gift, he's saying stand up to the plate. You have God's Spirit. You have testimony that you have God's Spirit. You have testimony of the brethren. We laid hands on you. You have the same faith as your grandmother, and as your mother.
You can see him building up the exhortation, building up the encouragement for Timothy because he's going to have an even bigger weight on his shoulders when Paul dies.
2 Timothy 1:8 - 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;
He says be not thou therefore ashamed. That's not a command. It's in a Subjunctive Mood in the Greek text. Literally, you should not be ashamed Timothy. You are ashamed, and you shouldn't be.
2 Timothy 1:3 - I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
He says I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience. He's telling them first of all that I'm thanking God for you Timothy. And he wants to let Timothy know that he's thanking the God whom he serves, even from his ancestors or forefathers. He's showing the common ground. Paul is serving the same God, as was the God of Israel in the Old Testament, is the God of Israel today.
But he serves him with, or more literally, in a pure conscience. Now this is not saying that Paul doesn't have sin. In fact, the word pure is more literally translated cleansed. It is with a cleansed, KATHAROS, with a cleansed conscience. That means that every time Paul sinned, he came to God and repented, and asked for forgiveness for his sins.
We see later in the letter that he encourages Timothy to find other believers who look to God with a clean conscience. Not that they don't sin, but it's very important for them to come and confess their sins to God, and keep a clear, clean conscience before God.
2 Timothy 1:5 - 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.
Unfeigned is the Greek word that means un-hypocritical. In fact, HUPOCRISIS in the Greek language, that we know to be hypocrite, is actually a theatrical term for somebody who answers according to the script. That person would be a hypocrite, a person who is up on a stage portraying somebody other than themselves. And that's what the word means, to answer according to the script. And so, he remembers Timothy's faith is not an act. It's the genuine thing!
(2 Timothy Part 1): Written to Timothy who was pastoring in Ephesus and its territories because out of Ephesus went the missionary journeys. Timothy not only was pastor at Ephesus, but also several churches. We know at least the churches that are in the book of Revelation.
The Theme of 2 Timothy is Pastoral Instruction. Paul presents principles and instructions that should prevail in a local church. It is the principles and instructions for the ministry in the church in the last days. And that would include us.
2 Timothy 1:2 - To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
The term dearly beloved is one Greek word. It is the word AGAPETO, the adjective of AGAPE. He says my beloved son, and it's of faith of course. In 1 Corinthians 4:17, Paul says for this cause I sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Timothy was like an extension of Paul. And he even introduced him as his son, and faithful in the Lord.
Here is some additional information I would like to share. Paul calls Timothy his son, not from a human standpoint, but from a spiritual standpoint. He is his son in the gospel. And we'll see from a Hebrew and Jewish standpoint how important that is when we get into Chapter 2, when he starts giving him instruction as his son, because your son is not just the person who has descended from you, but your son is the student who you're teaching.
Not only do Jewish fathers teach their sons, but also when Rabbi's had students (disciples), they were also called his children because they stayed with the Rabbi 24 hours a day. They lived with him. He taught them. And so, Paul is actually ministering to his son in the faith, but he calls himself the apostle of Jesus Christ.
Apostle Paul writes about the gathering in the clouds with Jesus Christ and the saved dead saints will rise first in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the deadinChristshall rise first:
Always give thanks in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Inevery thing give thanks: for this is the will of GodinChristJesus concerning you.
Apostle Paul is a preacher, a teacher and a Apostle in Christ.
1 Timothy 2:7
Where unto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truthinChrist, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentilesinfaith and verity.
Deacons are in Christ.
1 Timothy 3:13
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldnessinthe faith which isinChristJesus.
No body knew before the world began, that Apostle Paul was going to be given a revelation in Christ about the gospel of grace .
2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given usinChristJesus before the world began,
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me,infaith and love which isinChristJesus.
Being strong in the grace in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be stronginthe grace that isinChristJesus.
If we don't suffer for God, then we might not be in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godlyinChristJesus shall suffer persecution.
All that we learn as a child in the scriptures may come to us because we are in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which isinChristJesus.
Apostle Paul writes more about in Christ then anyone in the Bible. Apostle Paul made a pattern for us to follow and that's his epistles.
1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for apatternto them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Apostle Paul is the Masterbuilder of the grace of God for us to build on his foundation.
1 Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wisemasterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Apostle Paul is our Apostle, teacher and preacher in his Epistles for Salvation and doctrine to live by everyday.
The righteousness mentioned here in Isaiah 32:17 is not man's, but it is the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel. This is the righteousness of Christ, which is made over to us and gives us a standing before God. It cannot be improved upon because it is perfect, and it cannot be disturbed because it is given to the lost sinner who trusts in Jesus.
God wants all who trust the work in Christ to come to a place in experience where each can say with confidence, boldness, and much assurance, but with true humility:
I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. ( 2 Timothy 1:12)
To fall short of this goal is to miss the best that He has for us. It reveals a defect in our understanding and in our appreciation of His "so great salvation" ( Hebrews 2:3).
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. ( John 10:27-29)
He never lets go. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your salvation. Someone has said, "All the way to heaven is heaven."
