Is My Life an Offering to God?
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only
to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Paul writes this as he is languishing in a cold, damp, subterranean Roman prison – awaiting his execution
Paul’s perspective and focus as awaits death, show us how to live and how to die
He takes a few minutes to look at his life as a Christ follower in the present, in the past and what that
means for his future.
We all have a future after death…”the best is yet to come” for those who believe in Jesus
What he is NOT talking about is his persecution of Christians prior to his conversion…there’s no “BUT” in
his description of his life.
THE PRESENT
- As Mikey talked about last week - Paul is issuing his charge to Timothy in light of his (Paul’s)
impending martyrdom
- After urging Timothy to fulfill his ministry, Paul reflects on his own…
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.
- Paul is speaking about dying – being poured out like a drink offering
- Paul is reflecting on his life of sacrifice to God
- (AND) departing – maybe the image of a boat (talk about that in a minute)
- Paul used the same drink offering reference about 5 years earlier – referring to the possibility of
his own death…
Philippians 2:17
17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your
faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- In THIS case, he is aware that his death is no longer a possibility, but impending
- Paul is referring to the Old Testament sacrificial system – make sacrifices for the atonement of their
sin…
- Leviticus 23:13
- 13 together with its grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah [a] of the finest flour mixed with olive
oil—a food offering presented to the Lord, a pleasing aroma—and its drink offering of a quarter of a
hin [b] of wine.
- During the ritual of sacrificing a lamb, wine was poured out at the base of the altar – a
time of pouring out, or emptying the life of the sacrifice
- In this case, the pouring out of life would represent an offering to Jesus
- Though there would still be a little time before his death, but he was aware that the
process had begun
A question for us: are we aware that the process has begun?
- Had a friend who said he might believe on his death bed.
- we don’t get to pick the time of our death…even if we think we should get to, we
shouldn’t
- this became an operative metaphor for how Paul regarded his life – a drink offering
being poured out
- The details of Paul’s death are not described in scripture, but this picture of being
poured out for Christ’s sake is awe-inspiring.
Paul was facing death, but triumphant. From the time of his conversion on the Damascus road,
everything he had was given to God: his wealth, his mind, his body, his passions, his position, his
reputation, his relationships, his dreams – all of it was poured out, sacrificed to God. All that
remained was his life’s breath, and he triumphantly gave that.
You might say…well…this was Paul. I mean, THE PAUL. I could never do that.
Could we say the same? Have we given Jesus EVERYTHING?
This is a question you have to ask yourself - Hopefully the answer is yes
When your life is over, will they say “he/she poured out his life for Christ’s sake”? If not, what are you
going to do about it?
- You could say…”well, life is short and I want to live it my way”…
- “my way” never works
How do you want to be remembered?
- Finishing well does not happen by accident.
- Solomon – started out strong – asked for wisdom, so God gave it to him
- Somewhere along the line, he decided to do it his way and died with 700 wives
and 300 concubines
- - God told him that he should not marry women who serve other gods,
because they would turn him away from Him – the one true God.
-
- - 1 Kings 11:6
- “So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord;…”
-
- Jonah – God told him to Ninevah, and he ran (sailed) the other way
- - Jonah ends with him so angry he wished he was dead, and God shaking His
head.
-
Looking back on your life, has it been lived and poured out as a drink offering? In order to finish well,
you should look at every day to live as an opportunity to live your life as a drink offering.
Start today…life – year – month – day – hour…break it down and get going now. You have the power
to pick the start date…not the end date.
Paul adds: “and the time for my departure is near”
- The word translated “departure” is also used in Greek literature for the loosing of a ship from it’s
moorings, or a soldier loosing the stakes from his tent. - An army packing up / breaking camp to
leave the battle field – the war is over and they’re going home
-
- The image of Paul, in death. boarding a boat for departure for another shore is pretty awesome.
Paul wanted to live his life for Jesus, but eagerly anticipated the day he would board that boat
Phillipians 1:22-23
22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do
not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
This was Paul’s dream, and his ship was about to leave. He was ready. ARE YOU?
Of course he was excited…what awaits the believer is incomparable, and he knew it…DO WE?
If you’re not aware that the best is yet to come, and anticipate that day…why not?
- We all get a boarding pass, but not all our boats are headed for the same shore
- You don’t want to choose the wrong boat here
Non believers fear death…actually, for some, they believe you just die, and we take our chances. In
financial terms, I would say that one who believes nothing happens after death is like someone given
the opportunity to have a billion dollars to the infinite power if they would just give up the penny they
are clutching.
- Some would say, I just can’t muster the faith to believe…
- Too many hypocrite Christians – prosperity gospel – crooked evangelists – celebrity pastors going
off the rails
-I would say that the one who does not believe in life with Jesus after death because it requires
too much faith, must have a whole lot of faith that nothing’s going to happen after death. Even if that were
true, which it isn’t, the Christian ends up in the same nothingness as the non-believer. But if it IS true,
which I promise you it is, the non-believer has so much more to risk and lose. It’s illogical to take those
odds.
- But faith in Jesus is not just afterlife fire insurance – it is the promise of a fulfilling life…not a life
without pain, but a life of sacrifice that ends with eternity to the one who will take our pain away.
-
2 Corinthians 4:17
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them
all.
Romans 8:18
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in
us.
Charles Spurgeon put it this way:
"To come to Thee is to come home from exile, to come to land out of the raging storm, to come to
rest after long labor, to come to the goal of my desires and the summit of my wishes"
Time is short…has your life been a drink offering poured out for Jesus, or have you been neglecting
the poor, withholding from the church and pouring your life into a future here that you’re not
guaranteed…
If you’re “living your best life now” going at it your way…this may be the only heaven you’ll ever know
- Doesn’t look like heaven to me
THE PAST
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Looking back on his life, Paul uses 3 more words associated with his victory:
“I have fought the good fight” – Paul was a spiritual warrior
He had stood before Felix, Agrippa and the officials of Rome with courage
He endured the riots in Ephesus, and the opposition in Corinth
Paul describes some of his hardships in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much
harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death
again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I
was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night
and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers,
in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the
city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored
and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone
without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my
concern for all the churches.
You’ve heard it said – if being a Christian was illegal, would there be enough to convict you?
If the church of the US was being persecuted, would we be perceived as not worth the effort by those
doing it?
Paul goes on to say : “I have finished the race”
- Paul says he has simply “finished” the race”…not won it…
- We all have a race to run, and Paul’s was nearly complete
- What are you running to? Are you running from something?
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything
that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked
out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In this, the author says that we run faithfully by remembering those who have gone before us; by
throwing off anything that keeps us from faithfulness, and by fixing our eyes on Jesus
- We each have a race to run, a race that God has prepared for us, individually and corporately.
- Are you running your race? Are we running ours?
Finally, Paul says “I have kept the faith”
- Paul is probably emphasizing his role as a steward of sound doctrine…kept the faith
- Throughout his letters to Timothy, and others, Paul held tightly to the truth and was passing it on –
like the passing of a baton…another great race analogy
Passing the baton quickly for the sprint, and passing the baton slowly for the long run
Both are disciples making disciples
- Every Christian has a fight to endure, a race to run and a treasure to guard.
Are we just watching our brothers and sisters fight their good fight? Are we passively watching
other run their race, or maybe just lounging on our couch watching TV…
- What are we doing? - I’m not saying there are boxes to check…
- Paul didn’t live his life as a drink offering in order to check boxes and gain the redemption
Jesus offered. He poured out his life BECAUSE the redemption Jesus offers…a life of
gratitude and worship for the one who gives us eternal life.
THE FUTURE
8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award
to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
- The final picture is that of a crown or garland – another athletic analogy
- Garlands won by the Greeks were greatly prized
- He writes of a crown he will soon be receiving – the crown of righteousness – the ultimate,
permanent state of righteousness
Romans 3: 22 - 22 This righteousness is given through faith in [a] Jesus Christ to all who believe.
- While Nero was about to declare Paul guilty and condemn him, Christ the righteous Judge was
about to declare him ultimately and permanently righteous.
- Paul doesn’t stop with his own crown, but reminds all of us of the crown awaiting all who believe
and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
- a sure evidence of saving faith is having your heart set on Jesus, longing for that day, as Paul did.
Titus 2:13
13 while we wait for the blessed hope
Those who don’t believe will surely dread that day…
How can we be sure?
Start by repenting and turning to God…turn around and live towards him-
- Put all your cards on the table and commit your life to Jesus
- Everything Paul had was given to God –
- his wealth, his mind, his body, his passions, his position, his reputation, his relationships,
his dreams – all of it was poured out, sacrificed to God…to the very last breath.
- - This isn’t a “say the sinner’s prayer and you’re good” and go on with your life thinking you have
afterlife fire insurance. Give yourself to Him, because He gave Himself for us.
Ezekiel 36:25-27
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and
from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your
heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my
decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Knowing that there’s a God who loves you, why would you want to do anything your way?
Read More
Good morning church family. If you have your Bible I would ask you to go ahead
and make your way to the book of 2 Timothy. Today we will be looking at 2
Timothy 4: 1-5. My name is Mikey, I am a member here at GCF and have been for
a few years now. My wife Brooke, and our 5 children love this church, and I
always count it as an honor when I have the opportunity to preach.
Pastor Ken did a great job last week as we worked our way through the closing of
chapter 3. And one passage that we looked at in particular was chapter 3 vs. 16-
17.
There was a family that joined about 3 weeks ago, and as they stood up on the
stage and were sharing their faith and what they believe, brother said, we believe
in the sufficiency of scripture. I was in the back, I said amen! And that is really
what this passage gets to. All Scripture, not some scripture is from God.
[2Ti 3:16-17 ESV] 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that
the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
We rightly believe that when we armed with the word of God we have
EVERYTHING we need for God to accomplish everything he wills to do in our
lives. We really don’t need anything else.
The word of God is the center piece of Church. And is delivered by the man of
God, the preacher. There is no greater calling, there is no more important
assignment, there is no greater need.
2
One of my heros of the faith is Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones said it this way in his book
“Preachers and Preaching”, “The primary task of the church and of the Christian
minister is the preaching of the word of God”.
As Paul is writing this, We know he is nearing the end of his time here on earth.
In fact this is likely the last writing that we have. And as I studied this passage this
week, I gave some thought to how I might handle my final hours on earth.
And I pictured myself maybe in a room, surrounded by those that I love. Perhaps a
spouse, parents, or children, or even close friend perhaps would have gathered
around. Have you ever wondered how you might feel in those moments. When
you don’t have much time left, and there is so much that you wanted to say to your
children, but time will just not allow. And you realize in those moments the
difficult times that perhaps your loved ones will have to go on to face. And you
realize you will not be there to help. You will not be able share guidance or bear
burdens because your time has come to an end. What would you say in those last
moments? I think if you get this picture in your mind, then you are close to feeling
exactly like Paul feels as he pens the last words to Timothy. And so what will he
say, what is his closing plea to make sure that he leaves young Timothy headed in
the right direction.
Paul knows all too well the dangers that are facing the church. He himself has
been imprisoned and stoned. He has seen the false teachers and he knows what
they aim to do. He has seen false converts defect from the church. And with all of
this on his mind, his eyes fix on Timothy, what possible advice can he give?
[2Ti 4:1-5 ESV] 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who
is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and
exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when
people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will
accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn
away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always
be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your
ministry.
3
First, I want to talk about the structure of the passage, because that helps me digest
and organize the thoughts in my mind. In verse 1, Paul lays out an overarching
charge that sets the tone of the passage. Then in verse two we have the main
imperative statement of the entire passage. What is Timothy supposed to do? He is
to “preach the word”. Highlight and double underline in. That is the title of the
message, and that is Pauls main point. Preach the word.
And the rest of the passage simply explains “how” Timothy is to preach the word.
So there are 8 or so imperatives that come after that explain how the Pastor is to
preach. And we are going to go thru these this morning. Let’s look at verse 1.
[2Ti 4:1-5 ESV] 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is
to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
We see the first verb is “charge”. It’s an important word and one we don’t use
very often. Can you imagine if you walked around telling people they are charged
to do something for you. They would think that you are crazy. The language used
here is a military term. In today’s term an officer might say “this is an order!”.
This assignment is not optional. There is no negotiation. Timothy must be all ears
because what Paul is about to say is important.
He goes on to say “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus.” It is as if he steps
the importance up yet another notch. Paul borrows language in this phrase from a
Roman court room. In that day if you were charged with a crime you would be
given instruction of your court date, of the crime that was committed, and this
summons would say something like in the presence of the honorable judge so and
so. It is as if we are being reminded of this task that Paul is about to lay out is a
formal task. It is not optional. And none other than the Holy trinity itself will stand
and take account.
Verse 1 says he is the judge of “the living and the dead”. The idea here goes back
to God as the judge of all mankind.
[2Co 5:10 ESV] 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so
that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether
good or evil.
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Paul sets the tone for this charge as one of grave importance. This task of
preaching for both Timothy and all men who would be called to follow after is not
to be taken lightly. In fact, this judge mentioned here in verse 1 will judge these
preachers with even greater scrutiny. This concept of preachers being judged in a
special way is not just here take a look at James 3:1.
[Jas 3:1 ESV] 1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you
know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
One of my favorite preachers in church history is none other than Dr. Martyn
Lloyd Jones. He was an outstanding physician in London, and even as a young
man was promoted to chief clinical assistant to the King. Sounds like pretty
important work right?
When I came here, people said to me: ‘Why give up good work – a good
profession – after all, the medical profession, why give that up? If you had been a
bookie, for instance, and wanted to give that up to preach the gospel, we should
understand and agree with you and say that you were doing a grand thing. But
medicine – a good profession, healing the sick and relieving pain!’ One man even
said this, ‘If you were a lawyer and gave it up, I’d give you a pat on the back, but
to give up medicine!
MLJ said about this ‘if you knew more about the work of a doctor, you would
understand. We but spend most of our time rendering people fit to go back to their
sin!’ I saw men on their sick beds, I spoke to them of their immortal souls, they
promised grand things. Then they got better and back they went to their old sin! I
saw I was helping these men to sin and I decided that I would do no more of it. I
want to heal souls. If a man has a diseased body and his soul is all right, he is all
right to the end; but a man with a healthy body and a diseased soul is all right for
sixty years or so and then he has to face an eternity of hell. Ah, yes! we have
sometimes to give up those which are good for that which is the best of all – the
joy of salvation and newness of life.
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MLJ had no problem leaving behind a physician for an earthly king, because he
knew that call he received to be a preacher for the king of kings was far more
important work.
So that is verse 1, it sets the stage, it provides the mood, the lighting of everything
we are about to discuss. Verse 2.
Preach the word. Underline this. We said this phrase is the main imperative of the
text. Not just for Timothy but all preachers will be judged based on how true they
were to the command. Preach the word.
The Greek verb for preach here is Keruso. And it means to herald. Back in those
days when there was an order from the King, perhaps a meeting that needed to
take place in a particular village, they didn’t have a website or a newspaper to
share information. There would be assigned heralds. Who would move out into the
busy parts of towns, into the markets and they would begin to shout, attention
attention, and they would pass along the information. It was a public proclamation,
given to all could hear, That is the idea about what it is to preach.
But Paul does not permit the preacher to herald just anything, he says preach the
word. You may think that should be obvious, but let me tell you it is not. There
may be a temptation by a pastor, perhaps even by pressure of his congregation to
do so something other than preach the word. Paul speaks of the entire council of
scripture. Both the OT and the NT are included. It would be a grave error to
exclude any part of the word. “All scripture is God breathed”.
I want to stop here and say why I am thankful that our church teaches verse by
verse through entire books of the Bible... Growing up topical. Strawman sermons
on easy texts. It was rare to deal with difficult passages or work through things the
pastor or congregation was struggling to comprehend. A pastor who preaches a
shallow message will only develop a shallow congregation. 7 out of 10 youth will
walk away from the faith after they move out of their parents home. Could some
of that be that we just won’t go deep in the word. To help them understand
everything they are seeing in the world, taught in schools, through the lense of real
deep understanding.
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If anything of power, of God is to happen in our church it must happen through the
power that comes from obedience to this command, Preach the word. We can get
caught up in numbers, in strategy, in surveys, and start looking at all the wrong
things. To fufill the imperative in this verse, the church must be a church that is
committed to the power of preaching as the centerpiece. The church has the task to
make dead men come alive.
So now we look at the question of how the pastor is to preach. He is to be ready in
season and out of season. This is the second command or imperative. Did you
know there is no season that is not either in season or out of season? That’s all the
seasons. The preacher is to always be ready to go. The verb here has a suddenness
to it. It is like a soldier who has been put on alert. His bags are packed he is ready
to deploy he simply stands by the phone for his orders. He is ready to go, that is
the picture here.
