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THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER VOLUME 5, NUMBER 32, AUGUST 14, 2005 “NEVERTHELESS THE FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH SURE” I am confident that many of us recognize that statement as coming from 2 Timothy 2:19. It is found in the midst of Paul’s words to Timothy concerning unsound teaching that had been done by some prominent men. Consider 2 Timothy 2:6-19. It tells us, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: for whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 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.” In this passage Paul was talking about unsound doctrine, specifically the kind of teaching and discussion that contributes nothing toward a spirit of reverence related to God, but will, in fact, make the ones who engage in it less respectful and less reverent toward the things of God. Paul uses two medical terms to describe the damage that unsound and false doctrine can do. He uses the term “eat” in the sense of a spreading ulceration, like gangrene. He uses “canker” in the sense of a disease in which any part of the body becomes so corrupted that unless a remedy is quickly applied, will spread to all of the other tissues and destroy them. Paul specifically mentioned a couple of individuals who engaged in the propagation of unsound, untrue doctrine, and actually caused some to lose their faith. However, what I want us to really focus upon is that in spite of such vain babblings and unsound teaching of prominent men like Hymenaeus and Philetus, there is security for the faithful saint and a sure foundation upon which we can all stand. A foundation is that solid base upon which something stands, and in this case it represents the truth of God in contrast to the unsound doctrine some were spreading. How encouraging it is to know that no matter what happens God’s word as the solid foundation continues to stand. If we place ourselves firmly upon it, it will be OK. No matter what happens the faithful child of God can find complete comfort in knowing that “The Lord knoweth them that are His.” We have that seal. What is a seal? Essentially, a seal guarantees authenticity. It can indicate ownership, credibility, certification, and so on. In this context, it guarantees acceptance with God for the faithful and it is based upon God’s knowledge. God knows those who are His. We may overlook, misjudge, make mistakes, act out of less than honorable motives, but not God. He knows those who are His. We need also to notice that those who stand upon the unmovable foundation of the truth of God have a twofold assurance: (1) The foundation of God’s word is sure, and (2) our acceptance with God is guaranteed by the seal of God’s knowledge – He never overlooks a single individual, and again we say, God knows who are His. Notice now that Paul says, “And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” In other words, there can be no compromise with error that will be tolerated by the Lord. There must be a clear and sharp line of distinction between those who teach unsound and false doctrine and those who are determined to stand upon the solid foundation of the truth of God’s word. What really excites me about this is that the principle is true in all aspects of my life as a Christian. No matter what happens, God knows those who are His, and those who are His are those who refuse to be swayed by anyone or anything away from the solid foundation of the truth of God. So, if there comes a time when there is difficulty in my family, I must simply stand on the truth of God’s word, do what is right – and my relationship with God is secure. If there is trouble in my relationship with those in the world, my responsibility is to stand firm upon the truth and God knows my stand and recognizes me as His. If there is trouble in the church – there is a foundation that cannot be shaken. If we stand on God’s word, determined to do and teach what is right, than everything works out. Why? Because God knows those who are His. Don’t you find that encouraging? As the events of life unfold and the sea upon which we travel is sometimes smooth and sometimes rough – our foundation is as sure and solid as it can be. The only real danger we encounter is when we leave the truth, or allow anything or anybody to influence us in another direction. Stay firm on the foundation, cling tenaciously to the Word of God and absolute refuse to compromise upon any of its principles and any of its teachings, and all will be well. Don’t you find that comforting? I know that I sure do. Greg Litmer DID YOU KNOW? There is more evidence that Jesus lived, died by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, was resurrected from the dead and seen alive three days later and for the next month and a half, and is the Son of God and Savior of men from sin and death, than there is that Julius Caesar lived, ruled in Rome, and was stabbed to death by many, including Brutus. How foolish of men today to believe that Julius Caesar lived, but reject Jesus Christ! Grover Stevens
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