WEBVTT

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 Open your Bibles, if you would, with me to 1 Timothy chapter 6.

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 We'll be finishing off our time this morning in this letter, as Paul kind of provides his concluding statements and his call to Timothy in terms of directives and how to lead and love this church.

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 1 Timothy chapter 6. If you're using your pew Bible, it's on page 993.

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 We're going to find in this passage two verses, one in verse 14 of chapter 6, which says,

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 Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach.

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 That word for keep is the word for guard, to protect, to preserve.

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 And then in verse 20, where he says, O Timothy, guard the good deposit.

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 What do you think of when you hear about guarding, protecting information?

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 What do you hear, what do you think about when you think about preserving the identity that you might have?

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 Well, even this morning, as I was getting ready to print notes and to set up my computer,

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 there was a verification process that happened in order to protect my identity.

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 I'm on my computer and I'm logging into my email and I have to provide my password.

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 And then the authentication notice that then comes to my phone.

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 And I've got to give it the right number because that number comes up.

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 I put the number in there and then I have to hit yes to say, yes, it's me.

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 And then I have to use my fingerprint to make sure that yes, it's me is a really yes, it's me.

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 And it's coming from the number that I got from a totally different device.

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 All of the steps we go to protect identity, to protect information.

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 I'm wondering at some point I might have to provide like a saliva sample or an eye retina scan or a DNA,

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 you know, all of those things that may be coming at some time in the future.

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 We understand something about protecting information, don't we?

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 We recognize that software companies, they use these password protections.

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 They use these multi-layered verification statements.

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 Even Amazon, if you're logging into your Amazon account, it will send that notification to a different device.

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 You have to say, yes, it's me.

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 You can finally get in and order your stuff that you want to order.

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 Museums keep valuable artifacts in that secure vault set away, set aside from the passer buyer to make sure that it is preserved.

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 And so any of you who might go to like Washington, D.C., you're looking at those special, the Declaration of Independence or whatever it is,

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 and it's under a certain glass and it's protected in a certain way.

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 The lighting is just right.

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 Or a researcher that's storing sensitive data on a secure server with limited access.

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 And here we are, we're kind of moving into the holidays.

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 And I know, I know some of you ladies have those special recipes that are protected.

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 You know, they're passed down from one generation to the other,

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 and you're not going to let anybody know that secret recipe if they want to know it

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 or enjoy the benefits of that recipe that you have.

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 They have to come over to your house.

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 It's not going to be disseminated.

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 Those kinds of things that we do to protect information.

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 But here in this final bit of directives that the Apostle Paul is giving Timothy,

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 he wants Timothy to preserve information, but not like the way we preserve our information.

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 The way that Timothy is going to guard and protect this entrustment that he's been given,

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 the way he's going to guard and keep the commandments is not to hold them to himself,

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 but to disseminate them in a way that is consistent and clear and unadulterated and uncorrupted, undefiled.

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 That message that he's going to continue to communicate and to help compete against

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 and provide a contrast to that message that we've been hearing about all along in 1 Timothy,

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 that false teaching, that different doctrine, those endless genealogies,

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 those statements that lead to division.

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 Timothy is going to help preserve the faith and preserve sound teaching by communicating the truth,

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 not by holding it back, not by keeping it to himself.

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 So as we come to this passage this morning,

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 recognize that all of us, because of the word of God that we have,

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 have the distinct privilege, along with Timothy, of guarding the deposit that we've been entrusted to,

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 of keeping the commandments.

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 And it doesn't mean keeping it to yourself.

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 As a matter of fact, the best way for us to guard and to keep the commands is to share them,

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 is to convey them from one generation to the next.

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 To impart the gospel, the right words of God from the scriptures to the people that you love

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 and to the people in your circles.

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 Guard it by sharing it.

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 And that's what we're going to see this morning.

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 It's a struggle that Paul will describe throughout our text today.

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 It's a struggle for faith.

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 A struggle to ensure that this church that is the pillar and buttress of the truth,

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 as he describes there in chapter 3,

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 remains true to the scriptures that it's been entrusted with.

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 So fight for faith.

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 That's what we're going to see this morning in our time together.

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 So if you're there, let me read for you verse 11 and 12,

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 and we'll get started this morning.

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 We're going to see, first of all, a fight for faith personally.

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 Notice that as I read.

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 As for you, O man of God, flee these things.

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 Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

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 Fight the good fight of faith.

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 Take hold of eternal life to which you were called

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 and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

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 Timothy, fight the good fight of faith.

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 And this is something that you need to do for yourself personally, individually.

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 It begins with you.

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 If you're ever going to fight this fight of faith,

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 and it's going to do anybody any good,

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 first of all, you need to know what the word of God is.

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 You need to ensure that that word of God is transforming you

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 and helping you to be a representative for that truth in a pure way.

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 So fight for faith personally, Timothy.

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 He begins with several instructions.

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 We're going to find throughout our time this morning,

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 this succession of imperatives,

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 these commands that Paul will begin to just issue out to Timothy.

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 These are the things I want you to do.

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 These are the directives for your life.

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 This is the way you're going to fight for the faith

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 in your life and also in the lives of those that you are directed to lead.

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 He begins with flee from spiritual danger.

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 Flee from spiritual danger.

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 That's our first command this morning.

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 Flee these things, he says.

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 With this opening phrase, Paul provides this sharp contrast.

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 He uses this contrastive word, but,

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 that helps draw out the difference between Timothy and these teachers

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 that he's just spoken about in verses 2 to verse 10.

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 This contrast that will shine its way through the life of Timothy

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 and provide this set-apartness,

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 this gospel life that's been transformed.

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 Timothy, live this way, and you do this, first of all,

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 by fleeing these things.

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 He begins not only with this contrastive word,

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 but also with this unique identity.

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 Oh, man of God, he says.

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 A title that only shows up twice in the New Testament,

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 but a title that is used, this man of God,

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 68 times in the Old Testament.

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 It's used as a title for Moses,

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 for David, for the prophets,

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 for Elijah, for Elisha.

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 This man of God,

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 which was this identity

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 for men who represented the word of God.

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 Not just men who were godly,

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 but men who were men of God.

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 They derived their identity,

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 their mission,

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 their purpose.

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 They derived it from God himself.

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 As men of God,

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 they were on mission for God.

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 They represented God.

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 They spoke for God

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 with the words of God.

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 Timothy, you are such a man.

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 You are a man of God.

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 You derive your identity from him,

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 your purpose from him.

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 And as men and women of God,

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 there are certain commitments.

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 There are certain behaviors

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 that will drive us,

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 that will shape our lives.

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 That is, they will help us

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 to be the kind of person

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 that will make us effective

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 in this fight for the gospel.

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 They will help to stabilize us

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 and will help us represent

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 this pure word of God

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 that has been given to us.

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 2 Timothy 3, 16 and 17

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 is the only other time

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 in the New Testament

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 where we see this phrase,

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 man of God.

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 All scripture is breathed out by God

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 and is profitable

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 for teaching,

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 for reproof,

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 for correction,

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 and training in righteousness

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 that the man of God

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 may be complete,

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 equipped for every good work.

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 By the way,

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 this is not just for men.

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 This is for men and women.

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 We can be men and women of God.

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 We derive our purpose.

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 We derive our mission.

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 We derive our authority

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 from God himself

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 and his words.

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 We represent him

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 by speaking his words.

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 And thus,

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 by speaking God's words,

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 we represent this pure gospel.

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 If Timothy was to be faithful,

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 a man of God,

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 he needed to begin

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 by fleeing these things.

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 Flee is this present imperative,

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 this command for the present day,

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 but continuing on from day to day

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 until he was to be with Jesus.

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 This ever-present reality of Timothy,

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 be a man who flees,

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 who runs away,

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 who escapes,

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 who avoids danger.

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 This word,

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 to flee,

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 is the word

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 from which we get

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 the word fugitive,

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 this one who is running.

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 Timothy,

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 don't linger.

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 Don't be complacent,

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 but run away

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 as fast as you can.

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 Put as much distance

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 between yourself

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 and the danger

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 that exists for you spiritually.

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 Let running away

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 from spiritual danger

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 be this ongoing pattern

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 of your life.

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 Now,

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 by the way,

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 running from danger

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 is not running

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 from every danger

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 because you can see

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 from the Apostle Paul

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 that at times

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 he's running headlong

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 into danger,

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 that physical danger

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 that he was willing

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 to embrace

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 for the sake of the gospel,

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 but this spiritual danger

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 that he avoided

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 in his own life

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 that would shipwreck his faith.

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 That's what we're talking about.

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 What are those

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 specific things

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 that the Apostle Paul

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 is referring to?

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 This word,

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 these things,

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 refers to

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 those things

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 that are represented

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 in chapter 6,

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 verses 3

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 to verse 10.

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 Those things

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 that were in the way.

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 Those things

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 that represented

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 the life and character

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 of these false teachers.

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 We saw in verse 3

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 those words

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 that don't agree

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 with sound teaching.

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 Avoid those things,

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 Timothy.

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 Steer clear

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 of those words

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 that don't represent

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 Christ faithfully.

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 In verse 4,

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 steer clear

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 from those

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 who are proud

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 and confused.

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 Steer clear

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 from their teaching

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 that leaves

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 a trail of controversy

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 and quarreling

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 and envy

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 and dissension

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 and slander

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 and constant friction

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 among the brothers.

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 Steer clear

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 of those things,

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 Timothy,

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 those spiritual dangers.

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 In verse 5,

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 steer clear

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 of those

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 who are preoccupied

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 with financial gain.

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 That they're identifying

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 the things

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 that are truly

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 in their heart.

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 What their motivations are.

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 What their affections are.

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 Verse 6,

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 steer clear

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 of those who have

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 no concept

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 of contentment.

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 They haven't learned

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 that godliness

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 with contentment

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 is great gain.

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 In verse 9,

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 steer clear

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 of those

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 who fall

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 into temptation

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 and lead others

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 into temptation

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 as well.

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 In verse 10,

00:13:31.660 --> 00:13:32.220
 steer clear

00:13:32.220 --> 00:13:32.680
 of those

00:13:32.680 --> 00:13:33.680
 who have wandered

00:13:33.680 --> 00:13:34.700
 away from the faith.

00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:35.220
 Timothy,

00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:36.639
 steer clear

00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:37.160
 of danger.

00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:38.820
 Steer clear

00:13:38.820 --> 00:13:39.600
 of the spiritual

00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:40.580
 danger

00:13:40.580 --> 00:13:41.500
 that will shipwreck

00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:43.139
 your own soul

00:13:43.139 --> 00:13:44.660
 and will lead

00:13:44.660 --> 00:13:45.800
 to a fight

00:13:45.800 --> 00:13:47.460
 that is not

00:13:47.460 --> 00:13:47.820
 a fight

00:13:47.820 --> 00:13:48.500
 for the gospel.

00:13:49.340 --> 00:13:49.980
 Fight the fight

00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:50.440
 of faith

00:13:50.440 --> 00:13:51.880
 by running away.

00:13:53.400 --> 00:13:53.760
 So,

00:13:53.920 --> 00:13:55.180
 if you're going to

00:13:55.180 --> 00:13:55.960
 fight this fight

00:13:55.960 --> 00:13:56.340
 of faith,

00:13:56.500 --> 00:13:58.080
 run from spiritual

00:13:58.080 --> 00:13:58.740
 dangers,

00:13:58.900 --> 00:13:59.140
 Timothy.

00:14:00.760 --> 00:14:01.680
 Identify them.

00:14:02.420 --> 00:14:03.260
 Separate yourself

00:14:03.260 --> 00:14:03.980
 from them.

00:14:04.980 --> 00:14:06.780
 Abandon yourself

00:14:06.780 --> 00:14:07.980
 like a refugee

00:14:07.980 --> 00:14:09.800
 from those things

00:14:09.800 --> 00:14:11.640
 that will trip you up

00:14:11.640 --> 00:14:12.900
 and to catch you up

00:14:12.900 --> 00:14:14.540
 away from God.

00:14:15.580 --> 00:14:16.500
 But your running,

00:14:16.820 --> 00:14:17.020
 Timothy,

00:14:17.020 --> 00:14:18.400
 is not an aimless running.

00:14:18.640 --> 00:14:20.140
 It's a purposeful running.

00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:20.960
 And that's where we come

00:14:20.960 --> 00:14:22.240
 to the second command.

00:14:22.860 --> 00:14:22.960
 So,

00:14:23.019 --> 00:14:25.460
 flee from spiritual danger

00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:27.519
 but pursue spiritual life.

00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:29.759
 Pursue spiritual life.

00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:31.059
 And that's where he goes next.

00:14:31.179 --> 00:14:32.720
 Pursue righteousness,

00:14:33.080 --> 00:14:33.519
 godliness,

00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:34.019
 faith,

00:14:34.279 --> 00:14:34.620
 love,

00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:35.939
 steadfastness,

00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:36.580
 and gentleness.

00:14:38.059 --> 00:14:38.460
 Again,

00:14:38.600 --> 00:14:39.399
 this word pursue

00:14:39.399 --> 00:14:41.199
 is this present imperative,

00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:42.340
 this command

00:14:42.340 --> 00:14:43.600
 for the everyday.

00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:43.879
 day.

00:14:45.019 --> 00:14:46.840
 It's a repeated command

00:14:46.840 --> 00:14:48.680
 that Paul will even

00:14:48.680 --> 00:14:50.100
 share with Timothy

00:14:50.100 --> 00:14:51.040
 in his second letter,

00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:52.740
 2 Timothy 2.22.

00:14:53.680 --> 00:14:55.300
 He says much the same thing.

00:14:55.680 --> 00:14:56.519
 So flee

00:14:56.519 --> 00:14:58.159
 youthful passions

00:14:58.159 --> 00:14:59.480
 and pursue

00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:00.259
 righteousness,

00:15:00.820 --> 00:15:01.080
 faith,

00:15:01.220 --> 00:15:01.379
 love,

00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:02.000
 and peace

00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:03.500
 along with those

00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.460
 who call on the Lord

00:15:04.460 --> 00:15:05.700
 from a pure heart.

00:15:05.700 --> 00:15:07.440
 youths

00:15:07.440 --> 00:15:08.500
 repeated statements

00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:10.040
 to flee

00:15:10.040 --> 00:15:10.980
 and pursue

00:15:10.980 --> 00:15:12.879
 helps us to understand

00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:14.580
 the purposefulness

00:15:14.580 --> 00:15:15.600
 of our running.

00:15:15.780 --> 00:15:17.040
 Not just running away

00:15:17.040 --> 00:15:18.060
 from spiritual danger

00:15:18.060 --> 00:15:18.900
 but running

00:15:18.900 --> 00:15:20.100
 to the only source

00:15:20.100 --> 00:15:20.759
 of security.

00:15:21.920 --> 00:15:22.560
 Running to God

00:15:22.560 --> 00:15:23.060
 himself.

00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:25.400
 In God's economy,

00:15:25.780 --> 00:15:26.500
 there is only

00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:27.200
 one road.

00:15:27.700 --> 00:15:28.780
 And that road

00:15:28.780 --> 00:15:29.400
 only has

00:15:29.400 --> 00:15:30.460
 two directions.

00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:31.480
 A direction

00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:32.400
 to God

00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.220
 and a direction

00:15:33.220 --> 00:15:33.959
 away from God.

00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:35.399
 Where are you

00:15:35.399 --> 00:15:36.340
 on that road?

00:15:37.340 --> 00:15:37.879
 Are you

00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:38.659
 on the road

00:15:38.659 --> 00:15:39.759
 that is fleeing

00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:41.100
 spiritual danger

00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:42.100
 and pursuing

00:15:42.100 --> 00:15:43.100
 spiritual life?

00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:44.699
 Are you

00:15:44.699 --> 00:15:46.039
 chasing the things

00:15:46.039 --> 00:15:46.699
 that are going to

00:15:46.699 --> 00:15:47.980
 help build you

00:15:47.980 --> 00:15:49.240
 up in spiritual

00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:49.779
 things?

00:15:50.059 --> 00:15:51.039
 The kinds of things

00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:51.679
 that will

00:15:51.679 --> 00:15:53.319
 demonstrate

00:15:53.319 --> 00:15:54.539
 the work

00:15:54.539 --> 00:15:55.199
 of the gospel

00:15:55.199 --> 00:15:56.019
 in your life?

00:15:57.079 --> 00:15:57.539
 These things

00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:58.279
 that he points to.

00:15:58.600 --> 00:15:59.120
 Righteousness,

00:15:59.779 --> 00:16:00.199
 godliness,

00:16:00.419 --> 00:16:00.620
 faith,

00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:01.019
 love,

00:16:01.500 --> 00:16:02.379
 steadfastness,

00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.319
 and gentleness.

00:16:04.639 --> 00:16:05.699
 The consistent

00:16:05.699 --> 00:16:06.959
 theme throughout

00:16:06.959 --> 00:16:07.620
 the New Testament

00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:08.939
 is that you can't

00:16:08.939 --> 00:16:10.259
 just leave a vacuum.

00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:11.319
 You can't just say

00:16:11.319 --> 00:16:12.500
 I'm going to stop

00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:13.720
 doing bad things.

00:16:14.360 --> 00:16:15.639
 That the vacuum

00:16:15.639 --> 00:16:17.120
 in that empty space

00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:18.740
 just exposes you

00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:19.939
 to more danger.

00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:21.079
 Rather,

00:16:21.319 --> 00:16:22.100
 you replace

00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:23.620
 the emptiness

00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.519
 in your life,

00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:26.299
 the resistance

00:16:26.299 --> 00:16:27.299
 or reluctance

00:16:27.299 --> 00:16:27.759
 to sin,

00:16:27.919 --> 00:16:28.539
 you replace

00:16:28.539 --> 00:16:29.240
 with righteousness.

00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:30.279
 You replace

00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:30.860
 with holiness.

00:16:31.299 --> 00:16:31.939
 You replace

00:16:31.940 --> 00:16:32.760
 with activity

00:16:32.760 --> 00:16:33.620
 that helps

00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:34.700
 lead you to God.

00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:36.560
 Ephesians 4,

00:16:36.620 --> 00:16:37.560
 22-24,

00:16:38.040 --> 00:16:39.020
 in Paul's letter

00:16:39.020 --> 00:16:39.920
 to the church

00:16:39.920 --> 00:16:40.420
 of Ephesus,

00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.700
 he writes this,

00:16:42.500 --> 00:16:43.300
 put off

00:16:43.300 --> 00:16:44.260
 your old self

00:16:44.260 --> 00:16:45.180
 which belongs

00:16:45.180 --> 00:16:45.780
 to your former

00:16:45.780 --> 00:16:46.540
 manner of life

00:16:46.540 --> 00:16:47.580
 and is corrupt

00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:48.240
 through deceitful

00:16:48.240 --> 00:16:48.700
 desires,

00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:50.160
 and be renewed

00:16:50.160 --> 00:16:50.740
 in the spirit

00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:51.340
 of your mind

00:16:51.340 --> 00:16:53.040
 and to put on

00:16:53.040 --> 00:16:54.080
 the new self,

00:16:54.740 --> 00:16:55.700
 created after

00:16:55.700 --> 00:16:56.320
 the likeness

00:16:56.320 --> 00:16:56.840
 of God

00:16:56.840 --> 00:16:57.500
 in true

00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:58.500
 righteousness

00:16:58.500 --> 00:16:58.559
 righteousness

00:16:58.559 --> 00:16:59.879
 in holiness.

00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:01.320
 Timothy,

00:17:01.500 --> 00:17:02.059
 show that there

00:17:02.059 --> 00:17:02.620
 is a work

00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:02.980
 of God

00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:03.539
 in your life.

00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:05.000
 Show the gospel

00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:06.019
 has changed you

00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:07.220
 from the inside out.

00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:08.420
 This work

00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:09.160
 of righteousness

00:17:09.160 --> 00:17:09.940
 and godliness

00:17:09.940 --> 00:17:11.579
 are two statements

00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:12.220
 that help to

00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:12.960
 demonstrate

00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:13.859
 that very point.

00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:14.880
 The godliness

00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:15.720
 that's happening

00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:16.920
 and shaping you

00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:17.799
 on the inside

00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:19.079
 and showing up

00:17:19.079 --> 00:17:19.900
 through righteousness

00:17:19.900 --> 00:17:20.779
 on the outside.

00:17:21.880 --> 00:17:22.660
 Make sure,

00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:23.339
 Timothy,

00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:24.619
 that you're living

00:17:24.619 --> 00:17:25.240
 your life

00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:25.960
 in such a way

00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:26.920
 that God has placed.

00:17:27.720 --> 00:17:28.120
 Make sure

00:17:28.120 --> 00:17:28.920
 that your motivations,

00:17:29.319 --> 00:17:29.759
 make sure

00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:31.220
 that your pursuits

00:17:31.220 --> 00:17:32.120
 are things

00:17:32.120 --> 00:17:33.100
 that represent

00:17:33.100 --> 00:17:33.860
 a life

00:17:33.860 --> 00:17:35.340
 that is motivated

00:17:35.340 --> 00:17:36.400
 by God.

00:17:37.400 --> 00:17:37.900
 This work

00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:38.440
 of faith

00:17:38.440 --> 00:17:38.980
 and love,

00:17:39.100 --> 00:17:40.480
 the second pair

00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:41.220
 of words

00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:41.660
 that kind of

00:17:41.660 --> 00:17:42.420
 come together,

00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:43.620
 this natural

00:17:43.620 --> 00:17:44.319
 outflow

00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:45.259
 of godliness

00:17:45.259 --> 00:17:46.579
 that pours out

00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:48.100
 in our responses

00:17:48.100 --> 00:17:48.559
 to others.

00:17:48.600 --> 00:17:49.019
 Not only

00:17:49.019 --> 00:17:50.240
 in our response

00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:50.759
 to God

00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:51.480
 and how we

00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:52.420
 live for Him,

00:17:52.440 --> 00:17:52.799
 but now

00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:53.660
 how that life

00:17:53.660 --> 00:17:54.259
 shows up

00:17:54.259 --> 00:17:54.900
 on the outside

00:17:54.900 --> 00:17:55.519
 to others.

00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:57.279
 This work

00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:58.059
 of faith

00:17:58.059 --> 00:17:58.799
 and trusting

00:17:58.799 --> 00:17:59.279
 God

00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:00.680
 for everything,

00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:01.740
 which we'll see

00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:02.620
 as we continue

00:18:02.620 --> 00:18:03.480
 along in

00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:04.740
 this passage.

00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:06.140
 A work

00:18:06.140 --> 00:18:06.600
 of faith

00:18:06.600 --> 00:18:07.440
 that helps

00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:08.120
 to secure

00:18:08.120 --> 00:18:09.420
 Timothy's obedience.

00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:10.279
 I trust

00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:11.079
 that God's

00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:11.920
 work

00:18:11.920 --> 00:18:12.600
 and will

00:18:12.600 --> 00:18:13.059
 for me

00:18:13.059 --> 00:18:13.600
 is better.

00:18:14.600 --> 00:18:15.200
 That I can

00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:16.120
 grab hold

00:18:16.120 --> 00:18:16.759
 of the pleasures

00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:17.779
 of this life

00:18:17.779 --> 00:18:19.000
 on my own

00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:19.900
 or I can trust

00:18:19.900 --> 00:18:20.279
 God

00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:21.180
 to give me

00:18:21.180 --> 00:18:22.480
 those good things

00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:23.579
 in His good time

00:18:23.579 --> 00:18:24.700
 and in the way

00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:25.259
 that He has

00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:25.700
 prescribed

00:18:25.700 --> 00:18:26.319
 through His word.

00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:26.860
 I'm going

00:18:26.860 --> 00:18:27.480
 to trust Him.

00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:28.920
 Not to fill out

00:18:28.920 --> 00:18:30.120
 my fleshly pursuits

00:18:30.120 --> 00:18:30.819
 on my own,

00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:31.720
 but to wait

00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:32.380
 patiently

00:18:32.380 --> 00:18:33.460
 for God

00:18:33.460 --> 00:18:34.600
 to answer

00:18:34.600 --> 00:18:35.160
 the deepest

00:18:35.160 --> 00:18:36.240
 needs of my heart

00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:36.799
 and to do it

00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.240
 in a way

00:18:37.240 --> 00:18:38.039
 that represents

00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:38.980
 my faith in Him.

00:18:39.900 --> 00:18:40.440
 And love,

00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:42.200
 this word for love

00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:43.299
 is a love

00:18:43.299 --> 00:18:44.100
 of volition

00:18:44.100 --> 00:18:45.000
 and choice.

00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:46.360
 It's a love

00:18:46.360 --> 00:18:47.220
 of decision.

00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:49.340
 This volition

00:18:49.339 --> 00:18:50.919
 and that love

00:18:50.919 --> 00:18:51.740
 that's voluntary,

00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:54.119
 choosing to love.

00:18:55.159 --> 00:18:55.799
 You will be marked

00:18:55.799 --> 00:18:56.500
 by an affection

00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:57.740
 for God's people.

00:18:58.619 --> 00:18:59.279
 One who loves

00:18:59.279 --> 00:18:59.959
 the Lord their God

00:18:59.959 --> 00:19:00.679
 with all their heart,

00:19:00.819 --> 00:19:01.079
 soul,

00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:01.779
 mind,

00:19:01.859 --> 00:19:02.399
 and strength

00:19:02.399 --> 00:19:03.419
 and loves their neighbor

00:19:03.419 --> 00:19:04.139
 as themselves.

00:19:04.339 --> 00:19:06.159
 That two-dimensional

00:19:06.159 --> 00:19:07.659
 kind of love

00:19:07.659 --> 00:19:08.720
 that is not only

00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:09.500
 love for God

00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:10.559
 but expresses itself

00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:11.159
 in love

00:19:11.159 --> 00:19:12.019
 for people.

00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:13.339
 Timothy,

00:19:13.480 --> 00:19:13.839
 demonstrate

00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:16.099
 that the work

00:19:16.099 --> 00:19:16.699
 of faith

00:19:16.699 --> 00:19:18.159
 in your life

00:19:18.159 --> 00:19:19.259
 has changed you

00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:20.139
 from the inside out.

00:19:20.639 --> 00:19:22.179
 This steadfastness

00:19:22.179 --> 00:19:23.299
 and this gentleness,

00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:24.740
 there's a perseverance

00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:25.819
 about you.

00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:27.639
 There's a willingness

00:19:27.639 --> 00:19:29.139
 to go the distance

00:19:29.139 --> 00:19:30.939
 and a gentleness here.

00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:32.119
 This word for gentleness

00:19:32.119 --> 00:19:33.899
 is a rare word

00:19:33.899 --> 00:19:34.599
 in the New Testament

00:19:34.599 --> 00:19:35.639
 and it's a word

00:19:35.639 --> 00:19:37.379
 of the normal word

00:19:37.379 --> 00:19:38.039
 for gentle

00:19:38.039 --> 00:19:39.399
 coupled with the word

00:19:39.399 --> 00:19:40.039
 for suffering.

00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:41.879
 It's gentleness

00:19:41.879 --> 00:19:42.659
 in the midst

00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:44.080
 of hard things.

00:19:45.040 --> 00:19:45.480
 I don't know,

00:19:45.580 --> 00:19:46.440
 have you found

00:19:46.440 --> 00:19:47.720
 as I have

00:19:47.720 --> 00:19:48.440
 in my life

00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:49.480
 that when the pressure

00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:52.120
 is pressing in,

00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:54.640
 when my day is long,

00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:57.259
 when I'm feeling raw

00:19:57.259 --> 00:19:58.540
 and I'm feeling like

00:19:58.540 --> 00:19:59.600
 I'm missing out

00:19:59.600 --> 00:20:00.279
 on sleep,

00:20:00.360 --> 00:20:01.060
 those are the times

00:20:01.060 --> 00:20:02.580
 where I'm most vulnerable

00:20:02.580 --> 00:20:04.200
 and most agitated

00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:05.360
 and least gentle.

00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:06.800
 You find yourself to be,

00:20:07.080 --> 00:20:07.480
 is that true

00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:07.980
 about yourself?

00:20:09.300 --> 00:20:10.000
 There's something

00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:10.720
 about the gospel

00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:11.200
 that shapes

00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:11.920
 the way we live.

00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:14.160
 especially in the moments

00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:15.060
 where we're most vulnerable.

00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:16.620
 There's a gentleness

00:20:16.620 --> 00:20:17.120
 about you,

00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:17.480
 Timothy.

00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:18.820
 There's a sweetness

00:20:18.820 --> 00:20:19.600
 about you.

00:20:20.140 --> 00:20:21.360
 There's a change,

00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:22.860
 the fruit of the Spirit

00:20:22.860 --> 00:20:24.039
 that is working

00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:24.940
 in your life,

00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:26.100
 love, joy, peace,

00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:26.940
 patience, kindness,

00:20:27.300 --> 00:20:28.420
 goodness, faithfulness,

00:20:28.800 --> 00:20:29.420
 gentleness

00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:30.220
 in self-control.

00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:31.640
 God is helping

00:20:31.640 --> 00:20:33.160
 to show up

00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:33.840
 in your life

00:20:33.840 --> 00:20:35.900
 and so the faith

00:20:35.900 --> 00:20:36.600
 of your life

00:20:36.600 --> 00:20:37.640
 is showing through

00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:38.840
 in how you live.

00:20:38.839 --> 00:20:40.619
 recognize,

00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:40.859
 though,

00:20:40.899 --> 00:20:41.959
 that this is not

00:20:41.959 --> 00:20:43.799
 going to be easy.

00:20:45.899 --> 00:20:46.779
 Fleeing from

00:20:46.779 --> 00:20:47.659
 spiritual danger

00:20:47.659 --> 00:20:48.619
 and pursuing

00:20:48.619 --> 00:20:49.399
 spiritual life

00:20:49.399 --> 00:20:50.359
 is not going to be

00:20:50.359 --> 00:20:51.399
 an easy thing.

00:20:52.579 --> 00:20:53.099
 So,

00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:54.319
 that's why he gives

00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:55.619
 this next command

00:20:55.619 --> 00:20:56.859
 that we find

00:20:56.859 --> 00:20:58.779
 in verse 12.

00:20:59.079 --> 00:21:00.319
 Fight the good fight

00:21:00.319 --> 00:21:00.740
 of faith.

00:21:01.399 --> 00:21:02.839
 Fight the good fight

00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:03.480
 of faith.

00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:04.799
 He says,

00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:06.519
 take hold

00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:07.379
 of eternal life

00:21:07.379 --> 00:21:08.399
 to which you were called

00:21:08.399 --> 00:21:09.619
 and about which

00:21:09.619 --> 00:21:10.379
 you made

00:21:10.379 --> 00:21:11.299
 the good confession

00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:12.519
 in the presence

00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:13.839
 of many witnesses.

00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:15.700
 This word for fight,

00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:16.039
 again,

00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:17.480
 is a present imperative.

00:21:17.659 --> 00:21:18.819
 It's the third one

00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:19.379
 in line.

00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:21.279
 This competition,

00:21:21.539 --> 00:21:22.059
 this fight,

00:21:22.319 --> 00:21:23.079
 this struggle.

00:21:23.899 --> 00:21:24.720
 The Greek word

00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.919
 is agonizomai.

00:21:26.139 --> 00:21:26.919
 Do you hear the word

00:21:26.919 --> 00:21:28.259
 agony in there?

00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:30.940
 This is a verb

00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:31.779
 that describes

00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:32.440
 fighting.

00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:34.139
 This military

00:21:34.140 --> 00:21:34.900
 or athletic

00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:36.060
 kind of word

00:21:36.060 --> 00:21:36.680
 that's used

00:21:36.680 --> 00:21:38.360
 in those two areas.

00:21:38.900 --> 00:21:39.940
 The concentration

00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:41.160
 and discipline

00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:41.940
 and conviction

00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:43.120
 that's required

00:21:43.120 --> 00:21:44.500
 in that kind of struggle

00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:46.160
 that grits it out

00:21:46.160 --> 00:21:47.220
 when things are hard.

00:21:48.780 --> 00:21:49.120
 Faith

00:21:49.120 --> 00:21:51.040
 has been a major theme

00:21:51.040 --> 00:21:52.000
 throughout the

00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:53.620
 letter of Timothy.

00:21:54.360 --> 00:21:55.880
 It's used 21 times

00:21:55.880 --> 00:21:57.259
 from start to finish.

00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.840
 And if you add the verb,

00:21:58.980 --> 00:22:00.040
 so the noun

00:22:00.040 --> 00:22:01.320
 for faith

00:22:01.320 --> 00:22:02.240
 and then coupled

00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:03.360
 with the verbs

00:22:03.359 --> 00:22:03.939
 for faith,

00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:04.459
 which is the word

00:22:04.459 --> 00:22:05.079
 to believe,

00:22:05.399 --> 00:22:07.059
 it's used 29 times

00:22:07.059 --> 00:22:08.079
 throughout this letter.

00:22:09.079 --> 00:22:09.979
 Right at the outset,

00:22:10.159 --> 00:22:11.359
 Paul describes Timothy

00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:13.679
 as his true son

00:22:13.679 --> 00:22:14.639
 in the faith.

00:22:15.979 --> 00:22:16.899
 Recognize Timothy

00:22:16.899 --> 00:22:18.619
 as a man of faith,

00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:19.899
 as a man of God.

00:22:20.519 --> 00:22:21.779
 Faith needs to show up

00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:22.419
 in your life

00:22:22.419 --> 00:22:23.399
 and it's a battle.

00:22:24.139 --> 00:22:25.699
 You must struggle

00:22:25.699 --> 00:22:26.799
 for faith

00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:28.159
 so that it's a reality

00:22:28.159 --> 00:22:29.000
 in your life.

00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:30.880
 And he charges Timothy

00:22:30.880 --> 00:22:31.839
 to confront

00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.859
 the false teachers

00:22:32.859 --> 00:22:34.559
 that promote speculation

00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:37.519
 instead of the stewardship

00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.119
 from God

00:22:38.119 --> 00:22:39.000
 that is by faith

00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:40.299
 there in chapter 1,

00:22:40.359 --> 00:22:41.059
 verse 5.

00:22:41.819 --> 00:22:42.500
 Paul goes on

00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:42.960
 to describe

00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:43.759
 his own experience

00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:44.180
 of faith

00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:44.980
 later on

00:22:44.980 --> 00:22:45.740
 in chapter 1,

00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:46.380
 verse 14.

00:22:46.920 --> 00:22:47.200
 He says,

00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:54.460
 And then,

00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:56.180
 of Timothy's responsibility,

00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:57.700
 he says in verse 19,

00:22:58.100 --> 00:22:59.519
 Hold faith

00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.940
 and a good conscience.

00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:02.819
 And if you don't,

00:23:03.080 --> 00:23:04.000
 here's the consequences.

00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:05.640
 By rejecting this,

00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.340
 some have made

00:23:06.340 --> 00:23:06.980
 a shipwreck

00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.960
 of their faith.

00:23:09.140 --> 00:23:09.580
 So,

00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:10.900
 this ministry,

00:23:11.120 --> 00:23:11.380
 Timothy,

00:23:11.840 --> 00:23:12.600
 must be marked

00:23:12.600 --> 00:23:13.140
 by faith.

00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:14.740
 both personally

00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:16.020
 and in how

00:23:16.020 --> 00:23:16.680
 you communicate

00:23:16.680 --> 00:23:17.940
 faith to others.

00:23:18.300 --> 00:23:19.020
 As we find

00:23:19.020 --> 00:23:19.980
 in chapter 4,

00:23:20.040 --> 00:23:20.480
 verse 6,

00:23:20.540 --> 00:23:20.960
 he says,

00:23:21.460 --> 00:23:21.880
 If you put

00:23:21.880 --> 00:23:22.660
 these things

00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:23.360
 before the brothers,

00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.880
 you will be

00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:25.860
 a good servant

00:23:25.860 --> 00:23:26.780
 of Christ Jesus

00:23:26.780 --> 00:23:28.160
 being trained,

00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:28.720
 listen,

00:23:29.080 --> 00:23:30.460
 in the words

00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:31.340
 of faith

00:23:31.340 --> 00:23:33.580
 and the good doctrine

00:23:33.580 --> 00:23:34.340
 that you have followed.

00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:36.400
 Fight the good fight

00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:36.800
 of faith.

00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:38.660
 It is a good fight.

00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:41.160
 Not an arbitrary fight

00:23:41.160 --> 00:23:41.860
 but a fight

00:23:41.860 --> 00:23:42.900
 that is oriented

00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:43.920
 around good things.

00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:44.960
 The good things

00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:45.600
 of the gospel.

00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.480
 Faith that leads

00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:48.080
 to God.

00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:48.700
 That's where

00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:49.700
 true goodness

00:23:49.700 --> 00:23:50.480
 comes from.

00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:51.019
 That's where

00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:51.860
 true godliness

00:23:51.860 --> 00:23:52.580
 comes from.

00:23:53.180 --> 00:23:53.860
 Have the kind

00:23:53.860 --> 00:23:54.240
 of faith

00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:54.900
 that points

00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:56.580
 people to God.

00:23:57.940 --> 00:23:58.800
 Faith that refers

00:23:58.800 --> 00:24:00.440
 to this body

00:24:00.440 --> 00:24:01.620
 of Christian truth.

00:24:01.880 --> 00:24:02.519
 The contents

00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.460
 of the word of God.

00:24:03.820 --> 00:24:04.300
 Recognize,

00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:04.740
 Timothy.

00:24:05.420 --> 00:24:05.960
 All that,

00:24:06.060 --> 00:24:06.620
 the instruction

00:24:06.620 --> 00:24:07.440
 that's in the word

00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:08.580
 and how that will help

00:24:08.580 --> 00:24:09.440
 to undergird

00:24:09.440 --> 00:24:10.800
 faith.

00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:12.600
 And if you do this well,

00:24:12.599 --> 00:24:13.099
 Timothy,

00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.719
 Paul says

00:24:14.719 --> 00:24:15.839
 in 2 Timothy 4

00:24:15.839 --> 00:24:17.139
 verses 7 and 8,

00:24:17.899 --> 00:24:18.399
 I have fought

00:24:18.399 --> 00:24:18.919
 the good fight.

00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:20.000
 I have finished

00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:20.359
 the race.

00:24:20.459 --> 00:24:21.199
 I have kept

00:24:21.199 --> 00:24:22.219
 the faith.

00:24:23.159 --> 00:24:23.539
 Henceforth,

00:24:23.619 --> 00:24:24.099
 there is laid up

00:24:24.099 --> 00:24:24.819
 for me the crown

00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:25.819
 of righteousness

00:24:25.819 --> 00:24:26.619
 which the Lord,

00:24:26.719 --> 00:24:27.559
 the righteous judge,

00:24:27.619 --> 00:24:28.659
 will award to me

00:24:28.659 --> 00:24:29.859
 on that day

00:24:29.859 --> 00:24:31.359
 and not only to me

00:24:31.359 --> 00:24:32.519
 but also to all

00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:33.379
 who have loved

00:24:33.379 --> 00:24:33.919
 his appearing.

00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.500
 There is a reward

00:24:35.500 --> 00:24:36.839
 for fighting

00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:37.480
 the good fight

00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:37.839
 of faith

00:24:37.839 --> 00:24:38.839
 and that reward

00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:39.539
 of course

00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:42.139
 is this future joy

00:24:42.139 --> 00:24:43.179
 we'll experience

00:24:43.179 --> 00:24:44.579
 with God himself

00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.599
 in glory.

00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:47.740
 When that fight

00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:48.759
 seems more

00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:49.619
 than you can bear,

00:24:50.359 --> 00:24:51.059
 then Timothy,

00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:52.299
 do this next thing,

00:24:52.419 --> 00:24:53.559
 live for eternity.

00:24:53.939 --> 00:24:54.980
 We see that in verse 12.

00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:56.179
 Live for eternity.

00:24:56.639 --> 00:24:56.959
 Really,

00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:58.839
 I'm taking the phrase,

00:24:59.139 --> 00:24:59.699
 take hold

00:24:59.699 --> 00:25:00.599
 of eternal life

00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:02.199
 and summarizing that

00:25:02.199 --> 00:25:03.439
 as live for eternity.

00:25:04.299 --> 00:25:04.840
 This word,

00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:05.779
 take hold,

00:25:05.840 --> 00:25:07.200
 is another imperative,

00:25:07.360 --> 00:25:08.100
 another command.

00:25:10.320 --> 00:25:11.960
 Understand the destination,

00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:12.400
 Timothy.

00:25:13.539 --> 00:25:14.840
 Understand the whole purpose

00:25:14.840 --> 00:25:16.080
 for which you exist.

00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:17.779
 Take hold

00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:18.740
 of this eternal life.

00:25:19.360 --> 00:25:20.160
 Don't live

00:25:20.160 --> 00:25:21.400
 for the here and now,

00:25:21.640 --> 00:25:21.960
 Timothy.

00:25:22.539 --> 00:25:24.140
 Live for what is coming

00:25:24.140 --> 00:25:25.340
 or understand

00:25:25.340 --> 00:25:26.759
 the accountability

00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:28.180
 of the God

00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:28.900
 that you serve.

00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:30.820
 Understand the great mission

00:25:30.820 --> 00:25:32.200
 that you've been set for.

00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:33.340
 Recognize the idea

00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:33.720
 of the identity

00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:35.019
 that he's given to you.

00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:37.680
 There is this new reality,

00:25:37.860 --> 00:25:39.039
 this new objective,

00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:40.820
 this new destination,

00:25:41.120 --> 00:25:41.340
 Timothy.

00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:43.700
 Keep that in mind.

00:25:43.840 --> 00:25:44.640
 Keep that in view.

00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:47.600
 He admonishes Timothy

00:25:47.600 --> 00:25:48.539
 to get a grip.

00:25:49.580 --> 00:25:50.380
 Take hold.

00:25:51.080 --> 00:25:51.980
 Hang on, Timothy.

00:25:52.320 --> 00:25:54.019
 Don't lose your grip.

00:25:54.920 --> 00:25:56.180
 And then he reminds him

00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:58.340
 of this holding on

00:25:58.340 --> 00:25:59.039
 which happens

00:25:59.039 --> 00:26:00.279
 because he was called

00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:00.820
 to this.

00:26:01.320 --> 00:26:02.700
 This work of God

00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:03.400
 in his life.

00:26:04.080 --> 00:26:05.120
 You were called

00:26:05.120 --> 00:26:05.580
 to this,

00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:05.960
 Timothy.

00:26:06.819 --> 00:26:07.920
 Recognize the grace

00:26:07.920 --> 00:26:08.539
 of God

00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.700
 in calling you

00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:10.420
 to himself.

00:26:10.840 --> 00:26:11.360
 He's the one

00:26:11.360 --> 00:26:12.059
 who drew you.

00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:12.920
 Remember him.

00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:14.380
 Press on.

00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.120
 And then also remember

00:26:16.120 --> 00:26:18.059
 the future joy

00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:19.700
 of what you have

00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:20.360
 to anticipate

00:26:20.360 --> 00:26:21.680
 and look forward to.

00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:23.039
 Take hold

00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:23.779
 of eternal life.

00:26:24.360 --> 00:26:25.200
 Don't live for the moment.

00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:27.660
 Live for the eternity.

00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:29.620
 And remember,

00:26:29.920 --> 00:26:30.200
 Timothy,

00:26:30.880 --> 00:26:32.340
 that this good confession.

00:26:32.500 --> 00:26:33.420
 You've been called

00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:34.360
 by God

00:26:34.360 --> 00:26:35.060
 and remember

00:26:35.060 --> 00:26:36.580
 that good confession

00:26:36.580 --> 00:26:37.320
 that you had.

00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:38.640
 That confession

00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:39.460
 in the presence

00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.740
 of many witnesses.

00:26:42.360 --> 00:26:43.180
 I imagine

00:26:43.180 --> 00:26:43.779
 that what Paul

00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:44.779
 is referring to

00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.940
 is that

00:26:45.940 --> 00:26:46.720
 that moment

00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:47.920
 where Timothy

00:26:47.920 --> 00:26:49.220
 was publicly

00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:50.759
 confessing his faith

00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:52.380
 before his home church

00:26:52.380 --> 00:26:52.860
 perhaps.

00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:54.019
 Maybe it was

00:26:54.019 --> 00:26:54.640
 the day

00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:55.640
 that he got baptized.

00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.360
 We don't know

00:26:56.360 --> 00:26:57.040
 for sure

00:26:57.040 --> 00:26:58.400
 but that good confession.

