Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 16

God's Judgment and the Law

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Rom 2:16

according to my...

The Greek text of this verse begins with the phrase “in the day.” The words this will take place are not in the Greek but are supplied to tie this verse back to the main idea of this section (Rom. 2:5-13), namely, God’s righteous judgment (Rom. 2:5). Rom. 2:14-15 are actually a parenthetic idea (as indicated in the NIV). This was brought to mind by Rom. 2:13 and the Jewish prejudice against the Gentiles. The certainty of divine judgment is emphasized by the words God will judge (lit., “God judges”). The Agent of divine judgment is Jesus Christ (cf. John 5:22, 5:27; Acts 17:31). This judgment will deal with men’s secrets (lit., “the hidden things of men”) and will reveal those things and prove God’s judgment right (cf. 1Cor. 4:5). Paul’s gospel is not the standard of God’s judgment. The idea is that the righteous judgment of God is an essential ingredient of the gospel Paul preached and a reason for trusting Jesus’ finished redemption.

“Secrets” primarily refers to the motives that lie behind men’s actions. 

In this section (Rom. 2:1-16) God is seen as the Creator-Sovereign of the universe conducting the moral government of His human creatures. God’s absolute standards are known. God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous impartially according to their works, which reveal their hearts. Since no human being — Jesus Christ excepted — can be declared righteous (justified) by God on the basis of his own merit, every human is condemned by God. At this point in Paul’s argument the way a person can secure a righteous standing before God has not yet been presented. Here the emphasis is on the justice of God’s judgment, leading to the conclusion that nobody on his own can be declared righteous by God.

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 11

The Handwriting on the Wall

There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; Dan. 5:11

There is a... It is always good to have a man of this type in any kingdom. It is even good to have such men in the church. They were plentiful in early times (1Co. 1:7; 12:4-11).

in whom is...

thy father...

made master of...

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 15

God's Judgment and the Law

Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) Rom 2:15

shew the work... Keeping Law by Nature

Their keeping the law by nature proves they have the law written in their hearts. The conscience bears witness of obedience or condemns for disobedience, proving God has not left people without light sufficient to justify or condemn in the judgment (Rom. 2:15-16). It does not say here that keeping the law, or doing by nature what the law requires, saves the soul in either case. People have to be born again in addition to this to be saved.

their conscience also... Literal meaning “with knowledge.” That instinctive sense of right and wrong, that produces guilt when violated. In addition to an innate awareness of God’s law, men have a warning system that activates when they choose to ignore or disobey that law.

Paul urges believers not to violate their own consciences or cause other to because repeatedly ignoring the conscience’s warnings desensitizes it and eventually silences it.

Moral Gentiles by their actions show that the requirements (lit., “the work”) of the Law are written on their hearts. This is confirmed by their consciences, the faculty within human beings that evaluates their actions, along with their thoughts that either accuse or excuse them of sin. This is why Paul called such Gentiles a law for themselves (Rom. 2:14). Without knowing the written law of God, people in pagan society generally value and attempt to practice its most basic tenets. This is normal for cultures instinctively to value justice, honesty, compassion and goodness toward others, reflecting the divine law written in the heart.

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 10

The Handwriting on the Wall

Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed: Dan. 5:10

Now the queen... The merrymaking ceased, the revelry stopped, and a death-like silence came over the banquet hall because of the handwriting. The queen broke the silence by informing the king of Daniel (Dan. 5:10-12).

the queen spake... The sound of confusion in the banquet hall came to the ears of the queen. Evidently she was not a wife of Belshazzar for his wives were with him in the hall (Dan. 5:2-3). She was the king’s mother, or perhaps even his grandmother.

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 14

God's Judgment and the Law

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Rom 2:14

do by nature... Gentiles who are a law unto themselves will not be held accountable to any other law or be judged by any other.

law unto themselves:... Their practice of some good deeds and their aversion to some evil ones demonstrate an innate knowledge of God’s law, a knowledge that will actually witness against them on the Day of Judgment. “Work of the law”: Probably best understood as “the same works the Mosaic Law prescribes.”

The Jews looked down on the Gentiles partly because they did not have the revelation of God’s will in the Mosaic Law. But, as Paul pointed out, there are moral Gentiles who do by nature things required by the Law. Such persons show that the Law is not to be found only on tablets of stone and included in the writings of Moses; it is also inscribed in their hearts and is reflected in their actions, consciences, and thoughts. The Law given to Israel is in reality only a specific statement of God’s moral and spiritual requirements for everyone.

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 9

The Handwriting on the Wall

Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied. Dan. 5:9

Then was king... Three-fold effect of the handwriting:

1. It produced great agitation in the king (Dan. 5:6, 5:9).

2. It changed the jovial mood of the king to one of fear and terror (Dan. 5:6, 5:9).

3. The lords were dumbfounded (Dan. 5:9).

and his lords... Then all the guests who like the king had seen the writing on the wall were thrown into utter confusion (his nobles were baffled).

