Finish The Race Well
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Introduction (5min)
Introduction (5min)
Happy new year!
Indeed, time flies. Just like how fast as how yesterday has gone so fast and today will become like yesterday.
Do you still remember how strong you are when you are still young or a child?
I remember when I was a child I can open a bottle of coke using my teeth. But now, not a coke, even just a plastic just a plastic when I bite, I can feel already the pain.
We have seen ‘how fast’ the phase of ‘way of life’ from one generation to another, especially our elders. They have experience how to live without any gadgets in hand compared today how it become a necessity for the today’s generations to survive.
Yes, that’s the reality of life. We were born just like yesterday but now we are old. Our parents was our superheros way back then but now all their powers and strength slowly are gone away.
The race of life are running fast. Have we prepared our way of life to finish the race well? Have you consider your ways?
6 “You have sown much, and bring in little;
You eat, but do not have enough;
You drink, but you are not filled with drink;
You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;
And he who earns wages,
Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”
5 Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!
Haggai
7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! 8 Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord.
7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!
The race is not about you. Its not about our glory. Its about how our life is giving glory to our Creator, Our Savior, Our everlasting Father, and Prince of peace.
Have you consider your ways?
Life is short.
10 The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
There are no more time to waste let us run and finish the race well.
Let us open our bible to:
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;
9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
2 Timothy 3:
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:1-
(Optional: “Let us pray”)
Last Sunday we have learned the basic and foundational principle on how to run the race of life well.
NKJV2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
It is giving us an idea that Paul had set his goals and objectives on things above. When he said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”, knowing his nearly execution, we know that Paul was not thinking about how many possessions he had acquired in his entire life. I also don’t think any rich person thinking about possession at the brink of death.One thing I am sure. Paul reminisce about his journey in the LORD. How he suffered for the gospel. Like Christ when He gave His own life for us to become a ransom for many, Paul did not hesitate to give his own life for the sake of the gospel.
Colossians 2
NKJV3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Now, as we end this year, let us consider these three (3) fundamental life biblical principles on how to Finish the race well according to the second letter of Paul to Timothy.Let us open our bible to:
Connect: Genuine Faith
Connect: Genuine Faith
NKJV1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
NKJV6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
The book of 2 Timothy is the last letter of Paul to Timothy before his death. During the time that this letter was written, Paul was in prison in Rome waiting for his execution.This was the time when there were great persecution in the Church. Christians were being killed.In particular, Emperor Nero had some sewed up in skins of wild beasts, and then worried by dogs until they expired; and others dressed in shirts made stiff with wax, fixed to axletrees, and set on fire in his gardens, in order to illuminate them. This persecution was general throughout the whole Roman Empire; but it rather increased than diminished the spirit of Christianity. In the course of it, St. Paul and St. Peter were martyred. To their names may be added, Erastus, chamberlain of Corinth; Aristarchus, the Macedonian, and Trophimus, an Ephesians, converted by St. Paul, and fellow-laborer with him, Joseph, commonly called Barsabas, and Ananias, bishop of Damascus; each of the Seventy. Knowing these, we have now a better understanding about the great suffering of the early Christians compared to our suffering today.But now, let us focus on the 3 key principles on how to finish the race well in-spite of sufferings.
First principle:
Connect: Genuine Faith
Connect: Genuine Faith
Connect to a genuine faithIn , did mentioned about this genuine faith.
Connect to a genuine faith
NKJV5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
We can see that Paul, Timothy, and Timothy’s mother and grandmother has something that connects them. They have something common, a common denominator. And that is their genuine faith.Then, what is this genuine faith that Paul has talking about?
5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
NKJV1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
2 Timothy 1:
NKJV9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Genuine faith is a saving faith. It is a faith without hypocrisy. It is a faith that grows from a little seed to a rooted and strong tree.Paul, affirms Timothy’s genuine faith.Being connected to the genuine faith is a fundamental aspect of running and finishing the race well.
