Health Update & Enduring Word Study Bible
I’m super excited about the Enduring Word Study Bible because I know David Guzik has a solid theology. He’s a Calvary Chapel Pastor so I have a peace recommending him to the congregation, he’s going to be safe in his theology – in his teachings on the doctrines of salvation, the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, the church, leadership, Israel, and especially eschatology.
WHAT A BLESSING TO HAVE ANOTHER STUDY BIBLE FROM A CALVARY CHAPEL PASTOR! OF COURSE I HAVE MY WORD FOR TODAY BY PASTOR CHUCK SMITH. BUT THIS IS THE NEXT STEP.
As a pastor one of the things that concerns me most is that people will be swept away with all the different teachings out there that are not Biblical. They listen to podcasts and watch videos and are swept away with people telling them what they want to hear. Be careful beloved – get rooted in sound doctrine.
Paul wrote to Timothy and warned him about damning doctrine spreading like cancer (2 Timothy 2:17). He even said that they’re doctrine overthrew the faith of some in the church.
If you can swing it, check out the Study Bible, available at our Calvary Chapel El Monte bookstore, and anywhere Bibles are sold.
2 Timothy 1:13-18 (Study Notes)
“Challenges for the Church”
Imagine an airplane leaving from Los Angeles flying directly to Rome, Italy. The flight will take about 12 hours if the plane goes travels in a straight line.
But, if the nose of the airplane is pointed just 1 degree off course to the south, after 12 hours the plane will land somewhere in Tunisia, Africa! If there is a one-degree difference to the north the plane might land in Slovenia or Austria!
In order for God’s people need to be protected, we need to be precise!
4 Challenges:
I. Hold Tight to the Truth
II. Protect the Gospel
III. Never Turn Away
IV. Seek to Encourage Others
I. Hold Tight to the Truth
13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Hold fast, hold tight to the truth, Timothy!
Hold fast, hold tight to the truth, Church! This is a word specifically to pastors but at the same time it’s applicable to all of God’s people.
The world will try to rip it out of your hands, your head, and you heart…but don’t let them.
Don’t just have a nice grip, have a vise grip! Paul says, “Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me…”
This is God’s revelation, and this is God’s interpretation.
Never let it go!
I thought it was interesting, that the Greek word translated “pattern,” is the root of our English word, hygiene.
This is a verse about Spiritual hygiene.
So, Paul charges Timothy to keep the doctrine germ free, to keep it clean and untainted, so that the church remains holy and healthy.
Sound doctrine will protect the church from debilitating and even deadly disease.
This is s important – it’s critical, which is why we read this type of exhortation frequently in the Bible.
Paul wrote something similar in Titus 1:9 (NKJV) {a pastor is to be} holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”
*2 Timothy 3:14
Titus 2:1 (NKJV) But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.
Paul later in this letter will issue a heavy warning – that definitely applies to the days we live in!
2 Timothy 4:3 (NKJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers.
Faith (2 Timothy 4:7)
Love (We speak the truth in love – Ephesians 4:15)
II. Protect the Gospel
14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
As Paul is passing the baton on to Timothy, he speaks of this good thing that has not been committed to him.
There are few things that might be that “good thing.”
1. It might be a reference to the Ministry as a whole.
2. It might be a reference to the Truth as a whole…as we’ve covered in v. 13, holding Tight to the Truth.
3. But that good thing, is most likely in reference to the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
David Guzik held the same view, he wrote in his commentary on 2 Timothy that, “Paul called it that good thing, no doubt meaning the gospel and the truth of God.”
We are called to PREACH the Gospel. Declare it.
We are called to PROTECT the Gospel. Defend it to your generation.
We are called to PRESERVE the Gospel. Define it for the next generation.
The Gospel is clearly articulated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
How can anyone possibly do this?
By the Personal Power of the Holy Spirit.
He dwells in us! (1 Corinthians 6:19)
III. Never Turn Away
15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
Generally speaking – there was still a remnant.
Galatians 1:6–7 (NKJV) “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.”
Got Questions, “Phygellus and Hermogenes weren’t just distant standbys in the church community. Paul uses a form of the Greek word apostrephō in referencing their action. The word means to “to desert” in the sense of deliberately withdrawing or turning back from someone. Paul had formed a bond with these two, and he thought their connection to Jesus was similar to his own. But they forsook him in his distress, along with many others in Asia Minor.”