This applies to pastors mainly, but we as the congregation can certainly apply it as
well. If our day to day life is marked by disobedience. If we are neglecting the
word, if we are neglecting to spend time in prayer. If we are living in a perpetual
state of sin, then how on earth can we be ready. It’s easy to get ready for a single
event right. We can clean ourselves up and get it together for 1 maybe 2 days a
week, but Paul says the preacher is to be ready 24/7. Not an easy thing to do, but
this is the standard by which they will be judged.
Okay more imperatives coming up that answer the question “How is the word to
be preached?” We will group the next 3 together because they are sort of similar
or related. Still in verse 3 we have:
reprove, rebuke, and exhort. This is basically 2 negatives and a positive. Firstly,
lets look at reprove. We just saw reprove back in 2 Tim 3:16. It means to correct
misbehavior or to correct false doctrine. It can almost be thought of more as a
head knowledge correction. Or to helps someone think about something rightly.
Next we have rebuke. It is closely related, but it deals more with the heart. It
carries more of the idea of the heart. When the pastor rebukes he is bringing the
congregation under conviction.
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This is one of the fundamental differences between teaching and preaching. If I
am teaching you an idea or a passage of scripture I’m just talking to you so that
you understand the idea that I am trying to communicate, but if am preaching and
I am rebuking you now we have the will and the heart and conviction all taking
place. It is something entirely different.
Exhort. This is the positive. Parakaleo. Sometimes the Holy Spirit is referred to as
Paraklyte. Which is to say that he is our helper. So Exort or parakaleo is to come
along aside and lovingly encourage.
With complete patience and teaching. The preacher is not to be irritable or
impatient. Even if progress is slow and painful. I think back to Jesus and his
disciples. Things were slow. Those guys sometimes were just slow. And he
always taught with patience.
Phil Robertson movie, Blind. Phil was bad. Phil had already turned away the
preacher. Phil bought a bar. Preacher came in the bar. Phil throws him out and is
borderline abusive to his wife and family. He ends up throwing them out. And Phil
hits rock bottom. Pastors be patient. Wives be patient. Husbands be patient. Ms.
Kay aske the reverend to go back and talk to him one more time.
Vs 3 the preacher is to preach with urgency, “For the time is coming”. Throughout
church history there have certainly been ebs and flows. Times of falling away, and
there have been times of great revival. But I think the overall trend as time goes on
is that more and more people turn from God. Paul says to Timothy, hey it’s the 2
minute warning. It’s time to score because time is of the essence. The time is
coming, and I believe now more than ever the time has come where:
People will not endure sound teaching. Some translations use the pronoun “they”
here. The ESV says people, but in either case I think we should consider who
these people are that don’t endure sound teaching. At first I thought it was simply
the everybody in the world, but I don’t think that is exactly right. You see people
who don’t go to church have never endured sound teaching or doctrine. So I think
the people that are discussed here are what I call “church going people”. These are
people who fill the seats and the pews of various congregations each and every
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Sunday all throughout the world. By context that is the only way this really can be
read I think. And when we think about the parable of the wheat and the tares we
know that these congregations, sometimes entire congregations are made of lost
people.
And so as we look around the world, as we look around the churches in the low
country, as we look around right here at GCF, what is it that distinguishes those
who have been born again from those who have not. I believe it is a love and an
embrace for true sound doctrine. Paul says the day is coming when they won’t
tolerate the true word. Many times a false convert is easy to spot because they
have no love for the truth of Scripture. Sound doctrine shines a magnifying glass
on the wickedness of our sin.
Paul says they have “itching ears”. Have you ever had someone ask for your true
opinion and the second that they realize you don’t agree with them they stop
listening to you. These unconverted church goers don’t want to be confronted with
the weight of a Holy God and a wicked sinner. So with itching ears they seek out
someone to tell them exactly what they want to hear.
The text says they “accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own
passions”. I don’t know if there has ever been a more obvious time where this has
played out in front of us. There is a welcoming congregation for every lifestyle of
sin.
And the pulpits are filled with people who not only won’tt mention the sin, but
they will contort scripture and tell you that it is not sin at all.
Sin of greed. My pastor never preaches about money because he just says he lets
God deal with that.
Self-help and prosperity focused churches are filled with people who want nothing
to do with sermons that rebuke and reprove.
I remember I was flipping through the channels and I ran across a Pastor who was
preaching to a church that was literally meeting in a football stadium, and it was
full. I was shocked as I heard the sermon. The Bible was not even required for
what the man was saying. And I remember thinking how can thousands and
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thousands of people sit here with a Bible in there hand and not realize that this is
not the gospel?
You know why... I know now. Paul just told me. The day is coming when they
won’t tolerate sound doctrine but they will accumulate ear tickling preachers. Here
you have 10s of thousands of people having their ears tickle, and it is exactly what
they want to hear.
For preachers, it’s not easy to say the hard things. For true believers that sit here
today, don’t fall into this trap where you avoid the hard work of searching your
heart for sin. This is why we are here.
4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. The
verb here that is translated “turn away” has a medical connotation of a dislocated
joint. It is as a person turns away so quickly that they snap their neck out of joint.
These folks are so turned off by sound doctrine or sound teaching that they snap
their necks to turn away from it.
These false converts then wander off into myths. I think there is principle that is
being taught in verse 4 that if you don’t fill your mind with sound doctrine, your
mind will be increasingly susceptible to believe a lie. (garden of eden example) By
not filling yourself with sound doctrine, or preachers without preaching sound
doctrine create in the congregation a vulnerability to deception.
5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an
evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Finally Paul says to be sober minded. This is to be level headed.
Endure suffering. It is not a question of if suffering will occur. Faithful preachers
who preach the word become a lightning rod for suffering. Paul knows suffering
very well and even as he writes these words his suffering continues. It is a
reminder to those who do the work of ministry, not just preachers, but especially
those who preach, ministry comes at a cost.
10
Do the work of an evangelist. This is the 8
th imperative. It is the call to the preacher
that he must share the gospel of salvation. Its interesting that Paul doesn’t call him
to be an evangelist, but to do the work of an evangelist. It is as if he wants him to
remember, in everything you do as a preacher, you must also in that do the work
that evangelist would do.
Simply put, the pastor is to help people come to terms with their sinfulness. To
understand that they are separated from God. To call all who have ears to hear that
the time is now to repent and to trust in Christ for salvation.
Fulfil your ministry. Do everything God has stored up for you, every good work to
the fullness of your ability.
This text of course is primarily for preachers, but we as the congregation have a
role to fill as well. We must participate in the process of sanctification.
Let’s pray.
Read More
How to Remain in the Gospel - 2 Timothy 3:14-17
1st Timothy – the church every pastor should have.
2nd Timothy – the pastor every church should have.
Timothy is the young pastor leading the church in Ephesus. It is a city that needs a strong church to show the Gospel (Good News of Christ).
Paul uses this letter to remind Timothy of His Calling.
2nd Timothy
· Guard the Gospel ch 1
· Suffer the Gospel ch 2
· Continue in the Gospel ch 3
· Proclaim the Gospel ch 4
Revelation - God revealing Himself to mankind
Inspiration - Holy Spirit inspiring the words of God to the writers of Scripture.
Illumination - Holy Spirit bringing understanding to the readers.
The Word of God is:
Infallible - Scriptures are certain, reliable, trustworthy to what they speak to. Will not mislead.
Inerrant - The Scripture in the original languages is without error, free of mistakes and falsehoods.
Authoritative - the outgrowth of inspiration. As the words of God, it carries His authority. It holds truths and God's revelation of Himself to mankind.
Scripture is Profitable
Teaching
Rebuking
Correcting
Training
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: “Why & how we follow Christ when life is hard”
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-13 NIV
Acts 2:36-39 (Invitation)
Bottom line: We follow Christ when life is hard by remembering those who’ve gone before us.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Over the years I’ve learned a lot about walking by grace through faith. Men and women in past churches and places of work have had a huge impact on me. Family members and pastors, Sunday school teachers and good friends. So many good examples have shaped my thinking and way of life when it comes to following Christ.
Anita has been my greatest example. Her consistent character and wise walk have impacted me since I picked her out of the whole gym as the prettiest girl and proceeded to skate around that church gym hoping and praying we had a class together that school year. Even then I noted her sweet spirit.
Ken is another who has greatly shaped my life. His loyalty and grace are more than I could ever deserve. He too walks wisely and humbly.
I don’t mean to embarrass them today (there are times when I do:-)) I’m simply pointing to people now in my life who have significantly shaped my walk. In them I get to see what it looks like to follow Jesus fully and faithfully.
Paul is that for Timothy. They met when Timothy was 15 or 17 and now it’s about 18 years later. He’s seen Paul go through a lot and has seen his teaching, his character and his way of life on display. He learned so much from Paul.
In verse 14, Paul leads/exhorts Timothy in the imperative to “CONTINUE in what you have learned and have become convinced of” based on the source.
Paul will give him lots of reasons for why he should continue in this way.
CONTEXT
“Timothy’s continuance in the apostolic ministry was a vital concern of Paul in the Pastorla Letters. And it is the main concern of 2 Timothy 3:10-17, which has as it’s central imperative the word continue in verse 14–‘But as for you, continue in what you have learned…’ Paul grounds his call in two things—first, remembering the past (vv. 10-13) and, second, focusing on the Scriptures (vv. 14-17).” -Hughes, p. 250
We’ll focus on the first part (Remembering the Past) this week and the second (focusing on the Scriptures) next week.
SERMON
1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul essentially says, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
Jesus calls us to follow him down the narrow way. To follow Christ is to call others to follow you as you follow Christ. This is the way.
Today we’re answering the question, “Why & how we follow Christ when life is hard.” Paul shows Timothy (and us) why & how here in chapter 3:
He leads by example. (10-11) Timothy knew Paul very well. JND Kelly says it’s a technical term “defining the relation of a disciple to his master and can be paraphrased ‘study at close quarters,’ ‘follow in spirit,’ ‘carefully note with a view to reproducing,’ and so ‘take as an example.’” -Hughes, p. 251
In his teaching/doctrine/beliefs. “Paul’s repeated sermons comprised Timothy’s theology. And he had observed that Paul’s life matched his doctrine.” -Hughes, p. 251
In his way of life/behavior/habits (note that these are consistent with his beliefs). This is in contrast to the ungodly examples in vv. 1-9.
In his character
Purpose—Paul’s life was “infused with purpose” “Paul never chased sticks”-Hughes
Peanuts: “One of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts cartoons memorably pictures Snoopy coming to terms with purposelessness. Linus had just thrown a stick for Snoopy to retrieve. His first instinct was to do what he was accustomed to doing—chase the stick. But he paused for a few moments and decided against it, thinking, ‘I want people to have more to say about me after I’m gone than “He was a nice guy…He chased sticks.”’”
Faith—believe the truth and believe that the Lord will rescue you ultimately
Patience
Love—Others first
Endurance—you will be persecuted if you follow Christ
Persecutions & Sufferings
“Don’t be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you: (1 John 3:13)
“Race car drivers should expect some crashes, football players are not surprised by injuries, baseball players know the ball will hit them sometimes, and soldiers expect to be shot at. Christians should expect some degree of persecution.” -Hughes
“Some are drawn to Christ buy the love of Christians, but others are enraged by their love. Instead of being surprised by op`postion, we should be surprised when we do not face any!” -Hughes
He leads by faith. (12)
The Lord repeatedly rescued Paul from persecution.
The Lord allowed him to suffer, however.
The Lord will ultimate deliver him from all future suffering.
The Lord will ultimate deliver him from eternal suffering.
He leads realistically. (13)
Everyone who wants to live godly will be persecuted.
We will suffer. We will be persecuted. We will be delivered.
In the meantime, evildoers
Will get worse at being deceived.
Will get worse at deceiving others.
CONCLUSION
Basically, Paul asked 2 questions:
God, what are you saying to me? And the Lord answered him by saying he would take the gospel to the nations and suffer in the process.
God, what do you want me to do about it? Paul knew that he had to go to the nations. And he did.
When Timothy gets this letter, he asks them same questions:
Lord, what are you saying to me through Paul? And the Lord answered him by saying
Follow Paul’s teaching.
Follow Paul’s lifestyle that is consistent with his teaching.
Follow Paul’s willingness to endure persecution and suffering in light of eternity.
Remember that the alternative is to be deceived and so deceive others.
Lord, what do you want me to do? Continue in Paul’s ways. To hear is to obey the above and lead others to do the same.
Invitation
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
Bottom line:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
I. Remember My Life (3:10) - in contrast to the false teachers we read about in 1-9.
A. My lifestyle.
“You, however, know all about my…” suggests deep intimacy of knowledge according to Hughes (p. 251).
JND Kelly says it’s a technical term “defining the relation of a disciple to his master and can be paraphrased ‘study at close quarters,’ ‘follow in spirit,’ ‘carefully note with a view to reproducing,’ and so ‘take as an example.’” -Hughes, p. 251
“Paul was challenging Timothy to recall the deep master-disciple intimacy that had begun with Timothy’s conversion as a teenager during Paul’s first missionary journey in Asia Minor.” -Hughes, p. 251
“Paul’s repeated sermons comprised Timothy’s theology. And he had observed that Paul’s life matched his doctrine.” -Hughes, p. 251
Paul is affirming that Timothy can see the consistency between his teaching (doctrine/theology/orthodoxy) and his way of life (behavior/practice/orthopraxy). This in contrast with the false teachers like Jannes and Jambres.
In addition, Paul’s lifestyle was infused with purpose (Hughes).
Peanuts: “One of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts cartoons memorably pictures Snoopy coming to terms with purposelessness. Linus had just thrown a stick for Snoopy to retrieve. His first instinct was to do what he was accustomed to doing—chase the stick. But he paused for a few moments and decided against it, thinking, ‘I want people to have more to say about me after I’m gone than “He was a nice guy…He chased sticks.”’” -Hughes, p. 251
“Paul never nearly chased sticks. He was single-minded about the most important things—the gospel and Christ’s glory.” -Hughes, p. 251
B. My virtues. In addition to reminding Timothy of his lifestyle, he reminded him of his virtues—faith, patience, love, and endurance in perseverance and suffering.
Cardinal virtues+ are present here
Faith
Love
Endurance (this stands for “hope” because it leads to the next subject—persecution)
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: “How to live faithfully in these last days”
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 NIV (Read from 3 different translations)
Acts 20:28-31, Rev 2:2-5; Exodus 7:10-12; Acts 2:36-39 (Invitation)
All these are NIV
Bottom line: We love in the last days by humbling ourselves, living generously and with integrity from the inside out because we trust who first loved us.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
We used to play a game with our youth group to see how long they could go through the next hour without saying “I,” “me,” or “my”. They were dropping like flies within 60 seconds. We are consumed with ourselves. Few are consumed with the Lord.
If you’ve been following the SBC convention news you are likely to conclude that they spend a lot of time arguing. Now I know that they do a lot of good things. They support thousands of missionaries around the world who are sharing the gospel message faithfully because these churches cooperate financially and otherwise. But they argue a lot.
It’s worse online. People are just more comfortable speaking their mind (to a fault) than in person. People will say things to someone online they’d never say to that person face to face. Sometimes that’s because they are not godly people. They are not true Christians.
Kent Hughes tells the story of how a group of people decided to start a new church. “It started when several members of a church sensed a need for increased Bible knowledge and began attending a community Bible study, where they learned that their pastor’s denials of Christ’s virgin birth and resurrection were at variance with what the Bible actually taught. They came to see that, though their church weekly said the Apostles’ Creed, their pastors had personally redefined the terms so they could repeat the words without actually believing them. Their leaders viewed the incarnation and resurrection of Christ as metaphors for God’s presence and a life-giving source, not actual historical events. When parishioners protested, they were told they were bringing dishonor to the Body of Christ by their divisiveness. The intimidation worked, and they quieted down. After all, they were only laypeople.
But the situation reheated when one of the pastors was discovered to be an active pedophile, and it was further learned that the local church authorities knew it and had been covering it up! This time their parishioners would not be put off. They demanded changes.