Are you connected?
Are you connected?
Have you searched your heart whether you are in the faith? Connection is vital in every aspect of human life. So does our spiritual life.Be connected. The bible warns us that
NKJV23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Because:
NKJV10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”
We are doomed to fail. We deserved death in hell.
NKJV23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Genuine faith is a saving faith. It is a faith without hypocrisy. It is a faith that grows from a little seed to a rooted and strong tree.
But the good news is… God love us so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to died for our sins.
NKJV16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
NKJV8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Paul, affirms Timothy’s genuine faith.
God loves not our sins for He hates sin. But God loves you as you are. He don’t want you to live in sin. He wants you to live with Him in righteousness and holiness.Then, what can I do to be connected with Jesus?
NKJV31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Being connected to the genuine faith is a fundamental aspect of running and finishing the race well.
Believing means entrusting your life to Jesus. It is not just by intellectual knowledge but it is letting God hold you.To do that, because we are a sinners.We need to confess that we are a sinner
NKJV9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Then believe that Christ has risen from the dead. The bible said, “you will be saved.”
NKJV9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Accept Christ as your personal LORD and Saviour. And let Him to be the master of your life.Be connected to the genuine faith.
Not only Connect. Lets put it this way, when you are connected to the genuine faith, the following principle will flow accordingly through the help of the Holy Spirit. Our connection should have manifestation. When we are rightly connected, it will manifest to our work, values and character.
NKJV8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Last Sunday also we have learned that:
After Paul, affirmed the genuine faith of Timothy, Paul encouraged timothy to do not be ashamed of the gospel. Knowing the situation and great persecution in the Church, Paul knows that there is a possibility that Timothy might be discouraged or tempted to turn-away from the faith as what other Christian did to Paul.
NKJV15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
Our connection should have manifestation. When we are rightly connected, it will manifest to our work, values and character. Thus, there will be a manifestation of our experience with God.
Commune with the gospel
Commune: Gospel
Commune: Gospel
Commune with the gospel
Knowing the situation at their time, Paul have challenge Timothy to “share with me in the sufferings for the gospel”. It is an idea of communal aspect that helps sufferer in the midst of suffering.However, Paul and Timothy and other believers are not to “join in suffering” simply for their own interpersonal enrichment, but for the gospel. Paul invites to join him because he is inviting them to follow their crucified Messiah.When we talk about communing with the gospel, it means having a fellowship with God. Its an experiential relationship. Something we experience when we connect and commune with God.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
NKJV9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lets check the three (4) aspect that we can experience with God when we commune with the gospel.
Knowing the situation at their time, Paul have challenge Timothy to “share with me in the sufferings for the gospel”. It is an idea of communal aspect that helps sufferer in the midst of suffering.
Paul invites to join him because he is inviting them to follow their crucified Messiah.
Experiencing God: Power
Experiencing God: Power
Through God’s power we have been saved
NKJV8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
NKJV18 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.
It is only through the power of God that we can be redeemed from our sins. There are no other person or people, can ever save us from the wrath of God because of our sins. Only through Jesus Christ.
Experiencing God: Presence
Experiencing God: Presence
With God’s presence we have been called
NKJV9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
NKJV15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
Through God’s works and indwelling, we are called. We experience the sanctifying grace of God in every moment of our lives. We are not called according to our own purpose or personal agenda. We are called according to God’s purposes that glorifies Himself.
NKJV26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”
NKJV26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
NKJV30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus” - But of Him you are in “fellowship” with Christ. Here there is an idea of indwelling of God within us.
Experiencing God: Promised
Experiencing God: Promised
Through God’s promised we have hope
NKJV10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
NKJV12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
NKJV55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”
we have eternal life with Christ.
NKJV57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Because of Christ we are not feared of death. For we know that we have eternal life with Christ.