Why Do We Doubt?
There are many reasons why believers do not have the assurance of their salvation. Let us look at some of the principal ones.
Fear.
Some are frightened souls who received the gospel in trembling and fear. The gospel was presented partially, and they were not told that they could have any assurance. There is always a serious doubt whether folk like this have ever been saved. The instability and inconsistency of the lives of many who live in the atmosphere of uncertainty do not reveal a thoroughgoing conversion. It is interesting to note what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians concerning the preaching of the gospel in their city:
We come to you now our Abba Father who Loves us greatly in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour and in Remembrance of the Blood that was shed in Love by Him for Glen on the Cross. I ask you Lord to Bind Satan that he can not hurt Glen Mentally, Spiritually, Emotionally or Physically or leave Glen with fear and long term damage. Thank you Lord for your Promise in 2 Timothy 1:7 and for the Assurance that what Satan does for evil you can bring good out of it.
Christian Love and Blessings Glen Now and Always Grannie Annie.
Revelation Chapter 22 :1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
James
Chapter 4:14:"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. 1 Samuel 1:26
2 Timothy 1:12 I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Vs 5 The plan of God, predetermined glory, Jesus knew the Scriptures. All that was to happen to Him and the glory He would receive after He suffered on the cross had already been spoken by the prophets in the past tense as though they had already happened.
As Jesus was on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:25-26, He talks about them not believing what the prophets had written about what was to happen to Jesus. The first man to be raised from the dead in a glorified body and God placed Him on His right hand on the throne a man, not a god.
Jesus was a man who was tempted like us and fulfilled all His Father asked Him we see hundreds of prophecies Jesus fulfilled and the man Jesus did it without one sin. Only a man could undo what the first man did. God could not do that because He cannot sin or die. The law was made for man and the curse of sin was on man, not God.
In Verses 20-22, Jesus had not yet been crucified and the glory the Father had given Him Jesus has given it to us today "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;" This glory we will receive when Jesus returns and we are resurrected in our glorified bodies, we have it now, but it will not be manifest until Jesus returns.
If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it? Malachi 3:6 says God does not change so God cannot change, Numbers 23:19Isaiah 46:10Psalm 33:11Acts 17:26 The glory Jesus was asking for, He would receive when He resurrected.
The Spirit could not be given because Jesus had not been glorified (resurrected) John 7:39 Things were hidden from the disciples until Jesus was glorified (resurrected) John 12:16.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 It was given before creation so, John 17:24 we will be where He is when we are resurrected, Jesus was given glory with the Father before all creation in God's mind and plan. Ephesians 1:4
I hope this makes sense I am not the best at this.
Thank you again, from my heart, the truth is my search not to offend. It all goes back to one verse when I read it, it stood out in my heart, Corinthians 11:4. I know I am alone here on this, but saying Jesus is part of the Triune God, who eternally exists and expresses himself as three distinct persons with one essence all three co-equal. One God in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This to me denies the Son, 1 John 2:23
What I see in the Bible is the relationship between the Father and the Son, the Son is obedient to the Father. Jesus said His Father is greater than Him, John 14:28. Jesus has said the Father is His God, John 20:17Revelation 3:12.
The Bible defines God's nature as eternal and unchanging; there is only one throne of God and through the Bible, only the Father is on the throne until the Father raised His Son from the dead and placed Him on His right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, there is nothing about the Holy Spirit.
As we see in Revelation Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple and the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, Rev. 21:22-23 no Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit, not another person.
Jesus confirmed there is only one true God, Mark 12:28-34, in Jesus's prayer to His Father said in John 17:3. All the greetings in the New Testament are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:3Ephesians 6:231 Thessalonians 1:12 Timothy 1:2Titus 1:42 John 1:3 and more but no Holy Spirit.
If the Trinity true and is so important, why is it not once taught in Scripture? God cannot change and God cannot die, so how do we understand John 3:16 if God the Father did not send his actual begotten Son to die for our sins? We see Jesus also had His own will, Luke 22:42.
It is good to amongst brethren in CHRIST. To be encouraged and exhorted to continue on in the service to the LORD and not to give up as the coming of the LORD JESUS is imminent.
Let us continue to pray for the peace in Jerusalem; for the needs of the ministries; for the lost souls and especially for the wisdom of our leadership. May they find the salvation of the LORD JESUS CHRIST to guide their decisions and give praise to GOD.
Merry Christmas everyone and a prosperous New Year in 2024.
To avoid them, you have to know who they are. You can't avoid somebody if you don't know who they are. This idea of identifying and avoiding shows up in
1 Corinthians 5:11;
2 Thessalonians 3:6,
2 Thessalonians 3:14;
2 Timothy 3:5;
2 John 1:10.
In other words, Christians, and shepherds in particular, should be discerning and alert to behavior and teaching that dishonors Christ and destroys people - and not treat it in a casual or harmless way.
And then in 1 Timothy 5:19-20, Paul went beyond just "avoid them" to "rebuke them publicly." So, speaking of elders who persist in error, he said, "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin" - and that can be sin of false doctrine or sin of evil behavior, anyone who does not accept correction - "rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.."
