KJV Bible Studies.net
All Lessons were outlined by Bro. Danny Taylor or former Pastor Fred Bryant from Grace Baptist Church in Wichita Falls Texas, except where otherwise noted in lessons.
 Ezra Chapter 5 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: After an interval of approximately fourteen years, work resumed on the Temple. Immediately, the local representatives of the Persians king demanded to know by whose authority the work was proceeding. The Jews explained how Cyrus had given a decree for the work and they were in compliance with it. Word was sent to Babylon. The decree of Cyrus was confirmed. I. The Rebuilding Begins Anew Ezr 5:1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. Ezr 5:2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. The events here synchronize with Haggai and portions of Zechariah. They, through their preaching, urged the Jews to get back to rebuilding their Temple. In the interim, they had built comfortable, nice homes; but the Temple remained in a dismal state and only partially started. Weeds no doubt had grown back up on the site. It was a pathetic testimony of unfinished business. See Haggai Chapter 1. Some claim they don’t have enough time to do needful things. This really is not an excuse. Zig Ziglar said “Lack of direction , not lack of time, is the problem. We all have 24 hr days.” We must be disciplined and make the best use of our time. The record of Zechariah being the son of Iddo when referenced with Zechariah 1:1 describes such. Zechariah was the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo. In any event, these prophets stood and preached it was high time to begin work on the Temple once again. Zec 1:1 In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, Zec 1:2 The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers. It is noteworthy how the decree to cease and desist by Cambyses (a.k.a. Ahaseurus and Artaxerxes) was specifically directed only at the rebuilding of the city and by assumption, its wall. Continue Reading Lesson in PDF 
0 Comments
 Ezra Chapter 4 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: Ezra Chapter 4 covers the opposition the Jews faced as they rebuilt the temple. I. The Adversaries Oppose the Rebuilding of Temple Ezr 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; Ezr 4:2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. Ezr 4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. As the reconstruction of the Temple became evident to the neighboring peoples (Samaritans and neighboring gentiles), they came Zerubbabel and the chief fathers offering to join together in a cooperative effort and help. We have here a clear and developing example of biblical ecclesiastical separation. These were the Samaritans who were not scriptural in their worship of God. These people were involved in idolatry along with a professed worship of Jehovah. They were spiritual compromisers through and through. They were the half Jew, half gentile stock which had been settled in the northern kingdom after the Assyrian deportation in about 722 B.C. (See II Kings 17:24). 2Ki 17:24 And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof. The response of Zerubbabel and Joshua was essentially, no thanks. “But we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.” Zerubbabel demonstrated a clear example of biblical separation from apostasy. He would not cooperate with those walking outside of the instructions of the scriptures. Ezr 4:4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, Ezr 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. Spurned (not on personal grounds, but by scriptural principle), “the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building.” Though not specifically recorded, they evidently threatened the workmen, sought to interfere with the delivery of material from Lebanon, and generally opposed the project. The opposition “hired counselors against them.” (The thought is how they apparently retained attorneys to file petitions and injunctions against the project. In short, they went to court to try and stop the work. This went on throughout the remainder of the reign of Cyrus who evidently ignored them. It continued with his successor however, who unfortunately was negatively influenced against the Jewish remnant. The greater picture is so typical of Satan and how he works. He will find any method to undercut and oppose God’s work. These people had a vision to do God’s work. Successful people always have determination about them. Warren Buffett once said “The difference in successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say NO to most everything. While he was speaking of world success in investing, it is true in our service to God. These Jews could have used the other help and made their job easier, but they said “No”. We will build the temple God’s way. We need to lead disciplined lives. Living a disciplined life is the strongest form of Self-Love. Continue Reading in PDF:
 Ezra Lesson 03 Ezra Chapter 3 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: The third chapter of Ezra records how the returning Jews immediately restored the prescribed Levitical offerings and observances. Plans were set in place for materials to be delivered and shortly thereafter, work began on rebuilding the Temple. I. The Altar Is Rebuilt (Ezr 3:1) And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. The seventh month referred to likely is according to the Jewish calendar which would make it about October. The Jews evidently had departed from Babylon in the spring of that year and arrived back in the vicinity of Jerusalem during the summer. They no doubt had need to secure housing and get settled. The next major holy day on the Levitical calendar was the feast of Tabernacles which was around the first of October. They there “gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.” The congregation was in one place and in one accord Acts 2:1). (Ezr 3:2) Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. (Ezr 3:3) And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening. The Alter of God was constructed first. Jeshua (also known as Joshua) was a priest and evidently the ranking (high) priest, “stood up” along with the other priests. Zerubbabel (the ranking descendant of the royal linage) stood along with his brethren. These men “builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt-offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.” Ezra records how they “set the altar upon his bases.” What is implied is that they placed the new altar in the exact place where the former altar had been established by Solomon. It may even have been the actual base or pedestal of the former altar and they built the new altar thereupon. Though trouble is not noted until chapter 4, the Jewish leadership already sensed opposition and apparently wanted to get the altar established before trouble arose. The “countries” noted likely is reference to the Samaritans as well as neighboring gentile lands, the historic enemies of Israel. They therefore began offering the regular Levitical offerings, including the morning and evening sacrifices. Continue Reading in PDF:
 Ezra Lesson 02 Ezra Chapter 2 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: Ezra Chapter 2 details specifically those who returned in the initial remnant. I. The Exiles Return to Jerusalem Ezr 2:1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; Ezr 2:2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: The reference to the province may be a generic reference to the greater body of those who went. It is derived from a word having the sense of a jurisdiction. It appears however, that those who returned eventually settled geographically where they and or their forefathers once dwelled. Mention is made of a Nehemiah and Mordecai along with others. Some have speculated if these were the notable Nehemiah who later rebuilt the wall or the Mordecai, uncle of Esther. Chronologically, it would have been possible for the Mordecai mentioned to be the same one in Esther, though he would had to have returned. However, it was at least ninety years later that Nehemiah began his mission. That makes it highly unlikely they are one and the same man. It is moreover likely the Mordecai mentioned is not the same as the uncle of Esther either. Continue Reading in PDF:
 Ezra Chapter 1 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: The book of Ezra is the chronological successor to II Chronicles. At the end of II Chronicles, Judah had finally been captured by Babylon. The time of the beginning book of Ezra is approximately fifty years after their capture. Ezra records the beginning of the restoration and return of captive Israel to their homeland. In some ways, there are parallels to the return of modern Israel to its homeland. During the seventy-year interval of the official exile, God inspired several prophets to write. Jeremiah completed his prophecies from the land of Judah including Lamentations. Ezekiel wrote his prophecies during this time as a captive within the Babylonian empire. Daniel also wrote from Babylon. Meanwhile back in Palestine, the small number of Jews not taken to Assyria or Babylon had intermarried with gentiles forming the nucleus of the later race of Samaritans. The land was little by little being claimed by neighboring gentile peoples. Jerusalem was destroyed. The Temple was gone and little was left of what once was the proud nation of Israel. God judged His people for their backslidden, sinful condition. Ezra is the first of six post-captivity (restoration) books of the Bible. Following Ezra, Nehemiah wrote. Also the book of Esther was written at roughly the same time. As the restoration era continued, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi wrote. The book of Ezra forms the beginning of the restored nation of Israel which historically is the platform upon on which the time period of the revealing and writing of the New Testament takes place. Specifically, the Book of Ezra records the return to Palestine of a remnant of Jews under the leadership of Zerubbabel in about 536 B.C. They laid the foundation of a new Temple. Approximately, 78 years later in about 458 B.C., Ezra the priest himself returned and restored the Temple worship and ritual. (Later still, in 444 B.C. Nehemiah returned to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.) Ezra