Again the response was that they were dividing Christ’s Body and must no longer meet for Bible study or else. So it was that Bible-believing, creed-confession, Biblically-orthodox Christians (whose great offenses were believing in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ and in his ethical teachings) were kicked out of their church. Unbelievable! Sadly, ‘having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power; (v. 5) is nothing new.” -Hughes, p. 241
CONTEXT
In light of the continuous onslaught of false teaching throughout the church of Ephesus, Paul helps Timothy identify them and encourages him
Acts 20:28-31 written c. AD 57
2 Timothy written c. AD 67 (10 later)
Revelation 2 written c. AD 97 (30 years after that)
SERMON
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to live faithfully in these “last days”
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because we will be bombarded by false messages in these last days
Let’s look at 2 Tim 3:1-9 together…
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. 1. Mark this: last times = terrible days
Avoid this = ungodly people in the church
Rest in this = their folly will become clear to everyone
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because this is how you stay faithful in terrible times
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Answer some questions:
Questions we should be asking according to Merida:
What kind of person are you, godless or godly? (Notice no inbetween)
What kind of person are you becoming?
Whom are you following?
Paul says to avoid following ungodly people and to follow godly examples.
Merida and several other young pastors had the chance to talk to Rick Warren once and he shared a strong warning about the temptations of Satan. “Pastor Rick said that pastors must prepare for three main temptations that plunge leaders into ruin: narcissism, hedonism, and materialism. He said the first temptation is the temptation “to be” (narcissism), the second is the temptation “to feel” (hedonism), and the third is the temptation “to have” (materialism). He said that every moral failure of pastors is due to one of these three traps. He added that virtually every television commercial is aimed at one of these three temptations. He said he used to ask his kids after each commercial, ‘Which of the three temptations was that commercial?’”
“Pastor Rick said that leaders must fight these three temptations by pursuing the opposite of each: humility (in contrast to narcissism), integrity (in contrast to hedonism), and generosity (in contrast to materialism). Indeed we are to be ‘lovers of God’ ultimately. Out of the overflow of love for God, we can live lives of humility, integrity, and generosity.” -Merida, p. 186
“These two groups of sins, misdirected loves and corrupt relationships, reveal that the underlying failure in fallen humanity is disobedience to the Great Commands (Matt 22:36-40): they love neither God nor people.” -Merida, pp. 186-187
“The Bible is full of examples of religious showmen, those who have an appearance of godliness but are actually ungodly. Through the prophet Isaiah, God gave a mighty rebuke to the people of Judah. He urged them to wash themselves, remove evil, and repent. Why? They had big religious feasts, prayers, and worship services but were not doing good, seeking justice, correcting oppression, defending the fatherless, or pleasing for the widow (Isaiah 1:14-17). At which point God says, ‘I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood’ (1:15). In contrast, James writes that ‘pure and undefined religion’ in God’s sight involves caring for those in need, like widows and orphans in their affliction (James 1:27).” -Merida, p,. 187
CONCLUSION
Matthew 22:36-40
1 John 4:7
Romans 5:8
Revelation 2:4-5
Bottom line: We love in the last days by humbling ourselves daily, living generously and with integrity from the inside out because we trust who first loved us.
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Merida says 3:1-9 is ungodly examples and 3:10-13 is godly example.
I. Avoid Ungodly Examples
A. Their lives are totally self-centered (3:2-4)
B. Their religion is a show (3:5)
C. Their proselytizing is evil (3:6-9)
Love of self = narcissism
Love of money = materialism
Love of pleasure = hedonism
This excessive and inverted love is not good and leads people to love what is not good. It’s idolatry and God hates idolatry. (No other gods before me)
that God’s love will carry them through to the other side of all of this.
The Great Commandment and Jesus’ warning to the church of Ephesus in Revelation remind us that God’s love is undefeated and will forever be so.
Paul encourages Timothy to be aware and avoid those who live ungodly lives and disciple ungodly disciples.
Merida summarizes: “Timothy and others were to
Avoid these men
And these practices
They must avoid
Self-centered lives
With misdirected loves
Corrupt relationships
Religious forms devoid of Christ’s power
The evil tactics of false teachers
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Questions we should be asking according to Merida:
What kind of person are you, godless or godly? (Notice no inbetween)
What kind of person are you becoming?
Whom are you following?
Paul says to avoid following ungodly people and to follow godly examples.
Other questions always worth considering:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to live in the “last days”
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because we will be bombarded by false messages
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. 1. Mark this: last times = terrible days
Avoid this = ungodly people in the church
Rest in this = their folly will become clear to everyone
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because this is how you stay faithful in terrible times
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Answer some questions:
Questions we should be asking according to Merida:
What kind of person are you, godless or godly? (Notice no inbetween)
What kind of person are you becoming?
Whom are you following?
Paul says to avoid following ungodly people and to follow godly examples.
OUTLINES
Hughes outline
I. The False Teachers—Their lives (1-5); Last days = from resurrection until Christ returns; couplets from here:
A. Their inverse love. (2-4) This is the main point—they lost their first love (Christ, who died for them so that they could live); love of God replaced by love of self
“Lovers of themselves, lovers of money” cf. Matthew 22:37-39 Great Commandment
“Boastful, proud”
“Abusive, disobedient to their parents”
“Ungrateful, unholy”
“Without love, unforgiving”
“Slanderous, without self-control”
“Brutal, not lovers of the good”
“Treacherous, rash” rash = traitor, like Judas Iscariot
“Conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”
B. Their bogus godliness. (5)
Experts on externals
Masters of asceticism
No marriage
No to certain foods
Legalisms—Rules for everything
Myths and genealogies
II. The False Teachers—Their “Ministries” (6-9)
A. Their disciples. (6-7) Specifically, a group of weak “little women”
Gullible
Burdened with sin
Easily swayed
B. Their futility. (8)
Outline Bible (Willmington) SECTION OUTLINE THREE (2 TIMOTHY 3)
Paul warns of the coming great apostasy.
I. THE PERVERSIONS (3:1-9)
A. The evil (3:1-5)
1. People will love only themselves and their money (3:1-2a).
2. They will be proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and unholy (3:2b).
3. They will be without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, and brutal (3:3).
4. They will be treacherous and will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (3:4).
5. They will have a form of godliness but will deny its power (3:5).
B. The examples (3:6-8): Paul lists two types of people involved in apostasy.
1. Sexually weak-willed, sin-burdened women (3:6-7)
2. Depraved men who will oppose God as Jannes and Jambres once opposed Moses (3:8-9)
—
OUTLINES
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: What matters most: character on competency?
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-26 NIV
Bottom line: Honorable vessels are used for honorable purposes. People with Christlike character will be used by God for kingdom purposes.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
I remember in the early 90’s, in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, the argument about whether or not President Clinton’s character mattered regarding him being able to lead the country. One argument is that we’re not electing him to be our pastor or priest but our president.
This doesn’t have to be an either-or argument, first of all. Competency (skillfulness) matters, of course. But the case that Paul makes here is that in ministry, character is paramount. It’s essential. I’m making the case that it’s paramount in all leadership.
While I realize that there are some jobs that it matters less in, I think we still underestimate its importance.
Some would say do you want a surgeon with competency or character? Well, for starters, again, it’s not an either-or. I want both. But I think when dealing with life and death decisions in the moment I want someone with character that does the right thing every time. (At least strives for this) There are many ways that a doctor can be tempted to compromise on the operating table for their own benefit instead of for the person on the table.
And the President is certainly making moral and ethical judgments every day in that job.
Yes, character matters most. It’s not really close.
CONTEXT
Paul makes the point here with Timothy (regarding guarding the treasure) that character doesn’t just matter for those in ministry but it’s everything! (Hughes)
The making of his vessel/person requires a radical cleansing (purifying), so it can be used for honorable purposes.
The maintenance of his instrument involves intense flight and intense following—flight from youthful passions, impatience, quarreling, and harshness and the pursuit of profound virtues.
The ministry of his vessel must not be quarrelsome but pastoral—kind to all, teaching, enduring evil, gently correcting.
The hope of such a servant is the eternal blessing of his enemies. (Hughes)
Bottom line: Honorable vessels are used for honorable purposes. People with Christlike character will be used by God for kingdom purposes.
SERMON
Outline heavily influenced by Kent Hughes (see below)
I. The Making of a Noble Instrument (20-21) or How we get clean.
A. Honorable/noble/special articles/utensils/instruments—Believers in good standing with the Lord. When these cleanse themselves from the dishonorable, God
Honors them
Sets them apart (sanctifies)
Makes them useful
Prepares them (makes them ready for use)
B. Dishonorable/ignoble/common instruments—non-believers and false teachers within the church far from the Lord
II. The Maintaining of an Instrument for Noble Purposes (22) or How we stay clean.
Flee the evil desires of youth
Pursue
Righteousness
Faith
Love
Peace
Along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (therefore, remain at peace here too)
III. The Ministry of a Noble Instrument (23-26) or How we serve the Lord cleanly.
Don’t have stupid arguments, leads to fights
Lord’s Servant must
Not be quarrelsome
Be kind to everyone
Able to teach (rebuke, correct, train)
Able to be treated wickedly without resentment
Gently instruct/correct opponents with the goal
Repentance
Leading to knowledge of that truth
Why? So that they will
escape traps and
gladly submit to the Lord
CONCLUSION
Last week we talked about how to shepherd well. (2 Tim 2:14-19) This requires Christlike character, for sure.
“I watched the father who sat in front of us today (in church) manage his squirrelly kids by not reprimanding them, but rearranging the seating so he was sitting in the middle of them, and they all just leaned into him and relaxed, and there’s just a whole sermon there.” @GretchenRonnevik
It’s unlikely that these children would relax this way if this father didn’t have Christlike character. They felt safe with him. This is the fruit of Christlike character. It makes us better shepherds.
(I would add that sometimes 2 parents tackle this differently. The point is that the kids relaxed and submitted when they felt loved with boundaries.)
Bottom line:
Pastors, elders and deacon teams should take note here on how to lead the church in ministry.
Churches should pray for, care for, and provide for their leaders as they engage this essential work.
We should all seek to lead our spiritual household (oikos) well shepherding the flock under our care starting with ourselves and moving to the ends of the eart.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Gangrene
Okay, I'll try to explain gangrene in a way that's easy to understand for a middle school student.
Gangrene is a serious condition that can happen when part of your body doesn't get enough blood supply. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that all parts of your body need to stay healthy and alive.
Imagine your body is like a house plant. If you don't water the plant, it will start to wilt and die. That's kind of what happens with gangrene. If an area of your body isn't getting enough blood flow, the cells in that area start to die off.
There are a few different reasons why blood flow might get blocked or reduced:
1) An injury that damages blood vessels and cuts off circulation.
2) Diabetes or other diseases that affect blood flow.
3) Severe infections that clog up blood vessels.
When cells start dying from lack of blood/oxygen, that area can turn black, green, or become smelly. It's your body's way of showing that part is dying.
If gangrene isn't treated quickly by doctors, it can spread to more areas of the body and become life-threatening. Treatments may involve giving antibiotics, surgically removing the dead tissue, or in severe cases, amputating the affected limb to stop it from spreading.
The best way to avoid gangrene is to take good care of any injuries, manage diseases like diabetes properly, and see a doctor right away if you notice any areas of discolored, smelly, or decaying skin or tissue.
Does this help explain what gangrene is in simpler terms? Let me know if you need any part clarified further.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
—
OUTLINE (by WW)
“The essentials for a successful ministry have not changed: courageous enthusiasm, shameless suffering, and spiritual loyalty.” -WW
THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7 4 Encouragements:
Paul’s love. (1-2)
Paul’s prayers. (3-4)
Paul’s confidence in Timothy. (5)
God’s gift to Timothy. (6-7)
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
Be not ashamed of the Lord’s testimony. (8-10)
God gives us power. (8)
2 Timothy 1:8 (The Bible Exposition Commentary): “Years ago, I read about a Christian who was in prison because of his faith. He was to be burned at the stake, and he was certain he would never be able to endure the suffering. One night, he experimented with pain by putting his little finger into the candle flame. It hurt, and he immediately withdrew it. “I will disgrace my Lord,” he said to himself. “I cannot bear the pain.” But when the hour came for him to die, he praised God and gave a noble witness for Jesus Christ. God gave him the power when he needed it, and not before.” (WW)
God has called us by his grace. (9)
Christ has defeated death. (10)
Four reasons not to be ashamed of his association with Paul, the prisoner:
Paul was called by God. (11)
A herald—official messenger of the king
An apostle—one sent with a commission
A teacher—shepherd to the local church
Paul was confident in Christ. (12)
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
Be loyal to God’s word. (13-14)
Be loyal to God’s servant. (15-18)
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
I. THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
II. THE PRACTICAL APPEAL—chapter 2
A. The steward—2:1–2
B. The soldier—2:3–4, 8–13
C. The athlete—2:5
D. The farmer—2:6–7
E. The workman—2:14–18
F. The vessel—2:19–22
G. The servant—2:23–26
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
I. Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Call to Faithfulness (1:3–18)
A. Thanksgiving for Timothy (1:3–7)
B. Call to courage (1:8–12)
C. Call to guard the truth (1:13–14)
D. Examples of unfaithfulness and faithfulness (1:15–18)
III. Challenge to Endurance (2:1–13)
A. Enduring hardship for Christ (2:1–7)
B. Christ’s example of endurance (2:8–10)
C. A faithful saying (2:11–13)
IV. Marks of a Good Workman (2:14–26)
A. Faithfulness in ministry (2:14–19)
B. A clean instrument (2:20–21)
C. Faithfulness in conduct (2:22–26)
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: How do we shepherd our flock well?
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-19; John 10:1-15 NIV
Bottom line: We guard (pass on) the gospel by shepherding our flock well.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Shrek the Sheep
Historic Vids
@historyinmemes On X
This is Shrek. He was just your everyday, average, run-of-the-mill Merino sheep living in South Island, New Zealand when he decided to escape from his enclosure and make a break for it to some nearby caves. He managed to live on his own for 6 years before he was eventually tracked down by his owner John Perrian, who had this to say when he finally found him: "He looked like some biblical creature."
While some sheep breeds naturally shed their wool, like Bighorn sheep in North America, Merino sheep never do. Their wool will continue to grow until it completely engulfs them and even impairs their vision (what you would call "wool blind"). Domesticated sheep have evolved based on the way humans have groomed them for thousands of years.
The earliest domestication of sheep dates back to 11,000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, where they were primarily used for meat, milk, and wool.
After 6 years without a shave, Shrek had enough wool on his body to produce 20 suits for large men. In total, his fleece weighed 60 pounds.
Shrek's fleece was shaved off on national television and then auctioned off to support medical charities for children. He even got to meet the Prime Minister and has since been depicted in several children's books.
Sadly, Shrek passed away in 2011 at the age of 16.
One powerful image in scripture is that of the good shepherd who takes care of his sheep well. He knows them by name and protects them fully even if it costs him his life.
Read John 10:1-15
This kind of care is rare in life. It’s rare in church life too. Yet this is what God calls us to. Starting at home, God calls parents to shepherd their flock (family) to follow the good, great and chief shepherd Jesus Christ.
How are we doing?
It doesn’t seem like we’re doing this very well.
Church Growth?
In 2023, the American church is struggling:
Churches in decline = 54%
Churches stable = 12%
Churches growing = 33%
Therefore, only 1/3 of churches in America are growing.
The Church in America is becoming more and more partisan.
Billy Graham endorsed Richard Nixon in his bid for the White House. You may have heard of Watergate and the scandal that led to Richard Nixon resigning for fear of being impeached. Billy Graham later shared that he regretted endorsing a political candidate. He realized that while you can the church through a partisan lense, that only leads to short-term growth and not necessarily the kind of growth that matters.
There is a trend for churches (left and right leaning) to double down on the partisan issues that are part of the culture war to grow their church. This is short-sighted and I believe will lead to long-term harm to the kingdom.
Sharing Our Faith
“Yet the most dramatic divergence over time is on the statement, “Every Christian has a responsibility to share their faith.” In 1993, nine out of 10 Christians who had shared their faith agreed (89%). Today, just two-thirds say so (64%)—a 25-point drop.” -Barna.org
I share these to say that we’re not guarding the treasure like we used to in America. While Paul speaks to Timothy as an Apostle to a pastor, the principles apply to all Christians who believe that they also have the responsibility to guard the treasure by shepherding the flock. Based on the above Barna research, only 2/3rds of Christians believe this is their responsibility down from 90% in the 1990s.
Paul writes to Timothy, the shepherd (pastor) of the flock (church) in Ephesus, on how to shepherd them well. He has summed it up in the key verse that Timothy is to guard the treasure (gospel/good news). We are called to do this in our own context. This is hard. It includes suffering and testing. Will we persevere? That’s the question, isn’t it. We can in Christ. But will we?