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 13

God's Judgment and the Law

(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Rom 2:13

For not the... Not the hearers of the law and of the gospel, but the doers will be justified (Rom. 2:7-11; 10:8-21; Jas. 1:21-27; 2:14-26; 1Jhn. 1:7).

Reading the Mosaic Law was a regular part of each synagogue service, so that Jews were those who hear the Law. However, being recognized as righteous was not the automatic concomitant of being a Jew and hearing the Law. Those who will be declared righteous (a forensic action usually trans. “justified,” e.g., Rom. 3:24; see Rom. 1:17 on “justify”) are those who obey the Law (lit., “the doers of the Law”). James made the same point (Jas. 1:22-25). Again (cf. Rom. 2:7-10) God does not give eternal life or justification to those who perform good works, but to those who believe (trust) in Him and whose conduct reveals their regenerate hearts.

Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 8

The Handwriting on the Wall

Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof. Dan. 5:8

they could not... As usual the wise men failed the king while Daniel became of service (Dan. 5:8-9; 2:2-19; 4:7-9).

nor make known... The wise men were unable to interpret the writing on the wall. This fact produced even greater fear in the king. Their inability to interpret the message made it even more ominous.

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 12

God's Judgment and the Law

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; Rom 2:12

For as many... Not only is it stated in Rom. 2:7-11 that God will judge on the basis of character and conduct, but here (Rom. 2:12-16) it is stated that He will judge character and conduct on the basis of light received.

also perish without... No Mosaic law will be cited against non-Jews.

God’s impartiality in judgment is also seen in the fact that He will deal with people in accordance with the dispensation in which they live. “The Law was given through Moses” (John 1:17), which marks the beginning of the dispensation of Law. The Law was provided for God’s Chosen People Israel, and the Gentiles were considered outside the Law. Therefore Paul declared, All who (lit., “as many as”) sin apart from the Law (lit., “without Law”) will also perish apart from the Law. Gentiles who sin will perish, but the Law of Moses will not be used as a standard of judgment against them. On the other hand the Jews who sin under (lit., “in the sphere of”) the Law will be judged by the Law. The Gentiles are not excused from God’s judgment, but they will not be judged according to the standard (the Mosaic Law) that was not given to them.

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 7

The Handwriting on the Wall

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. Dan. 5:7

The king cried... Belshazzar followed the pattern of his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar, in calling for the so-called wise men of Babylon (cp. Dan. 2:2-19; 4:6-9).

Whosoever shall read... Threefold promise of reward: He shall:

1. Be clothed in scarlet.

2. Have a chain of gold on his neck.

3. Be third ruler in the kingdom.

shall read this... This proves that the writing was not in the ordinary language of the lords from the empire. Had it been in Hebrew, Aramaic, or some common language of the empire many could have read and interpreted it. The original may have been a heavenly language of angels or one of any number of earthly languages not known to men in the Babylonian Empire. Whatever it was it took a man gifted by the Holy Spirit, one possessing the gift of interpretation, to read and interpret it (cp. 1Co. 12:10-11, 12:30; 13:1; 14:5, 14:12-14, 14:26-28). There is no indication here that Daniel could read this because he was acquainted with a particular language. This would be doing away with the supernatural element in the interpretation. It was done by the Holy Spirit as much as the previous interpretations were (Dan. 2:19, 2:22-23, 2:28-30, 2:47; 4:8-9, 4:19).

clothed with scarlet... This refers to being clothed in royal robes of purple (Aramaic: ’argvan, purple, Dan. 5:7, 5:29).

chain of gold...The working of metals into various ornaments, household articles, and even deities is as old as Tubal-Cain (Gen. 4:22). Chains of gold around the neck indicated political dignity (Dan. 5:7, 5:15, 5:29; Gen. 41:42).

third ruler in... Rule as one of three, that is, be the third. Nabonidus, the king, was the first ruler. Belshazzar, as coregent, was the second ruler. This would make Daniel the third ruler of Babylon; but he did not get to exercise this power due to the overthrow of Babylon that very night (Dan. 5:29-31).

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 11

God's Righteous Judgment

For there is no respect of persons with God. Rom 2:11

no respect of... Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25; Jas. 2:1-10.

A just recompense by God is without regard to ethnic background or any other consideration except what each person has done.

The focus of this passage is on the fact that God will judge all peoples, not on the details of who will be judged when. God is not impressed with our worldly wealth, importance, position, influence, popularity or appearance. We are what we are, because God chose for it to be that way.

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 6

The Handwriting on the Wall

Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. Dan. 5:6

Then the king’s... Five-fold description of fear and terror:

1. The face grows pale.

2. The mind becomes greatly agitated.

3. There is weakness in the whole frame.

4. The whole body trembles and shakes.

5. A cry of distress is given (Dan. 5:6-7; cp. Job. 4:12-21)

so that the... The king had evidently arisen from the chair in which he had been seated to lead the festivities and stood to watch. He became so frightened that… his legs gave way and he fell to the floor.

