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"God's Powerful Word" • 8.21.16 • Calvary
Christian Fellowship, Sunday Morning Service
Intro.
- Timothy has been absorbing Paul's wisdom
regarding the futility of false teaching. They will be stretched to their limit
and be shown to be fools eventually.
- This will often be seen in life, but there
will be a certain day when all secrets are laid bare and the wicked will be
exposed once and for all.
- At this point, Paul turns the lens back
toward Timothy. "What about men like us? What can we expect as we live in
these last days?" Let's begin
in verse 10.
Text
•
II Timothy 3:10-12 : "But you
have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering,
love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at
Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord
delivered me. Yes,
and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." : "But you!" Timothy is to stand out in contrast to the
false teachers, the disapproved workers that Paul has been referring to.
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Unlike the false prophets who sought out the gullible and vulnerable, Timothy
was well studied in the reality of Paul's ministry.
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There may have been a superficial resemblance between the true ministers and
the false teachers that the average churchgoer may have mistaken for authentic.
Timothy knew the difference.
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He had thoroughly acquainted himself with Paul's teaching, having accompanied the
Apostle for this very reason. Everything that Paul taught, Timothy was able to
replicate.
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Timothy was en expert in what Paul taught, but was also well aware of how Paul
conducted himself. He knew how Paul would handle virtually any situation.
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He knew what his purpose or goals for ministry were. Timothy was not going to
be confused by whether he should look for man's approval or live for God's
pleasure.
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Paul's entire life was one of faith. Through every circumstance, Paul remained
steadfast and sure. When people came against Paul, the Apostle didn't respond
with insults and hatred.
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God's love emanated through him and it was that love which caused him to
endured any wrongdoing against him.
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Timothy was an eyewitness to all manner of persecutions and suffering. He got a
first hand look at these when Paul was at Antioch, Iconium and in his hometown
of Lystra.
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Read Acts 13 and 14 to see for yourself. Paul was at
Antioch of Pisidia for two weeks before being kicked out of town by the Jews
who had become jealous of the gospel's reach to the Gentiles.
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He left for Iconium, where he was nearly stoned and then as he came to Lystra,
where he was actually stoned! That was Timothy's first exposure to Paul's
ministry!
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Paul didn't run away from persecutions. He endured them. He kept serving in
spite of them and God, during the time that Timothy was watching, delivered His
man out of them all!
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Lystra was an especially amazing example of this, as after Paul had been stoned
and presumed dead and then returned to the city, as if to say, "Hey, I
didn't finish my message!"
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Timothy had been with Paul through all of this. The false teachers hadn't
carefully followed his doctrine. They knew nothing of the way he lived his life.
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Certainly, they knew nothing of Paul's suffering. In fact, because their
message was not the truth, but a sub or pseudo truth, they were celebrated and
adored by the uninitiated.
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The reality is that falsehood will never be persecuted because when or if it is
threatened, it will simply retreat or redefine. That isn't the case with Paul
or men like him.
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Instead of being celebrated or rewarded, all that would live or embody the
truth of Christ, should expect to suffer persecution!
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I'm sure that you aren't excited to hear about this, but let it sink in. It's
par for the course!
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There are degrees of persecution. Some will be ostracized or marginalized in
their work environment or by their own family. That is passive persecution.
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There are some on this planet who will surrender their own life. Not all will
experience the same degree of persecution, but all who live out their faith
publicly will be targets.
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Incidently, this is exactly why people choose to preach legalism, and pseudo,
sub-Christian concepts. There is enough religion to draw attention, but not
enough to draw ire!
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Paul made mention of this when he declared to the Galatians that if he still
preached circumcision, he would not suffer persecution! (Galatians 5:11)
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The world won't complain as long as you don't stand out in contrast. When your
faith is lived out, persecution will be the consequence. This isn't the only
certainty. Notice verse 13.
•
II Timothy 3:13-15 : "But evil
men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things
which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned
them, and that
from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you
wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." : The godly will suffer and those that persecute them, will
continue their seeming dominance.
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Evil refers to a character that is built and bent upon wickedness. The word men
again refers to mankind. The general and overwhelming majority will be bent
upon wickedness.
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The word "imposters" is better understood as seducers, who are
described by their howls or incantations, as though they are uttering a spell.
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Paul assures Timothy that they will both increase toward evil. Several
translations describe the transition as going "from bad to worse!"
The DBY says that they will "advance in evil."
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Their seduction will reach lower and lower rungs. They will lead whoever will
tolerate them away from the truth, while being lead away from the same. Their
doom is sealed.
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They will believe their own deceptions and remain in darkness. This is a
dilemma for those that preach Post-Millenialism, closely aligned "Kingdom
Now" or "Dominion" theology.
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Their theological persuasion is that the Kingdom is fulfilled and that we are
living in the Millenial reign.