CONTEXT
“Certainly, I'm happy to discuss 2 Timothy with you from the perspective of someone with extensive experience in Christian ministry and theological training. As a fellow minister of the Gospel, grounded in sound exegesis and hermeneutics, you'll understand the profound wisdom and pastoral guidance contained in this epistle.
The apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy carries a sense of solemnity and urgency, as he imparts his final instructions to his beloved spiritual son. Having fought the good fight and kept the faith, Paul knew his departure was imminent. He seized this opportunity to exhort Timothy to remain steadfast in the face of sufferings, false teachings, and apostasy that had already begun infiltrating the church.
Central to this epistle is the call to endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2:3). Paul uses vivid metaphors—the soldier, athlete, and hardworking farmer—to underscore the discipline, single-mindedness, and perseverance required in gospel ministry. He charges Timothy to guard the gospel as a sacred trust, contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.
Paul's prophetic warnings about the rise of false teachers, characterized by arrogance, greed, and spiritual deception, ring as true today as they did then. His antidote? A clarion call to remain rooted in the inspired Scriptures, which are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (3:16).
No discussion of 2 Timothy would be complete without revisiting the immortal words of 2:1-2—perhaps the apostolic succession passage par excellence. Here, Paul solemnly charges his protégé to entrust the gospel to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also. This multi-generational transfer of truth encapsulates the great commission's essence.
As seasoned ministers, we can surely resonate with Paul's poignant reflections, his tender affection for his spiritual offspring, and his longing to see the torch of biblical truth carried forth. May we, like Timothy, fan into flame the gift of God within us, unashamed of the gospel's testimony.” -Claude.ai
SERMON
I. Remind one another how to guard the good news.
A. Standing tall, not ashamed of publicly following Jesus Christ.
B. Passing on the good news that you’ve received from God through others to reliable people who will pass it along to others. Do so
Intentionally
Consistently
Equipped
C. Persevering through the tests and suffering and so finish approved by God.
As a good soldier
As a dedicated athlete
As a hardworking farmer
As a faithful shepherd (14)
D. Keeping to the pattern of sound instruction
E. Resting in the resurrections
The spiritual resurrection we have in Christ from second birth
The bodily resurrection we will have when we’re glorified in Christ (at our death or his second coming)
CONCLUSION
I’ve often described Christians as canals that are conduits of God’s love. And there’s truth in that. But this reservoir picture is even better. -Darien
If you are wise, therefore, you will show yourself a reservoir and not a canal. For a canal pours out as fast as it takes in; but a reservoir waits till it is full before it overflows, and so communicates it’s surplus. We have all too few such reservoirs in the Church at present, though we have canals in plenty...
They (canals) desire to pour out when they themselves are not yet inpoured
They are readier to speak than to listen
Eager to teach that which they do not know
Most anxious to exercise authority on others, although they have not (yet) learned to rule themselves
Let the reservoir of which we spoke just now take pattern from the spring; for the spring does not form a stream or spread into a lake until it is brimful.... Be filled yourself, then, but discreetly, pour out your fullness... Out of your fullness help me if you can; and, if not, spare yourself! - Bernard of Clairvaux
The question I want you to consider is, Do you think you personally have the responsibility to guard the treasure by passing on the good news to those who are far from God but close to you? Or do you think it’s primarily the responsibility of the local church on your behalf? I would go with the former. Because the great commission and Paul in 2 Timothy makes it clear that, as the Church, we’re to guard this treasure together.
Bottom line: We guard (pass on) the gospel by shepherding our flock well.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Spiritual vs bodily resurrection
“You make an excellent point. The New Testament does teach about both a spiritual resurrection that occurs at conversion as well as a future bodily resurrection for believers.
On the spiritual resurrection:
- Ephesians 2:4-6 speaks of believers being "made alive" and "raised up" with Christ spiritually when they put their faith in Him.
- Colossians 2:12-13 refers to believers being "raised with Him through faith" when they were spiritually dead in sins.
- This spiritual resurrection represents being transferred from death to new life in Christ.
And on the future bodily resurrection:
- 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4 give extensive teaching on the bodily resurrection of believers at Christ's return.
- This will involve receiving glorified, imperishable bodies fashioned like Christ's resurrection body.
- It is the culmination of the believer's redemption - both soul and body made new.
So you are absolutely right that there is both a present spiritual dimension of resurrection for the believer's soul/spirit at conversion, as well as a promised future bodily resurrection still to come. Paul upholds both of these resurrection truths.
The error of Hymenaeus and Philetus seems to be denying or reducing the future bodily resurrection aspect, which was a central hope of the gospel. Thank you for raising that important clarification. The New Testament holds both the spiritual and bodily dimensions of resurrection together.” -Claude.ai
Gangrene
"Sure, I can explain what gangrene is in a way a 7th grade boy would understand.
Gangrene is basically when a part of your body starts to die and rot away. It's really gross and can be super dangerous if not treated quickly.
Imagine you get a really bad cut or wound, and instead of healing normally, it starts turning an ugly greenish-black color. The skin around it gets all mushy and smells terrible, like something that's been left out to rot for weeks. That's gangrene setting in.
It happens when the blood flow to that area gets cut off, usually because of an infection. Without fresh blood bringing oxygen and nutrients, that part of your body just starts to decay and die right on you. It's like it's being eaten away from the inside out by bacteria.
If gangrene is allowed to spread too far, it can get into your bloodstream and make you really sick, even killing you if not stopped. Sometimes the only way to stop it is by cutting off the dead, rotting part - like having to amputate a toe, foot or even a whole leg if the gangrene gets too bad.
It's nasty stuff that you definitely don't want happening to your body. Keeping any cuts or wounds clean and watching for signs of infection is important to avoid getting gangrene. If you ever see signs of it, you'd need to get to the doctor right away before it spreads too far.“ -Claude.ai
Good summary of 2:14-19:
“2 Timothy 2:14-19 is a poignant exhortation from Paul to Timothy regarding the grave responsibility of rightly handling the word of truth. Let me summarize the key points:
Verses 14-15 - Paul charges Timothy to keep reminding the believers not to quarrel about words, as it leads to the ruin of the hearers. Instead, he should diligently present himself as a workman approved by God, rightly dividing the word of truth. This underscores the minister's duty to accurately exposit Scripture without distortion.
Verse 16 - He warns against engaging with irreverent babble and opposition to the truth, as it only leads to further ungodliness. Ministers must avoid profane chatter masquerading as deep truth.
Verses 17-18 - Paul cites the example of Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose teaching spread like gangrene, upsetting the faith of some by claiming the resurrection had already occurred. This illustrates how seemingly small errors can metastasize into damning heresies.
Verse 19 - In the midst of such threats, Paul provides assurance that the firm foundation of God stands sure, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are His," and "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." While apostasy abounds, God preserves His elect, calling them to holy living.
In summary, this passage emphatically calls ministers to diligent, precise, and reverent handling of God's Word while fleeing from profane speculations that shipwreck the faith. It balances a sober warning about insidious false teaching with the comforting truth that God sovereignly preserves His church amid such threats.” -Claude.ai
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to shepherd well.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. So that they’ll be more equipped to shepherd the flock around them.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. Shepherd their flock starting with themselves.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. To keep them from being caught up in godless chatter that destroys people’s faith.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Regularly remind yourself by re-reading 1 Timothy 1-2 about how to guard the gospel treasure.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington) 2 TIMOTHY 2
Paul describes the duties assigned to a pastor.
I. THE ROLE MODEL (2:1-7): Paul likens the ministry to four secular occupations.
A. A teacher (2:1-2)
1. As a student Timothy was taught many things by Paul (2:1-2a).
2. As a pastor Timothy must now teach those things to other godly people (2:2b).
B. A soldier (2:3-4)
1. Give all of your energies to the warfare (2:3).
2. Give none (or little) of your energies to worldly affairs (2:4).
C. An athlete (2:5): Strive for the victor's crown.
D. A farmer (2:6-7): Work hard to harvest a large crop.
I. THE REMINDERS (2:8-10): A prisoner in Rome, Paul asks Timothy to reflect on two things.
A. God's messenger is chained (2:8-9a).
B. God's message cannot be chained (2:9b-10).
III. THE RESULTS (2:11-13)
A. If we die for Christ, we will live with Christ (2:11).
B. If we endure hardship for Christ, we will reign with Christ (2:12a).
C. If we deny Christ, he will deny us (2:12b).
D. If we are unfaithful, Christ remains faithful (2:13).
IV. THE RESPONSIBILITIES (2:14-26): Paul lists some of Timothy's duties as a pastor.
A. Remind your people of the great scriptural truths (2:14a).
B. Warn them against petty arguments (2:14b).
C. Strive to become an approved workman before God (2:15).
D. Avoid godless controversies (2:16-19, 23-26).
1. The examples (2:16-17): Paul points out two men, Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have involved themselves in these controversies.
2. The error (2:18-19): They are claiming that the resurrection from the dead has already occurred.
3. The endeavor (2:23-26): Timothy must gently instruct those who would oppose him with the goal of leading them to repentance.
E. Present your body as a clean vessel to God (2:20-21).
F. Avoid evil, and pursue good (2:22).
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
I. THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
II. THE PRACTICAL APPEAL—chapter 2
A. The steward—2:1–2
B. The soldier—2:3–4, 8–13
C. The athlete—2:5
D. The farmer—2:6–7
E. The workman—2:14–18
F. The vessel—2:19–22
G. The servant—2:23–26
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
I. Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Call to Faithfulness (1:3–18)
A. Thanksgiving for Timothy (1:3–7)
B. Call to courage (1:8–12)
C. Call to guard the truth (1:13–14)
D. Examples of unfaithfulness and faithfulness (1:15–18)
III. Challenge to Endurance (2:1–13)
A. Enduring hardship for Christ (2:1–7)
B. Christ’s example of endurance (2:8–10)
C. A faithful saying (2:11–13)
IV. Marks of a Good Workman (2:14–26)
A. Faithfulness in ministry (2:14–19)
B. A clean instrument (2:20–21)
C. Faithfulness in conduct (2:22–26)
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: Why & How we Guard the Gospel
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-13 NIV
Bottom line: We guard (pass on) the gospel so that the next generation will know how and why they should guard the gospel: Because it’s our only hope.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Proverbs 13:22 (NIV): "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children..."
As parents, we sometimes think about what we’re going to pass on to our kids.
Inheritance and heirlooms—sentimental; valuable in this life
Educational opportunities—valuable in this life
Family values—valuable for generations; includes your family “Name”
Faith—which lasts forever
Bottom line: We keep the faith in uncertain times by standing tall, suffering well, following the pattern of sound teaching, and guarding the deposit together.
Last week Paul told us how to keep our faith in uncertain times:
By standing tall (instead of being ashamed),
By suffering well (together),
By keeping the pattern of sound instruction, and
By guarding the gospel.
Today we’re drilling down on that last one…how do we guard the gospel?
Now let’s go back and ask ourselves why we want to guard the gospel?
We guard it because, starting with the Apostles, it was entrusted to us by Jesus Christ. And because it’s life-changing good news, why wouldn’t we want to share it. (Fear, ignorance, laziness, selfishness…)
Now the short answer to how we guard it is passing it on by the power of the Holy Spirit. (1:14) But Paul gives us more specifics here today.
CONTEXT
Serious uncertainties exist:
Timothy’s struggles in Ephesus continue
Now Paul is imprisoned with execution imminent
Feels like the future of the Church hangs in the balance
We live in uncertain times as well:
Threat of WW III (Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Sudan, Nigeria)
Threat of Enemy attack on US (EMP, power grid, southern border, bio warfare, terrorism)
Threat of civil war over the culture war (Blue vs Red states)
Threat of corrupt leaders at the highest levels
Threat of the basics (college; jobs; retirement; healthcare; inflation; energy independence)
Paul is calling on Timothy to guard the gospel and lead others to do the same. And he realizes that Timothy needs encouragement to do this.
We too are called to do this. Paul, Timothy and billions before us call us to join them in guarding the gospel for those who have yet to hear.
Timothy, guard the gospel entrusted to you with the help of the Holy Spirit. How does Timothy (and how do we) do this?
SERMON
How and why do we guard the gospel?
We guard the gospel by:
(Outline based on Hughes)
I. By Being Strong (2:1) “…in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” LIVE IN THE GOSPEL; FOLLOW ME AS I FOLLOW CHRIST
A. God’s grace via the Holy Spirit is the strength and power in us that makes our guarding it possible
B. “Keep on being strengthened” is the present passive in the Greek; God is actively and continuously strengthening you and me.
C. “For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 God gives power and grace to those who humbly admit they need it AND believe that God has an unlimited supply for his people.
D. God’s vision is that we guard the gospel on his behalf. As the old preacher used to say, “Where there is vision, there is PROvision.” And his vision is that we guard the gospel for generation to generation.
E. Like turning the steering wheel in an old truck with power steering. The power steering fluid doesn’t start providing power until you begin to turn the wheel in need of that power. The Holy Spirit is ready to provide God-sourced power when we humbly turn the wheel by grace through faith.
II. By Delegation: Passing it on (2:2) PASS ON THE GOSPEL
A. A “Living Chain of truth”
“Early 17th century, Dr. Richard Sibbes wrote a little book about Christ called “The Bruised Reed”.
A copy of that book fell into the hands of a tin peddler, who gave it to a boy named Richard Baxter, who became the greatest of Puritan pastors.
Baxter wrote, among other things, “A Call to the Unconverted,” which Philip Doddridge read int he early 18th century, and he in turn wrote “The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul.”
William Wilberforce read that book, and it so changed his life that he led the fight for the abolition of slavery. He was a tiny, stunted man but had such eloquence for Christ that James Boswell immortalized it by writing that during one of his speeches ‘the shrimp grew and grew and grew and became a whale.’ Indeed Wilberforce became a huge influence in 19th-century British culture and saw the abolition of slavery in Britain just 3 days before his death.
Significantly, Wilberforce has been an inspiration for Charles Coleen and the organization he founded, Prison Fellowship.” -Hughes, pp. 209-210
“The gospel deposit was to be entrusted to “Reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
Note: We would not be here today if not for those before us obeying these verses. But who will pass it on to the next generation?
Preaching is not enough! We must pass this along to others, starting at home outward to the ends of the earth.
III. By Suffering (2:3-7) “Join me in suffering.” We are better together—especially when suffering for guarding his gospel. How do we suffer together? Like… ENDURE FOR THE GOSPEL
A. A good soldier. (3-4) LEADS TO VICTORY
He’s/she’s good at heart
Doesn’t get caught up in civilian affairs but stays focused
Desires to please their commanding officer (trust and obey orders consistently)
B. A competitive athlete following the rules. (5) LEADS TO A PRIZE
Train to remain in Christ. (John 15:1-5) Disciplined training = focus
Train to win the prize. “But this one things I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14)
Competes according to the rules or else be disqualified. Character matters in all things but especially in our ministry. This doesn’t mean we can’t serve because of sin. It means when we sin, we humble ourselves and repent and come back to Christ. None of us are qualified apart from repentance and faith in Christ. But unrepentant Christ-follower is an oxymoronic phrase.
Focused.
Acrostic
F-ollow
O-ne
C-ourse
U-ntil you
S-ucceed
Quote: "We don't focus on the best—we focus on our best.” -Dabo Swinney or someone on his staff
We can’t control what the best is doing.
We can control whether or not we’re doing our best.
C. A hard-working farmer. (6) LEADS TO A CROP
A farmer’s life involved:
Early and long hours because timing and time are factors
Constant toil (plowing, sowing, tending, weeding, reaping, storing (repeat))
Regular disappointments (late frosts, pests, disease, drought, flooding
Much patience-everything happened in less than slow motion; boredom
Works hard. Long hours of effort.
Reaps fruit—for himself because of his efforts.
IV. By Remembering the Gospel, specifically (2:8-13) LEADS TO LIFE Remembering is key to spiritual maturity because if you don’t remember the truth it’s like not knowing the truth. And it’s the truth that sets us free. By remembering the gospel, by remembering… REMEMBER THE HERO OF THE GOSPEL`
A. Remembering THE RESURRECTION—Jesus Christ, risen from the dead (8a) DEMONSTRATES POWER GIVEN
B. Remembering HIS MESSIAH-SHIP—Jesus Christ, offspring of David (8b) DEMONSTRATES PROMISE KEPT
C. Remembering THE GOSPEL’S POWER—Jesus Christ/Word of God is not bound with chains (8b-10)
Famous picture in the convent library in Erfurt, Germany, depicting young Martin Luther pouring over a copy of scripture in the morning light. His face and bible are illuminated by the light from the window. A broken chain hangs from the Bible…it’s no longer bound.
