Sermon Tone Analysis

! 2 Timothy 2: 1-8

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*2:1* In light of the defections of others (1:15), Paul exhorts Timothy to be faithful.

But Paul’s call is for Timothy to *be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.*

The emphasis is on the strength of Christ, not on Timothy’s own power.

If we trust in ourselves, we are doomed to fail.

a.       Be strong- keep on being in powered by God.

(eph 6:10).

b.

In the Grace of God- this is the well that Timothy was to dip into.

It is because of the Grace of God that we have the strength to make it in the life.

*2:2* Timothy is commanded to *commit* Paul’s teaching to *faithful men.*

Faithful men then have the responsibility of teaching others.

This would be the basis for an endless chain of Christian discipleship, the teaching of Christian teachers (see Matt. 28:18–20).

*Among many witnesses:* Discipleship may occur in large groups, small groups, or one-on-one encounters.

Here Paul emphasizes a group setting.

Carlton pearson  The doctrine of inclusion

 

In a brief article, designed to give an overview of his theory, titled, /Jesus: The Savior of the World/, Carlton Pearson begins with three quotes, designed to bolster his authority to present his theory and at the same time intimidate those who would reject it outright or not even consider its content.

He quotes John Milton, indicating that those who do not accept or consider his theory are lacking in knowledge, but those who are good men, like himself, present opinions, which are "knowledge in the making."

He quotes Thomas Watson, indicating that people who refuse to discuss the issue have a personal opinion that they value more than truth, insinuating that his view is the truth.

He quotes J. Drummond, implying that those who are not willing to reason with him about his theory are bigots.

Finally, he quotes Oswald Chambers, implying that his detractors try to limit God by their reason, and since he is on a higher level, his belief transcends reason, just as does God.

So, he begins the presentation of his doctrine with a fusillade of affronts to those who might disagree with him, hoping that a good offense is the best defense

 

 

 

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If Carlton Pearson's theology (along with the other universalists) are correct, if Christ died for every person in the world that ever lived, that His death and resurrection is efficacious for all without believing, then we no longer need to preach Christ and mankind is sinful.

Since salvation is automatically given without their knowing or consent.

In fact, according to Pearson, the only way one is kept from heaven is when they hear the gospel and refuse it.

Therefore from this view we can conclude that we should not give them any opportunity to hear and reject the message to incur judgment, this way they will not be separated from God as the result.

The “gospel of inclusion,” is Universalism.

In short, universalist teach that all will be saved regardless of their acceptance of Christ by faith.

All of humanity will have its destiny in heaven, whether they realize it or not.

Wonderful, tickles the ears doesn't it.

·         *2:3–6    **three illustrations are given for faithfulness*.

·         * The first is a soldier.*

The Christian walk is often presented as spiritual warfare.

Effective service calls for singleness of purpose.

·          *The second illustration comes from athletics.*

The Greek games were important and demanded strenuous training (see 1 Cor.

9:25).

No competitor could be *crowned* unless he competed in accordance with *the rules.*

Here the reference is to a victor’s wreath given in an athletic contest.

Faithful believers will receive a victor’s crown, not the royal crown which belongs to Jesus.

Paul is saying that spiritual activity must be conducted within the directives of biblical faith and doctrine.

To defect from true doctrine is to lose our reward (see 2 John 7, 8).

·          *The third illustration is that of a hardworking farmer.*

Conscientious, hard labor is necessary before a farmer can enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Laziness cannot be a character trait of faithful Christians.

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[1]

| *Descriptions of the Christian Life* |

               

| In describing how Christians should live, Paul often resorts to analogies or metaphors.

This chart lists some of the metaphors of the Christian life found in the New Testament.

|

| *Christians are called to be like …* | *Text* | *Meaning* |

| Soldiers | 2 Tim.

2:3, 4 | Like a single-minded soldier, we should respond to the orders of our commanding officer, the Lord Jesus, with unquestioning obedience.

|

| Farmers | 2 Tim.

2:6 | Farmers labor strenuously and consistently in order to reap a fruitful harvest.

We also must work hard in serving the Lord.

|

| Athletes | 2 Tim.

2:5 | Athletes follow strict training rules so as to avoid being disqualified from their race; we must display a similar measure of self-control.

|

| Workers | 2 Tim.

2:15 | Our work is to “rightly divide” or correctly handle God’s Word so as to avoid shame.

|

| Vessels | 2 Tim.

2:20, 21 | We must take care to keep ourselves pure, like a clean dish, so that we will be “useful for the Master.”

|

| Fishers of men | Matt.

4:19 | As fishermen, we are called to “catch” men with the Good News of Christ.

|

| Salt | Matt 5:13 | As salt, we act as a godly preservative in an evil society; moreover, we make people thirsty to know their Creator.

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| Light | Matt.

5:14–16 | As light, we point the way to reconciliation with God, and we reflect God’s character, for He is the Light (John 1:7).

|

| Branches | John 15:5 | As branches, we bear godly fruit as long as we are attached to the Vine, Christ.

|

| Stewards | 1 Cor.

4:1, 2 | Like administrators, we have responsibilities to manage.

God will evaluate how we handled the resources He has given us.

|

| Ambassadors | 2 Cor.

5:20 | We are representatives of God’s kingdom to the lost citizens of this world.

|

| Living stones | 1 Pet.

2:5 | In former days, God dwelt in a physical temple; now He dwells in His people, the church.

|

| Priests | 1 Pet.

2:5, 9, 10 | Like priests, we have the privilege of approaching near to God, and the responsibility of helping others in reconciling themselves to Him. |

| Sojourners | 1 Pet.

2:11 | As children of God, we do not belong to the world.

This world is not our home; we are only “passing through.”

|

[2]

 

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[1]Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997).

/The Nelson study Bible : New King James Version/.

Includes index.

(2 Ti 2:1).

Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

[2]Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997).

/The Nelson study Bible : New King James Version/.

Includes index.

(2 Ti 2:8).

Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.