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Tag: truth

Confront and Correct with a Clear Conscience
Are you afraid of CONFRONTATION?

(the Apostle Paul seems to imply by asking Timothy to be strong…)

2 Timothy 2 – Strong Teachers Charge them before God

Remind them of these things:

2 Timothy 2:14a

Paul builds up Timothy and other pastors true to following the Way of Jesus Christ. And further, the Apostle would confront false teachers by binding them with an oath.

.. and solemnly charge them in the presence of God

2 Timothy 2:14b NASB

Warn them before God against quarreling about words;

2 Timothy 2:14b NIV

and charge them before the Lord [God or theos] to avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:14b RSV

It’s serious business, this work of pastors leading their church!

Various Bible translations head this section:
- An Unashamed Workman
- A Worker Approved by God
- Dealing With False Teachers
- Approved and Disapproved Workers
Which type of worker are you?

Accurately Handle the Word of Truth

Legacy Standard Bible

Confronting the World

Believe it or not, MOST Common Era christians do NOT like confrontation concerning the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

WE THE PEOPLE of our certain JESUS-worshiping church don’t even talk about the Way OR the Truth .. even to each other.

OR do most churches challenge the community we include in our worship: to confess our own sins, accept forgiveness in Christ and walk in a new and narrow way.

THE WORLD, on the other hand, speaks sharp words against christians, seeking our conciliation to include their sins and gods of self as acceptable to God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

But to borrow a frequent response of the Apostle to such an argument, I answer:

“BY NO MEANS.”
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AND, as Jesus said, it is not you, beloved believer, that the world hates: 
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“The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I bear witness about it, that its deeds are evil.

Gospel of John 7:7 LSB

Therefore the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy and pastors:

Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:1a LSB

Be diligent to present yourself
approved to God as a workman
who does not need to be ashamed,
accurately handling the word of truth.
Second Letter of of the Apostle Paul to Timothy 2:15 LSB

Now the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy HOW and WHO to confront, making certain that his (or our) motives are pure since cleansed in Christ.

But avoid worldly and empty chatter

Paul begins by warning who NOT to debate. For the Apostle has already instructed this in his previous epistle.

O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, turning aside from godless and empty G2757 chatter G2757 and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge—

1 Timothy 6:20 LSB – Strong’s G2757 – kenophōnia

YES, the FALSE teachers seeking to challenge the purity of TRUTH in your church always claim knowledge that goes against God.

So Paul begins again in this letter:

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

2 Timothy 2:16 NIV
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Empty disputing, worthless babble. From a presumed compound of kenos and phone; empty sounding, i.e. Fruitless discussion.
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source: G2757 BibleHub.org
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Have you ever encountered anyone in a Bible study or Church gathering who always seems to go on about something that has nothing to do with you, what you are discussion or what a selection of Scripture says? 
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“and their talk will spread like gangrene, Paul warns, citing two men, Hymenaeus and Philetus.

What truth do they challenge?

This is an important question of discernment for the pastor up against false teaching. And the Apostle points to a common false teaching of these two men with knowledge spreading into Ephesus and beyond like gangrene.

They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith.

2 Timothy 2:18 NET

How does the Apostle assure us?

19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription:

“The Lord knows those who are his,” and

“Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

2 Tim 2:19 NIV

quoting Scripture: Numbers 16:5, Joel 2:23

Paul and pastors encountering FALSE knowledge quote Scripture, God’s written word — accurately.

Now the Apostle to the gentiles speaks to our own accountability, specifically that of Timothy as the pastor who must confront such patently false teaching.

Sanctifying the saints

Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.

2 Timothy 2:20 ESV

Common or Sanctified Honorable Vessels

In his epistle to the Romans, Paul points to God – owner of the great house – as maker of every vessel formed regardless of its common use or honorable gilded gloss of silver or gold.

Paul’s letter to the Romans 9:21 KJV

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Although the saints and servants of the Lord Jesus Christ understood a vessel as an implement made for household use, the Apostle uses the familiar metaphor for σκεῦος [skeuos] for a man of quality, as a chosen instrument (honorable) or ‘in a bad sense, an assistant in accomplishing an evil deed’ [dishonorable, as a false teacher would choose].

