Good brethren can be a source of joy, encouragement, and wholesome pride. Paul wrote to the
Thessalonians (2 Thess. 1:3-4): “ We are bound to thank God always for you, because your faith grows
exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you
among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you
endure...” (All emphasis nine, EOB)
Brethren can also disappoint us. We must not let this discourage and/or embitter us to the
detriment of our service to the Master. When conscientious Christians are engaged in an intense struggle to
guard and sometimes to restore the moral and doctrinal purity of the church, it is awfully discouraging to
have influential brethren say and do things that adversely affects this work – especially brethren whom we
personally know, love and appreciate.
Maybe we learn that a preacher, elder, or other teacher, known and respected for years by us for his strong
stand on moral issues has in fact been secretly practicing immorality for years. Or, a brother whose
Biblical scholarship has benefitted us greatly proves to have a “blind spot” on some vital truth. Or, we
see brethren, who ought to know better, openly compromising with digressive brethren – at the very time we
are fighting tooth and toenail to curb the influence of the digression on those not yet grounded in the
faith. Or we may work for weeks to convince people from the community to attend a gospel meeting to study
with us. They accept our invitation but half of us have left town that week. Any or all of this is almost
enough to make one want to throw in the towel.
As we find ourselves in this position maybe Paul’s message to the young preacher, Timothy, would do us
good. (Read 2 Tim. 2:14-21). A summary of the message would be: “Don’t let brethren’s. misbehavior throw
you.”
Paul knew how discouraging brethren could be at times. Some had criticized (judged) him when he least
deserved it. (1 Cor. 4:3-5). Some had caused him a great amount of anxiety. (2 Cor. 7:5-8; 11:28). Some had
loved him less when he loved them more. (2 Cor. 12:14-15). Some had shocked him by so quickly turning away
from the truth to error. (Gal. 1:6). Some had forsaken him when he could have used their moral support the
most. (2 Tim. 4:10,16).
Young Timothy was now learning how disappointing brethren can be. Two brethren, prominent enough for Paul
to mention them by name, were spreading a cancerous message among the brethren. (2 Tim. 2:17,18). Some were
being taken in by their influence. (2 Tim. 2:18). Still others were in danger of being overthrown, so Paul
urges Timothy “remind them of these things” to counter this error. (2 Tim. 2:14).
Paul then reminds Timothy, beginning with verse 19, that, in spite of the disheartening demeanor of some of
his brethren, certain basic facts were still true. As we struggle to do right and are discouraged by
brethren’s unrighteousness, let us also remember that “nevertheless...:”
1. The foundation of God still stands solid. (2 Tim. 2:19) . The faith of some may have been
overthrown, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands.” Brethren may have feet of clay, but the
foundation of God is still a solid rock. The revelation of God, through the apostles and prophets (Eph.
2:19-3:7), is still true. The gospel plan of salvation is still valid. The pattern for the worship, work
and organization of the church remains unchanged. The purpose and mission of the church has not been
overthrown. The verses that teach the pure and godly standard of living are still in the Book. The promises
of God are still sure. It matters not how brethren may distort these things by their practice and pervert
them by their teaching. They are still in the Book.
2. The seal of God is still unbroken. (2 Tim. 2:19,20). The Lord still knows those who are His.
(cf. John 10:27,28). He still stands by those who “depart from iniquity.”
3. The house of God is still great. (2 Tim. 2:20). It is great in spite of the dishonorable
vessels in it. (cf. 1 Cor. 3:11-14). One can find all the evils of society among our own brethren. All the
rotten attitudes of society are among those claiming to be Christians. All the low down meanness of our
society characterize some members of the church. There are brethren who will lie, cheat, steal, curse,
fornicate, etc. on the par with any worldling. “Outsiders” do not have a monopoly on spiritual ignorance
and religious prejudice.
Nevertheless, God’s house is still great because of the honorable vessels in it – the “gold and silver.”
These, like healthy organs, receive little of our attention because they demand none. They go about daily
doing what they are supposed to do. Often taken for granted, but seldom complaining. They just do their
work and do it well. Like humming motors, they are seldom noticed unless one just stops and thinks about
what is really keeping the vehicle moving ahead. Unless the motor develops a knock, we tend to take it for
granted. Like precious metal, tried and proven by fire, these will be there when we need them. As we read
the reams written and hear the multitude of words spoken about problems from within, let us not forget that
for each one demanding attention by his misconduct there are hundreds, who may or may not be well known,
who practice and teach the truth and uphold the hands of the faithful. Because of them, with their faith in
God and His word, the house of God will remain great.
4. The salvation of God is still personal. (2 Tim. 2:21). “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself
from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor...” “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God...” (2
Tim. 2:15) (Emphasis, in these verses, mine. EOB). Let me be concerned with my purity, even when other
brethren are impure. Let me be concerned with my duty, even when the rest of the church is negligent. Let
me be more concerned with my doing than with what we are doing or not doing.
Let me be concerned with my part of a work, realizing that I am not responsible for all parts. In the work
of evangelism and edification, let me be busy planting and watering, leaving the increase to God. (1 Cor.
3:3). Let me sow the seed faithfully, even if some does not fall on good and honest hearts. Let this joint
supply its part (Eph. 4:16), even if the other parts become disjointed. Let me realize that in the final
analysis God judges me as a person, not us as a people. I can be saved even if my work (the recipients of
my “planting and watering”) is burned (1 Cor. 3:14,15). There were a few even in Sardis (a dead church) who
had not defiled their garments. (Rev. 3:3,4).
Granted, there are a lot of things among brethren that are not right. There is much corrective work to be
done. There is much to discourage us, if we let it. But, we can be faithful – remembering that the Lord is
faithful. When all forsook Paul, he said, “But the Lord stood with me...” (2 Tim. 4:17) His foundation is
still solid, His seal still unbroken, His house still great and His salvation is still available to each of
us – even if all others reject it and are lost.
edbragwell@gmail.com