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 10

Blessing According to Divine Standards 

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Rom 2:10

God will bestow eternal life on those who by persistence in doing good seek (pres. tense, “keep on seeking”) glory, honor, and immortality. Notice that even though eternal life is a free gift; we must continue walking in the salvation Jesus has provided for us. We must continue walking in the Light. We must be doing the Word and not just hearing the Word.

A person’s doing good shows that his heart is regenerate. Such a person, redeemed by God, has eternal life.


A person’s habitual conduct, whether good or evil, reveals the condition of his heart. Eternal life is not rewarded for good living; that would contradict many other Scriptures which clearly state that salvation is not by works, but is all of God’s grace to those who believe (e.g., Rom. 6:23; 10:9-10; 11:6; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5).

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 5

The Handwriting on the Wall

In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Dan. 5:5

the same hour... The hour at the height of the revelry at the feast when idols were praised and the sacred vessels of the true God were desecrated (Dan. 5:2-4). It was the hour to end the 70 years’ captivity and for God to deliver His chosen people so that their nation might be restored (Dan. 9:24-27; Jer. 25:1-38).

came forth fingers... These fingers and hand came out of the total darkness, and came to a lighted area of the wall near the lamp to write. This is where the statement (handwriting on the wall), came from. This is the hand of God. The finger of God had written the Ten Commandments. This is the same finger, but with an entirely different purpose. This judgment is for the eyes of the king.

saw the part... Men saw the hand of God with their own eyes. Thousands saw the handwriting on the wall as visible as any other writing (Dan. 5:7-9, 5:16, 5:24-25).

Babylonian hands had taken God’s vessels (mentioned twice), and held them in contempt to dishonor and challenge Him. Now the hand that controls all men, and which none can restrain, challenged them. God’s answer to their challenge was clear (as we’ll see in verses 23-28).

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 9

Condemnation According to Divine Standards 

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; Rom 2:9


The statement first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (lit. “Greek”) does not imply special consideration for Jews. Instead, in the light of the divine standard of impartiality (God does not show favoritism), it emphasizes that the entire human race is dealt with by God. Just as the Jews were given the first opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel, they will be first to receive God’s judgment if they refuse. Israel will receive severer punishment because she was given greater light and blessing.


The phrase “the day of God’s… judgment” (Rom. 2:5) taken by itself may seem to lend support to the idea of a single general judgment of all humanity. However, the Scriptures do not support such a concept. This phrase must be interpreted in conjunction with passages which clearly indicate that several judgments of different groups occur at different times (cf. judgment of Israel at Christ’s Second Advent, Eze. 20:32-38; the judgment of Gentiles at Christ’s Second Advent, Mat. 25:31-46; the great white throne judgment, Rev. 20:11-15).

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 4

The Handwriting on the Wall

They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. Dan. 5:4

They drank wine... In drinking, the people honored the gods of Babylon — idols made of gold… silver… bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

and praised the...These atheists had no idea what they were doing. The silver and the gold vessels were holy, and dedicated to God alone. To drink from these vessels, would be a terrible sin before God.

This is such a terrible thing to do, that judgment will be swift. Look, with me, at the following New Testament Scripture about the same thing.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."

God will not overlook this act of disrespect for His holy things. They have sealed their own fate, by this terrible thing they have done.

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 8

God's Righteous Judgment

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Rom 2:8

indignation and wrath,... Note the contrasted destinies of two classes-good and evil (Rom. 2:7-11).

Conversely a person who continually does evil and rejects the truth shows that he is unregenerate, and therefore will be an object of God’s wrath.

We see in verse 8 what awaits those who are not walking with Jesus in His Light.

On the other hand wrath and anger will be the portion of the self-seeking… who reject (lit., “keep on disobeying”) the truth and follow (pres. tense, “keep on obeying”) evil (adikia, “unrighteousness”; cf. Rom. 1:18). God is not unaware. He will punish those who do not obey. From Genesis to Revelation we see blessings for those who live for God and curses to those who are the children of disobedience.

Each one who does (“keeps on producing”) evil will receive trouble and distress, whereas each one who does (“keeps on working”) good will have glory, honor (cf. “glory and honor” in Rom. 2:7), and peace. This just recompense by God is without regard to ethnic background or any other consideration except what each person has done.

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 3

The Handwriting on the Wall

Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. Dan. 5:3

Then they brought... It was sinful enough for such drinking to be going on, but to use the sanctified vessels from the house of God in Jerusalem in such a drunken brawl was going too far (Dan. 5:23). God remembered the times when they were used only for His service. He had been waiting for time to bring about the fulfillment of His word before taking vengeance for such desecration of holy things. The time had now come so He began writing on the wall (Dan. 5:5).

