Trusting In the Breath of God

(AV)

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

INTRODUCTION

In a world laden with every kind of immorality it is important for the Church to always remember and never forget that the foremost idea that we hold dear to our hearts is an undying trust in the word of God. No matter what this evil world presents to us our first reference must always be to the word of God. The author of our text is clearly the Apostle Paul as explicitly stated in 1:1. Paul identifies himself in this his second and final letter to Timothy as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. He writes to Timothy whom he has left in Ephesus temporarily to address specific needs of the congregation residing there. Ephesus is situated in an ideal location for evangelism as well as an ideal location for secularization. Filled with paganism, the heresies of Gnosticism, and the home of the pagan goddess Artemis, Timothy is faced with the challenge of sustaining the congregation with a steady diet of Gospel preaching and study while competing with the snares of human desire for pleasure. Paul addresses Timothy as his dearly beloved son as he greets him with grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

From his Roman prison cell Paul gives thanks to God for his consistent and thoughtful prayers for Timothy night and day. He longs for, desires, yearns for a final visit with his son in the ministry. Down memory lane he goes, remembering when he first met the young saint and the impression Timothy’s mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois had deposited in Timothy. He urges him to reconnect with the gift that God has given him charges him to denounce any fears he had for God had not given him the spirit of fear. God gave him the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

Timothy would need to find an urgency to rid himself of fear for Paul proceeds to warn him of the troublesome days that lie ahead. Timothy would need to find something to hold onto, something to trust, something that could hold onto him as he continues his work of faithfully preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Chapter 3:10 begins with the word “But”, indicating that a previous statement has been made. It is a transitional word used by Paul here to express Paul’s desire for Timothy to respond positively to the previous statement. 2 Timothy 3:10 transitions the discussion from diagnosis to prognosis, and prescription. Therefore, as we examine the Logos or the content of the text and the Pathos or the passion of the text, we hope to arrive at a clear and transformational understanding of the ethos or behavioral expectation inspired by the text. With that purpose in mind I want to preach from this idea: “Trusting in the Breath of God”. There are two main ideas that I must convey as we proceed to understanding: the idea of TRUST and the idea of What Happens When God Breathes.

The Idea of Trust

Trust -Reliance on and confidence in a person. Scripture affirms the total trustworthiness of God, especially in relation to his promises to his people. Christian faith is, essentially, trust in the person and character of God.

2 Samuel 22:1–3 (AV) — 1 And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: 2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

{Jesus speaks of himself as bread and many disciples leave him, Peter’s response to leaving}

John 6:59–68 (AV) — 59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. 60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

1. God is the true object of. Ps 65:5.

2. The fear of God leads to. Proverbs 14:26 (AV) 26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

3. Encouragements to trust

a. The everlasting strength of God. Isaiah 26:4 (AV) 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

b. The goodness of God. Nahum 1:7 (AV) 7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

c. The loving-kindness of God. Psalm 36:7 (AV) 7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

{This trust is illustrated through Ruth before Boaz:}

Ruth 2:10–12 (AV) — 10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? 11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. 12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

d. The rich bounty of God. 1 Timothy 6:17 (AV) 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

e. The care of God for us.1 Peter 5:6–10 (AV) — 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

6. Of saints is

a. Not in the flesh.Philippians 3:3 (AV) — 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

b. Not in themselves. 2 Corinthians 1:9 (AV) — 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

c. Not in carnal weapons. 1 Sa 17:38, 39, 45; Ps 44:6; 2 Co 10:4.

1 Samuel 17:38–45 (AV) — 38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. 40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

The Idea of What Happens When God Breathes

The breath of God is a life changing entity that not only changes lives but it gives life. Through God’s breath men live physically and spiritually. It is the very breath of God that escorts men from this world into his kingdom which is to come. There are 5 instances that I want share with you concerning what happens when God breathes.

1. Genesis 2:7 (AV) — 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

2. Ezekiel 37:9 (AV) (the Hebrew word for wind used here is Ru-wach- it is wind that resembles breath)— 9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

3. John 20:19–22 (AV) — 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

4. Acts 2:1–4 (AV) —(The Greek word used here is pnoe-to breathe or blow.) 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5. 2 Timothy 3:16 - He breathed upon the authors of scripture that we may have life now and in the world to come.

Exposition

Diagnosis

2 Timothy 3:1–17 (AV)

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

JANNES AND JAMBRES Two opposers of Moses and Aaron (2 Tim. 3:8). Though the names do not appear in the OT, rabbinic tradition identified Jannes and Jambres as being among those Egyptian magicians who sought to duplicate for Pharaoh the miracles performed by Moses (Exod. 7:11). The Damascus Document from the Qumran Sect describes the two as brothers raised up by Belial, the evil one. Eusebius of Caesarea described them as sacred scribes of Egypt. The Jewish tradition makes several mentions of them, but in the end they could not match God’s power displayed through Moses.

9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

Prognosis

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

In verse 10 Paul turns Timothy’s attention to his life as a personal example to Timothy. He points Timothy in the direction of:

· His teaching

· His manner of life. The way that he has lived out his life since his conversion and call to apostleship

· His purpose – which is to suffer many things for the name of Jesus Christ.

· His longsuffering – Gr.makrothumia – a self-restraint of the mind before giving room to action or passion. It is patience in regard to people.

· Charity – Gr. Agape – benevolent love – love that does not act upon the desire of the recipient but upon what the giver deems to be needed. Love given according to need not desire.

· Patience – patience as it relates to circumstances, refers to the quality that does not surrender to circumstance or trial. It is associated with hope.

o It is what allowed Paul and Silas to pray and sing hymns at midnight in a Philippian jail.

o It is what enabled Paul in Acts 27 to trust God while traveling on a ship that was being torn to pieces in the middle of a storm. It’s hope when everything around you is falling apart.

o This patience is referred to in verse 11 where Paul turns Timothy’s attention to Acts 14 where Luke writes of some difficult days Paul experienced at Antioch, Iconium, Lystra where he was tracked down, ran out of the city, and was stoned, they believed him to be dead but got up, no angel came to lift him, no superhuman strength was given to him, he just got up! He got up went to Derbe and made a U-turn back where he had been stoned. He went back for the souls that had been converted.

11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Prognosis for the Preacher

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Prognosis for the World

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

BUT THANK GOD WE HAVE A PRESCRIPTION!!!!!!!!

Prescription

Things will get worse BUT CONTINUE !!!!!!!!!!

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

CONTINUE! Because something happens when God breathes!

The word picture in these final two verses of our message illustrate the word of God coming from the very mouth of God. The word inspiration comes from the word Theopneustos which simply means God breathed.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

When God Breathes:

· Men are counseled from the very mouth of God. Men receive instruction from the Master. Doctrine

· Truth convicts, apprehends the hearts of men, the setting free of one from the bondage their error – Reproof

· That which is gone wrong is set right again. The word correction here simply means to set right again. To reposition one from an undesirable condition to a condition that is in line with the breath of God.

· Instruction in righteousness – When our bones have been injured or have grown improperly, often times the Orthopaedic surgeon will prescribe a brace to offer support and restraint. The word ortho paedia means to straighten the child. In my doctor’s office there is a picture of an older taller tree braced with a smaller, younger, but crooked tree. The idea is that the restraints keep the injured tree in line with the healthy tree. The two essentially remain bonded together until the injury is resolved. That’s what the word of God does when he corrects us. He ties himself to us and allow us grow alongside his perfect son.

Application: The Purpose of God’s Inspired Word

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.