2 Timothy 2-Part 1: Truth Is A Person, Truth Is Christ
Truth Is A Person, Truth Is Christ
By Tammy Lacock
“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” (2 Timothy 2:5-7, KJV)
“If you don’t start right, you won’t end up right” is a phrase Warren Litzman shares to explain verse 5 in 2 Timothy 2.
He says, when we search the Scriptures, when we are seeking to learn more about God and His plan, we need to take the words in Scriptures as they are, rather than trying to change the words around to make sense of them or waiting on an interpretation from others. Paul says in this verse that if we don’t search the Scriptures lawfully, or in the right way, then we won’t be “crowned” with understanding. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us the truth in the Scriptures. If we don’t get understanding, then we are not ready, therefore, we’ll need to lay it aside for a time until the Holy Spirit equips us.
In verse 6, Warren explains that the husbandman, the one that shares the truth of the Scriptures, must experience this truth before he can preach it. He must experience the fruits of the gospel before he can share it. Paul tells us throughout his epistles, the final gospel given to him by Christ, Himself, that truth is a person; Truth is Christ.
If we don’t see Christ in the Scriptures and experience the fruits of Christ, then we are not fit to share it. If not experienced, the Scriptures are just words, just phrases with no life.
In verse 7, Paul prays and assures us that Christ will give us the understanding of the Scriptures, and specifically Paul’s gospel of Christ in us, if we search them truthfully and rightfully. He assures us that if we search them wholeheartedly and ask the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, then truth will be revealed. Truth will set us free. We will assuredly experience the fruits of Christ.
Just as it was revealed to Paul, may the Holy Spirit reveal it to us as we search the Scriptures: Truth is a Person; Truth is Christ.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV)