Focusing on Faithfulness in the Face of Uncertainty (2)

“Focusing on Faithfulness in the Face of Uncertainty”

Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-18

Introduction:

In Larry Olsen's Outdoor Survival Skills, he tells of a guy who has been lost in the desert for days. His water and food have long since run out. His lips are parched, and his tongue is swollen. His legs are bruised and bleeding from dragging himself across the desert floor. His body is scorched from the sun and covered with insect bites and cactus pricks. As he props himself up on his bleeding elbow to look over a knoll, he sees nothing but wasteland through his sand-peppered eyes, and comments, "You know, a few more days like this and I might get discouraged."

* Illustration Digest, Fall 1993

I- I MUST REMEMBER THE TASK TO WHICH I HAVE BEEN CALLED (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

A- The call to proclaim the Gospel is to be the primary focus (2 Timothy 4:12a).

B- The call to lead God’s people, guided by God’s Word, must not be neglected ( 2 Timothy 4:2b).

C- The call we have accepted is one to be fully pursued (2 Timothy 4:5).

II- I MUST KEEP MY FOCUS ON FINISHING MY RACE WELL (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

A- Our focus will determine our finish.

B- Our finish will determine our reward.

III- I MUST FIND ENCOURAGEMENT AND OFFER IT TO OTHERS IN THE FACE OF ALL CIRCUMSTANCES (2 Timothy 4:9-15).

A- We must determine not to let the negative people or circumstances destroy us.

“We the willing, led by the unknowing,

are doing the impossible for the ungrateful.

We have been doing so much, with so little, for so long,

We are now fully qualified to do anything with nothing.”

B- We must encourage others who seek to remain faithful in the Lord’s work.

IV- I MUST FOCUS ON FAITHFULNESS TO CHRIST, SEEKING TO GLORIFY HIM EVEN IN THE MIDST OF UNCERTAINTY (2 Timothy 4:6-18).

A- Sometimes it seems we are all alone, but we are not.

B- We must remember that our God is always faithful. All things are certain with Him.

Conclusion:

Song: :Faithful to the Cross

or:

Comment on Prov. 4