“ORDERS FROM HEADQUARTERS”
I Timothy 1:1-11
January 21, 2009
Warden Assembly of God
Pastor John L. Harper
Introduction: The following advertisement was placed in a newspaper in London, “Men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” Thousands of men responded because it was signed by the noted Arctic explorer Ernest Shackleton.
“If Jesus Christ had advertised for workers it might have read something like this; ‘Men and women wanted for difficult task of helping to build My church. You will often be misunderstood, even by those working with you. You will face constant attack from an invisible enemy. You may not see the results of your labor, and your full reward will not come till after all your work is completed. It may cost you your home, your ambitions, even your life.’ (The Bible Exposition Commentary/New Testament, Vol. 2 Copyright 2001 Warren Wiersbe Pg. 210)
I. DON’T QUIT(vs. 1-2)
The Request (that follows)
1. My appeal is based on my calling as an apostle of Christ
2. My appeal is based on the hope we have found in Jesus Christ
II. DON’T FEAR (vs. 3-7)
A. The Reason
3. You must command certain men
a. Not to teach false doctrines (any longer)
b. Not to be devoted to endless genealogies and myths
• They promote controversies
• They hinder God’s work
c. Be devoted to God’s work
• Which does not promote controversies (but is controversial)
• Which is done by faith
B. The Right Motive
1. We are to be motivated by love
a. from a pure heart
b. from a good conscience
2. We must move away from
a. meaningless talk
b. lack of confidence
III. DON’T BE SILENT (vs. 8-11)
A. The Virtue of the Law
1. The law is good
2. The law must be used properly
3. The law is not made for the righteous
B. The Victims of the Law
1. Those who refuse the rule of God over their life
a. the lawbreakers
b. the rebels
c. the ungodly
2. Those who reject the holiness of God
a. the sinful
b. the unholy
c. the irreligious
3. Those who do not value human life
a. those who kill their parents
b. those who are murderers
c. those who are adulterers
d. those who are perverts
e. those who are slave traders
4. Those who will not live by right doctrine
a. the liars
b. the perjurers
C. The Value of the Law
1. It is sound doctrine
2. It conforms to the Gospel
3. It has been entrusted to those who will tell the good news
CONCLUSION: Don’t quit because you are called and you need not fear because you have a voice. So use your voice to warn the ungodly and encourage your Christian brothers and sisters.
