Ways To Ruin Your Witness

Ways To Ruin Your Witness

I Timothy 1:3-7

Introduction

Wilkensburgh CC team

Purpose/direction: To pursuit the commands and teachings of God and not to stray from them.

Background:

1. Ephesus was the chief city in Asia Minor

2. Center of trade

3. Magic was a common practice in Ephesus

Where I am going: 3 Things that will wreck your witness and how to prevent it.

1. Nit picking

2. Forgetting the commands

3. Not using your gifts

I. Nit picking (3-4)

Explanation:

1. The word Command here is a strong word for strong orders. Jesus used when telling sending out His disciples in Math 10:5 and Mark 6:8

2. Myths and endless genealogies are made up stories to trace people back to the Greek mythological Gods.

3. This will take a way your focus on the important things

Application:

1. Stop worrying about the tiny little details (Geographical examples)

2. Don’t get involved in little debates (Could Jesus had sinned?)

3. Focus on what is important

Illustration:

People in Florida trying to figure out what is a full vote and what it jus and indentation

II. Forgetting the commands (5-6)

Explanation:

1. The word command this time is the directives that Timothy was to give to the Ephesians heretics

2. When Paul is talking about wandering away, he is meaning to be wide of the mark – The English translation of sin

3. Meaningless talk – refers to talk that does not help any one to grow holy

Application

1. Don’t wander from the mark

2. To pursuit God with a pure heart

3. Teach in a way so people will grow holy

Illustration

The command of meditating on the Bible, and the result of not doing it

III. Not using your gifts (7)

Explanation:

1. These were teachers who did not know what they were saying

2. They wanted the “honor” of being a teacher

3. These teachers did not have the skills

Application

1. Get the necessary skills

2. If you are going to teach, make sure you know what you are teaching

3. Be willing to admit you do not have all the skills

Illustration

Me teaching Jr. Church at OHAC

Conclusion

I want us all to have a powerful witness

We all do many different things

However, pursuit God

Mitch’s Life

Whatever you do, keep to the Bible