Staying the Course

Introduction: For the month of September and October, we’ve continue to preach through 1 Timothy, again, we are doing a broad overview and not a deep dive. We’re looking at the big themes of passing on the faith to the next generation as well as showing the expectation that all people of all ages are to serve God in his church.

There is a story in church history that I love. It’s the story of how Augustine, the greatest theologian of the Christian church who wasn’t named Paul, became a pastor.

Valerius was the elderly pastor of Hippo who recognized the newly converted Augustine s talent and knew that God had called him to be a pastor as well. Augustine, coming from a very pagan background, wondered what use God would have with him, based on the things he had done. Nevertheless, Valerius knew God had great plans for Augustine. So seeing him in the congregation one Sunday morning, called an audible and preached on the need for pastors. The congregation mobbed Augustine, and ordained him by force. For the next five years, Valerius nurtured Augustine in the ministry. Augustine soon took over the preaching, and in 395 was made co-bishop with Valerius. He died in 396, and Augustine succeeded him as bishop. It started with an older mature pastor seeing the future of the church in the next generation. The rest as they say is history.

Most pastors don’t get to pick their successor. Most probably don’t want to.

Think of how much humility it must take to accept that your time has come and it’s time to pass on leadership to a new generation.

Transition to the Text: For the last few weeks, we have been focused on the idea of passing on the faith to the next generation. Today, as we conclude part 1 of 1 Timothy, I’d like to primarily speak to the younger generation.

This is not to say that the older generation is not important here, but the older generation needs to begin seeing themselves in the position of Paul with the important role of passing the baton of Leadership to the next generation.

While you may not see yourself as ready to retire, if we wait to pass on leadership until we are ready to retire, they won’t be ready. Even for the younger generation, remember that the time will come for you to pass on leadership to an even younger generation.

But today, we consider the words of Paul to Timothy. And what does Paul here say?

Introduce:

Authentic Principle: Stand firm and no matter what happens, stay the course.

Read:

1 Timothy 3:14–4:5 (ESV)

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that,

15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Authentic Principle: Stand firm and no matter what happens, stay the course.

1. You won’t always have supportive people around you. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

Explanation: Paul tells Timothy that he hopes to come back to Ephesus to help him out. There is likely the idea that Timothy is facing some considerable opposition. But Paul is in prison so his coming to Ephesus is highly in doubt.

Nevertheless Paul charges Timothy to stand firm and stay the course on the things that he started. And really it comes down to a need to teach the church how to act.

We remember that Paul’s writings are the Words of God. They carry authority on which Timothy can stand. Otherwise, how will Timothy tell older people what to do. The same is true today. The only real authority we have is to stand on the word of God.

And the best way to do that is to model it. Which means for a young timothy, he will be modeling to older more mature pagans. Even older people who don’t know what it means to follow Jesus, need help.

And even today, there is a lot we can learn from CNC about the importance of fellowship, worship, prayer, and serving God in and outside of the church.

The younger generation has a longing for a more meaningful relationship with God and others.

But for Timothy people are not always going to be supportive. You aren’t always going to have a mentor eager to teach you or a mentee eager to learn. You aren’t always going to have peers eager to encourage you when you go against the cultural norms. And believe me, how people ought to behave in the household of God almost always goes against cultural norm.

And sometimes, for young Timothy, he will find himself standing alone. Which will test our resolve to honor God more than people.

God created us for community. To be in relationships with other people. So doing things that set us apart from others and make us feel alone seems so contrary to our nature.

But more than that we were created for communion with God. And in a fallen world, we must choose to be faithful to God even if it means sacrificing those other relationships. Even if it means being alone.

Illustration: Great martyrs of the faith throughout church history, have found themselves in this place. The Apostle John, Martin Luther, John Hus, William Tyndale. All of them standing for God even when they were standing alone.

Application: Love can be a great motivation here. We look at Paul’s motivation for sitting in prison for preaching the Gospel. Modeling for Young Timothy, not only what he should expect, but also how to endure.

Paul tells Timothy and us exactly how he endured back in ch. 1. He remembers what God has done for him.

1 Timothy 1:12–17 ESV

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Love is a powerful motivator. Think of the sacrifices we will make for our spouses and our children? How much more for God who sent Jesus save us from our sin?