IV. Seek to Encourage Others
16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.
David Guzik, “We don’t know much about Onesiphorus, other than the fact that he lived near Timothy, because at the end of the letter Paul asked Timothy to greet Onesiphorus’ household.”
David Guzik, “Onesiphorus lived up to the meaning of his name, which means ‘help-bringer.’”
Refreshed – literally “to make cool.”
Discovery Bible, “404 anapsýxō (from 303/aná, “up/completing a process” which intensifies 5594/psýxō, “cool by blowing”) – properly, bring cooling (reviving, with fresh air); (figuratively) bring much-needed (much-welcomed) relief, “causing someone to recover a state of cheer or encouragement after a time of anxiety and trouble – ‘to encourage, to cheer up'” (L & N, 1, 25.149).”
Applicable to all – but considering Paul’s situation…brought to remembrance the time when Moses was tired and needed to be refreshed as a leader. (Exodus 17:8-16).
A true friend will be there in the good times AND the bad times. You can tell a true friend because it’s in those tough times when the others walk out – a true friend walks in.
Bible Knowledge Commentary, “The many in Asia (v. 15) portray the very things Paul had been warning Timothy against—cowardice, shame, self-indulgence, infidelity. Onesiphorus, on the other hand, demonstrated the characteristics Paul had been recommending to Timothy—courage, love, self-discipline, boldness, and faithfulness. Clearly the negative and the positive examples were designed to strengthen Timothy’s resolve to be counted among those who were willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with the apostle.”
Hebrews 13:17-25
Taught on Wednesday, September 17, 2025
OUTLINE
1. ORGANIZATION of the Church (17)
2. INTERCESSION for the Church (18-21)
3. EXHORTATION to the Church (22)
4. LIBERATION in the Church (23)
5. COMMUNICATION from the Church (24-25)
Hebrews 13:17, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.“
In the Greek language, the word “Obey” is a Present Tense Imperative meaning it’s a command to constantly do.
Kenneth Wuest translated it like this, “…keep constantly obeying your rulers.”
This type of heart, structure, and mindset is critical for any organization, but especially the church. Consider the words of David Jeremiah.
David Jeremiah, “The key to harmony and prosperity in the church is both good leaders and good followers. When God’s people follow God’s leaders with positive, supportive, and submissive attitudes, joy reigns in the church and in the leader’s hearts (13:7; Isa. 62:6; Rom. 13:1; Phil. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 3:9; 5:12-13). But believers are not called to blind obedience either. Church elders or pastors must gently and effectively watch out for the souls in their congregations, knowing that one day they will give an account for their leadership (Luke 12:48; Acts 20:28; 2 Cor. 12:15; James 3:1; 1 Peter 5:2-4).”
We are to be obedient in what we do, and we are to be submissive in who we are. We are to BE Submissive (Another Present Tense Imperative).
We are not to merely “do” submissively, but to be submissive.
Allow leaders to lead, be willing to submissively follow their leadership, UNLESS they ask you to sin. (Acts 5:29)
In 1 Chronicles 12:33, 38 God commends those who can keep rank/battle formation.
Why is this mission of submission within God’s organization so important? Because of the leader’s responsibility, “…they watch out for your souls.”
In the Greek language, the word “watch,” is a fascinating word. Agrypnéō literally means “no sleep.” It speaks of the way the leader is to stay vigilant, alert, attentive; not indulging in unnecessary time off.
William Barclay’s translation, “Obey your leaders and submit to them for they sleeplessly watch over your souls.”
And one day we leaders will stand before Thee leader…and give an account.
We are to let our leaders lead – and not just effectively – but joyfully!
When the people are resistant and rebellious, (some disciples are drama) it grieves the leaders. It would be better for everyone involved to be a source of joy, support, and encouragement.
When Christians are not submissive…no one wins.
If we don’t learn to submit to our God given authority, how can we say we’re submitting to God?
Paul wrote something similar to the Corinthians regarding their leadership.
1 Corinthians 16:15–16 (NLT) “You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.”
First the author ASKS the people to pray for him!
Hebrews 13:18-19, “Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. 19 But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.“
Our leaders desperately need our prayers, maybe even extra prayers.
