Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

We can overcome threats to our faith by cultivating holy habits.

In verses 1-7, Paul gives Timothy four commands to obey.

The commands make perfect sense when we consider the carnage happening all around him—the mass desertion of Christ followers in Ephesus and the violent persecution of disciples in Rome.

Duped by false teaching and intimidated by the threat of persecution, many were yielding to the threat of either changing or abandoning the gospel.

Although he knew Timothy’s sincere faith in Christ, Paul could not ignore the risk that even Timothy might fall prey to the same temptations.

The four commands represent things Timothy ought to do to safeguard both his own faith and the witness of the gospel.

Retiring is scary because you have to trust those who come after you, and history teaches you that they may err.

I need to outline the fact that we too face similar threats to our faith in the gospel and to the continuing credibility of our ministries.

Although we do not face the direct threat of violent persecution by the state, we do live in a society that is decidedly post-Christian and which is in many respects hostile to Christ and his followers.

(Elaborate in terms of academia, LGBTQIA, science, etc.)

In Pakistan or Egypt, if you are ‘Christian’ on your passport, you are excluded from the best education and career opportunities; we do not have this on our passport, but we do face the temptation to conceal our Christian identity to succeed in a world system that finds the gospel both foolish and offensive.

We must stand firm in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

We must establish networks of mentoring.

I could draw on the recommendations about a LAGER COMMUNITY from A Better Story.

We do need this.

We need fellowship groups that are serious, not frivolous.

We must be single-minded in our devotion to Christ.

This is the heart of Paul’s counsel to Timothy.

Perhaps the greatest deficiency in Western Christianity is that we no concept of suffering for the gospel.

We have moulded Yahweh in the patron deity of the American dream, a God whose highest concern is our comfort and happiness.

We must study the Scriptures daily and prayerfully.

We can overcome threats to our faith by remembering inspiring examples.

We should remember the example of Jesus Christ.

We should remember the example of Paul the apostle.

We should remember the example of every believer.

Conclusion