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Consequently, God's agenda will be increasingly dominant over the world as it's
citizens inhabit influential positions in the world.
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With respect to them as Christians, I cannot adopt their view point. The plain
reading and sense of scripture seems to indicate quite the opposite.
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Wickedness will continually increase and far from wielding true influence,
God's true followers will be further displaced by their "out of
touch" theology. What does Paul command Timothy to do?
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He was to continue in what he had learned. The tense of the verb speaks of
present, continuous action. He to continue "continuing" in the things
that he had learned!
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Paul is certainly referring both to his ministry method as well as the Word of
God!
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I've found that the most difficult thing to do in life is to continue a task.
Getting started in something is thrilling and finishing a task is fulfilling.
It's the middle part and the grinding that is hard!
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Timothy is to continue in the things that he had learned from the scriptures.
There were others that Paul could point to that did not continue.
"Timothy, don't let yourself be in that number!"
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Perhaps you need to look in the proverbial mirror and say the same thing:
Continue in what you have learned! Continue to advance in the scriptures!
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To date, as a Senior Pastor, I'm grateful to say that I have followed my
Pastor's model, who has followed his Pastor's model. I'm profoundly grateful
for the culture that I've inherited.
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Today, it is not en vogue. It's not the new kid on the block and it's certainly
not "cool." But it is time tested because the center of it is is
based upon the expository preaching of scripture.
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Every Christian life is governed by the completed canon of scripture. That is
our source for learning. Most of what Paul refers to in Timothy's life was the
Old Testament.
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The New Testament was being written and was indeed in his very hands as he read
this epistle that we are studying now!
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Christianity then, is not based upon new commands or new revelation.
- It is our goal to
remain educated and refreshed in the same existing material that we have
already possessed.
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If you are to continue as Timothy was, you understand that this requires a
present commitment to read and understand the Bible's message personally.
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He had learned the Word of God as a matter of intellect. There isn't any way
around this. Being a Christian involves reading and learning.
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In our day, there are scores of resource material that will help any person
with any level of ambition, to grow.
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Timothy had a walking encyclopedia with him at all times for several years in
the person of the Apostle Paul, who is writing in capital letters to him:
"KEEP GROWING!"
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Don't think that Christianity is something that you can just mystically
receive. Don't believe for a second that you will simply grow by osmosis! You
must learn and be disciplined!
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Timothy had come to know the facts of the faith but it didn't stop there. He
had become confident and convinced of their veracity. How does that take place?
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It certainly will not take place by simply allowing another person to declare
it to be so.
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We become convinced and confident when we apply the scriptures. Timothy had to
have tested these truths in practice. You and I must endeavor to do the same!
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When you are ready to give into anxiety, what is the first verse that you
consider? When you are fighting temptation, which Bible character comes to
mind?
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The scripture is written with you and I in mind! These pieces of history are
our instruction. When we have tested the scripture, as with Timothy, we will
become assured as well!
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Timothy knew that he could trust these things because he had learned them from
Paul. He had seen a living example. This wasn't his first exposure however.
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He had learned from his own family, even as an infant! The word can refer to
the embryo. Was Eunice singing scripture to Timothy in the womb?
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The point is that it was set in his earliest years! From the time that Eunice
and Lois received the Lord, they made it their purpose to instill as much
scripture as they had into Timothy!
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Now look at Timothy: A grown man standing in his faith despite harrowing
circumstances! What did it for him? Scripture taught and scripture exemplified!
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Paul tells us that the scriptures have the power to give wisdom which leads to
salvation!
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The way that the language is written indicates that the scriptures by
themselves, innately contain power to bring someone to a place of saving faith.
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A person reading the scriptures alone, can be lead to a proper understanding of
their need for salvation and subsequently, the provision of God's salvation in
the person of Jesus Christ!
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You will not find this wisdom in any other source! This is exclusively the
claim of the scripture. It truly begs the question, as to why a Pastor would
settle for anything less?
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Paul makes sure that Timothy isn't found in that number. Verse 16.
•
II Timothy 3:16,17 : "All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be
complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." : All scripture! All that has been written. From the books of
Moses, to the historical books. From poetry to the prophets, major and minor.
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For Timothy, the Old Testament was the majority of scripture and what he had
spent most of his life learning. The Old Testament is 75% of the entire book
that sits before you!
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By the time II Timothy is written, 16 other New Testament books are in
circulation.
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Thirteen of which were written by Paul. Luke's two accounts and James, round
out the available scripture at this time.
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Nine more books will round out the scripture, the last of which are written by
the Apostle John in the 90's. All of it, from Genesis to Revelation shares the
fact that it is given by inspiration of God.
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Scripture is not simply man's idea attributed to God. It is God breathing out
through men!
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That is what the word translated "inspired" means: God breathed! "Inspired"
certainly gives us some difficulties, as first, the idea here is better thought
of as "expired."
