WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:09.560 Paul refuting the false teaching of asceticism, this idea that through self-denial and depriving 00:00:09.560 --> 00:00:12.339 your body, you can come closer to God. 00:00:13.200 --> 00:00:18.699 And Paul said, no, everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it 00:00:18.699 --> 00:00:21.080 is received with thanksgiving. 00:00:22.480 --> 00:00:29.400 And now what follows in this chapter is a whole bunch of general instructions, one after 00:00:29.399 --> 00:00:31.019 another which Paul gives to Timothy. 00:00:31.160 --> 00:00:38.539 And some of these instructions are quite specifically for Timothy and others are here for both him 00:00:38.539 --> 00:00:40.000 and the whole church. 00:00:40.659 --> 00:00:45.320 I've broken this passage up, the rest of this chapter up into two pieces. 00:00:46.000 --> 00:00:53.859 The first is the trustworthy saying in verses 6 to 11, the saying that we should all be taught 00:00:53.859 --> 00:00:54.439 and obey. 00:00:54.439 --> 00:01:00.780 And the second is the example of a faithful minister that Timothy is to set. 00:01:01.159 --> 00:01:03.159 That's in verses 12 to 16. 00:01:03.719 --> 00:01:09.519 So let's begin to work through this and see what the Lord would say to us as a church this 00:01:09.519 --> 00:01:09.859 morning. 00:01:10.859 --> 00:01:15.140 Starting in verse 6, Paul writes to Timothy, 00:01:15.140 --> 00:01:32.859 So this first statement just reflects back to what we heard last Sunday. 00:01:33.620 --> 00:01:37.900 Paul just finished telling Timothy about these false teachers that are going to arise and 00:01:37.900 --> 00:01:40.200 the false teaching that they're going to bring. 00:01:40.200 --> 00:01:42.880 And he was giving the truth that refutes that. 00:01:43.600 --> 00:01:48.600 So Paul says, now take care to teach these things from verses 1 to 5. 00:01:48.719 --> 00:01:50.960 Teach that to the brothers and sisters in the church. 00:01:51.760 --> 00:01:52.299 Warn them. 00:01:52.740 --> 00:01:55.960 And if you do, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus. 00:02:00.379 --> 00:02:04.020 Then Paul goes on and he gives another instruction in verse 7. 00:02:04.019 --> 00:02:10.659 He says, have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales. 00:02:11.560 --> 00:02:14.819 Rather, train yourself to be godly. 00:02:16.599 --> 00:02:20.079 This is the second time that Paul brings up this issue of myths. 00:02:21.180 --> 00:02:26.000 And we heard Paul say that this was the problem with the false teachers back in chapter 1, 00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:28.120 verses 3 and 4. 00:02:28.120 --> 00:02:33.280 Back there he said to Timothy, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people 00:02:33.280 --> 00:02:40.900 not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless 00:02:40.900 --> 00:02:41.860 genealogies. 00:02:42.420 --> 00:02:48.040 Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work. 00:02:50.159 --> 00:02:53.620 So here he picks up this problem again in chapter 4, verse 7. 00:02:53.620 --> 00:02:57.539 But this time he's speaking directly to Timothy himself. 00:02:58.180 --> 00:03:01.580 It's like he's saying, don't get sucked in to these distractions. 00:03:02.580 --> 00:03:06.180 Godless myths and old wives tales. 00:03:06.980 --> 00:03:09.980 So this must be a real problem in the church. 00:03:11.420 --> 00:03:19.219 We so easily get off of what we should be focused on and onto other things. 00:03:19.219 --> 00:03:28.020 We drift off from the gospel, from that focus on Christ and how we should be living for him 00:03:28.020 --> 00:03:30.840 and into these side things. 00:03:32.479 --> 00:03:37.879 Both myths and old wives tales have one thing in common. 00:03:39.159 --> 00:03:42.939 They refer to stuff that's not verifiably true. 00:03:44.860 --> 00:03:45.460 Stories. 00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:47.000 Speculation. 00:03:47.000 --> 00:03:54.199 The Greek word here for old wives tales made me chuckle a little bit. 00:03:54.360 --> 00:03:57.439 It means the gossip that elderly women promote. 00:03:58.879 --> 00:04:02.860 I don't think it means disrespect to elderly women in general. 00:04:03.060 --> 00:04:06.719 But, you know, this is kind of the thing that sometimes happens. 00:04:06.819 --> 00:04:07.360 They're elderly. 00:04:08.159 --> 00:04:13.819 They're not busy working or raising children or attending to their homes as much anymore. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:14.759 And so what do they do? 00:04:14.759 --> 00:04:18.939 Well, they would spend a lot of time just talking about all kinds of stuff. 00:04:19.060 --> 00:04:19.899 Telling stories. 00:04:20.199 --> 00:04:20.899 Spreading gossip. 00:04:21.639 --> 00:04:23.240 Speculating about all kinds of things. 00:04:24.659 --> 00:04:26.719 And Paul's instruction to Timothy is strong here. 00:04:26.819 --> 00:04:29.500 He says, have nothing to do with that. 00:04:30.659 --> 00:04:31.279 Refuse it. 00:04:32.180 --> 00:04:32.779 Avoid it. 00:04:33.879 --> 00:04:34.539 Reject it. 00:04:34.540 --> 00:04:37.540 That kind of talk. 00:04:37.540 --> 00:04:42.060 That kind of gossip is godless, says Paul. 00:04:42.200 --> 00:04:42.980 It's worthless. 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:44.860 It doesn't edify people. 00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:46.460 It's distracting them. 00:04:47.120 --> 00:04:48.320 So have nothing to do with it. 00:04:49.140 --> 00:04:53.120 Rather, train yourself to be godly. 00:04:53.120 --> 00:04:58.560 Now let's hone in on this word godly. 00:04:59.840 --> 00:05:02.399 What does it mean to be godly? 00:05:03.079 --> 00:05:11.180 This is a word that, in my opinion, has been poorly translated into English by all the major translations today. 00:05:11.180 --> 00:05:15.939 It's translated this way, the same in almost all of them. 00:05:16.180 --> 00:05:17.319 Some say in godliness. 00:05:18.319 --> 00:05:22.139 As if we all intuitively know what it means to be godly. 00:05:24.019 --> 00:05:26.280 Or what it means to have godliness. 00:05:26.279 --> 00:05:26.519 Yes. 00:05:27.739 --> 00:05:36.739 But then I think if I was to ask you guys how to, what that means to define it, I think that we'd probably hear a variety of different answers. 00:05:37.959 --> 00:05:41.259 Some people think it means to be like god. 00:05:43.379 --> 00:05:44.619 But in what ways? 00:05:45.579 --> 00:05:46.479 And based on what? 00:05:47.919 --> 00:05:50.000 Some people think it means to be good. 00:05:50.739 --> 00:05:52.259 To be a moral person. 00:05:52.259 --> 00:05:56.500 Others think it means to have a good character. 00:05:57.300 --> 00:06:00.019 The kind of character that pleases God. 00:06:00.939 --> 00:06:11.139 And the problem here is that we, today, in our language, we don't really have a really great, single, modern English word that captures the meaning here. 00:06:12.360 --> 00:06:13.939 Piety would be a good word. 00:06:14.740 --> 00:06:17.920 But it's so old that most of us don't even know what it means anymore. 00:06:17.920 --> 00:06:22.319 And it's got this negative connotation to it as well. 00:06:22.720 --> 00:06:23.640 Hypocritically virtuous. 00:06:24.840 --> 00:06:25.819 Well, that doesn't fit. 00:06:27.379 --> 00:06:29.180 Religious would also be a good word. 00:06:30.180 --> 00:06:32.900 But over time, that word has changed in meaning too. 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:34.580 And it's got a lot of baggage now. 00:06:35.319 --> 00:06:39.480 And even amongst Christians, we kind of give it a negative twist. 00:06:39.600 --> 00:06:42.439 We kind of pit it against relationship with God. 00:06:42.439 --> 00:06:47.360 And use it to describe a more works-based kind of spirituality. 00:06:48.480 --> 00:06:56.800 The meaning of this word, godly or godliness, is to be devout. 00:06:57.060 --> 00:06:59.079 To be devoted to God. 00:07:00.180 --> 00:07:07.579 It's not first and foremost about a person's moral behavior or character traits. 00:07:07.579 --> 00:07:13.740 It's about a person's giving themselves to God. 00:07:14.219 --> 00:07:16.000 It's a very relational word. 00:07:17.319 --> 00:07:21.680 In this context, to the one true God, the Lord, Jesus Christ. 00:07:22.879 --> 00:07:25.979 Now, a person who's devoted to God, they will live a holy life. 00:07:26.139 --> 00:07:29.459 I mean, they will grow in their faith. 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:31.560 And that will transform their conduct. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:33.019 It will change the way they live. 00:07:33.019 --> 00:07:37.500 But those things, how we live, that's the fruit of our devotion to God. 00:07:38.399 --> 00:07:41.759 And so, what does Paul mean when he says to be godly? 00:07:41.859 --> 00:07:46.539 He means to be a person who is devoted to God and his son Jesus. 00:07:46.740 --> 00:07:50.120 In the ways that God has said that we should be, of course. 00:07:50.919 --> 00:07:53.919 It's an orientation of the heart first. 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:57.699 Humility towards God. 00:07:58.719 --> 00:07:59.240 Reverence. 00:08:00.699 --> 00:08:01.919 Holy fear of God. 00:08:03.039 --> 00:08:04.199 Faith in God. 00:08:05.419 --> 00:08:06.479 A submissiveness. 00:08:06.480 --> 00:08:09.000 A willingness to obey God. 00:08:10.180 --> 00:08:13.780 To be devoted to God means to be a worshiper of God. 00:08:14.439 --> 00:08:15.640 To love God. 00:08:17.020 --> 00:08:18.300 A desire to please him. 00:08:18.759 --> 00:08:23.300 And then, that devotion, it will spill out into how we live. 00:08:23.379 --> 00:08:26.520 And it will transform us and our character. 00:08:27.900 --> 00:08:30.180 I think this distinction is really important. 00:08:30.180 --> 00:08:33.860 Paul is not saying, train yourself to be good. 00:08:34.620 --> 00:08:36.500 It's not just about morals. 00:08:37.259 --> 00:08:40.100 He's not saying, train yourself to be like God. 00:08:40.940 --> 00:08:44.460 He's saying, train yourself to be devoted to God. 00:08:45.580 --> 00:08:46.539 Quite literally. 00:08:46.759 --> 00:08:49.680 Train yourself toward devoutness. 00:08:49.679 --> 00:09:03.259 Train yourself to be devoted to God. 00:09:03.259 --> 00:09:05.379 Train yourself to be devoted to God. 00:09:05.379 --> 00:09:05.399 Train yourself to be devoted to God. 00:09:06.080 --> 00:09:10.539 And it's here that Paul borrows from the language of the athletic world. 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:15.340 Train yourself to be devoted to God. 00:09:15.340 --> 00:09:21.360 This word in the original, actually, it's the same word that we get our word gymnasium from. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:22.660 The gym part of that. 00:09:23.540 --> 00:09:24.360 Or gymnastics. 00:09:26.040 --> 00:09:27.300 I love this metaphor. 00:09:28.560 --> 00:09:31.519 Train yourself to be devoted to God. 00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:36.039 In other words, don't just sit around and wait for it to happen. 00:09:37.079 --> 00:09:39.919 Don't just sit there and wait for God to get your attention. 00:09:40.819 --> 00:09:41.799 And change your life. 00:09:43.259 --> 00:09:49.379 Don't just go on with your life and wait until a day when you just somehow start to feel like praying. 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:51.100 Or feel like reading your Bible. 00:09:51.559 --> 00:09:56.259 No, when it comes to devotion to God, Paul says, train yourself toward that. 00:09:57.019 --> 00:09:57.899 Go after it. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:10:01.679 Pursue devotion tenaciously. 00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:06.659 In the same way that an athlete prepares to compete. 00:10:08.539 --> 00:10:12.019 I think there's a huge lesson to be learned here from the world of sports. 00:10:13.240 --> 00:10:15.539 What do athletes do to win? 00:10:17.079 --> 00:10:18.019 They train. 00:10:19.500 --> 00:10:21.819 They adjust their lives. 00:10:22.500 --> 00:10:24.620 They rearrange their priorities. 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:26.480 They change the way they eat. 00:10:26.600 --> 00:10:27.799 They adjust all their habits. 00:10:27.899 --> 00:10:33.519 They put time and effort into practicing and exercising and building skill. 00:10:34.259 --> 00:10:38.959 They make themselves repeat the things needed again and again to build the skill. 00:10:39.439 --> 00:10:43.559 They practice the jump shot again and again or the serve. 00:10:45.039 --> 00:10:47.220 They build these habits into their lives. 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:50.459 And they're consistent about it. 00:10:50.579 --> 00:10:51.379 They repeat them. 00:10:51.379 --> 00:10:55.539 Because they know that that's what will yield the results needed to win. 00:10:56.740 --> 00:11:01.039 Paul's saying, Timothy, you know the way that people approach sports like that? 00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:07.259 Take that kind of approach towards being devoted to God. 00:11:07.259 --> 00:11:09.579 Go after it. 00:11:12.099 --> 00:11:13.599 Rearrange your life. 00:11:13.600 --> 00:11:14.259 Make it a priority. 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:17.060 Make it a priority. 00:11:17.060 --> 00:11:18.340 Change your habits. 00:11:19.259 --> 00:11:21.779 Get yourself off the spiritual couch. 00:11:22.940 --> 00:11:25.659 And kick your bum out the door spiritually. 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:33.220 Start doing the things consistently and regularly that will lead you deeper in your devotion to God. 00:11:33.220 --> 00:11:34.220 Put the time in. 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:34.680 Put the time in. 00:11:34.680 --> 00:11:36.779 Put the effort in. 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:42.220 Train yourself to be godly. 00:11:42.580 --> 00:11:43.800 To be devoted to God. 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:46.639 This is Paul's biggest instruction in this part of the letter. 00:11:46.639 --> 00:11:52.299 And Paul gives us some encouragement to go with it. 00:11:52.720 --> 00:11:53.580 Some perspective. 00:11:54.600 --> 00:11:55.379 In verse 8. 00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:58.559 Train yourself to be godly. 00:11:59.019 --> 00:12:01.259 For physical training is of some value. 00:12:02.299 --> 00:12:05.480 But godliness has value for all things. 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:11.000 Holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 00:12:12.559 --> 00:12:14.659 So here's some perspective, Timothy. 00:12:14.659 --> 00:12:19.120 Physical training is of some value. 00:12:20.019 --> 00:12:22.699 This is the exercise verse in the Bible. 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:26.419 There's some value to physical exercise. 00:12:26.799 --> 00:12:28.879 There's health benefits that come from it. 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:30.620 It's good for the body. 00:12:31.539 --> 00:12:35.299 Helps you build strength and coordination and flexibility. 00:12:36.360 --> 00:12:37.439 And burn fat. 00:12:38.159 --> 00:12:39.259 Keep your heart strong. 00:12:39.500 --> 00:12:41.519 And yes, even sometimes win the game. 00:12:42.579 --> 00:12:44.439 Physical training is of some value. 00:12:45.459 --> 00:12:47.100 But here's the contrast. 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:48.299 The perspective. 00:12:49.559 --> 00:12:54.399 Devoted to godness has value for all things. 00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:59.779 This one motivational truth alone is worth more than gold. 00:13:01.240 --> 00:13:02.379 Going to the gym. 00:13:03.159 --> 00:13:04.179 Going for a walk. 00:13:04.319 --> 00:13:05.100 Going for a run. 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:06.779 Practicing with your team. 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:08.019 It has some value. 00:13:09.480 --> 00:13:12.220 But only in a couple aspects of life. 00:13:12.220 --> 00:13:14.660 Whether physical health. 00:13:14.660 --> 00:13:14.680 Whether physical health. 00:13:15.220 --> 00:13:17.440 Or performance on the team. 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:20.420 But devoted to godness. 00:13:20.740 --> 00:13:24.480 Will bring benefit to every area of your life. 00:13:25.480 --> 00:13:27.360 In all things. 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:29.399 It has value for all things. 00:13:29.399 --> 00:13:34.879 And so let's make a list of everything. 00:13:37.139 --> 00:13:37.740 Finances. 00:13:38.939 --> 00:13:39.459 Marriage. 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:41.319 Parenting. 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:42.860 Work. 00:13:44.139 --> 00:13:44.959 Promise keeping. 00:13:46.259 --> 00:13:47.159 Decision making. 00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:48.759 Love. 00:13:50.259 --> 00:13:50.879 Romance. 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:53.519 Gift giving. 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:54.559 Perseverance. 00:13:54.559 --> 00:13:55.559 Perseverance. 00:13:56.519 --> 00:13:57.559 Patience. 00:13:59.620 --> 00:14:01.299 Rest. 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:03.179 Leisure. 00:14:04.439 --> 00:14:05.179 Anxiety. 00:14:06.179 --> 00:14:06.960 Doubt. 00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:09.019 Temptation. 00:14:10.379 --> 00:14:11.320 Productivity. 00:14:11.320 --> 00:14:14.020 Big moments in life. 00:14:14.860 --> 00:14:16.320 Little moments in life. 00:14:17.360 --> 00:14:17.760 Youth. 00:14:18.900 --> 00:14:19.780 Old age. 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:24.900 Conflict resolution. 00:14:26.560 --> 00:14:26.980 Leadership. 00:14:28.520 --> 00:14:29.020 Serving. 00:14:30.540 --> 00:14:31.000 Art. 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:33.120 Driving. 00:14:34.920 --> 00:14:38.720 How to talk to Nate when he pulls you over for speeding. 00:14:38.720 --> 00:14:41.840 Forgiveness. 00:14:43.519 --> 00:14:44.080 Hope. 00:14:45.480 --> 00:14:46.080 Faith. 00:14:47.399 --> 00:14:47.899 Joy. 00:14:49.220 --> 00:14:50.240 Diaper changing. 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:52.360 Garbage removal. 00:14:53.420 --> 00:14:54.300 Conversation. 00:14:55.700 --> 00:14:56.240 Listening. 00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:58.320 Speaking. 00:14:59.620 --> 00:15:00.480 Responsibility. 00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:03.060 And the list can go on forever. 00:15:04.160 --> 00:15:07.879 Because all things really means all things. 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:09.580 Everything in life. 00:15:10.100 --> 00:15:11.639 Is affected positively. 00:15:12.100 --> 00:15:12.559 Beneficially. 00:15:12.679 --> 00:15:16.600 When we train ourselves towards being devoted to God. 00:15:17.419 --> 00:15:18.419 God really can. 00:15:18.519 --> 00:15:21.639 And he really does change every aspect of your life for the better. 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:23.840 If you will give your whole life to him. 00:15:25.700 --> 00:15:26.799 Once upon a time. 00:15:27.419 --> 00:15:28.600 As an example. 00:15:29.399 --> 00:15:31.720 I was quite afraid to get up in front of people. 00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:34.480 I used to hate public speaking. 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:37.220 I didn't want to do anything like that. 00:15:37.220 --> 00:15:38.800 I'll help make the presentation. 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:40.279 I'll write the words for it. 00:15:40.320 --> 00:15:41.019 I'll type it up. 00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:42.160 And I'll give you the sheet. 00:15:42.259 --> 00:15:43.279 And you can go read it. 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:44.840 And present it in front of the class. 00:15:46.320 --> 00:15:48.120 But I hated to be in front of people. 00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:49.040 I was so afraid. 00:15:49.860 --> 00:15:50.960 My palms would sweat. 00:15:52.139 --> 00:15:54.420 My tongue would be dry. 00:15:55.440 --> 00:15:57.220 My heart would race. 00:15:57.220 --> 00:16:01.860 Until finally in my journey of devoting myself to Christ. 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:03.240 I sensed God's call. 00:16:03.899 --> 00:16:04.879 To be a shepherd. 00:16:06.040 --> 00:16:07.320 In the church someday. 00:16:08.960 --> 00:16:10.420 Well now what am I going to do? 00:16:12.740 --> 00:16:14.940 Sensing the call didn't take away my fear. 00:16:15.700 --> 00:16:16.660 Not one bit. 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:22.179 But God gave me one opportunity after another. 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:25.799 And each one I had to meet with prayer. 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:28.319 And inward struggle. 00:16:29.039 --> 00:16:30.879 And it was a fight to say yes to God. 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:33.740 Over and over and over again. 00:16:34.439 --> 00:16:35.939 To trust his promises. 00:16:36.600 --> 00:16:37.699 And to press forward. 00:16:37.839 --> 00:16:38.779 One speech. 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:39.779 One devotional. 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:42.679 One public speaking moment at a time. 00:16:42.679 --> 00:16:46.219 And then one day I looked up from this pulpit. 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:46.939 Here in Davidson. 00:16:47.120 --> 00:16:47.639 And I realized. 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:49.399 I'm just not afraid of this anymore. 00:16:52.579 --> 00:16:54.419 There's only one person in my audience. 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:55.299 That I need to fear. 00:16:56.279 --> 00:16:57.599 And it's God himself. 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:00.739 And he has said. 00:17:01.099 --> 00:17:02.299 Preach the word. 00:17:03.439 --> 00:17:04.859 Be faithful in season. 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:05.819 And out of season. 00:17:08.159 --> 00:17:09.299 That's just one. 00:17:09.799 --> 00:17:11.480 Unexpected area of my life. 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:13.480 That God has turned upside down. 00:17:13.860 --> 00:17:15.380 As a result of me. 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:16.460 Pursuing. 00:17:17.059 --> 00:17:18.299 Trying to devote myself. 00:17:18.559 --> 00:17:19.220 To Christ. 00:17:20.099 --> 00:17:21.360 And now training yourself. 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:22.559 Towards devotedness. 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:23.860 Impacts all things. 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:26.680 Every aspect of your life. 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:29.819 When you become a follower of Jesus. 00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:31.740 God's own spirit. 00:17:31.740 --> 00:17:33.660 Takes up residence inside of you. 00:17:36.900 --> 00:17:38.559 And when you surrender yourself. 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:39.819 And you devote yourself. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:41.019 To God. 00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:41.899 With tenacity. 00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:42.759 And vigor. 00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:45.379 Like he's talking about. 00:17:45.480 --> 00:17:45.819 In these. 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:47.240 These verses. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:50.339 God's power is unleashed. 00:17:50.700 --> 00:17:51.480 In you. 00:17:51.639 --> 00:17:52.279 And on you. 00:17:52.319 --> 00:17:53.279 And you are never the same. 00:17:53.980 --> 00:17:54.759 Every area. 00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:55.679 Transformed. 00:17:56.419 --> 00:17:57.240 For the better. 00:17:57.639 --> 00:17:58.720 In countless ways. 00:18:00.399 --> 00:18:01.759 Oh how we need. 00:18:02.099 --> 00:18:03.279 This perspective. 00:18:03.939 --> 00:18:04.500 Without it. 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:05.819 We may put a lot of effort. 00:18:05.939 --> 00:18:06.659 A lot of time. 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:07.439 A lot of energy. 00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:08.840 Into all kinds of things. 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:11.940 But maybe things. 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:13.460 That only have some value. 00:18:15.340 --> 00:18:16.480 Only a little value. 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:17.759 In the grand scheme of things. 00:18:19.059 --> 00:18:20.440 You may be working hard. 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:21.700 You may be putting a lot. 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:22.420 Into this. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:25.180 But maybe it's a thing. 00:18:25.320 --> 00:18:26.299 That matters very little. 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:29.580 Put that energy. 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:30.660 Put that time. 00:18:32.380 --> 00:18:33.940 Into being devoted to God. 00:18:33.940 --> 00:18:36.759 And watch every area. 00:18:36.759 --> 00:18:37.600 Of your life. 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.039 Strengthen. 00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:40.259 Flourish. 00:18:40.680 --> 00:18:41.160 And blossom. 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:45.240 And there's more perspective. 00:18:45.400 --> 00:18:45.960 To be had. 00:18:46.320 --> 00:18:46.740 He says. 00:18:47.120 --> 00:18:47.960 For physical training. 00:18:48.100 --> 00:18:48.840 Is of some value. 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:49.500 But godliness. 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:51.460 Has value for all things. 00:18:51.860 --> 00:18:52.840 Holding promise. 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:54.240 For both the present life. 00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:56.140 And the life to come. 00:18:58.440 --> 00:18:59.460 Going to the gym. 00:18:59.600 --> 00:19:00.620 Going for another run. 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:02.320 Practicing with your sports team. 00:19:02.380 --> 00:19:03.559 Again and again and again. 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:05.359 Well that's only for the benefit. 00:19:05.359 --> 00:19:06.139 In this life. 00:19:06.899 --> 00:19:07.980 In this world. 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:09.460 But there's a life to come. 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:10.960 He reminds us. 00:19:11.879 --> 00:19:13.460 There's a life beyond the grave. 00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:14.220 There's a kingdom. 00:19:14.359 --> 00:19:15.099 That's eternal. 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:16.839 For which we were made. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:19.019 And saved. 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:21.279 And devoting yourself to God. 00:19:21.419 --> 00:19:22.200 All in. 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.339 Brings benefit. 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.359 And reward. 00:19:24.619 --> 00:19:25.440 Both here. 00:19:25.659 --> 00:19:26.159 And now. 00:19:26.639 --> 00:19:27.000 And. 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:28.599 In that kingdom. 00:19:29.500 --> 00:19:30.399 In that life. 00:19:30.940 --> 00:19:31.659 That eternal. 00:19:32.240 --> 00:19:32.500 Kingdom. 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:33.139 That's coming. 00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:36.740 In verse 9. 00:19:36.800 --> 00:19:37.240 Paul says. 00:19:37.360 --> 00:19:38.960 This is a trustworthy saying. 00:19:39.360 --> 00:19:40.800 That deserves full acceptance. 00:19:41.380 --> 00:19:42.980 It's like Paul just took the highlighter out. 00:19:43.040 --> 00:19:45.020 And just went back over all that he's just said. 00:19:46.360 --> 00:19:46.880 Timothy. 00:19:47.600 --> 00:19:49.580 You can bet your life on this. 00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:52.880 Don't hesitate to embrace this. 00:19:53.120 --> 00:19:53.600 Fully. 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:55.400 Don't just listen to these words. 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:56.720 And take it in half-heartedly. 00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:58.680 Take them all the way in. 00:19:58.780 --> 00:19:59.620 Accept it fully. 00:19:59.619 --> 00:20:01.279 All in. 00:20:03.959 --> 00:20:04.839 As a side note. 00:20:04.919 --> 00:20:07.699 If you're looking to memorize anything in God's word. 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:08.759 To grow your faith. 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:10.639 These trustworthy sayings. 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:11.819 In first Timothy. 00:20:11.819 --> 00:20:13.139 Are a great place to start. 00:20:18.439 --> 00:20:19.099 Paul says. 00:20:19.219 --> 00:20:20.839 That is why we labor. 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:22.279 And strive. 00:20:22.279 --> 00:20:22.879 Because we have. 00:20:22.879 --> 00:20:25.519 Because we have put our hope in the living God. 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:28.559 Who is the savior of all people. 00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:30.980 And especially of those who believe. 00:20:32.259 --> 00:20:33.579 Notice the two words. 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:35.579 That Paul uses there. 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:36.319 Both of them. 00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:38.019 Have an intensity. 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:38.920 To them. 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.379 We labor. 00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:41.660 We work hard. 00:20:42.599 --> 00:20:43.259 We strive. 00:20:43.399 --> 00:20:44.700 We struggle forward. 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:47.580 So Paul is not the lazy. 00:20:47.580 --> 00:20:48.539 Overweight coach. 00:20:48.660 --> 00:20:50.180 That's sitting on the sidelines. 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:51.400 Telling Timothy. 00:20:51.559 --> 00:20:52.440 To run faster. 00:20:52.620 --> 00:20:53.319 And go harder. 00:20:54.840 --> 00:20:56.299 Well he sits there. 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.000 Himself. 00:20:58.640 --> 00:20:59.059 No. 00:20:59.160 --> 00:20:59.880 He himself. 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:00.900 Paul himself. 00:21:01.080 --> 00:21:01.759 Is training. 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:02.759 Towards. 00:21:03.140 --> 00:21:03.799 Devoutness. 00:21:04.120 --> 00:21:04.720 He himself. 00:21:04.840 --> 00:21:05.880 Is putting in the reps. 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.640 Wherever he is. 00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:12.259 He's living vigorously. 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:14.680 Even though it's hard. 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:17.839 Let's remember. 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:18.440 Says Paul. 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:20.339 We aren't worshiping. 00:21:20.420 --> 00:21:21.680 Some lifeless idol. 00:21:22.599 --> 00:21:23.920 Or some idea. 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:24.720 Like the pagans. 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:25.359 All around us. 00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:26.720 We have put our hope. 00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:28.180 In the living God. 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:31.599 And he's the savior. 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:32.619 Of all people. 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:37.420 The eternal salvation. 00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:39.160 Or destruction. 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:40.660 Of people. 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:43.200 Is on the line. 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:44.720 It's at stake. 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:45.600 Here. 00:21:46.180 --> 00:21:46.940 And we have. 00:21:47.400 --> 00:21:47.720 Word. 00:21:47.900 --> 00:21:48.519 And news. 00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:49.340 Of a savior. 00:21:49.580 --> 00:21:49.680 For. 00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:50.740 For everyone. 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:51.779 For all people. 00:21:52.320 --> 00:21:53.140 The whole world. 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:53.600 And so. 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:54.400 It's like Paul saying. 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:55.160 We're working. 00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:56.220 Our butts off. 00:21:56.320 --> 00:21:57.600 To get the word out. 00:22:00.040 --> 00:22:01.580 We struggle forward. 00:22:02.040 --> 00:22:03.240 Despite difficulty. 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:04.080 And opposition. 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:05.779 And even persecution. 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:08.019 Do you hear that fire. 00:22:08.140 --> 00:22:08.840 Of devoutness. 00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:09.880 In Paul's own heart. 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:15.740 Take it easy. 00:22:16.860 --> 00:22:17.920 Is the message. 00:22:18.040 --> 00:22:19.200 That the world around us. 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:21.600 Is saying to us. 00:22:22.620 --> 00:22:23.540 Take it easy. 00:22:24.800 --> 00:22:25.500 Paul's saying. 00:22:25.580 --> 00:22:26.400 The exact opposite. 00:22:27.360 --> 00:22:28.300 Train yourself. 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:30.040 To be devoted to God. 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.240 Join. 00:22:31.520 --> 00:22:32.220 With us. 00:22:32.500 --> 00:22:32.920 Timothy. 00:22:33.360 --> 00:22:34.280 Labor with us. 00:22:34.640 --> 00:22:35.780 Struggle with us. 00:22:35.779 --> 00:22:37.940 We serve the living God. 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:39.980 And lives are on the line. 00:22:45.099 --> 00:22:46.160 Verse 11. 00:22:47.160 --> 00:22:48.039 He says. 00:22:48.099 --> 00:22:48.500 Command. 00:22:48.899 --> 00:22:49.720 And teach. 00:22:50.099 --> 00:22:50.920 These things. 00:22:51.599 --> 00:22:52.819 Don't miss this verse. 00:22:53.879 --> 00:22:56.440 We might have tried to excuse ourselves here. 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:57.680 By saying that all this. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:59.500 Well that's really just Paul's instructions. 00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:00.259 To Timothy. 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:02.680 Or it's just for pastors. 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:04.799 And leaders in the church. 00:23:06.180 --> 00:23:06.960 That Paul says. 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:08.720 Everything that I just taught you. 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:10.720 And commanded you. 00:23:11.119 --> 00:23:12.180 To train yourself. 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:13.400 To be devoted to God. 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:14.220 Timothy. 00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:15.099 Turn around and. 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:15.759 Teach. 00:23:16.059 --> 00:23:16.859 And command that. 00:23:17.359 --> 00:23:18.660 To the people in your church. 00:23:18.660 --> 00:23:22.460 Don't think that your pastor. 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:23.300 Or your elders. 00:23:23.420 --> 00:23:24.820 Are the only ones in the church. 00:23:24.820 --> 00:23:26.120 Who should be all in. 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:27.660 Completely devoted to God. 00:23:29.060 --> 00:23:30.680 If you are a believer in Jesus. 00:23:30.940 --> 00:23:32.540 The command to train yourself. 00:23:33.240 --> 00:23:34.720 To be devoted to God. 00:23:35.380 --> 00:23:36.259 Is for you. 00:23:37.620 --> 00:23:38.080 And. 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:39.440 So is the encouragement. 00:23:39.800 --> 00:23:40.560 And the perspective. 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:42.340 That goes with it. 00:23:43.860 --> 00:23:45.420 Belonging to the body of Christ. 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:47.580 As a follower of Jesus. 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:51.660 I'm going to put it this way. 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:52.300 It comes. 00:23:53.180 --> 00:23:54.500 With a spiritual. 00:23:55.300 --> 00:23:56.180 Gym membership. 00:23:57.600 --> 00:23:59.480 We are all to train ourselves. 00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:00.200 Toward. 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.100 Devoutness. 00:24:01.700 --> 00:24:03.060 And the best part about it. 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:04.220 Is we can train together. 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:07.080 We can spur one another on. 00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:08.300 And encourage each other. 00:24:08.800 --> 00:24:10.480 And help each other with this. 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:13.380 So this is the first part. 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:15.040 This is the trustworthy saying. 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:16.680 That we are. 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:17.900 Should all be taught. 00:24:18.080 --> 00:24:18.480 And obey. 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:21.040 Now we come to that second. 00:24:22.080 --> 00:24:23.400 Section of this passage. 00:24:23.920 --> 00:24:24.720 Where Jesus. 00:24:25.420 --> 00:24:26.200 Through Paul. 00:24:26.880 --> 00:24:28.300 Is going to tell Timothy. 00:24:28.420 --> 00:24:29.340 What kind of example. 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:30.220 He is to set. 00:24:30.580 --> 00:24:31.300 For the people. 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:32.360 In the church. 00:24:35.580 --> 00:24:36.400 He writes. 00:24:37.560 --> 00:24:39.420 Don't let anyone look down on you. 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:40.340 Because you are young. 00:24:41.340 --> 00:24:42.600 But set an example. 00:24:42.600 --> 00:24:43.420 For the believers. 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:44.720 In speech. 00:24:45.400 --> 00:24:46.460 In conduct. 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:47.960 In love. 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:48.220 In love. 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:50.100 In faith. 00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:52.180 And in purity. 00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:53.900 So this is. 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:55.700 Might feel like a daunting task. 00:24:55.900 --> 00:24:56.420 To Timothy. 00:24:56.420 --> 00:24:59.200 there are men and women in the church 00:24:59.200 --> 00:25:01.400 who are older than he is 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:04.860 why should we listen to you 00:25:04.860 --> 00:25:05.580 Timothy 00:25:05.580 --> 00:25:07.880 you're young 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:10.800 what could you possibly know 00:25:10.800 --> 00:25:11.960 that we don't 00:25:11.960 --> 00:25:14.440 we have experience 00:25:14.440 --> 00:25:16.740 we have the wisdom that comes with age 00:25:16.740 --> 00:25:19.240 or maybe they're saying 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:20.019 something different 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:21.279 Timothy 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:23.120 whoa 00:25:23.120 --> 00:25:24.720 cool the jets 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:27.380 you've got all this energy and fire 00:25:27.380 --> 00:25:28.880 because you're young 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:31.620 you don't have a family 00:25:31.620 --> 00:25:33.600 you don't have responsibilities yet 00:25:33.600 --> 00:25:35.360 just simmer down 00:25:35.360 --> 00:25:36.680 cool off 00:25:36.680 --> 00:25:37.519 take it easy 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:40.039 there's no rush here 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:42.860 Paul says 00:25:42.860 --> 00:25:45.339 don't let anyone look down on you Timothy 00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:46.400 because you are young 00:25:46.400 --> 00:25:50.440 don't let older people 00:25:50.440 --> 00:25:52.140 discourage you 00:25:52.140 --> 00:25:57.780 but how do I influence 00:25:57.780 --> 00:25:59.980 people who are older than me 00:25:59.980 --> 00:26:02.140 how do I instruct them 00:26:02.140 --> 00:26:03.940 how do I lead them 00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:06.140 Paul says this is the way 00:26:06.140 --> 00:26:08.680 don't just do it with words 00:26:08.680 --> 00:26:11.480 set them an example 00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:12.800 with your life 00:26:12.800 --> 00:26:15.000 an example to follow 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.000 give them an example 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:17.380 to follow 00:26:17.380 --> 00:26:19.599 with the words 00:26:19.599 --> 00:26:20.420 that you speak 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:22.279 in speech 00:26:22.279 --> 00:26:24.019 show them 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:25.059 how a follower of Jesus 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:25.900 ought to speak 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:27.779 to other people 00:26:27.779 --> 00:26:28.839 model that for them 00:26:28.839 --> 00:26:31.039 give them an example 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:32.279 to follow in your conduct 00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:35.200 show them how a follower of Christ 00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:36.160 ought to 00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:37.460 behave themselves 00:26:37.460 --> 00:26:38.119 and act 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:40.660 give them an example 00:26:40.660 --> 00:26:41.160 to follow 00:26:41.160 --> 00:26:41.960 in your love 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:44.940 show them how a follower of Jesus 00:26:44.940 --> 00:26:46.900 sincerely and persistently 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:49.019 loves the people around them 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:51.299 give them an example 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:51.779 to follow 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:52.740 in your faith 00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:56.080 show them how a follower of Christ 00:26:56.080 --> 00:26:57.759 trusts God's word 00:26:57.759 --> 00:26:59.880 and hangs on to his promises 00:26:59.880 --> 00:27:01.840 and holds on to the things 00:27:01.840 --> 00:27:02.559 that he has said 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:03.259 as truth 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:06.400 and finally Timothy 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:07.740 give them an example 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.259 to follow 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:09.039 in your purity 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:11.240 just like 00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:12.279 today 00:27:12.279 --> 00:27:13.480 the city of Ephesus 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:14.279 was known 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:16.019 for being filled 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:16.859 with all kinds of 00:27:16.859 --> 00:27:17.920 sexual immorality 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:19.680 and so Timothy 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:21.420 show them 00:27:21.420 --> 00:27:23.139 by your own life 00:27:23.139 --> 00:27:25.059 how a follower of Jesus 00:27:25.059 --> 00:27:25.960 ought to live 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:26.559 when it comes 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:27.460 to sexuality 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:28.799 and to marriage 00:27:28.799 --> 00:27:31.420 show them 00:27:31.420 --> 00:27:32.960 how your attitude 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.639 should be 00:27:33.639 --> 00:27:34.920 towards women 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:36.259 how you should treat 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:36.740 