The author here is obviously an amazing man, strong in his Christian faith (we know when we consider the content of the letter), but he doesn’t hesitate to acknowledge his weakness and need for prayer, as well as those who serve with him.
They had a good conscience, and they were sincere – but good intentions are not enough. They needed actions, they wanted to live honorably and obediently, so they asked for prayer.
I remember reading of Stanley Baldwin, who when he became Prime Minister of Great Britain had his friends all around him, thronging him with congratulations, His words were telling, he said, “It is not your congratulations I need; it is your prayers.”
Pray for your leaders…they need ‘em. And, in this case, he’s asking for prayers, not only to live an honorable life, but to be restored to them sooner. Something was hindering him from coming, but probably not prison (see v. 23).
(Restored to health? Used in this way in Mark 3:5; 8:25)
(Prayer DOES make a difference!) (Because you prayed)
Romans 15:30, “Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me.”
Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.”
Philemon 22, “But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.”
I still pray for my pastor.
First, he asked for prayer from them, then he prayed for them – – and what an awesome prayer it is!
Ray Stedman, “Verses 20-21 must rank among the most powerfully worded blessings found in Scripture. They gather up the passionate concern of the writer for his reader’s spiritual growth and stress the major factors that make such growth possible…”
Hebrews 13:20-21, “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.“
This is what we would call a benediction, a blessing upon the people, especially at the end of the service. What a powerful prayer he prayed – something we can all pray for our loved ones.
NOTICE – WHO?
He prays to the God of Peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead. Peace even when they pass (maybe they were afraid to die).
Who is this God of Peace? The One who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead. In case you’re wondering, all three members of the Godhead were part of the resurrection.
(The Father – Romans 6:4; Acts 2:32)
(The Son – John 10:18)
(The Holy Spirit – Romans 8:11)
So the God of Peace includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What a Title! The God of Peace!
David Jeremiah, “Peace is so much a part of God’s plan that He is called the God of peace, not just here but in five other NT Passages.”
NKJV Study Bible, “The title God of Peace is used six times in the NT (see also Rom. 15:33; 1 Cor. 14:33; 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 4:9; 1 Thess. 5:23). Whenever the title was used, some sort of difficulty existed among the recipients of the letter. This is also the case here: The readers of Hebrews were wondering whether they should reject Christianity and return to Judaism in the face of increasing persecution.”
God of Peace…Shepherd of the sheep, pointing specifically to Jesus (John 10:11, 14)
(Good Shepherd John 10:11, 14/Psalm 22; Dies for the sheep)
(Chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4/Psalm 23; Cares for the sheep)
(Great Shepherd Hebrews 13:20/Psalm 24; Returns for the sheep)
NOTICE – WHAT? (21a)
…make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight.
(Good works – Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13)
We are complete in Christ’ and yet He continues to work in us and through us 2 Timothy 3:17; James 1:4
HOW? (20b; 21b)
…through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
…through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
NKJV Study Bible, WORD STUDY: covenant (6 time in Hebrews), “Just as the stipulations of a will go into effect when a person dies, so Christ died to initiate the New Covenant, the covenant that frees us from bondage to the first covenant.”
Hebrews 13:22, “And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.“
Hebrews 13:22 (NLT) “I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to pay attention to what I have written in this brief exhortation.”
Take it to heart!
NKJV Study Bible, “It is an exhortation not to depart from the living God (3:12), but to go on to maturity (6:1) and endure in the faith to the end (3:6, 14).”
Hebrews 13:23, “Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.“
Most likely Timothy had been imprisoned in Ephesus, but he’s now set free.
The author was hoping to visit them with Timothy soon.
Hebrews 13:24-25, “Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. 25Grace be with you all. Amen.“
Greeting ALL – all the leaders and all the people (from the writer) and those with him – some who were FROM ITALLY.
Written from Rome?/Italy? Possibly. Or maybe he was accompanied by some from Italy.
And then the word Grace!
NKJV Study Bible, “In light of what has been said about grace in the letter (see v. 9; 2:9; 4:16; 10:29; 12:15), this closing is particularly appropriate.”
(OT under law; NT under grace) The Old Covenant Law of Moses says “Do,” the New Covenant of Christ says, “Done.”
Thank You Jesus!
