Understand this!

(2Timothy 3:1) “But understand this …”

Understand What? But before we get there let us reason together. Today I would like to draw reference from two verses and then try and incorporate an understanding when viewed along side one another. What will be their instruction? Although it can be very dangerous when we do not exposit scripture correctly, systematically! Take a verse out of context as we build a doctrine from it and place the wrong emphasis on it. Very hazardous indeed and the money preachers love to exposit like this and we know why they do it, does not scripture itself teach us? It Does! “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:18-19)

Let us simply tread carefully and you examine what will now be penned…

What is the first consideration a wise man would have when building a house? I suppose there would be many considerations but firstly he would count the cost, does he have enough money to complete his objective. Then he would no doubt consider the foundation and look for solid rock to build upon. It would not be wise to build on sand for the storms may eventually come. No rather, must come and the wise will make provision for them. In fact as we look around at the houses in South Africa most have electric fences or at least some protective barrier as the crime rate is at an all-time high. Even common sense seems to play its part.

What then does this wise man teach us? Make sure we have sufficient funds to complete the task and then ensure that our foundation is built on solid ground. With this understanding let us now launch forward and draw principles (an important underlying law or assumption required in a system of thought) from his wisdom in conjunction to these two verses.

They are: - “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (2Timothy 3:1); and—“John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” (John 3:27)

Salvation is a gift of God and not all receive it, it is only the elect who truly believe that receive this unmerited favour! Salvation must be classified as receiving something from God as it can never be earned. We sometimes like to reason as the Arminian  (as I once did) and say we chose God but this is not what the scriptures teach. It obviously is a gift from God and here is a verse to prove it; “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)   

Therefore everything the believer sees and begins to understand in scripture, as it begins to fashion him must spring from this foundation. If not we will build unwisely! We will be no different to the five foolish virgins. Now with that understood, what then will be the cost? Times will begin to get harder for the believer, as the storm is on the horizon. We need to understand this, so when it arrives we are not asking the question, why? We have been warned! This is what I love about the Holy Scriptures they are a lamp to our feet in this dark and perverse generation. But we must learn to pay attention! It is now time to buy oil for our lamps. It is now time to let go and let God. We cannot serve both God and mammon, they cannot co-exist, we will love one and hate the other and because we spring from the root of sin we must pay careful attention to Christ’s warning on the matter. We must pay careful attention to verses like these; “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”” (Matthew 6:31-34) 

   

However let us never forget that if God equips us to embrace this truth while others look to ignore the warnings of scripture that, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” Let us always remember to praise God our heavenly Father for all good gifts that come from Him as we earnestly pray for our family, friends and all who oppose His wisdom and hopefully God will graciously act as He also gives them sight to see.

Jehovah God, please give us a heart for the lost, as we too remember that there was a time when we were blind, but now we see. Praise your glorious name and all honour belongs to our glorious King, for He alone opened the way for all who believe and confess Him as Lord. We thank you; I thank you, for the gracious gift of salvation.

Signing off

Tyrone