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Basic Instructions For Successful Ministry Series
Contributed by Phillip Day on Jan 10, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: Paul’s last known remarks reflect some of his simplest yet greatest wisdom he could give to a young man destined for great spiritual warfare in the ministry.
Basic Instructions for Successful Ministry
I. Stay True to the Word (v. 1-5)
a. Always be prepared (v. 1-2a; Colossians 4:3)
b. Use the Word to lead despite the lack of acceptance (v. 2b-4; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:13)
c. Fulfill the ministry (v. 5)
II. Stay True to the Mission (v. 6-8)
a. Go all the way (v. 6-7; 1 Timothy 6:12)
b. Look to the prize (v. 8; Philippians 3:14)
III. Be Careful of Your Trust in Men (v. 9-15, 19-22)
a. Some will help you
b. Some will harm you (Demas and Alexander; Psalm 62:12)
IV. Know God’s Comforting Presence (v. 16-18)
a. His Presence despite no one else’s presence (v. 16; Hebrews 13:5-6)
b. His sustaining for His work’s accomplishment (v. 17)
c. His escort into His heavenly kingdom (v. 18; Hebrews 11:16)
REFERENCE NOTES
3praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;
1But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
13Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
12Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
12And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord,
For You recompense a man according to his work.
5Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," 6so that we confidently say,
"THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.
WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?"
16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.