2 Timothy 2
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
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 were some believers who got deceived by the false teachings of Hymenaeus and Philetus and their faith was overthrown. Yet the Holy Spirit led Paul to state in the very next verse that the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. The "Nevertheless" points back to those believers who's faith had been overthrown.
God knows who are his, not by any acts of obedience, but by their foundation. And the foundation is Jesus Christ. Believers will be judged on how they build upon their foundation. Some will receive rewards for the labor. Some will suffer loss for their lack of labor. Either way, man is saved based upon their foundation.
Paul had to address this problem of following false teachers and commanded the believers to study the word of truth and to rightly divide the word of truth. This will help guard one from falling under the teachings of false teachers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
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 were some believers who got deceived by the false teachings of Hymenaeus and Philetus and their faith was overthrown. Yet the Holy Spirit led Paul to state in the very next verse that the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. The "Nevertheless" points back to those believers who's faith had been overthrown.
God knows who are his, not by any acts of obedience, but by their foundation. And the foundation is Jesus Christ. Believers will be judged on how they build upon their foundation. Some will receive rewards for the labor. Some will suffer loss for their lack of labor. Either way, man is saved based upon their foundation.
Paul had to address this problem of following false teachers and commanded the believers to study the word of truth and to rightly divide the word of truth. This will help guard one from falling under the teachings of false teachers.