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The term "inspiration" though is helpful in understanding what
"God Breathed" is not. For example, people will say that Shakespeare
was an inspired writer.
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When they say that, they are crediting Shakespeare with creative or artistic
genius. This is not what we think of when we think of the writers of scripture.
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In that respect, understand that the "God Breathed" portion of the
Bible relates to that which was written in the original autographs, not the
authors themselves.
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There are several books that are mentioned in the Bible that we do not possess.
Paul's letter to the church of Laodicea that he mentions in Colossians 4:16 fits in this category.
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The Apostles weren't genius level writers whose material was worthy of God. On
the other hand, God Breathed material is not merely dictation.
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These are human beings who lived in variable conditions. Our current subject is
a well educated former Rabbi. Peter was a former professional fisherman.
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Both men had their own styles of communication. Both are "inspired."
God then, at certain times spoke out through the thoughts and pens of these
particular men, who captured His revelation.
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What you hold in your hands is the intimate, direct, breathing of the Creator
of the Universe!
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However it is translated, whether it be "word for word,"
"dynamic equivalent" or "paraphrase," and however it is
bound, paper, plastic or Goatskin, it unveils the very thoughts of God!
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The extent of His revelation is Genesis to Revelation, but what of the intent?
The scripture is profitable. The fact that it comes from God should settle that
immediately!
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What could God give to us that would NOT be profitable!? God's Word is indeed,
the very greatest treasure a man or woman can possess! Profitable speaks of
heaping up benefits.
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There are great advantages that are gained in the following areas beginning
with doctrine. Doctrine refers to the body of teachings particular to the
Christian life.
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Every Christian is necessarily a theologian. You espouse doctrines. You have a
Christology, a Soteriology and a Hammartiology, even if you don't know it or
know those terms.
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You believe certain things about Jesus, how a person can be saved and what sin
is!
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Your doctrinal understanding may be elementary or advanced, but you have come
to certain intellectual conclusions that are derived from the Word. That isn't
something to be ashamed of.
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Calvary Chapels have been built upon simplicity in terms of sharing God's
truth. That doesn't mean that we are to remain simple for it's own sake.
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We are supposed to learn and grow and mature. That process requires knowing
terminology and methods which will help us to continue to share the doctrines
that yield a godly life.
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God's Word is beneficial to our learning and our living. The Bible provides a solid
witness to what must be tested and approved. For the most part, reproof is a
particularly negative aspect.
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Suppose a Christian adopts a method or an attitude that they believe they are
justified in maintaining. They will carry on with that until they are
confronted by the Word.
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Either in precept or principle, perhaps even in historical example, the Bible stands
to confront those errant ways of thinking. To the stubborn, the Bible provides
rebuke.
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That isn't anything that anyone wants, but it is a vital necessity. If we did
not have the standard, objective source of God's authority, we would be
subjected to each other's opinion!
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For those that need reproof, scripture is there, but for those that are in need
of gentle correction, the Word is there as well. This is a beautiful expression
in the original.
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Consider the scenario. A person wants to please the Lord, but has failed. They
aren't sure how or why they went wrong. I've been there myself. Haven't you?
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I've been doubled over, spiritually in pain or hunched in the corner just
hoping to be able to look people in the eye again!
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This where God's Word is so magnificent, as it causes God's people to stand
straight up again! The word literally means to "restore to an upright
position!"
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These last two words come from a position of defense. For the stubborn and for
the soft hearted, God's Word provides a response.
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The glory of the Word of God however, is that neither personality needs to go
out and discover the flaw in their thinking. Why?
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Because a healthy diet of God's Word will generally lead us to live a life that
is righteous before the Lord! We can walk in righteousness uninterrupted
because of the light of scripture!
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All of this works toward one goal. God's Word is given to teach, rebuke,
correct and instruct for the purpose of making the man or person of God,
complete, perfect.
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Literally, the person that delights in God's Word and heeds it's central place
will be "thoroughly furnished." There is a readiness and a fitness
for activity.
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The soldier isn't simply recruited and then dropped into a warzone! He is
trained to think and act. He's physically made fit for the task. That is what
God's Word does for us!
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Paul adds that you have all of the equipment necessary for every good work when
you have His Word!
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Because you have God's Word taught to you, simply because of the Word, you are
fit for use by the King. You are lacking in nothing that is needful.
Conclusion
- Can you see
what Paul has done? If Timothy is to stand firm, he must remember the examples
of his past. He watched Paul's Christianity through every hardship.
- He had
listened and learned from his Mother and Grandmother, to trust in the Lord.
What was the unifying theme? The excellent Word of God!
- The key to
the life of every successful Christian will be stamped by the Word of God. If
Timothy is to succeed, he must be stamped by it as well.
- You may not
have a Paul in your life or a parent that modeled Christianity for you. Don't
worry: If you have the Word of God today, you are perfectly fit to face all
that comes your way!
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