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GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY IN A DAY OF DEPARTURE (5)

JT The third chapter of this epistle sets before us the general condition of things in the sphere of profession. Although we may be separated according to the second chapter, our general bearing is towards the whole sphere of Christian profession. We are not limited in our exercises, in that way.

TMG We should feel the general state of things, and at the same time seek to be right ourselves.

JT We have here pointed out the features of the profession in the last days. The apostle reminds Timothy that he was acquainted with his own doctrine and manner of life; this would be ever the model for him, and the test for general conduct; further, all that would live godly in Christ Jesus should suffer persecution.

Rem We have to be right individually, first, to form a true judgment of what is around.

JT I think the second chapter would set Timothy right in relation to his associations; his path is marked out for him in this respect there. In the third chapter it is the man of God in relation to the whole sphere bearing Christ’s name. Having pointed out all that should develop in the last days, the apostle speaks of his doctrine and conduct and of what sufferings happened to him. “What persecutions I endured; but out of them all the Lord delivered me”. The example is seen in Paul, as regards the whole sphere of Christ’s interests. Then he goes on to say “Abide in those things which thou hast learnt ... ... knowing of whom thou hast learned them”. I think the chapter, in a general way, shows the position of the man of God in relation to the whole sphere of Christian profession.

^[p. 258] Rem I suppose that would help one in approaching Christians with whom one is not immediately associated. You are not narrowed in your affections towards them.

JT It is well to recognise that all Christians in the different denominations are not to be regarded as unclean or dishonourable, and “the Lord knoweth them that are his”.

JRW The vessels represent persons, there are four classes; gold, silver, wood and earth.

JT It shows that there are differences. The point is that there are “some to honour and some to dishonour”.

JRW Would the wood and earth involve dishonour?

JT It is only a figure. The subject of vessels becomes very interesting in Scripture. Christians are “vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory”, Romans 9: 23. It speaks in Isaiah 22: 23, of a “nail in a sure place”, and all vessels great and small are hung on it. All vessels unto honour may be said to hang on Christ. Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”, Philippians 4: 13. It is the opposite of one’s own will. Pharaoh was a vessel fitted for destruction, being governed by his own will.

Ques At what point should you separate from a vessel of dishonour?

JT I think when he is governed by his own will, One should not regard any as a vessel to dishonour until it has been tested, so opportunity is given for submission to Christ. If that is not there, the vessel is disqualified, because it is a question either of will or of subjection.

Ques Must it be a personal testing?

JT Take Matthew 18 as an example, where one has trespassed, and you seek to gain him. You are unable to do so, and you tell it to the assembly,

^[p. 259] but he does not hear the assembly, that is the final test there, then he is a vessel to dishonour. The point is that his will is working; he refuses to bow to the judgment of the assembly. That is how things are tested in the house of God, and that applies in principle to the second chapter of this epistle. It would be seen now in a man’s recognition of the authority of Scripture and of the exercises of his brethren. If he is not subject you cannot go on with him Of course a man’s will thus working would show itself in some evil doctrine or practice.

JM It is in the will that the evil lies.

TMG He is not against you, but against the Lord, against the authority of the Lord.

JT When he refuses the Lord’s authority, he may be regarded as a “heathen man and a publican”. I believe that all will be put to the test, because God has brought in the order of His house, the principles that govern His house, and these become a test to every one in the sphere of profession. The test is there, but it is often ineffective, on account of the weakness of those who profess to walk in these principles.

Rem You meet with it often. You can have sweet intercourse with professed Christians for a while, but when you introduce the truth there is often a refusal of it, and so you can go on no longer with them.

JT I remember speaking to a well-known man about fellowship. He said, I know it is there, but I will not touch it. He touched it afterwards, and became an opposer; of the principles that govern fellowship. When Israel were brought out of Egypt into the wilderness they were tested by the will of God. That was what God introduced. Further, He was to dwell among them, and as thus privileged, they were to be governed by certain laws. Leviticus and Numbers show the principles on which God ^[p. 260] tested His people, in this respect, in the wilderness. It was the will of God, as set forth in the principles that should govern His house; that became the test to Israel, so that Paul says “If any one thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual let him recognise the thing that I write to you, that it is the commandment of the Lord”. 1 Corinthians 14: 37. The Lord says, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me”, John 14: 21. In chapter 3 it is the man of God as in relation to the whole sphere of Christian profession, because Christ is in relation to all that; and the Scriptures are available for him, so that he should be fully furnished.

Ques Do you put any limitation on that?

JT The man of God is concerned about everything that concerns God.

Ques Can you apply it generally?

JT The man of God stands in relation to all that is of God. He stands for God in regard to the governing of the world. He comes specially into evidence in a crisis. When things are going wrong the man of God stands in the breach.

TMG It is important that we should have these divine principles in our souls, so that we should be men of God.

JM It speaks here of the things that Timothy had learned. “Knowing”, the apostle says, “of whom thou hast learned them”.

EM When Paul spoke of his qualifications he was speaking by the Spirit, he was not boasting of himself. He says, “thou hast fully known my doctrine”. He had a full estimate of what he had from God.

JT This is an inspired letter.

SL These two chapters show what marks the present day.

JT There is one great comfort in chapter 3, that in the same manner as Jannes and Jambres ^[p. 261] were checked, the leaders in evil today are limited; “they shall proceed no further, for their folly shall be manifest to all”. That is a positive statement. Moses brought in life, but the opposers could not imitate. They had to confess that now it was “the finger of God”. I think this may be said to be John’s ministry. The finger of God is the power of life brought out in the Person of Christ, and continued in the Spirit now. You cannot deny life. It stands out as a testimony to God’s power.

Rem The solemn thing is that the opposition is often from those immediately connected with the testimony.

JT Whatever the opposition may be it is met by life; there is the evidence of life in those that hold the truth by the Holy Spirit, and that cannot be refuted.

Rem What is of God is always recognized by the people of God.

JT So you have here that their folly shall be manifest to all men. You might convince yourself privately, but you have to consider all the people of God. They have to be convinced, and it has been well said: You may deceive some of the people all the time, and all the people some of the time, but you cannot deceive all the people all the time. “Their folly shall be completely manifest to all”.

TMG It is an immense encouragement to count on God, to have faith in God.

JT And so the man of God sees God’s hand in everything, even in the checking of evil in the government of the world at the present time. The mystery of evil is working, but is held in check.

Rem And we ought to count on the faithfulness and power of God in regard to everything.

Rem Paul’s doctrine and spirit would be exemplified in the man of God.

JT Generally speaking, Paul’s doctrine ^[p. 262] is the great test among the people of God, and it is a question as to who is supporting it. But there is “the manner of life” that goes with it, also the “purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience”. Whatever you have from the Lord is for the people of God, and must not be used casually, for your own pleasure or for your personal interest. It is one of the assets that belong to the people of God. It says in Colossians 4: 17, “take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfil it”. One should hold nothing back from the people of God.

WK Mr. Stoney said that you are like a tree, to be plucked by others for their support and nourishment.

JM One is to be acceptable to the saints; the exhortations are to this end.

JT You see that with Paul himself. When the discussion arose with Barnabas regarding Mark, Paul was commended by the brethren as he proceeded to do the work of the Lord; Acts 15: 40. He had the confidence of his brethren. The result of this was that the assemblies were confirmed.

Rem That would be a double commendation of Paul’s course.

JT It is wonderful how the saints generally appreciate the word of God; and how in time they come to recognize what is of God.

Rem You attach importance to the judgment of the saints?

JT Yes, it is usually the mind of God. Alas; we have occasions of general departure, as noted in this epistle when all in Asia turned away from Paul.

EM “Proclaim the word”, and “Do the work of an evangelist”; what is the difference.

JT The word is the expression of the mind of God, but the evangelist is here for souls; he seeks men. The gospel, rightly presented, will secure ^[p. 263] them for God. Timothy is not said to be an evangelist, he is enjoined to do the work of an evangelist. The work has to be done. You are not only to present the mind of God; you want to win souls. They are not only to be secured, but they are to be presented “perfect in Christ Jesus”,. Colossians 1: 28. We have a very solemn charge in the opening verses of chapter 4. The tendency is to let our hands hang down. Of course we should seek the Lord’s guidance and help; but the work should be done.

Ques What is the thought of His appearing and His kingdom?

JT The appearing of Christ is special, as compared with His kingdom. The latter will be a condition, marked by His rule, involving permanent blessing. The visitation of the King to a city or section of the realm would be special; whereas the kingdom, being permanently established, would be always enjoyed.

TMG As regards service, the great thing is to be always ready.

JT Timothy was available. Paul had no other man like him. Timothy’s ministry was all the more necessary, because Paul was being withdrawn. The great thing is that the work is carried on. Paul says, “I am now ready to be offered”. Paul, being no longer available, Timothy must carry on the work, and then others after him. It is very interesting to note the different directions given to his beloved Timothy by the departing apostle. “Use diligence to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken” Then he mentions others, adding, “Luke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is serviceable to me for ministry”. This chapter indicates the relative place of each of those mentioned, in regard to Paul.

Rem He does not say that Demas had given up ^[p. 264] Christ.

JT Oh, no. Demas was no longer linked with Paul, but he may have continued in active service.

Rem He had forsaken Paul, but the Lord takes care that the ministry is carried on in a living way.

JT And the power of God is ever available for those who carry it on. As regards general opposition to the truth, and wickedness, it is said in chapter 3, “they shall proceed no further”; and here in chapter 4 “the Lord stood with me and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known”. The Lord said, as it were, ‘Paul is the servant of My choice, and I will not allow the enemy to deprive Me of him; I will accomplish all that I intended to accomplish through him’. Satan would either turn the saints away from Paul, or destroy him, but the Lord would have His way.

Rem It is a very solemn thing to be on a line contrary to the Lord’s mind. Paul says, “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge”. (2 Timothy 4: 16).

JT In forsaking him they were unfaithful, and God would hold them accountable. God knows how to make one feel his unfaithfulness; but the apostle’s prayer is in keeping with the Spirit of Christ. The Lord asked His Father not to lay the sin of His death to the charge of the Jews.

Rem Great reproach attached to the apostle, as representing the testimony.

JT Yes; his “first answer” was before the emperor, and he needed support then, but there was not a man to stand with him; he had to stand alone for the defence of the gospel.

Rem So if the Lord is pleased to take up a vessel, He will not give him up, if he is faithful.

JT There is reproach connected with the testimony, but Paul says, “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully known”. (2 Timothy 4: 17). He was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. He was very near his end, but the Lord came in, so that by him the preaching was fully known amongst the nations. There is no failure in Paul’s service suggested here. I think it is an immense thing to see that the Lord will not be diverted from any choice He makes. He will stand by those vessels and carry them through.

Ques Why is Priscilla put before Aquila?

JT I suppose, because she was spiritual as well as Aquila. The Spirit of God makes no mistake in placing her first here. They laid down their own necks for Paul; Romans 16: 4.

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