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 7

God's Righteous Judgment

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: Rom 2:7

patient continuance in... A must for all (see, John 6:27; 10:28).

seek for glory... Four Things to Seek

1. Glory (Rom. 2:7, 2:10; 8:18; 2Pet. 1:3)

2. Honor (Rom. 2:7, 2:10; John 12:26; 1Thes. 4:4)

3. Immortality (see 1Pet. 3:4)

4. Eternal life (see, John 6:27; 10:28)

These are given on conditions of seeking them (Rom. 2:7) and by "continuance in well doing" and "working good" (Rom. 2:7, 2:10). Acts of obedience do not merit such blessings, which are already provided for by grace, but they demonstrate acceptance of them by man and proof to God of conformity to His will (Phlp. 2:12; Jas. 1:21-27).

God will bestow eternal life on those who by persistence in doing good seek (pres. tense, “keep on seeking”) glory, honor, and immortality. On the other hand wrath and anger will be the portion of the self-seeking… who reject (lit., “keep on disobeying”) the truth and follow (pres. tense, “keep on obeying”) evil (adikia, “unrighteousness”; cf. Rom. 1:18). Each one who does (“keeps on producing”) evil will receive trouble and distress, whereas each one who does (“keeps on working”) good will have glory, honor (cf. “glory and honor” in Rom. 2:7), and peace. This just recompense by God is without regard to ethnic background or any other consideration except what each person has done.

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 2

The Handwriting on the Wall

Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. Dan. 5:2

golden and silver... The banquet itself showed Belshazzar’s contempt for the power of men. Then, to show his contempt for the power of the true God, he ordered that the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar… had taken from the temple in Jerusalem (cf. Dan. 1:1-2) be brought to the banquet hall so the assembled revelers might drink from them. See Dan. 1:2; 2Ki. 25:15; Jer. 52:19.

father Nebuchadnezzar had... His grandfather actually. There is no word in Aramaic for grandfather. The word "father" is often used of ancestors (1Ki. 15:11-13; 2Ki. 14:3; 2Ch. 34:1-2; Rom. 9:10). Jeremiah settles the controversy of this statement by saying, "all nations shall serve him (Nebuchadnezzar), and his son (Nabonidus), and his son’s son (Belshazzar), until the very time of his land come" (Jer. 27:7).

Titus Chapter 3

Titus Chapter 3

“Verses 1-11”: In his closing remarks, Paul admonished Titus to remind believers under his care of their attitudes toward:

(1) The unsaved rulers (verse 1), and people in general (verse 2);

(2) Their previous state as unbelievers lost in sin (verse 3);

(3) Of their gracious salvation through Jesus Christ (verses 4-7);

(4) Of their righteous testimony to the unsaved world (verse 8);

(5) And of their responsibility to oppose false teachers and factious members within the church (verses 9-11).

All of these matters are essential to effective evangelism.

Speak evil of no man literally means blaspheme no one.

Be no brawlers (literally, “abstain from fighting”). Unto all men indicates the universal extent of the Christian mission.

Salvation is not accomplished by works of righteousness, but by the washing of regeneration. That is, the cleansing that results from being born again (John 3:3). This is not a reference to baptism but to the spiritual renewing produced by the Holy Ghost (see Ezekiel 36:25-26). Consequently, we are justified by his grace and will be made heirs because we have the hope (strong confidence), of eternal life.

Titus 3:1

"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"

“Subject”: Submission to the authority of Scripture demands submission to human authorities as part of a Christian’s testimony (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:12-17).

We have discussed before how God makes a person to be king, or president, or in fact, governors or lesser offices, for His purpose. To go against the ruling government, would be saying that you cannot trust God's judgment.

The way to go up against them is at the voting booth. The only time we should go against the government is, if what they ask you to do is against your belief in God. It is best to keep the laws of the land and live peaceable lives.

Titus 3:2

"To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, showing all meekness unto all men."

“All men”: Christians are to exemplify these godly virtues in their dealings with everyone. The admonition applies especially to dealings with unbelievers. The use of this phrase here to refer to mankind in general (particularly those who cross our paths). Rather than every person who lives, supports the fact that it has the same meaning (in 2:11).

We should not even speak evil against our enemy. We are not to create trouble for ourselves, or anyone else. We are to be peacemakers. The meekness above, is really speaking of being humble.

The worldly man tends to talk about others, thinking it will make him look better, but Christians should do the opposite and build others up.

Titus 3:3

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another."

“Ourselves”: It is not that every believer has committed every sin listed here, but rather that before salvation every life is characterized by such sins. That sobering truth should make believers humble in dealing with the unsaved, even those who are grossly immoral and ungodly.

If it weren’t for God’s grace to His own, they would all be wicked (1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:25). For other lists of sins (see Romans 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 4:17-19).

This is a perfect description of all of us, before we came to Jesus. This is the way of the world, or the way of the flesh. Selfish, unsaved people do all the things above, because they are listening to the lust of their flesh. Until we receive the pattern of the perfect love of Jesus, we do not know how to love.

