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