00:26:59.320 --> 00:27:00.440
 And those of you

00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:01.420
 who have come

00:27:01.420 --> 00:27:02.280
 to faith in Christ,

00:27:02.380 --> 00:27:03.020
 I wonder

00:27:03.020 --> 00:27:04.600
 perhaps for you

00:27:04.600 --> 00:27:06.280
 if you can remember

00:27:06.280 --> 00:27:07.640
 the experience

00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:09.360
 of the moment

00:27:09.360 --> 00:27:10.340
 where you came

00:27:10.340 --> 00:27:11.460
 to Christ yourself.

00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:12.900
 For me,

00:27:12.940 --> 00:27:13.540
 it was when I was

00:27:13.540 --> 00:27:14.300
 five years old.

00:27:15.060 --> 00:27:16.320
 And even as a

00:27:16.320 --> 00:27:17.060
 five year old,

00:27:17.620 --> 00:27:19.040
 I can appreciate

00:27:19.040 --> 00:27:20.400
 in my own

00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:21.640
 innocent little way

00:27:21.640 --> 00:27:22.980
 the sin

00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:23.980
 that I brought

00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:24.660
 to the table

00:27:24.660 --> 00:27:25.759
 and the great

00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:26.820
 mercy of God

00:27:26.820 --> 00:27:27.779
 in drawing me

00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.320
 to himself,

00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.360
 forgiving me

00:27:29.360 --> 00:27:29.980
 of sin

00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:30.940
 and making me

00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:31.360
 his own.

00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:33.340
 Maybe there were

00:27:33.340 --> 00:27:34.040
 experiences

00:27:34.040 --> 00:27:35.920
 or even feelings

00:27:35.920 --> 00:27:36.500
 that you have

00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:37.620
 that maybe burdens

00:27:37.620 --> 00:27:38.320
 that were lifted

00:27:38.320 --> 00:27:39.060
 and maybe even

00:27:39.060 --> 00:27:40.800
 the presence

00:27:40.800 --> 00:27:41.380
 of God

00:27:41.380 --> 00:27:42.019
 in your life.

00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:43.220
 I think

00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:44.400
 that Paul

00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:45.120
 may be referring

00:27:45.120 --> 00:27:46.820
 to this good confession.

00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:48.440
 Remember how fresh

00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:49.240
 and new

00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:50.259
 it seemed.

00:27:50.900 --> 00:27:52.040
 Remember how excited

00:27:52.040 --> 00:27:52.580
 you were

00:27:52.579 --> 00:27:53.439
 that great

00:27:53.439 --> 00:27:54.119
 and good

00:27:54.119 --> 00:27:54.740
 confession

00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:55.500
 that you had

00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.039
 publicly.

00:27:56.319 --> 00:27:57.119
 Don't let

00:27:57.119 --> 00:27:58.659
 that disappear.

00:27:59.839 --> 00:28:00.339
 Know what

00:28:00.339 --> 00:28:00.859
 that purchased

00:28:00.859 --> 00:28:01.399
 for you,

00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:02.619
 this future

00:28:02.619 --> 00:28:03.480
 in heaven.

00:28:03.919 --> 00:28:04.699
 Don't allow

00:28:04.699 --> 00:28:05.439
 the hardships

00:28:05.439 --> 00:28:06.220
 that you're going

00:28:06.220 --> 00:28:06.539
 through

00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:08.079
 to erase

00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:08.720
 your memory

00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:10.059
 of that good

00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:10.419
 day,

00:28:10.539 --> 00:28:11.019
 that good

00:28:11.019 --> 00:28:11.539
 confession

00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:12.259
 where you've

00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:12.740
 been called

00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:13.960
 to be his own.

00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:15.980
 In verse 13,

00:28:16.659 --> 00:28:17.319
 the apostle Paul

00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:17.819
 moves,

00:28:18.139 --> 00:28:18.939
 remember your

00:28:18.939 --> 00:28:20.259
 ultimate motivation.

00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:22.279
 Remember your

00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:23.240
 ultimate motivation,

00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:23.819
 he says.

00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:25.500
 In verse 13,

00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:26.220
 I charge you

00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:27.379
 in the presence

00:28:27.379 --> 00:28:27.839
 of God

00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:28.920
 who gives life

00:28:28.920 --> 00:28:30.079
 to all things

00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:31.079
 and of Christ Jesus

00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:32.879
 who in his testimony

00:28:32.879 --> 00:28:34.119
 before Pontius Pilate

00:28:34.119 --> 00:28:35.619
 made the good

00:28:35.619 --> 00:28:36.319
 confession

00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:38.379
 to keep the commandments

00:28:38.379 --> 00:28:38.299
!

00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:38.420
 The commandments

00:28:38.420 --> 00:28:39.599
 unstained and free

00:28:39.599 --> 00:28:40.299
 from reproach

00:28:40.299 --> 00:28:41.160
 until the appearing

00:28:41.160 --> 00:28:42.359
 of our Lord Jesus Christ

00:28:42.359 --> 00:28:43.539
 which he will

00:28:43.539 --> 00:28:44.640
 display at the

00:28:44.640 --> 00:28:45.259
 proper time.

00:28:46.279 --> 00:28:47.039
 He who is blessed

00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:48.079
 and only sovereign,

00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:49.379
 the King of kings

00:28:49.380 --> 00:28:50.180
 and Lord of lords

00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:50.840
 who alone

00:28:50.840 --> 00:28:52.280
 has immortality,

00:28:52.460 --> 00:28:53.280
 who dwells

00:28:53.280 --> 00:28:54.380
 in unapproachable light,

00:28:54.880 --> 00:28:55.540
 whom no one

00:28:55.540 --> 00:28:56.500
 has ever seen

00:28:56.500 --> 00:28:57.800
 or can see.

00:28:58.140 --> 00:28:59.380
 To him be glory

00:28:59.380 --> 00:29:01.000
 and eternal dominion.

00:29:01.160 --> 00:29:01.400
 Amen.

00:29:02.620 --> 00:29:03.140
 Timothy,

00:29:03.800 --> 00:29:04.800
 keep the commandments.

00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:05.200
 Why?

00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:06.700
 You're keeping

00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:07.360
 these commandments

00:29:07.360 --> 00:29:08.360
 because you know

00:29:08.360 --> 00:29:10.960
 who you are living for.

00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:13.240
 I'm charging you

00:29:13.240 --> 00:29:13.880
 in the presence

00:29:13.880 --> 00:29:14.720
 of God.

00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:16.760
 Recognize that you live

00:29:16.760 --> 00:29:17.440
 in the presence

00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:18.600
 of God himself.

00:29:19.120 --> 00:29:20.279
 God is not distant,

00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:20.740
 Timothy.

00:29:21.860 --> 00:29:22.840
 God is present.

00:29:23.580 --> 00:29:24.299
 God is active.

00:29:24.440 --> 00:29:25.059
 God is near.

00:29:25.840 --> 00:29:26.600
 God is accessible.

00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.960
 He's not far away.

00:29:29.580 --> 00:29:30.720
 He is present

00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.600
 with you.

00:29:32.900 --> 00:29:33.660
 Not like the

00:29:33.660 --> 00:29:34.840
 old song

00:29:34.840 --> 00:29:36.140
 from the 1990s,

00:29:36.320 --> 00:29:36.860
 Bette Midler.

00:29:37.279 --> 00:29:38.660
 Maybe you have heard

00:29:38.660 --> 00:29:39.600
 this song or not.

00:29:39.880 --> 00:29:40.700
 From a distance,

00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:42.460
 God is watching us

00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:43.160
 from a distance.

00:29:43.240 --> 00:29:44.420
 Ever heard that song?

00:29:45.180 --> 00:29:45.740
 Well, that's not

00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:46.300
 the kind of God

00:29:46.300 --> 00:29:46.720
 of the Bible.

00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:48.460
 The God of the Bible

00:29:48.460 --> 00:29:49.500
 is a present God.

00:29:50.100 --> 00:29:50.940
 The God of the Bible

00:29:50.940 --> 00:29:51.920
 is a near God.

00:29:52.380 --> 00:29:53.560
 The God of the Bible

00:29:53.560 --> 00:29:54.980
 is an engaged God.

00:29:55.279 --> 00:29:56.460
 He's not a distant God.

00:29:56.840 --> 00:29:57.140
 And so,

00:29:57.220 --> 00:29:57.519
 Timothy,

00:29:57.880 --> 00:29:58.960
 keep it in mind

00:29:58.960 --> 00:30:00.480
 that God is near you.

00:30:00.840 --> 00:30:02.039
 He's present with you.

00:30:02.259 --> 00:30:03.140
 And that should change

00:30:03.140 --> 00:30:03.720
 everything about

00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:04.440
 how you live.

00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:06.820
 Towards the end

00:30:06.820 --> 00:30:07.480
 of Paul's

00:30:07.480 --> 00:30:08.220
 second letter

00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:08.980
 to Timothy,

00:30:08.980 --> 00:30:09.940
 he repeats

00:30:09.940 --> 00:30:11.440
 this similar statement

00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:13.779
 in 2 Timothy 4,

00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:14.559
 verses 1 and 2,

00:30:14.640 --> 00:30:15.380
 he says this,

00:30:15.900 --> 00:30:17.160
 I charge you

00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:18.279
 in the presence

00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:18.799
 of God

00:30:18.799 --> 00:30:20.180
 and of Christ Jesus,

00:30:20.779 --> 00:30:21.519
 who is the judge

00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:21.880
 of the living

00:30:21.880 --> 00:30:22.320
 and the dead

00:30:22.320 --> 00:30:23.279
 and by his appearing

00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:24.440
 and his kingdom

00:30:24.440 --> 00:30:25.440
 preach the word.

00:30:26.180 --> 00:30:26.640
 Be ready

00:30:26.640 --> 00:30:27.620
 in season

00:30:27.620 --> 00:30:28.740
 and out of season.

00:30:29.100 --> 00:30:29.539
 Reprove,

00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:30.160
 rebuke,

00:30:30.320 --> 00:30:30.720
 exhort

00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:31.940
 with complete

00:30:31.940 --> 00:30:32.700
 patience

00:30:32.700 --> 00:30:33.620
 and teaching.

00:30:34.680 --> 00:30:34.960
 You see,

00:30:34.960 --> 00:30:35.299
 Timothy,

00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:36.180
 if you understand

00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:37.180
 that God is there,

00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:38.539
 you understand

00:30:38.539 --> 00:30:39.460
 that the work

00:30:39.460 --> 00:30:40.200
 that you do

00:30:40.200 --> 00:30:40.960
 does not depend

00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:41.400
 on you,

00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:42.480
 it depends on God.

00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:44.299
 And if you understand

00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:45.140
 that God is there,

00:30:45.259 --> 00:30:45.500
 Timothy,

00:30:45.620 --> 00:30:46.019
 you know that

00:30:46.019 --> 00:30:47.279
 whatever circumstances

00:30:47.279 --> 00:30:48.299
 that you're going through

00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:49.900
 are circumstances

00:30:49.900 --> 00:30:51.120
 that God is allowed

00:30:51.120 --> 00:30:51.579
 to happen

00:30:51.579 --> 00:30:52.740
 because of

00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:53.880
 his sovereignty.

00:30:54.680 --> 00:30:55.480
 His presence

00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:56.220
 is there,

00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:57.160
 his power

00:30:57.160 --> 00:30:57.980
 is represented,

00:30:58.400 --> 00:30:59.279
 you can trust him

00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:00.180
 just like Jesus

00:31:00.180 --> 00:31:01.559
 trusted the Father

00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:02.720
 by giving the good

00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:03.220
 confession

00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:04.240
 in the presence

00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:05.160
 of Pontius Pilate.

00:31:06.140 --> 00:31:06.840
 In the moment

00:31:06.840 --> 00:31:07.720
 where from a human

00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:08.400
 standpoint,

00:31:08.860 --> 00:31:09.900
 life hung

00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:10.700
 in the balance,

00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:11.860
 where Jesus

00:31:11.860 --> 00:31:12.880
 was giving testimony

00:31:12.880 --> 00:31:14.160
 before an earthly

00:31:14.160 --> 00:31:14.779
 judge,

00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:15.259
 Pilate,

00:31:15.360 --> 00:31:16.000
 who had the

00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:17.079
 sentence of death

00:31:17.079 --> 00:31:17.640
 or life

00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:18.340
 and Jesus

00:31:18.340 --> 00:31:19.500
 was faithful

00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:20.259
 and true

00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:21.400
 to God himself.

00:31:21.840 --> 00:31:23.400
 He entrusted

00:31:23.400 --> 00:31:23.799
 himself

00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:24.559
 to him

00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:25.259
 who judges

00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:25.840
 justly,

00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:26.819
 not Pilate,

00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:27.500
 but God.

00:31:30.019 --> 00:31:30.840
 Jesus gave

00:31:30.840 --> 00:31:31.860
 the good confession.

00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:33.460
 We find from

00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:34.420
 John chapter 18,

00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.000
 37,

00:31:35.920 --> 00:31:36.579
 Pilate asks

00:31:36.579 --> 00:31:36.899
 Jesus,

00:31:36.899 --> 00:31:37.299
 so,

00:31:37.579 --> 00:31:39.159
 are you a king?

00:31:39.399 --> 00:31:40.099
 Jesus answered,

00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:41.480
 you say that I'm a king.

00:31:42.179 --> 00:31:42.759
 For this purpose

00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:43.279
 I was born

00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:44.099
 and for this purpose

00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:44.679
 I have come

00:31:44.679 --> 00:31:45.299
 into the world

00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:47.139
 to bear witness

00:31:47.139 --> 00:31:48.720
 to the truth.

00:31:49.679 --> 00:31:50.419
 Everyone who is

00:31:50.419 --> 00:31:51.000
 of the truth

00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.879
 listens to

00:31:51.879 --> 00:31:52.839
 my voice.

00:31:53.240 --> 00:31:54.359
 Jesus kept

00:31:54.359 --> 00:31:55.179
 the commandments.

00:31:56.159 --> 00:31:57.240
 Jesus spoke

00:31:57.240 --> 00:31:57.759
 the truth.

00:31:58.079 --> 00:31:58.899
 Jesus gave

00:31:58.899 --> 00:32:00.059
 the good confession.

00:32:00.539 --> 00:32:00.799
 Jesus,

00:32:01.019 --> 00:32:01.319
 of course,

00:32:01.419 --> 00:32:02.980
 was the man

00:32:02.980 --> 00:32:03.740
 of God.

00:32:05.660 --> 00:32:06.460
 Keep Jesus

00:32:06.460 --> 00:32:06.900
 in view,

00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:07.299
 Timothy.

00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:08.620
 Don't lose

00:32:08.620 --> 00:32:09.519
 sight of his presence.

00:32:10.200 --> 00:32:10.720
 Recognize

00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:11.299
 that he's there.

00:32:12.120 --> 00:32:12.680
 Trust him.

00:32:13.299 --> 00:32:13.819
 So keep

00:32:13.819 --> 00:32:14.980
 those commandments,

00:32:15.819 --> 00:32:16.099
 Timothy.

00:32:16.839 --> 00:32:17.740
 Do it faithfully.

00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:19.039
 Trust the word

00:32:19.039 --> 00:32:19.500
 of God.