I love the answer Jesus gave when the disciples asked Him; what were the most important commandments. The following is the answer He gave them.

Mark 12:30-31 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment." "And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."

Hate is of the world, love is of God.

Titus 3:4

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,"

“Kindness … appeared” (as in 2:11). Paul is speaking of Jesus Christ, who was kindness and love incarnate, appearing in human form (Ephesians 2:4-6).

A companion Scripture to this is;

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

While we were yet in sin, Christ gave Himself to save us;

1 Timothy 4:10 "For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe."

The kindness and love of God our Savior toward men, is caught up in one word, grace. "Grace" is unmerited favor from God to man.

Ephesians 2:4-5 "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us," "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"

Titus 3:5

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"

“Not by works of righteousness”: Salvation has never been by deeds, or works (see Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:19-28).

“According to his mercy”: (Eph. 2:4; 1 Tim. 1:13; 1 Peter 1:3, 2:10).

“Washing of regeneration” (see Ezek. 36:25-31; Eph. 5:26-27; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23). Salvation brings divine cleansing from sin and the gift of a new, Spirit generated, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit-protected life as God’s own children and heirs (verse 7). This is the new birth (John 3:5; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1).

“Regeneration” refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in the salvation experience that produces new life in the believer. To express this concept, Jesus used the expression “born again” in His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:3-7).

Regeneration is the work of God through the Holy Spirit, of placing in one who has faith a new nature, capable of doing God’s will.

“Renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 8:2). He is the agent of the “washing of regeneration.”

The Holy Spirit is the agent of divine workman of this regeneration. His instrument is the bible which is likened to a hammer that judges sin (Jer. 23:29); a mirror that reveals sin (James 1:23), a sword that defeats Satan (Heb. 4:12), and a lamp that guides the believers (Psalm 119:105).

People are instantaneously “born again,” the moment they trust Christ as Savior (1 Peter 1:23). Christians should be careful to cooperate with God in growing as children of God after they are regenerated, or given new life.

Our own righteousness is but filthy rags. We could work forever and the work would not make us righteous. We are righteous in God's sight, because we are dressed in white robes washed in the blood of the Lamb of God. We have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ. We are acceptable to God, because Jesus made us acceptable, not by any work we do.

Revelation 7:13-14 "And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?" "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

Another type of washing that this could mean, is the washing of regeneration mentioned in the following Scripture.

Ephesians 5:26 "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,"

Titus 3:6

"Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;"

“Abundantly”: When believers are saved, Christ’s Spirit blesses them beyond measure (Acts 2:38-39; 1 Cor. 12:7, 11, 13; Eph. 3:20; 5:18).

We Christians, are born again in Jesus Christ. We die to the flesh, and are quickened in our spirit by the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that Jesus promised the Comforter would come. The Comforter did come. He is the Holy Ghost. He empowers us in our spirit to minister.

Titus 3:7

"That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

“Justified”: The central truth of salvation is justification by faith alone. When a sinner repents and places his faith in Jesus Christ, God declares him just, imputes the righteousness of Christ to him, and gives him eternal life by virtue of the substitutionary death of Christ as the penalty for that sinner’s iniquity (Romans 3:21 – 5:21; Gal. 3:6-22; Phil. 3:8-9).

“Heirs”: As adopted children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, believers become “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17; 1 Pet. 1:3-4).

Because He shed His grace on us, we are justified (just as if we had never sinned).

Galatians 3:29 "And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."

All who are justified by Jesus will inherit life eternal and be sons of God.

1 John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

Titus 3:8

"[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

“Faithful saying”: A common expression in the early church, used 5 times in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1; 4:9: 2 Tim. 2:11), is in general, referring to those who respond by the holy witness to the gospel.

This is just simply saying we must walk in the salvation we have received of God. Paul is telling Titus to keep reminding his people to be working, until Jesus comes. This is not only profitable to God but to man, as well.

Titus 3:9

"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain."

“Foolish questions”: Paul again warns against becoming embroiled in senseless discussions with the many false teachers on Crete (see 1:10, 14-16), especially the Judaizers who contended that a Christian must be obedient to “the Mosaic Law,” a view that assaulted the doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone and, contrary to holy living, which was good and profitable, was “unprofitable and worthless.”

Proclaiming the truth, not arguing error, is the biblical way to evangelize.

It seemed the Jewish Christians kept bringing up questions about keeping the Law of Moses. Paul tells Titus not to even get into a discussion with them on these matters. It would just cause confusion and strife. They would not accomplish anything, except they would divide the people.

Jesus warned over and over about studying genealogies. This is as if one class of people are better than the other. Look what John the Baptist had to say about genealogies in the next verse.

Matthew 3:9 "And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham."