writes of these events which predated his involvement as well as the years he himself was present. He records the difficulties, obstacles, opposition and success in doing a work for God. One thing is for sure. It was not easy. It never is. Ezra never had the privilege of ministering in a large, well established Temple. This temple was small, of modest proportions, and limited influence. Though not addressed directly, there are profound implications of Ezra. Approximately 50,000 Jews including their servants returned to the land more or less as pioneers of the restoration. However, there undoubtedly were Jews numbering into seven digits who remained in the greater Babylonian empire. After the shock of dislocation and cultural adjustment, they had become prosperous and comfortable living in the gentile world. Though they gave lip service to Judaism and their spiritual heritage, the majority were not interested in returning when the time came. They were comfortable making money in Babylon. They had their synagogue system which they had developed. Restoring the work of God at Jerusalem though having some importance was not at the top of their priority list. Many of them sent money to support the restoration, but they themselves were not willing to go. They were too comfortable where they were at. Parallels to modern Christianity and the fulfillment of the Great Commission are evident. Ezra records the history of that feeble remnant which had a heart for God and the restoration of his work. Ezra chapters one and two present the historical background of the return of the initial remnant. I. Proclamation of Cyrus Ezr 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, God’s providential preparation of the heart of Cyrus is evident. The Babylonian empire had absorbed the Assyrian empire. Not long before the events of Ezra, Babylon had been conquered by the Persian empire. International geopolitics are evident in this verse. The ruler of this large realm was Cyrus. The reference to the first year of Cyrus refers not to the first year he was king, but rather the first year Babylon had been under his rule. The last two verses of II Chronicles (36:22-23) refers to the same providential detail. Continue Reading in PDF:
 II Timothy Chapter 4 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: In chapter 3 we studied about the characteristics of the ‘last days’ which we found definitely point to the soon coming of Jesus Christ. We closed the chapter reading that all scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and is profitable for ”doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” We conclude our study of Timothy this week as Paul gives a charge to young Timothy. The first eight verses deal with Timothy’s ministry. The latter portion of the chapter contains Paul’s parting comments to Timothy. This is the last of the written word from Paul. Shortly after this epistle was written, Paul was beheaded for the name of Christ. He had fought a good fight, he had finished his course, he had kept the faith. I. Paul’s Charge to Young Timothy 2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. The Apostle begins this final chapter. “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.” Paul was instructing Timothy before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living at His appearing and the dead in His kingdom. The word translated as appearing is the Greek word (epifaneia) epiphaneia. The word translated as quick (zaw zao), of course, refers to the living. Notice that the judgements at which Jesus Christ will sit take place at His appearing and in His kingdom. This is referring to the Judgement Seat of Christ which evidently takes place immediately after the catching up of the saints in the air. See II Corinthians 5:10. 2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Then, as Jesus Christ establishes His kingdom at His second advent, there are additional judgments of the nations and of resurrected Israel. See Matthew 25:31-46 and Daniel 12:2. He is the Righteous Judge. Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. The Apostle begins a sequence of imperatives (i.e., commands) in verse 2 in which he charges Timothy. The first is, “Preach the Word.” The particular word translated as preach (khrussw kerusso) has the sense to ‘herald,’ to ‘proclaim,’ and to ‘publish openly.’ A primary ministry of a pastor is to preach the Word. In our revival, Bro. Harbin made mention that many churches today have lots of programs and activities, but to do the very will of God, we must Preach the Word. He then adds, “Be instant in season, out of season.” In other words be ready any day and anytime to tell others about Christ. There are several possible thoughts inherent in the word translated as be instant (efisthmi ephistemi.) In this instance, it has the idea of being ready. The word translated as in season (eukairwv eukairos) has the idea of ‘convenient’ or ‘timely.’ The word translated as out of season (akairwov akairos) literally means ‘no time’ and by extension has the idea of ‘not convenient’ or ‘untimely.’ There are seasons when it is easy to preach and there are seasons when it is difficult. In any event, the greater thought is to be ready to preach no matter what. The next imperative is reprove. The word translated (elegcw elegcho) has a spectrum of thought ranging from to ‘convict,’ to ‘refute,’ to ‘correct.’ A preacher of the gospel at times must correct doctrinal or philosophical error. He also needs to preach by the power of the Holy Ghost who brings about conviction of the spiritual need at hand. The Apostle then directed Timothy to rebuke in his preaching. The word so translated (epitimaow epitimao) is not as harsh as the modern English thought intimates. It has the general sense to ‘admonish’ or ‘exhort.’ Biblical preaching will often involve exhorting God’s people to do as they ought to do and to be as they ought to be. Finally, Paul directed Timothy to exhort. The word so translated (parakalew parakaleo), in this context, has the more modern sense to ‘encourage.’ A pastor must be always sensitive to the needs of his people. There are always people who need encouraging. The Word of God overflows with precious promises of encouragement. We are instructed to so encourage our people in preaching. In this regard, the Apostle added further qualification, “with all longsuffering and doctrine.” A biblical preacher must be patient, forbearing the weakness of his people, and teach them. The word translated as longsuffering (makroyumia makrothumia) essentially refers to having patience in dealing with people. Again, the word translated as doctrine (didach didache) has the basic sense of ‘teaching.’ Thus, a pastor is enjoined to preach the Word not only to convict, exhort, and encourage his people; but to do so patiently, teaching them what they need to understand. To season one’s preaching with such patience and encouragement will not only enhance a pastor’s ministry, but will prolong it as well. Truth can be harsh and cutting, even biblical truth. Wise is a pastor who tempers his preaching with patience, teaching, and encouragement. We see Paul giving this Charge before God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Here is another promise that the dead will be judged by Jesus Christ at his appearing and his kingdom. The saved will be judged at the Judgment-seat of Christ when He comes at His first appearance. Continue Reading in PDF:
 II Timothy Chapter 3 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: In chapter 2, Paul urged Timothy to pass the word of God on to those who could teach others. He wanted them to all become good soldiers for Jesus Christ. Paul had suffered much for preaching the gospel, and he encourages Timothy to stay in the battle, and to constantly study the Word of God. In chapter 3, we study about the last days of the church. There are 21 outstanding features in this prophecy of church conditions in the last days. Paul warns Timothy of the coming apostasy. This warning remains relevant to this day. Paul concludes the chapter by establishing the foundation of faith—the inspiration of the Scriptures. I. Characteristics of the Last Days 2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. The Apostle Paul warns Timothy. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” The word last is translated from (escatwv) eschatos. The word eschatology derives from the same word. Paul no doubt wrote of the apostasy that was taking place at the time he sent word to Timothy. He clearly addresses “the last days” as well. He indicates that in the last days there will be “perilous times.” The word translated as perilous (calepov chalepos) among other things has the sense of ‘troubled’ or ‘dangerous.’ Theologically, we have been in the last days since Calvary. The last days mentioned in this verse are being fulfilled in this hour. J. Vernon McGee said this about the last days. “The last days” is a technical term used in several places in the New Testament; it speaks of the last days of the church, immediately preceding the rapture of the church. The last days of the church are not the same as the last days of the nation Israel, which is mentioned repeatedly in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament the last days are called the “end of the age” or “the time of the end,” which is the Great Tribulation period. That is quite different from the last days of the church, which precede the rapture of the church. The apostasy that began in the church in Paul’s day will continue. Paul warned the church at Ephesus that false leaders would enter the church after his decease. He told them in Acts 20:29–30: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” They won’t give out the Word of God but will fleece the congregations. Believe me, false teachers shear the sheep pretty close! “Perilous times shall come,” which means grievous or desperate times are coming. That doesn’t look like the conversion of the world, does it? It doesn’t appear that the church is going to bring in the Millennium or is going to convert the world. The Bible doesn’t teach that it will. That is the pipe dream of a great many idealists and a great many folk who have lived with their heads ostrich-like in the sand and have never faced reality. [1] 2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 2 Tim 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 2 Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Paul sets forth a list of nineteen traits typical of apostasy in the last days. ”For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:” Let us notice some of these terms. (1) The word translated as lovers of their own selves (filautov philautos) has the additional idea of being ‘intent on one’s interest’ or ‘selfish.’ (2) The word translated as covetous (filargurov philarguros) literally means a ‘lover of silver’ or more generically, a ‘lover of money.’ (3) The word translated as blasphemers (blasfhmov blasphemos) literally means to ‘speak evil of’ or ‘slander other.’ (4) The Apostle’s reference to being without natural affection is translated from the word (astorgov astorgos and has the sense of ‘having no kindness or concern for another.’ (5) The word translated as incontinent (akrathv akrates) has the thought of being ‘undisciplined’ or ‘intemperate.’ (6) The word translated as heady (propethv propetes) has the thought of being ‘rash’ or ‘reckless.’ (7) The word translated as highminded (tufow tuphoo) has the thought which borders upon being ‘arrogant, insolent, and proud.’ These noted along with the rest (more apparent in their sense) describe the corrupt culture of the last days. If it were so in Timothy’s day, how much more so must it be today, not only from the perspective of eschatology, but also of the wickedness of the present culture. [1]J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible commentary [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1981 by J. Vernon McGee. Continue Reading in PDF:
 II Timothy Chapter 2 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net Email: [email protected] Introduction: In chapter 1 last week, we saw Paul urge Timothy to stir up the gift that God had given him and to stand strong in the faith. He reminded Timothy of the great love that some had shown to Paul (such as Onesiphorus). Some of these men had been a great blessing to Paul, particularly after being imprisoned there in Rome. This week we get into Chapter 3 where we are instructed to become a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Paul delivers a series of instructions (imperatives) to Timothy. In the latter portion of this chapter, Paul presents to Timothy warnings concerning truth and error along with additional instructions. The wisdom that Paul writes to Timothy, by the will of God, is timeless. The warning of apostasy applies to us. The instructions to identify and deal with apostasy applies to us. The wisdom that God supplies to those who desire Godly wisdom is written and preserved by God for us. The greater theme in this chapter is to endure hardship, being a good soldier of Jesus Christ. I. The Word of God is to be Passed on to Others who will Teach 2 Tim 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. The first imperative is, “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Several points are of interest here. The word translated as be strong (endunamow endunamoo) literally has the sense to be ‘empowered.’ That strengthening or empowerment is “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” The grace of God (or of Christ Jesus) is a broad concept. It conveys the sense of God’s kindness and mercy allowing us to be saved in the first place. It also has the ongoing sense of God’s strength and help. In effect, Paul writes to be strengthened by the strength and help that comes from God’s grace. We are commanded to live by God’s strength and help. Here a principle for ongoing discipleship is delineated in verse 2. Paul had taught Timothy carefully and diligently in the past. He instructed Timothy to do likewise, teach ‘faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” The scriptural method of leadership training is to teach those who, in turn, have the ability and character to teach others also. In this short verse, there are four generations mentioned spiritually: (1) Paul, (2) Timothy, (3) faithful men, and (4) others also. God has charged us to do more than win people to Christ. Rather, we are charged to teach them to the point whereby they can do the same for others. As we mentioned last week, Timothy was Paul’s son in the faith. He urges Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Only by God’s grace will any of us truly be strong. And those things Paul had taught, the truths of God’s Word and the doctrines, they were to be committed to faithful men who will be able to teach others. Continue Reading in PDF:
