Faithful to the End: Rules for the Road
2 Timothy • Sermon • Submitted
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Intro:
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
I’ve titled this theme of this book, [Faithful to the End]. The subject of my message this evening is [Rules for the Road].
I started traveling to preach when I was eighteen. I learned a lot of rules for the road, most came from bad experiences. I decided I would share a few of them.
If I am going to preach, ALWAYS make sure you have your bible and messages. I once drove all the way Texarkana, AR from Oklahoma City, and I didn’t have either. To remedy this, I always pack my briefcase just before we leave. It is always the last thing I do.
To remedy this, I always pack my breifcast
Do not eat or drink a lot if you do not have to when you have a long drive. On my first drive to Salem, MO, I bought nearly $30 worth of snacks. I thought six hours was an eternity. The problem? I had to make many stops making long trips that much longer!
The problem? Eating all of that made me
Another rule, IF you can’t help but eat a snack, make sure you have a spare bottle of water or something to drink, lest you choke on your snack. Once when I drove to OKC, I ate a snickers. The last bite got lodged in my throat and I couldn’t breath. I struggled to find a bottle of water and FINALLY found one.
I asked Bekah if she could think of any and she quickly said, “You would rather have it and not need, then need it and not have it.” I answered, I did say that once didn’t I? She lovingly replied, or EVERY time we go anywhere!
These are self-imposed rules I’ve developed that help me when I hit the road.
With this framework, let’s think of the Apostle Paul. By the time he wrote this letter to Timothy, he had over three decades of ministry experience.
He learned what worked and what didn’t work. He also knew he neared the end of his road. He sat in prison, or more aptly described as a human cistern.
He knew the crazed Roman Emperor Nero would soon call for his execution. However, he did not complain. He did not bemoan his situation. Instead, he used it as an opportunity to teach Timothy.
He thought of Timothy and decided to pass on the wisdom and knowledge God gave him. He wanted Timothy to understand what lied ahead of him.
However, Paul looked down the road. He wanted Timothy to succeed, but he also wanted the truths of living for Jesus to pass on to future generations.
As we study chapter two, we will see some of the rules or parameters Paul had in his life. If we want a successful walk with God, we cannot walk through this life aimlessly.
No, we go down the road with purpose and determination to do all God wants us to do. Though Paul wrote this letter to a pastor, the truth of the word extends to all followers of Christ.
Who wants their lives to honor the Lord?
Then there are certain rules for the road we need to study. These rule include, [Understanding our Role], [Understanding our Reality], and [Understanding our Responsibility].
Let’s begin
1. Understanding our Role
1. Understanding our Role
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
Paul knew God called Timothy for a specific purpose. The enemy knew this as well. Therefore, Paul explained the role God wanted Timothy to fulfill in the church.
Before he discussed specifics what he was to do and not to do, he reminded Timothy of God’s grace. His strength did not come from his natural abilities or inabilities. Instead, everything he did had to solely rely on the grace of God.
In essence, God is merciful enough to empower you Timothy. So trust Him and walk close to Him. Stay faithful and commit yourself to lead others by your example.
To describe his role as a follower of Christ, he used three examples, a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. But notice the connection, it all has to do with suffering or hardships.
As a soldier for Christ, Timothy was not to get entangled with civilian issues. He was to stay focused on his task of leading others by setting a Godly example.
Had he got consumed with the affairs of those around him, he could easily get distracted, thereby displeasing the captain of His salvation; Jesus.
Paul then compared him to an athlete. Before I look at what Paul said, I can verify from personal experience, good athletes do not just happen. They have to train, practice, know the rules of the game, and work hard. If they don’t, well, they end up looking like me.
Timothy was to work his hardest for God, just as athletes work their hardest for their coach and team. In other words, Timothy needed to become the MVP if he was to receive rewards from God.
Lastly, he needed to remember the role of a farmer. Farmers work hard. They plant, water, and wait. If they are cattle farmers, they work the cows, doctor them when they are sick, and eventually sell them or bring them a church dinner!
These illustrations show us Timothy’s role. He needed to work hard for the Lord and God would honor him. One of the rules for the road is understanding our role.
If we are to experience all God has for us, we have to do our part, then God will do HIs part!
2. Understanding our Reality
2. Understanding our Reality
8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
10
Timothy had a unique advantage in that he followed the Apostle Paul for many years. However, Paul reminded Timothy what awaits those who really follow Jesus.
From the outside looking in, Timothy might assume everything will run smooth the moment he submitted to his role of a leader. However, Paul shows something different.
Paul was put in chains because of his ardent proclamation of the gospel. Telling others about Jesus put him in chains. From the outside looking in, that sounds terrible.
But it is almost as though Paul lived in an alternate reality.Sure, he was in chains because of the gospel, but the word of God is not in chains, it is free to move from person to person.
Sure, he was in chains because of the gospel, but the word of God is not in chains, it is free to move from person to person.
Paul suffered greatly, but he did so that others might find freedom and healing through Jesus.
