WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.919 Ah, this fall, the lectionary, which is the set of readings for corporate worship, Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament, Gospel. 00:00:12.919 --> 00:00:18.379 ! Work through a three-year cycle where you read the whole Bible. 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:26.920 The lectionary has taken us through the pastoral letters of 1 and 2 Timothy in New Testament. 00:00:26.920 --> 00:00:38.179 And if you're not familiar with these letters of 1 and 2 Timothy, they were written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a young leader in the church of Ephesus. 00:00:38.840 --> 00:00:50.719 And Timothy was a leader that Paul had somewhat mentored as a bit of a protege for many years, as someone who could one day serve in his place. 00:00:50.719 --> 00:01:01.119 And so Timothy spent many years traveling with Paul, being discipled by him, being mentored by him, being trained by him. 00:01:01.879 --> 00:01:06.500 And so Timothy was in a place of being an apprentice for many years. 00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:12.819 But now, many years later, Timothy is in the role of leading the Ephesian church. 00:01:12.819 --> 00:01:22.239 And this is a role in which, as we begin to read this letter, we realize that it's a role that Timothy feels very inadequate in. 00:01:22.319 --> 00:01:25.039 It's a role that he feels really out of his depth. 00:01:25.139 --> 00:01:29.079 He's now leading the Ephesian church, of which he would later become the bishop. 00:01:30.299 --> 00:01:34.319 And Paul is writing this letter from prison. 00:01:34.319 --> 00:01:38.079 It's the second time that Paul has been arrested and imprisoned. 00:01:38.939 --> 00:01:46.719 And Paul knows that he is likely to eventually face death by execution from the Roman authorities. 00:01:47.500 --> 00:01:55.479 And so Timothy is in this place where he feels really inadequate and he feels stretched far beyond his own natural abilities. 00:01:56.119 --> 00:02:03.259 In addition to the heavy responsibilities of leading a church, he also faced several additional challenges. 00:02:03.260 --> 00:02:04.520 One was his youth. 00:02:06.040 --> 00:02:12.420 By his age, a lot of people would have thought that Timothy was far too young to be leading a church. 00:02:13.020 --> 00:02:19.540 We see this in 1 Timothy 4, where Paul encourages him to not let anyone look down on him because of his age. 00:02:20.120 --> 00:02:31.259 We might imagine the kind of external criticism or perhaps the own sense of personal inadequacy that Timothy probably felt because of his age. 00:02:31.259 --> 00:02:36.419 Another challenge that Timothy experienced was his temperament. 00:02:36.539 --> 00:02:49.019 Again, sort of deducing from things that we see in the pastoral letters, Timothy was naturally timid and shy by his personality and temperament. 00:02:49.099 --> 00:02:57.039 As you can imagine, this created a challenge in a ministry in a role that often demanded from him. 00:02:57.039 --> 00:02:59.579 That was very public in nature. 00:02:59.699 --> 00:03:04.019 A lot of teaching and preaching and leading is done in public, and he was very shy and timid. 00:03:04.959 --> 00:03:11.739 One of the third challenges that Timothy faced was his own bodily weakness from 1 Timothy 5. 00:03:11.859 --> 00:03:16.979 And we see that apparently he had some sort of chronic illness related to his stomach. 00:03:16.979 --> 00:03:23.899 And so Paul just encourages him to remember to take care of himself and to take care of his illness. 00:03:25.139 --> 00:03:32.459 And so John Stott, in his commentary on 2 Timothy, says this in a kind of summary fashion. 00:03:32.460 --> 00:04:02.439 He says, 00:04:02.460 --> 00:04:11.900 And if you can imagine what it would be like to be in his shoes, I mean, it probably felt like things could probably fall apart or collapse at any moment if he failed. 00:04:12.640 --> 00:04:16.840 I mean, we have 2,000 years of church history to look back on. 00:04:17.060 --> 00:04:19.040 But Timothy was in the first century. 00:04:19.120 --> 00:04:22.220 He only had a couple decades of this thing called the church. 00:04:22.319 --> 00:04:25.879 And he was probably thinking, if I fail, all of this is going to collapse. 00:04:25.879 --> 00:04:38.339 But you don't have to be a pastor or in a leadership role in a church to imagine what it's like to feel your own sense of inadequacy. 00:04:39.300 --> 00:04:40.779 To feel out of your depth. 00:04:40.939 --> 00:04:46.819 Perhaps you experienced that this week in your own workplace or perhaps as a parent or in your relationship. 00:04:47.040 --> 00:04:48.879 So we've all been there. 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:49.860 We've all felt inadequate. 00:04:49.860 --> 00:04:51.120 We've all felt out of our depth. 00:04:52.199 --> 00:05:04.340 And I think that regardless of where you are, whether you've been a Christian for a long time or whether you are not sure what you believe, I think this letter can offer profound encouragement to us today. 00:05:05.220 --> 00:05:08.000 So imagine yourself in Timothy's shoes. 00:05:08.660 --> 00:05:10.580 You're this young leader of the church. 00:05:10.580 --> 00:05:11.780 You're facing all these challenges. 00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:14.939 You feel this profound sense of inadequacy. 00:05:14.939 --> 00:05:17.719 You feel this profound sense of feeling out of your depth. 00:05:19.379 --> 00:05:24.139 What is the kind of encouragement that you would want to hear? 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:27.959 How would you want to be encouraged? 