And then Paul went on and actually named destructive false teachers:
"Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me" 2 Timothy 4:10.
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes" 2 Timothy 1:15.
"By rejecting this [faith and a good conscience], some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander" 1 Timothy 1:19-20.
"Their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus" ( 2 Timothy 2:17).
Paul names at least six false teachers that the church should watch out for.
So, I infer from Jesus and Paul and Luke and John that false teaching and destructive behavior are present dangers in this fallen world for the church. And all of us - especially shepherds, pastors - should be alert and discerning to identify and, in appropriate ways, expose. In order to protect the flock, we should expose them and minimize the spread of the gangrene (as Paul calls it).
I don't see where the verses you referenced conflict in any way with what I said or the verses I quoted.
If God has "saved" us, i.e. we have become Born Again, we will ENDURE TO THE END. We will have an earnest ongoing desire to be obedient to the Law of God and we will more and more turn away from sin in our life; not in order that God will "save" us, but because we have a "want to" in our Soul to obey Him.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Then God will COMPLETE our Salvation at the Last Day when we receive our Resurrected Spiritual Bodies.
Here are some other verses for your consideration:
John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Written by Paul. Paul's Inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written to Timothy who was pastoring in Ephesus and its territories, because out of Ephesus went the missionary journeys. So, Timothy not only was pastor at Ephesus, but also several churches. We know at least the churches that are in the book of Revelation.
III. THE HISTORY OF TIMOTHY:
His name mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Timothy was from Lystra and was saved during Paul's first missionary trip ( Acts 14:19-20; 16:1-2). His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, were godly Jewish women, and we see that in 2 Timothy 1:5. They were Jewish, they were raised on the scriptures, and they also had been saved under Paul's ministry, and had a great influence over Timothy's life.
Timothy was about 15 years old when he met Paul.
Timothy's father was a pagan Greek ( Acts 16:1; II Timothy 1:5).
Timothy was raised hearing Old Testament Scriptures ( II Timothy 3:14-15).
He joined Paul, along with Silas and Luke, during their second missionary trip ( Acts 16:3).
Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he might have the freedom to preach the gospel in Jewish synagogues ( Acts 16:3; I Corinthians 9:20).
Because his mother was Jewish, he is considered Jewish, even though his father was a Greek. Now had it been reversed, and his father was Jewish and his mother a Greek, he would not be considered Jewish. The mother has to be Jewish to be considered Jewish.
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Thank you for sharing that Jesse, I will add that to the list. It indeed says "he saved us" past tense in Titus 3:5.
But two verses later in Titus 3:7 it says we "should be made heirs" and "hope of eternal life". That now returns to an outcome waiting to be determined. Hope of eternal life is a future thing hoped for usually in the future, not present or past, and should be made heirs is also looking to the future.
"That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:7 KJV
One possible explanation to reconcile this with the other verses like 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 1:51, Phil 2:12, 2 Timothy 1:12 is that the statement of Jesus saving us is true and universally available for all of humanity. However on an individual level it still seems it depends on someone's choices- whether someone chooses to follow Jesus or not. The Bible already says most won't choose this and most will go to hell Matthew 7:13. So when it says "he saved us" combined with that context, maybe that is a general statement that Jesus died to save all of us, but we still must choose to follow Him and accept that hope of eternal life. This is currently what these verses are seeming like.
So, the list now has 3 verses supporting the already saved idea compared to those about a future salvation. Does anyone have more?
I come to You with honesty, because You already see my heart.
You know this season of the year is scary for me, a time when memories of my husband's past health issues stir up fear, worry, and old emotions.
But today I choose to bring all of this to You.
I lay it at the Cross. Your Word says in 2 Timothy 1:7 that You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
So right now, I reject fear, and I receive the power, love, and sound mind You freely offer me.
Let Your peace settle deeper in me than any anxious thought.
Your Word also says in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all my anxiety on You because You care for me.
So Lord, I cast it: every fear, every old memory, every "what if," every tightness in my chest, every intrusive thought.
I place them in Your hands, not mine.
You care for me more than I can understand, and I release the weight of worry to You. I lift up the "fiery darts" that come : the sudden fears, the feelings, the emotional pulls, and instead I take up the shield of faith, just as You command in Ephesians 6:16.
Extinguish every dart of fear, every whisper of danger that is not from You, Lord, off of me and my entire family and our loved ones.
Fill me and my family with Your truth so fully, that fear has nowhere to land.
Lord, Your Word says in James 1:19 to be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry,
so help me in my relationships, especially with my husband, to walk with grace, patience, and peace.
Teach my heart to communicate with love, and soften any place in me that feels overly burdened, overwhelmed, or unheard.
And Father, You tell me in 1 Peter 3:7 and Ephesians 4:15 to walk in understanding and speak the truth in love.
So I ask You to strengthen our unity: spiritually, emotionally, and in communication.
Let my words be filled with gentleness, and let my heart feel safe,held, and understood.
Like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1, who poured out her soul before You, I pour out my emotions to You w/out shame
I hope this is the name you prefer. I have prayed for you.
