The Shepherd's Task: The Inheritance of Preaching
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In considering the shepherd’s task, we began with what many passages in scripture would deem as his mask important task… Preaching. Preaching is a critical ministry of the shepherd of God’s because thru the preaching of God’s Word, we see it’s direct impact in peoples lives. When the word of God is preached, darkness is brought into the light, and through it people change… in salvation and in sanctification. Why… because preaching is the POWER of God unto salvation. God still continues to use the simplicity of one man expounding the scriptures to bring about His kingdom work in this world. Therefore, every person is this world, if they are to be a people that wish to honor God, must give careful attention and time to the preaching of God’s Word.
After looking at preachings importance and impact, we want to finally in our last sermon on preaching want to consider it’s inheritance.
Inheritance is a word that stirs many emotions. For some, it brings to mind treasured heirlooms, family land, or a sum of money passed down from a loved one. For others, it’s not about material wealth at all, but about values, faith, and love that have been handed from one generation to the next.
The truth is, every one of us is both a recipient and a giver of inheritance. We inherit not only possessions, but also stories, character, and spiritual legacies. And while earthly inheritances can fade, be spent, or even be lost, there is an inheritance promised by God that is eternal—one that cannot be stolen, tarnished, or diminished.
Today, we will explore how through the preaching of God’s Word there are things we inherit by it. We will continue to see how preaching shapes our identity, fuels our hope, and calls us to pass on something far greater than material wealth.
So returning to our passage in 2 Timothy chapter 3 & 4, what does Paul tell His son-in-the-faith, fellow co-laborer & pastor that he must do with the utmost authority and urgency.… Preach the Word.
Surrounding the passages of that instruct Timothy to preach… Paul includes some critical preparation because in obedience to the preaching of God’s word there will always be things that you will inherit. Not just once but twice, once before his command in chapter 4:1 and once afterwards, Paul reminds Timothy that if you preach, you will inherit suffering.
I. Inherits Suffering
I. Inherits Suffering
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. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
A. Expectation of Suffering
A. Expectation of Suffering
2 Questions I want you to ask as we look at the sufferings of Paul.
What reason did Paul suffer for?
Where did it come from(from whom)?
Antioch- Acts 13:14,45,50;
Iconium- Acts 14:1,2,5;
Lystra- Acts 14:6
Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.
Very quickly you’ll see that the reason Paul suffered was that he stood up and spoke truth in front of those that were perceived to have religion and faith. These were thought to be God-fearing people
He spoke of the OT Fathers, of David, of John the Baptists message, and of Jesus.
But he also warned that in speaking of Jesus, you will be condemned.
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: “ ‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’ ”
Scoffers in Jesus’ time and scoffers even when Paul spoke.
But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
It’s fascinating in studying people to know why they do the things they do. In Biblical counseling, its exactly what we are after when we sit with people. We listen, and we ask questions to reveal the heart. Well, in this passage, we are given exactly what motivated the people “the Jews” to stir up persecution against Paul.
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.
Jealousy.… do you know that jealousy occurs when people feel a sense of inadequacy or low self-esteem or when they fear losing something valuable to them. That something was their pride.
Paul only spoke truth. He shared scripture after scripture with them. Passages from the Psalms and from the Prophets from the John the Baptist and Jesus Himself. And it wounded them because they aren’t willing to admit that they are guilty. Truth bothered them.
One large group was the recipient of Paul’s message yet two groups of people emerged.
One group begged to hear more… Look at v. 42-44
As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
The other group… contradicted what he was trying to say and reviled him…
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.
The word revile means to criticize in an abusive and angrily insulting manner. It didn’t just attack his message but also his character. That’s what the world does. They look to tear down the opposing view and the best way to do it is to tear at his personal character.
When that wasn’t enough, they went about inciting other people against him and then drove them out.
But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
This exact same thing happened in Iconium and Lystra where the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds. Other versions use the terms made their minds think evil against them… embittered them.
So you could say Paul’s was seasoned in persecution and by the end of it, knew what to expect. The same formula.
Formula of the Faithless=
Step one: Revile, contradict, critize, step two: stir up up a crowd, make them think evil of the one preaching, step three: get rid of them (even thru use of violence). And it’s the same formula today… wherever there is opposition to the truth.… the workplace, the family, even in ungodly churches. This is what happens and so we can be on the watch for it.