00:05:28.379 --> 00:05:30.879 What is the kind of encouragement that you would need to hear? 00:05:30.959 --> 00:05:36.420 What would you want to hear from a mentor who you love? 00:05:36.420 --> 00:05:54.379 Well, here in chapter 1, the apostle Paul, writing from his prison cell, likely awaiting his own execution, encourages Timothy amidst all of the external challenges that he is facing and amidst all the personal anxiety that he is experiencing. 00:05:55.280 --> 00:06:01.720 And he reminds Timothy of three things here in the opening chapter, the opening verses of 2 Timothy. 00:06:01.879 --> 00:06:03.580 He reminds Timothy of this story. 00:06:03.579 --> 00:06:10.180 He reminds Timothy of his gifting and he reminds Timothy of his calling. 00:06:11.439 --> 00:06:14.699 His story, his gifting, and his calling. 00:06:14.839 --> 00:06:19.779 So first of all, Paul reminds Timothy of his story. 00:06:19.979 --> 00:06:24.839 Look with me in your bulletin or in your own copy of God's word at verse 5. 00:06:24.839 --> 00:06:26.419 He says, 00:06:26.479 --> 00:06:35.799 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now I'm sure dwells in you as well. 00:06:37.060 --> 00:06:44.459 Paul recalls the story of faith in Timothy's life that began with his grandmother, that continued with his mother and is now present in him. 00:06:44.459 --> 00:07:00.699 We don't know a lot of details about Lois and Eunice and who they were, but we knew that they were incredibly godly women who had a vibrant, active faith and who diligently passed on their faith to their grandson and to their son. 00:07:00.699 --> 00:07:09.139 We see later in 2 Timothy chapter 3 where Paul is encouraging Timothy in his task to publicly preach and teach the word. 00:07:09.139 --> 00:07:13.740 He reminds him that he has been acquainted with the Bible. 00:07:13.939 --> 00:07:19.639 He has been acquainted with the scriptures from his infancy, from his infancy. 00:07:20.419 --> 00:07:25.180 From his earliest days, he had a grandmother and a mother who taught him the word of God. 00:07:25.259 --> 00:07:32.219 And that formed Timothy in such deep ways that would prepare him for the ministry that God would later call him to. 00:07:32.740 --> 00:07:38.099 As a missionary and as a pastor and as the first bishop in Ephesus. 00:07:38.100 --> 00:07:43.360 And Paul is saying to this young pastor that he mentored and trained. 00:07:44.439 --> 00:07:47.980 Hey, I know that ministry in Ephesus is hard right now. 00:07:48.580 --> 00:07:53.160 I know that you're dealing with false teachers who are trying to come in and distort the gospel. 00:07:53.340 --> 00:07:54.580 I know that you're dealing with criticism. 00:07:55.420 --> 00:07:57.879 People are saying you're too young to lead this church. 00:07:58.740 --> 00:08:02.460 You're dealing with the ever-looming threat of persecution from Roman authorities. 00:08:03.200 --> 00:08:07.420 I can't even visit you to encourage you personally because I'm in chains. 00:08:07.500 --> 00:08:07.960 I'm in prison. 00:08:08.100 --> 00:08:11.920 And on top of that, you're facing your own insecurities. 00:08:13.020 --> 00:08:13.920 Your own weaknesses. 00:08:14.160 --> 00:08:15.879 Your own sins. 00:08:16.020 --> 00:08:16.920 Your own limitations. 00:08:18.760 --> 00:08:29.480 But you can imagine Paul saying, Timothy, in the midst of all of these things, I personally am encouraged and optimistic about your ministry. 00:08:29.580 --> 00:08:30.200 Do you know why? 00:08:30.199 --> 00:08:35.799 Because I see Eunice. 00:08:36.019 --> 00:08:39.720 I see Lois in you. 00:08:40.519 --> 00:08:42.179 These two godly women. 00:08:42.399 --> 00:08:44.860 I see them alive in you. 00:08:44.980 --> 00:08:47.200 I see their godly example of faith. 00:08:47.919 --> 00:08:51.379 Their legacy of lifelong sacrificial endurance. 00:08:51.379 --> 00:08:55.799 Friends, I see their faith in you. 00:08:55.799 --> 00:08:59.779 And you can imagine how this would have encouraged Timothy. 00:08:59.779 --> 00:09:06.299 He would have probably thought back to countless memories of his grandmother and his mother diligently teaching him the Bible. 00:09:06.299 --> 00:09:08.299 Bringing him to worship. 00:09:08.299 --> 00:09:09.279 And he's praying with him. 00:09:10.539 --> 00:09:13.539 Facing difficult circumstances with hope and courage. 00:09:15.059 --> 00:09:16.059 Caring for the poor. 00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:17.120 Serving the church. 00:09:18.159 --> 00:09:26.279 And what Paul is saying is, brother, the same grace, the same power that was in these women that you so deeply respect and admire is in you. 00:09:26.279 --> 00:09:29.019 So keep going. 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:30.500 Keep persevering. 00:09:32.199 --> 00:09:38.379 Like Timothy, I think we all need to be reminded of the legacy of faith that has shaped our own story. 00:09:39.399 --> 00:09:43.899 Who are the people in your life that have most impacted your faith? 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:46.779 That have most impacted your spiritual journey? 00:09:46.939 --> 00:09:48.980 Perhaps it's parents or grandparents. 00:09:50.299 --> 00:09:50.899 Friends. 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:52.539 Classmates. 00:09:53.439 --> 00:09:55.299 A pastor or a campus minister. 00:09:56.279 --> 00:09:58.299 For me, it's probably all of those things. 00:09:58.539 --> 00:10:06.600 But I, as I was thinking through this passage, I especially thought through, thought back to my grandfather on my dad's side. 00:10:07.199 --> 00:10:13.679 My grandfather was born on a farm in southern Pennsylvania in 1928. 00:10:14.679 --> 00:10:16.339 This was a year before the Great Depression. 00:10:17.439 --> 00:10:18.699 So that tells you a little bit about his upbringing. 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:21.459 He was one of 14 children. 00:10:21.460 --> 00:10:30.000 And after World War II, as a young man, he was on track to have a really successful business career in sales. 00:10:30.920 --> 00:10:33.879 But he had a powerful experience. 