II Timothy Chapter 1 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: In chapter 6 of I Timothy, we studied the relationship between slaves and masters, and discussed how this holds true in employee/employer relationships today. Paul spoke of how godliness with contentment a great thing was and urged young Timothy to always teach accurate and sound doctrine. We begin a study this week on the second letter that Paul wrote to Timothy. The epistle was written in or near A.D. 66. Second Timothy is unique in several ways. First, it is the last writing of the Apostle Paul before his martyrdom. Second, it was written from the Mamartine Prison in Rome as Paul awaited death. In this first chapter, Paul sends personal greetings and encouragement to ‘his dearly beloved son,’ Timothy. Timothy evidently was under much pressure and was becoming discouraged in the ministry. Paul knew his own days were short and he urged Timothy to forge ahead, not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. I. The Salutation 2 Tim 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim 1:2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. The Apostle Paul commences this epistle with a reminder that his apostleship was by the will of God. His calling was from on high. Moreover, that apostleship was “according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus.” ‘Life’ here, no doubt, is a reference to eternal life as well as fullness of life in the meantime. Both are part of the promise of Jesus Christ. The fulfillment of the promise of God is as good as the integrity of His character. The Apostle makes clear in verse 2 that the recipient of the epistle is to Timothy, my dearly beloved son. Timothy was his “dearly beloved son.” Paul may or may not have led Timothy to Christ. But he certainly groomed and discipled Timothy, training him for the ministry. (See Acts 16:1). Act 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Act 16:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. The basic greeting found in so many New Testament epistles is found here: “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” Though we were saved by grace, His grace is an ongoing source of strength and help. Though we were saved because of His mercy, it continues to be a resource of infinite value throughout our Christian walk. The peace of God is a jewel of great price. These blessings are the forerunner of true happiness. These all come from God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. I love how Paul always immediately identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. We should be so bold in our daily walk to always want people to know that we are a child of the king and serve a risen Savior in Jesus Christ. You can see how close Paul and Timothy were, as Paul calls him ‘my dearly beloved son.’ Most bible students that have done a lot of study in God’s Word think that Paul was never married. While it appears to be accurate to me, I read recently where someone said that this verse proved that Paul was married, since Timothy was Paul’s son. That is a far reach. Timothy was saved under Paul’s ministry, and there was a close relationship between the two, but Timothy was not the blood son of Paul. Continue Reading in PDF:
 I Timothy Chapter 6 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net E-mail: [email protected] Introduction: In chapter 5, we studied how the pastor should deal with the men and women of the church, and also how we should deal in our relationships with one another. We covered the churches responsibilities towards widows in the church, and how that we should help them if they were truly alone in the world and without a family to help them. Paul admonished young Timothy to not rebuke an elder, and to treat the older women with respect like a Mother. He also taught that we are not to listen to accusations against our pastor except in the presence of 2 or 3 witnesses. This week we close our study on I Timothy as see the relationship that should exist between masters and servants. This teaching can also relate to employers and employees. It then discusses contentment with one’s lot and attitudes toward money. I. Slaves and Masters 1 Tim 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 1 Tim 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. Paul now directs attention to the master and servant relationship. He begins with the relationship of the servant to the master. The master-servant relationship in ancient times would roughly parallel with the modern employer-employee relationship. The difference is that ancient masters were in a position of authority, more so than the modern employer. The principle is that servants ought to be respectful (and by implication submissive) to their masters. Not only is this a fulfilling of social order, it also is a testimony of Christian living. An obedient Christian will submit and respect duly appointed authority. This is true whether the master was a believer or not. Paul admonished those who were servants to “rather do them service.” Christian servants were directed to duly serve even believing masters “because they are faithful and beloved.” Servitude was a legal social custom of that day. Therefore, Christian servants were to have respect to their Christian masters. The same scriptural directives here generally apply to the employer- employee relationship of this day. For the most part, a day’s wages for a day’s labor. Don’t allow an employer or an employee to provoke you causing you to set aside the principles that you know to be good and right. In anger, one can do much unnecessary damage to their personal testimony. The main purpose of the instruction is all about the results, “that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.” Continue reading in PDF:
|
Author
|
||||||||||||||||||||
RSS Feed
