2 Tim 1 - Halftime Focus

Have you ever found yourself needing a "mid-course" adjustment?

I have watched several groups (usually of ladies) decorating for an event when the supplies are opened and they are one centerpiece short, or something got broken in transport. Usually the time between when the group is allowed entrance into the venue, and when the event is to begin, means that there is not time to order or purchase a replacement. The crisis forces a mid-course adjustment to the execution of the plans for a successful event. Our Bulldogs started the gridiron season a week ago. Last week at halftime they found themselves behind on the scoreboard to an opponent with more and bigger players. I'm sure Coach's halftime locker-room sounded much different than the times they have been within 1 touchdown of a mercy ruling. The current situation shapes what needs to be communicated to finish as well as possible.

Acts 19 describes the birthing of the Ephesian church. The book of Ephesians tells of their establishment. In 1 Timothy Paul gives specific instructions giving form to the congregation. Then in this second letter Paul details the priorities that need to remain and the truths that need to be emphasized if the good start is going to produce a good finish.

Some of you were in Chase County when the beginning of a Community Church in the County seat was just an idea. Some of you participated in the formation of this body of believers, Others have joined at various times throughout our 40-year history. As the population ages and the economy has changed, other congregations have come and gone, some of our own have left and returned, and when this guy from Kansas City came 7 years ago, we had to reclaim our compass bearings, set a course and a pace for lasting faith and effectiveness.

The changes that led to our By-laws being revised just before I came are very much the types of mid-course or halftime adjustments that must be made if we are to continue in a godly direction, that these types of events prompted Paul to write the book in front of us to Pastor Tim.

TRANSITION: Today's text reveals bold and shameful reactions to various situations because not all is "smooth sailing." Let's start by ensuring that our values line up with this ancient church.

Personal Challenge (2 Tim 1:3-7)

Salutation (vv.1-2)

The will of God looks back at the conversions that led to the current situation. God was working in people's lives!

Paul was converted on the Road to Damascus in Acts 9

In Acts 19 Paul meets some who were attempting to follow Christ based upon the repentance of John, but they did not have the Holy Spirit empowering their obedience or their devotion.

Stubbornness of some men (Acts 19:9) forced Paul to take some disciples and separate from the meeting place so that he could develop a true church in that town.

V.5 will describe generations of godly women who raised a boy to follow Christ.

While God was at work, the full life in Christ was still a future promise/aspiration. This is the forward look that keeps them from becoming stagnant.

We will find throughout the book that the journey from what God started to ultimate fullness will involve 1) allowing the Scripture to shape their beliefs and 2) refusing to permit the world to shape their values.

Craig Keener writes:

"The letter is dominated by the themes of persecution from outside the church and false teaching within"[i].

Thankfulness (vv.3-5)

While v.2 uses child to describe an intimate relationship between Paul and Timothy, Paul is clear to zoom out to the God who had brought them together, and the women who had poured into Timothy so that he was equipped for the task at hand.

We must remember that we are not self-determined, but God is overseeing a community that equips leaders in His kingdom.

By looking back at some of the people involved, Paul is both honoring the community and establishing continuity with the work of God that has been working since Genesis when God determined to create earth and its contents, then God interrupted the intent of the wicked one who tried to confiscate for his own purpose, the good that God had created for His purpose.

The epistles flow continuously from the Gospels that come out of the previous covenants or dispensations where God has been at work.

Paul is Thankful for the snapshot that is Ephesus in AD 60 which is part of the motion picture that started before and would continue forward.

Encouragement (vv.6-7)

Paul establishes Timothy's gifting and calling within this great tradition.

I tell our FHCC Orientation classes that I view myself as a link in a chain. The ideas and doctrine that I hold and hope to pass on, were inherited from faithful men and women whom God has used to make me what I am today.

2. Paul reminds Tim that he is part of a chain, but that God had given a gift to him that could not be silenced by fear.

3. Could I remind you that you are a link, but you are an important link! You will not establish God's kingdom on your own, but you do have a gift that He has given to you (and not to the person next to you) to contribute to the shared outcome of His kingdom being established on earth as it is in Heaven!

TRANSITION: I like the not…but of v.7 because it emphasizes two different outcomes

By stating that God gave us this, not that, He is calling each of us to make a decision!

Unashamed of the Gospel (2 Tim 1:8-14)

Challenge (vv.8-10)

If we focus on our abilities (9b) it produces shame of our story and condition.

Paul identifies himself as one who is bound which could result in death (testimony = μαρτύριον [martus/martyr]).