“Verses 10-11”: A heretic was originally one who caused divisions or factions, but later the word emphasized such a person’s peculiar or unorthodox beliefs. Therefore, heretics and schismatics are to be rejected. As in all his epistle, Paul urges fidelity to the apostles’ doctrine.

Titus 3:10

"A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;"

“Reject”: Anyone in the church who is unsubmissive, self-willed, and divisive should be expelled. Two warnings are to be given, following the basic pattern for church discipline set forth by Christ (see Matt. 18:15-17; Rom. 16:17-18; 2 Thess. 3:14-15).

The word Heresy literally means “choosing one’s own ideas,” but now refers to that which is untrue. Even the New Testament church had false or heretical teachers who taught erroneous doctrine. Some epistles were specifically written to combat them (e.g. Galatians and 2 Thessalonians).

Paul warned the Romans against identifying with those who promoted divisive, heretical teachings (Rom. 16:17). He advised Titus to reject heretics if they did not respond after two warnings (verse 10). John warned that a heretic should not be admitted into a Christian’s home (2 John 10).

Not everyone who makes an incorrect doctrinal statement is a heretic. When Apollos was further instructed concerning the gospel, he grew into a mighty Christian leader (Acts 18:24-28). By contrast, Hymeneus and Philetus were heretics when they rejected Gods truth and hurt the faith of some believers (2 Tim. 2:16-18).

Christians should as much as possible dissociate themselves from every heretic, to be unhindered in their Christian lives.

A "heretic" is someone who does not accept the teachings of the church and decides to make up his own doctrine. "Admonition" means rebuke, or warning. This means then, if you have warned him more than once, then reject him.

Titus 3:11

"Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself."

“Being condemned”: By his own ungodly behavior, a factious believer brings judgment on himself.

The word translated "subverted" could have meant perverted. It seems this person has gone so far that it is not probable he will change. Since he will not repent and change, he has condemned himself.

Verses 12-14: Paul gives Titus special instructions.

Titus 3:12

"When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter."

“Artemas”: Nothing is known of this man beyond Paul’s obvious confidence in him.

“Tychicus”: This “beloved brother and faithful servant” (Col. 4:7), accompanied Paul from Corinth to Asia Minor (Acts 20:4), carried the apostle’s letter to the Colossian church (Col. 4:7), and possibly his letter to Ephesus (see Eph. 6:21).

“Nicopolis”: The name means “city of victory”, and this was but one of perhaps 9 different cities so named because of decisive military battles that were won in or near them. This particular Nicopolis was probably in southern Greece, on the West cost of Achaia, which was a good place “to spend the winter.”

It seems after Titus finished setting up the church at Crete, Paul wanted him to return to him. Paul would send Artemas to this church at Crete and Tychicus to Ephesus to minister in the church. It seems Paul was concerned that they might not get the proper message in their sermons, so he sent someone he had trained. This Nicopolis would have been on the way to Rome.

Titus 3:13

"Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them."

“Zenas”: Nothing is known of this believer whose expertise was either in biblical law or Roman law.

“Apollos”: Originally from Alexandria, he was an outstanding teacher of Scripture who was converted to Christ after being acquainted only with the teaching of John the Baptist (Acts 18:24-28). Some of his followers apparently formed a faction in the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:11-12; 3:4).

Apollos was well known, he is the same Apollos that Priscilla and Aquila had ministered to. Paul might need a lawyer when he got to Rome, but I hardly doubt that is why this is mentioned here.

Titus 3:14

"And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful."

“Good works:” Again, the emphasis is on good deeds as the platform for witnessing effectively (verse 8; 1:13-16; 2:5, 8, 10, 12, 14).

Ours here, is speaking of the members of the church at Crete. The good works spoken of probably, is speaking of taking up an offering for the travelers. They should be willing to help the missionaries who came by their church.

The main reason a person should give, besides the necessity, is what it will do for their own feelings knowing they have been of help in the ministry. They can participate in the missionary endeavor, even though they do not go on the trip.

The workers, who do make the trip, are just one part of the work that it takes to get them there. This way they could feel a part of the work, too.

Titus 3:15

"All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace [be] with you all. Amen."

“All that are with me” (1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; Phil. 4:22; also Rom. 16:21-23; Col. 4:10-14), where those with Paul are mentioned by name.

This is a typical salutation from Paul. He includes all who are with him. Paul knows and feels the love of the people in the churches he had so much to do with. He knows their love stems from the fact that directly, or indirectly, he had brought them the message of faith in Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy Chapter 3 Part One

2 Timothy Chapter 3 Part 1

Verses 1-4: “The last days” began with the birth of Christ and will culminate in Christ’s return to the earth to set up His kingdom. The prediction of “perilous times” indicates that apostasy will characterize the final days of the church age.

2 Timothy 3:1 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."

“The last days”: This phrase refers to this age, the time since the first coming of the Lord Jesus (see 1 Tim. 4:1).

