WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.799 Well, good evening. It's a delight and a joy, honestly, to continue in the series together tonight. 00:00:06.940 --> 00:00:10.580 ! As you know, we're in chapter 3, verses 10 to 17. 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:25.660 ! And again, we're going to taste the richness of this letter from Paul, who's writing it from prison, fully knowing that his death is drawing near, and addressed to Timothy, who is like a son in Christ to him. 00:00:26.519 --> 00:00:35.500 Now, Timothy, at this point, had been ministering to the church in Ephesus for around four years, and it's been nearly that long since he's received his first letter from Paul. 00:00:36.859 --> 00:00:42.939 Written from a damp, cold, and dark prison cell, this letter is one of encouragement. 00:00:44.820 --> 00:00:49.460 Paul urges Timothy to stay strong in the face of trials and oppositions. 00:00:49.460 --> 00:00:57.859 He calls him to faithfully fulfill his ministry, to nourish believers, and pass on the unshaken gospel message, like a baton. 00:00:58.740 --> 00:01:06.480 Because this message is so powerful, it's enough to bridge from generation to generation, regardless of circumstance. 00:01:07.379 --> 00:01:13.960 In hand with discipleship, training, preaching, and a costly ministry, the gospel baton will be passed. It will continue. 00:01:13.959 --> 00:01:26.339 Now, while this letter is especially helpful for those in church leadership or ministry, the call to discipleship and evangelism is going to apply to each of us tonight, every single Christian. 00:01:26.340 --> 00:01:34.320 So today, here in this letter, God is speaking to you with relevance, and with a call to apply his teaching. 00:01:35.380 --> 00:01:38.840 And we've seen this relevance throughout the past few weeks of the series. 00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:41.380 We've been on a rich journey in this letter. 00:01:41.980 --> 00:01:47.879 And so I'll quickly just stop, and I'll trace back the main points of our passage. 00:01:47.879 --> 00:01:54.239 So in chapter 1, 1-7, we saw that God equips people to pass on the baton. 00:01:55.359 --> 00:02:02.140 In verses 8-18, we saw how some accept this gospel ministry in hardship, while others flee from it. 00:02:03.500 --> 00:02:13.180 In 2, 1-17, we saw how patient, focused, and committed ministry passes the baton well, and it sees faith continue. 00:02:13.180 --> 00:02:22.420 In 8-13, we were reminded that the gospel work often brings suffering, but also the salvation of the elect. 00:02:23.420 --> 00:02:30.819 In 14-26, we saw that those in Christ must seek righteousness and run from any faith-wrecking controversies. 00:02:31.900 --> 00:02:38.960 And in our last passage, in 2 Timothy 3, 1-9, we saw that real opponents will arise from within the church. 00:02:38.960 --> 00:02:45.500 People who, on the surface, appear godly and knowledgeable, but they deny God and love only themselves. 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:48.640 So we've really been on quite the journey. 00:02:49.140 --> 00:02:54.360 We've touched on evangelism in this series, discipleship, gospel training, and the cost of ministry. 00:02:55.120 --> 00:03:00.159 We've seen the call to righteousness, to patience, wholehearted dedication to ministry, even in suffering. 00:03:00.980 --> 00:03:06.260 We've seen how this grueling mission, though tough, will show in the salvation of the elect. 00:03:06.259 --> 00:03:09.679 Because God carries it, it will not fail. 00:03:11.000 --> 00:03:13.039 And we're told to rely on Him and continue. 00:03:13.579 --> 00:03:20.739 And so we press on tonight, in 2 Timothy 3, 10-17, where we see these same themes continuously blend. 00:03:21.620 --> 00:03:23.079 And we're going to go even deeper. 00:03:24.539 --> 00:03:29.979 Now, I'm sorry, I've made my whole sermon on the ESV translation, but they seem quite similar. 00:03:30.079 --> 00:03:31.459 So hopefully that's going to be fine. 00:03:32.199 --> 00:03:33.359 So let's dive right in. 00:03:33.759 --> 00:03:35.359 We're in 2 Timothy 3, 10. 00:03:36.259 --> 00:03:41.759 If we remember, we're coming off a strong warning from the verses 1 to 9. 00:03:42.979 --> 00:03:45.899 And so we open today's passage with a clear pivot. 00:03:46.620 --> 00:03:48.259 You, however, have followed. 00:03:49.699 --> 00:03:55.000 Unlike those men who are corrupt and disqualified, Timothy, you have followed. 