I'm in a study group with some other pastors and Tom (from Loomis, NE) pointed out that Roman imprisonment was NOT practiced as long-term incarceration. The Romans only held a prisoner long enough to determine if he would be released or executed.

That middle part of v.9 states that if my outcome depends upon me, I could very well end up bound and martyred

BUT...

The choice laid before Tim (and us) is to NOT take that route, but to recognize that suffering for the gospel is no cause for shame!

IF the God who has saved us and called us(v.9a) according to His purpose and grace (v.9c) then suffering on earth is a gift (granted) that results in being in Christ as part of and eternal plan!

If placing my faith in the grace and mercy of God is all part of His eternal plan, why would I allow fear to impart shame?

We can submit to His eternal plan which is carried out in power, love and self-discipline. I will not cower in shame, I will endure (self-discipline) by His love which gives all the power I need! Amen?!

Example (vv.11-14)

1. Notice Paul's 3 distinct roles in v.11

What is the difference between a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher? Let's work from the end back to the beginning.

A teacher explains or instructs. You may not feel like you know enough to explain God's working to others.

An apostle is like an ambassador or a delegate. He is one send on a mission as a representative.

But apart from instructing and representing, Paul describes a 3rd role, that has nothing to do with a pulpit or an outline. This word preacher means to be a herald—a person who makes announcements or forwards a post.

It can be as simple as the 8-year-old on a corner yelling "read it, read it, read all about it!" I was amazed last week when I attended a doctor's appointment with Ann for her spider bite. It was the day before the NFL season opened so I was wearing a red golf shirt and a cap with the Chiefs' logo. The Doctor came in and, even though he admitted he is NOT a fan of professional football, he spoke with me about the opponents and the number of expected wins between that day and the next appointment. Before he even looked at the patient's wound, he asked me questions about the cap I, the silent supporting spouse in the extra chair, was wearing!

e. I did not enter that room planning to "preach" about the Chiefs, but a cap was all it took to prompt a conversation. And we must be ready to announce the hope that we have whenever someone asks.

2. Paul was not flabbergasted when he found himself in chains because he knew whom he believed, he was convinced God could keep what He had given to him, and He knew he was indwelt by the Holy Spirit who could instruct and empower.

3. My friend, each one of you have those same resources available to you so that you have no need to be ashamed of the gospel.

TRANSITION: What do we do when the going gets tough?

Unashamed of Chains (2 Tim 1:15-18)

Phygelus & Hermogenes (v.15)

Fair weather fans whom we know little about. My fancy Bible Background books don't give much information either. They enter a lot of conjecture saying, "We don't know, but if…"

They speculate that either they had become ashamed by thinking if Paul, who used to be a leader of the Jewish sect, is now in prison he apparently hitched his cart to the wrong horse. OR If Paul has been imprisoned, then I don't want to be found guilty by association.

Having lived in Chicago when the Bears won a SuperBowl in 85 with the Chiefs going 6-10 under Mackovic, and having lived in Wisconsin when the Packers won it all in 2010, and the Chiefs were led by Matt Cassel and Todd Haley, I know a little something about being faithful when it would be easy to tuck tail and run.

3. If I were a fan of Dallas or Denver, I could understand why Phy and Herm might cut bait.

Onesiphorus (vv.16-18)

"In contrast to these, Onesiphorus came to Rome, searched diligently for Paul, and ministered to him. This involved much effort and personal danger, for during the Neronian persecution in the mid-60’s it was not only difficult to track down a prisoner, but also dangerous to approach one imprisoned because of the persecution."[ii]

Starting late last week residents of Louisiana began leaving the area in fear of the incoming storm. I don't fault, belittle, or ridicule any who fled for safety! But, I also know that during the same time ministries and agencies were garnering supplies that could be taken into the floodzone to bring relief to those who are suffering. Onesiphorus is the kind of man that fits into this 2nd category.

Two descriptors that may challenge us are often and searched earnestly. Some of us may respond when we learn of needs, but in Ony I see an intention and a faithfulness that set him apart in Paul's mind.

Conclusion:

Wednesday of this week our country remembered the horrendous events of Sept 11, 2001. While some were trapped in catastrophe, others were running from crisis, the heroes were those who ran toward the challenge.

I believe Paul is telling Tim that he could be so confident in the Lord's mercy and strength, that he should have no fear to run toward those who are hurting and in need.

May we have that same mindset!

Response Song #299........................................ “Rescue the Perishing”

[i]Keener, Craig S. 1993. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. [ii]Gordon, V. R. 1979–1988. “Onesiphorus.” In The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, edited by Geoffrey W Bromiley, 3:605. Wm. B. Eerdmans.