SERMON OUTLINE:
(1). Watch Your Motives (vs 1-2).
(2). Watch Your Attitudes (vs 3-5).
(3). Watch Your Values (vs 6-10 & 17-19).
(4). Watch Your Testimony (vs 11-16).
(5). Watch Your Stewardship (vs 20-21).
SERMON BODY:
Ill:
• The crowded cafeteria sported a large sign reading:
• “Watch Your Hat and your coat.”
• Two little boys were with their parents enjoying a drink;
• But one of the bots, called Bobby;
• Saw the sign and was determined to keep an eye on his coat.
• Every few moments he kept turning around to check,
• His little friend just kept on eating,
• Without a thought of his own coat on the hook.
• Finally the friend had had enough and said,
• “Bobby, you need to calm down. You can stop watching our coats.”
• Bobby replied
• “I’m only watching mine, yours has been gone for more than half an hour.”
• TRANSITION: This chapter is all about watching,
• Keeping a look out regarding certain areas of life.
(1). Watch Your Motives (vs 1-2).
“All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.”
• Slavery was an integral part of ancient life;
• It is estimated that there were 60 million slaves in the Roam Empire!
• Some commentators say;
• At least half of the people in the apostle Paul’s days were slaves.
• Many of them were well-educated people i.e. doctors & teachers;
• Who carried great responsibilities in the homes of the wealthy.
• In many homes,
• The slaves helped to educate and discipline the children.
When the gospel came to these cities and communities:
• Many slaves came to faith in Christ;
• But their masters often remained unbelievers.
• The temptation of Christian slaves was to say;
• We now have a different master called Jesus;
• And so they were tempted to become rebellious, or produce poor work.
• But not once in his writings did the apostle Paul ever advocate rebellion;
• Not once did he encourage slaves to overthrow the existing order.
• Even if they had a bad or evil master.
The apostle Paul had a bigger agenda than even slavery:
• It was to win the world for Christ;
• Because the way to change society is to change people,
• And ultimately the gospel would be a major player in the abolishment of slavery;
• Through Christians like David Livingstone and William Wilberforce.
Note:
• The advice that the apostle Paul gives to these slaves;
• We can apply today to employer and employee.
• The apostle Paul writes to them and tells them to show respect to their bosses.
• To be good workers and so to have a good testimony.
Ill:
• The boss was concerned that his employees weren’t giving him enough respect,
• So he tried and old fashioned method of persuasion:
• He brought in a sign that said “I’m the Boss” and taped it to his door.
• After lunch, he noticed someone had taped another note under his.
• Which read: “Your wife called. She wants her sign back!”
The boss of every Christian is Jesus Christ:
• Our work is done; “As unto the Lord”
• “Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”
• Colossians chapter 3 verse 23.
• Therefore a Christian worker ought to be the best worker on the job.
• A Christian worker ought to obey instructions and get on with their allotted task.
• A Christian worker ought to work well;
• Whether there is anybody watching them or not.
Ill:
• A missionary was put in charge of supervising a group of natives on a work detail.
• He was frustrated because they were lazy;
• And worked only while he was watching them.
• When he left they would sit around and not work.
• The missionary had a glass eye so he decided he would try something.
• He took his glass eye out and sat it on a fence post
• And told the natives he would be watching them even when he was away.
• The missionary was thrilled it seemed to work well;
• Until one day he came back and saw them sitting around again.
• He looked over to the fence post;
• And saw that someone had put a hat over the eye.
• TRANSITION: A Christian worker ought to work well;
• Whether there is anybody is watching or not.
• So the apostle Paul’s first piece of advice is:
• Watch your motives!
(2). Watch Your Attitudes (vs 3-5).
“These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
Ill:
• Both the hummingbird and the vulture fly over deserts.
• All vultures see is rotting meat, because that is what they look for.
• They thrive on that diet.
• But hummingbirds ignore the smelly flesh of dead animals.
• Instead, they look for the colourful blossoms of desert plants.
• The vultures live on what was. They live on the past.
• They fill themselves with what is dead and gone.
• But hummingbirds live on what is.
• They seek new life.
• They fill themselves with freshness and life.
• Each bird finds what it is looking for.
• TRANSITION: We all do!