2 Timothy 1:7. "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
It's one of my favorite verses. Please note the word "given". He gives us these things. It's not up to us. This is where faith comes into play, and it takes time as He changes us.
God bless you!
I come before You with reverence and holy boldness in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ. You are the God who knew this child before they were formed in the womb, who wrote their story before a single day passed. You are their Defender, their Healer, their God.
Lord, I lift up my unborn granddaughter to You.
Cover this child with the Blood of Jesus from the crown of their head to the soles of their feet. Let every cell, organ, and system be formed under Your perfect hand.
"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb." - Psalm 139:13
I plead the Blood of Jesus over their physical body.
No sickness, no deformity, no affliction, no diagnosis, no generational weakness shall take root. I reject and renounce every inherited physical condition passed down from either side of the bloodline-it ends here with no root in Jesus' Name!
"By His stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5
"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law." - Galatians 3:13
I plead the Blood of Jesus over their emotions.
I declare that this child, my grandchild, M., will not inherit shame, trauma, fear, anxiety, or torment from any parent, grandparent, or family spirit. I block every soul wound and emotional imbalance that can be passed down through family cycles and make them powerless, null and void, now and forever. Let the Holy Spirit form their soul, body, mind, in peace, joy, and wholeness.
"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7
I plead the Blood of Jesus over their spirit.
This child will be marked for God from the womb: set apart, sealed, and anointed. I break every generational curse, every occult tie, every spirit of rebellion, addiction, abuse, rage, manipulation, control, curse, rejection, or perversion.
It is broken now by the authority of Jesus Christ!
"I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants." - Isaiah 44:3
*"If the Son sets you fr
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are SANCTIFIED, but ye are JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus, and BY THE SPIRIT OF OUR GOD.
1 Corinthians 6:10-11.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that ( HE IS ABLE TO KEEP THAT WHICH I HAVE COMMITTED UNTO HIM AGAINST THAT DAY. 2 Timothy 1:12
CHRIST HATH REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: Galatians 3:13.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby YE ARE SEALED UNTO THE DAY OF REDEMPTION. Ephesians 4:30.
Blessings.
Beautifully written, thanks.
I think we're pretty close with this one...
Here's my take!
Paul never teaches that believers in the Body of Christ can lose salvation, though some verses are misread that way. For example, 1 Corinthians 9:27 warns of being a "castaway," but Paul is referring to disqualification from reward or service, not loss of eternal life. In Galatians 5:4, "fallen from grace" means leaving the principle of grace for law-keeping, not forfeiting salvation. 2 Corinthians 13:5 calls for self-examination of genuine faith, not teaching that salvation can be undone. Likewise, Colossians 1:23 emphasizes perseverance as evidence of true faith.
In contrast, Paul repeatedly assures believers of eternal security. Romans 8:38-39 declares that nothing can separate us from Christ's love. Ephesians 1:13-14 teaches that believers are sealed with the Spirit until redemption. Philippians 1:6 promises that God will complete His saving work. 2 Timothy 1:12 affirms Christ's power to keep what is entrusted to Him. Romans 11:29 states that God's gifts and calling are without repentance.
Thus, the "warning" passages deal with reward, service, and testimony, while Paul's consistent teaching is that salvation itself is secure in Christ.
God Bless.
I certainly cannot disparage such sentiments; as to who receives tongues God does distribute severally as He wishes ( 1 Cor. 12:11). Paul evidently spoke in tongues more than anyone although there is no definitive verse saying we will recieve a particular gift and certainly I will not go as far as some Pentecostals saying if we don't speak in tongues we aren't saved.
I pray now that He indeed will grant you this; along with other desires of the heart. He does provide all good gifts; and this doesn't include material or other things as He sees fit. All other things are promised if we put the Kingdom of God first as Matthew 6:33 states. I personally haven't spoken in tongues; may have been close at times.
Obviously whatever He gives you are for ministering to the saints and personal edification; although as Paul points out there are certain aspects of personal edification that tongues uniquely places us in; with interpretation in order expected in public worship.
I think the focus needs to be on gifts in general for use in the corporate body as Paul emphasized. Whatever else He has gifted you in likely will be a catalyst for receiving tongues. Spiritual warfare in particular is an emphasis where we can be stoking the fire of the Spirit as was mentioned in scripture ( 2 Timothy 1:6). As with anything else there are warnings not to be too hasty and to make sure we know what spirit is operating when we lay hands on others; for instance.
Deep intercessory prayer is essential. Gifts of course in tongues are in a public environment actual foreign languages at times as Acts showed in the beginning; heavenly languages of course need an interpreter but the emphasis on breaking strongholds in heavenly places is the key. This; I would say with the discernment He has given me enables us to pray for other believers we haven't met physically around the world. He tells us where to go and what to do as well as what not to do.
Blessings.
Chris has given you a good reply. However, if we examine the saying, "once saved, always saved," it can be true or false; we can use Scripture to support or refute it. So where does that leave us?
