The Solid Foundation of God Stands

by Mitchell Tan
September 08, 2017

RECOGNISING A SOLID FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH

Our life and ministry must be built on foundational truths. It cannot be based on anything else except Biblical truths from God’s word. This was something that Paul emphasised repeatedly to Timothy. One vital truth that Timothy was to focus on was “God knowing us as His people.”

“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His’”
2 Timothy 2:19

1. THE LORD KNOWS SPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE HIS PEOPLE

In the Old Testament, the Lord God had sought to relate to the people of Israel as His people. He had chosen them to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the people on the face of the earth (Deuteronomy 7:6). In the New Testament, the term that was emphasised was being His children. When we receive the Lord Jesus, He will give us the right to be children of God (John 1:12). We become joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus (Romans 8:17).

2. HAVING SEALS

A. THE SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A GUARANTEE (EPHESIANS 1:13)

The first seal that we have when we have faith in Christ is the seal of the Spirit. He is our guarantee.

B. THE SEAL OF GOD WITH REFERENCE TO US BELONGING TO THE LORD

The second seal that we have is given collectively as a Church. Being part of God’s people becomes our seal.

REASONS FOR HAVING THIS FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH

“For they will increase to ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth”
2 Timothy 2:16-18

1. THE PROBLEM OF INCREASING TO UNGODLINESS

If we do not stand on this truth, we can be deceived and advance towards more ungodliness.

2. THE PROBLEM OF STRAYING FROM THE TRUTH

We can also be led astray by falsehood. We can end up upholding that which is full of error.

RAMIFICATIONS OF APPLYING THIS FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH

1. SHUNNING FALSE TEACHINGS

“But shun profane and idle babblings”
2 Timothy 2:16

The challenge for us is to totally avoid any form of false teachings. The message of false teachings can spread like cancer. It is very dangerous. Let’s shun it completely.

2. DEPARTING FROM ALL SINS

“Let everyone who names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.”
2 Timothy 2:19

We are also meant to depart from the way of sin. Even as we are His children who have called on the name of the Lord, let’s seek to set aside all iniquity and be cleansed from them.

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