19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
In this verse, Paul gave Timothy a note of encouragement not to be dismayed at false teachers affecting the church. He could take courage from the idea that no one would be able to overthrow the church’s foundation, so it would never crumble.
Two inscriptions from Scripture give the reasons that laying the foundation of faithful exposition of Scripture in the congregation will never fail—one from the divine perspective and the other from the human.
19 Nevertheless
Notwithstanding some people who would attempt to subvert the faith, there is an overriding fact. “Nevertheless” indicates that, despite the false teachings of the previous verse, no one can overthrow the “foundation” of Christianity; its foundation is “firm.”
the solid [firm] foundation of God stands,
Solid teaching from God’s Word is the foundation of what stands firm (1 Cor 3:10-15; Eph 2:19-22; 1 Tim 3:15). No one can shake solid Bible teaching, the “word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). A church with solid biblical exposition will have a firm foundation. It is a foundation laid by God, not people (Eph 2:20; 1 Co 3:11). This foundation will stand amidst radical apostasy.
having this seal:
A “seal” signifies ownership, a stamp of approval for something genuine. It is an inscription or something engraved into the truth. In this case, it is God’s ownership of God’s people or the church.
“The Lord knows those who are His,”
This quote is from Numbers 16:5, referencing Israelites who rebelled against God. They followed Korah’s rebellion rather than Moses. The point of the quote indicates God’s affirmation of the leaders He put in place. The first quote suggests God will deal with false teachers; He knows who genuine believers are. There was no need for Timothy to fear the destiny of the church. Jesus knew His sheep (Jn 10:14, 27).
and,
In addition to what God would do about false teachers, Christian leaders were also responsible to take action about a temptation that might compromise their integrity.
“Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart [stand aloof] from iniquity [unrighteousness].”
A person who claimed allegiance to the name of Christ, or what represented Him, must reject the unrighteous teaching of Hymenaeus and Philetus (Lev 24:16; Isa 26:13).
PRINCIPLE:
God assures the ultimate destiny of the church.
APPLICATION:
God sovereignly controls the church, which sustains its foundation. The ultimate destiny of the church is sure. To achieve that end, God will use expositors who faithfully handle God’s Word.