In John 3:16, it says that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. Jesus promises never to fail. Salvation is based on the grace of God, through faith, not by our efforts, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation depends on the righteousness of Christ and God's mercy, Titus 3:5.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23-24. We are justified not by works of the law but by faith, Galatians 2:16. We are called not because of our works but because of God's purpose and grace given to us through Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Our salvation is founded on our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 10:27-29, we are His sheep, hear His voice, follow Him, and are granted eternal life, which no one can take from His hand. Our salvation is secure because it relies on Jesus' work. As Hebrews 10:23 states, we are to hold fast to our faith without wavering because He is faithful.
Conversely, there is the risk of apostasy or falling away. Luke 8:4-15 illustrates this. In verse 13, it describes someone who received the word with joy and believed for a while but fell away when tempted. This person was a believer who later turned away; individuals can walk away on their own.
We must live by faith and be led by the Spirit. Paul says in Colossians 1:23, "If ye continue in the faith." We also see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 about the great falling away when the beast rises, along with many other verses too numerous to list that emphasize we must endure to the end, like Revelation 2:10, also we are told to hold fast. If we remain strong in our faith, nothing can take our salvation away.
I understand that some say those who fall away were never truly saved, but I do not see that supported by Scripture, and it may be false hope for one who is weak.
God bless,
RLW
This is intriguing indeed considering how bold Paul already was as to a prayer He would ask others to give on his behalf. Paul's prayers were ever for the church who He prayed for day and night; in the case of 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night (was said by Paul to Timothy).
Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
This beautiful prayer certainly shows Paul's wishes for the Ephesian church; which makes the situation in Revelation 2:1-7 even more pitiful. They had forgotten their first love.
And of course as I am sure I pointed out before we have prayers for Peter's escape from prison ( Acts 12:5-17) and Paul's miraculous escape also Acts 16:25-34 when prayer and praise of Paul and Silas was followed by the gates opening. This would lead at least the jailor and his family to faith in the Lord.
Part 5.
5, And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
On the surface, it can be seen that Jesus is asking to be glorified by the Father with the glory He shared before creation, indicating the eternal nature of Christ, who existed before time began. Does Philippians 2:6-8 justify this request? Jesus, for His obedient earthly ministry, He rightfully deserves?
Does all of Scripture agree with this? We have these verses with similar wording. Were the things in these verses physically present before the world was? Were they all in the mind, thoughts, and the plan of God? Can we say some were and some were not? Are they confirmation of God's eternal plan and foreknowledge?
Verses that say before the world was, before the world, and before the foundation of the world. God's foreknowledge, purpose, and plan were before creation.
1 Corinthians 2:7 This wisdom is the gospel of Jesus Christ, hidden in the thoughts of God from before the world was. It was ordained from before the world that would be revealed in the fullness of time, as stated in Ephesians 1:10 and Colossians 1:26-27. There are hints of it throughout the Old Testament, but hidden from the Gentile world, it is now revealed through the preaching of the apostles who were with Jesus from the beginning of His three-and-a-half-year ministry, and Paul, after the leaders of Jerusalem said no to Jesus being the Messiah and killed Stephen, Acts 7:54-60.
2 Timothy 1:9 Our calling and salvation are given not by anything we have done or can do to earn. It is according to God's grace and for His purpose. This grace, which was given to us in Jesus, is part of God's plan before the world began, as we see in Ephesians 2:8-10 and Romans 8:28-29.
Salvation through Jesus Christ is available to everyone who accepts it, it is received by faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God alone.
See part 6.
Titus 1:2 - In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
So, the premise of Paul's ministry includes three things: According to the same faith that God's elect has, according to the full knowledge of the truth which produces godliness, and upon the basis of the hope of eternal life. And then the promise of God: All of these things, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began; or more literally, before the time of the ages.
The God who cannot lie, that's a Hebraism from the Old Testament. In fact, the word lie in the Greek text is in the Attributive Position. It is the un-lying God. He can't lie. It's impossible.
Titus 1:4 - To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
The person the letter is written to is to Titus, my own son, and the word own is the word genuine. He says my genuine son, after the common faith:
In other words, Titus was born out of the same faith that Paul has. And Paul has mentioned this, and it is interesting that 2 Timothy 1:5 mentions the fact that Timothy had the same faith as his grandmother and his mother, and Paul says I'm persuaded that it's the same faith that is in you.
Believers are born out of the same faith. It's not different. Some people have a different faith. But if you are born out of the Spirit of God, you have the same faith as Paul, and Timothy, and Titus. So, he pronounces to Titus Grace, mercy, and peace. And again, in the pastoral letters, he includes one word more than in his other letters. It's the word mercy.
Grace is the Greek greeting. Peace is the Jewish greeting, Shalom. And mercy, he puts in for both Timothy and Titus who were leaders in the church. He then says this is from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Interesting, God our Savior, and now from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus our Savior!
2 Timothy 1:9 - Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Who hath saved us, and has called us with a holy calling. The Greek word for holy means set apart. It's a calling that sets us apart for Christ.
2 Timothy 1:13 - Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
He says hold fast, and that's a command to hold firm, one word in Greek, ECCA. Hold firm to the pattern of healthy words, which you have heard from me.