women 00:27:36.740 --> 00:27:38.420 purity 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:39.740 with purity 00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:43.620 is it possible 00:27:43.620 --> 00:27:44.740 for a young person 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:46.680 to influence 00:27:46.680 --> 00:27:47.880 people who are older 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.640 than they are 00:27:48.640 --> 00:27:49.400 for Christ 00:27:49.400 --> 00:27:51.799 absolutely 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:53.779 you better believe it 00:27:53.779 --> 00:27:55.799 how do we do it 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:57.319 we do it 00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:58.140 by how we live 00:27:58.140 --> 00:28:00.279 by setting an example 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:01.299 in all of these areas 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:02.620 of our lives 00:28:02.620 --> 00:28:04.940 there's something 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:05.980 utterly compelling 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:07.420 about 00:28:07.420 --> 00:28:08.299 a person 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:09.379 who is completely 00:28:09.379 --> 00:28:10.740 devoted to God 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:12.259 and to Christ Jesus 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:14.419 and so those of you 00:28:14.419 --> 00:28:15.240 who are young 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:17.180 or younger 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:20.339 don't think 00:28:20.339 --> 00:28:20.879 for a moment 00:28:20.879 --> 00:28:21.579 that you can't 00:28:21.579 --> 00:28:22.319 make a difference 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:24.659 don't think 00:28:24.659 --> 00:28:25.319 that you can't 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:26.159 be used by God 00:28:26.159 --> 00:28:27.000 to shape the lives 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:27.720 of other people 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:30.079 absolutely 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:30.819 you can 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:32.819 even people 00:28:32.819 --> 00:28:33.419 who are older 00:28:33.419 --> 00:28:33.899 than you 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:40.040 win their respect 00:28:40.040 --> 00:28:41.120 by how you live 00:28:41.120 --> 00:28:43.340 how you speak 00:28:43.340 --> 00:28:44.960 how you act 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:46.700 how you love 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:48.519 how you believe 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:50.500 and how you live 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:51.000 in purity 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:54.280 for those of us 00:28:54.280 --> 00:28:54.920 who are older 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:57.600 are we off the hook 00:28:57.600 --> 00:28:57.900 here 00:28:57.900 --> 00:28:59.740 is it only the younger 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:00.420 that should set 00:29:00.420 --> 00:29:01.000 an example 00:29:01.000 --> 00:29:02.380 with their lives 00:29:02.380 --> 00:29:03.280 well of course not 00:29:03.279 --> 00:29:04.980 this is for 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:06.599 old and young 00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:08.539 this is how Jesus 00:29:08.539 --> 00:29:09.759 wants all his people 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.279 to live 00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:12.579 as an example 00:29:12.579 --> 00:29:13.680 for the other believers 00:29:13.680 --> 00:29:14.799 in the church 00:29:14.799 --> 00:29:18.680 but it might be 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:19.299 a little different 00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:19.899 this verse 00:29:19.899 --> 00:29:20.700 for those of us 00:29:20.700 --> 00:29:21.700 who are older 00:29:21.700 --> 00:29:24.720 how do you see 00:29:24.720 --> 00:29:25.440 the younger people 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:26.079 in the church 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:27.339 the younger believers 00:29:27.339 --> 00:29:31.359 are you tempted 00:29:31.359 --> 00:29:31.979 to look down 00:29:31.979 --> 00:29:32.379 on them 00:29:32.379 --> 00:29:36.979 if God's spirit 00:29:36.979 --> 00:29:38.319 dwells 00:29:38.319 --> 00:29:40.039 within 00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:41.099 his people 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:41.879 all of them 00:29:41.879 --> 00:29:43.000 even the young ones 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:43.899 then there are many 00:29:43.899 --> 00:29:45.000 things that we can learn 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:46.019 even from younger 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:46.899 brothers and sisters 00:29:46.899 --> 00:29:47.539 in the faith 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:49.659 the question is 00:29:49.659 --> 00:29:50.919 do we have the humility 00:29:50.919 --> 00:29:52.559 to listen 00:29:52.559 --> 00:29:53.179 and to learn 00:29:53.179 --> 00:29:53.759 from them 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:59.940 verse 13 00:29:59.940 --> 00:30:01.440 Paul says 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:02.339 until I come 00:30:02.339 --> 00:30:04.059 devote yourself 00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:04.900 to the public 00:30:04.900 --> 00:30:05.900 reading of scripture 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:07.519 to preaching 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:08.839 and to teaching 00:30:08.839 --> 00:30:10.539 do not neglect 00:30:10.539 --> 00:30:11.059 your gift 00:30:11.059 --> 00:30:11.859 which was given you 00:30:11.859 --> 00:30:12.579 through prophecy 00:30:12.579 --> 00:30:13.819 when the body 00:30:13.819 --> 00:30:14.379 of elders 00:30:14.379 --> 00:30:15.819 laid their hands 00:30:15.819 --> 00:30:16.539 on you 00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:18.379 now these instructions 00:30:18.379 --> 00:30:19.359 are very specifically 00:30:19.359 --> 00:30:20.519 for Timothy 00:30:20.519 --> 00:30:22.200 they pertain 00:30:22.200 --> 00:30:22.980 to his leadership 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:23.740 in the church 00:30:23.740 --> 00:30:25.460 and these are the things 00:30:25.460 --> 00:30:26.000 that are to be 00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:26.839 his priorities 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.839 as a leader 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:28.640 in the church 00:30:28.640 --> 00:30:30.599 public reading 00:30:30.599 --> 00:30:31.200 of scripture 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:32.819 preaching 00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:33.839 or proclamation 00:30:33.839 --> 00:30:35.920 and teaching 00:30:35.920 --> 00:30:39.299 and Paul alludes 00:30:39.299 --> 00:30:40.079 to a special 00:30:40.079 --> 00:30:41.059 spiritual gift 00:30:41.059 --> 00:30:42.099 that he received 00:30:42.099 --> 00:30:42.640 in a moment 00:30:42.640 --> 00:30:43.940 where somebody 00:30:43.940 --> 00:30:44.680 spoke a word 00:30:44.680 --> 00:30:45.319 of prophecy 00:30:45.319 --> 00:30:47.140 we don't get 00:30:47.140 --> 00:30:47.920 all the details 00:30:47.920 --> 00:30:48.539 about that 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:49.039 as much as 00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:49.880 we might like 00:30:49.880 --> 00:30:50.559 to know more 00:30:50.559 --> 00:30:51.200 about that 00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:52.120 but this is 00:30:52.120 --> 00:30:52.740 encouragement 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:53.900 Paul is saying 00:30:53.900 --> 00:30:55.240 you've been given 00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:56.380 a gift by God 00:30:56.380 --> 00:30:58.079 don't let it go 00:30:58.079 --> 00:30:58.599 unused 00:30:58.599 --> 00:31:01.599 use it 00:31:01.599 --> 00:31:05.900 now this applies 00:31:05.900 --> 00:31:06.519 to us a little 00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:06.940 differently 00:31:06.940 --> 00:31:07.720 here today 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:09.799 first of all 00:31:09.799 --> 00:31:10.299 not everyone 00:31:10.299 --> 00:31:11.140 who does the work 00:31:11.140 --> 00:31:11.599 of teaching 00:31:11.599 --> 00:31:12.019 and preaching 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:12.640 in the church 00:31:12.640 --> 00:31:13.839 has a prophetic 00:31:13.839 --> 00:31:14.279 word 00:31:14.279 --> 00:31:15.259 or a special gift 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:15.920 like Timothy 00:31:15.920 --> 