October 25, 2014
Paul gave final instructions to Timothy as he faced the real possibility of execution for preaching the gospel. He wanted Timothy to be unafraid of suffering and willing to work hard for the sake of the Good News. Like a captain issuing orders to one of his men, Paul charged Timothy to “fully carry out” his mission. Notice Paul’s particular language. “Work” – make telling others the Good News about Jesus something you labor at, not just occasionally or accidentally, but with the awareness of one who has been employed by God to do so. “Fully carry out” – don’t balk in the final stretch, but run with all your might across the finish line. Jesus was obedient to “fully carry out” His ministry, even unto the cross. This is our commission too. Finish well. Starting well is good, but finishing well is most important. Are you willing to fully carry out the ministry God has given to you?
October 24, 2014
“Inspired” – From the Greek word, Theopneustos, which literally means, “God-breathed.” The Bible is a spiritual book and it is spiritually discerned. It is useful not only for knowing, but for doing. It is therefore both spiritual and practical. It contains the gospel which gives us the wisdom to receive salvation, so it is the Book of Life. The Spirit of Christ uses the Word to wash us and to conform us to His image, preparing us for our wedding day (Eph. 5). The Bible is unique. There is no other book like it. It is the written Word of God.
October 23, 2014
What was the “Good News” that Paul preached? Answer: Christ crucified and raised from the dead. This is the news event that we are to proclaim. For the gospel is not good advice, it’s good news. And news is to be announced. Some will believe and some won’t. But for those who do believe and accept this good news as truth, theirs is eternal life in Christ. Many of us are news “junkies,” glued to our 24 hour news stations and internet outlets. We ask if others have seen the latest football score or weather report. Yet, do we “always remember” to proclaim the greatest good news of all?
October 22, 2014
What causes us to feel shame to speak of Jesus? There are at least three reasons: 1) Lack of spiritual zeal. We don’t feel worthy to talk about Jesus because we are not living as we should. 2) Believing the enemy’s lies. These lies tells us that people aren’t interested in Jesus or that they will reject us or make fun of us. Our politically correct culture lies to us that it is inappropriate to speak of Jesus. 3) Lack of knowledge. We feel that we don’t know enough to be able to witness. Yet, witnessing is just telling others what Christ has done for you. Paul told Timothy to “never be ashamed.” Are you able to say, “I’m not ashamed to tell others about Jesus?”
May 4, 2014
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2 Timothy 3:14-17
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bible, discipleship
Pastor Gary Combs continues the sermon series entitled “Diagnosing Your Spiritual Health” with this message from 2 Timothy about the importance of knowing and following God’s Word. Three important diagnostic questions are asked in this sermon 1) Are you a serious student of God’s Word? 2) Are you an assured believer of God’s Word? and 3) Are you aligning your life with God’s Word?
October 24, 2013
This is the way that the Lord wants us to influence our generation. Winning the argument will not win the lost. We overcome with kindness, patience and gentleness. This does not mean withdrawal or surrender to the world’s system. But it does mean that we fight the battle with spiritual, not worldly weapons.
October 23, 2013
The powerful, world-changing strategy of multiplication discipleship! Paul told Timothy to disciple others in the same way he had been discipled. We all need a Paul to mentor us. A Barnabas to walk along side as a peer to encourage us. And a Timothy that we can invest in and disciple. Do you have these three powerful relationships?
October 24, 2012
Paul taught Timothy how to respond to EGR (Extra Grace Required) people. He told him not to quarrel, be kind, teach and finally just “be patient” (be forbearing, enduring). In other words, put up with them. Paul goes on to say that when we are gentle with EGRs, perhaps God will change their hearts and they will “come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap.” If you don’t know any EGRs, look in the mirror, it may be you.
October 23, 2012
Paul taught Timothy the power of discipleship multiplication. Paul told him to teach those who are “trustworthy” and “able” to teach others. Pour your life into a few reliable men, teaching them what I taught you, and challenging them to do likewise. This is the divine plan for reaching the world with the gospel. With whom are you investing your life?
October 24, 2011
Theopneustos – God-breathed. The Bible is a spiritual book and it is spiritually discerned. It is not only for knowledge but for practice. It is useful. Christ uses the Word to wash us and to conform us to His image, preparing us for our wedding day.