00:10:34.440 --> 00:10:42.060 Where the Lord kind of undeniably, over several years, called him to be a pastor and to do local church ministry. 00:10:42.059 --> 00:10:45.939 And at the time, this meant incredible sacrifice. 00:10:46.079 --> 00:10:55.419 It meant foregoing a successful career and earning potential and making less money while still having to feed the same number of kids. 00:10:55.419 --> 00:10:58.839 At the time, he had four kids with one on the way. 00:10:59.459 --> 00:11:01.279 And I was talking to my dad about this story this week. 00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:09.319 And my dad said that in the 1950s, he was making $60 a week with four kids. 00:11:09.779 --> 00:11:10.659 One on the way. 00:11:11.879 --> 00:11:14.459 And this was one of many challenges that he would face over the years. 00:11:14.539 --> 00:11:17.459 The kind of financial limitations. 00:11:18.240 --> 00:11:21.199 Partially because of finances, my grandfather never actually went to seminary. 00:11:21.200 --> 00:11:31.480 All that he knew about preaching and teaching came from hard-earned personal study with the Bible and with other books that he could afford from time to time. 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:38.300 And like Timothy, my grandfather always felt just a little bit inadequate. 00:11:39.060 --> 00:11:44.480 He always felt just a little bit insecure that he didn't have a fancy theology degree like all of the other pastors. 00:11:47.920 --> 00:11:51.080 But my grandfather was incredibly faithful to the gospel. 00:11:51.200 --> 00:11:53.580 With which he had been trusted by God's grace. 00:11:53.680 --> 00:11:56.680 And he was incredibly faithful to the churches that he pastored. 00:11:57.480 --> 00:11:59.420 And he was incredibly faithful to his family. 00:11:59.900 --> 00:12:06.120 And over many years, he had an incredible impact across the number of churches that he pastored. 00:12:06.200 --> 00:12:08.900 But also, to this day, on my own life. 00:12:09.540 --> 00:12:16.820 I wish that every person in this room could have had the chance to hear my grandfather pray. 00:12:16.820 --> 00:12:21.500 He was an incredible man of faith. 00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:31.419 And as I think about all of the challenges that he faced, all the sacrifices that he made, all of the inadequacy and insecurity that he probably felt. 00:12:32.480 --> 00:12:37.940 As I think about the legacy of faith that he left his family so that I could one day know the gospel. 00:12:37.940 --> 00:12:40.980 It deeply encourages me. 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:44.460 At times when I feel my own sense of inadequacy. 00:12:46.100 --> 00:12:52.200 If you're feeling out of your depth this morning, remember the Loises. 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:54.680 Remember the Eunices in your life. 00:12:54.820 --> 00:12:57.180 Remember the people who have impacted you. 00:12:57.179 --> 00:13:05.819 And remember that the same power, the same spirit, the same grace from God that was in them is in you. 00:13:07.000 --> 00:13:07.779 Is in you. 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:10.299 So keep going. 00:13:10.439 --> 00:13:11.379 Keep enduring. 00:13:11.559 --> 00:13:12.679 Keep persevering. 00:13:14.039 --> 00:13:19.359 That's the first thing in the opening verses that Paul reminds Timothy of to encourage him. 00:13:19.419 --> 00:13:22.959 The second thing that he encourages him in is his gifting. 00:13:23.539 --> 00:13:24.039 His gifting. 00:13:24.620 --> 00:13:26.000 Look with me at verse 6. 00:13:27.179 --> 00:13:28.319 Paul says, 00:13:28.459 --> 00:13:35.919 For this reason, I remind you to fan and flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 00:13:36.179 --> 00:13:41.659 This reference to the laying on of my hands refers to Timothy's ordination. 00:13:41.979 --> 00:13:46.459 To the gifts of the Holy Spirit that were given to Timothy as his ordination as a pastor. 00:13:47.339 --> 00:13:53.179 We believe that in ordination, not only is pastoral authority conferred to the one being ordained. 00:13:53.179 --> 00:13:57.219 But also the gifts and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 00:13:58.079 --> 00:14:04.519 And this is a New Testament practice that our Anglican tradition, I believe, has beautifully preserved. 00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:16.519 If you've ever been to an ordination service for a priest or deacon, or perhaps if you attended Bishop Jeff Bailey's consecration service last weekend, you will notice an ordination service. 00:14:16.659 --> 00:14:20.799 In an Anglican ordination service, the Holy Spirit is all over the service. 00:14:20.799 --> 00:14:22.539 It's everywhere. 00:14:22.939 --> 00:14:26.079 From the beginning to the end, the Holy Spirit is everywhere. 00:14:26.080 --> 00:14:56.060 It's everywhere. 00:14:56.080 --> 00:15:05.100 Now, just to be clear, this isn't saying that the person being ordained didn't have the Holy Spirit before. 00:15:05.920 --> 00:15:06.700 It's quite the opposite. 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:16.340 Rather, it's an invocation of God's promise to further empower those he calls to ordain the ministry with a renewed gifting, a renewed empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:26.620 And the link between these two verses here in verse 67 and the ones before it are the phrase, for this reason. 00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:36.720 If you ever see the word, the phrase, for this reason, in the Bible, you should immediately ask, what reason is for this reason, therefore? 00:15:37.060 --> 00:15:40.539 If the word therefore is in the Bible, you should say, what is the therefore, therefore? 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:42.299 And here in this text, it's this. 