A Firm Foundation
2 Timothy 2:19
A Closer Walk With Thee
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Introduction: Whenever a foundation is laid there is a process:
The hole is dug
The Gravel compacted
The footings laid out
The steel laid in
The concrete poured
Tie bolts in place
Then we begin the foundation:
The forms are set
The steel is laid in and tied
The concrete is poured
The forms are either beaten or a vibrator is used to settle the concrete
Sill bolts are installed
The curing process begins – by heat.
And all must be done within certain mathematical tolerances so as to have a precise finished product.
There is also a standard for each peace of material used and a process by which each stage is completed:
There must be a proper mixture of sand, stone and chemicals so that the aggregate is strong
Slump testing is done to ensure proper water content and mixing procedures have been followed
The forms must be sturdy
The steel a certain temper
And the ambient air temperature accounted for.
Each of these processes and procedures must be overseen by a person knowledgeable in such construction and depending upon the size of the structure to be built there may be engineers, surveyors, scientists, etc involved in the project so that the resultant foundation will be able to support the weight of the eventual structure built upon it.
Because mankind has a creative instinct and desire for constructing edifices of all sizes we have all manner of specialized training and specialists trained to handle the building process. Add to our aforementioned list of Engineer, scientist, surveyor the following:
Architect, plumber, mason, steel worker, electricians and the list can go on.
My point is this. As men we are prone to exercising great care and diligence to erect temporary structures in this world. From single family homes to tremendous skyscrapers, all of which are appropriately engineered, and that with great care, and each structure will bear a mark, a seal, a name that we will know who it’s designer/builder is.
In our passage of scripture today we will be looking at the “Foundation of God” so turn with me to Matt. 16 first as there are several points I wish to make concerning God’s design techniques:
Firstly God is The Builder:
Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
We are the material:
1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1Pe 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
1Pe 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1Pe 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
When the new sanctuary was being built here at JBC there was included in it’s foundation a corner stone that reads:
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.
Precious and exciting words for this Pastor’s eyes and ears to behold as I am sure they are for you.
Today we will expound this verse from II Timothy 2 that we may all be refreshed by the vision God has laid out for this body of believers here in Jaffrey New Hampshire.
Let’s Pray
Read II Timothy 2
Background: Paul is writing this second epistle to Timothy his son in the faith while a prisoner at Rome. It is the mid AD 60’s and Pauls life is coming to a close. Therefore he desires to exhort Timothy one last time regarding church issues.
Context: Albert Barne’s Notes
This chapter, 2 Tim. 2, is made up of various exhortations and encouragements to duty. The apostle exhorts Timothy to be strong in the Christian graces 2Ti_2:1;
to commit the great trust which he had received to faithful men 2Ti_2:2;
to endure hardships like a good soldier 2Ti_2:3-7, and refers him:
(a) to the case of one who goes to war, whose great business it is to please him in whose service he is 2Ti_2:4;
(b) to the case of one who strives for a crown at the games 2Ti_2:5, and,
(c) to the husbandman who looks onward for the reward of his labor; 2Ti_2:6.
In order to encourage him to be patient in enduring the trials to which he would be exposed, Paul refers him.
(a) to the certainty of the truth of that religion in whose cause he would suffer 2Ti_2:8;
(b) to his own case, reminding him how much he had endured in that cause 2Ti_2:9-10;
(c) to the fact that our sufferings here will be crowned with certain glory hereafter 2Ti_2:11-12; and,
(d) to the assurance that the Lord Jesus will be faithful to all his promises to his people; 2Ti_2:13.
Timothy has been experiencing great schism and strife within the church and Paul needs to give both comfort and instruction.
The Church today is in turmoil all around the world. Persecution, heresy,conflict, strife, all exist within the body of Christ – and it will only become worse the closer we get to Christ’s return.
But despite the persecution, heresy, and turmoil Paul says to Timothy remember:
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.
There are two basic concepts Paul is sharing with Timothy, they are:
The surety of God’s Foundation
The Sanctity of it’s Seal
Two very fruitful and promising truths that I believe God would have JBC to understand and cling to at all times, and in all seasons.
The first truth is the “Surety” of God’s foundation – it will never be moved! The gates of Hell shall never prevail against it!
We have already read how God is building His Church, how that Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone and Paul is telling Timothy very simply and plainly, “son, do not fear, for the foundation of God is salvation itself. The proclamation of the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour.
That is the sure foundation – Salvation itself, full and free.