Formula of the Faithful=
Step one: Heard the word and begged for more, step two: spoke with and grew closer to the speaker of the word of God, step 3: gathered for more and with them invited others to come and hear “whole city”
In fact, this perfectly reflects the application of the sermon preached two weeks ago. How did these groups respond to the preaching of God’s word. Some thanked the one who prepared it, begged to hear more, earnestly came back for a second helping, and urged others to join in. Other the other group grumbled, complained, got angry, lashed out, criticized, spoke ill of the messenger to others, and worked to get rid of him… all because Paul spoke the Word.
There is it. How do people approach the table of preaching?
We have an opportunity dear brothers and sisters to again consider how we respond to God’s word. Does it line up with this faithful hungry people? Here’s a real test... how would these two groups respond to an evening service. What group is this passage would come? What group would complain and find it unnecessary. And the question which group are you part of?
Let the Word of God speak for itself.
B. Participation in Suffering
B. Participation in Suffering
It’s not merely that you should passively expect suffering … but in fact, you are expected to actively join in it. Multiple times, Paul urges Timothy towards this throughout the letter...
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
And that verse is connected to train up others and in making disciples.
What does it mean to “share in suffering”?
“Suffer with me” “join with me”- it’s a very active work...
Persecution only happens when we engage in doing God’s work.
Mere churchmanship and outward profession are a cheap religion, of course, and cost a man nothing. But real vital Christianity will always bring with it a cross.
-J.C. Ryle
Why would Paul encourage participation in suffering?
Perfect conclusion to some of these thoughts.
Suffering is hard. We often take it very personal. It’s hard to be encouraged when we are the target of people’s harsh criticisms. yet from the mouth of Jesus, we have these great thoughts and encouragements about suffering.
These things I command you, so that you will love one another. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
Be encouraged by these thoughts.
-Persecution proves the genuineness of your salvation
-Persecution proves the genuineness of your salvation
“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own, but because you are not of the world.… the world hates you.”
The hates you because they know no better. That’s the state of their being. They can’t see that what you possess is good. All that they see is enemies… people that oppose their very lifestyle. Yet, we, like our master, should say.… Father, forgive them because they know not what they are doing.
These words of Christ are echoed in the words that Stephen would cry out with his stoning to death.
And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
-Persecution proves that you are like your Master.
-Persecution proves that you are like your Master.
Persecution is the cup of which Christ Himself drank. Faultless as He was in everything, in temper, word, and deed--unwearied as He was in works of kindness, always going about doing good--never was any one so hated as Jesus was to the last day of His earthly ministry. Scribes and High Priests, Pharisees and Sadducees, Jews and Gentiles, united in pouring contempt on Him, and opposing Him, and never rested until He was put to death. Surely this simple fact alone should sustain our spirits and prevent our being cast down by the hatred of man. Let us consider that we are only walking in our Master's footsteps, and sharing our Master's portion. Do we deserve to be better treated? Are we better than He? Let us fight against these murmuring thoughts. Let us drink quietly the cup which our Father gives us. Above all, let us often call to mind the saying, "Remember the word that I spoke unto you, The servant is not greater than his Master."
-J.C. Ryle
Evangelical Theologian in the 1800’s
Persecution, ridicule, insult, pain… those are heavy burdens. We hate being the target of people’s criticism. Nobody really enjoys being thrown under the bus. Their words fester in our heads and in our hearts. Our flesh longs to be loved and adored rather than scorned and rejected. We hate being the odd ones. We hate being disliked. We hate being cast aside. But we are not alone in this. We are often cast aside because of our imperfections, but Jesus was cast aside in His perfections. Ridiculed & rejected, the object of people’s evil-devised and ill-intentioned plans. And he did nothing against them that was wrong or unjust. And yet they hated Him so. What a joy then it is to walk in His paths. We scratch our heads when we hear how the disciples praised the Lord for the opportunity to suffer for His name, but the reality is that when they suffered, it meant that their lives look most like Him. Christ matured and changed them in His image enough that it caught the attention of a world that hates good. Their suffering proved their Christlikeness for out of their lives were proceeding words and actions that causes the world to be uncomfortable because their life is nothing like that of the world. The more suffering we experience, it’s possible to say that the more like Christ we might be like. If we experience little suffering, then our light, our Christlikeness may not be that very bright, and that should give us cause for concern. It might mean that we aren’t really shining our lights in dark places, but concealing them from the world so as to avoid the pain. If our lights burn really bright, then the word can’t help but see them.