2 Timothy 1:17 - But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
The Greek text emphasizes that Onesiphorus came to Rome specifically looking for Paul, and he wasn't going to stop until he found him. Everybody else didn't want anything to do with Paul, but Onesiphorus who was from Ephesus is now in Rome, and he's seeking Paul out. And he found Paul, and he wasn't ashamed to be associated with him when he was looking at Paul chained up in prison.
2 Timothy 1:18 - The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
Even when Paul was in Ephesus before he was imprisoned, Onesiphorus was right there serving Paul, being a ministry to him even before he was imprisoned. So, there are what are called Optative Verbs. May God bless and have mercy on Onesiphorus, because he identified with the gospel, he identified with Paul, he identified with Paul's sufferings. He wasn't ashamed of it. He wasn't afraid of it. Paul says may God have mercy on him and on his household.
2 Timothy 1:6 - 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.
The Greek word for stirring up, it means to rekindle. Here's a fire that's about ready to go out, so you throw more wood on the fire to get the fire going again. It's an interesting term because Paul is noticing that as Timothy is withdrawing more and more because of his timidity, because of his lack of courage to face up to the tremendous attack against the gospel and the church, that he's quenching God's Spirit.
2 Timothy 2:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; That's the word cowardice. It's not PHOBOS, which is the normal word for fear. DEILIA is the word for cowardice. God hasn't given us a spirit to be cowards, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. And the Greek word for sound mind means a disciplined mind. God hasn't given us a disposition of cowardice. God's Spirit gives us power, and love, and a disciplined mind.
What he's telling him when he says stir up the gift, he's saying stand up to the plate. You have God's Spirit. You have testimony that you have God's Spirit. You have testimony of the brethren. We laid hands on you. You have the same faith as your grandmother, and as your mother.
You can see him building up the exhortation, building up the encouragement for Timothy because he's going to have an even bigger weight on his shoulders when Paul dies.
2 Timothy 1:8 - 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;
He says be not thou therefore ashamed. That's not a command. It's in a Subjunctive Mood in the Greek text. Literally, you should not be ashamed Timothy. You are ashamed, and you shouldn't be.
2 Timothy 1:3 - I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
He says I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience. He's telling them first of all that I'm thanking God for you Timothy. And he wants to let Timothy know that he's thanking the God whom he serves, even from his ancestors or forefathers. He's showing the common ground. Paul is serving the same God, as was the God of Israel in the Old Testament, is the God of Israel today.
But he serves him with, or more literally, in a pure conscience. Now this is not saying that Paul doesn't have sin. In fact, the word pure is more literally translated cleansed. It is with a cleansed, KATHAROS, with a cleansed conscience. That means that every time Paul sinned, he came to God and repented, and asked for forgiveness for his sins.
We see later in the letter that he encourages Timothy to find other believers who look to God with a clean conscience. Not that they don't sin, but it's very important for them to come and confess their sins to God, and keep a clear, clean conscience before God.
2 Timothy 1:5 - 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.
Unfeigned is the Greek word that means un-hypocritical. In fact, HUPOCRISIS in the Greek language, that we know to be hypocrite, is actually a theatrical term for somebody who answers according to the script. That person would be a hypocrite, a person who is up on a stage portraying somebody other than themselves. And that's what the word means, to answer according to the script. And so, he remembers Timothy's faith is not an act. It's the genuine thing!
(2 Timothy Part 1): Written to Timothy who was pastoring in Ephesus and its territories because out of Ephesus went the missionary journeys. Timothy not only was pastor at Ephesus, but also several churches. We know at least the churches that are in the book of Revelation.
The Theme of 2 Timothy is Pastoral Instruction. Paul presents principles and instructions that should prevail in a local church. It is the principles and instructions for the ministry in the church in the last days. And that would include us.
2 Timothy 1:2 - To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
The term dearly beloved is one Greek word. It is the word AGAPETO, the adjective of AGAPE. He says my beloved son, and it's of faith of course. In 1 Corinthians 4:17, Paul says for this cause I sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Timothy was like an extension of Paul. And he even introduced him as his son, and faithful in the Lord.
Here is some additional information I would like to share. Paul calls Timothy his son, not from a human standpoint, but from a spiritual standpoint. He is his son in the gospel. And we'll see from a Hebrew and Jewish standpoint how important that is when we get into Chapter 2, when he starts giving him instruction as his son, because your son is not just the person who has descended from you, but your son is the student who you're teaching.
Not only do Jewish fathers teach their sons, but also when Rabbi's had students (disciples), they were also called his children because they stayed with the Rabbi 24 hours a day. They lived with him. He taught them. And so, Paul is actually ministering to his son in the faith, but he calls himself the apostle of Jesus Christ.
Apostle Paul writes about the gathering in the clouds with Jesus Christ and the saved dead saints will rise first in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the deadinChristshall rise first:
Always give thanks in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Inevery thing give thanks: for this is the will of GodinChristJesus concerning you.
Apostle Paul is a preacher, a teacher and a Apostle in Christ.
1 Timothy 2:7
Where unto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truthinChrist, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentilesinfaith and verity.