00:32:19.860 --> 00:32:20.380
 Be faithful

00:32:20.380 --> 00:32:21.039
 to the calling

00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:21.720
 that you've been given

00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:22.920
 and do it

00:32:22.920 --> 00:32:23.259
 in a way

00:32:23.259 --> 00:32:24.220
 that's unstained,

00:32:24.319 --> 00:32:25.099
 that's spotless,

00:32:25.380 --> 00:32:26.059
 without defect.

00:32:26.779 --> 00:32:27.460
 Do it in a way

00:32:27.460 --> 00:32:28.400
 that's untarnished

00:32:28.400 --> 00:32:29.099
 so you can

00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:29.620
 communicate

00:32:29.620 --> 00:32:30.620
 the commandments

00:32:30.620 --> 00:32:31.700
 and the gospel

00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.559
 purely

00:32:32.559 --> 00:32:33.960
 and well.

00:32:34.500 --> 00:32:35.059
 Preserve

00:32:35.059 --> 00:32:35.720
 the gospel

00:32:35.720 --> 00:32:37.039
 through your life

00:32:37.039 --> 00:32:37.460
 and through

00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:38.200
 your witness.

00:32:40.279 --> 00:32:40.919
 Timothy,

00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:42.980
 keep it pure

00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:43.940
 because God

00:32:43.940 --> 00:32:44.460
 is pure

00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:45.720
 and thus

00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:46.319
 his word

00:32:46.319 --> 00:32:47.279
 is pure.

00:32:48.419 --> 00:32:49.059
 And what will

00:32:49.059 --> 00:32:49.919
 help Timothy

00:32:49.919 --> 00:32:51.799
 as he's engaged

00:32:51.799 --> 00:32:52.519
 in the various

00:32:52.519 --> 00:32:53.159
 situations,

00:32:53.619 --> 00:32:54.579
 this doxology

00:32:54.579 --> 00:32:55.599
 that we find here

00:32:55.599 --> 00:32:56.779
 towards the end

00:32:56.779 --> 00:32:58.079
 of verse 15,

00:32:58.480 --> 00:32:59.700
 he who is blessed

00:32:59.700 --> 00:33:00.940
 and only sovereign,

00:33:01.379 --> 00:33:02.099
 the king of kings,

00:33:02.099 --> 00:33:03.019
 the lord of lords,

00:33:03.159 --> 00:33:03.719
 who alone

00:33:03.719 --> 00:33:04.659
 has immortality,

00:33:05.099 --> 00:33:05.819
 who dwells

00:33:05.819 --> 00:33:06.939
 in unapproachable light,

00:33:07.359 --> 00:33:07.980
 whom no one

00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:08.899
 has ever seen

00:33:08.899 --> 00:33:10.039
 or can see,

00:33:10.379 --> 00:33:11.539
 to him be honor

00:33:11.539 --> 00:33:13.119
 and eternal dominion.

00:33:13.399 --> 00:33:13.639
 Amen.

00:33:14.099 --> 00:33:14.480
 Timothy,

00:33:14.819 --> 00:33:15.579
 if you remember

00:33:15.579 --> 00:33:16.879
 and you set your sights

00:33:16.879 --> 00:33:17.599
 on God,

00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:18.579
 you'll remember

00:33:18.579 --> 00:33:19.299
 who is really

00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:19.879
 in control.

00:33:21.119 --> 00:33:23.179
 He is the blessed

00:33:23.179 --> 00:33:24.759
 and only sovereign God.

00:33:25.419 --> 00:33:26.799
 He is the king of kings

00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:27.439
 and lord of lords,

00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:27.799
 which means

00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:29.899
 no one can do anything

00:33:29.900 --> 00:33:31.680
 outside of his permission.

00:33:32.120 --> 00:33:33.500
 He is in control.

00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:34.680
 You can trust him,

00:33:34.740 --> 00:33:34.960
 Timothy.

00:33:36.220 --> 00:33:37.540
 He alone dwells

00:33:37.540 --> 00:33:38.759
 with immortality.

00:33:38.880 --> 00:33:40.019
 He alone is eternal.

00:33:40.420 --> 00:33:42.360
 He is the unchanging God.

00:33:42.519 --> 00:33:43.340
 You can trust him.

00:33:43.380 --> 00:33:45.320
 He's been in existence

00:33:45.320 --> 00:33:46.700
 for all of time.

00:33:48.019 --> 00:33:48.560
 He dwells

00:33:48.560 --> 00:33:49.540
 in unapproachable light

00:33:49.540 --> 00:33:52.240
 whom no eye has seen.

00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:56.220
 God is preeminent.

00:33:56.380 --> 00:33:57.019
 He is ultimate.

00:33:57.140 --> 00:33:57.759
 He is supreme.

00:33:58.160 --> 00:33:58.380
 Timothy,

00:33:58.460 --> 00:33:59.160
 you can trust him.

00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:00.960
 And everything you do

00:34:00.960 --> 00:34:01.480
 is meant

00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:03.380
 to bring him honor

00:34:03.380 --> 00:34:04.480
 and glory

00:34:04.480 --> 00:34:06.160
 because he exists

00:34:06.160 --> 00:34:07.799
 in eternal dominion.

00:34:08.880 --> 00:34:09.420
 So, Timothy,

00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:10.820
 fight the good fight

00:34:10.820 --> 00:34:11.820
 of faith

00:34:11.820 --> 00:34:12.740
 for yourself personally.

00:34:13.500 --> 00:34:14.000
 And then,

00:34:14.519 --> 00:34:15.119
 the apostle Paul

00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:16.860
 turns in verses 17 to 19

00:34:16.860 --> 00:34:18.500
 to now distribute

00:34:18.500 --> 00:34:19.599
 this responsibility.

00:34:20.240 --> 00:34:20.820
 Now, Timothy,

00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:21.800
 you have a responsibility

00:34:21.800 --> 00:34:22.480
 for yourself,

00:34:22.480 --> 00:34:23.340
 but you also have

00:34:23.340 --> 00:34:23.880
 a responsibility

00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:24.780
 for others.

00:34:24.780 --> 00:34:26.160
 Fight for faith

00:34:26.160 --> 00:34:26.980
 in others too,

00:34:27.100 --> 00:34:27.400
 Timothy.

00:34:28.820 --> 00:34:29.960
 He says in verse 17,

00:34:30.060 --> 00:34:30.600
 As for the rich

00:34:30.600 --> 00:34:31.540
 in this present age,

00:34:31.860 --> 00:34:32.460
 charge them

00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:33.800
 not to be haughty,

00:34:33.800 --> 00:34:34.800
 nor to set their hopes

00:34:34.800 --> 00:34:35.780
 on the uncertainty

00:34:35.780 --> 00:34:36.519
 of riches,

00:34:36.860 --> 00:34:37.660
 but on God,

00:34:38.019 --> 00:34:39.200
 who richly provides us

00:34:39.200 --> 00:34:40.540
 with everything to enjoy.

00:34:41.420 --> 00:34:42.280
 They are to do good,

00:34:42.360 --> 00:34:43.720
 to be rich in good works,

00:34:43.780 --> 00:34:44.600
 to be generous

00:34:44.600 --> 00:34:45.560
 and ready to share.

00:34:46.220 --> 00:34:46.519
 Thus,

00:34:46.740 --> 00:34:47.900
 storing up treasure

00:34:47.900 --> 00:34:48.760
 for themselves

00:34:48.760 --> 00:34:50.640
 as a good foundation

00:34:50.640 --> 00:34:52.000
 for the future

00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:53.820
 so that they may

00:34:53.820 --> 00:34:54.800
 take hold of that

00:34:54.800 --> 00:34:56.619
 which is truly life.

00:34:58.719 --> 00:34:59.119
 Timothy,

00:35:00.039 --> 00:35:02.239
 help those who are wealthy

00:35:02.239 --> 00:35:03.679
 to set their hope

00:35:03.679 --> 00:35:04.199
 on God.

00:35:04.820 --> 00:35:05.940
 Help the wealthy

00:35:05.940 --> 00:35:07.179
 to set their hope

00:35:07.179 --> 00:35:07.780
 on God.

00:35:08.820 --> 00:35:09.639
 This should sound

00:35:09.639 --> 00:35:10.179
 really familiar,

00:35:10.260 --> 00:35:10.659
 by the way.

00:35:11.519 --> 00:35:12.440
 The apostle Paul

00:35:12.440 --> 00:35:13.300
 has just encouraged

00:35:13.300 --> 00:35:14.380
 Timothy in the same way.

00:35:14.519 --> 00:35:14.619
 So,

00:35:14.739 --> 00:35:16.420
 now it's transferable

00:35:16.420 --> 00:35:17.420
 what Timothy

00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:18.860
 is incorporating

00:35:18.860 --> 00:35:20.180
 into his own life

00:35:20.180 --> 00:35:21.180
 in helping him

00:35:21.180 --> 00:35:22.400
 fight the fight of faith.

00:35:22.659 --> 00:35:23.880
 He is now encouraging

00:35:23.880 --> 00:35:25.519
 those who are rich

00:35:25.519 --> 00:35:26.280
 to do the same.

00:35:27.340 --> 00:35:29.059
 Keep God in focus.

00:35:29.860 --> 00:35:31.700
 Understand the purpose

00:35:31.700 --> 00:35:32.559
 for your riches

00:35:32.559 --> 00:35:34.059
 in laying up treasures

00:35:34.059 --> 00:35:34.559
 in heaven,

00:35:35.539 --> 00:35:36.880
 in establishing

00:35:36.880 --> 00:35:37.920
 and amplifying

00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:38.760
 the witness

00:35:38.760 --> 00:35:39.440
 that you have

00:35:39.440 --> 00:35:40.820
 in depending on God.

00:35:40.980 --> 00:35:42.280
 Not setting your hopes

00:35:42.280 --> 00:35:43.800
 on the uncertainty

00:35:43.800 --> 00:35:44.599
 of riches,

00:35:44.599 --> 00:35:47.019
 but setting your hopes

00:35:47.019 --> 00:35:48.259
 on the certainty

00:35:48.259 --> 00:35:49.239
 of God.

00:35:49.920 --> 00:35:51.079
 Trusting in him

00:35:51.079 --> 00:35:52.679
 because he's the one

00:35:52.679 --> 00:35:54.139
 who provides richly.

00:35:58.199 --> 00:35:59.460
 Paul wants Timothy

00:35:59.460 --> 00:36:00.480
 to understand

00:36:00.480 --> 00:36:02.739
 that those who are wealthy

00:36:02.739 --> 00:36:03.679
 have an obligation.

00:36:04.380 --> 00:36:05.219
 They have an obligation

00:36:05.219 --> 00:36:06.299
 to demonstrate

00:36:06.299 --> 00:36:07.739
 their confidence

00:36:07.739 --> 00:36:08.559
 in God.

00:36:09.400 --> 00:36:10.480
 And I want you

00:36:10.480 --> 00:36:11.019
 to understand

00:36:11.019 --> 00:36:12.779
 that those of us

00:36:12.779 --> 00:36:13.619
 in this room,

00:36:13.619 --> 00:36:14.639
 those of us living

00:36:14.639 --> 00:36:16.019
 in America,

00:36:16.519 --> 00:36:17.819
 are in the top

00:36:17.819 --> 00:36:20.039
 80% of the wealthiest

00:36:20.039 --> 00:36:20.920
 of the wealthy

00:36:20.920 --> 00:36:21.460
 in the world.

00:36:22.079 --> 00:36:23.659
 So every one of us,

00:36:23.960 --> 00:36:25.759
 regardless of your station

00:36:25.759 --> 00:36:26.259
 in life

00:36:26.259 --> 00:36:26.940
 and regardless

00:36:26.940 --> 00:36:27.739
 of the occupation

00:36:27.739 --> 00:36:28.519
 that you have,

00:36:28.759 --> 00:36:30.480
 this text applies to us.

00:36:30.639 --> 00:36:31.500
 And it's not that

00:36:31.500 --> 00:36:32.739
 we can't have wealth,

00:36:32.880 --> 00:36:33.920
 but it's that we use

00:36:33.920 --> 00:36:35.000
 our wealth in a way

00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:36.579
 that shows our confidence

00:36:36.579 --> 00:36:37.279
 in God.

00:36:37.819 --> 00:36:39.199
 We're setting our hopes

00:36:39.199 --> 00:36:40.039
 on him.

00:36:40.380 --> 00:36:41.679
 We're using our wealth

00:36:41.679 --> 00:36:42.139
 in a way

00:36:42.139 --> 00:36:43.679
 that demonstrates

00:36:43.679 --> 00:36:44.739
 that we believe

00:36:44.739 --> 00:36:45.739
 that God is the one

00:36:45.739 --> 00:36:46.799
 who provides

00:36:46.799 --> 00:36:47.960
 for our needs,

00:36:48.099 --> 00:36:48.899
 not ourselves.

00:36:50.899 --> 00:36:53.279
 Paul ends this letter

00:36:53.279 --> 00:36:54.039
 where he began.

00:36:54.980 --> 00:36:56.619
 1 Timothy 1, verse 1,

00:36:56.659 --> 00:36:56.839
 says,

00:36:56.960 --> 00:36:58.239
 Paul, an apostle of Christ,

00:36:58.679 --> 00:36:58.960
 Jesus,

00:36:59.139 --> 00:37:00.179
 by the command of God,

00:37:00.239 --> 00:37:00.759
 our Savior,

00:37:01.299 --> 00:37:02.079
 and of Christ,

00:37:02.440 --> 00:37:02.799
 Jesus,

00:37:03.179 --> 00:37:04.339
 our hope.

00:37:04.340 --> 00:37:06.519
 Timothy,

00:37:07.400 --> 00:37:09.280
 help those who are wealthy

00:37:09.280 --> 00:37:10.780
 to set their hope

00:37:10.780 --> 00:37:11.320
 on God,

00:37:11.920 --> 00:37:13.360
 not to set their hope

00:37:13.360 --> 00:37:14.519
 on the things

00:37:14.519 --> 00:37:15.360
 of this life.

00:37:15.660 --> 00:37:16.440
 Charge them,

00:37:16.640 --> 00:37:16.940
 Timothy,

00:37:17.519 --> 00:37:18.420
 command them,

00:37:19.220 --> 00:37:20.200
 and come beside

00:37:20.200 --> 00:37:21.559
 the most vulnerable.

00:37:22.180 --> 00:37:23.039
 And we've seen

00:37:23.039 --> 00:37:24.200
 Paul describe

00:37:24.200 --> 00:37:24.840
 the vulnerability

00:37:24.840 --> 00:37:26.260
 of wealth

00:37:26.260 --> 00:37:27.760
 in the previous section

00:37:27.760 --> 00:37:29.400
 in verses 6 to 10.

00:37:29.820 --> 00:37:30.600
 He talks about

00:37:30.600 --> 00:37:31.880
 godliness with contentment

00:37:31.880 --> 00:37:32.660
 as great gain.

00:37:32.659 --> 00:37:33.819
 He talks about

00:37:33.819 --> 00:37:34.500
 the fact that we brought

00:37:34.500 --> 00:37:35.579
 nothing into the world.