-Persecution proves the power of God.
-Persecution proves the power of God.
We need to join in suffering because thru it we see the power of God displayed!!!! If we don’t join in, if we continue to force ourselves into the drivers seat and steer clear of trouble, and continue to maintain control of the wheel… we miss what God does and only what God can and will do when we give Him absolute control. It’s thrilling to see God work. But that view, that time of adoration comes only when we join in rather than avoid it.
Let me give you another encouragement about suffering.
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
When we, as followers of Jesus, suffer for being a Christian, we come to understand Jesus more than we otherwise would. Jesus suffered out of love for the lost. He suffered at the hands of those that He came to redeem. We understand that love all the more when we do the same. There is a sense in which our closeness to God is made complete when we can relate to Jesus in his suffering. Those who suffer for the sake of Christ are made more like Jesus and become closer to God.
It is not that we, as disciples of Jesus, should seek out ways to suffer, but we should be willing to suffer for the name of Jesus. In fact, if we live out the life of righteousness, we will suffer. Do not try to avoid suffering, but embrace it
Persecution inherits pain and suffering but persecution also inherits eternal reward.
II. Inherits Eternal Reward
II. Inherits Eternal Reward
Christianity would be an extremely hard sell if there wasn’t an end goal. Who would sign up for seemingly endless persecution & suffering? Maybe the better question is, who would actively participate as a Christian.
We’d take the benefits of being a Christian… and throw away the cost!
But that’s an impossibility. You cannot have one without the other. Real Christian's deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Jesus because if Jesus is truly at work in your life… .it’s inevitable that outward change will occur.
A secret Christian isn’t a Biblical Christian.
Thankfully, God didn’t ask us to submit to and join in suffering without also offering us the promise of future rewards.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
It’s important that we understand this great reward. Certainly, God’s justice will make right all the wrongs done in this life to us and God’s people. But rewards aren’t given to you just because you got ripped off on a sale, or were treated harshly at work, or were the recipient of certain finger gestures and choice language while being passed by angry drivers. God has a specific great reward for a specific deed done in mind here. Looking back a verse, verse 10, we see what the great reward is.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
When your righteous deeds (deeds that were done for the kingdom of heaven), those are the deeds that will inherit eternal reward. Reminding you of the context of these verses. This is Jesus’ sermon on the mount. It was addressed primarily to the disciples who would undergo great persecution for righteousness sake. Jesus’ hear wishes for them to hear and persevere under these intense difficulties because with it comes great reward.
But it’s interesting, that in just about every passage regarding suffering that one will face because of righteous, the inspired Word of God also presents in that same context some affirmation of eternal reward.
And it stuck with those that believed it and became a primary motivation for them to continue on.
In our passage in 2 Timothy, we see that same eternal perspective grasped and held on to by Paul. Shortly after describing how he faced great affliction at the cost of preaching, and sharing how Timothy will need to endure suffering, as well as all who live godly, he shares these important verses.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.
A. The Crown of Righteousness
A. The Crown of Righteousness
What is that eternal reward. What is this crown of righteousness...
Consistent with other scripture...
SN- Compare James 1:12 with 2 Timothy 4:7-8
A crown for lived righteousness. Not imputed righteousness for that imputed righteousness is given to us by Christ at the moment of our salvation… imputed meaning credited to ourselves. We have no righteousness of our own. Not a single ounce of righteousness. But Christ when He went to the cross and paid the price for our sins so that we can be freed from it’s death payment… he also at that very moment… imputed (credited) his righteous to us so that now before God, we have a position of righteousness, in other words a worthiness inherited to stand before God.
As we look at this passage though, it doesn’t describe that imputed (positional, right standing before God that comes from Christ), this passage described as lived out righteousness that comes after we are saved (confirming our position of righteousness).
