Editor's Message

Many of the world’s leaders want us to believe that society is getting better and better and is evolving into some kind of a great Utopia and the age of Aquarius, when every problem will be solved and all men will live in peace and prosperity. This is just the opposite to what is taught in the Scriptures of truth. 2Tim.3.13 states clearly and unambiguously, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." 2Tim.3.1 tells us that such is a mark of the last days, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."

There is little doubt that we are presently in such days. It is most interesting to note that the word for ‘perilous’ is only used on one other occasion in the New Testament and that is in Matt.8.28, "there met Him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way." It seems clear that these demon possessed men were showing features which would be widespread in the last days. Such features were, devoid of clothes; deranged mind; dwelling among the tombs and destructive power. These are seen on every hand. Immodest dress, an interest in the occult, pornography and a rejection of authority are acceptable now in society. Not only in society generally, but in what we know as Christendom. Note v5, "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:"

What resources do we have in the midst of this? What will keep us in touch with heaven until He comes for His bride? Do we join in and have some great ecumenical umbrella? The apostolic command is clear, "from such turn away." The first resource we have is A PARTING FROM EVIL, even or perhaps, especially, when it is in a religious guise.

The latter part of the chapter gives us four more resources. These are:

v10-12 - PATTERN OF PAUL:

Timothy was thoroughly acquainted with Paul and his life. This was more than mental knowledge; it implies to carefully note with a view to reproduce. What was the basis of Paul’s life? Note what is first, "my doctrine." This is the basis of all else. My convictions control my character; my beliefs control my behaviour. Only then does he speak of his, "manner of life." My dear brethren, if we are not right in doctrine we will not be right in anything.

v11 - PRESENCE OF THE LORD:

We may say that such a life will be hard and costly. Paul tells us of another precious resource, v11 "but out of them all the Lord delivered me." He is still the same and we can rely on His companionship and presence when we do what is right and Scriptural. Very often it is in the storms of life that we experience His nearness in a special way.

v14 - PERSISTENCE IN THE TRUTH:

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them:".

He was to abide in the unchanging character of truth and not be blown about by the sin that was all around. Error is always looking for something new and novel but we remember 2.2, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

The character of those who taught underpinned the truth. Good men teaching good things will produce good Christians.

v16 - PROFITABILITY OF THE SCRIPTURES:

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

Scripture is PERFECT since it is given by inspiration and it is PROFITABLE. Scripture is "inspired" which means, God breathed. Not that the authors were breathed into, but the words of God were breathed out. This is NOT superintendence; suggestion; direction; elevation of writer’s mind. It is God breathing without destroying the personality of the human instrument.

Since this is so, we should spend time over the inspired record and carefully note and weigh every word. If we want to know the will of God, it is revealed exclusively in the Scriptures. God will never guide contrary to the Scriptures, nor should our personal experiences override the Scriptures. This wonderful book is the only guide book for believers.

The study of the Word and obedience to that which is revealed will ensure that we are "perfect" - complete, entire and mature throughly - and "furnished" - completely fitted out - unto all good works. Thus the man of God, in following the word and ways of God, is in total contrast to the defiled society at the beginning of the chapter.

Let us fully utilise these resources and thus be preserved until we see His face which may not be long delayed. Rom.13.11, "for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."