D. Remembering THE TRUSTWORTHY SAYING (11-13)
“If we died with him, we also live with him.” CONVERSION
“If we endure, we will also reign with him.” PERSEVERANCE
“If we disown him, he will also disown us;” APOSTASY
“If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” FAITHLESSNESS
“As the saintly Samuel Rutherford, who spent years in an Aberdeen prison, wrote, ‘Often and often, I have in my folly torn up my copy of God’s covenant with me; but, blessed be his name, he keeps it in heaven safe; and he stands by it.” -Hughes, p. 222
V. By Remembering that all these 4 things assume we’re drawing our power from the Holy Spirit. (1:14)
(Outline also based on Merida)
4 Challenges for gospel-centered endurance that must be overcome if we are to stand firm in the faith:
Challenge 1: Live in the gospel (2:1)
“Christians who make an eternal difference in this world are those who have learned to rely on God’s strength, not their own. David Livingston once commented on all the work Charles Spurgeon would do in a typical day (and Livingstone was no sluggard!). He asked the prince of preachers how he could do it all. Spurgeon said, ‘You have forgotten, there are two of us.‘ (Piper, “Spurgeon”). God’s presence in us supplies what we need to endure.” -Merida, p. 160
Challenge 2: Pass on the gospel (2:2). Four stages of the gospel handoff:
Christ to Paul. Paul didn’t make up the message but received it tghrough divine revelation.
Paul to Timothy. This is what Paul would have shared wherever he went. (Ie. Public instruction)
Timothy to Reliable people. This could have been elders (“men” in some translations). Or it could have been people in general passing on the gospel. After all, the first ones to pass along this good news were the women at the tomb.
Reliable people to Others. Paul’s letter (2 Tim) went from a hole in the ground (Mamertine Dungeon) in Rome to where we are today 2,000 years later! This chain is unbroken.
Where are you in this progression? Are you passing the gospel along yet? Have you even received it yet?
More than preaching…includes teaching. Golf clubs may help here.
Woods—big, showy, and impressive. Like preaching publicly. You can cover a lot ground.
Irons—Require finesse and accuracy. Cover ground but not as much. More personal.
Putter—Personal for short distances. This is 2 Tim 2:2.
Pastors tend to forget this third one. But golfers know, “Drive for show, put for dough.”
Jesus did this with 12 and 72. In fact, it’s where he spent most of this time. He spend the least amount of time preaching to the crowds.
Challenge 3: Endure for the gospel (2:3-7)
The dedicated soldier (3-4)
The disciplined athlete (5)
The hardworking farmer (6)
Challenge 4: Remember the Hero of the gospel (2:8-13)
CONCLUSION
“Paul was powerfully stating the absolute freedom of the word of God…in the 1930s Stalin ordered a purge of all Bibles and all believers. In Stavropol, Russia, this order was carried out with a vengeance. Thousands of Bibles were confiscated, and multitudes of believers were sent to the gulags where many died for being ‘enemies of the state.’ After the fall of Communism, the missionary organization CoMission sent a team to Stavropol. (The city’s history was not known to them at that time.) When the team experienced difficulty getting Bibles shipped from Moscow, someone mentioned a warehouse outside of town where confiscated Bibles had been stored since Stalin’s day. After prayer, one member got up the courage to go to the warehouse and ask the officials if the Bibles were still there. They were! They then asked if the Bibles could be removed and distributed again to the people of Stavropol. The answer was yes. A truck was obtained, and several Russian people helped load the Bibles. One of the helpers was a young man—a skeptical, hostile, agnostic collegian who had come only for the day’s wages. As they were loading Bibles, the young man disappeared. They found him in a corner of the warehouse, weeping. He had slipped away, hoping to quietly take a Bible for himself. What he found shook him to the core. The inside page of the Bible he picked up had the handwritten signature of his own grandmother! It had been her personal Bible. He had stolen the very Bible that had belonged to his grandmother—a woman persecuted for her faith all her life. His grandmother had no doubt prayed for him and for her city. God’s word can no more be chained than God himself.” -Hughes, pp. 220-221
Bottom line: We guard the gospel so that the next generation will know how and why they should guard the gospel: Because it’s our only hope.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
“This was not something Timothy was to work out for himself or was entitled to enlarge. It was divine revelation committed to his care.? In the fifth century St. Leo gave Timothy's charge classic expression:
What is meant by the deposit? That which is committed to you, not that which is invented by you; that which you have received, not that which you have devised; a thing not of wit, but of learning; not of private assumption, but of public tradition; a thing brought to you, not brought forth of you; wherein you must not be an author, but a keeper; not a leader but a follower. Keep the deposit.”
1 Tim, p. 176
Kent Hughes
Other images
Mamertine dungeon
Not ashamed
Guard the gospel/deposit
Deposit
Power
Love
Self-discipline
Flame
Gift
Tears
Grandmother
Mother
Prison
Holy Spirit
To Claude.ai I wrote, “We know that in 2 Timothy of the New Testament Paul called for Timothy to come to him in Rome. About how long would that trip have taken?”
It replied:
The journey from Timothy's location (likely Ephesus or somewhere in Asia Minor) to Rome during the time of Paul and the early church would have been quite arduous and time-consuming. Here's an estimate of how long it may have taken:
- The total distance from Ephesus to Rome was around 1,500-1,600 miles (2,400-2,600 km).
- Travel in ancient times was done mostly by walking, riding animals like horses/donkeys, or sailing by ship when possible.
- Land travel speeds averaged around 15-20 miles per day on foot or by animal.
- Sea travel by ship could cover 50-100 miles per day depending on winds and currents.
So if Timothy traveled only by land, walking and riding animals, the journey would have taken around 3-4 months to reach Rome from Asia Minor, covering 15-20 miles per day.
However, it's more likely he combined land and sea travel, which could significantly reduce the time:
- A ship from Ephesus across the Aegean Sea to Athens was around 5-7 days.
- From Athens overland to the port of Brindisi in Italy was around 2 weeks.
- A ship from Brindisi up the Italian peninsula to Rome was 5-7 more days.
Using this combined route, the total journey could have taken around 1-1.5 months with favorable winds and no delays. Of course, bad weather, shipwrecks, or other issues could have extended this considerably in ancient travel conditions.
So in summary, Paul summoning Timothy from Asia Minor to Rome would likely have required at least 1-2 months of very difficult travel in the 1st century AD.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
—
OUTLINE (by WW)
“The essentials for a successful ministry have not changed: courageous enthusiasm, shameless suffering, and spiritual loyalty.” -WW
THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7 4 Encouragements:
Paul’s love. (1-2)
Paul’s prayers. (3-4)
Paul’s confidence in Timothy. (5)
God’s gift to Timothy. (6-7)
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
Be not ashamed of the Lord’s testimony. (8-10)
God gives us power. (8)
2 Timothy 1:8 (The Bible Exposition Commentary): “Years ago, I read about a Christian who was in prison because of his faith. He was to be burned at the stake, and he was certain he would never be able to endure the suffering. One night, he experimented with pain by putting his little finger into the candle flame. It hurt, and he immediately withdrew it. “I will disgrace my Lord,” he said to himself. “I cannot bear the pain.” But when the hour came for him to die, he praised God and gave a noble witness for Jesus Christ. God gave him the power when he needed it, and not before.” (WW)
God has called us by his grace. (9)
Christ has defeated death. (10)
Four reasons not to be ashamed of his association with Paul, the prisoner:
Paul was called by God. (11)
A herald—official messenger of the king
An apostle—one sent with a commission
A teacher—shepherd to the local church
Paul was confident in Christ. (12)
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
Be loyal to God’s word. (13-14)
Be loyal to God’s servant. (15-18)
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
I. THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
II. THE PRACTICAL APPEAL—chapter 2
A. The steward—2:1–2
B. The soldier—2:3–4, 8–13
C. The athlete—2:5
D. The farmer—2:6–7
E. The workman—2:14–18
F. The vessel—2:19–22
G. The servant—2:23–26
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
I. Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Call to Faithfulness (1:3–18)
A. Thanksgiving for Timothy (1:3–7)
B. Call to courage (1:8–12)
C. Call to guard the truth (1:13–14)
D. Examples of unfaithfulness and faithfulness (1:15–18)
III. Challenge to Endurance (2:1–13)
A. Enduring hardship for Christ (2:1–7)
B. Christ’s example of endurance (2:8–10)
C. A faithful saying (2:11–13)
IV. Marks of a Good Workman (2:14–26)
A. Faithfulness in ministry (2:14–19)
B. A clean instrument (2:20–21)
C. Faithfulness in conduct (2:22–26)
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: How to Keep the Faith in Uncertain Times
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-18 NIV
Bottom line: We keep the faith in uncertain times by standing tall, suffering well, following the pattern of sound teaching, and guarding the deposit together.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
“There was no doubt that Timothy could do this. He was a prime candidate because, in Oswald Chambers's words again,
‘All through history God has chosen and used nobodies, because their unusual dependence on him made possible the unique display of his power and grace. He chose and used somebodies only when they renounced dependence on their natural abilities and resources.’
God is looking for a few good "nobodies" —people who know they cannot succeed in serving him in their own strength.” -Hughes, P. 195
CONTEXT
Serious uncertainties exist:
Timothy’s struggles in Ephesus continue
Now Paul is imprisoned with execution imminent
Feels like the future of the Church hangs in the balance
We live in uncertain times as well:
Threat of WW III (Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Sudan, Nigeria)
Threat of Enemy attack on US (EMP, power grid, southern border, bio warfare, terrorism)
Threat of civil war over the culture war (Blue vs Red states)
Threat of corrupt leaders at the highest levels
Threat of the basics (college; jobs; retirement; healthcare; inflation; energy indedependence)
SERMON
In light of these uncertain times, we can keep the faith despite the fears if we’ll embrace Paul’s 4 commands to Timothy also living in uncertain times. These 4 commands include:
Stand tall. (“Don’t be ashamed”)
Suffer with me.
Follow the Pattern of Sound teaching.
Guard the Deposit.
Paul believes in the power of the Gospel made possible by grace through faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must depend on Him. We embrace being a nobody by depending on Christ alone. If we’re a somebody, we must do the same or lose the faith.
CONCLUSION
“As a young preacher from Zimbabwe so memorably expressed it:
‘I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit's power.
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made; I'm a disciple of His!
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still...
I won't give up, shut up, let up,
until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up
for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus.’” -Hughes, p. 194
Bottom line: We keep the faith in uncertain times by standing tall, suffering well, following the pattern of sound teaching, and guarding the deposit together.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
“This was not something Timothy was to work out for himself or was entitled to enlarge. It was divine revelation committed to his care.? In the fifth century St. Leo gave Timothy's charge classic expression:
What is meant by the deposit? That which is committed to you, not that which is invented by you; that which you have received, not that which you have devised; a thing not of wit, but of learning; not of private assumption, but of public tradition; a thing brought to you, not brought forth of you; wherein you must not be an author, but a keeper; not a leader but a follower. Keep the deposit.”
1 Tim, p. 176
Kent Hughes
Other images
Mamertine dungeon
Not ashamed
Guard the gospel/deposit
Deposit
Power
Love
Self-discipline
Flame
Gift
Tears
Grandmother
Mother
Prison
Holy Spirit
To Claude.ai I wrote, “We know that in 2 Timothy of the New Testament Paul called for Timothy to come to him in Rome. About how long would that trip have taken?”
It replied:
The journey from Timothy's location (likely Ephesus or somewhere in Asia Minor) to Rome during the time of Paul and the early church would have been quite arduous and time-consuming. Here's an estimate of how long it may have taken:
- The total distance from Ephesus to Rome was around 1,500-1,600 miles (2,400-2,600 km).
- Travel in ancient times was done mostly by walking, riding animals like horses/donkeys, or sailing by ship when possible.
- Land travel speeds averaged around 15-20 miles per day on foot or by animal.
- Sea travel by ship could cover 50-100 miles per day depending on winds and currents.
So if Timothy traveled only by land, walking and riding animals, the journey would have taken around 3-4 months to reach Rome from Asia Minor, covering 15-20 miles per day.
However, it's more likely he combined land and sea travel, which could significantly reduce the time:
- A ship from Ephesus across the Aegean Sea to Athens was around 5-7 days.
- From Athens overland to the port of Brindisi in Italy was around 2 weeks.
- A ship from Brindisi up the Italian peninsula to Rome was 5-7 more days.
Using this combined route, the total journey could have taken around 1-1.5 months with favorable winds and no delays. Of course, bad weather, shipwrecks, or other issues could have extended this considerably in ancient travel conditions.
So in summary, Paul summoning Timothy from Asia Minor to Rome would likely have required at least 1-2 months of very difficult travel in the 1st century AD.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
—
OUTLINE (by WW)
“The essentials for a successful ministry have not changed: courageous enthusiasm, shameless suffering, and spiritual loyalty.” -WW
THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7 4 Encouragements:
Paul’s love. (1-2)
Paul’s prayers. (3-4)
Paul’s confidence in Timothy. (5)
God’s gift to Timothy. (6-7)
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
Be not ashamed of the Lord’s testimony. (8-10)
God gives us power. (8)
2 Timothy 1:8 (The Bible Exposition Commentary): “Years ago, I read about a Christian who was in prison because of his faith. He was to be burned at the stake, and he was certain he would never be able to endure the suffering. One night, he experimented with pain by putting his little finger into the candle flame. It hurt, and he immediately withdrew it. “I will disgrace my Lord,” he said to himself. “I cannot bear the pain.” But when the hour came for him to die, he praised God and gave a noble witness for Jesus Christ. God gave him the power when he needed it, and not before.” (WW)
God has called us by his grace. (9)
Christ has defeated death. (10)
Four reasons not to be ashamed of his association with Paul, the prisoner:
Paul was called by God. (11)
A herald—official messenger of the king
An apostle—one sent with a commission
A teacher—shepherd to the local church
Paul was confident in Christ. (12)
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
Be loyal to God’s word. (13-14)
Be loyal to God’s servant. (15-18)
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
I. THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
II. THE PRACTICAL APPEAL—chapter 2
A. The steward—2:1–2
B. The soldier—2:3–4, 8–13
C. The athlete—2:5
D. The farmer—2:6–7
E. The workman—2:14–18
F. The vessel—2:19–22
G. The servant—2:23–26
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
I. Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Call to Faithfulness (1:3–18)
A. Thanksgiving for Timothy (1:3–7)
B. Call to courage (1:8–12)
C. Call to guard the truth (1:13–14)
D. Examples of unfaithfulness and faithfulness (1:15–18)
III. Challenge to Endurance (2:1–13)
A. Enduring hardship for Christ (2:1–7)
B. Christ’s example of endurance (2:8–10)
C. A faithful saying (2:11–13)
IV. Marks of a Good Workman (2:14–26)
A. Faithfulness in ministry (2:14–19)
B. A clean instrument (2:20–21)
C. Faithfulness in conduct (2:22–26)
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
Read More
Title: How to respond in desperate times
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 2 NIV
Bottom line: The point of Hannah’s story is not that if you trust God and ask for things long enough or desperately enough, he will give you what you ask for. (Though a great model) The point is surrender to God and he will meet you there.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Happy Mother’s Day! I chose this passage because I think there are times when we feel like God doesn’t see us or hear us. I believe he does and that this story shows that. He sees our pain.
In this passage, we’re going to see that Hannah is looking for her security, stability and significance in a son. Her hopes are low because she’s unable to have children (so far).
She’s living at a time in Israel’s history when the nation is looking for its security, stability and significance in a king.
The answer to both is in a son—but not just any son. In The Son of God, King of kings.
Let’s dig in!
CONTEXT
Israel is looking for a king. 350 years of cycles of rebellion and deliverance has Israel looking for a king. Judges weren’t getting it done as they looked at the other nations. They wanted to be like other nations and get a king. God was their king but they didn’t trust him. They wanted an earthly king. They wanted stability, security and significance. And they thought an earthly king was the answer when God was the answer.
At the same time, Hannah is looking for a son. And for the same reasons. She knew that without a son to care for her when her husband couldn’t, she’d suffer losing stability, security and significance.
We do the same thing. All people do.
Lost people look for something instead of Jesus.
Church people look for something in addition to Jesus.
God plus nothing = everything. Do we believe this? Really believe this?
You know how you know? When you lose something or someone, how do you respond? That tells you all you need to know.
SERMON OUTLINE (created by Claude.ai) Note: I don’t use this outline in my sermon as I tend to just walk through the passage chronologically. It’s here for your reference.