How do we know that. Look at the text again…
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.
which the Lord… will award to me…
Couple terms to point out...
The righteous judge isn’t in a “court room” deciding the legal fate of the defendant, but rather this righteous judge is the judge who is crowning an athlete. Awarding him for his efforts in righteousness. Award in the greek meaning “give back”. God doesn’t give back to us anything in salvation that we earned. We had nothing before Christ saved us. He is giving back in the sense of our efforts for the deeds in our new life that we have done for Him. BTW, what does scripture say qualifies this judge to be able to hand out such a prestigious award. The fact that this judge is “all-together” and perfectly righteous. He has the perception and understanding of righteousness that no one else has, making him the perfect being to hand out these awards.
Some of the best sports commentators are those who themselves played the sport at the highest level and were the best of the best. Their insight into what they say makes them better equipped to know who is also a superstar because they see things we as couch spectators do not see.
Paul very much has athletics on his mind when he makes this comparison. I have fought the good fight (like a boxer), I have finished the race (like a marathon runner), and there is laid up for me a crown (the best translation of the word actually carries more the idea of a wreath… which champions of the athletic games were given for their efforts.)
You can clearer see that very principle in another of Paul’s letters regarding awards
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
All the same principles are there… the athletic event comparison, the imperishable award (the wreath), and activity done to earn it.… preaching to others
Yet it is clear to me that though the wreath, the crown of righteousness, is a prestigious award… it is not THEE award.
B. The Prize of Jesus
B. The Prize of Jesus
You read about people in the past that got medals of honor from the president. Sure the medal was great, but getting to meet the president and shake his hand was a far greater privilege for them. How much greater, how much more will that be true of Christ.
We don’t earn Jesus yet He is certainly part of the prize of living righteous and preaching God’s Word. Paul says in our passage again
Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.
In Philippians, Paul claimed that of all things that he’s excited about… it’s being with Christ… which he describes as the pinnacle of heaven.
“I am hard pressed between the two [being released or going to heaven]. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23) 2 Corinthians 5 Paul gives us a glimpse of why being with Christ is far better. He gives us this helpful comparison. “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
In other words, Christ is our home. Heaven isn’t home, being with Christ is. Think about that. Christ is our home. That’s what all of creation exists for but especially we as human beings. Mankind has always existed to have a relationship with Christ. In the garden at the beginning of time, what was the real punishment. No not labor, or the land being cursed, or pain, or any of those other things. The hardest punishment was banishment from God’s presence. Isn’t that the primary punishment of hell. Separation from our creator. God has created a longing in us that only He can fill.
Consider the reality of coming home after a long trip, what feelings fill your heart... relief, joy, comfort, belonging.
On our way home from a 2 week hunting trip in Canada, my father and I sang together a song entitled “Home”, I’m going home to a place where I belong, where your love has always been enough for me.” As we sang that fun song together, memories of home flooded our minds, and we couldn’t help but hold back tears, longing for that feeling of belonging again.
Well, you and I right now are still on that trip. We’ve received our instructions on how to get home, and we are on our way there. But full joy and comfort doesn’t come until we are in the arms of Christ, our home. He is our home… What our hearts yearn for.
Conclusion:
Consider with me a wonderful hymn written very much on this topic. It’s entitled “It Will Be Worth It All”
Here’s how it goes
“It will be worth it all… we’ll have no sickness..… no…
it will be worth it all… because we will be with our friends and family again… no…
it will be worth it all… because sin is all gone… no.
It will be worth it all… because we get awards… no.
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
That’s exactly what Paul gets excited about there. Yes, there will be “awards” passed out… but the true follower of Christ is more excited about meeting and being with the one passing out the “awards”. He’s the true prize. He’s our true Biblical hope and joy. The other things are good and wonderful. But the real blessing and joy is Christ.
Today, we suffer and we agonize thru life, living by his power to produce righteousness in this world.… but throughout is all our gaze is ever fixed on Jesus our redeemer, our savior, our protector, our sustainer, our dear friend.
But until that day, when we get that glimpse of His dear face, we will employ, we will cherish, we cling to, we change thru, and we suffer for .… the preaching of God’s Word.