00:31:16.880 had 00:31:16.880 --> 00:31:18.700 and not everyone 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.240 in our church 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:19.620 of course 00:31:19.620 --> 00:31:20.140 is a preacher 00:31:20.140 --> 00:31:20.660 or teacher 00:31:20.660 --> 00:31:23.080 but what is 00:31:23.080 --> 00:31:23.940 your role 00:31:23.940 --> 00:31:25.420 in this body 00:31:25.420 --> 00:31:27.620 in this family 00:31:27.620 --> 00:31:30.080 what has God 00:31:30.080 --> 00:31:30.960 specially gifted 00:31:30.960 --> 00:31:31.620 you for 00:31:31.620 --> 00:31:32.440 and made you 00:31:32.440 --> 00:31:32.940 for 00:31:32.940 --> 00:31:33.500 what are you 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:34.480 competent in 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:35.940 that you can use 00:31:35.940 --> 00:31:37.480 to build up 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:39.300 the family of God 00:31:39.299 --> 00:31:42.079 and are you 00:31:42.079 --> 00:31:42.720 using it 00:31:42.720 --> 00:31:48.839 second 00:31:48.839 --> 00:31:50.599 let's not 00:31:50.599 --> 00:31:51.919 miss the importance 00:31:51.919 --> 00:31:53.139 of being a church 00:31:53.139 --> 00:31:53.579 today 00:31:53.579 --> 00:31:54.639 where scripture 00:31:54.639 --> 00:31:55.899 God's word 00:31:55.899 --> 00:31:56.680 is read 00:31:56.680 --> 00:31:57.859 proclaimed 00:31:57.859 --> 00:31:59.139 and taught 00:31:59.139 --> 00:32:01.659 this is how 00:32:01.659 --> 00:32:02.559 we are to function 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:03.639 in the household 00:32:03.639 --> 00:32:04.259 of God 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:05.980 we are to be 00:32:05.980 --> 00:32:06.299 people 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:06.940 people 00:32:06.940 --> 00:32:07.879 of the book 00:32:07.879 --> 00:32:09.759 people 00:32:09.759 --> 00:32:10.619 who regularly 00:32:10.619 --> 00:32:11.200 hear 00:32:11.200 --> 00:32:12.399 and read 00:32:12.399 --> 00:32:13.319 the scriptures 00:32:13.319 --> 00:32:15.480 we are to have 00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:16.539 regular preaching 00:32:16.539 --> 00:32:17.839 and teaching 00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:19.099 in our church 00:32:19.099 --> 00:32:21.399 and there are 00:32:21.399 --> 00:32:21.919 two sides 00:32:21.919 --> 00:32:22.440 to this 00:32:22.440 --> 00:32:23.799 there is 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:24.259 the side 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:24.919 of the preachers 00:32:24.919 --> 00:32:25.419 and teachers 00:32:25.419 --> 00:32:26.220 to be diligent 00:32:26.220 --> 00:32:27.079 in their study 00:32:27.079 --> 00:32:27.940 and in their prayer 00:32:27.940 --> 00:32:29.019 and meditating 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:30.099 and preparing 00:32:30.099 --> 00:32:30.680 to teach 00:32:30.680 --> 00:32:31.220 so that what 00:32:31.220 --> 00:32:31.700 they teach 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.240 is clear 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:33.680 and accurate 00:32:33.680 --> 00:32:36.080 and actually 00:32:36.080 --> 00:32:36.799 from the word 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:37.299 of God 00:32:37.299 --> 00:32:39.180 but there is 00:32:39.180 --> 00:32:39.960 also the side 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:41.299 of the listeners 00:32:41.299 --> 00:32:43.000 to show up 00:32:43.000 --> 00:32:45.039 to have hearts 00:32:45.039 --> 00:32:46.360 ready to receive 00:32:46.360 --> 00:32:50.279 a willingness 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:51.799 to respond 00:32:51.799 --> 00:32:53.039 and put into practice 00:32:53.039 --> 00:32:53.620 the things 00:32:53.620 --> 00:32:54.240 that we hear 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:55.080 from God's word 00:32:55.080 --> 00:32:56.360 whether here 00:32:56.360 --> 00:32:56.860 in the message 00:32:56.860 --> 00:32:58.200 or in Sunday school 00:32:58.200 --> 00:33:00.019 or on Tuesday nights 00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:01.900 it is at least 00:33:01.900 --> 00:33:02.940 a two part act 00:33:02.940 --> 00:33:04.759 to fulfill this 00:33:04.759 --> 00:33:05.720 in our church 00:33:05.720 --> 00:33:07.880 if Charles 00:33:07.880 --> 00:33:08.640 does all the work 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:09.140 of preparing 00:33:09.140 --> 00:33:09.559 a lesson 00:33:09.559 --> 00:33:10.240 from the Bible 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:11.700 for your kids 00:33:11.700 --> 00:33:12.360 so that they can 00:33:12.360 --> 00:33:13.580 grow in their faith 00:33:13.580 --> 00:33:15.200 but you don't 00:33:15.200 --> 00:33:15.940 bring your kids 00:33:15.940 --> 00:33:17.600 it doesn't happen 00:33:17.600 --> 00:33:19.180 it doesn't work 00:33:19.180 --> 00:33:22.680 Jesus is saying 00:33:22.680 --> 00:33:24.299 that this is the way 00:33:24.299 --> 00:33:25.059 a church 00:33:25.059 --> 00:33:25.880 ought to function 00:33:25.880 --> 00:33:27.299 this is how 00:33:27.299 --> 00:33:27.980 we should operate 00:33:27.980 --> 00:33:28.500 this is how 00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:29.200 we should conduct 00:33:29.200 --> 00:33:29.620 ourselves 00:33:29.620 --> 00:33:30.680 by regular reading 00:33:30.680 --> 00:33:31.480 preaching 00:33:31.480 --> 00:33:32.799 and teaching 00:33:32.799 --> 00:33:33.620 of God's word 00:33:33.620 --> 00:33:34.400 and that puts 00:33:34.400 --> 00:33:35.000 responsibility 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:36.039 on all of us 00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:37.220 some of us 00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:37.740 as teachers 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:38.519 and preachers 00:33:38.519 --> 00:33:40.240 in our preparation 00:33:40.240 --> 00:33:42.559 and others of us 00:33:42.559 --> 00:33:44.460 to show up 00:33:44.460 --> 00:33:45.140 to be here 00:33:45.140 --> 00:33:46.259 with open ears 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.599 and soft hearts 00:33:47.599 --> 00:33:48.480 ready to respond 00:33:48.480 --> 00:33:48.920 to whatever 00:33:48.920 --> 00:33:49.700 the Lord Jesus 00:33:49.700 --> 00:33:51.259 would say to us 00:33:51.259 --> 00:33:52.160 in these moments 00:33:52.160 --> 00:33:53.799 and this is 00:33:53.799 --> 00:33:54.500 absolutely 00:33:54.500 --> 00:33:55.700 critical 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:57.620 for our health 00:33:57.620 --> 00:33:58.559 and our vitality 00:33:58.559 --> 00:33:59.179 as a church 00:33:59.179 --> 00:34:01.500 it's God's word 00:34:01.500 --> 00:34:02.419 that shapes 00:34:02.419 --> 00:34:03.779 and molds us 00:34:03.779 --> 00:34:05.059 into the kind 00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:05.559 of church 00:34:05.559 --> 00:34:06.259 that God 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:07.099 wants us to be 00:34:07.099 --> 00:34:09.559 it's what's revealed 00:34:09.559 --> 00:34:10.199 about God 00:34:10.199 --> 00:34:11.019 in these pages 00:34:11.019 --> 00:34:12.199 that moves us 00:34:12.199 --> 00:34:12.820 to worship 00:34:12.820 --> 00:34:15.059 it's what's said 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:16.980 about Jesus 00:34:16.980 --> 00:34:17.659 in here 00:34:17.659 --> 00:34:18.920 that makes us 00:34:18.920 --> 00:34:20.239 wise for salvation 00:34:20.239 --> 00:34:21.699 and gives us 00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:22.259 a message 00:34:22.259 --> 00:34:22.980 to run with 00:34:22.980 --> 00:34:25.199 it's the instructions 00:34:25.199 --> 00:34:26.199 that God's given 00:34:26.199 --> 00:34:26.619 in here 00:34:26.619 --> 00:34:27.619 that show us 00:34:27.619 --> 00:34:28.500 how to live 00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:31.079 and it's 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:31.619 in here 00:34:31.619 --> 00:34:32.119 that we find 00:34:32.119 --> 00:34:32.779 the motivation 00:34:32.779 --> 00:34:34.679 to do those things 00:34:34.679 --> 00:34:35.440 in a way 00:34:35.440 --> 00:34:36.500 that honors Christ 00:34:36.500 --> 00:34:40.380 if we take the Bible 00:34:40.380 --> 00:34:41.259 out of the church 00:34:41.259 --> 00:34:42.859 the church 00:34:42.859 --> 00:34:43.659 will very soon 00:34:43.659 --> 00:34:45.119 be on life support 00:34:45.119 --> 00:34:48.359 it won't be long 00:34:48.359 --> 00:34:49.019 before we're just 00:34:49.019 --> 00:34:49.599 an empty 00:34:49.599 --> 00:34:50.539 lifeless 00:34:50.539 --> 00:34:51.219 skeleton 00:34:51.219 --> 00:34:52.059 of a church 00:34:52.059 --> 00:34:52.779 where tradition 00:34:52.779 --> 00:34:54.019 and friendship 00:34:54.019 --> 00:34:55.759 are all that's left 00:34:55.760 --> 00:34:58.860 but give God's word 00:34:58.860 --> 00:34:59.940 it's regular place 00:34:59.940 --> 00:35:00.720 to be heard 00:35:00.720 --> 00:35:01.620 and considered 00:35:01.620 --> 00:35:02.340 in our midst 00:35:02.340 --> 00:35:03.980 and watch