“Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows them that are His.’ And, Let everyone that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
II Timothy 2:19
The higher the building, the deeper the foundation.
What difference does God’s Word make in your life, Pilgrim? Do you read it simply for Biblical information—i.e., so you can learn more facts, garner more memory verses, etc.—or do you “hide it in your heart so you’ll not sin against God” (Ps. 119:11)?
The world may not care about Abram’s being called out at 75-years-old by God (Gen. 12:1-4). . .or the fact that he “hearkened to the voice of Sarai” at age 85 (Gen. 16:2b). . .or “fell on his face and laughed” when God told him he’d have the promised son, Isaac, at age 100 (Gen. 17:15-17). . .or was willing to offer that same son up to God as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:1-18).
But, we should.
It’s not our knowing those “facts” that changes us; it’s knowing how God acted then—coupled with the fact that He’s “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8)—that changes us and makes our faith “Rock-solid” (Mt. 7:24-27).
Paul knew Timothy’s teaching would come under attack by those like Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose “profane (Grk. ‘bebelos’—‘wicked, heathenish, wobbly walking, etc.’) and vain babblings (Grk. ‘kenophonia’—‘empty sounding, fruitless discussions, tone of talking, etc.’) would increase unto more ungodliness” (v.16) and “eat up as a canker (Grk. ‘gaggraina’—‘ulcer, gangrene, cancer, gnawing sore, etc.’)” (v.17) in the Body.
That’s why the aged Apostle counseled his son-in-the-faith to not get into futile and fruitless arguments with them (vv.14b, 16a), for that’d end up causing more confusion (v.14c), which would “increase unto more ungodliness” (v.16b). Simply put, he was saying “You can’t convince someone whose mind is made up” and “There’ll always be those who’d rather believe a lie than the truth” (cf. Jn. 3:19-21).
Such harsh realities are discouraging and disconcerting. We ask ourselves, “Why do they act that way? Can’t they see what they’re doing and how they’re in direct opposition and contradiction to God’s Word?”
The answer:
No they can’t (I Cor. 2:14; II Cor. 4:3-4). And, in many cases “No, they won’t” (because of their obstinate, stiff-necked rebellion and rejection of God’s Word).
But, do not fear or give into despair, Pilgrim: “The foundation of God stands sure (Grk. ‘stereos’—‘firm, solid, stable, steadfast, strong, etc.’), having this seal: ‘The Lord knows them that are His’.” Hallelujah!! Others may deride you for believing in God, reading His Word, going to church, giving a tithe, etc.; but, continue being faithful and “depart from iniquity” by living a holy life before the Lord. Like Noah, your pleas may go unheeded—but the time will come when they’ll wish they’d listened and you’ll be glad you did.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated July 6, 2009