00:37:35.739 --> 00:37:36.359
 We're not going to take

00:37:36.359 --> 00:37:37.460
 anything out of the world.

00:37:38.359 --> 00:37:39.699
 He says in verse 9,

00:37:39.980 --> 00:37:40.759
 those who desire

00:37:40.759 --> 00:37:41.599
 to be rich

00:37:41.599 --> 00:37:42.920
 will fall into temptation.

00:37:43.099 --> 00:37:44.799
 We open ourselves up

00:37:44.799 --> 00:37:46.359
 to the temptations

00:37:46.359 --> 00:37:47.000
 of this world

00:37:47.000 --> 00:37:48.219
 being driven away

00:37:48.219 --> 00:37:49.099
 and walking

00:37:49.099 --> 00:37:50.699
 the wrong direction

00:37:50.699 --> 00:37:51.599
 on the path

00:37:51.599 --> 00:37:52.779
 instead of walking

00:37:52.779 --> 00:37:53.399
 to God,

00:37:53.659 --> 00:37:54.599
 walking away from God.

00:37:55.699 --> 00:37:56.599
 He talks about

00:37:56.599 --> 00:37:57.899
 the fact that

00:37:57.899 --> 00:37:58.699
 the rich fall

00:37:58.699 --> 00:37:59.440
 into temptation

00:37:59.440 --> 00:38:00.579
 and a snare

00:38:00.579 --> 00:38:01.759
 into senseless

00:38:01.760 --> 00:38:03.020
 and harmful desires.

00:38:04.140 --> 00:38:05.340
 This love of money,

00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:06.000
 this affection,

00:38:06.200 --> 00:38:07.140
 if it drives us

00:38:07.140 --> 00:38:08.220
 and consumes us,

00:38:08.360 --> 00:38:08.960
 is a love

00:38:08.960 --> 00:38:09.500
 that takes us

00:38:09.500 --> 00:38:10.240
 away from God.

00:38:10.440 --> 00:38:11.200
 The love of money

00:38:11.200 --> 00:38:11.760
 is the root

00:38:11.760 --> 00:38:12.660
 of all kinds of evil.

00:38:13.680 --> 00:38:14.380
 It is through

00:38:14.380 --> 00:38:15.320
 this craving,

00:38:15.440 --> 00:38:16.620
 he says in verse 10,

00:38:17.040 --> 00:38:17.580
 that some

00:38:17.580 --> 00:38:18.540
 have wandered

00:38:18.540 --> 00:38:19.380
 from the faith.

00:38:21.940 --> 00:38:22.620
 Don't be,

00:38:23.220 --> 00:38:24.280
 don't allow your wealth

00:38:24.280 --> 00:38:25.280
 to steer you

00:38:25.280 --> 00:38:25.840
 away from God.

00:38:26.640 --> 00:38:27.480
 Don't allow

00:38:27.480 --> 00:38:28.100
 your wealth,

00:38:28.100 --> 00:38:28.920
 it inclines

00:38:28.920 --> 00:38:29.780
 the wealthy,

00:38:29.920 --> 00:38:30.280
 it says,

00:38:30.400 --> 00:38:31.700
 to do two things.

00:38:31.800 --> 00:38:32.019
 First,

00:38:32.099 --> 00:38:32.860
 to be haughty

00:38:32.860 --> 00:38:34.220
 and then

00:38:34.220 --> 00:38:35.659
 to be self-sufficient.

00:38:36.300 --> 00:38:36.900
 Don't allow

00:38:36.900 --> 00:38:37.400
 your wealth

00:38:37.400 --> 00:38:38.680
 to do those things

00:38:38.680 --> 00:38:39.099
 for you,

00:38:39.139 --> 00:38:39.420
 Timothy.

00:38:40.139 --> 00:38:41.340
 Don't let wealth

00:38:41.340 --> 00:38:42.260
 make you feel

00:38:42.260 --> 00:38:42.920
 like you're better

00:38:42.920 --> 00:38:43.700
 than the people

00:38:43.700 --> 00:38:44.480
 around you.

00:38:45.220 --> 00:38:46.440
 Instruct the wealthy

00:38:46.440 --> 00:38:47.539
 to be humble,

00:38:47.800 --> 00:38:49.139
 not to be haughty.

00:38:50.800 --> 00:38:51.780
 And instruct

00:38:51.780 --> 00:38:53.079
 the wealthy

00:38:53.079 --> 00:38:54.400
 not to be self-sufficient,

00:38:54.820 --> 00:38:55.760
 but to be dependent.

00:38:55.760 --> 00:38:57.540
 You see,

00:38:58.000 --> 00:38:59.080
 those who are wealthy,

00:39:00.120 --> 00:39:00.720
 those who,

00:39:01.000 --> 00:39:03.020
 who are consumed

00:39:03.020 --> 00:39:04.680
 with accumulating more,

00:39:04.980 --> 00:39:05.760
 they fall into

00:39:05.760 --> 00:39:06.540
 various dangers

00:39:06.540 --> 00:39:07.480
 where they might say,

00:39:07.780 --> 00:39:08.880
 I can take care

00:39:08.880 --> 00:39:09.740
 of this myself.

00:39:10.760 --> 00:39:11.080
 Or,

00:39:11.560 --> 00:39:12.900
 I can save enough

00:39:12.900 --> 00:39:13.760
 and be okay

00:39:13.760 --> 00:39:14.700
 for the future.

00:39:15.500 --> 00:39:15.800
 Or,

00:39:16.420 --> 00:39:17.440
 I can be comfortable

00:39:17.440 --> 00:39:19.220
 and I can predict

00:39:19.220 --> 00:39:20.180
 and ensure

00:39:20.180 --> 00:39:21.200
 that the future

00:39:21.200 --> 00:39:21.820
 is certain.

00:39:22.540 --> 00:39:23.380
 Those are the dangers.

00:39:23.480 --> 00:39:23.900
 The dangers

00:39:23.900 --> 00:39:25.639
 of self-sufficiency

00:39:25.639 --> 00:39:26.619
 rather than

00:39:26.619 --> 00:39:28.360
 the life

00:39:28.360 --> 00:39:28.940
 and hope

00:39:28.940 --> 00:39:30.119
 on God.

00:39:30.599 --> 00:39:31.200
 So don't set

00:39:31.200 --> 00:39:31.519
 your hope

00:39:31.519 --> 00:39:32.039
 on riches,

00:39:32.380 --> 00:39:32.599
 Timothy.

00:39:32.900 --> 00:39:33.840
 Help them understand

00:39:33.840 --> 00:39:34.579
 the significance

00:39:34.579 --> 00:39:36.019
 of a life

00:39:36.019 --> 00:39:37.059
 that is resting

00:39:37.059 --> 00:39:38.119
 on God himself.

00:39:39.240 --> 00:39:40.220
 As Jesus said

00:39:40.220 --> 00:39:41.119
 to the rich young ruler

00:39:41.119 --> 00:39:42.539
 in Luke 18,

00:39:42.639 --> 00:39:43.660
 24 and 25,

00:39:44.139 --> 00:39:45.019
 spelling out again

00:39:45.019 --> 00:39:45.800
 the dangers

00:39:45.800 --> 00:39:46.220
 of wealth,

00:39:46.300 --> 00:39:46.700
 he says,

00:39:47.160 --> 00:39:47.420
 Jesus,

00:39:47.639 --> 00:39:48.240
 seeing that he

00:39:48.240 --> 00:39:49.180
 had become sad,

00:39:49.480 --> 00:39:50.400
 speaking of the

00:39:50.400 --> 00:39:51.639
 rich young ruler,

00:39:51.760 --> 00:39:51.940
 said,

00:39:51.940 --> 00:39:52.760
 how difficult

00:39:52.760 --> 00:39:53.539
 is it

00:39:53.539 --> 00:39:54.539
 for those

00:39:54.539 --> 00:39:55.139
 who have wealth

00:39:55.139 --> 00:39:55.519
 to enter

00:39:55.519 --> 00:39:55.860
 the kingdom

00:39:55.860 --> 00:39:56.320
 of God.

00:39:57.260 --> 00:39:57.960
 For it is easier

00:39:57.960 --> 00:39:58.599
 for a camel

00:39:58.599 --> 00:39:59.260
 to go through

00:39:59.260 --> 00:39:59.679
 the eye

00:39:59.679 --> 00:40:00.039
 of a needle

00:40:00.039 --> 00:40:01.380
 than for a rich

00:40:01.380 --> 00:40:02.220
 person to enter

00:40:02.220 --> 00:40:02.960
 the kingdom

00:40:02.960 --> 00:40:04.079
 of God.

00:40:05.119 --> 00:40:05.639
 Remember,

00:40:06.179 --> 00:40:07.200
 help them remember

00:40:07.200 --> 00:40:09.139
 that it is God

00:40:09.139 --> 00:40:09.940
 who provides

00:40:09.940 --> 00:40:10.740
 for their enjoyment.

00:40:11.119 --> 00:40:12.099
 He is the one

00:40:12.099 --> 00:40:12.720
 they should be

00:40:12.720 --> 00:40:13.260
 looking to

00:40:13.260 --> 00:40:14.480
 to fill out

00:40:14.480 --> 00:40:15.800
 the deepest needs

00:40:15.800 --> 00:40:16.480
 that they have.

00:40:17.639 --> 00:40:18.079
 So,

00:40:18.519 --> 00:40:19.039
 help them

00:40:19.039 --> 00:40:21.119
 to be those

00:40:21.119 --> 00:40:22.079
 who are

00:40:22.079 --> 00:40:23.159
 setting their

00:40:23.159 --> 00:40:23.900
 hope on God

00:40:23.900 --> 00:40:24.679
 and help them

00:40:24.679 --> 00:40:25.639
 to be rich

00:40:25.639 --> 00:40:26.440
 in good works.

00:40:26.739 --> 00:40:27.400
 To be rich

00:40:27.400 --> 00:40:28.619
 in good works.

00:40:29.779 --> 00:40:30.340
 Again,

00:40:30.480 --> 00:40:31.380
 this putting off

00:40:31.380 --> 00:40:32.559
 and putting on

00:40:32.559 --> 00:40:33.900
 that the Apostle Paul

00:40:33.900 --> 00:40:35.179
 is so faithful

00:40:35.179 --> 00:40:36.420
 to give

00:40:36.420 --> 00:40:37.400
 this practical

00:40:37.400 --> 00:40:38.019
 instruction.

00:40:39.159 --> 00:40:39.519
 And in verses

00:40:39.519 --> 00:40:40.340
 18 and 19,

00:40:40.440 --> 00:40:41.300
 he gives a series

00:40:41.300 --> 00:40:42.219
 of verbs

00:40:42.219 --> 00:40:43.779
 to give

00:40:43.779 --> 00:40:44.679
 to these wealthy

00:40:44.679 --> 00:40:45.279
 individuals

00:40:45.279 --> 00:40:46.239
 to know how

00:40:46.239 --> 00:40:47.159
 to safeguard

00:40:47.159 --> 00:40:48.439
 their own faith

00:40:48.439 --> 00:40:49.500
 and to help

00:40:49.500 --> 00:40:50.339
 live in a way

00:40:50.339 --> 00:40:51.099
 that's consistent

00:40:51.099 --> 00:40:51.819
 with the gospel.

00:40:52.579 --> 00:40:52.919
 Notice,

00:40:53.459 --> 00:40:54.479
 they are to do good,

00:40:55.019 --> 00:40:55.739
 to be rich

00:40:55.739 --> 00:40:56.500
 in good works,

00:40:56.719 --> 00:40:57.459
 to be generous

00:40:57.459 --> 00:40:58.399
 and ready to share,

00:40:59.139 --> 00:41:00.539
 thus storing up

00:41:00.539 --> 00:41:01.619
 treasure for themselves

00:41:01.619 --> 00:41:03.179
 as a good foundation

00:41:03.179 --> 00:41:04.219
 for the future

00:41:04.219 --> 00:41:05.599
 so that they may

00:41:05.599 --> 00:41:06.079
 hold,

00:41:06.759 --> 00:41:08.239
 take hold

00:41:08.239 --> 00:41:08.739
 of that

00:41:08.739 --> 00:41:09.459
 which is truly

00:41:09.459 --> 00:41:10.000
 life.

00:41:10.959 --> 00:41:11.500
 Make sure

00:41:11.500 --> 00:41:12.239
 they're doing good.

00:41:13.099 --> 00:41:13.539
 Make sure

00:41:13.539 --> 00:41:13.919
 they're rich

00:41:13.919 --> 00:41:14.559
 in good works.

00:41:14.899 --> 00:41:15.219
 Make sure

00:41:15.219 --> 00:41:15.719
 they're generous.

00:41:15.879 --> 00:41:16.319
 Make sure

00:41:16.319 --> 00:41:17.579
 they're willing

00:41:17.579 --> 00:41:18.359
 and able

00:41:18.359 --> 00:41:19.000
 to share.

00:41:21.019 --> 00:41:21.539
 Timothy,

00:41:22.699 --> 00:41:23.199
 encourage

00:41:23.199 --> 00:41:24.279
 the church

00:41:24.279 --> 00:41:25.179
 to live out

00:41:25.179 --> 00:41:25.659
 the gospel

00:41:25.659 --> 00:41:27.179
 by showing

00:41:27.179 --> 00:41:27.699
 their dependence

00:41:27.699 --> 00:41:28.219
 on God

00:41:28.219 --> 00:41:30.439
 and help

00:41:30.439 --> 00:41:31.379
 them to understand

00:41:31.379 --> 00:41:32.159
 that the resources

00:41:32.159 --> 00:41:33.039
 that they've been given

00:41:33.039 --> 00:41:34.239
 are resources

00:41:34.239 --> 00:41:35.299
 that now they're

00:41:35.299 --> 00:41:36.339
 entrusted to share,

00:41:36.959 --> 00:41:38.119
 that there's a stewardship

00:41:38.119 --> 00:41:38.879
 that's now

00:41:38.879 --> 00:41:39.919
 that they're responsible

00:41:39.919 --> 00:41:40.919
 to carry out

00:41:40.919 --> 00:41:42.799
 and in their stewardship

00:41:42.799 --> 00:41:43.779
 of giving

00:41:43.779 --> 00:41:44.699
 in the here

00:41:44.699 --> 00:41:45.179
 and now.

00:41:45.379 --> 00:41:46.039
 They are

00:41:46.039 --> 00:41:46.899
 laying up

00:41:46.899 --> 00:41:47.219
 treasure

00:41:47.219 --> 00:41:47.899
 for the future.

00:41:48.099 --> 00:41:48.319
 Notice,

00:41:48.599 --> 00:41:49.179
 they're storing

00:41:49.179 --> 00:41:50.019
 up treasure

00:41:50.019 --> 00:41:51.339
 that it's not,

00:41:51.719 --> 00:41:52.659
 help them to understand

00:41:52.659 --> 00:41:53.399
 the perspective

00:41:53.399 --> 00:41:54.039
 that it's not

00:41:54.039 --> 00:41:54.379
 that they're

00:41:54.379 --> 00:41:55.339
 letting go

00:41:55.339 --> 00:41:56.539
 of their stuff

00:41:56.539 --> 00:41:57.059
 but they're

00:41:57.059 --> 00:41:57.799
 laying up

00:41:57.799 --> 00:41:58.199
 treasure

00:41:58.199 --> 00:41:58.939
 for themselves

00:41:58.939 --> 00:41:59.339
 in heaven.

