Paul's Solemn Appeal To Timothy Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. There are five things he mentions to Timothy. The word "solemn" means "seriousness."

2. They are all found in this text: “authority, urgency, substance, duration, and vigilance.”

3. We will discuss them individually as we move through this lesson.

4. There is no higher calling in the faith, saving one (eldership) for one to aspire unto in the work of faith, than "The work of the Ministry."

Introductory Remarks.

1. We will present what one could call: "Paul's solemn appeal to Timothy." His final message gives him a solemn appeal before God and the Lord Jesus Christ: "To preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine," 2 Timothy 4:2. In this text, Paul provides Timothy with the authority, urgency, substance, duration, and vigilance for his "work of the ministry," 2 Timothy 4:5.

2. Background of this lesson. Paul is reaching out to Timothy to come to him before winter sets in. He asks him to bring his cloak and the parchments, which would enable him to be warm and continue his Letter writing to the churches.

3. I remember the solemn words of my mentor: "Not this weekend, son, but next weekend." I was later informed that he had passed away by his wife. "Quietly in the night, that weekend, he advised me not to come." Pray with me before we begin. Remember the Maffit’s Family. Let’s consider Paul’s solemn appeal to Timothy.

BODY OF LESSON

THE FIVE SOLEMN APPEALS

1. Authority. "Preach the word," 2 Timothy 4:2a. Timothy was urged to limit his message to the word of God. Timothy’s “mother and grandmother teaching,” 2 Timothy 1:5-6. Recall,

a. From a child thou hast: "Known the holy scriptures, which were able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus," 2 Timothy 3:15-17. "Study, to" 2 Timothy 2:15.

ILLUSTRATION: It is not "through faith" but "through the faith" in Christ Jesus. The “definite article” or “the faith” makes it definite; it is the faith and obedience to the gospel that Paul refers to in this appeal to Timothy. You preach the “word of the faith,” which will permit others to be saved through your preaching of the Word!

b. As an evangelist, "preach the word" and "make full proof of thy ministry," 2 Timothy 4:5.

c. Paul commanded Timothy to:

1) First, "Charge some that they teach no other doctrine," 1 Timothy 1:3.

2) Second, "Put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained," 1 Timothy 4:6.

3) Third, "Hold fast the form of sound words," 2 Timothy 1:14. Here is the reason,

4) Fourth, "Take heed unto thyself and the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee," 1 Timothy 4:16. Hear what? "Preaching the word." It will be your preaching of the scriptures that will enable men and women to be saved!

2. Urgency. "Be instant in, and out of season," 2 Timothy 4:2a. He must be ready to preach in any season and, under every condition, the word of truth. His message must be timeless. It must be delivered with urgency. In the following two verses, Paul explains why:

a. First, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears," 2 Timothy 4:3. These members are those who desire to be tickled and teased regarding their misguided faith.

b. Second, "They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables," 2 Timothy 4:4. These are those who depart from the faith or "the word of truth!" Some Departures!

c. Third, "The Spirit speaketh expressively…some will depart from the faith," 1 Timothy 4:1-5.

ILLUSTRATION: Marriage, eating meat. A Holiday Review, Romans 14:1-5; Hebrews 5:12-14.

3. Substance. "Reprove, rebuke, and exhort, in preaching the word," 2 Timothy 4:2c.

a. First, the word to reprove, in the Gr., is elegcho, which means to confute, admonish: to convict, convince, tell of a fault, rebuke, reprove. There will be those who require our chastening, Titus 1:9-10. The elders and ministers do it with love and compassion. Remembering themselves!

ILLUSTRATION: Compliment before all, convict or counsel, behind closed doors. Our goal will always be to "help save, or win our brother or sister."

b. Further, the word rebuke, in the Gr., is epitimao, which means to tax upon, i.e., rebuke or admonish; by implication, to forbid: —(straitly) charge, rebuke. Paul told Titus to admonish and "rebuke the opposition sharply," Titus 1:13. Paul’s rebuke of Peter, in Galatians 2:11.

c. Finally, the word to exhort or (encourage), in the Gr., is parakaleo, which means call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, or consolation): —beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray. Paul uses each of these words in 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14. This is the softest word in his appeal to Timothy and others! Let’s see how Paul used them,