As noted, 2 Timothy was written in 67 AD, five years after 1 Timothy. Remember, Paul was mentoring young Timothy and because of the forces confronting his ministry, Paul utters one of the most oft quoted passages in the New Testament.

During these days of social unrest and political upheaval, verse seven has been a comfort for many. With turmoil and threatening biological warfare, this verse stands out as a vanguard along with Psalms 91. It is a "touch stone," a bulwark of faith, against the darkness surrounding the church. Challenging threats poured out against Christians, and their churches, call for application of this scripture to undergird the congregations.

Paul, later in the epistle, speaks of the indwelling Holy Spirit as the greatest assurance of God's provision for Timothy. Actually, this is the only reference to the Spirit in the book. We are reminded, however, that the whole book is designed by the Spirit.

As pastor, Timothy is reminded of the uniqueness of that office and the responsibility to remain faithful to mentor others, just as Paul mentored him.

Without doing a commentary of the entire epistle, I want to draw attention to Paul's prophetic word for our day.

Does this sound like a commentary on the world condition today?

Eight times, in this wonderful book of Hebrews, the Spirit is emphasized. Beginning in chapter two, Paul asks a question pertaining to adherence to the Word. If angels were punished for disobedience to their spoken word, how much more is the punishment for drifting from the gospel?

Often, the church has been satisfied with something less than what is cited in this passage. Drifting away is a central caution in Hebrews, for Paul speaks also of "falling away," "holding fast" and "being steadfast."

Following his magnificent Chapter One, Paul began Chapter Two with a "therefore" segment and followed up in Chapter Three, meaning everything said up to this point is contained in what comes next.

This great salvation which was preached by Jesus, supported by the Father and supplied by the Spirit must never be neglected. Signs, wonders, miracles and gifts are manifestations accompanying the message, but it is the message of salvation which takes precedence, not the manifestations.

The focus of Hebrews is on Jesus as revealed in this next passage. It is here that Moses and Christ are compared as to their faithfulness to God. Jesus takes precedence.

Again, verse seven of Chapter Three starts with a "therefore" clause. Based on what was said before, the Spirit makes an appeal and gives a warning. I firmly believe that many Christians have hardened hearts and may not be aware of it.

Paul continually makes his appeal to be "heart-careful" for such an appeal is in order today. It is time to preach verse 15, and with abandonment, for the hour is far spent. Definitely, the Spirit will honor such a message.

Later in Hebrews Chapter Six, the Spirit authors another warning, this one more dire in consequence than the former one.

Shades of Esau come to mind at this verse, as does Cain. They sought forgiveness and could not find it.

Examination of one's heart is tantamount in this passage (" Falling away" is an end-time prediction).

Are we not witnessing this kind of behavior under current conditions?

Hopefully, we can be like Paul's comment in verse 9,

Being "sluggish" carries shades of Revelation's "Lukewarm" church. It is possible to maintain a church schedule in a routine manner-that's sluggishness!

Hurrying on to Chapter nine, we discover two references to the Spirit, both regarding the Tabernacle.

In verse 8, the Spirit offers revelation concerning understanding the purpose of the Old Testament ritual functions. Although these same forms were operating in Jerusalem during Paul's life, imagine the impact of this message on the Jewish population and its meanings while at the same time enlightening the Gentiles.

The way into the Holiest of All could not be attained as long as the first tabernacle was operative. Jesus offered His blood at the eternal altar through the eternal Spirit. It's all about Him.

Continuing in this same vein, Paul exults in the glory of Jesus' sacrifice.

Notice the two "but" clauses (vss.12,15), which indicate there is something different about this Man and the Spirit. This Man sits on the Throne with God, waiting for His enemies to be made His footstool and perfecting those who are BEING MADE HOLY. Joining Him is the Holy Spirit working in the saints and bringing them knowledge of the transforming power within them. "I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more" is comfort from the Comforter, but doubly so when one understands, "He is writing His laws into their hearts and minds." This is truly "the time of reformation."

Lastly, a warning is made clear - not to trample the Son of God or insult the Holy Spirit.

The person of the Spirit of grace can be lied to, quenched, grieved, insulted and sinned against! He also can be consulted, followed, sought after and glorified.

Paul was well aware that all these factors mentioned up to this point had invaded the church, leaving him to say:

Introduction:

Desiring to write about believers' commonalities, Jude changed course and warned the church against Apostates who had crept in. Not only does Jude describe them, he assails them, much like Peter's second epistle.

Jude waxes eloquent with rhetoric in this passage:

Jude hurls a volley of disdain for those masquerading as part of the church.

Notice: Jude wants the early church to know who these folks are. Regardless of their confession, these do not have the Spirit. Not having the Spirit is the point of discernment. God knows the thousands of religious organizations, whether they are called churches or called by some other name, which do not have the Spirit.

However, there are those who do have the Spirit.

Jude's short treatise boils down to those who have the Spirit and those who do not. Listen carefully, if your fellowship or congregation does not have evidence of the Spirit---change groups!

Also, "praying in the Holy Spirit" is a key factor in faith. Often, we don't know how we should pray; the Spirit knows and He will steer our words, thoughts and direction. He will make intercession for us with groanings. What more does one need?

Until Next Month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.