2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
2Ti 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for 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.
2Ti 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
2Ti 1:15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
2Ti 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
2Ti 1:17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
2Ti 1:18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
The foundation is sure now I would like to look at the “Two Seals” upon that foundation this morning, that is:
The Lord Knows them that are His
And
Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity
These seals give the foundation it’s sanctity.
By sanctity we mean it’s “setting apart” for God’s service; the fact that this seal will help all who behold the foundation to see that it belongs to God almighty Himself.
Having this seal - The seal here is one that was affixed to the foundation, and seems to refer to some inscription on the foundation-stone which always remained there, and which denoted the character and design of the edifice. The allusion is to the custom, in rearing an edifice, of inscribing the name of the builder and the design of the edifice on the cornerstone…
So then the church of Christ is a building reared by the hands of God.
Its foundation has been firmly and securely laid, and on that foundation there is an inscription always remaining which determines the character of the edifice.
-Albert Barnes
Firstly that: The Lord knows them that are His…
What a glorious statement! That God “Knows” His children. This satement speaks of the intimacy with which He attends to all His Children who truly believe. Notice the following:
He knows them by name –
Joh 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Joh 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
Joh 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Joh 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
And by Character –
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
That we claim to know God is not as important as the fact that scripturally God must know us:
The Lord: Num_16:5; Psa_1:6, Psa_37:18, Psa_37:28; Nah_1:7; Mat_7:23; Luk_13:27; Joh_10:14; Joh_10:27-30, Joh_13:18; Rom_8:28, Rom_11:2; 1Co_8:3; Gal_4:9; Rev_17:8
The first statement in our verse today that God’s foundation is sure and that He knows them that are His is pictorial of God’s absolute sovereignty and power to build, keep and to know all aspects of His building. He is His own “Design/Build” team.
Engineer, Architect, carpenter, he does it all, and therefore is always in complete control over the work being performed.
Remember that Paul was writing to Timothy to encourage him through difficult times in the life of the Church.
So the Lord’s control over His work and eventual glorification by it should be of great comfort to all.
But the last part of the verse, that is,
“Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity” speaks to our part.
It speaks of the choices we make and the lives that we lead.
The Word “Depart” means:
1) to make stand off, cause to withdraw, to remove
1a) to excite to revolt
2) to stand off, to stand aloof
2a) to go away, to depart from anyone
2b) to desert, withdraw from one
2c) to fall away, become faithless
2d) to shun, flee from
2e) to cease to vex one
2f) to withdraw one’s self from, to fall away
2g) to keep one’s self from, absent one’s self from
Part of Speech: verb
AT Robertsons “Word Pictures in the New Testament says reference this subject of departing:
Let every one depart (apostētō pās). Paraphrase of Num_16:27; Isa_26:13; Isa_52:11; Jer_20:9. Second aorist active imperative of aphistēmi (intransitive use), “Let every one stand off from.” Probably another echo of the rebellion of Korah.
Likewise Vincents Word Studies references the same verse in Numbers:
Comp. Num_16:26; Isa_52:11.
Turn to Numbers 16 with me.
Num 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
Num 16:2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:
Num 16:3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
Num 16:4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:
Num 16:5 And he spoke unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even tomorrow the LORD will show who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
Num 16:6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;
Num 16:7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD tomorrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.
Num 16:8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:
Num 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?
Num 16:10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
Num 16:11 For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?
Num 16:12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up:
Num 16:13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?
Num 16:14 Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.
Num 16:15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
Num 16:16 And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow:
Num 16:17 And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer.
Num 16:18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.
Num 16:19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.
Num 16:20 And the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
Num 16:21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.
Num 16:22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?
Num 16:23 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying,
Num 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
Num 16:25 And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.
Num 16:26 And he spoke unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.
Num 16:27 So they got up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
Num 16:28 And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
Num 16:29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.
Num 16:30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
Num 16:31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground cleaved asunder that was under them:
Num 16:32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
Num 16:33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
Num 16:34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.
Num 16:35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
Num 16:36 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying,
Num 16:37 Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.
Num 16:38 The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.
Num 16:39 And Eleazar the priest took the brazen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:
Num 16:40 To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.
Num 16:41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.
Num 16:42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.
Num 16:43 And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation.
Num 16:44 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying,
Num 16:45 Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.
Num 16:46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
Num 16:47 And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
Num 16:48 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.
Num 16:49 Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.
Num 16:50 And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.