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:45.500 It's because of the verses that precede it. 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:55.620 It's because Paul is confident that the Holy Spirit dwells in him that he reminds Timothy of the continual need to live a spirit-filled life. 00:15:55.620 --> 00:16:05.779 And he reminds him of this through this powerful encouragement, this wonderful encouragement to fan and to flame the gift of God. 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:08.399 To fan and to flame the gift of God. 00:16:08.700 --> 00:16:14.720 He's saying, Timothy, I know that there are places in your ministry and life where you feel out of your depth, where you feel inadequate. 00:16:14.720 --> 00:16:17.000 You feel weak. 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:20.139 You feel discouraged. 00:16:21.060 --> 00:16:22.320 You feel afraid. 00:16:22.460 --> 00:16:23.060 You feel insecure. 00:16:24.620 --> 00:16:25.820 But guess what? 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:33.040 You don't have to rely on your own natural strength and ability and resources. 00:16:33.560 --> 00:16:34.300 Look at verse 7. 00:16:34.299 --> 00:16:45.059 Because God has given you a spirit, not of fear, but of power, of love, and of self-control. 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:46.899 This is an incredible promise. 00:16:47.839 --> 00:16:51.299 That the Holy Spirit empowers you in your weakness. 00:16:51.459 --> 00:16:53.379 Empowers you in your sense of inadequacy. 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:57.319 The Holy Spirit empowers you with courage when you feel afraid. 00:16:57.320 --> 00:17:07.759 Empowers you with love in situations where you find yourself with people who are, on average, harder to love. 00:17:09.400 --> 00:17:17.080 The Holy Spirit empowers you with self-control when you're finding it hard to maybe restrain your own sins and temptations and worst tendencies. 00:17:18.460 --> 00:17:22.640 Remember, Timothy, this is how the grace of the Christian life works. 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:26.120 You didn't come to faith on your own. 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:32.039 You didn't come to faith on your own natural strength and resources, but through God's power and grace at work in you. 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:44.219 You weren't even ordained as a pastor in your own strength and resources, but through God's power and grace that were present in the laying on of my hands and the laying on of the hands of the Ephesian elders. 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:54.239 So, Timothy, why would you try to live the Christian life and face these challenges as your pastor in your own resources and strength? 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:59.079 Rather, fan into flame. 00:18:00.200 --> 00:18:06.019 Give oxygen to the gift of the Spirit that is already in you by God's grace. 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:11.700 And watch the Spirit work far beyond your own natural abilities. 00:18:11.700 --> 00:18:23.940 Now, of course, not all of us are pastors, but like Timothy, we all need to continually fan into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit that is in us by grace. 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:32.920 While the Holy Spirit is a gift that all Christians receive by faith, it's also a gift that we have to continually rekindle. 00:18:32.920 --> 00:18:42.680 We have to continually give it oxygen through spiritual disciplines by using and developing our spiritual gifts. 00:18:42.800 --> 00:18:51.460 Otherwise, as Paul says elsewhere in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, if we don't do that, if we don't give oxygen to the Holy Spirit in our lives, 00:18:51.460 --> 00:19:00.840 once we quench, we stifle, we can shut down the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 00:19:01.620 --> 00:19:10.420 One of the most common ways that we do this, one of the most common ways, I think, that we stifle or quench the work of the Holy Spirit 00:19:10.420 --> 00:19:18.000 is, especially when we feel inadequate, especially when we feel insecure, out of our depth, 00:19:18.120 --> 00:19:25.440 is we begin to fall back while we begin to rely on our own strength, to rely on our own resources and abilities. 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:33.620 Where in your life do you currently feel the most inadequate? 00:19:33.619 --> 00:19:41.399 Where in your life do you currently feel most out of your depth? 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:45.119 Where in your life do you feel anxious? 00:19:47.159 --> 00:19:48.259 Do you feel afraid? 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:50.239 Do you feel weak? 00:19:51.159 --> 00:19:52.439 Where do you feel discouraged? 00:19:53.699 --> 00:20:00.079 And friends, it's precisely in that place where we're called to fan into flame the gift of God, 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:11.139 rather than relying on our own strength, we need to ask the Lord to fan into flame His power, His love, and His self-control. 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:14.379 To pray, to be able to pray prayers like this, 00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:17.299 Lord, I can't do this on my own. 00:20:18.199 --> 00:20:20.460 I can't do this in my own strength. 00:20:21.599 --> 00:20:25.659 I can't face this situation at work in my own strength. 00:20:25.660 --> 00:20:30.660 I can't have this conversation in my own strength. 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:33.300 I can't love this person. 00:20:34.860 --> 00:20:40.600 I can't overcome this temptation in my own strength, in my own natural abilities. 