Characteristics of a Biblical Legacy

Introduction:

When we think of a legacy, we often think towards something profound we want pass on to our children that identifies us uniquely.  For instance, maybe we want our children to be a renowned doctor or scientist or engineer.  Or maybe a great writer whose books are identified on the NY Best seller’s list.  To some it might be the passing on a trade or family business that we want kept alive.  But in any case, what is common to most of these is that we somehow want our kids to carry on that which we feel most passionate about, ultimately making a lasting mark on their generation.

Similarly, the apostle Paul, in writing to his young protege Timothy, is writing from the perspective of one who is about to die and is passionate about passing on to him a most valuable trust, of which Timothy is responsible to use, preserve, and pass on to qualified, trained, faithful men who will do the same.

Text: 2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3 ESV

1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. 10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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.

Main Idea: The Word of God equips us to stand firm in our faith and accomplish the purposes of God in our lives amidst challenging times.

Background:

Paul is imprisoned and on “death-row” in Rome, and his execution is immanent.  After surviving his first imprisonment in Rome (where he wrote his four prison epistles, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon), he was released and it is believed that he was involved in a fourth missionary journey, which ultimately ended back at Rome.  During his initial hearing, all his companions deserted him except for Luke and Onesiphorus (possibly the runaway slave he spoke of in Philemon).  But instead of being angry and bitter, he uses the opportunity to express his hope and confidence in the Gospel to which he was entrusted, and now willingly and excitedly passes the baton onto to Timothy and others.

So Paul in his last will and testament, wants Timothy to understand something extremely important, that of the character and characteristics of a biblical legacy or the man of God verses the man of the world. Paul first reminds Timothy of the…

I. Perilous Times of Today (1-5)

1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,

4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

You could emphasize Paul's warning about perilous times when people will be lovers of themselves rather than lovers of God. Highlight the relevance of these traits in today's world, and encourage the congregation to uphold godliness by actively rejecting these behaviors. Suggest that recognizing the culture of self-centeredness is the first step toward seeking strength and guidance from Scripture to remain distinctive and faithful in a challenging environment.

II. Persist in Truth (6-9)

6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions,

7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.

9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

Perhaps, delve into Paul's description of those who mislead with false teachings and how they oppose the truth. Encourage discernment and the pursuit of truth grounded in Scripture. Suggest that confronting and overcoming deception requires a deep understanding of God's Word, which equips us to stand firm against those who would distort the faith. Through this point, establish the importance of being deeply rooted in the truth of Scripture to avoid spiritual deception.

III. Power of the Word (10-17)

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,

11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.

12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it

15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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.

Maybe focus on the importance of Scripture in the life of a believer as a complete guide for living. Highlight how Paul urges Timothy to follow his teaching and example, grounded in the Holy Scriptures. Show how all Scripture is inspired and equips believers for every good work, as God's Word is practical for teaching, rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness. Emphasize Christ's fulfillment of Scripture and how through Him, we find the governing authority for life and conduct.