00:41:59.619 --> 00:42:00.480
 They're demonstrating

00:42:00.480 --> 00:42:01.279
 where their true

00:42:01.279 --> 00:42:02.199
 joy is,

00:42:02.259 --> 00:42:02.739
 their true

00:42:02.739 --> 00:42:03.539
 certainty

00:42:03.539 --> 00:42:04.399
 and hope is.

00:42:06.599 --> 00:42:07.259
 Help them

00:42:07.259 --> 00:42:07.879
 to take hold

00:42:07.879 --> 00:42:08.939
 of that

00:42:08.939 --> 00:42:09.879
 which is true life.

00:42:09.880 --> 00:42:11.119
 this word

00:42:11.119 --> 00:42:11.940
 for taking hold

00:42:11.940 --> 00:42:12.860
 is the same word

00:42:12.860 --> 00:42:13.619
 that Paul gave

00:42:13.619 --> 00:42:14.220
 to Timothy

00:42:14.220 --> 00:42:14.940
 in verse 12.

00:42:15.880 --> 00:42:16.900
 The same word

00:42:16.900 --> 00:42:18.059
 to embrace

00:42:18.059 --> 00:42:20.140
 and to understand

00:42:20.140 --> 00:42:20.820
 what they're really

00:42:20.820 --> 00:42:21.400
 living for.

00:42:21.640 --> 00:42:22.640
 Take hold

00:42:22.640 --> 00:42:23.519
 of life,

00:42:23.800 --> 00:42:24.539
 eternal life.

00:42:26.440 --> 00:42:27.099
 And then finally,

00:42:28.160 --> 00:42:28.860
 the apostle Paul

00:42:28.860 --> 00:42:29.300
 will give some

00:42:29.300 --> 00:42:30.559
 instruction to Timothy

00:42:30.559 --> 00:42:32.340
 in helping to lead

00:42:32.340 --> 00:42:32.760
 this church

00:42:32.760 --> 00:42:33.260
 generally

00:42:33.260 --> 00:42:36.040
 in verses 20 and 21

00:42:36.040 --> 00:42:36.540
 where he says,

00:42:37.120 --> 00:42:37.980
 fight for faith

00:42:37.980 --> 00:42:38.900
 in preserving

00:42:38.900 --> 00:42:39.980
 the message.

00:42:40.580 --> 00:42:41.660
 Fight for faith

00:42:41.660 --> 00:42:42.300
 in preserving

00:42:42.300 --> 00:42:43.540
 the message.

00:42:44.580 --> 00:42:45.160
 He says,

00:42:45.720 --> 00:42:46.220
 O Timothy,

00:42:47.220 --> 00:42:48.140
 guard the deposit

00:42:48.140 --> 00:42:48.900
 that's entrusted

00:42:48.900 --> 00:42:49.380
 to you.

00:42:50.280 --> 00:42:50.720
 Avoid

00:42:50.720 --> 00:42:51.920
 the irreverent

00:42:51.920 --> 00:42:52.360
 babble

00:42:52.360 --> 00:42:54.040
 in contradictions

00:42:54.040 --> 00:42:55.000
 of what is falsely

00:42:55.000 --> 00:42:55.780
 called knowledge

00:42:55.780 --> 00:42:57.700
 for by professing

00:42:57.700 --> 00:42:57.980
 it

00:42:57.980 --> 00:42:59.160
 some have

00:42:59.160 --> 00:42:59.720
 swerved

00:42:59.720 --> 00:43:00.540
 from the faith.

00:43:01.440 --> 00:43:01.900
 Grace

00:43:01.900 --> 00:43:02.900
 be with you.

00:43:03.840 --> 00:43:04.680
 Paul summarizes

00:43:04.680 --> 00:43:05.720
 this entire letter

00:43:05.720 --> 00:43:06.720
 in these two verses

00:43:06.720 --> 00:43:08.120
 where he wants Timothy

00:43:08.120 --> 00:43:08.820
 to recognize

00:43:08.820 --> 00:43:09.620
 his responsibility.

00:43:10.680 --> 00:43:12.020
 He has a responsibility

00:43:12.020 --> 00:43:13.300
 not only

00:43:13.300 --> 00:43:14.480
 to represent

00:43:14.480 --> 00:43:15.460
 the truth

00:43:15.460 --> 00:43:16.520
 and to

00:43:16.520 --> 00:43:17.560
 be transformed

00:43:17.560 --> 00:43:18.860
 by the truth

00:43:18.860 --> 00:43:19.960
 but to protect

00:43:19.960 --> 00:43:20.460
 the truth

00:43:20.460 --> 00:43:21.520
 by sharing

00:43:21.520 --> 00:43:22.160
 the truth

00:43:22.160 --> 00:43:22.700
 in a way

00:43:22.700 --> 00:43:23.940
 that is unadulterated,

00:43:24.200 --> 00:43:24.900
 that is pure,

00:43:25.320 --> 00:43:26.140
 that is dependable,

00:43:26.580 --> 00:43:27.400
 that is accurate,

00:43:27.740 --> 00:43:28.520
 full of integrity.

00:43:30.100 --> 00:43:30.400
 Timothy,

00:43:30.640 --> 00:43:31.380
 guard this

00:43:31.380 --> 00:43:31.900
 good

00:43:31.900 --> 00:43:32.940
 entrustment

00:43:32.940 --> 00:43:34.320
 this word

00:43:34.320 --> 00:43:34.880
 for deposit

00:43:34.880 --> 00:43:36.159
 is a banking term

00:43:36.159 --> 00:43:36.760
 that demotes

00:43:36.760 --> 00:43:37.639
 a sum

00:43:37.639 --> 00:43:38.400
 that's deposited,

00:43:38.559 --> 00:43:39.960
 this large sum

00:43:39.960 --> 00:43:40.360
 that's been

00:43:40.360 --> 00:43:41.179
 distributed

00:43:41.179 --> 00:43:43.179
 and of course

00:43:43.179 --> 00:43:45.840
 we understand

00:43:45.840 --> 00:43:46.460
 the value

00:43:46.460 --> 00:43:47.360
 of the gospel

00:43:47.360 --> 00:43:48.119
 that we've been given,

00:43:48.400 --> 00:43:49.960
 this good deposit

00:43:49.960 --> 00:43:51.099
 of the word

00:43:51.099 --> 00:43:51.579
 of God

00:43:51.579 --> 00:43:52.820
 that we enjoy

00:43:52.820 --> 00:43:53.420
 and we hold

00:43:53.420 --> 00:43:54.059
 in our hands,

00:43:54.659 --> 00:43:55.800
 this entrustment

00:43:55.800 --> 00:43:56.400
 that's been given,

00:43:56.519 --> 00:43:58.019
 this valuable property

00:43:58.019 --> 00:43:59.840
 for safe keeping.

00:44:00.840 --> 00:44:01.739
 Make sure,

00:44:01.940 --> 00:44:02.199
 Timothy,

00:44:02.400 --> 00:44:03.219
 that you are

00:44:03.219 --> 00:44:03.699
 guarding

00:44:03.699 --> 00:44:04.759
 this good deposit.

00:44:05.079 --> 00:44:05.440
 Make sure

00:44:05.440 --> 00:44:05.880
 that you are

00:44:05.880 --> 00:44:06.519
 communicating

00:44:06.519 --> 00:44:07.559
 the gospel

00:44:07.559 --> 00:44:08.019
 in a way

00:44:08.019 --> 00:44:08.840
 that's faithful

00:44:08.840 --> 00:44:09.880
 and dependable

00:44:09.880 --> 00:44:10.400
 and clear.

00:44:11.400 --> 00:44:12.360
 But in

00:44:12.360 --> 00:44:13.679
 guarding this deposit,

00:44:14.079 --> 00:44:14.739
 make sure

00:44:14.739 --> 00:44:15.239
 that you're also

00:44:15.239 --> 00:44:16.480
 avoiding the dangers.

00:44:17.639 --> 00:44:18.079
 This word

00:44:18.079 --> 00:44:18.800
 also kind of

00:44:18.800 --> 00:44:19.239
 carries

00:44:19.239 --> 00:44:20.079
 this

00:44:20.079 --> 00:44:22.480
 imperatival force,

00:44:22.599 --> 00:44:23.239
 this command

00:44:23.239 --> 00:44:24.739
 of avoiding

00:44:24.739 --> 00:44:26.079
 those dangers.

00:44:27.099 --> 00:44:27.899
 Don't allow

00:44:27.899 --> 00:44:28.439
 the message

00:44:28.439 --> 00:44:29.079
 to be tainted,

00:44:29.239 --> 00:44:29.479
 Timothy.

00:44:30.139 --> 00:44:30.759
 Don't get

00:44:30.759 --> 00:44:31.779
 caught up

00:44:31.779 --> 00:44:33.019
 in the kinds

00:44:33.019 --> 00:44:34.000
 of conversations

00:44:34.000 --> 00:44:34.859
 that those false

00:44:34.859 --> 00:44:35.819
 teachers are having.

00:44:36.139 --> 00:44:37.019
 Don't get caught

00:44:37.019 --> 00:44:37.859
 up in the

00:44:37.859 --> 00:44:38.839
 distractions

00:44:38.839 --> 00:44:40.119
 and the

00:44:40.119 --> 00:44:40.579
 endless

00:44:40.579 --> 00:44:42.039
 conversations,

00:44:42.339 --> 00:44:44.039
 the genealogies

00:44:44.039 --> 00:44:45.259
 and the kinds

00:44:45.259 --> 00:44:45.899
 of discussions

00:44:45.899 --> 00:44:46.859
 that would steer

00:44:46.859 --> 00:44:47.619
 one away

00:44:47.619 --> 00:44:48.379
 from the truth.

00:44:49.199 --> 00:44:49.939
 Don't allow

00:44:49.939 --> 00:44:50.739
 the gospel

00:44:50.739 --> 00:44:51.699
 to be diluted.

00:44:51.699 --> 00:44:53.079
 don't allow

00:44:53.079 --> 00:44:53.399
 it to be

00:44:53.399 --> 00:44:53.839
 perverted.

00:44:55.019 --> 00:44:55.639
 Don't allow

00:44:55.639 --> 00:44:56.319
 in your

00:44:56.319 --> 00:44:56.939
 communication

00:44:56.939 --> 00:44:58.000
 of the gospel

00:44:58.000 --> 00:44:59.639
 for some

00:44:59.639 --> 00:45:00.359
 to swerve

00:45:00.359 --> 00:45:01.039
 from the faith

00:45:01.039 --> 00:45:02.000
 because they're

00:45:02.000 --> 00:45:02.980
 wrapped up

00:45:02.980 --> 00:45:03.500
 in all the

00:45:03.500 --> 00:45:04.579
 things that

00:45:04.579 --> 00:45:05.019
 will lead

00:45:05.019 --> 00:45:05.819
 them away

00:45:05.819 --> 00:45:06.319
 from the

00:45:06.319 --> 00:45:06.679
 path.

00:45:08.059 --> 00:45:08.500
 And Timothy,

00:45:09.259 --> 00:45:10.159
 allow the grace

00:45:10.159 --> 00:45:10.659
 of God

00:45:10.659 --> 00:45:12.359
 to adorn

00:45:12.359 --> 00:45:12.879
 your life.

00:45:14.039 --> 00:45:14.859
 Be marked

00:45:14.859 --> 00:45:15.659
 by the work

00:45:15.659 --> 00:45:16.339
 of God's

00:45:16.339 --> 00:45:16.679
 grace.

00:45:17.500 --> 00:45:18.399
 Be driven

00:45:18.399 --> 00:45:19.619
 by the work

00:45:19.619 --> 00:45:20.199
 of God's

00:45:20.199 --> 00:45:20.539
 grace.

00:45:20.539 --> 00:45:20.599
 grace.

00:45:21.480 --> 00:45:22.079
 Let the

00:45:22.079 --> 00:45:23.159
 testimony

00:45:23.159 --> 00:45:24.199
 of God's

00:45:24.199 --> 00:45:24.539
 grace

00:45:24.539 --> 00:45:25.179
 guide

00:45:25.179 --> 00:45:26.039
 your efforts.

00:45:26.199 --> 00:45:26.980
 Let that

00:45:26.980 --> 00:45:27.779
 testimony

00:45:27.779 --> 00:45:28.579
 of God's

00:45:28.579 --> 00:45:28.960
 grace

00:45:28.960 --> 00:45:30.719
 inform the

00:45:30.719 --> 00:45:31.099
 way that

00:45:31.099 --> 00:45:31.779
 you interact

00:45:31.779 --> 00:45:32.400
 with others.

00:45:34.019 --> 00:45:34.279
 God,

00:45:34.340 --> 00:45:35.239
 allow this

00:45:35.239 --> 00:45:35.679
 grace,

00:45:35.860 --> 00:45:36.300
 which is the

00:45:36.300 --> 00:45:36.779
 evidence

00:45:36.779 --> 00:45:37.940
 of God's

00:45:37.940 --> 00:45:38.460
 presence,

00:45:39.199 --> 00:45:39.960
 to be

00:45:39.960 --> 00:45:40.739
 sweetly

00:45:40.739 --> 00:45:42.119
 present

00:45:42.119 --> 00:45:42.519
 in your

00:45:42.519 --> 00:45:42.820
 life.

00:45:43.980 --> 00:45:44.279
 Allow

00:45:44.279 --> 00:45:44.659
 the Holy

00:45:44.659 --> 00:45:45.019
 Spirit

00:45:45.019 --> 00:45:46.199
 to work

00:45:46.199 --> 00:45:46.599
 mightily

00:45:46.599 --> 00:45:47.099
 through you

00:45:47.099 --> 00:45:48.360
 because

00:45:48.360 --> 00:45:49.079
 only God

00:45:49.079 --> 00:45:49.599
 will continue

00:45:49.599 --> 00:45:50.079
 this work

00:45:50.079 --> 00:45:50.339
 in you,

00:45:50.420 --> 00:45:50.639
 Timothy.

00:45:51.420 --> 00:45:52.239
 Only God

00:45:52.239 --> 00:45:53.059
 will evidence

00:45:53.059 --> 00:45:53.719
 his power

00:45:53.719 --> 00:45:54.339
 through you,

00:45:54.659 --> 00:45:54.900
 Timothy.

00:45:55.360 --> 00:45:56.239
 And only God

00:45:56.239 --> 00:45:56.860
 will sustain

00:45:56.860 --> 00:45:57.079
 you,

00:45:57.159 --> 00:45:57.360
 Timothy.