Now you know this. But it’s easy to forget. So we need to remember.

2. Remember what you already know. (1 Timothy 3:16)

Explanation: What do we need to remember? We need to remember Jesus.

Notice that Paul talks about this regard that this is a mystery, but it’s not meant to taken on blind faith. Jesus is a real person who came with witnesses.

He was manifested in the flesh.

We see this so clearly in the Gospel of John, but since that hadn’t written yet, many thought it was likely a long time before that type of high Christology came about. But that’s not the case, because Paul already had a high Christology. He wrote to the Colossian church:

Colossians 1:15–19 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

or even to the Philippians:

Philippians 2:5–11 ESV

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Illustration: As a young person, there are so many things that are going to distract you. Questions and doubts.

What career am I going to do?

Am I going to get married? To whom?

How can I afford to live here?

We worry about aging parents.

We worry about growing kids and the world…and the church they will inherit. Will either still be here?

In the midst of the certainty of life, we can remember Jesus. There is a reason Jesus is called a rock. Because he is the only rock solid foundation that we can lean on for support in this world.

Application: I think the biggest potential pitfall of the young Christian is to have a improper view of Jesus.

There are many caricatures of Jesus.

- There is American Jesus that cares about your freedom.

- There is buddy Jesus that just wants to be your friend.

- There is boyfriend Jesus that wants to make sure you’re happy.

- There is Santa Claus Jesus that wants to bring you gifts.

- There is weak Jesus who couldn’t save himself, how will he save you?

- There is moral, teacher Jesus that wants all people to be good so as to bring about a better world.

- There is of course imaginary Jesus who is just an idea, but didn’t live.

Paul tells us who Jesus is so we can remember. And he tells him as summary of all the Bible tells us about him.

God in the flesh.

Witnessed by the Spirit.

Exalted by angels.

Proclaimed to the Nations....largely by Paul.

Believed on by the world. The world is a powerful idea. Because it’s not just the jews. It’s everyone. And this is so important because in the midst of our doubts and questions, it’s important for us to remember that we are not alone in our belief.

People will try to tell you that educated people don’t believe in Jesus. Scientists don’t believe in Jesus. But that’s not true. Many of the world’s smartest, most educated people believed in Jesus. Back then and even today.

People will try to tell you that the younger generation has moved beyond the need for Jesus. But that’s not true either. While vestiges of cultural Christianity are gone in the next generation to the point that only 15 percent claim to believe in Jesus. But let me tell you about those 15 percent. They are on fire for Jesus. And they will change the world in a way that our parents and grandparents could only dream of.

Lastly Jesus was taken up in glory. Which tells us that he rose from the dead. The cross and the grave had no power over him. And by implication, there is the promise that he is coming back to take us to glory with Him.

Of course, the longer Jesus delays, the more people begin question if it’s all true in the first place.

And perhaps there is no greater pain for a Christian than to watch those we have grown up with, served with, discipled, looked up to. Sat under. Walk away from the faith. It’s horrible.

But it shouldn’t be surprising.

3. Don’t be surprised when a sinful world acts sinful. (1 Timothy 4:1-5)

Explanation: Paul doesn’t pull any punches about the nature of people in the world. The answer to the question about why people leave the faith....is demonic influence.

In later times…some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to

deceitful spirits

teachings of demons

insincerity of liars

If we’re lucky those who leave the faith will actually leave. What’s interesting about this is that some will leave the faith without leaving the church. And perhaps nothing causes more problems in a church than unbelievers faking it.

We shouldn’t be surprised when a sinful world acts sinful but we also shouldn’t be surprised when that sinful world spills over into the church.

What do they do? They make up rules that don’t matter.

Don’t get married.

Don’t eat this.

Don’t touch that.

Paul reminds Timothy, nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving and prayer.

Illustration: Have any of you ever heard the name of Charles Templeton?

Probably not…but you probably have heard of Billy Graham. And Charles Templeton was Billy Graham’s best friend.

Charles was a gifted evangelist who led many people to Jesus. Many even argued that he was a better public speaker that the great Billy Graham.

But he was a fraud. He never actually believed anything that he was teaching. Which shoes that it’s possible to have a head knowledge of Jesus without having a personal relationship.

After 23 years of telling people about Jesus, he abandoned the church and the faith to tell people about sports.

