ten bridesmaidsSeeking God’s Approval

tithe

Psalm 37:21–24 NIV

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed. The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Introduction:

Let’s turn our attention to the profound messages contained in the letters to Timothy, particularly at a time when the Apostle Paul, facing imminent execution, found himself in the bleak confines of a Roman prison.

Convicted for being a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, Paul was isolated from the world, accompanied only occasionally by visitors and his writing materials.

Knowing his earthly end was near, he penned his final thoughts to his "son" in faith, Timothy— a co-worker in the gospel, passing on the torch of leadership.

Imagine Timothy, holding the weight of this parchment, the ink carrying the last words from his beloved mentor.

Each word, a treasure, read and reread, reflecting Paul’s unwavering commitment to the gospel even in the face of death.

It is in this context that Paul underscores what truly matters for a life of faith, reminding Timothy, and by extension all of us, of the importance of seeking God's approval.

Today, let us delve into these vital teachings that Paul deemed crucial for Timothy to uphold as new challenges loomed.

We will explore the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity, being vigilant against false teachings, demonstrating personal discipline, and engaging in edifying conversations—all essential for receiving God’s approval.

Point 1: Echoing Truth, Not Trivia

Paul urges Timothy to continually remind his followers of sound teaching 2 Timothy 2:14-15

2 Timothy 2:14–15 NIV

Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

He emphasizes the importance of avoiding fruitless debates that distract from the gospel, stressing the maintenance of doctrinal purity.

i am here in this ministry now about 8 years of preaching and teaching but i am not teaching anything new, i am just reminding you

vision leaks

John C. Maxwell, a well-known leadership author and speaker, has indeed spoken about the concept of "vision leaks," particularly emphasizing the need for leaders to continuously communicate and reinforce the vision to their teams. One of his quotes that captures this idea is:

"Vision leaks. It must be communicated clearly, creatively, continually, and consistently." John C. Maxwell

Maxwell emphasizes that vision isn't something that can be communicated once and then forgotten.

Instead, it needs to be a recurring theme, restated regularly to keep everyone aligned and motivated.

2 Peter 1:12–13 (NIV)

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,

2 Peter 3:1 (NIV)

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.

For us, this means consistently grounding ourselves in Scripture and not getting ensnared by the latest trends or disputes that detract from the truth.

Illustration: Imagine a ship captain who constantly changes course based on every passenger's suggestion rather than navigating by the compass. Similarly, we can be swayed by every new idea or debate, losing sight of our true 'north'—the gospel.

Supporting Verse

Ephesians 4:14 NIV

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

How are we ensuring that our teachings remain anchored in truth?

Point 2: Combatting the Gangrene of False Teachings

False teachings are likened to gangrene, spreading rapidly and destructively (2 Timothy 2:17-18

2 Timothy 2:17–18 NIV

Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

Paul illustrates this through the examples of Hymenaeus and Philetus, who strayed from the truth and misled others.

Our challenge is to remain vigilant and discerning, ready to reject teachings that deviate from biblical truths.

Illustration: Consider how invasive species, like kudzu vines in the southern U.S., choke out native plants and alter ecosystems. False teachings similarly invade and disrupt healthy spiritual environments.

Supporting Verse:

Matthew 7:15–16 NIV

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

Are we equipped to identify and stand against such errors in our contexts?

Point 3: Approved Workers, Unashamed

Seeking God’s approval involves personal discipline and integrity (2 Timothy 2:15

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

The word Handle in Greek - ortho meaning = rightly - to analyze correctly - cut straight

Examples of terms involving ortho- include

orthodontics (straightening the teeth),

orthopedics (straightening the child),

orthopnea (breathing easily only in an upright position),

orthostatic (an upright posture)

It’s about striving to present ourselves to God as one approved, rightly handling the word of truth.

This calls for living out what we preach, ensuring our lives reflect the gospel we teach.

How does our daily conduct seek God’s approval rather than human validation?

Illustration: Think of an athlete in training. Just as an athlete disciplines themselves and adhere strictly to their training regimen to win approval and Awards in their sport, we must rigorously apply ourselves to spiritual discipline.

Supporting Verse

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 NIV

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Point 4: Building Up Through Holy Conversations

Finally, Paul warns about the pernicious impact of godless chatter, yakety-yak (2 Timothy 2:16

2 Timothy 2:16 NIV

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Our conversations can build up and lead to righteousness or lead to ungodliness.

We must choose our words wisely, ensuring they uplift and align with God’s will.

Illustration: Imagine each word you speak as a brick in a building. Are your words building a safe haven that shelters and supports, or are they like loose bricks that could topple and harm?

Supporting Verse:

Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

How are our conversations reflecting our pursuit of God’s approval?

Conclusion:

As we conclude, let us reflect on how our lives and teachings align with our desire to seek God’s approval.

Here are some questions to ponder this week:

1. How can we more effectively filter out distractions and focus on what truly matters in our faith journey?

2. What steps can we take to fortify ourselves against false teachings that threaten to lead us and others astray?

3. How can we ensure that our words and actions not only seek but also receive God’s approval?

Let us leave here today with a renewed commitment to pursue God's approval above all.

Let’s deepen our understanding of His Word, align our conversations with His truths, and live lives that truly reflect His glory.

May our journey be marked by continuous growth towards being approved by God, as diligent workers who are not ashamed and who rightly handle the word of truth.

Amen.

TIO

Spark the Conversation

1. Ever felt caught in a pointless argument?

2. Is it easy to spot when a teaching veers off track?

3. Ever had to choose: People's approval or God's?

Deepen the Thought

1. What's the real harm in 'godless chatter'?

2. Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Spotting False Teachings

3. Mastering the Scriptures: What does it truly involve?

Open Hearts, Share Stories

1. When was your faith put to the test by popular opinion?

2. Approval Conflicts: When have you felt torn between pleasing people and following God?

3. Scripture in Action: Share a time when the Bible guided a tough choice.

Commit to Act

1. Identify and Improve: A personal spiritual audit for the week.

2. Scripture Deep Dive: Choose a verse to live by this week.

3. Conversation Cleanse: Avoid negativity and see the impact.