Here's a concise outline for 1 Samuel 1-2:
1 Samuel 1
I. Hannah's Barrenness (vv. 1-8)
II. Hannah's Prayer for a Son (vv. 9-18)
A. Her Vow (vv. 9-11)
B. Eli's Blessing (vv. 12-18)
III. Samuel's Birth (vv. 19-28)
A. Conception (vv. 19-20)
B. Dedication to God (vv. 21-28)
1 Samuel 2
I. Hannah's Prayer (vv. 1-10)
A. Rejoicing in God (vv. 1-3)
B. God's Justice/Sovereignty (vv. 4-8)
C. Prayer for the King (vv. 9-10)
II. Samuel's Service (vv. 11-26)
A. Eli's Wicked Sons (vv. 11-17)
B. Samuel's Growth (vv. 18-21)
C. Word Against Eli's House (vv. 22-26)
III. Prophecy Against Eli (vv. 27-36)
CONCLUSION
Very recently, my cousin lost her only son at 42 years old. He was involved in that shooting in Charlotte that left 4 officers dead. You think this is hard Mother’s Day for her? She can pray and pray and pray to God to bring her son back. But that isn’t going to happen.
So what does God say to her in this passage?
So while the point that when we approach God persistently, desperately and faithfully in prayer, he loves to answer those prayers, the truth is he doesn’t always answer our prayers like we ask him to. Sometimes he say yes, sometimes not yet, and sometimes he says no. Never.
My cousin will not get her son back no matter how much she asks God for him. What does Hannah say to that?
Hannah gives us clues in 1 Samuel 2. Bottom line: God is enough. As our sovereign Creator, he not only has the right to answer however he wants, because he is good, all-powerful and holy, he will only do what is good and pure. But that won’t always be with the answer we ask for.
What he will provide is himself. God + 0 = Everything.
What are you despairing over? What are you trying to add to Jesus to find peace? Security? Significance? Stability?
Jesus is enough. God is enough.
The question is do you believe this?
Bottom line: The point of Hannah’s story is not that if you trust God and ask for things long enough or desperately enough, he will give you what you ask for. (Though a great model) The point is surrender to God and he will meet you there.
On your index card, write what God is saying to you personally right now?
Here are the two questions for you to consider:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying to me, Lord, is ____________________________________.
What I hear you telling me to do, Lord, is _________________________________.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Let’s pray for my cousin today.
Let’s pray for each of us as we learn to rest fully in Christ alone for all that we need.
Pray
NOTES
“You're absolutely right, the passage and my previous explanation don't directly address the situation when God doesn't answer prayer in the way we hope, even after persistent, faithful prayer like Hannah's. That's an important perspective to consider. A couple of points we can draw from this passage and its surrounding context:
1) Hannah's experience shows that sometimes God does answer with the desire of our hearts after long periods of waiting and praying. However, the Bible is also clear that sometimes God's answer is "no" or "not yet" according to His perfect wisdom and timing.
2) In 1 Samuel 2, Hannah's prayer/song of praise highlights God's sovereignty over life circumstances - "The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts" (v.7). This indicates that whether our prayers are answered affirmatively or not, we must ultimately submit to God's will and reign over our lives.
3) Hannah's prayer also extols God's justice and care for the needy (vv. 4-8). Even when our personal desires go unfulfilled, we can trust that God sees our affliction and will make things right in His way and time. His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
4) The courage, patience, and faith Hannah displayed in the midst of her unanswered prayers model an attitude of persevering hope and trust in the Lord's character and purposes, rather than doubting His goodness when prayers go unanswered as we want.
So while Hannah's story highlights God's faithfulness in answering one prayer ultimately, it doesn't negate the reality of God sometimes saying "no" or "wait." In those times, we must hold onto His perfect wisdom, justice, sovereignty and love.”
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Let’s ask some summary questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. That God is enough no matter what they’re going through.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because there will be times when they won’t get the answer to their prayers that they want.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. Repent of pursuing the things of this world to be their savior and instead seek Jesus as their significance, security and stability in life.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because nothing else can be your king or savior like Jesus can.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Stand up like Hannah did. Get to the place where Jesus is more than enough.
Who is God (according to this passage)?
The one we worship; one true God
The one we sacrifice for and obey
Sovereign God over life; source and sustainer of life
The one who allows us to suffer at times
The one who brings us peace and perspective
The one we hear and obey
The one who sees/hears all we experience and empathizes with us
“Lord almighty” = master we obey; all powerful one who guides, provides and protects.
Faithful one
Generous one
What has God done?
Heard her prayer
Seen her pain
Remembered her prayers and pain and need
Worked through imperfect priest
Sovereignly worked on Hannah’s behalf (and Israel’s)
Allowed Hannah to be barren for a season
Allowed Hannah to be one of two wives
Opened Hannah’s eyes to the only one who could offer her true stability, significance and security
Listened to her desperate prayers and collected her tears
Empathized with Hannah’s pain and feelings of forsakenness
Showed up for Hannah
Answered her prayers
Blessed her in the wake of her surrender to his will
Who am I (Who is Hannah?)?
The one who silently suffered despair because she feels unable to fulfill her calling as wife and mother
The one who needs and receives God’s perspective because of her prayers
The one who prayed early and often, desperately, through tears, believing she’d be heard and receive mercy
Believed that even God answer with no children that she’d be provided for and protected by God
Who endured slander, persecution and shame from her enemy (and others) and was misunderstood—but eventually vindicated because she didn’t stop believing
What do I do (what does Hannah do?)?
Surrender; she surrendered Samuel before she even knew his name; then surrendered him afterwards
She prayed asking for a miracle (significance, security, stability—a son)
She birthed Samuel and named him to honor the Lord hearing her prayers
She followed through and surrendered Samuel who at that time was her future provision and protection knowing that surrendering to the Lord led to that and her future provision and protection without Samuel
Pray believing, desperate prayers to a good, faithful God who hears, sees, and remembers in what we’re in
Pray believing that no matter how God answers, he is with us and for us and will ultimate provide all that we really need.
OUTLINES
Here's an outline of 1 Samuel 1: (by Claude.ai)
I. Introduction (vv. 1-8)
A. Characters introduced: Elkanah, Hannah, Peninnah
B. Hannah's childlessness and Peninnah's taunting
II. Hannah's Prayer for a Son (vv. 9-18)
A. Hannah's vow to the Lord (vv. 9-11)
B. Eli's misunderstanding and Hannah's explanation (vv. 12-16)
C. Eli's blessing (v. 17)
D. Hannah's faith and peace (v. 18)
III. The Birth of Samuel (vv. 19-28)
A. The Lord's remembrance of Hannah (vv. 19-20)
B. Hannah's vow fulfilled (vv. 21-28)
1. Weaning and presenting Samuel to Eli (vv. 21-24)
2. Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving (vv. 25-28)
And here's an outline for a sermon on 1 Samuel 1, with applications as the major points:
I. Trust in God's Timing (vv. 1-8, 19-20)
Application: Wait patiently for the Lord's answer to your prayers, even when it seems delayed.
II. Pray with Persistence and Faith (vv. 9-18)
Application: Pour out your heart to God in prayer, even in difficult circumstances, believing that He hears and will answer.
III. Keep Your Vows to the Lord (vv. 21-28)
Application: When God answers your prayers, fulfill any vows or commitments you made to Him.
IV. Give Thanks and Praise to God (vv. 25-28)
Application: Express gratitude and worship to God for His faithfulness and blessings.
V. Entrust Your Children to God's Service (vv. 27-28)
Application: Dedicate your children to the Lord and encourage them to serve Him wholeheartedly.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Samuel, Thomas & Greear
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
Read More
FOLLOW FLEE FIGHT 1 Timothy 6:11-21
Here we come to the end of Paul’s 1st letter to Timothy.
FOLLOW FLEE FIGHT
He closes the letter w/ words to the rich.
FOLLOW “But you, man of God”
Here is the Warning “flee from these things”
FLEE
God’s Word is our weapon in this fight.
The fight of faith is the fight to believe. Don't just run, run to something.
So Timothy should “flee” “and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”
“Pursue” – constantly strive for.
“We are simply to run from evil as we run from danger, and to run after goodness as we run after success.” John Stott
FIGHT
“Fight the good fight of the faith.” .
“Worthy of Worship”
Words to the Wealthy
1. False pride “not to be arrogant or to”
2. False security “set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth”
As we reflect on this today, let’s ask ourselves.
1. Are we following Christ?
2. Are we fleeing sin?
3. Are we fighting the good fight of the faith?
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: What are you pursuing most?
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:3-10; Matthew 6:19-34 NIV
Bottom line: What we pursue most tells us what we really treasure in life. But true contentment is only found in pursuing/treasuring Christ and his community on mission.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Treasure principle
Working for this life instead of the next
“When John D Rockefeller died, his aide was asked how much he left behind. The man wisely answered, ‘He left it all behind.’”
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE (influenced by Willmington)
PAUL'S WORDS TO THE PEOPLE (6:1-10): Paul addresses four types of individuals.
A. The workers (6:1-2): Paul urges Christian servants to render faithful service to their masters, lest the name of God be slandered.
B. The wicked (6:3-5)
1. They deny the faith (6:3-4a).
2. They are conceited and argumentative (6:4b).
3. They cause confusion, envy, and friction (6:4c).
4. They use spiritual things for financial gain (6:5).
C. The wise (6:6-8): They realize that godliness with contentment is great gain.
D. The wealthy (6:9-10)
1. The desire (6:10): "The love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil."
2. The destruction (6:9): This kind of greed, if unchecked, will result in ruin and destruction.
CONCLUSION
“…the story of a king who was suffering from a persistent malady and was advised by his wise men that he would be cured if the shirt of a contented man were brought for him to wear. The search began for a contented man, but none could be found. So emissaries were sent to the edge of the realm, and after a long search a man was found who was truly content. But he had no shirt!“ -Kent Hughes, pp. 157-8
“Contentment is a constant feast, He's richest who requires the least.“ -Barnes
The “treasure principal” says that you can’t take it with you but you can send it ahead. This is Randy Alcorn‘s take on Matthew six versus 19 through 24.
Bottom line: What we pursue most tells us what we really treasure in life. But true contentment is only found in pursuing/treasuring Christ and his community on mission.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Let’s ask some summary questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
SECTION OUTLINE SIX (1 TIMOTHY 6)
Paul addresses the workers, the wicked, the wise, and the wealthy.
He closes his letter with some final instructions for Timothy.
I. PAUL'S WORDS TO THE PEOPLE (6:1-10): Paul addresses four types of individuals.
A. The workers (6:1-2): Paul urges Christian servants to render faithful service to their masters, lest the name of God be slandered.
B. The wicked (6:3-5)
1. They deny the faith (6:3-4a).
2. They are conceited and argumentative (6:4b).
3. They cause confusion, envy, and friction (6:4c).
4. They use spiritual things for financial gain (6:5).
C. The wise (6:6-8): They realize that godliness with contentment is great gain.
D. The wealthy (6:9-10)
1. The desire (6:10): "The love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil."
2. The destruction (6:9): This kind of greed, if unchecked, will result in ruin and destruction.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: What the Bible says about slavery & employment
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Matthew 11:29-30 NIV
Bottom line: Honoring God leads us to honor people. Honoring people blesses them, celebrates his message, and honors God.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Philip Towner tells how when he and his buddies Erving int he military in England became Christians, they let their enthusiasm for Christ overcome their diligence in following the mundane rules about shined boots and clean uniforms. As a result, they quickly got a reputation from their superiors: Christians are sloppy and insubordinate soldiers.
Another true story told by Kent Hughes is about 2 seminary students who seemed to always be standing around talking about God during work hours.
“3 Chapters of John in the John”
The worst though was when he noticed one go to the bathroom for 20 min. When he came out he overheard him tell his fellow-student, “I just had the most wonderful time. I read 3 chapters of the gospel of John.” No wonder he was becoming skeptical of Christians. Hughes, p. 148
Most gospel sharing happens in the workplace. And it makes sense since we spend so much time there. People see us in action. How we work with people matters.
The question we’re answering today is what does the Bible say about slavery, employment & following Christ.
In his book about living out your last days and dying well, Bill Bright, the founder of CCC or Cru as it’s known today, talks about the day when he and his wife decided to fully surrender their lives to Christ. They changed their thinking about their lives and decided to live as a slave to Jesus Christ. They would only obey him. They would only do what he called them to do. And they did that for the rest of their lives launching a missionary ministry that would cover the globe. In 2020, they had 19,000 staff in 190 countries.
CONTEXT
50-60 million slaves in Roman Empire.
About 1/3 of the cities were slaves.
Slavery affected virtually every aspect of the Ephesian church.
Half of all slaves were freed by age 30.
Social status came by association.
Not usually a race thing but an economic and social thing.
Some stayed slaves for security (especially the poorer slaves).
Slaves were cooks, managers, medical workers, and even government workers.
Some sold themselves into slavery so that they could become legal Roman citizens getting those rights.
Slaves could save money, own property, and even own other slaves. They were usually working towards buying their freedom.
Roman slavery was similar but different from antebellum slavery. So when Paul calls slaves following Christ to respect their masters, it’s not like the slavery of the south. While slavery (as commonly understood) is still a sin against God, Paul’s focus is on even more than that. He’s not just thinking about the social evils of his day. He’s thinking on the gospel that speaks to all of those social evils at the same time.
Yoke—typically symbolizes oppression in scripture. And yet Jesus talks about his yoke in Matt 11.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”“ -Jesus in Matthew 11:29-30 NIV
SERMON OUTLINE (influenced by David Platt’s outline)
How does the Bible speak to slavery (employment)?
Slaves (employees) who follow Christ: Respect your masters (bosses). Why?
Because they are made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26-27)
So you don’t slander God’s name and teaching. (1 Tim 6:1)
Because, if they are a believer too, they are worthy of even greater service from you as your brother in Christ. (1 tim 6:2)
Not because slavery is legitimate.
Slavery means
We buy and sell you like property
We coerce you to work for our benefit
God is anti-slavery
We’re made in the image of God
Therefore, people are equal in value in God’s eyes (and should be in each others’ eyes)
Slavery today—we should care about this.
About 27 million slaves around the world today (more than ever)
Most are young girls
Much is for sex trade/forced prostitution
Much is happening in the US
Grateful for ministries like IJM, A21 and Doors to Freedom who work to eradicate this wickedness
Slavery is spiritual too.
We are all born into spiritual slavery—we’re born slaves to sin, that’s why we sin.
Christ frees us from slavery to sin and the kingdom of darkness when we believe the good news that he saves us by grace through faith in him alone.
He sets us free to serve him.
If someone saves your life, you don’t mind serving them the rest of the life you almost didn’t have.
We grow in Christ to the extent that we gladly surrender all to him as our King and Lord, Creator and Redeemer who ransomed us and set us free. While we are yoked to Christ (by choice), it’s not your typical slavery:
”Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.“ Matthew 11:29 NIV
”For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”“ Matthew 11:30 NIV
The Apostles referred to themselves as slaves to Christ (not just Apostles):
Paul introduced himself 3X this way (Philippians, Romans and Titus)
Peter in 2 Peter
Jude in his letter
James in his letter
CONCLUSION
Bottom line: Honoring God leads us to honor people. Honoring people blesses them, celebrates his message, and honors God.
What about me?
Do I consider my boss/teacher worthy of full respect?
Am I thinking about the 27 million (mostly young) people in slavery today?
Have I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ?
Pray
NOTES
From David Platt’s commentary
Slavery in History—4 types
Slaves in Paul’s Day that had trusted Christ. Respect your masters…
Because they are made in God’s image
So you don’t slander God’s name and teaching
Because, if they are a believer too, they are worthy of even greater service from you as your brother in Christ
Not because slavery is legitimate
God is anti-slavery
This parallels how we are to relate to our employers as followers of Christ. We respect them too
Because they are made in God’s image
So we don’t slander God’s name and teaching
Because, if they are a believer too, they are worthy of even greater service from us as their brother in Christ
Slavery today
About 27 million slaves around the world today (more than ever)
Most are young girls
Much is for sex trade/forced prostitution
Much is happening in the US
Grateful for ministries like IJM, A21 and Doors to Freedom who work to eradicate this wickedness
Slavery is spiritual too.
We are all born into spiritual slavery—we’re born slaves to sin, that’s why we sin
Christ frees us from slavery to sin and the kingdom of darkness when we believe the good news that he saves us by grace through faith in him alone.
We grow in Christ to the extent that we gladly surrender all to him as our King and Lord, Creator and Redeemer who ransomed us and set us free.
