Affirmation. 2 Timothy 2:19.
But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
Dear Royal Priesthood,
The danger of the “upsetting of the faith of some” posed by the irreverent babble of some teachers is real. But Paul also wants to remind believers that they are secure in Christ.
Assurance (v. 19a). Important buildings of Paul’s day, as is still the case today, not only had a foundation, but they also had a foundation stone. On this stone was usually written an inscription stating the purpose of the building or its owner, or whatever was of importance to the developer. We are the house of God, built on the “foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20) with God’s inscription,
Acknowledgement (v. 19b). Believers are known by God. This knowledge is not simply the awareness of their existence but an intimate engagement that is in itself an assurance of an unbreakable bond. This means that those who belong to the Lord will not be among the victims of the “upsetting of the faith of some.”
Avoidance (v. 19c). This is because those who belong to the Lord will “depart from iniquity.” Iniquity is another word for wickedness. The people of God are distinguished by their distance from evil. Those who claim to be his and yet continue in sin are liars. It is that simple.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.