Michael Harrison
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Member # 6801
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2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
When one looks at him or herself, he (or she) determines whether he or she has done that. And it is possible to believe that one has, while yet missing vital understanding. And he or she can speak out of 'pride of knowing' and miss the spiritual humility which comes from such 'vital understanding'.
2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2Ti 2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
2Ti 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Well, edifying and remarks of exhortation are not profane, or vain.
But:
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Now some people have a problem with that. But what can I say? Anyway:
2Ti 2:20 In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Now:
2Ti 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
We are dead with Him as we live by Him; that is by 'faith'. And dead means that we are not a wellspring of self, but of Him. And that is what it means to 'live with Him', only that is more correctly understood if one reads it as one lives 'by' Him. And scripture backs this up throughly. So one is to recognize, by faith, the realty of His life, replacing one's dead life, and thereby he can minister the things of God, by God!
Posts: 3273 | From: Charlotte N.C. | Registered: Sep 2007
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