Billy Graham remained his friend and prayed for his salvation that to the day of his death never seemed to come.

Application: For me personally, few of the people I started in Seminary with are still in ministry. Some have walked away from the faith. Most that I grew up with in youth group are no longer walking with Jesus. Many I served with in churches are now calling themselves, Exvangelicals.

There are few Timothy’s. So many Hymenaeus and Alexanders. Who have abandoned the faith.

John reminds us in his own letter:

1 John 2:19 ESV

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

You can’t lose your salvation. Abandoning the faith only shows that you were never saved in the first place.

And we shouldn’t be surprised when a pagan and sinful world acts pagan and sinful.

The only thing that we can or should do is stay our own course with Jesus.

Response: How can you stay the course in your life right now?

Summation:

Authentic Principle: Stand firm and no matter what happens, stay the course.

1. You won’t always have supportive people around you. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

2. Remember what you already know. (1 Timothy 3:1)

3. Don’t be surprised when a sinful world acts sinful. (1 Timothy 4:1-5)

Response: How can you stay the course in your life right now?

Closing Illustration:

It’s crazy to tell the younger generation of Christians that it all depends on you to carry the message of Jesus to new world. True we go in the power of the Spirit and it is God who works through us.

But every 70 or so years is a brand new generation of people who need to hear the gospel and be raised up to carry it on.

That’s the way it’s been for 2,000 years. Even longer when we factor in the Old Testament.

You will feel alone at times. But you will never truly be alone because there is always God who promises to another young person tasked with leading the next generation.

Joshua 1:5 ESV

5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.

Joshua was tasked with following Moses. No one would have thought him qualified to take over for such an incredible leader. Joshua himself was probably doubtful. But God promised to be with him.

And the same is true for us today. God will be with us. It won’t be easy. It won’t be without heartbreak and pain.

But there will be joy in the journey of faith.

And we have eternity to look forward to.

Young people I know you are looking for a path of meaning and purpose. You want to change the world. I know because that’s what I want to.

Jesus is the path. The only path worth taking. He came into this world to save sinners. Like you and me.

And we are given the responsibility to take it to the world.

But first, we must embrace it ourselves.

Have you embraced the love of savior who came and died for you.

Have you repented of your sins? Have you believed that Jesus is who he said he is?

Now will you take that and tell the world. There is so much work to be done.

Stay the course....the same course set out so many centuries ago.

It’s time to rise up.

Luke 1:50 ESV

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

Let’s Pray.

Week 6 of 2020-2021 Sermon Series: Authentic

Generation to Generation: Stay the Course

1 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Authentic Principle: Stand FIRM and no matter what happens, stay the COURSE.

1. You won’t always have SUPPORTIVE people around you. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

2. REMEMBER what you already know. (1 Timothy 3:1)

3. Don’t be surprised when a SINFUL world acts SINFUL. (1 Timothy 4:1-5)

Response: How can you stay the COURSE in your life right now?

Opening Discussion:

How would you describe the state of the church in the world? Do you think that the world has a positive opinion of the church? Why or why not?

Sermon:

Why might Timothy feel all alone in Ephesus? How could Paul’s letter serve to uplift an encourage?

How does 1 Timothy 3:15 serve to show the purpose for Paul’s writing? How has Paul already begun to fulfill this purpose in the first 3 chapters.

How can remembering Jesus and what he has done for Timothy help him to remain grounded and stay the course? What about jesus does Paul call him to remember? Why do you think Paul emphasized these things?

Paul reminds Timothy that we should expect people abandon Jesus and us? Why might this be a comfort to Timothy in the midst of pain?

How does Paul describe those who “depart from the faith?” Why it significant that they still exercise influence and control over the church?

How does Paul show that a twisted understanding of “how one ought to behave in the household of God” is so dangerous for the church and individual believers?

Application:

Have you ever felt alone as a Christian? How do you handle it when you are forced to choose between standing for God and yielding to public opinion?

How do you practically remember Jesus and what he’s done for you? How does this help you to stand firm when you faith is tested?

Have you experienced the loss of someone who has departed the faith? What was that like?

Have you experienced someone who departed the faith and caused problems by staying in the church? What was that like? If not, how might that situation cause problems?

How might North Hills be different if everyone stayed the course regardless of what others thought?