Jesus remarks, as Paul and Timothy would well know:

No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, [G4632 – vessels]

except he will first bind the strong man;

and then he will spoil his house.

Gospel of Mark 3:27 KJV

The STRONG pastor, as the Apostle encourages Timothy, will CONFRONT any intruder with false truth

AND as an honorable vessel sanctified by the Lord of the House, CORRECT his (or her) false teaching.

But first, purify yourself

What’s a church to do when a false teacher steps into the spotlight of doctrine and truth?

Imagine Timothy making the NEWS..

Or suppose that your church wants you to tolerate some leader’s unrepentant sin?

The Apostle Paul points first to sanctification of yourself.

DON’T be a common vessel, but an honorable one for Christ.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor,

sanctified, useful to the Master,

having been prepared for every good work.

Now flee from youthful lusts

and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Paul’s Second Pastoral Epistle to Timothy 2:2:21-22 LSB

9 Characteristics of a Faithful Believer

In verses 21-26, Paul sets forth nine characteristics that mark a faithful, godly believer who is a vessel of honor.

Source: MACARTHUR COMMENTARY ON 2 Timothy, p.88
1. a cleansed life
2. a sanctified soul
3. be useful to God
4. be prepared for service
5. have a pure heart
6. and have a discerning mind
7. a gentle manner
8. a humble spirit
9. and a compassionate attitude.
How’d you do?

How many of these 9 honorable traits Paul suggests fit you as a ‘workman‘ in the large house with various vessels for use?

Do YOU have a clear conscience?

The clear conscience of a sanctified saint (believer).

a good conscience and an unhypocritical faith

The Apostle had already challenged Timothy and leaders of the Ephesian church in his first epistle:
But the goal of our command is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and an unhypocritical faith.
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(later urging Timothy) 
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.. that by them you may fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some, having rejected, suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith.

1 Timothy 1:5, 18c-19 LSB
Now, after making certain that church leaders (some who have strayed from the faith), the Apostle commands them HOW to deal with those false teachers in their midst.

When and How to Correct Them
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John MacArthur points to these leadership decisions as requiring A DISCERNING MIND.
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Paul instructs Timothy in this face-to-face conversational combat a strong Pastor faces.

But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23 HCSB

Foolish, an accusative plural adjective, Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.

Although we know what ignorant means, accusative adjective – Untrained, uneducated, showing a want of training or education, ignorant. Uninstructed, i.e. stupid.

source:

Why mention it?

The Apostle warns, DON”T engage them.

In fact, because of the conflicts such debates cause, leaders must refuse speculations that restart old battles.

The Apostle reminds Timothy and church leaders that a slave (of the Lord’s household) not only must not quarrel, but also must be kind toward everyone.
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Have any trouble with that one?
Does this sound familiar?
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Blessed are the meek:

for they shall inherit the earth.

Gospel of Matthew 5:5 KJV from the teaching of Jesus

Teaching, rather than debating the ignorant

but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition..

2 Timothy 2:24b-25a LSB

The King James Version translates πραότης – praotēs, as meekness (rather than gentleness, or humility NKJV). And why not teach as the Master, the Teacher and Truth of those who may believe, as Paul suggests:

.. if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:25b-26

Was it not lasting Truth and forgiveness spoken by Stephen that began bringing a senseless Saul from the snare of the devil?

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to remain strong in the Truth and to teach with a gentleness of words from his humble sanctified spirit.

NEXT: Danger Within during Difficult Times

Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
January 23, 2026
The Apostles Creed 4 JESUS Crucified and Buried
The Apostles’ Creed — foundational to our Apostolic Christian faith

I BELIEVE or WE BELIEVE IN:

We believe Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was buried.

Here’s a brief outline of the fundamental objects of our faith found in The Creed:
1. God
2. Jesus Christ
3. the Holy Spirit
  - and the Virgin Mary
4. Jesus was crucified
  - and was buried
5. more…
source: apostles-creed.org

The early church taught what is basically in the Apostles creed…

It was not till heresies and divisions in the church that any creeds were established.

source:

The Apostles’ Creed

Our outline above used for this SERIES taken from the Old Roman Creed (vide ante) from which the Apostles’ Creed was adapted and possibly in use before the mid-2nd century.