Deacons are in Christ.
1 Timothy 3:13
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldnessinthe faith which isinChristJesus.
No body knew before the world began, that Apostle Paul was going to be given a revelation in Christ about the gospel of grace .
2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given usinChristJesus before the world began,
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Apostle Paul has sound words in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me,infaith and love which isinChristJesus.
Being strong in the grace in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be stronginthe grace that isinChristJesus.
If we don't suffer for God, then we might not be in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godlyinChristJesus shall suffer persecution.
All that we learn as a child in the scriptures may come to us because we are in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which isinChristJesus.
Apostle Paul writes more about in Christ then anyone in the Bible. Apostle Paul made a pattern for us to follow and that's his epistles.
1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for apatternto them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Apostle Paul is the Masterbuilder of the grace of God for us to build on his foundation.
1 Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wisemasterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Apostle Paul is our Apostle, teacher and preacher in his Epistles for Salvation and doctrine to live by everyday.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Salvation doesn't require anything but believe.
Part 4.
The righteousness mentioned here in Isaiah 32:17 is not man's, but it is the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel. This is the righteousness of Christ, which is made over to us and gives us a standing before God. It cannot be improved upon because it is perfect, and it cannot be disturbed because it is given to the lost sinner who trusts in Jesus.
God wants all who trust the work in Christ to come to a place in experience where each can say with confidence, boldness, and much assurance, but with true humility:
I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. ( 2 Timothy 1:12)
To fall short of this goal is to miss the best that He has for us. It reveals a defect in our understanding and in our appreciation of His "so great salvation" ( Hebrews 2:3).
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. ( John 10:27-29)
He never lets go. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your salvation. Someone has said, "All the way to heaven is heaven."
Why Do We Doubt?
There are many reasons why believers do not have the assurance of their salvation. Let us look at some of the principal ones.
Fear.
Some are frightened souls who received the gospel in trembling and fear. The gospel was presented partially, and they were not told that they could have any assurance. There is always a serious doubt whether folk like this have ever been saved. The instability and inconsistency of the lives of many who live in the atmosphere of uncertainty do not reveal a thoroughgoing conversion. It is interesting to note what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians concerning the preaching of the gospel in their city:
See Part 5.
Christian Love and Blessings Glen Now and Always Grannie Annie.
James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
James
Chapter 4:14:"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. 1 Samuel 1:26
2 Timothy 1:12 I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Part two
Vs 5 The plan of God, predetermined glory, Jesus knew the Scriptures. All that was to happen to Him and the glory He would receive after He suffered on the cross had already been spoken by the prophets in the past tense as though they had already happened.
As Jesus was on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:25-26, He talks about them not believing what the prophets had written about what was to happen to Jesus. The first man to be raised from the dead in a glorified body and God placed Him on His right hand on the throne a man, not a god.
Jesus was a man who was tempted like us and fulfilled all His Father asked Him we see hundreds of prophecies Jesus fulfilled and the man Jesus did it without one sin. Only a man could undo what the first man did. God could not do that because He cannot sin or die. The law was made for man and the curse of sin was on man, not God.
In Verses 20-22, Jesus had not yet been crucified and the glory the Father had given Him Jesus has given it to us today "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;" This glory we will receive when Jesus returns and we are resurrected in our glorified bodies, we have it now, but it will not be manifest until Jesus returns.
If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it? Malachi 3:6 says God does not change so God cannot change, Numbers 23:19 Isaiah 46:10 Psalm 33:11 Acts 17:26 The glory Jesus was asking for, He would receive when He resurrected.
The Spirit could not be given because Jesus had not been glorified (resurrected) John 7:39 Things were hidden from the disciples until Jesus was glorified (resurrected) John 12:16.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 It was given before creation so, John 17:24 we will be where He is when we are resurrected, Jesus was given glory with the Father before all creation in God's mind and plan. Ephesians 1:4
I hope this makes sense I am not the best at this.
God bless,
RLW
Thank you again, from my heart, the truth is my search not to offend. It all goes back to one verse when I read it, it stood out in my heart, Corinthians 11:4. I know I am alone here on this, but saying Jesus is part of the Triune God, who eternally exists and expresses himself as three distinct persons with one essence all three co-equal. One God in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This to me denies the Son, 1 John 2:23
What I see in the Bible is the relationship between the Father and the Son, the Son is obedient to the Father. Jesus said His Father is greater than Him, John 14:28. Jesus has said the Father is His God, John 20:17 Revelation 3:12.
The Bible defines God's nature as eternal and unchanging; there is only one throne of God and through the Bible, only the Father is on the throne until the Father raised His Son from the dead and placed Him on His right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, there is nothing about the Holy Spirit.
As we see in Revelation Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple and the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, Rev. 21:22-23 no Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit, not another person.
Jesus confirmed there is only one true God, Mark 12:28-34, in Jesus's prayer to His Father said in John 17:3. All the greetings in the New Testament are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:3 Ephesians 6:23 1 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 Titus 1:4 2 John 1:3 and more but no Holy Spirit.
