Untitled Sermon (2)

Sold out or Sell Out

When you hear the word Sell out what do you think about? If you are not a Golden State Warrior fan you may perceive Kevin Durant to be a sell out. Most recently, one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in NFL history, Michael Vick was considered to be the same. Nonetheless how can we be sold out for Jesus in a sell out church. A sell out is someone who betrays principles of convenience. One thing that is convenient is the refusal to change. How do I remain sold out in a place that sacrifices principles in effort to keep things convenient? How do I make an impact in a church that does not value my input because I have not lived as long as they have? Paul encourages a young preacher to be an example, understand that time is on your side more so that theirs, and although you may have to remain patient stay diligent in remaining sold old for Jesus.

In any race, the start is very important. Do not neglect living for Jesus because you are young and you believe you have time. Live for him because you have time, build the right habits now, so you do not have to break bad habits later.

What is on Your Shelf?

Paul tells Timothy, look do not let anyone look down on you because you are young. You may not have been on the shelf that long but make sure these spiritual items are on your shelf. Because you cannot sell out of anything that is not your shelf.

What’s on your shelf? Is it stocked with good speech, proper conduct, love faith and purity.

These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

The only way to win over a sell out is to be sold out. Paul says, look the only way to teach some people is by being an example to them.

What kind of spiritual product do you have on the shelf? Is it expired? Is it being recalled?

A “sold out” product is always on the shelf, it is diligent about being available is it committed to meeting the need of the shopper. Sometimes people come to church because of what’s on the shelf, not the people working at the front door!

Things that are in high demand are always on the shelf, always available.

Always be available to be an example. Age does not always depict maturity.

It is not about following the pattern of the previous decade, it is about following the pattern of Jesus. Never forsake the principles of Christ of the convenience of tradition.

not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.

A few verses prior to that in verse five it states “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ”.

Sold Out Doing What…

Being sold out means, being devoted! Being sold out means living it, teaching it, and preaching it.

“Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the elders.”

I cannot live something that I’m not studying. Just like I can’t sell a product that I know nothing about. There is no way I can be an example without displaying it publicly through my character.

Being sold out:

· We must understand that our commitment to Christ is greater than anything else.

· Age does not keep you from being an example.

· Your progress is determined by how dedicated you are to Christ and the gifts he’s blessed your with.

When everyone sees the progress of the product, they gravitate toward that product because it is doing so much good for the consumer.

A stocked shelf does not mean the product is bad, it could mean that the demand is so high, God has to keep it on the shelf. (Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save yourself and your hearers)

Your dedication to being sold out, could be the ingredient to show someone else the power of Jesus Christ.

Verse 15 - Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

It hurts when your gift is not acknowledged, take that pain on the chin. Even when the church does not acknowledge your gift, keep working on your craft, you never know when God will be ready to use you.

Pay close attention to yourself:

Persevere in these things because you might be the saving grace for yourself as well as those who finally recognize your example.

It is a great thing to be sold out, but when a product is flying off the shelf, the most important thing is availability. Keep an eye on your inventory! You are of no value if God has blessed you with shelf space and you have to product to offer.