00:45:57.579 --> 00:45:58.360
 So allow

00:45:58.360 --> 00:45:59.360
 his grace

00:45:59.360 --> 00:46:00.219
 to carry

00:46:00.219 --> 00:46:01.159
 you in

00:46:01.159 --> 00:46:01.539
 the work

00:46:01.539 --> 00:46:01.900
 that you're

00:46:01.900 --> 00:46:02.199
 doing.

00:46:03.000 --> 00:46:03.480
 And allow

00:46:03.480 --> 00:46:03.860
 the grace

00:46:03.860 --> 00:46:04.279
 of God

00:46:04.279 --> 00:46:04.779
 to be

00:46:04.779 --> 00:46:05.539
 present

00:46:05.539 --> 00:46:06.039
 in your

00:46:06.039 --> 00:46:06.659
 conversations

00:46:06.659 --> 00:46:07.699
 with others.

00:46:09.139 --> 00:46:09.799
 As we've

00:46:09.799 --> 00:46:10.079
 been looking

00:46:10.079 --> 00:46:10.819
 through this

00:46:10.819 --> 00:46:11.539
 letter

00:46:11.539 --> 00:46:12.219
 together,

00:46:12.219 --> 00:46:13.419
 we recognize

00:46:13.419 --> 00:46:14.559
 the significance

00:46:14.559 --> 00:46:15.539
 of the

00:46:15.539 --> 00:46:16.199
 doctrines

00:46:16.199 --> 00:46:16.659
 that God

00:46:16.659 --> 00:46:17.059
 has given

00:46:17.059 --> 00:46:17.519
 to us.

00:46:17.779 --> 00:46:19.039
 And recognizing

00:46:19.039 --> 00:46:19.659
 as we've

00:46:19.659 --> 00:46:20.059
 been working

00:46:20.059 --> 00:46:20.539
 our way

00:46:20.539 --> 00:46:20.799
 through,

00:46:21.159 --> 00:46:21.439
 that it's

00:46:21.439 --> 00:46:21.919
 not just

00:46:21.919 --> 00:46:22.539
 a body

00:46:22.539 --> 00:46:23.319
 of doctrine,

00:46:23.659 --> 00:46:24.119
 a body

00:46:24.119 --> 00:46:24.719
 of knowledge

00:46:24.719 --> 00:46:25.239
 that is

00:46:25.239 --> 00:46:25.939
 distant

00:46:25.939 --> 00:46:27.919
 and somehow

00:46:27.919 --> 00:46:28.619
 external

00:46:28.619 --> 00:46:29.319
 from us.

00:46:29.339 --> 00:46:29.619
 But we

00:46:29.619 --> 00:46:30.399
 recognize

00:46:30.399 --> 00:46:30.679
 that the

00:46:30.679 --> 00:46:31.139
 things that

00:46:31.139 --> 00:46:31.799
 we believe

00:46:31.799 --> 00:46:32.619
 about God

00:46:32.619 --> 00:46:33.279
 will shape

00:46:33.279 --> 00:46:33.539
 the way

00:46:33.539 --> 00:46:34.079
 we live.

00:46:34.759 --> 00:46:35.159
 And so

00:46:35.159 --> 00:46:35.639
 as people

00:46:35.639 --> 00:46:36.239
 look at

00:46:36.239 --> 00:46:36.739
 our life,

00:46:37.000 --> 00:46:37.339
 they'll

00:46:37.339 --> 00:46:37.799
 recognize

00:46:37.799 --> 00:46:38.399
 that there's

00:46:38.399 --> 00:46:38.839
 something,

00:46:39.099 --> 00:46:39.379
 hopefully,

00:46:39.799 --> 00:46:40.339
 something that

00:46:40.339 --> 00:46:40.879
 is uniquely

00:46:40.879 --> 00:46:41.879
 different from

00:46:41.880 --> 00:46:42.260
 us.

00:46:42.619 --> 00:46:43.059
 That we've

00:46:43.059 --> 00:46:43.720
 been changed

00:46:43.720 --> 00:46:44.260
 by the

00:46:44.260 --> 00:46:44.619
 gospel.

00:46:45.660 --> 00:46:46.140
 It changes

00:46:46.140 --> 00:46:46.420
 the way

00:46:46.420 --> 00:46:46.820
 we relate

00:46:46.820 --> 00:46:47.320
 to people.

00:46:48.059 --> 00:46:48.960
 It changes

00:46:48.960 --> 00:46:49.400
 the way

00:46:49.400 --> 00:46:51.599
 we respond

00:46:51.599 --> 00:46:53.200
 to problems

00:46:53.200 --> 00:46:53.940
 and difficulties.

00:46:55.000 --> 00:46:55.559
 It changes

00:46:55.559 --> 00:46:56.440
 the way

00:46:56.440 --> 00:46:57.019
 that we

00:46:57.019 --> 00:46:57.440
 interact

00:46:57.440 --> 00:46:57.940
 with those

00:46:57.940 --> 00:46:58.980
 who may

00:46:58.980 --> 00:46:59.760
 be treating

00:46:59.760 --> 00:47:00.920
 us unfairly.

00:47:01.980 --> 00:47:02.760
 It's the

00:47:02.760 --> 00:47:03.380
 gospel that

00:47:03.380 --> 00:47:04.400
 transforms us

00:47:04.400 --> 00:47:05.440
 as people.

00:47:05.920 --> 00:47:06.480
 So that we

00:47:06.480 --> 00:47:07.280
 can be men

00:47:07.280 --> 00:47:08.280
 and women

00:47:08.280 --> 00:47:09.039
 of God.

00:47:09.800 --> 00:47:10.360
 Representatives

00:47:10.360 --> 00:47:11.400
 for Him,

00:47:11.400 --> 00:47:12.320
 communicating

00:47:12.320 --> 00:47:12.920
 His word

00:47:12.920 --> 00:47:14.400
 and seeing

00:47:14.400 --> 00:47:15.119
 the gospel

00:47:15.119 --> 00:47:16.440
 life of

00:47:16.440 --> 00:47:17.400
 God show

00:47:17.400 --> 00:47:17.820
 up in

00:47:17.820 --> 00:47:18.260
 awakening

00:47:18.260 --> 00:47:18.780
 hearts

00:47:18.780 --> 00:47:20.240
 for faith

00:47:20.240 --> 00:47:20.800
 throughout

00:47:20.800 --> 00:47:21.300
 this world.

00:47:22.099 --> 00:47:22.599
 May God

00:47:22.599 --> 00:47:23.240
 help us

00:47:23.240 --> 00:47:23.860
 to be

00:47:23.860 --> 00:47:24.240
 faithful

00:47:24.240 --> 00:47:25.260
 as we

00:47:25.260 --> 00:47:25.900
 fight this

00:47:25.900 --> 00:47:26.559
 fight of

00:47:26.559 --> 00:47:27.079
 faith for

00:47:27.079 --> 00:47:27.619
 ourselves

00:47:27.619 --> 00:47:28.220
 and we

00:47:28.220 --> 00:47:28.940
 seek to

00:47:28.940 --> 00:47:29.639
 couple

00:47:29.639 --> 00:47:30.260
 ourselves

00:47:30.260 --> 00:47:30.760
 with the

00:47:30.760 --> 00:47:31.220
 body of

00:47:31.220 --> 00:47:31.519
 Christ

00:47:31.519 --> 00:47:32.300
 in fighting

00:47:32.300 --> 00:47:32.900
 this fight

00:47:32.900 --> 00:47:33.320
 of faith

00:47:33.320 --> 00:47:34.380
 as a

00:47:34.380 --> 00:47:35.200
 church

00:47:35.200 --> 00:47:35.619
 so that

00:47:35.619 --> 00:47:36.079
 we can

00:47:36.079 --> 00:47:36.639
 be a

00:47:36.639 --> 00:47:36.980
 pillar

00:47:36.980 --> 00:47:38.099
 and buttress

00:47:38.099 --> 00:47:38.719
 of the

00:47:38.719 --> 00:47:38.900
 truth.

00:47:38.980 --> 00:47:39.279
 May God

00:47:39.279 --> 00:47:39.719
 help us.

00:47:40.000 --> 00:47:40.139
 Let me

00:47:40.139 --> 00:47:40.339
 pray.

00:47:44.839 --> 00:47:45.319
 Lord,

00:47:45.400 --> 00:47:45.699
 thank You

00:47:45.699 --> 00:47:46.059
 for Your

00:47:46.059 --> 00:47:47.880
 work of

00:47:47.880 --> 00:47:48.440
 grace in

00:47:48.440 --> 00:47:48.759
 us.

00:47:49.880 --> 00:47:50.480
 Thank You

00:47:50.480 --> 00:47:51.059
 for calling

00:47:51.059 --> 00:47:52.380
 us to

00:47:52.380 --> 00:47:52.960
 salvation,

00:47:54.319 --> 00:47:54.839
 helping us

00:47:54.839 --> 00:47:55.360
 to be aware

00:47:55.360 --> 00:47:55.699
 of our

00:47:55.699 --> 00:47:55.980
 sin,

00:47:57.039 --> 00:47:57.500
 recognizing

00:47:57.500 --> 00:47:58.119
 we can't

00:47:58.119 --> 00:47:58.639
 work our

00:47:58.639 --> 00:47:59.059
 way to

00:47:59.059 --> 00:47:59.639
 God on

00:47:59.639 --> 00:48:00.059
 our own.

00:48:00.339 --> 00:48:00.759
 There is

00:48:00.759 --> 00:48:01.319
 no

00:48:01.319 --> 00:48:02.079
 righteousness

00:48:02.079 --> 00:48:02.579
 that we

00:48:02.579 --> 00:48:03.119
 can have

00:48:03.119 --> 00:48:03.779
 of our

00:48:03.779 --> 00:48:04.299
 own that

00:48:04.299 --> 00:48:04.639
 will get

00:48:04.639 --> 00:48:05.119
 us there.

00:48:05.119 --> 00:48:07.059
 sin has

00:48:07.059 --> 00:48:07.739
 separated us

00:48:07.739 --> 00:48:08.219
 from God,

00:48:08.839 --> 00:48:09.339
 that all

00:48:09.339 --> 00:48:10.440
 have sinned

00:48:10.440 --> 00:48:11.579
 and helped

00:48:11.579 --> 00:48:12.059
 us to fall

00:48:12.059 --> 00:48:12.659
 short of

00:48:12.659 --> 00:48:13.159
 the glory

00:48:13.159 --> 00:48:13.699
 of God.

00:48:14.719 --> 00:48:15.159
 It's only

00:48:15.159 --> 00:48:15.559
 through Your

00:48:15.559 --> 00:48:15.799
 Son,

00:48:15.920 --> 00:48:16.159
 Jesus,

00:48:17.019 --> 00:48:17.599
 through His

00:48:17.599 --> 00:48:18.359
 life of

00:48:18.359 --> 00:48:18.819
 righteousness,

00:48:19.819 --> 00:48:20.279
 through His

00:48:20.279 --> 00:48:21.119
 death on

00:48:21.119 --> 00:48:21.599
 the cross,

00:48:22.019 --> 00:48:22.559
 paying for

00:48:22.559 --> 00:48:23.119
 our sins,

00:48:23.759 --> 00:48:24.380
 making a

00:48:24.380 --> 00:48:24.599
 way,

00:48:25.019 --> 00:48:25.440
 and then

00:48:25.440 --> 00:48:26.339
 rising again

00:48:26.339 --> 00:48:26.980
 to offer

00:48:26.980 --> 00:48:28.500
 new life,

00:48:28.599 --> 00:48:29.380
 eternal life

00:48:29.380 --> 00:48:30.000
 for those who

00:48:30.000 --> 00:48:30.400
 believe.

00:48:31.559 --> 00:48:31.859
 God, I

00:48:31.859 --> 00:48:32.099
 pray if

00:48:32.099 --> 00:48:32.500
 there's anyone

00:48:32.500 --> 00:48:33.139
 here today

00:48:33.139 --> 00:48:33.519
 who has

00:48:33.519 --> 00:48:34.679
 never placed

00:48:34.679 --> 00:48:35.239
 their trust

00:48:35.239 --> 00:48:35.659
 in You,

00:48:36.379 --> 00:48:36.679
 that You

00:48:36.679 --> 00:48:37.119
 would lead

00:48:37.119 --> 00:48:37.519
 them to

00:48:37.519 --> 00:48:38.000
 salvation,

00:48:38.919 --> 00:48:39.440
 help them

00:48:39.440 --> 00:48:40.699
 to acknowledge

00:48:40.699 --> 00:48:41.259
 their sin,

00:48:41.440 --> 00:48:41.899
 to confess

00:48:41.899 --> 00:48:42.379
 it before

00:48:42.379 --> 00:48:42.619
 You,

00:48:43.539 --> 00:48:43.960
 knowing if

00:48:43.960 --> 00:48:44.339
 we confess

00:48:44.339 --> 00:48:44.879
 our sins

00:48:44.879 --> 00:48:45.339
 that You

00:48:45.339 --> 00:48:46.039
 are faithful

00:48:46.039 --> 00:48:47.159
 and just

00:48:47.159 --> 00:48:47.579
 to forgive

00:48:47.579 --> 00:48:47.980
 our sins

00:48:47.980 --> 00:48:48.299
 and to

00:48:48.299 --> 00:48:48.819
 cleanse us

00:48:48.819 --> 00:48:49.139
 from all

00:48:49.139 --> 00:48:49.839
 unrighteousness.

00:48:50.960 --> 00:48:51.239
 And Lord,

00:48:51.279 --> 00:48:51.639
 I pray that You

00:48:51.639 --> 00:48:51.919
 would help

00:48:51.919 --> 00:48:53.000
 us to

00:48:53.000 --> 00:48:53.960
 represent You

00:48:53.960 --> 00:48:54.480
 faithfully,

00:48:55.399 --> 00:48:56.379
 to embrace

00:48:56.379 --> 00:48:56.980
 the mission,

00:48:57.619 --> 00:48:58.639
 to take hold

00:48:58.639 --> 00:48:58.960
 of eternal

00:48:58.960 --> 00:48:59.379
 life,

00:49:00.019 --> 00:49:01.199
 and to live

00:49:01.199 --> 00:49:01.899
 out this life

00:49:01.899 --> 00:49:02.279
 in a way

00:49:02.279 --> 00:49:03.359
 that demonstrates

00:49:03.359 --> 00:49:04.239
 a commitment

00:49:04.239 --> 00:49:05.399
 and in

00:49:05.399 --> 00:49:05.759
 affection

00:49:05.759 --> 00:49:06.679
 for Jesus.

00:49:07.359 --> 00:49:07.779
 We pray

00:49:07.779 --> 00:49:08.379
 in Your

00:49:08.379 --> 00:49:08.599
 name.

00:49:08.719 --> 00:49:08.859
 Amen.

00:49:09.539 --> 00:49:10.139
 God bless you.

00:49:10.259 --> 00:49:10.619
 Have a great

00:49:10.619 --> 00:49:10.799
 week.

00:49:10.799 --> 00:49:11.119
 Amen.

00:49:11.119 --> 00:49:11.119


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00:49:11.119 --> 00:49:11.119


00:49:11.119 --> 00:49:41.099
 Thank you.