We are to watch out for troublemakers in the Church:
• Some people only every find faults with people and with styles of service etc.
• Other people enjoy deeper relationships and great blessings from God.
• Each person finds what they are looking for.
Ill:
• I was talking with a Church leader on Wednesday;
• About a member in his Church.
• This member is constantly finding fault in what the leaders decide;
• Finding fault in what is going on week by week.
• And he has actually worn down one of the leaders who has had enough;
• And sadly stepped down from his position in the Church.
• Reminds me of the man who came to Billy Graham and said;
• “God has given me the gift of criticism”.
• Billy wisely replied;
• “You may have the gift but it did not come from God!”
The apostle Paul says look out for troublemakers:
• Verse 4: “They are conceited”;
• They are proud and assume their way is best!
• And it probably is for them but not necessarily best for the whole Church!
• Verse 4: “know nothing”;
• They are ignorant and as we all know the idiom;
• “Empty vessels make most noise”
• Verse 4: “They are unhealthy”
• Trouble makers are spiritually ill,
• They have rejected sound doctrine and teaching;
• And would rather be taken up with the vague and ambiguous.
• And as a result they bring (as the Message puts it):
• “Infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumours.”
Now here’s a thought to finish this section:
• If you could kick the person responsible for most of this Churches troubles;
• And you kicked them in the backside,
• Who in this fellowship wouldn't be able to sit down for two weeks?
(3). Watch Your Values (vs 6-10 & 17-19).
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs”.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Ill:
• I like this true story that was in the Reader's Digest magazine:
• While my wife and I were shopping at a busy supermarket;
• A shapely young woman in a short, tight-fitting dress strolled by.
• My eyes followed her.
• Without looking up from the item she was examining,
• My wife asked, "Was it worth the trouble you're in?"
• TRANSITION: As followers of Jesus we so easily allow our eyes to be diverted;
• We allow things to take our eyes off Jesus (the important)
• And then we are focussed on the unimportant, the trivial.
The thought of ‘gain’ (vs 5) leads the apostle Paul into a discussion regarding wealth.
• He is not saying being wealthy is wrong;
• But Christians need to have the right attitude to wealth.
• ‘Great gain’ says the apostle, is found in what money cannot buy;
• i.e. ‘Godliness and contentment’
• Quote: Benjamin Franklin.
• "Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor."
Note: Verse 10a because it is one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible.
• “For money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
• That’s not what it says (I told you it was misquoted!)
• “For THE LOVE OF money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
• It is a wrong attitude to money that makes money wrong!
Ill:
• Money can be hazardous to your health.
• Researchers have found that "13%" of the coins and 42% of the paper money;
• Carry disease-producing organisms."
• Small denomination coins and bills are more dangerous;
• Because of their rapid turnover.
• TRANSITION: So tonight I am prepared to keep you healthy;
• I am willing take those coins and notes away from you!
• Seriously, money can be hazardous to your spiritual health.
• If you have a wrong attitude to it!
Note:
• The apostle Paul also gives a positive instruction (vs 17-19);
• Telling those who are financially blessed, how to use it for God’s glory.
• (a). He says; “Stay humble”;
• Don’t look down on people who do not have as much as you. Realise that your
• (b). They should keep their eyes on the giver and not put their trust in the gifts.
• (c). They are to enjoy the blessings of life and not be side-tracked by them.
• (d). They should not settle for just using their wealth for God’s glory;
• They (as with all Christians) also need to practice good deeds.
(4). Watch Your Testimony (vs 11-16).
“ But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time – God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might for ever. Amen.”
Ill:
• At one of our summer Church B-B-Q’s,
• Jack (the terrier dog) who belonged to the owner;
• Also wanted some food and so he had a cunning plan.
• He simply pursued people until he got some.
• Starting with the kids and then the adults he went from person to person;
• Giving them the big eyed stare that said, “Please feed me!”
• I actually saw him sitting under a picnic table with 4 year old Amelia;
• She had an ice-cream, and after every lick she had;
• She handed it to jack for him to lick!
• TRANSITION: Jack the terrier was pursuing food until he got some!
• Likewise you and I are called to pursue, to seek after certain traits;
• Certain characteristics, certain God-like qualities.
• (a). Righteousness.
• If you want to know what the word ‘righteousness’ means them cut it in half!
