The Process of Discipleship

Guard the Gospel 2

Introduction:

Introduction:

2 Timothy 2:1

2 Timothy 2:1–3 NASB95

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Introduction - Pauls last letter to the churches - His last letter to Timothy.

Tradition has it that Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment and went to Spain.

He was arrested in Troas as that is where he asks Timothy to bring him his cloak and his scrolls.

He ends the previous chapter with this -

2 Timothy 1:15 NASB95

You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

2 Tim 1:15

All in Asia is a pretty big deal - that is all the Galatian churches, etc. That’s a pretty big number.

When you read these verses concerning discipleship you get the idea that Paul was more interested in how people passed on the Gospel, not necessarily the minor things in life.

Galatians 1:6–7 NASB95

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

Gal 1:6

Disturbing is to cause movement by shaking or stirring. To cause inner turmoil, through into confusion.

To cause a change in state or condition.

Two - fold understanding - the first is to understand the importance of keeping the Gospel pure - that is straight.

1 Peter 2:9 NASB95

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

1 Peter 2:8 NASB95

and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.

The second is to live a life that is worthy of the Gospel

The manner in which you live is as important as the message you preach (or talk about)

I. Be Strong in the Grace in Christ Jesus

Historical context - Since this is Paul’s last epistle. He is concerned with what is happening to the gospel

We could read about how the idea that the resurrection had already happened.

2 Timothy 1:15 NASB95

You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

Paul would not admonish Timothy to be strong in the grace of God if there were not a temptation to fear, or shrink away.

Whether they were ashamed of his chains or decided to go out on his own

II. Among Many Witnesses

Paul is clear that his gospel was not secret - it did not require special knowledge as some might (gnosticism). But his gospel was preached amongmany witnesses. In other words you could check it out.

I would maintain that Paul knew all the gospel writings. Had traveled with Luke, John Mark, and Peter -

IIi. Entrust

Entrust is to set befor. It is to pass on a tradition, It is to pass on for safe keeping, care and protection.

I’m asking you to guard the gospel - I’m entrusting the basic understanding of the gospel message and the essential doctrines that are described in ancient creeds.

Essential doctrines must be true in order for the gospel to be true.

This is the business of oral history, Oral tradition

IV. Faithful Men (who will teach)

Man who have proven they are faithful. Men who will stand up for the gospel,

Men who walk in the light, are teachable and vulnerable.

Three legged stool.

Men who will give their lives for the gospel

The test is faithful, not gifted. Gifted is a charisma - a gift

Faithful is a character quality

Faithful is loyal.

Men who have your back

Story of crew chief who froze. Obviously lacked something of character.

Story of crew chief who froze. Obviously lacked something of character.

V. Others Also

Here is the discipleship aspect.

There is a time concept here.

It is not that you go and find “faithful men

You find men and teach them the value of being faithful

You teach them what it means to be loyal to Jesus by keeping his commandments