00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:46.860 Lord, would you ignite, kindle, would you fan in the flame the Holy Spirit in me? 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:48.820 Would you kindle the Spirit's work in me? 00:20:48.820 --> 00:20:55.120 Would you empower me to do what you have called me to do? 00:20:55.980 --> 00:21:00.820 Friends, this is one of the great secrets of the Christian life. 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:05.820 That Christ lives His life through us by the Spirit. 00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:10.860 And all that we do in terms of prayer and worship and spiritual disciplines 00:21:10.860 --> 00:21:18.279 is we are giving oxygen to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. 00:21:18.279 --> 00:21:24.039 So that's the second thing that Paul encourages Timothy with. 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:30.440 Timothy, don't rely on your own natural resources, but remember your gifting. 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:33.379 Remember your gifting by the Holy Spirit. 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:37.619 Paul reminds Timothy of the story of his gifting. 00:21:37.819 --> 00:21:40.799 And finally, Paul reminds Timothy of his calling. 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:41.980 Of his calling. 00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:43.339 Look at verse 8. 00:21:43.339 --> 00:21:45.559 Verse 8. 00:21:45.859 --> 00:21:46.220 Paul says, 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:51.179 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, 00:21:52.179 --> 00:21:56.639 but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 00:21:57.099 --> 00:22:00.019 Share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:04.740 Following Paul's arrest and imprisonment for the second time, 00:22:05.639 --> 00:22:09.599 there were many who abandoned Paul and his ministry. 00:22:10.599 --> 00:22:14.960 Some perhaps out of fear of Roman authorities, but some out of shame. 00:22:15.879 --> 00:22:18.960 If you look in verse 15, the verse that comes after our passage, 00:22:19.119 --> 00:22:23.420 Paul's going to say that most of the believers in Asia have deserted me. 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:29.019 And Paul isn't just telling Timothy here to stick by his side. 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:36.440 Paul is rather exhorting him to do what every pastor and what every Christian is called to do. 00:22:37.100 --> 00:22:40.720 To be prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel. 00:22:42.400 --> 00:22:43.279 That's the calling. 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:44.300 That's our calling. 00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:47.420 Suffering for the gospel isn't... 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:49.360 It's not a bug. 00:22:49.359 --> 00:22:50.359 But... 00:22:50.359 --> 00:22:53.079 In Timothy's calling as a pastor, 00:22:53.959 --> 00:22:55.079 it's a feature. 00:22:56.059 --> 00:22:56.819 It's a feature. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:23:02.179 There is a spiritual enemy who opposes the advancement of the gospel. 00:23:02.679 --> 00:23:05.839 There are false teachers who come in and try to restore the gospel. 00:23:06.019 --> 00:23:13.399 And there are cultural pressures that tempt us to water down or to even distort or even neglect the gospel. 00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:16.379 The Lord Jesus himself said, 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:18.240 No servant is above his master. 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:21.359 If they persecuted me, they will persecute you as well. 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:26.940 To suffer for the gospel is simply part of being insightful of Jesus. 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:28.240 It's a... 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:30.859 Feature. 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:32.220 Not a bug. 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:34.720 A couple years ago, a missionary I know, 00:23:35.380 --> 00:23:38.400 some missionaries that I've prayed for in Asia, 00:23:38.920 --> 00:23:42.519 shared this email update in their email newsletter. 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:44.279 And she writes this. 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:46.920 She says, 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:50.960 While the COVID-19 pandemic only brought slight relief from persecution, 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:56.000 in the following years, religious persecution has been back in full force. 00:23:57.019 --> 00:24:00.259 Pastor Chen, a fellow staff member currently in our city, 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:04.200 recently brought a group of church and campus leaders to a nearby suburb 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:07.800 for a local underground house church retreat. 00:24:07.799 --> 00:24:15.680 It was a refreshing time for everybody for a few days with Bible teaching and training and fellowship. 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:21.039 Up until the moment that police officers started banging on the door. 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:29.159 And all of the local leaders at the training were detained at the police station for two or more hours more of interrogations. 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:34.019 They were warned repeatedly that all religious activities outside of government churches were illegal. 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:39.539 And everyone's local IDs and foreign passports and computers and phones were all confiscated. 