The Apostles referred to themselves as slaves to Christ (not just Apostles):
Paul introduced himself 3X this way (Philippians, Romans and Titus)
Peter in 2 Peter
Jude in his letter
James in his letter
Let’s ask some summary questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. That how we treat others reflects on God and his message.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because we’re all made in his image and therefore are worthy of full respect whether we deserve it or not.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. Consider all people worthy of full respect. Consider God worthy of full allegiance.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because God deserves it and created people in his image.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Evaluate how you’re treating those who have authority over you at work or school or home.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
SECTION OUTLINE SIX (1 TIMOTHY 6)
Paul addresses the workers, the wicked, the wise, and the wealthy.
He closes his letter with some final instructions for Timothy.
I. PAUL'S WORDS TO THE PEOPLE (6:1-10): Paul addresses four types of individuals.
A. The workers (6:1-2): Paul urges Christian servants to render faithful service to their masters, lest the name of God be slandered.
B. The wicked (6:3-5)
1. They deny the faith (6:3-4a).
2. They are conceited and argumentative (6:4b).
3. They cause confusion, envy, and friction (6:4c).
4. They use spiritual things for financial gain (6:5).
C. The wise (6:6-8): They realize that godliness with contentment is great gain.
D. The wealthy (6:9-10)
1. The desire (6:10): "The love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil."
2. The destruction (6:9): This kind of greed, if unchecked, will result in ruin and destruction.
II. PAUL'S WORDS TO THE PASTOR (6:11-21)
A. What Timothy is to do (6:11-14, 17-21)
1. Flee from evil, and follow after good (6:11).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
Who am I going to tell about this?
Final Questions (optional or in place of above)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (index cards optional)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
Read More
Series: Guard this Treasure
Title: How to treat your leaders
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17-25 NIV; 1:3-7
Bottom line: We care for our leaders best through rewards, discipline and wise selection.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Even today, the day after Iran fired over a hundred missiles and drones at Israel, their prime minister is under fire from many calling for his ouster. Among legitimate critiques are character assassination attempts designed to slander or just take down that leader. This, unfortunately, is common for leaders today whether we’re talking the federal government or the local school board.
But what about leaders in the church?
Paul left Timothy in Ephesus on his behalf to confront false teachers and to call out those who are behaving sinfully. He is also to make sure that leaders are rewarded and chosen wisely as well. This is what we will deal with today.
As far as our church is concerned, we are an autonomous, non-denominational church led by a team of 5 elders (aka pastors, both lay and paid). They are the position we’re talking about today. How do we treat them? Let’s see how Paul answers that question.
SERMON OUTLINE (based on the Outline Bible):
SECTION OUTLINE FIVE (1 TIMOTHY 5)
Paul gives advice concerning older and younger men, older and younger women, widows, and church elders.
I. THE PEOPLE (5:1-16): Paul gives advice concerning church members.
II. THE PREACHERS (5:17-25): Paul's advice concerning church elders.
A. Elders in general (5:17-22, 24-25)
1. They are worthy of double honor (5:17-18).
So in summary, "double honor" indicates these faithful elders should receive both material support as well as the utmost respect and appreciation from the church body. This ensures they are properly cared for and esteemed for their service.
2. They must never be unjustly accused (5:19-20, 24-25).
3. They must be impartial (5:21).
4. They must be proven before being ordained (5:22a).
5. They must keep themselves pure (5:22b).
B. Timothy in particular (5:23): "Drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often."
CONCLUSION
I can tell you there have been plenty of times in the past 18 years when I’ve had contentious conversations with other elders about how we should lead this church. There have been times when I’ve been slandered, misunderstood, and called out. Sometimes legitimately too.
Bottom line: We care for our leaders best through rewards, discipline and wise selection.
I can tell you from personal experience, Paul’s advice here is sound and works. Ultimately, he’s simple giving us God’s words on the subject. We would be foolish to ignore them.
Pray
NOTES
Let’s ask some summary questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to reward, discipline and choose your elders.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because churches rise and fall on leadership.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. Treat their elders well by
Rewarding them when they do well,
Disciplining them when appropriate,
Choosing them carefully.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because they lead the church towards or away from Christ.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. They lead the church towards Christ by
Overseeing the flock
Shepherding the flock (lead, feed and protect)
Preaching and teaching the flock
Loving the flock
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
SECTION OUTLINE FIVE (1 TIMOTHY 5)
Paul gives advice concerning older and younger men, older and younger women, widows, and church elders.
I. THE PEOPLE (5:1-16): Paul gives advice concerning church members.
A. In regard to older men (5:1a): Treat them as respected fathers.
B. In regard to younger men (5:1b): Treat them as brothers.
C. In regard to older women (5:2a): Treat them as mothers.
D. In regard to younger women (5:2b): Treat them as sisters.
E. In regard to widows (5:3-16)
1. Older widows (5:3-10, 16)
a. Widows who are over sixty, godly, and have no living chil-dren (5:3, 5, 9-10, 16): These are to be honored and provided for.
b. Widows who have living children and grandchildren (5:4, 8, 16): They are to be cared for by their families.
c. Widows who are carnal and live only for pleasure (5:6-7): They are to receive no help.
2. Younger widows (5:11-15)
a. The rule (5:11-12, 14): Let them remarry and raise children.
b. The reason (5:13, 15): This will keep them from immorality and idle talk.
II. THE PREACHERS (5:17-25): Paul's advice concerning church elders.
A. Elders in general (5:17-22, 24-25)
1. They are worthy of double honor (5:17-18).
2. They must never be unjustly accused (5:19-20, 24-25).
3. They must be impartial (5:21).
4. They must be proven before being ordained (5:22a).
5. They must keep themselves pure (5:22b).
B. Timothy in particular (5:23): "Drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often."
BKC Outline
I. The Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Instructions concerning False Teachers (1:3–20)
III. Instructions concerning Conduct in the Church (2:1–3:13)
IV. Instructions concerning Guarding the Truth in the Church (3:14–4:16)
A. …
C. Responsibilities of a good minister of Christ (4:6–16)
V. Instructions concerning Various Groups in the Church (5:1–6:10)
A. Concerning various age-groups (5:1–2)
B. Concerning widows (5:3–16)
C. Concerning elders (5:17–25)
D. Concerning slaves and masters (6:1–2)
E. Concerning the heretical and greedy (6:3–10)
VI. Final Charge to Timothy (6:11–21)
A. Exhortation to godliness (6:11–16)
B. Instructions for the rich (6:17–19)
C. Exhortations to remain faithful (6:20–21)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
Who am I going to tell about this?
Final Questions (optional or in place of above)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (index cards optional)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
Read More
How Do We Treat Family? 1 Tim 5:1-16
1 Timothy is the church every pastor should have.
2 Timothy is the pastor every church should have.
1 Timothy Outline by Skip Heitzig
· The Message of the Church – 1 Timothy 1
· The Members of the Church – 1 Timothy 2
· The Ministers of the Church – 1 Timothy 3-4
· The Ministry of the Church – 1 Timothy 5-6
Older Men - like fathers
Younger Men - like brothers
Older Women - like mothers
Younger Women - like sisters
Genuine Widows
Taking care of family please God
How are we doing as a faith family at Grace?
How are we taking care of our immediate and extended family?
Series: n/a Easter Sunday
Title: Who is Jesus and why does it matter?
Scripture: Acts 2: NIV
Bottom line:
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Illustration or story
Perhaps no one has illustrated the meekness and majesty of Jesus better in recent history than C. S. Lewis. In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Lucy is posing questions to Mr. and Mrs. Beaver about Aslan, a character representative of Christ:
"Is—is he a man?" asked Lucy.
"Aslan a man!" said Mr. Beaver sternly. "Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion—the Lion, the great Lion."
"Ooh!" said Susan, "I'd thought he was a man. Is he— quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."
"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver; "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."
"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe.
But he's good. He's the King, I tell you" (Lewis, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, 75-76).
Yes. Christ is good. But he isn't safe. Jesus really is the true King. So stand in awe of him. Don't be silly. Confess him as Lord. That's Peter's message. He says, "Know with certainty!" Be assured of this. Jesus is the ascended King.
Merida, p. 30-31
CONTEXT
The context here is that it is 10 days after Jesus ascended to heaven, which followed 40 days of him meeting with his disciples in his resurrected body. The festival of Pentecost is at hand which happens 50 days after the Passover.
The disciples and the 120 are all gathered in the upper room, praying and waiting as Jesus instructed.
So the city is full of Jews from all over the world who have come to celebrate the festival of the harvest. They are very close to the temple grounds, which is where they end up gathering and Peter ends up preaching 1000s of people.
SERMON OUTLINE (based on Hughes’ outline):
I. What happened TO the Apostles at Pentecost? (2:1-4)
II. What happened IN the Apostles at Pentecost? (2:4; Ephesians 5:18-21)
III. What happened THROUGH the Apostles at Pentecost? (2:5-13)
IV. Peter Explained What Had Happened. (2:16-21)
V. Peter Explained about Jesus. (2:22-37)
A. The incarnation
B. The crucifixion
C. The resurrection
Psalm 16:8-11
Psalm 110:1
D. The ascension
VI. Key to spiritual growth and maturity
A. Teaching (2:42)
B. Fellowship (2:42)
C. Worship (2:42)
D. Evangelism (2:47)
CONCLUSION
Peter was a nobody in the eyes of the world. So am I.
Peter was in turmoil over his life decisions. So am I.
Peter came to his senses. Peter found Jesus. So have I.
What about you?
Bottom line: “
Pray
NOTES
Let’s ask some summary questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
W Wiersbe sermon outline
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
Who am I going to tell about this?
Final Questions (optional or in place of above)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (index cards optional)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“Acts,” by Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in Acts, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY
“Where’s a Palm Frond When You Need it?”
Setting:
- Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead, so folks were pretty excited…including Jesus’
enemies
- Matthew 20:17-19
17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to
them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the
chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand
him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be
raised to life!”
- Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons asked Jesus if her boys could sit at his right and left
hands
- They didn’t get it…in fact, Matthew has her at Jesus’ crucifixion…
Matthew 21:1-6
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two
disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey
tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to
you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: (the prophet Zechariah)
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” [a]
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the
colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.
This is referencing the Old Testament prophesy of the coming King…the Messiah
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
This prophesy of the coming King was 500 years before Jesus…
In Jacob’s blessing on his son Judah, he is also pronouncing that Israel’s true and everlasting
king will come from the tribe of Judah…even referring to the donkey
Genesis 49:10-11
The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, [a]
until he to whom it belongs [b] shall come
and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
11 He will tether his donkey to a vine,
his colt to the choicest branch;
he will wash his garments in wine,
his robes in the blood of grapes.
Why a donkey?
In ancient times, when a conquering king rode into a city, it was usually with a show of great
power and wealth, on a white horse in times of war, and a donkey in times of peace. Our King,
Jesus was going to ride into the city triumphantly, yet peacefully and meekly on a donkey.
Meek, meaning power under control.
1 Kings 1:32-34
32 King David said, “Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.”
When they came before the king, 33 he said to them: “Take your lord’s servants with you and
have Solomon my son mount my own mule and take him down to Gihon. 34 There have Zadok
the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout,
‘Long live King Solomon!’
This represents the day that Solomon was recognized as the new king
So - The symbolism and significance of this event would be understood by everyone there…
- So, After a few years of showing people who He was, and telling those He healed not to tell
anyone, Jesus was letting the people of Jerusalem, those visiting for the Passover, the
leaders of the synagogue, the rulers of Jerusalem and every single one of us know that He
was and is indeed the Messiah…the King
Matthew 21:1-6
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the
colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their
cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The
crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna [b] to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” [c]
“Hosanna [d] in the highest heaven!”
Hosanna: means “save now”…where did that come from??
Psalm 118:25-26
LORD, save us! (That is the word Hosanna)
LORD, grant us success!
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you. [a]
- They did not truly understand HOW Jesus was going to save them.
-
- Their expectations were not in line with the King’s will, but their own.
-
- They understood the prophesy enough to know that He was the messiah, but not enough to
get past their own notions of why He was there and what the Messiah was going to deliver
them from… He did not come to deliver them from Rome. He came to deliver them and all
of us from sin, death and hell.
-
So why did they lay down palm fronds?
Palm branches were often used in the celebration of victory and in King David’s time, they were
used to honor royalty.
Even Wikipedia says: The palm branch, or palm frond, is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace,
and eternal life. We see them in the old testament and even in the Book of Revelation:
Revelation 7:9
9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from
every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They
were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
So if palm branches are so important, why didn’t we distribute them today?
Because you already have one…because I believe we already ARE one…
If we are in Christ, are we not (as Wikipedia called it) symbols of victory, triumph, peace, and
eternal life?
Everything you can lay down before the King, you already have. We know what it meant for
people to lay down their coats and palms before Jesus, but He is calling us to lay down our lives
for our King…our hearts, our minds, our strength …everything we are.
Every thought / Every action / Every relationship / Every job / Every habit / Every worry / Our
past, present and future. That is what we should be laying down before our King
In Luke 14, Jesus talks about the cost of being a disciple…
Luke 14:25-27
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me
and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their
own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and
follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33
33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Galatians 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live
in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
He wants us to lay down everything we are for Him…so much more than a palm frond and a
cloak.
He laid down His life for us and asks the same of us for Him.
What are your expectations of the King? Are they in line with His will or with yours?
Do you know that our King isn’t here to make you rich? Or to make you happy? Or to help you
take control of society with power. Our king said “in this life you will have trouble” and “Whoever
wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
As a follower of Jesus, If we are not living a life for Him, are we yelling “Hosannah” with our
mouths and “Crucify Him” by our actions?
This was easier when it was just a palm branch…in fact…where’s a palm frond when you need
it?
That same king who came riding a donkey into Jerusalem as a peaceful conquering king,
conquered sin and death, delivered us from an eternity without God, and is coming back to
vanquish the enemy…and the next time, He will be riding a war horse…
Revelation 19:11-16
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called
Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on
his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he
himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The
armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and
clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will
rule them with an iron scepter.” [a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God
Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Luke 19:39-40
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
All of nature knows the significance of this moment…and this King…do we?
Pray
The Lord’s Supper
23 Corinthians 11:23-26
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he
was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my
body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took
the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in
remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the
Lord’s death until he comes.
Passages from The Message:
Matthew 20:17-19
Matthew 21:1-6
Zechariah 9:9
Genesis 49:10-11
1 Kings 1:32-34
Matthew 21:1-6
Psalm 118:25-26
Revelation 7:9
Luke 14:25-27
Luke 14:33
Galatians 2:20
Revelation 19:11-16
Luke 19:39-40
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: 5 Keys to Success in Ministry (& Life)
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:11-16 NIV
Bottom line: “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” Persevering in them will lead to success in ministry (and in life).
Alt. Bottom Line: We succeed in ministry through Christlike character and competency.
Competencies that include:
The Word
Gifted ness
Diligence, and
Balance
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Illustration or story
Life-Changing Words by Nicky Gumbel
My father wanted to go to Russia before he died. We went there on holiday as a family. At that time Bibles were strictly illegal there. I took with me some Russian Bibles. While I was there I went to churches and looked for people who seemed to be genuine Christians. (Church meetings were often infiltrated by the KGB.)
On one occasion, I followed a man down the street after a service. I went up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. There was nobody about. I took out one of my Bibles and handed it to him. For a moment, he had an expression of utmost disbelief. Then he took from his pocket a New Testament, which was probably 100 years old. The pages were so threadbare they were virtually transparent. When he realised that he had received a whole Bible, he was elated. He didn’t speak any English and I didn’t speak any Russian. But we hugged each other and he started to run up and down the street jumping for joy.
CONTEXT
Timothy seems to be where he doesn’t really want to be right now.
Church didn’t call him.
Elder leaders don’t think he’s seasoned enough.
And yet Paul sends him to “Guard the treasure” for the sake of the Church’s mission.
In ministry and in life, we guard the treasure of the gospel (truth and godliness) successfully by growing in Christlike character and the following competencies:
The word
Giftedness
Diligence
Balance
But it all starts with and is built on character.
Rick Warren showed me this using his famous baseball diamond illustration. First base is fellowship (knowing Christ), second base is discipleship (growing in Christ) which is where character formation begins, third base is ministry (serving as the hands and feet of Christ), and home is mission (Sharing Christ). You’ll notice that ministry or competency (third base) is built on the foundation of second base (character) which is built on knowing God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Yeah, it all starts with Christlike character which is a fruit of the Spirit of God that we receive at salvation.