Build on the Rock
Matthew 7:24–27, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
The following video illustrates Matthew 7:24-27 rather well. I’m drawn to the Picasso influence, but appreciate most the message presented and the way God vividly warns us of the everlasting consequences of our choices. May we choose to obey the Lord because we know the Lord.
Working, Sleeping, and “Baking some Bread.”
In my early years as a Christian, I memorized this passage. Since then I’ve quoted it as inspiration to get out of bed – many times.
I thought I’d post it real quick, and paste some commentary on it from a couple of different sources. Enjoy, be blessed, and may the Lord grant you rest when it’s time to sleep, and energy when it’s time to work. Your labors will be rewards both Spiritually and physically.
(See also Proverbs 10:4; 20:4; 23:21)
Hebrew Bible Study App, “The expression “you shall be satisfied with bread” means you will have enough to eat; you will be sustained and your basic needs will be met. In the context of the verse, King Solomon is teaching us about the importance of diligence and effort:
• “Do not love sleep” — Don’t be lazy or spend all your time sleeping (or by extension, being idle).
• “Lest you come to poverty” — If you avoid work and effort, you may fall into poverty.
• “Open your eyes” — Be alert, active, and seek opportunities to be productive.
• “And you shall be satisfied with bread” — If you put in the effort and are diligent, you will have your needs provided for; you’ll have (at least) enough bread to satiate your hunger, meaning your sustenance is secured.
Deeper meaning: “Bread,” in Jewish tradition, symbolizes the basic necessities of life. The verse is not just about food, but a metaphor for being provided for in all ways—physical and perhaps even spiritual.
Perek Shirah—which is a collection of praises recited by natural creatures—references this verse in one of the calls of the rooster, according to some versions. The rooster calls upon people not to oversleep and miss Torah study or mitzvot.
In summary:
“…you shall be satisfied with bread” means: If you are alert and industrious, God will provide that you have your fundamental needs met.
Gill, “Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; sleep is a very great natural blessing; it is a gift of God, what nature requires, and is desirable; it is to be loved, though not immoderately; it is sweet to a man, and what he should be thankful for; yet should not indulge himself in to the neglect of the proper business of life; nor to be used but at the proper time for it; for the eye is made for sight, and not for sleep only, as Aben Ezra observes, connecting the words with the preceding; and therefore should not be kept shut and inattentive to business, which must necessarily end in poverty and want; see Proverbs 6:9; and so spiritual sleep and slothfulness bring on a spiritual poverty in the souls of men, both as to the exercise of grace and the performance of duty;
Open thine eyes, and thou shall be satisfied with bread; that is, open thine eyes from sleep, awake and keep so, and be sedulous and industrious in the business of thy calling; so shalt thou have a sufficiency of food for thyself and family; see Proverbs 12:11. It may be applied to awaking out of sleep in a spiritual sense, and to a diligent attendance to duty and the use of means, whereby the souls of men come to be satisfied with the goodness of the Lord, and the fatness of his house; see Ephesians 5:14.”
John MacArthur on Larry King
Happy 4th of July!
From BillyGraham.org, “Although it is not a religious holiday like Christmas or Easter, July 4th is a time to reflect on God’s goodness to us as a nation. Molded into the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia (which proclaimed our independence) are these words from the Bible: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10, KJV). Our legal system reflects our Judeo-Christian roots.
While we look with gratitude to the past on this July 4th, may we also look in faith to the future, and commit it and our lives to God and His will. The ancient words of the Psalmist are still true: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).”
Notes for Matthew 6:16-18
The Ark Adventure
Recently I was blessed to visit the Ark Adventure in Kentucky, as well as the Creation Museum – wow – definitely stirred me up in the area of Apologetics (1 Peter 3:15). We were able to check out all 3 stories of the Ark inside – built to scale to save 8 people and 1,400 kinds of animals – amazing!
I’ll do my best in the coming days to post some of the signs we saw at each location/station along the way (feeling indebted to the people of Calvary Chapel El Monte).
The Ark confirms God’s holiness and just judgment, but it also demonstrates His love and the salvation He freely offers through the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:7).
(Recommended resource – Ark Signs as illustrated below, available through Answers in Genesis or at CCEM Bookstore) (https://answersingenesis.org/store/product/ark-signs/)
