A Church For The Last Days (Part 1)

A CHURCH FOR THE LAST DAYS (Part 1) 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Introduction:Persucution, problems, passivity today

. The church seems to be declining, defecting &

deserting sound doctrine.

. No enthusiasm, no energy and no excitement

. Where has the love, faithfulness, godliness, purity

and truth gone?

. Notice Paul’s appeal in verse 1, his deep emotion

. (Cp.)2 Tim.1:6,13; 2:1, 8, 14; 3:14; 4:6-7

. Demands, forceful, an order, directive

. 1 Tim.5:21; 6:13; 2 Tim.2:14

. Paul gets Timothy’s undivided attention; he gives

what responsibility and accountability the church

has in these last days - James 3:1-2

. Christ will be the Judge - John 5:22, 1 Cor. 3:12-15

. Not a judgement of condemnation but of evaluation!

1. The COMMAND of the MASTER (v. 2a)Preach

. To hearld, proclaim, to publicly announce

. Romans 1:16; 2 Tim.1:11-12

. What a challenge, so Timoty don’t be timid

. Timothy possibly didn’t have an aggresive

personality - 2 Tim. 1:7

. Maybe felt inadequate and intimidated, young

and immature - 1 Tim.4:12

Paul kept instructing & encouraging him.

. We need some Noah’s today - 2 Peter 2:5

. We need some John the Baptist’s - Matt.3:1-2

2. The CERTAINTY of the MESSENGER (v. 2b)Word

. We must protect the truth - 1 Tim. 6:20-21

. 2 Tim.1:13-14; 2:15

. We must preach ALL of the truth! Acts 20:27

3. The CONTENTS of the MESSAGE (v. 2d)

. We must preach and teach a balanced doctrine.

. We must preach and teach this truth with boldness

a)Truth that BREAKS us -

. It’s CONVICTING = rebukes

(reveals the sinfulness of the sinner)

. It’s CORRECTING = convince

(reveals the sinfulness of sin)

b) Truth that BUILDS us -

. ENCOURAGEMENT = exhort / 1 Thess.2:11-12

Colossians 1:28

. EDUCATION = instruction / 2 Tim. 3:16-17

Acts 20:32; 1 Pet. 2:1-2

4. The COMMITMENT that must be MADE (v.2c)Be ready

. Suddenness - Luke 2:9; 20:1; Acts 4:1; 6:12; 12:7

. Urgency, prepared - Jeremiah 5:14; 20:9

. In - convenient / satisfying

. Out - inconvenient / not satifying