The Apostles’ Creed and other affirmations of faith were adopted corporately by the Church to refute permeating heresies plaguing believers since the time of the Apostles.

Roger@TalkofJesus.com

I believe:

Jesus Christ suffered and died…

Jesus Christ
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified,
died,
and was buried.
from The Apostles’ Creed

Do some not believe, though the historical evidence of the facts overwhelmingly support the Gospel accounts?

YES, because the Spirit of God has not revealed to them the significance of the Messiah Jesus, the Son of God SUFFERING or His role of sacrifice and redemption as the “Son of Man.”

As Scripture states:

GOD IS ONE IN ESSENCE,

and as the Gospel reveals,

THREE IN PERSON.

More on Trinity from R.C. Sproul

The apostate, heretic and pagan alike create a god, goddess or false prophet of their own liking — an idol to follow into the abyss of sin’s punishment — in deference to the One God and Lord Jesus Christ.

Roger@TalkofJesus.com

New Testimony of John (witness of Yeshua):

He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:

Gospel of John 1:10-12 Hebrew Names Version

From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moshe.

Grace and truth came through Yeshua the Messiah.

No one has seen God at any time.

The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

Gospel of John 1:16-18 HNV

suffered under Pontius Pilate

Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Yeshua, and said to him,

“Are you the King of the Yehudim?”

Yeshua answered him, “Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?”

Pilate answered, “I’m not a Yehudi, am I? Your own nation and the chief Kohanim delivered you to me. What have you done?”

Yeshua answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Yehudim. But now my kingdom is not from here.”

Pilate therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?”

Yeshua answered, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

“I AM the way, the truth, and the life…”

Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

Gospel of John 18:33-38a HNV

Is this not the first question asked by those who question the truth of Scripture and the Lord Jesus Christ?

Therefore, WE will pick and choose what we will believe from the Bible.

Pilate said to them,

“Shall I crucify your King?”

“Hail, King of the Yehudim!”

Don’t you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?”

Yeshua answered,

“You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.”

Gospel of John 19: excerpts Hebrew Names Version

The Christ of God, of course, refers to the one of the Twelve who had betrayed JESUS, because He was not the King who would follow the whims of religious nationalism. (Judea would not have JESUS to lead them to expel Rome.)

was crucified

..Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Yeshua, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat.

But there were standing by the cross of Yeshua his mother, and his mother’s sister, Miryam the wife of Klofah, and Miryam from Magdala…

“It is finished.”

He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30b HNV

died, and was buried.

but when they came to Yeshua, and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs. However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

So they took Yeshua’s body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Yehudim is to bury…

Then because of the Yehudim’ Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand) they laid Yeshua there.

Gospel of John 19:Hebrew Names Version

Talk of JESUS . com

The Son of Man — born of the virgin Mary some thirty years before — the Son of God who the angel told would overshadow her and she would bear Him — DEAD! gruesomely crucified and nailed to and hung from a Roman cross!

HOW CAN THIS BE?

next – in the Apostles’ Creed

an ANSWER

after three days in the tomb of JESUS…
December 24, 2025
To have and to hold Christian Love
Dearly beloved, Paul writes earlier – a greeting of agape love NOT inappropriate for a marriage, but the Apostle’s intent in this section addresses spiritual gifts and love of the CHURCH specifically.

we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV

ἔχω – echō
- to have, i.e. to hold
- to have i.e. own, possess
So think of it this way:

WE (referring to the Church) hold the mind of Christ. And WE possess the mind of Christ as HIS body, the Church.
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AND, of course, don't miss this application to our vows of Christian marriage as well, (not to mention our relationship to a dearly beloved local church family). 
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Do our marriage vows model a Common Era witness of christianity to an uncommitted world? 
 
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to HAVE and to HOLD

used of those joined to any one by the bonds of natural blood or marriage or friendship or duty or law etc., of attendance or companionship

Strong’s G2192 – echō

Dearly beloved,

Do you take this bond of your church (etc.) to:

have and to hold?

OR do WE just want to try out relationships of LOVE and church es — NOT having or holding any commitment to Christ Jesus and His body the Church?