“Perilous times”: “Perilous” is used to describe the savage nature of two demon-possessed men (Matt. 8:28). The word for “times” had to do with epochs, rather than clock or calendar time.

Such savage, dangerous eras or epochs will increase in frequency and severity as the return of Christ approaches (verse 13). The church age is fraught with these dangerous movements accumulating strength as the end nears (Matt. 7:15; 24:11-12, 24; 2 Peter 2:1-2).

In previous lessons, Paul has been cautioning Timothy of false teaching that will come in the church. In this lesson, Paul speaks prophetically of the last days. This will be things that are happening primarily out of the church in society itself, but much of it taking place in the church, as well.

Perilous times would be times of great uncertainty. Possibly, a better way to say this would be to say dangerous times. I believe if you will carefully investigate this with me, you will agree this is speaking of the very days we live in.

Verses 2-4: This list of attributes characterizing the leaders of the dangerous seasons is a description of unbelievers similar to the Lord’s (in Mark 7:21-22).

2 Timothy 3:2 "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,"

There has never been a time when the statement "lovers of their own selves" was truer than in our society today. I believe that much of this can be blamed on Secular Humanism in the public schools. Children are taught that everything is relative to something else. They are not taught absolutes, especially of discipline. The Bible teaches absolutes.

The child, that grows up believing himself to be the center of everything, finds it difficult to put God at the center of his life. They can easily fall into being lovers of their own selves.

When you believe that you are the center of everything, then you believe that anything you want should be yours, even if it belongs to someone else. You can see that coveting is a form of loving yourself as well. Bragging seems to be the rule of the day.

Blasphemers are everywhere. The Television, movie houses, and video rentals all lean toward movies that are rated PG, R, or X which means they are full of cursing and worst. Many times, the name of God is included in the cursing, which would certainly be blaspheming.

This is so prevalent that children and adults who watch these filthy movies do not even realize this blaspheming is going on. Their brains have been so conditioned to accept it that they are immune to it. They do not take thought that their brains are like a computer recording all of these bad words to be used later, when they least expect it.

There are so many divorces in our society today that a child must think a minute or two to remember just who their parent is. Many grandparents are raising their grandchildren, because the children are on drugs, or worse.

A few parents are trying to raise their children with respect for their parents, but they are thrown in with children from problem homes in the schools to such an extent that many otherwise obedient children become disobedient because of association.

In this affluent society, children have been given so many things they did not earn; that they have the idea society owes them a living. They never have to wait for a special occasion to come to receive their wants, so they become unthankful.

To say that we are unholy in our society today is a gross understatement. Very few even know the meaning of the word. The 10 Commandments of the Bible are broken so often, that many do not even remember what they are. God is holy. He said for us to be holy, because He is Holy. To be "holy" means to live above sin.

In our society, there are fewer marriages as many people just live together. The Bible calls that adultery. Most everyone covets, because they want to keep up with the Jones'. I could go on and on. Homosexuals live together and call it an alternate life style. God calls it an abominable sin. We would have to look around us and say we are unholy as a society.

2 Timothy 3:3 "Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,"

One of the disgraces of our society today is how we throw our parents away when they get old. We push their care off on someone who does not even know them. Mothers are abandoning their children. Women are destroying their unborn children. This is without natural affection.

When I was a child, a person would shake hands with you on a deal, and it was done.

People did not sue each other over slight things. Now to ensure that an agreement is legal, you must have an agreement written down and signed before witnesses. People will break a truce, if it will be an advantage to them.

We do not know our neighbors, so we accuse them of things we do not know to be true.

Incontinent means without self-control. Our rehabilitation hospitals can vouch for that. It is of national concern how to get people off alcohol and drugs. This is a society gone mad.

Fierce describes what is going on in our streets today with the drive-by shootings. This society makes fun of those who try to live holy before the Lord. I believe the reason they despise those trying to live good, is because they show them how bad they are by comparison.

2 Timothy 3:4 "Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;"

True loyalty seems to be a thing of the past. For a few dollars, our best friend will do you in. The main one we are traitors to is our self. "Heady" means falling forward. The Bible would call this unstable in all thy ways. Highminded means to inflate with self-conceit. How many things in our life come before God?

What excuses do we make for not worshipping in church? I can think of a few. How about golf, fishing, hunting, football, basketball, gardening, movies, etc. I could go on and on. Anything that you enjoy more than fellowshipping with God falls into this category, (even work).

Verses 5-9: “A form of godliness” is mere religion without “power” or spiritual life. Paul commands Timothy to “turn away” from these false teachers who prey upon “silly women laded with sins,” who are especially susceptible to false teachers. “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”, condemns not intense study but some esoteric quest for truth apart from God’s Word.

“Jannes and Jambres.” According to Jewish tradition, these were the two magicians in Pharaoh’s court who attempted to duplicate Moses’ miracles (Exodus 7:11; 9:11).

