2nd Timothy: Chapter 3
Sermon 5–2nd Timothy: 3 Let us recall that we are reading 2nd Timothy as a last will and testament of the Apostle Paul. As such, we must view the topics explored in 2nd Timothy as fundamental to Paul's doctrine. Last week we read, " Two facts, then, are to be ever in Timothy’s mind: the Resurrection and the Incarnation of his Lord." In a weird way, these two so-called "facts" represent the same polar opposites we have been discussing for weeks: the way of INNER transformation (faith and enlightened knowledge), as opposed to the way of OUTER transformation (good works). Paul, in his spoken or written words, has insisted on the principle of "sola fide", faith alone--this is what Jesus taught--but he also insists that " I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." In other words, good works on Earth will be rewarded in heaven. Can these two spiritual orientati...