the church 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:04.880 come to life 00:35:04.880 --> 00:35:06.700 watch lives 00:35:06.700 --> 00:35:07.440 be changed 00:35:07.440 --> 00:35:09.260 watch love 00:35:09.260 --> 00:35:10.660 real sincere love 00:35:10.660 --> 00:35:11.140 grow 00:35:11.140 --> 00:35:12.400 in people's hearts 00:35:12.400 --> 00:35:13.780 watch needs 00:35:13.780 --> 00:35:14.320 be met 00:35:14.320 --> 00:35:15.400 and initiatives 00:35:15.400 --> 00:35:15.960 begun 00:35:15.960 --> 00:35:17.120 and a community 00:35:17.120 --> 00:35:17.640 reached 00:35:17.640 --> 00:35:19.840 so this is why 00:35:19.840 --> 00:35:20.700 Paul emphasizes 00:35:20.700 --> 00:35:21.460 this so much 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:22.040 in his letters 00:35:22.040 --> 00:35:23.060 to Timothy 00:35:23.060 --> 00:35:24.160 devote yourself 00:35:24.159 --> 00:35:25.639 not just give 00:35:25.639 --> 00:35:26.920 a little bit of time 00:35:26.920 --> 00:35:28.059 but devote yourself 00:35:28.059 --> 00:35:29.179 to the public reading 00:35:29.179 --> 00:35:29.759 of scripture 00:35:29.759 --> 00:35:31.179 to preaching 00:35:31.179 --> 00:35:32.739 and to teaching 00:35:32.739 --> 00:35:36.159 Paul goes on 00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:36.440 he says 00:35:36.440 --> 00:35:37.119 be diligent 00:35:37.119 --> 00:35:38.059 in these matters 00:35:38.059 --> 00:35:39.679 give yourself 00:35:39.679 --> 00:35:40.559 wholly to them 00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:41.299 so that everyone 00:35:41.299 --> 00:35:42.559 may see your progress 00:35:42.559 --> 00:35:44.819 watch your life 00:35:44.819 --> 00:35:46.000 and doctrine 00:35:46.000 --> 00:35:46.859 closely 00:35:46.859 --> 00:35:48.440 persevere 00:35:48.440 --> 00:35:48.920 in them 00:35:48.920 --> 00:35:50.779 because if you do 00:35:50.779 --> 00:35:51.879 you will save 00:35:51.879 --> 00:35:52.599 both yourself 00:35:52.599 --> 00:35:54.599 and your hearers 00:35:54.599 --> 00:35:57.059 so careful 00:35:57.059 --> 00:35:58.299 faithful 00:35:58.299 --> 00:35:59.880 teaching and preaching 00:35:59.880 --> 00:36:00.960 of the word of God 00:36:00.960 --> 00:36:01.519 in the church 00:36:01.519 --> 00:36:02.759 makes the difference 00:36:02.759 --> 00:36:04.119 between life 00:36:04.119 --> 00:36:04.819 and death 00:36:04.819 --> 00:36:06.679 heaven 00:36:06.679 --> 00:36:07.659 and hell 00:36:07.659 --> 00:36:10.159 the good news 00:36:10.159 --> 00:36:11.059 about Christ Jesus 00:36:11.059 --> 00:36:11.900 and what he has done 00:36:11.900 --> 00:36:12.940 it has the power 00:36:12.940 --> 00:36:14.239 to save people 00:36:14.239 --> 00:36:18.779 but people can only believe 00:36:18.779 --> 00:36:19.719 that good news 00:36:19.719 --> 00:36:20.299 and be saved 00:36:20.299 --> 00:36:20.980 if that's what 00:36:20.980 --> 00:36:21.559 they're hearing 00:36:21.559 --> 00:36:24.719 and so as teachers 00:36:24.719 --> 00:36:25.360 and preachers 00:36:25.360 --> 00:36:26.320 there's a sobering 00:36:26.320 --> 00:36:26.900 responsibility 00:36:26.900 --> 00:36:27.820 given to us 00:36:27.820 --> 00:36:28.340 we're to take 00:36:28.340 --> 00:36:29.880 extra special care 00:36:29.880 --> 00:36:32.059 that what we teach 00:36:32.059 --> 00:36:33.159 really is 00:36:33.159 --> 00:36:34.039 what the Bible 00:36:34.039 --> 00:36:35.579 is saying 00:36:35.579 --> 00:36:37.340 we will be held 00:36:37.340 --> 00:36:37.860 responsible 00:36:37.860 --> 00:36:39.119 not just for our own lives 00:36:39.119 --> 00:36:40.380 but also for the lives 00:36:40.380 --> 00:36:40.880 of all 00:36:40.880 --> 00:36:42.559 in the church 00:36:42.559 --> 00:36:43.900 if we fail 00:36:43.900 --> 00:36:44.440 to live 00:36:44.440 --> 00:36:45.179 and teach 00:36:45.179 --> 00:36:47.019 the word of God 00:36:47.019 --> 00:36:48.320 watch your life 00:36:48.320 --> 00:36:48.900 and doctrine 00:36:48.900 --> 00:36:49.559 closely 00:36:49.559 --> 00:36:52.360 by doing so 00:36:52.360 --> 00:36:53.400 you will 00:36:53.400 --> 00:36:54.139 save 00:36:54.139 --> 00:36:54.880 both yourself 00:36:54.880 --> 00:36:55.760 and your hearers 00:36:55.760 --> 00:37:00.160 so these are the instructions 00:37:00.160 --> 00:37:01.680 that Christ has 00:37:01.680 --> 00:37:02.380 for Timothy 00:37:02.380 --> 00:37:03.240 about 00:37:03.240 --> 00:37:04.320 how he wants 00:37:04.320 --> 00:37:05.180 Timothy to set 00:37:05.180 --> 00:37:05.780 an example 00:37:05.780 --> 00:37:07.599 for others to follow 00:37:07.599 --> 00:37:08.320 and to keep 00:37:08.320 --> 00:37:09.139 the word of God 00:37:09.139 --> 00:37:10.220 before the people 00:37:10.220 --> 00:37:12.019 let me just sum it up 00:37:12.019 --> 00:37:13.519 as a church 00:37:13.519 --> 00:37:15.280 as the very household 00:37:15.280 --> 00:37:15.820 of God 00:37:15.820 --> 00:37:17.440 we are to train 00:37:17.440 --> 00:37:18.019 ourselves 00:37:18.019 --> 00:37:19.039 to be devoted 00:37:19.039 --> 00:37:19.640 to God 00:37:19.640 --> 00:37:22.200 keeping in mind 00:37:22.200 --> 00:37:23.160 the perspective 00:37:23.160 --> 00:37:23.720 that Christ 00:37:23.720 --> 00:37:24.380 has given us 00:37:24.380 --> 00:37:25.140 our devotion 00:37:25.140 --> 00:37:25.580 to him 00:37:25.580 --> 00:37:26.180 has value 00:37:26.180 --> 00:37:27.160 for all things 00:37:27.160 --> 00:37:28.160 in life 00:37:28.160 --> 00:37:29.360 and it holds promise 00:37:29.360 --> 00:37:30.140 for this life 00:37:30.140 --> 00:37:30.780 and the life 00:37:30.780 --> 00:37:31.240 to come 00:37:31.240 --> 00:37:33.120 and so we should 00:37:33.120 --> 00:37:33.519 labor 00:37:33.519 --> 00:37:34.900 we should strive 00:37:34.900 --> 00:37:36.059 to devote ourselves 00:37:36.059 --> 00:37:36.880 to Christ Jesus 00:37:36.880 --> 00:37:37.600 and to do 00:37:37.600 --> 00:37:39.220 what he has commanded us 00:37:39.220 --> 00:37:40.860 we should strive 00:37:40.860 --> 00:37:42.559 to live exemplary lives 00:37:42.559 --> 00:37:44.539 for all around us 00:37:44.539 --> 00:37:45.239 who are watching 00:37:45.239 --> 00:37:47.380 and we should be 00:37:47.380 --> 00:37:48.059 a household 00:37:48.059 --> 00:37:49.739 that regularly hears 00:37:49.739 --> 00:37:51.099 and responds to 00:37:51.099 --> 00:37:52.279 the reading 00:37:52.279 --> 00:37:53.679 and preaching 00:37:53.679 --> 00:37:54.380 and teaching 00:37:54.380 --> 00:37:55.199 of God's word 00:37:55.199 --> 00:37:56.840 which gives us 00:37:56.840 --> 00:37:57.340 all of us 00:37:57.340 --> 00:37:58.000 something to do 00:37:58.000 --> 00:37:58.599 whether we're 00:37:58.599 --> 00:37:59.360 preacher, teacher 00:37:59.360 --> 00:38:01.279 or hearer 00:38:01.279 --> 00:38:02.860 these are the words 00:38:02.860 --> 00:38:03.380 of Christ 00:38:03.380 --> 00:38:04.599 to Timothy 00:38:04.599 --> 00:38:05.719 for the church 00:38:05.719 --> 00:38:06.199 in Ephesus 00:38:06.199 --> 00:38:08.079 and for us today 00:38:08.079 --> 00:38:10.139 let's pray 00:38:10.139 --> 00:38:18.719 Father in heaven 00:38:18.719 --> 00:38:19.279 I pray 00:38:19.279 --> 00:38:20.279 and ask 00:38:20.279 --> 00:38:20.559 that 00:38:20.559 --> 00:38:21.900 there would be 00:38:21.900 --> 00:38:23.379 no heart 00:38:23.379 --> 00:38:24.400 in this room 00:38:24.400 --> 00:38:25.879 that is unstirred 00:38:25.879 --> 00:38:27.440 by this call 00:38:27.440 --> 00:38:30.019 to press forward 00:38:30.019 --> 00:38:31.059 and devote ourselves 00:38:31.059 --> 00:38:32.139 completely to you 00:38:32.139 --> 00:38:34.839 Lord you know 00:38:34.839 --> 00:38:35.460 the excuses 00:38:35.460 --> 00:38:36.359 that we've made 00:38:36.359 --> 00:38:37.179 and sometimes 00:38:37.179 --> 00:38:38.420 we do this 00:38:38.420 --> 00:38:39.059 for a season 00:38:39.059 --> 00:38:41.039 and then we drift away 00:38:41.039 --> 00:38:42.519 or we grow cool 00:38:42.519 --> 00:38:44.059 I pray that you would 00:38:44.059 --> 00:38:45.519 stir it in each of our hearts 00:38:45.519 --> 00:38:46.680 and that all of us 00:38:46.680 --> 00:38:48.599 would have a heart 00:38:48.599 --> 00:38:49.639 that beats for you 00:38:49.639 --> 00:38:51.820 that we would follow you 00:38:51.820 --> 00:38:52.639 all in 00:38:52.639 --> 00:38:54.340 and love you 00:38:54.340 --> 00:38:55.260 with all our heart 00:38:55.260 --> 00:38:56.059 soul, mind 00:38:56.059 --> 00:38:56.700 and strength 00:38:56.700 --> 00:38:59.180 I pray that you would 00:38:59.180 --> 00:39:00.320 turn all of our lives 00:39:00.320 --> 00:39:01.000 upside down 00:39:01.000 --> 00:39:01.639 for the good 00:39:01.639 --> 00:39:03.559 and that you would 00:39:03.559 --> 00:39:04.800 do something amazing 00:39:04.800 --> 00:39:06.260 here in Davidson 00:39:06.260 --> 00:39:07.660 and in the surrounding area 00:39:07.660 --> 00:39:09.360 as a result 00:39:09.360 --> 00:39:10.260 so that you get 00:39:10.260 --> 00:39:10.800 the glory 00:39:10.800 --> 00:39:13.780 and so that we can rejoice 00:39:13.780 --> 00:39:14.840 in the part 00:39:14.840 --> 00:39:15.800 that we got to play 00:39:15.800 --> 00:39:17.260 when you return 00:39:17.260 --> 00:39:19.140 we ask this 00:39:19.140 --> 00:39:19.920 in Jesus name 00:39:19.920 --> 00:39:21.680 Amen