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:48.920 Pastor Chen shared with us that he was called to a meeting with a senior officer who interrogated him about his unwanted foreign religious influence. 00:24:49.859 --> 00:24:56.279 The officer followed with more threats of taking away his passport, denying future visas to him before finally letting him go. 00:24:57.440 --> 00:25:04.920 When he returned, Pastor Chen was shaken up and asked us for prayer to have faith to persevere amidst the harsh persecution. 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:13.800 Opposition to the gospel is not only something that Timothy experienced in the first century church. 00:25:13.880 --> 00:25:18.220 It's something that many of our brothers and sisters around the world experienced every day. 00:25:19.380 --> 00:25:23.640 And Timothy's calling to suffer for the gospel despite opposition is still our gospel. 00:25:23.800 --> 00:25:29.220 And our brothers and sisters around the world, like the one in the story, are a model, an example to us in this. 00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:38.740 And in a world of opposition to the gospel, Paul tells Timothy that the primary reason why he should share in suffering for the gospel, 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:44.120 in verses 8 through 10, the primary reason why he should share in suffering for the gospel, 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:46.880 is the gospel message itself. 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:51.640 The gospel's power, its truth, its beauty. 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.740 Look at verses 8 through 10. 00:25:53.740 --> 00:26:01.319 But share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:06.319 not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace, 00:26:06.579 --> 00:26:09.359 which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:13.539 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:18.940 who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 00:26:18.940 --> 00:26:27.259 Friend, if you're here this morning and you are still trying to figure out what you believe about Jesus, 00:26:27.360 --> 00:26:29.259 maybe you remain unconvinced about the Christian faith, 00:26:29.360 --> 00:26:34.440 maybe you have legitimate questions about whether Christianity or whether the Bible makes sense, 00:26:35.700 --> 00:26:37.180 I just want to offer you a couple things. 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:40.640 The first of that is that this is a great community to be part of, 00:26:41.080 --> 00:26:42.059 to be in process, 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:43.980 to ask questions, 00:26:44.580 --> 00:26:45.340 to learn, 00:26:45.340 --> 00:26:47.039 and to try to figure out what you believe. 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:48.940 There's no pressure here, 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:51.940 and there is no question that is off limits. 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:53.799 You're welcome to be here and to explore. 00:26:55.359 --> 00:26:58.920 But another thing that I would offer you is this. 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:04.339 Tell me better news. 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:10.839 Tell me a better story than what's here in verses 8 through 10. 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:13.919 Tell me a better story than this, 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:16.980 that to a world that was originally created good, 00:27:17.059 --> 00:27:19.319 but is now hurting and broken and suffering, 00:27:20.119 --> 00:27:25.359 that there is a God who has offered healing and rescue and restoration, 00:27:25.359 --> 00:27:30.219 and that this salvation comes not as a result of our works, 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:33.879 not as a result of our own moral or religious performance, 00:27:34.279 --> 00:27:38.119 but by God's own eternal purpose and grace, 00:27:39.179 --> 00:27:41.519 which he has revealed in Jesus Christ, 00:27:41.579 --> 00:27:44.500 who has come to abolish death, 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:49.099 to abolish death and sin in our place. 00:27:49.539 --> 00:27:54.220 But the good news and story of the gospel isn't just what God has come to rescue us from, 00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:56.500 it is also what he has called us to. 00:27:57.400 --> 00:27:58.119 In verse 9, 00:27:58.200 --> 00:28:00.940 he has called us to a holy calling. 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:06.080 Now this might sound like some super religious language, 00:28:07.080 --> 00:28:09.000 but this isn't meant to sound super religious, 00:28:09.000 --> 00:28:13.440 because our holy calling isn't about us becoming more externally religious. 00:28:13.840 --> 00:28:20.720 Rather, holiness is about the complete healing and restoration of our human being, 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:26.279 so that we, in ever-increasing ways, become people of love, 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:31.019 people who experience the love of God and who extend God's love to the world. 00:28:31.399 --> 00:28:36.279 And this transformation and healing begins in this life through the power of the Spirit, 00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:39.519 and it continues into the new heavens and the new earth 00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:42.839 with the glorification of our humanity in Christ 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:47.259 in our resurrected, healed bodies in a restored creation. 00:28:49.619 --> 00:28:51.799 Tell me a better story. 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:56.480 Tell me better news. 