HoHum:
Go over (Hopefully sing) Hymn # 479 A Charge to Keep I Have
In a recent book, Presidential Praise: Our Presidents and Their Hymns authors C. Edward Spann and Michael E. Williams Sr. note that the title of President George W. Bush’s autobiography, A Charge to Keep, was drawn from Charles Wesley’s hymn. The choice of this title is but one indication of the role this hymn has played in the life of President Bush, as well as the influence of this hymn 250 years beyond its composition. “A charge to keep I have” is grounded in Scripture. In this case, Leviticus 8:36 is the primary source. This Scripture is from the ordination of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood.
WBTU:
In an ordination service, the charge is where minister (usually an important mentor) tells the one being ordained to do this and that, to always remember this and that.
Intermittently, we have been talking about “We speak.” We speak of a Savior, We speak of the gospel, tonight we speak of a charge. Using Scriptures mainly from 1, 2 Timothy and Titus.
Charge can also be translated as I command, “I command you”
1 Timothy 1:3-5, 1:18-20, 4:11, 5:7, 5:21, 6:13-14, 6:17
2 Timothy 2:14, 4:1-2 (Not using all of these tonight)
Also, in 3 references, Paul uses “charge” as a way of not entertaining an accusation or calculating a deficit (1 Timothy 5:19, 2 Timothy 4:16, Titus 1:6 but not using that way tonight)
This is talking about ministers being ordained for the ministry or for the elders/ deacons. Well, Estonia- baptizing on one end, charging on the other of the Olympic pool. We set apart because the Bible tells us to do this as in Acts 13. However, we are all to be involved in the ministry of the church. When does our ministry begin? Right after baptism. Think about Jesus, right after baptism began his ministry. Paul right after his baptism we find this- “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.” Acts 9:20, NIV.
Thesis: What does all this mean for us?
For instances:
We are charged to keep the main thing the main thing (1 Timothy 1:3-5)
Vs. 5- The goal of this command- strong military implications, a command received from a superior- What is this command?
Vs. 3- Not to teach false doctrines any longer
Vs. 4- Not to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies
The goal of not doing these things is so that we can do things out of love. The life of Carl Ketcherside divides itself into two nearly equal parts. He devoted the first 30 to 35 years of preaching to opposing what was commonly called "located preachers" and "Christian colleges." He denied the right of preachers to receive stipulated wages and to locate with one congregation under the oversight of elders. He likewise denied parents and interested individuals the right to build and support "Bible" colleges in which to educate their children. He drew the circle of fellowship tightly around those brethren who opposed these practices and shut out of his communion all who disagreed. His views were skillfully penned in Mission Messenger, a monthly periodical he published for 40 years or more. In 1957 Ketcherside, after repenting as it were in "sackcloth and ashes," took on a different path. Carl said that former ideas were unimportant to both him and God.
Carl Ketcherside- the aim of our charge is love. Carl was well known because a popular preacher. Carl was not focused on love in the first part of his Christian life. Last few years of his life he was ministering with the down and out in downtown St. Louis before his death in 1989.
We are charged to charge others to be good stewards of wealth and words (1 Timothy 6:17-19, 2 Timothy 2:14)
Wealth
Notice the contrast between 6:6-10 and 6:17-19. These first verses sounds like Paul is describing Christians who are struggling financially and want to become rich.
These second set of verses sounds like Paul is cautioning Christians who have resources to refuse to have false pride and false security.
3 things do with riches: Horde everything, Sell everything, or steward everything
Words
Notice how often Paul cautions on the misuse of words (1 Timothy 2:8, 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:14; Titus 1:10, 2:9, 3:2)
Some people hide behind their words, sometimes those who talk the most and the loudest are nothing but a bunch of hot air.
THINK- Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?
We are charged to speak of Jesus (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
Courtroom word; to testify under oath. Vs. 1- Listen carefully- this is life and death stuff.
Some fearless questions:
What does it mean to preach? Literally to herald and proclaim
Many times we limit preaching to what I do. There are many ways to preach. We preach the word when we sing a song that quotes scripture. We preach the word by the lives we lead. We preach the word by loving others. We preach the word by avoiding sin. We preach the word by serving God in any way.
Every Christian does have a personal responsibility to teach the word of God. When persecution broke out in Jerusalem, everyone except the apostles were scattered abroad; “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:4, NIV. Timothy was instructed as follows: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2, NIV. Hence, every Christian has a personal responsibility to help spread the gospel. Some preach behind a pulpit (specifically applies to Timothy here); others preach in the home; others preach in the workplace, etc.
Why do I speak? THE WORD MUST BE PREACHED BECAUSE CHRIST JESUS IS COMING TO JUDGE EVERYONE
Paul is calling Timothy in front of God’s judicial bench and charging him under oath with the serious task of proclaiming God’s Word to those who also will someday stand in front of that bench for judgment by Christ Jesus who will return to reign over all.
The verb “is” (before “to judge”) literally means, “is about to.” It implies the urgency of the task. The day is soon coming when Christ will return. As Christians we will not face condemnation, we all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).
This means that we need to take life seriously. One day you will stand before the living God to give an account of our lives. The Word of God tells us how to live so that we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.” Preaching is important because of the seriousness of this fact.
Christ will appear and set up His kingdom to reign over all. The word “appear” was used of the Emperor’s visit to a province or town. Just before his visit, things were put in perfect order. The garbage was cleaned up, the streets were swept and the buildings were scrubbed clean for his appearing. That’s the idea here: Christ, the King, is coming. Preach so that people’s lives are clean and ready for His return.
What do I speak? PREACH THE WORD!
Some scholars argue that “the word” means the gospel. I don’t object to that, as long as by “the gospel” we include the whole counsel of God as contained in all of Scripture. In the original text, there is no chapter break between 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 4:1-5. All Scripture is profitable for teaching. “Instruction” (4:2) means teaching or doctrine. A preacher must explain and apply the doctrines of the Bible.
We need to preach of Christ- The person of Jesus Christ is a gospel worth preaching.
We need to preach of the resurrection and messiahship of Jesus- Jesus is the Messiah and He is risen from the dead. There is a close connection between the Resurrection and Messiahship of Jesus that appears with the Apostles. “explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he said.” Acts 17:3, NIV.
We need to preach of the death and atonement of Christ- “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18, NIV.
When do I speak? BE READY TO PREACH THE WORD AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY.
“Be ready in season and out of season.” The idea here is that we are not just to play at preaching. Rather, it must be a life- consuming passion. We are never off duty. “Be prepared” imparts a further sense of urgency. Picture a paramedic unit on call, ready to save someone’s life. Souls are perishing without Christ. Christians are straying from the fold. Proclaim God’s Word whenever and wherever you can!
How do I speak? PREACH THE WORD WITH APPLICATION TO LIFE.
“Correct, rebuke and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction” (4:2). The point of biblical preaching is not to get people to underline their Bibles or fill their notebooks. Biblical preaching should show people where their lives are not in line with God’s truth and help them to make the necessary corrections to obey that truth consistently.