Another rule for the road is understanding our reality. We cannot view our circumstances from a human perspective. Instead, we need God to show it to us from His point of view!
Paul then rights the lyrics to a short song, outlining our reality. When I read these, think of how different this is from the way most people think.
11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
If we die with Him, we will also live with Him.
Paul wanted Timothy to remember, you have a different reality. If your life ends on earth, remember, you will live again in heaven!
If we endure with Him, we will also reign with Him.
God never promised we would live without problems. However, He does promise if we will stay faithful, He will help us until we enter into the destiny He has for us.
If we deny Him, He will also deny us
After sharing two positives, Paul looked at the negative. When people deny God through their actions and lifestyle, He will deny us.
In other words, when hard times or suffering come, how will Timothy respond? Will he still trust God? If so, God will honor him. Will he deny God? If so, he will have to repent before God forgives him.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful.
Timothy had to understand the importance of trusting God more than himself. He could only be faithful if he trusted in God who is always faithful.
Paul wanted Timothy to understand his role as a follower of Christ. However, this role came with a new reality. It is contrary to the world, but it offers hope and help from heaven.
3. Understand our Responsibilities
3. Understand our Responsibilities
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
After establishing Timothy’s role and reality, here is outlines his responsibilities in shepherding people, including himself.
First, he had the responsibility to make sure those around him did not strive about words. That literally means to have “word fights.”
Let me give an example, some Christians like to bicker and argue about scripture. I remember going to the home of a pastor when I first started preaching. He was a part of a denomination that had different views on sanctification than we do.
It i
I sat on the couch for a few minutes and out of nowhere his twelve-year-old son asked, “So, what are you views on sanctification?” I knew what he wanted to know. He obviously was schooled to argue over the differences in our doctrine. I answered, “we need to live a sanctified life.” And I changed the subject.
What good would it have done to argue about sanctification. My view would not change, and his would not change. It would not have profited either of us.
Those alive in the days of Timothy loved a good argument or debate. Paul’s point is, we have a responsibility to study the word of God, and understand the truth of what it means.
Then when people come seeking something from God, we are equipped with biblical truths that will help. However, we need to understand God’s word so we can live it out everyday.
Second, Timothy was to avoid listening to teaching or promoting preaching that did not draw people to live a Godly life. He mentioned two people who did this.
Hi-muh-knee-us and Fill-eat-us departed from the truth. They taught that the resurrection of Christ was spiritual not literal. Such profane and idle babblings did not deserve Timothy’s attention.
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
Instead, he needed to ALWAYS remember the firm foundation he possessed in Jesus. If he built his life on Jesus, God would use him in a supernatural and fulfilling way.
Instead, he needed to ALWAYS remember the firm foundation he possessed in Jesus/
Paul used another illustration, household items. He specifically focused on vessels. Let’s think of a really nice crystal bowl. We would use that when we have guests over. We would not use it if we had a leaky faucet.
But if by chance, I grabbed it really quick and Bekah found it under the sink in the kitchen, she would clean it really good so it could be used for honor, not dishonor.
When we understand our role and fulfill our responsibilities, God will use us, just as He used Timothy. I can promise, the greatest feeling in the world is when God uses us.
For instance, I love it when God uses me. I know my faults and failures. However, I come to Jesus on a daily basis. I tell Him what I have done wrong. I allow Him to forgive me. Then He uses me, in spite of myself.
I am not a vessel of honor because of anything I did. I am used by Him because of everything He did.
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Paul wraps us these rules with a few more responsibilities. Timothy was to make sure that the lust for money, power, control, achievement, or relationships did not pollute or corrupt his vessel.
Instead, he needed God to fill Him with righteousness, faith, love, and peace. If he lived this way, he could serve as an example to others.
Then in humility and gentleness, he will not have to argue with people to convince them to get saved. Instead, they will see his lifestyle want to live like him.
In essence, if he will fulfill his responsibilities, he could help people overcome the attacks of the enemy on their lives.
Close:
As Paul neared the end of his life, he wanted Timothy to succeed long after he was gone. To do this, he outlined some rules he developed on this road called life.
Likewise, if we plan to do all God has for us, we need to understand our role, reality, and responsibility.
When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we adopted a new role. No longer are far from Him, now we are his children. Therefore, we need the diligence of a soldier, the discipline of an athlete, and the patience of a farmer.
We do not walk in pride, but we do have confidence that as God’s children, we can do all things through Christ.
Understanding our role, helps us realize our reality. As people of faith, we look at our surroundings from a different reality. Our reality is counterculture, when the enemy says one thing, we believe and know another.
Then we arrive to our responsibilities. Had we started with all God wants us to do, we might think, how am I capable of doing any of that?
The truth is we are not, until we come into our role as His children and accept our new reality. Then He will use us as a vessel of honor.
When we understand God wants to use us, we will strive to live a life that pleases Him.
—EXPOUND ON VESSEL OF HONOR