Experiencing God: Pattern
Experiencing God: Pattern
Experiencing God with words of sound pattern
NKJV13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
NKJV14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
2 Timothy and Titus: A New Covenant Commentary Guard Sound Words (1:13–14)Paul exhorts Timothy to keep holding the model or pattern or standard of words that he received from Paul. Paul himself was a model or example of one aspect of the gospel message: Christ’s mercy toward sinners. These words or teachings promoted spiritual health (sound).
2 Timothy and Titus: A New Covenant Commentary Guard Sound Words (1:13–14)True words themselves are health-inducing, but the listener must also receive the words in a receptive manner, in faith and love.
2 Timothy and Titus: A New Covenant Commentary Guard Sound Words (1:13–14)Ultimately, however, the faith and love that enabled Timothy to hear Paul’s message came from Christ Jesus, who is exemplary of faithfulness and love.
So therefore, communing with the gospel is having a sound pattern of sound doctrine.
Knowing all these experience with God. His Power, His Presence, His Promised, and His Pattern, are there things that can separate us from the love of Christ?
NKJV38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Commit: Grace
Commit: Grace
Commit to the grace given
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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having him reminded of his experience with God.
Be strong in the grace
Be strong in the grace
Grace means undeserved favor
NKJV1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Your commitment is into the LORD not unto men nor any circumstances.
NKJV8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Be faithful in the service
Be faithful in the service
Knowing whom we serve, serve with Faithfulness
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
NKJV15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Not only Connect, Commune, and Commit.
We need to carve our craft for our growth.
Since we have been saved through the gospel, our craft became the righteousness of God.
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:
22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
So now there is a challenge for us now.
As Paul declares:
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
This is our past life. This is our identity when we are not connected to the genuine faith. When we do not have real communion with the gospel. And when we are not committed to the grace of God.
This is a challenge because Satan use our past life to pull us away from God. That’s why it is important to follow the following principle lade out to us by God.
Carve: Grow
Carve: Grow
Carve your craft for growth
In spite of these ungodly characters, in , Paul declares Timothy’s godly characters that draws the line between the two type of man. One is controlled by lust or self, and another is controlled by the Spirit of God.
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
2 Timothy 3:
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
2 Timothy 3:
Carving our characters takes our time and energy. Its an investment of decisions to do something for the LORD even sometimes it takes our time, our energy, and our life.
Remember this, “The power to change or mold your character doesn’t not rely on your hand”. It is a divine power that can change us. “But” it is still us who makes decision whether we are willing to offer our life to God and let Him do what He wanted for us. His purposes and will.
Now, God has given us some principle to follow and its enough for us to make a decision whether we will submit to Him or not.
Our Model: Christ
Our Model: Christ
“Imitate me as I imitate Christ”
The beauty of discipleship through imitating Christ.
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
In , Paul have shown to Timothy the right method of true discipleship. “… you have carefully followed my doctrine”.
To give some reference to what Paul means about this statement, in , Paul declares:
1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
The model of our craft is none other than Christ. But is done by a true discipleship. Passing-in the torch of faith from generation to generation by imitating Christ through a genuine essence of discipleship.
Our Manner: Godly
Our Manner: Godly
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Now that we have already the Model of our craft, we have to learn the manner of work that we are doing.
Our Manner is godly.
In , Paul have exposed two things:
Genuine Christians are subject of suffering caused by the gospel.
But in spite of suffering, Genuine Christian are ought to live in a godly manner.
In the beginning verses of Chapter 3, Paul described the characters of the unrighteous people.
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
2 Timothy 3:1-
Its not our license to “compromise” just because of the people around us are doing something apart from the will of God.
God wants our manner be according to the righteousness of God.
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
2 Timothy 3:10
Yes, in spite of the pressure from the society. In spite of any suffering in the gospel, our manner should be godly.
16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
24 because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away,
25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.
