Defining Terms;

Sermon:

Last Week:

Seeing a larger View: An overview helps us to see things we might otherwise have missed.

1. We should all desire to be of the character of a leader:

It should be out goal to be worthy of selection to lead. To be people who take responsibility for our lives in this world and the impact we make. While the world is asking “what is your carbon footprint” we should be asking what is our spiritual impact?

• We looked back at and briefly reviewed the character traits of those who should be chosen and saw that Paul had about three views on maturity.

• The New Christian: Baby under preparation, able to share his story and encounter with Christ.

• The Deacon: Character development sucks that they are ready to Serving others, the leadership and the message to the community.

• The Overseer: The ones who have the character and understanding to clearly administrate those who are serving and growing the the Faith.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SOMEONE WHO IS A QUALIFIED LEADER?

• MAKE THE COMMITMENT TO BECOME WORTHY: take responsibility for your life.

• LEAN INTO THE GRACE OF GOD FOR THE STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO DO SO.

• DON’T RUSH AHEAD: BE CONTENT WITH WHERE YOU ARE IN THE JOURNEY: The Dust of the Rabbi. We are not there yet. And if you are not doing the work and engaging the word then you are not going to rise to the character that God desires in you.

• TRUST IN THE TEACHER AND LET THE HOLY SPIRIT BRING YOU UNDERSTANDING: Youth and lack of experience makes one vulnerable to deception. Be wise and get into position to learn from one who is farther along than you in the journey.

Today let’s pick up on Paul’s instruction To Timothy in this last moment.

1. KEEP A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF WHO JESUS ACTUALLY IS.

(HCSB): 8 Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead and descended from David. This is according to my gospel.

(HCSB): 9 I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. 10 This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy:

For if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him;

12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him;

if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

IT is vital to Paul that we defend the basic understanding of Jesus. And Define our terms.

Check. Our

(HCSB): 1 Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. 2 In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 So He became higher in rank than the angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs.

2. DON’T GET TO INTO THE WEEDS: 14

(NITPICKING) Focus not he main things. .

(HCSB): Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.

EXAMPLE: 17 And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. 18 They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some.

ASSURANCE OF TRUTH: 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness.

WORK HARD AT DOING GOOD 15-16

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

“Word’s are not merely words you know, if they are not backed by a godly life they are a poison in the soul.”

What is the core message of the Gospel? Love God, Love Others, Make Disciples.

Hairsplitting words with people over things that do not matter will corrupt and confuse the message. So don’t get bogged down.

3. STAY CLEARLY FOCUSED:

(HCSB): 20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

22 Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.

24 The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. 26 Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will.

1. Be a Worthy Vessel 20-21

2. Fight Unimportant distractions. 22-23

3. Not a fighter but a nicely plated. 24-26

Conclusion:

So to summarize all the point….It’s all about Jesus.

WATCH OUT FOR DISTRACTIONS