• ‘Right’ – Right with God and living a right lifestyle.
• Here it refers to our character;
• That is living a lifestyle that is pleasing to God.
• (b). Godliness.
• Has to do with conduct, our behaviour;
• We are to live lives that reflect the God we follow.
• To reflect godly traits i.e. to be loving, wise, pure etc.
• (c). Faith.
• This might better be translated ‘faithfulness’.
• Quote: “Our greatest ability is our dependability”.
• God wants people who will stick at the task, through good times and bad.
• (d). Love.
• This is the ‘agape’ love that includes the unconditional acceptance of others,
• A tolerance to their opinions, a willingness to listen,
• And the active seeking of their highest good;
• Love values and respects and cares about other people!
• (E). Endurance.
• The term means ‘to abide under’.
• The idea is that we should not live in spurts or buckle under pressure;
• Instead we should seek to move more evenly through life;
• Handling life’s demands with stability, balance, and a strength provided by God.
• Quote: “By endurance the snail reached the ark!”
• (f). Gentleness.
• This does not mean, ‘be a doormat; let people walk all over you and take advantage of you’
• Rather it means, ‘keeping your strength under control’.
• Gentleness is not weakness it is meekness.
• ill: A trait of Jesus (Matthew chapter 11 verse 29).
• “Learn of me for I am gentle and humble…”
So the apostle Paul says:
• Know the things you should; flee, follow, and fight, and do not confuse them.
• When you think it too difficult to stand up for the Lord,
• Remember how he stood up for you. "
(5). Watch Your Stewardship (vs 20-21).
“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.
Grace be with you all.”
Ill:
• On Sunday 15th July 2012;
• My wife Penny and the children went into Fareham town shopping centre.
• They went to see the Olympic flame as it passed through the town.
• Heading towards London and the venue of the Olympic Games.
• For weeks it had gone from village to village, town to town, city to city;
• Being passed on by one person to another.
• And my wife and kids wanted to be part of the occasion.
• TRANSITION:
• Throughout this letter a flame has been passed from person to person;
• It is the flame of truth.
• God committed that truth to the apostle Paul (chapter 1 verse 11);
• Paul has committed that truth to Timothy (chapter 6 verse 20);
• Now Timothy must guard and pass it on to other believers.
Note: The word "guard" here in verse 20 means:
“To hold something that doesn’t belong to you close and secure, so that you can keep it protected and safe until you have to return it.”
• The thing entrusted here refers to the gospel,
• The good news message about Jesus Christ;
• This ‘treasure’, this message has been entrusted to every single follower of Jesus.
• If you are a Christian, then you have been entrusted with this gospel.
• Remember that God has entrusted this message to us to share with others;
• Not for it to be kept locked away in a safe;
• Or even imprisoned within four walls.
• Rather we are to share this treasure with other men and women!
In verse 20: Paul contrasts Timothy:
• With those who have wandered away from the truth of the gospel.
• Other believers who have got distracted and allowed their treasure to slip away!
• They’ve become enamoured with godless chatter,
• Which is controversy and speculation.
• Sadly they have unknowingly embraced ideas opposed to the gospel.
• i.e. ‘Gnosticism’ so called extra knowledge.
• And as a result they’ve wandered away from the gospel.
Sadly there are those who have distorted and changed the gospel;
• That has been true in extreme cases;
• i.e. often the cults (Jehovah Witnesses etc.) their leaders such as Charles Taze Russell;
• Came out of the Christian Church.
• Still today people are lead away with unbiblical teachings;
• i.e. The health & wealth preachers that dominate Christian TV channels.
• Preachers who claim a hot-line or special revelations from God!
• The apostle Paul tells Timothy and the Church;
• Don’t fall for it!
• Be on your guard and fight for the truth!
• What a stark and tragic warning to finish with;
• Although actually he does not finish on that;
• There are four more words:
“Grace be with you”:
• The Christian life is toil and warfare;
• In ourselves we would fail, and we often do fail.
• But Paul prays, ‘Grace be with you’.
• By the grace of God we can have wisdom, love, strength, all that we ever need.
• We are saved by grace;
• Let us continue to walk in grace day by day!
AUDIO:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=hL5znxb5lrdQDytWdVooydWOIVEJf85K