Our Manual: Scripture
Our Manual: Scripture
God did not leave us alone and just do the work according to our own way. No! That’s not the way of God. God gave us the manual of life. The Scripture.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Bethlehem Affirmation of Faith (Article One)
(Baptist General Conference, Bethel)
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
The Lausanne Covenant (1974) Article Two
We affirm the divine inspiration, truthfulness and authority of both Old and New Testament Scriptures in their entirety as the only written word of God, without error in all that it affirms, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. We also affirm the power of God’s word to accomplish his purpose of salvation. The message of the Bible is addressed to all mankind. For God’s revelation in Christ and in Scripture is unchangeable. Through it the Holy Spirit still speaks today. He illumines the minds of God’s people in every culture to perceive its truth freshly through their own eyes and thus discloses to the whole church ever more of the many-colored wisdom of God.
Many in our day deny the existence of Truth
Michael Novak (First Things, Sept. 1994, p. 21)—Templeton Prize Address
“There is no such thing as truth,” they teach even the little ones. “Truth is bondage. Believe what seems right to you. There are as many truths as there are individuals. Follow your feelings. Do as you please. Get in touch with yourself. Do what feels comfortable.” Those who speak this way prepare the jails of the twenty-first century. They do the work of tyrants.
Complete: Go
Complete: Go
Complete your calling
Our final principle for our series of study is “Complete or carry-out your calling”
Being identified as a Christian is not enough to say. Without the manifestation of our connection, communion, commitment, and craft of righteousness, we cannot run better.
We need to go and complete our calling. We need to carry-out our call.
There are three (3) principles in chapter 4 that will remind us of our calling.
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy
The Charge: Perform
The Charge: Perform
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
The Charge: Perform
The Charge: Perform
The charge for Timothy is to preach the word! And yes, we are all to preach the word through the righteousness of God within us. But this specific verse pertains to the specific calling of Timothy being a Pastor and an evangelist. In verse 5 “do the work of an evangelist”
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy
The principle here is that ‘the Charge is’ to ‘Perform’ your call. God called you with a special purpose usable for His Kingdom and glory. Do the work. Fulfill your ministry.
Do it with diligence, faithfulness, and all patience.
Why? Because of the condition of the heart of the people
The Condition: People
The Condition: People
The condition of the heart of the people
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
2 Timothy 4:3-
The people will not endure sound doctrine.
Follow their own desires.
They will turn their ears away from the truth.
They will turn aside to fables.
Knowing these condition of heart, we are called to perform our work in “season and out of season”
The word of God revealed the condition of the heart of men today. We should not be shocked nor be moved by the changing of tides. God’s truth doesn’t change. God doesn’t change. In spite of the changing season, we should anchor our faith, hope, and trust, to the unchanging God. So we can complete our calling and we can serve our purpose.
The Counsel: Perceptive
The Counsel: Perceptive
Not only God revealed the condition of the heart of man. Also, God gave us a counsel when we perform our calling.
Not only God revealed the condition of the heart of man. Also, God gave us a counsel when we perform our calling.
The counsel, we have to be perceptive.
According to dictionary, perceptive is “very good at noticing and understanding things that many people do not notice”
In :
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Paul reminds Timothy to put all his guard up. By being watchful in all things. In other words, being perceptive or being critical in any circumstances not allowing the enemy to have a chance.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
How can you keep ourselves away from the enemy? Do the work.
But don’t get me wrong here. Our principle should be right.
Busy yourself
Paul said in :
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Being busy to the work is not our license to neglect our duty to be diligent into studying the word. Performing well in our duty requires diligent study of the word of God. Whatever task or role you are called. Be diligent to study the word of God.
So now we have the big picture of how we will run well the race of life. All points are connected to each other and cannot be neglected nor separated.
Life is short. Give it to the Master.
Our vigor is fleeting, our best years are brief, Our youth passes quickly—time’s ever a thief; But hope yet becomes us—death’s sting holds no power; We have a Redeemer—an unfailing Tower. —Gustafson
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