2 Timothy 3:5 "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

“Having a form of godliness … denying the power”: “Form” refers to outward shape or appearance. Like the unbelieving scribes and Pharisees, false teachers and their followers are concerned with mere external appearances (Matt. 23:25; Titus 1:16). Their outward form of Christianity and virtue makes them all the more dangerous.

We may appear to be a Christian to the world; we may even profess to being a Christian. My question is, if you were on trial for being a Christian, could you be convicted by the evidence in your life? Would God declare you a Christian, by the condition of your heart, or would he say get away from me, I never knew you? (Matt. 7:23).

Is the power of God working in you? God never changes. Do you believe that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, or have you put limits on the power of God?

2 Timothy 3:6 "For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,"

“Silly women”: Silly in virtue and the knowledge of the truth, and weighed down with emotional and spiritual guilt over their sins, these women were easy prey for the deceitful false teachers (see 1 Tim. 2:13-14; 5:11-12).

This to me, is speaking of someone who pretends to be of God convincing those (silly women), who are not grounded in the Word of God, to follow a false teaching. We see some religions today which are actually very sensual in nature. Could that be what this is talking about? Lust does not have to be just sex; it can be flesh desires for anything that is forbidden of God.

The only way to be smart enough not to fall for something appealing to your flesh is to know the Word of God and get your flesh under the control of the spirit. Do not listen to the lust of the flesh. Let the Spirit of God direct your decisions.

2 Timothy 3:7 "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

“The knowledge of the truth”: (1 Timothy 2:4), uses this same phrase, equating it with being saved. Here Paul identified those women (verse 6), and men who were often jumping from one false teacher or cult to another without ever coming to an understanding of God’s saving truth in Jesus Christ.

The present age, since the coming of Jesus Christ, has been loaded with perilous false teaching that can’t save, but does damn (verses 14, 16-17; 1 Tim. 4:1).

This statement, coupled with the statement above, makes you realize that this could be false doctrines that appeal to the flesh of mankind. The women are more vulnerable, because they have more time to listen to these false teachings. If the teaching appeals to your flesh, beware. It is probably not of God, if it appeals to the flesh.

Some people are constantly looking for something new. They read every how-to book they can find and never read their Bible. The Bible has the answers to all of life's problems. Look there first. Then read your other books. The Bible is the Truth.

Let me stop here, and ask you, have you not seen our society in this warning on the last days? It seems to me that each thing fits our society to a T. Next, I might ask, what are you going to do about it? We must stop and take stock of ourselves, and do what we can to change the world around us.

Pray for God to become real in your life. Let Jesus be your Lord, as well as your Savior. Before you get involved in anything, ask yourself is this sound by Bible standards? Read the guidebook to a happy, productive, holy life. It is as near as your hand, it is the Holy Bible.

Romans Chapter 2 Vs. 6

Condemnation according to divine standards

Who will render to every man according to his deeds: Rom 2:6

render to every... Repay every man reward or 

punishment.

Paul describes the deeds of two distinct groups: the redeemed in verses 7 and 10, and the unredeemed as shown in 8-9. The deeds of the redeemed are not the basis of their salvation but the evidence of it. They are not perfect and are prone to sin, but there is undeniable evidence of righteousness in their lives. We are all storing up things in heaven now. Some who walk in the Light of Jesus are storing up good treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6:19-21 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:" "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:" "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

If our deeds are evil, the wrath of God will be our just payment. If we are working for God, only a warm welcome awaits us, and the statement (well done thy good and faithful servant). In verse 7 we see the rewards awaiting the believer.

Daniel Chapter 5 Vs. 1

The Handwriting on the Wall

Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. Dan. 5:1

Belshazzar the king... Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus and grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. The inscriptions show that he was coregent while his father went to meet Cyrus in battle. This chapter follows Daniel 7-8 in chronology, for the vision of Dan. 7:1-28 was seen in the first year and that of Dan. 8:1-27 in the third year of Belshazzar. The author no doubt put the message of this chapter here in order to keep the prophetic sections of Daniel 7:1-12:13 together.

a great feast... The hall in which this feast was held has been recently excavated. It was 60 x 172 feet The walls were beautifully decorated with painted stucco designs.

of his Lords... Aramaic, rabreban, great ones (Dan. 4:36; 5:1, 5:9, 5:10, 5:23; 6:17).

and drank wine... Babylon was being besieged by the Persian army, led by Ugbaru, governor of Gutium, while Belshazzar, inside the city, was giving a great banquet for 1,000 of his nobles. Belshazzar’s name means “Bel (another name for the god Marduk) has protected the king.” Perhaps the banquet was given to show Belshazzar’s contempt for the Persians and to allay his people’s fears. Archaeologists have excavated a large hall in Babylon 55 feet wide and 165 feet long that had plastered walls. Such a room would have been sufficient to house a gathering of this size. Belshazzar considered his city secure from assault because of its massive walls. Within the city were supplies that would sustain it for 20 years. Therefore the king felt he had little cause for concern.