SERMON OUTLINE (based on Hughes’ outline):
Successful Ministry requires us to grow in Christlike character and competency—Becoming and Doing like Christ:
I. Successful ministry assumes that you are eating and exercising spiritually.
A. Diet—word of God (1 Tim 4:78-)
B. Exercise—training to remain/abide in Christ (cf. John 15:1-5)
C. Note that in v. 11 Paul urges Timothy to “Command and teach these things.”
II. Successful ministry happens through personal godliness/Christlike character. (V. 12) Note Paul’s 5-fold godliness description:
A. Through speech
B. Through conduct
C. Through love
D. Through faith
E. Through purity—John goes on to describe the completed church in heaven – their *purity* and their *power*. The two are connected. As Pastor Rick Warren has tweeted, ‘In ministry, *private purity* is the source of *public power*.’
F. Note that he starts with the observable and moves to the inner life.
G. Paul seems to understand that when we are challenged in our leadership our first impulse/response is to
speak when we should listen and
act when we should be still.
III. Successful ministry happens through the Word (v. 13)
A. Public reading of scripture
“When a church ceases to be in touch with another world, she is no longer in touch with this one.” -someone, heard from J Vernon McGee
B. Preaching—exhortation to obey, imitate, or apply the Word to your life
C. Teaching—explanation and doctrinal instruction
More than devotional thoughts
More like boundaries, wisdom and truths to base your faith on when you’re tempted to doubt e.g. What is God like?
IV. Successful ministry happens through personal giftedness. (V. 14)
A. Not talking about talents or abilities here, though they are relevant.
B. Talking about spiritual gifting that comes with the Holy Spirit when we are born again. When we are spiritually born, we get birthday gifts:
New life/new creation or spiritual birthday where we are immersed (baptized) by the HS
Presence of the Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing he’ll finish what he’s started
Fruit of the Spirit (builds character)
Gift(s) of the Spirit (points to our ministry or spiritual strengths)
Everyone has at least one
No one has them all
See Romans 12, 1 Cor 12, and Eph 4:11-12 for a partial list of spiritual gifts
V. Successful ministry happens through diligence. (v. 15)
A. Diet
B. Train hard. Hard work.
VI. Successful ministry happens through balance. (V. 16)
A. Note the balance in this verse.
“Godly people are God-fearing people. They have experienced the Copernican revolution of Christian conversion from self-centeredness to God-centeredness..” -John Stott
Life (how you live) and
Doctrine (what you believe)
What you believe determines how you live and
How you live demonstrates what you (really) believe
I.e. Faith matters in life—not just in the afterlife.
B. Note how this verse summarizes successful ministry: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
“Yourself” (character)
“Teaching” (word & gifting)
“Persevere in them” (diligence)
Balance seen in summary form
C. Find Your Balance by Nicky Gumbel
My body is so inflexible. I was told once by a professional fitness trainer, who happened to notice the way I was walking, that I was one of the worst cases of stiffness he had ever come across. I am now trying to do more stretching! I had considered myself reasonably fit (for my age!), as a result of still playing squash and biking everywhere.
But in other ways, I realised I am not. Physical fitness is a balance of strength, flexibility, aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Some people are exceptionally strong but cannot even run to catch a bus. Others are aerobically very fit (they could run a marathon), but are not very strong. However, spiritual fitness is far more important than physical fitness. It also involves balancing a number of areas of your life.
CONCLUSION
St. Patrick's Day. It's always been--and never been--a holiday for me.
It hasn't been a holiday for me because I don't partake in the typical Irish revelry. No interest there. It has been a holiday for me in that I tend to wear green that day and engage in the silly banter around that tradition. But I've never really taken the holiday marking the death of St. Patrick seriously.
But that's changing.
The more I learn about this disciple-making saint, the more I like him. Like Joseph, son of Jacob, he was sold into slavery--this time to the Irish barbarians. After six years of servitude, he escaped eventually making it back to his British homeland.
It's at age 48--my age this year--that he receives a "Macedonian call," similar to Paul in Acts, to go share the Gospel with the Irish. He gathers a team and does just that for the next thirty years. As a result, the Irish move from a pagan culture to a Christian one.
He used methods that were controversial, to say the least, in the church in that day. He didn't focus on converts but on making disciple-makers. He emphasized holy-living while planting 200 churches. He used methods that focused on implanting Christ into the Irish culture instead of paving a Romanized Christ overtop of that culture. A movement was born, as a result.
I pray that we'll see that as our missional mandate--to take Christ to our culture in a way that results in a movement that redeems that culture instead of destroying it.
What a legacy St. Patrick has. I hope I leave a legacy like his.
Bottom line: “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” Persevering in them will lead to success in ministry (and in life).
Pray
NOTES
Let’s ask some summary questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. 5 keys to success in ministry (and life)
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. So that they’ll examine their life
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. Make adjustments and surrender to his way.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. So they’ll stay true to Christ and carry out his mission.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Prayerfully examine their life and obey the word.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
SECTION OUTLINE FOUR (1 TIMOTHY 4)
Paul contrasts two kinds of shepherds.
1. GODLESS SHEPHERDS (4:1-5): Paul warns Timothy against false teachers.
II. GODLY SHEPHERDS (4:6-16): Paul lists some dos and don'ts concerning Christian ministry.
A. The don'ts (4:7a, 12a, 14)
1. Don't waste time arguing over foolish ideas and silly myths (4:7a).
2. Don't be intimidated because of your youth (4:12a).
3. Don't neglect your spiritual gift (4:14).
B. The dos (4:6, 7b-11, 12b-13, 15-16)
1. Warn the church members concerning apostasy (4:6).
2. Keep spiritually fit (4:7b-11).
3. Be a godly role model in all you do (4:12b).
4. Continue to publicly read, teach, and preach the Word of God (4:13).
5. Give yourself wholly to the ministry (4:15).
6. Keep close check on your own life (4:16).
BKC Outline
I. The Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Instructions concerning False Teachers (1:3–20)
III. Instructions concerning Conduct in the Church (2:1–3:13)
IV. Instructions concerning Guarding the Truth in the Church (3:14–4:16)
A. …
C. Responsibilities of a good minister of Christ (4:6–16)
V. Instructions concerning Various Groups in the Church (5:1–6:10)
A. Concerning various age-groups (5:1–2)
B. Concerning widows (5:3–16)
C. Concerning elders (5:17–25)
D. Concerning slaves and masters (6:1–2)
E. Concerning the heretical and greedy (6:3–10)
VI. Final Charge to Timothy (6:11–21)
A. Exhortation to godliness (6:11–16)
B. Instructions for the rich (6:17–19)
C. Exhortations to remain faithful (6:20–21)
W Wiersbe sermon outline
Key theme: How to manage the ministry of the local church
Key verse: 1 Timothy 3:15
I. The Church and Its Message (1)
II. The Church and Its Members (2–3)
III. The Church and Its Minister (4)
A. A good minister (4:1–6)
B. A godly minister (4:7–12)
C. A growing minister (4:13–16)
IV. The Church and Its Ministry (5–6)
A. To older saints (5:1–2)
B. To widows (5:3–16)
C. To church leaders (5:17–25)
D. To servants (slaves) (6:1–2)
E. To trouble-makers (6:3–5)
F. To the rich (6:6–19)
G. To the “educated” (6:20–21)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
Who am I going to tell about this?
Final Questions (optional or in place of above)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (index cards optional)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
Read More
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: How to stay true to Christ
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-10 NIV
John 15:1-5 “train to remain”
Bottom Line: We stay true to the faith by training to remain in Christ.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
How to Avoid the Titanic Mistake
James Cameron, director of the movie Titanic, describes the Titanic as a ‘metaphor’ of life: ‘We are all living on… [the] Titanic.’
When the Titanic set sail in 1912, it was declared to be ‘unsinkable’ because it was constructed using a new technology. The ship’s hull was divided into sixteen watertight compartments. Up to four of these compartments could be damaged or even flooded, and still the ship would float.
Tragically, the Titanic sank on 15 April 1912 at 2.20 am. 1,513 people lost their lives. At the time, it was thought that five of its watertight compartments had been ruptured in a collision with an iceberg.
However, on 1 September 1985, when the wreck of the Titanic was found lying upright on the ocean floor, there was no sign of the long gash previously thought to have been ripped in the ship’s hull. What they discovered was that damage to one compartment affected all the rest.
Many people make the Titanic mistake. They think they can divide their lives into different ‘compartments’ and that what they do in one will not affect the rest. However, as Rick Warren (from whom I have taken this illustration) says, ‘A life of integrity is one that is not divided into compartments.’
David prayed for ‘an undivided heart’ (Psalm 86:11). He led the people with ‘integrity of heart’ (78:72). Supremely, Jesus was a ‘man of integrity’ (Matthew 22:16; Mark 12:14). How can you and I avoid the Titanic mistake and live lives of integrity?
How do stay true to Christ (godliness) and overcome false teachings?
Proper diet + exercise
CONTEXT
False teachers are intentionally wreaking havoc on the Ephesians church. That’s the context for this letter. There are issues in the church at Ephesus and Paul can’t be there to straighten things out. So he sent Timothy in his place to straighten things out until he can get there. This letter represents his instructions to Timothy to help him do just that.
“If I were preaching a sermon specifically on 1 Timothy 3:14-16, the main topic would likely revolve around the significance of the church as the guardian of truth and the mystery of godliness centered on Jesus Christ. I would focus on how these verses highlight the importance of understanding and upholding the core beliefs of Christianity while recognizing the profound nature of Christ's life, message, and exaltation.” -ChatGPT 3.5
We guard the treasure of the gospel (truth and godliness) by:
Sermon Outline (by Hughes):
Remaining true to Christ and godliness requires:
Diet for Godliness (6-7a)
Reject bad doctrine
Dine on good teaching
Exercise for Godliness (7b-10)
Called to exercise
Benefits of exercise
CONCLUSION
Life-Changing Words
Nicky Gumbel
My father wanted to go to Russia before he died. We went there on holiday as a family. At that time Bibles were strictly illegal there. I took with me some Russian Bibles. While I was there I went to churches and looked for people who seemed to be genuine Christians. (Church meetings were often infiltrated by the KGB.)
On one occasion, I followed a man down the street after a service. I went up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. There was nobody about. I took out one of my Bibles and handed it to him. For a moment, he had an expression of utmost disbelief. Then he took from his pocket a New Testament, which was probably 100 years old. The pages were so threadbare they were virtually transparent. When he realised that he had received a whole Bible, he was elated. He didn’t speak any English and I didn’t speak any Russian. But we hugged each other and he started to run up and down the street jumping for joy.
The words of God are ‘more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb’ (Psalm 19:10).
Why are the words of God so precious? Jesus said: ‘People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’ (Matthew 4:4). The original expression means ‘is continually coming out of the mouth of God’; it is like a stream pouring forth and, like the stream of a fountain, it is never static. God is continually communicating with us. He does so, primarily, through the life-changing words of the Bible.
Bible in One Year 2021 With Nicky Gumbel: Day 41 • Devotional
Bottom Line: We stay true to the faith by training to remain in Christ.
In conclusion, let’s ask some summary questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to stay true to Christ.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. Because there are false teachers out there trying to derail our faith.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. Train to remain in Christ.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. So they’ll stay true to Christ.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Prayerfully read the Bible each day.
Pray
NOTES
Too busy to pray and be in the word?
This call is for all of us who know Christ—regardless of how busy we are or how demanding our occupation. Billy Graham has shared that his medical missionary father-in-law Nelson Bell (who ran a 400-bed hospital in China, often on his own) made it a point "to rise every morning at four-thirty and spend two to three hours in Bible reading. He didn't do his correspondence or any of his other work. He just read the Scriptures every morning, and he was a walking Bible encyclopedia. People wondered at the holiness and the greatness in his life." I asked a personal friend, Dr. Ken Gieser, who worked with Dr. Bell, about this, and he affirmed every word.
Consider the example of Lt. General William K. Harrison who was the most decorated soldier in the 30th Infantry Division, rated by General Eisenhower as the number one infantry division in World War II. General Harrison was the first American to enter Belgium during that war, which he did at the head of the Allied forces. He received every decoration for valor except the Congressional Medal of Honor-being honored with the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart he was one of the few generals to be wounded in action).
When the Korean War began, he served as Chief of Staff in the United Nations Command and because of his character and calm self-control was ultimately President Eisenhower's choice to head the long and tedious negotiations to end the war.
General Harrison was a soldier's soldier who led a busy, ultra-kinetic life, but he was also an amazing man of the Word. When he was a twenty-year-old West Point cadet, he began reading the Old Testament through once and the New Testament four times annually. General Harrison did this until the end of his life. Even in the thick of war he maintained his commitment by catching up during the two- and three-day respites for replacement and refitting that followed battles, so that when the war ended he was right on schedule. When at the age of ninety his failing eyesight no longer permitted this discipline, he had read the Old Testament seventy times and the New Testament 280 times! No wonder his godliness and wisdom were proverbial. It is no surprise that the Lord used him for eighteen fruitful years to lead Officers Christian Fellowship (OCF)."
General Harrison's story tells us that it is possible, even for the busiest of us, to systematically train ourselves in God's Word. His life also remains a demonstration of the benefits of a godly mind's programming itself with Scripture. His closest associates say that every area of his life (domestic, spiri-wal, and professional) and each of the great problems he faced was informed by the Scriptures. People marveled at his godliness and his ability to bring the Word's light to every are marvele
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington)
SECTION OUTLINE FOUR (1 TIMOTHY 4)
Paul contrasts two kinds of shepherds.
1. GODLESS SHEPHERDS (4:1-5): Paul warns Timothy against false teachers.
A. Who they are (4:2): Hypocritical and lying religious leaders.
B. What they will do (4:1b-1c, 3)
1. Abandon the faith (4:1b)
2. Follow teachings that come from lying spirits and demons (4:1 c)
3. Forbid marriage and the eating of certain foods (4:3)
C. When they will do it (4:1 a): In the "last times" before Jesus' coming.
D. Why they are wrong (4:4-5)
1. Everything God created is good and thus should not be rejected (4:4).
2. Everything God created is made holy by God's Word and by prayer (4:5).
II. GODLY SHEPHERDS (4:6-16): Paul lists some dos and don'ts concerning Christian ministry.
A. The don'ts (4:7a, 12a, 14)
1. Don't waste time arguing over foolish ideas and silly myths (4:7a).
2. Don't be intimidated because of your youth (4:12a).
3. Don't neglect your spiritual gift (4:14).
B. The dos (4:6, 7b-11, 12b-13, 15-16)
1. Warn the church members concerning apostasy (4:6).
2. Keep spiritually fit (4:7b-11).
3. Be a godly role model in all you do (4:12b).
4. Continue to publicly read, teach, and preach the Word of God (4:13).
5. Give yourself wholly to the ministry (4:15).
6. Keep close check on your own life (4:16).
BKC Outline
I. The Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Instructions concerning False Teachers (1:3–20)
III. Instructions concerning Conduct in the Church (2:1–3:13)
IV. Instructions concerning Guarding the Truth in the Church (3:14–4:16)
A. The church and its truth (3:14–16)
B. Predictions of apostasy (4:1–5)
C. Responsibilities of a good minister of Christ (4:6–16)
V. Instructions concerning Various Groups in the Church (5:1–6:10)
A. Concerning various age-groups (5:1–2)
B. Concerning widows (5:3–16)
C. Concerning elders (5:17–25)
D. Concerning slaves and masters (6:1–2)
E. Concerning the heretical and greedy (6:3–10)
VI. Final Charge to Timothy (6:11–21)
A. Exhortation to godliness (6:11–16)
B. Instructions for the rich (6:17–19)
C. Exhortations to remain faithful (6:20–21)
W Wiersbe sermon outline
Key theme: How to manage the ministry of the local church
Key verse: 1 Timothy 3:15
I. The Church and Its Message (1)
II. The Church and Its Members (2–3)
A. Praying men (2:1–8)
1. For rulers (2:1–3)
2. For sinners (2:4–8)
B. Modest women (2:9–15)
1. In dress (2:9–10)
2. In behavior (2:11–15)
C. Dedicated officers (3:1–13)
1. Pastors (3:1–7)
2. Deacons (3:8–13)
D. Behaving believers (3:14–16)
III. The Church and Its Minister (4)
A. A good minister (4:1–6)
B. A godly minister (4:7–12)
C. A growing minister (4:13–16)
IV. The Church and Its Ministry (5–6)
A. To older saints (5:1–2)
B. To widows (5:3–16)
C. To church leaders (5:17–25)
D. To servants (slaves) (6:1–2)
E. To trouble-makers (6:3–5)
F. To the rich (6:6–19)
G. To the “educated” (6:20–21)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
Who am I going to tell about this?
Final Questions (optional or in place of above)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
Final Questions (index cards optional)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
Read More