When Opportunity Knocks

Pre-Service Reading

1 Timothy 4:12–16 NLT

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

Introduction

Illustration — with Charles or someone — mini-marshmallows and a dollar bill.

"When Opportunity Knocks” — what will you do?

A 9th century proverb says, “When you see an opportunity to improve your lot, act quickly and resolutely — you may never get another chance.”

Thomas Selton’s translation of ‘Don Quixote’ says, “It is not fit that whilst good luck is knocking at our door, we shut it.”

William Penn wrote, “Opportunities should never be lost, because they can hardly be regained.”

“Snooze ya’ Lose”

“Use it or lose it”

The best opportunities ever are because of God’s passionate love for us — He opened wide the front door for us to become His sons and daughters.

Are we taking advantage of the opportunities God gives?

An opportunity is a gift — but if you are blind to it’s value, you won’t pursue it.

Big Idea: What you believe and how you live determine how you respond to the opportunities God places on your doorstep

Exposition

In this letter to Timothy, Paul emphasized the importance of rooting out false teaching/teachers in the church

Transition: Paul exhorted Timothy to set an example for the church

Good Character Opens Doors

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

It is not always easy to set the right example — but the benefits far outweigh the costs, in light of eternity

What you say matters

Set an example for fellow believers

Proverbs 10:19 NLT

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Proverbs 18:13 NLT

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.

Listen more than you talk...

James 1:19 NIV

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

…what you say matters

How you live matters

Set an example for fellow believers

Life/Conduct: The day to day, normal life stuff we do

The way we do business

The way we respond to stressful situations

Dependability - integrity — authenticity

…how you live matters

How you love matters

Set an example for fellow believers

Be loving in every circumstance

How’s that working out for you at this time in your life?

The second greatest command, according to Jesus: “Love your neighbor as yourself”

It takes courage to love sometimes

Does not mean you will feel warm and compassionate all the time

Love is a choice — intentional

…how you love matters

Your faith matters

Set an example for fellow believers

Demonstrated by your faithfulness to God and others

Consistency…regardless of your circumstances

Build your faith through hearing the Word and responding

…your faith matters

Your purity matters

Set an example for fellow believers

This is not just about sexual purity

Purity is a matter of a humble and yielded heart towards God

It is a matter of discipline in thought and actions

Application

How does Godly character open doors for us?

Godly character creates moral authority — which diffuses those who would look down on you because of your youth, or other “dis-qualifiers”

Ultimately — people will be drawn to Jesus

Transition: Just as Godly Character opens doors...

Consistent Influence of God’s Word Opens Doors

Do you ever wonder what should be a pastor’s top priorities?

Paul knew --- and he reminded Timothy very clearly

1 Timothy 4:13 NLT

Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

Public reading of the Bible

In Luke chapter 4, Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth, opened the scroll and read to them from Isaiah

God called Nehemiah out of exile to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem — ultimately to rebuild the faith of the people.

Nehemiah 8:2–3 NIV

So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

The people heard the word of God and rejoiced — they were so hungry

The Levites opened up the words to them so they could understand —

Reading of the Word — Teaching the Word — worshipping because of the word

…the influence of God’s Word opens doors...

Preaching — Exhortation

2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

It was taken for granted from the beginning that Christian preaching should be expository preaching, that is, that ALL Christian instruction and exhortation would be drawn from the passage which had been read — John Stott

Teaching — Doctrinal Instruction

What we believe and why — and what to do with it

Application

Ephesians 4:11–12 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Reading the word every day on your own is essential — an opportunity for growth in your relationship with God

Reading the word together is essential — an opportunity to hear from God, together, and to respond together

Exhortation and doctrinal instruction are essential

1 Peter 3:15 NIV

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Transition: A constant exposure to God’s truth reveals the fact that God has called you…and gifted you, to serve Him

Faithful Exercise of Your Gifts Opens Doors

1 Timothy 4:14 NLT

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.

Romans 12:6–8 NIV

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Transition: Accessing the wonderful opportunities to know, live for, and serve the Lord is a daily decision

Persistence Opens Doors

1 Timothy 4:15 ESV

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

1 Timothy 4:15 NIV

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

Transition: In all these challenges and opportunities, keep everything in its proper perspective

Balance Opens Doors

1 Timothy 4:16 NLT

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

The balance of life and doctrine is so important

How you live reveals who you are

What you believe reveals who you are

CHALLENGE

What you believe and how you live determine how you respond to the opportunities God places on your doorstep

The most important opportunities in life are not the ones that bring you prosperity, success, or a sense of security

These are great — thank God for His blessings

The most important opportunities are the ones that can impact other people and point them towards God’s love

1 Timothy 4:16 NLT

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.