If the Trinity true and is so important, why is it not once taught in Scripture? God cannot change and God cannot die, so how do we understand John 3:16 if God the Father did not send his actual begotten Son to die for our sins? We see Jesus also had His own will, Luke 22:42.
God bless,
RLW
Let us continue to pray for the peace in Jerusalem; for the needs of the ministries; for the lost souls and especially for the wisdom of our leadership. May they find the salvation of the LORD JESUS CHRIST to guide their decisions and give praise to GOD.
Merry Christmas everyone and a prosperous New Year in 2024.
December 25, 2023
yes, we were first married to the law: written in stones.
that was our school teacher.
we learned from our schoolmaster: that that law leads to death.
christ came and changed the law, from death to life by the life of the spirit indwelling us.
all creation (sinful flesh) died on the cross of christ.
only the body of christ arose, by the spirit of life, a new cretion, one flesh, one body.
2 timothy 1:1 ... according to the promise of life, which is christ jesus ....
john 17:22 and the glory thou gavest me, i have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one.
all by the works of christ's cross.
god bless you!
To avoid them, you have to know who they are. You can't avoid somebody if you don't know who they are. This idea of identifying and avoiding shows up in
1 Corinthians 5:11;
2 Thessalonians 3:6,
2 Thessalonians 3:14;
2 Timothy 3:5;
2 John 1:10.
In other words, Christians, and shepherds in particular, should be discerning and alert to behavior and teaching that dishonors Christ and destroys people - and not treat it in a casual or harmless way.
And then in 1 Timothy 5:19-20, Paul went beyond just "avoid them" to "rebuke them publicly." So, speaking of elders who persist in error, he said, "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin" - and that can be sin of false doctrine or sin of evil behavior, anyone who does not accept correction - "rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.."
And then Paul went on and actually named destructive false teachers:
"Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me" 2 Timothy 4:10.
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes" 2 Timothy 1:15.
"By rejecting this [faith and a good conscience], some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander" 1 Timothy 1:19-20.
"Their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus" ( 2 Timothy 2:17).
Paul names at least six false teachers that the church should watch out for.
So, I infer from Jesus and Paul and Luke and John that false teaching and destructive behavior are present dangers in this fallen world for the church. And all of us - especially shepherds, pastors - should be alert and discerning to identify and, in appropriate ways, expose. In order to protect the flock, we should expose them and minimize the spread of the gangrene (as Paul calls it).
AVOID, REBUKE, AND CALL OUT.
God bless
I don't see where the verses you referenced conflict in any way with what I said or the verses I quoted.
If God has "saved" us, i.e. we have become Born Again, we will ENDURE TO THE END. We will have an earnest ongoing desire to be obedient to the Law of God and we will more and more turn away from sin in our life; not in order that God will "save" us, but because we have a "want to" in our Soul to obey Him.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Then God will COMPLETE our Salvation at the Last Day when we receive our Resurrected Spiritual Bodies.
Here are some other verses for your consideration:
John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Written by Paul. Paul's Inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written to Timothy who was pastoring in Ephesus and its territories, because out of Ephesus went the missionary journeys. So, Timothy not only was pastor at Ephesus, but also several churches. We know at least the churches that are in the book of Revelation.
III. THE HISTORY OF TIMOTHY:
His name mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Timothy was from Lystra and was saved during Paul's first missionary trip ( Acts 14:19-20; 16:1-2). His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, were godly Jewish women, and we see that in 2 Timothy 1:5. They were Jewish, they were raised on the scriptures, and they also had been saved under Paul's ministry, and had a great influence over Timothy's life.
Timothy was about 15 years old when he met Paul.
Timothy's father was a pagan Greek ( Acts 16:1; II Timothy 1:5).
Timothy was raised hearing Old Testament Scriptures ( II Timothy 3:14-15).
He joined Paul, along with Silas and Luke, during their second missionary trip ( Acts 16:3).
Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he might have the freedom to preach the gospel in Jewish synagogues ( Acts 16:3; I Corinthians 9:20).
Because his mother was Jewish, he is considered Jewish, even though his father was a Greek. Now had it been reversed, and his father was Jewish and his mother a Greek, he would not be considered Jewish. The mother has to be Jewish to be considered Jewish.
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
But two verses later in Titus 3:7 it says we "should be made heirs" and "hope of eternal life". That now returns to an outcome waiting to be determined. Hope of eternal life is a future thing hoped for usually in the future, not present or past, and should be made heirs is also looking to the future.
"That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:7 KJV
One possible explanation to reconcile this with the other verses like 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 1:51, Phil 2:12, 2 Timothy 1:12 is that the statement of Jesus saving us is true and universally available for all of humanity. However on an individual level it still seems it depends on someone's choices- whether someone chooses to follow Jesus or not. The Bible already says most won't choose this and most will go to hell Matthew 7:13. So when it says "he saved us" combined with that context, maybe that is a general statement that Jesus died to save all of us, but we still must choose to follow Him and accept that hope of eternal life. This is currently what these verses are seeming like.
So, the list now has 3 verses supporting the already saved idea compared to those about a future salvation. Does anyone have more?