But because of sexual immoralities, each man is to have^G2192 his own wife, and each woman is to have^G2192 her own husband.

Paul has already pointed the Corinthians to a higher standard.

Abide in Marriage, Singleness and Christ – 1 Corinthians 7

Yet HERE the Apostle continues to apply this love to the body of the CHURCH.

So what is this agape LOVE?

The Lord Jesus had warned those who would follow:

And because iniquity shall abound, the love G26 of many shall wax cold.

Matthew 24:12 KJV

The Apostle had opened this section by listing what agape LOVE is NOT.

Love’s clear contrasts in the love of believers
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Paul now proceeds to list a few of the insufficient adjectives which describe the love of God in Christ Jesus - both what LOVE is and what agape LOVE is NOT. 
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Love Charity
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◄ 1 Corinthians 13:4 ►
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- is patient
  - long-spirited
  - forbearing
  - suffereth long
  - is long-suffering,
- is kind
  - gentle
  - gracious
  - benevolent
  - desires to do good to others
- does not envy
  - zeloi or jealousy
  - burn with zeal
  - 1 Cor 3:3
- does not boast
  - brag
  - vaunt itself
  - employ rhetorical embellishments in extolling one’s self excessively
- is not proud.
  - puffed up
  - inflated with self-importance.
  - arrogant
  - 1 Corinthians 5:2
◄ 1 Corinthians 13:5 ►
- Doth not behave itself unseemly
  - behave rudely
  - act unbecomingly
  - dishonor others
  - is not disrespectful
  - or inconsiderate.
- It is not self-seeking
  - seeketh not her own
  - himself, herself, itself, themselves
- is not easily provoked
  - irritable
  - resentful
  - angered
  - gets annoyed
  - aroused to anger
- thinketh no evil
  - does not keep an account of a wrong suffered
  - no record of being wronged
  - love that forgives and forgets
◄ 1 Corinthians 13:6 ►

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,

but rejoices with the truth.

1 Corinthians 13:6 ESV
- ἀδικία – wrongdoing
  - injustice, of a judge
  - unrighteousness of heart and life
  - a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness
The Greek word for “truth” is “aletheia,” which signifies not only factual accuracy but also sincerity and integrity.

In the biblical narrative, truth is often associated with God’s character and His revelation to humanity.

John 14:6

source: BibleHub Study Bible

Agape rejoices with the truth;

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:7 BSB
- It always protects,
  - always trusts,
  - always hopes,
  - always perseveres.
- Love never gives up,
  - never loses faith,
  - is always hopeful,
  - and endures through every circumstance.
ἀγάπη agapē never fails,

1 Corinthians 13:8a
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And again, the Apostle's list and concern is for spiritual gifts.
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If I.. How NOT to worship

BUT..
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Paul continues, 
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- As for prophecies,
  
  they will pass away;
- as for tongues,
  
  they will cease;
- as for knowledge,
  
  it will pass away.
- 9 For we know in part
- and we prophesy in part,
- 10 but when the perfect comes,
  
  the partial will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:8b-10 ESV
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And let's not forget, the Apostle's instruction to the Corinthians is to contrast these to our agape love in Christ as His body the Church. 

Now Paul, their teacher for a year and a half concludes his settling of their differences by essentially telling the Corinthian saints to:
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Grow up!

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child;

but

when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV

Have YOU, dearly beloved, 21st century saint?

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.

Now I know in part,

but then I shall know just as I also am known.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV

Take a look in the mirror

TalkofJesus.com post [2 min.] from September 11, 2013

and now abide
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νυνὶ δὲ μένει
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menō – not to depart
- to continue to be present
- to be held, kept, continually
to remain as one, not to become another or different
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These are just a few of the meanings when the Apostle pleas with his beloved church to have and to hold Christ -- the love of God for saints chosen to abide in the love of the Lord. 
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What Paul writes here sounds like a benediction — a closing thought. But is not since the Apostle has more to say about spiritual gifts.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love [ἀγάπη agapē].

1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV
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NEXT: (with an interruption for Lent 2025 CE) in chapter 14 the Apostle Paul will conclude this section of his epistle on order in worship and spiritual gifts.
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Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
March 4, 2025