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:59.119 This is the gospel, 00:28:59.559 --> 00:29:02.379 and this is at what's at the heart of the Christian faith. 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:07.279 And Paul is entrusting not only the leadership of his ministry to Timothy, 00:29:07.419 --> 00:29:08.440 leading the Ephesian church, 00:29:08.579 --> 00:29:11.399 but he is entrusting the very gospel message itself. 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:14.440 Look with me in verses 12 through 14. 00:29:15.180 --> 00:29:15.879 Verse 12, 00:29:16.200 --> 00:29:19.379 But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, 00:29:19.380 --> 00:29:22.980 and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:24.720 what has been entrusted to me. 00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:28.500 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:30.340 and the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 00:29:31.140 --> 00:29:32.980 And by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, 00:29:34.020 --> 00:29:37.340 guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 00:29:38.340 --> 00:29:41.680 Guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 00:29:41.880 --> 00:29:44.360 Timothy, my leg of the race is coming to an end. 00:29:44.359 --> 00:29:49.519 And now I am putting the baton in your hands. 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:52.000 And it's time for you to run. 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:55.399 It's time for you to run your leg of the race. 00:29:55.779 --> 00:29:57.979 So guard the gospel message. 00:29:59.419 --> 00:30:00.179 Keep it safe. 00:30:01.259 --> 00:30:03.259 Don't let it be distorted by false teachers. 00:30:03.259 --> 00:30:07.900 Don't let it be lost to the next generation. 00:30:09.420 --> 00:30:11.240 Don't let it be watered down 00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:15.160 by shallow or superficial theology. 00:30:16.319 --> 00:30:17.799 And don't let it be neglected 00:30:17.799 --> 00:30:19.980 by the winds of culture. 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.539 Guard the gospel. 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:26.000 This is an incredible responsibility. 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:31.259 But in the midst of this incredible responsibility 00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:32.740 that Paul is trusting Timothy with, 00:30:33.599 --> 00:30:35.839 don't miss the incredible grace. 00:30:36.839 --> 00:30:38.180 Don't miss the incredible grace 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:38.859 that's here in this passage. 00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:39.619 Verse 12. 00:30:40.119 --> 00:30:41.180 But I am not ashamed, 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:43.299 for I know whom I have believed, 00:30:43.559 --> 00:30:45.740 and I am convinced that he is able to guard 00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:48.720 until that day what has been entrusted to me. 00:30:51.079 --> 00:30:52.400 Timothy, you have been entrusted 00:30:52.400 --> 00:30:54.119 with great responsibility. 00:30:54.119 --> 00:30:56.140 Not only to be the first bishop of Ephesus, 00:30:56.140 --> 00:31:02.000 but to safeguard the message of the gospel, 00:31:02.120 --> 00:31:04.120 and what you do with that 00:31:04.120 --> 00:31:06.080 is going to set the trajectory 00:31:06.080 --> 00:31:08.440 for the church for centuries to come. 00:31:10.560 --> 00:31:11.720 But Timothy, remember, 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:15.640 the baton is ultimately not in your hands, 00:31:16.060 --> 00:31:17.380 but in the hands of God. 00:31:17.900 --> 00:31:21.000 He is the one who ensures the gospel is guarded 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:23.300 from one generation to one another. 00:31:23.299 --> 00:31:25.879 He is the one who ensures that the gospel 00:31:25.879 --> 00:31:28.099 is preached to all the nations of the earth. 00:31:28.460 --> 00:31:30.839 Jesus is the one who said, 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:33.339 I will build my church, 00:31:34.200 --> 00:31:38.079 and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:40.819 Paul reminds Timothy of his calling 00:31:40.819 --> 00:31:41.899 to guard the gospel, 00:31:42.119 --> 00:31:46.139 but also of the grace in his calling, 00:31:46.139 --> 00:31:48.740 the grace that is available to him. 00:31:48.740 --> 00:31:51.099 And it's true, 00:31:51.839 --> 00:31:53.839 those called to ordain ministry like Timothy 00:31:53.839 --> 00:31:56.220 have a particular distinct calling 00:31:56.220 --> 00:31:57.900 to safeguard the gospel 00:31:57.900 --> 00:31:59.180 in ways that are assigned 00:31:59.180 --> 00:32:01.000 to their particular office. 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:02.079 But at the same time, 00:32:02.880 --> 00:32:04.319 this is also the calling 00:32:04.319 --> 00:32:07.920 in another respect of every Christian believer. 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:11.759 To receive the gospel message 00:32:11.759 --> 00:32:16.720 is to be entrusted with the gospel message. 00:32:16.720 --> 00:32:18.799 The gospel has come to you 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:20.500 on the way to someone else. 00:32:21.900 --> 00:32:23.920 The Lord has placed people in your life, 00:32:24.700 --> 00:32:26.440 friends, family, coworkers, 00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:29.240 so they might know and hear 00:32:29.240 --> 00:32:32.160 and receive the gospel through you. 00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:33.980 This is an incredible responsibility. 00:32:34.180 --> 00:32:36.720 The baton is in your hands. 00:32:37.860 --> 00:32:39.779 You have the incredible privilege 00:32:39.779 --> 00:32:42.640 of running your leg of the race, 00:32:42.640 --> 00:32:44.160 and at times it's true. 00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:47.820 It may involve opposition. 00:32:48.960 --> 00:32:51.160 It may involve suffering. 00:32:53.300 --> 00:32:54.080 Like Timothy, 00:32:54.180 --> 00:32:55.460 this is a weighty responsibility 00:32:55.460 --> 00:32:56.160 that most of us, 00:32:56.200 --> 00:32:57.000 I think if we're honest, 00:32:57.620 --> 00:32:59.180 we probably don't feel qualified for. 00:32:59.840 --> 00:33:02.720 We probably feel very inadequate. 00:33:03.640 --> 00:33:05.620 We probably feel way out of our depth. 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:07.860 God has entrusted the gospel message 00:33:07.859 --> 00:33:09.559 to a broken and perfect, 00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:12.000 frail human being like me? 00:33:12.759 --> 00:33:13.500 That's crazy. 00:33:14.379 --> 00:33:16.139 Why would he entrust the gospel to us? 00:33:18.019 --> 00:33:19.279 But don't miss 00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:21.959 that safeguarding the gospel 00:33:21.959 --> 00:33:23.019 isn't dependent upon 00:33:23.019 --> 00:33:24.919 what we can do in our strength, 00:33:25.059 --> 00:33:26.439 because God himself 00:33:26.439 --> 00:33:28.159 is ultimately the one 00:33:28.159 --> 00:33:31.479 who preserves and protects the gospel 00:33:31.479 --> 00:33:32.479 in our generation 00:33:32.479 --> 00:33:33.979 and throughout the centuries. 00:33:35.159 --> 00:33:36.399 Jesus is building his church, 00:33:36.400 --> 00:33:38.340 and even the gates of hell 00:33:38.340 --> 00:33:39.980 will not prevail against it. 00:33:42.360 --> 00:33:43.519 So in the moments 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:45.640 when you feel inadequate, 00:33:47.400 --> 00:33:49.560 moments where you feel insecure, 00:33:51.220 --> 00:33:52.540 moments where you feel anxious, 00:33:53.620 --> 00:33:54.420 out of your depth, 00:33:55.500 --> 00:33:56.740 you're keenly aware 00:33:56.740 --> 00:33:59.920 that you cannot live the Christian life 00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:01.019 in your own resources. 00:34:04.019 --> 00:34:05.900 That is exactly where 00:34:05.900 --> 00:34:08.599 God loves to empower you. 00:34:08.700 --> 00:34:09.500 It is exactly where 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:10.780 God loves to remind you 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:12.720 that it's his power, 00:34:12.860 --> 00:34:13.480 it's his grace, 00:34:13.579 --> 00:34:14.340 it's his spirit 00:34:14.340 --> 00:34:15.519 at work in your life. 00:34:17.760 --> 00:34:19.099 Remember your story. 00:34:20.220 --> 00:34:21.079 Remember your story. 00:34:21.220 --> 00:34:22.360 Remember those whom God 00:34:22.360 --> 00:34:24.460 has used to impact your life, 00:34:24.539 --> 00:34:25.740 and remember that the same grace 00:34:25.740 --> 00:34:26.420 that was in them 00:34:26.420 --> 00:34:27.440 is in you. 00:34:29.380 --> 00:34:30.460 Remember your gift. 00:34:31.400 --> 00:34:32.720 Remember that you have access 00:34:32.719 --> 00:34:33.639 to the Holy Spirit, 00:34:34.279 --> 00:34:35.319 fan into flame 00:34:35.319 --> 00:34:37.519 the gift of the Spirit 00:34:37.519 --> 00:34:39.279 that is in you by Christ. 00:34:39.399 --> 00:34:42.219 Give oxygen to his work in your life. 00:34:43.279 --> 00:34:44.459 And remember your calling. 00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:45.480 Remember that you, 00:34:45.959 --> 00:34:46.859 your primary calling 00:34:46.859 --> 00:34:48.739 is that you have been entrusted 00:34:48.739 --> 00:34:50.500 with the best news in the universe. 00:34:50.639 --> 00:34:51.419 You have been entrusted 00:34:51.419 --> 00:34:52.779 with the gospel. 00:34:53.839 --> 00:34:55.619 It's an incredible responsibility. 00:34:56.139 --> 00:34:57.239 It's an incredible privilege. 00:34:57.239 --> 00:35:00.259 But the weight of that calling 00:35:00.259 --> 00:35:01.599 isn't dependent upon you. 00:35:01.899 --> 00:35:02.879 The weight of that calling 00:35:02.879 --> 00:35:03.859 isn't dependent upon me, 00:35:03.939 --> 00:35:05.459 but on God himself. 00:35:08.059 --> 00:35:09.679 Friends, this is what 00:35:09.679 --> 00:35:11.239 encouraged Timothy 00:35:11.819 --> 00:35:14.619 in the midst of his own inadequacy. 00:35:14.979 --> 00:35:16.599 And this is what will encourage us, 00:35:17.279 --> 00:35:18.459 especially when we feel 00:35:18.459 --> 00:35:19.159 out of our depth, 00:35:19.739 --> 00:35:21.739 and especially in the places 00:35:21.739 --> 00:35:23.739 where we feel like 00:35:23.739 --> 00:35:25.119 we can't do it 00:35:25.119 --> 00:35:25.819 in our own strength. 00:35:25.820 --> 00:35:28.059 Let's pray together. 00:35:32.160 --> 00:35:33.080 Our Father in Heaven, 00:35:33.200 --> 00:35:34.160 thank you that we have 00:35:34.160 --> 00:35:37.400 such human examples 00:35:37.400 --> 00:35:39.680 like Paul and Timothy 00:35:39.680 --> 00:35:41.660 to learn from. 00:35:42.940 --> 00:35:43.840 Thank you that 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:44.960 we have this letter 00:35:44.960 --> 00:35:47.480 of a young man who 00:35:47.480 --> 00:35:50.440 felt his own sense of inadequacy. 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:52.300 Lord, would you encourage us today, 00:35:52.780 --> 00:35:53.680 wherever we are, 00:35:53.679 --> 00:35:56.619 to run our leg of the race 00:35:56.619 --> 00:35:58.359 and the power 00:35:58.359 --> 00:35:59.159 of your Holy Spirit. 00:36:00.519 --> 00:36:01.359 We pray this in the name 00:36:01.359 --> 00:36:01.799 of the Father, 00:36:01.980 --> 00:36:02.359 and the Son, 00:36:02.500 --> 00:36:03.079 and the Holy Spirit. 00:36:03.639 --> 00:36:03.879 Amen.