00:03:55.000 --> 00:04:02.800 My teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, faith and patience and love and steadfastness. 00:04:03.759 --> 00:04:06.060 Well, Paul, what teaching? 00:04:06.539 --> 00:04:07.379 What conduct? 00:04:08.379 --> 00:04:09.539 What aim in life? 00:04:09.620 --> 00:04:11.939 And how has Timothy followed these so closely? 00:04:12.719 --> 00:04:16.540 How did he know your conduct well enough to follow it in the first place? 00:04:16.540 --> 00:04:18.220 What is going on here? 00:04:19.720 --> 00:04:24.360 Clearly, Paul and Timothy share a relationship we're not fully aware of. 00:04:25.200 --> 00:04:32.000 By contrasting Timothy against the men from verses 1 to 9, Paul highlights a visible, set-apart character. 00:04:32.759 --> 00:04:34.439 He knows Timothy very personally. 00:04:34.439 --> 00:04:41.500 And so Paul has seen Timothy's obedience, but Timothy too has seen Paul's example and has followed. 00:04:41.500 --> 00:04:48.220 To understand this relationship and decipher the depth of the meaning in these words, 00:04:48.560 --> 00:04:54.420 we need to join Paul on his journey and see what's happened at Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. 00:04:55.500 --> 00:04:56.019 Why? 00:04:56.959 --> 00:04:59.220 Well, Timothy seems to be aware of what's happening. 00:05:00.220 --> 00:05:01.600 But we're not off the bat. 00:05:02.459 --> 00:05:06.480 They're suffering in verses 11 and throughout this text. 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:14.340 And so it's useful for us to, for a short while, go into Acts 13 so we can grasp the weight of today's passage once we return. 00:05:15.879 --> 00:05:20.840 So we're in Acts 13, 13 to 52, and we have quite the incident here. 00:05:21.800 --> 00:05:28.080 For the sake of time, I'll quickly overview this part before we read together about Iconium and Lystra. 00:05:28.259 --> 00:05:30.720 But it's useful to have it open so you can skim through as well. 00:05:30.720 --> 00:05:37.220 So at Antioch in Acts 13, 13, Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue. 00:05:37.900 --> 00:05:39.960 They read the law of prophets and prophets. 00:05:41.140 --> 00:05:43.740 And the synagogue rulers invite them to share a word of encouragement. 00:05:44.480 --> 00:05:46.000 And boy, do they take that opportunity. 00:05:46.440 --> 00:05:51.500 Because Paul stands up and before the whole congregation, he opens the scripture. 00:05:51.940 --> 00:05:55.400 From Exodus forward, he continuously points to Jesus, 00:05:55.399 --> 00:06:01.899 his witness death and his resurrection and his return and call to repentance. 00:06:02.799 --> 00:06:05.899 He shows the people there how he is the Messiah. 00:06:06.659 --> 00:06:09.060 And he warns them strongly of denying this Jesus. 00:06:10.479 --> 00:06:16.000 After Paul finishes, some believe many, many are eager to hear more of this. 00:06:16.519 --> 00:06:19.319 And so in verse 43, on the next Sabbath, 00:06:20.120 --> 00:06:24.379 as he returns with Barnabas, nearly the whole city gathers around. 00:06:24.379 --> 00:06:30.920 But jealousy stirs among the Jews and some begin contradicting and insulting Paul. 00:06:32.500 --> 00:06:36.180 But they boldly respond in verse 46. 00:06:37.180 --> 00:06:43.120 And I read this because it's useful to see just how bold this proclamation is. 00:06:44.180 --> 00:06:45.680 Acts 13, 46. 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:49.660 It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. 00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:55.500 Since you thrust it aside and judge yourself unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 00:06:56.600 --> 00:06:58.519 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 00:06:58.960 --> 00:07:03.660 I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. 00:07:05.460 --> 00:07:06.680 The Gentiles rejoice. 00:07:07.420 --> 00:07:08.960 Many believe and glorify God. 00:07:09.180 --> 00:07:10.579 And the gospel quickly spreads. 00:07:10.579 --> 00:07:21.199 But again, because of this jealousy, the Jews incited devout women and men of high standing in the city to persecute the apostles and to force them out of the district. 00:07:22.639 --> 00:07:29.879 And famously, before leaving, Paul and Barnabas shake the dust off their feet as a sign of judgment and press on forwards to the Iconium. 00:07:30.879 --> 00:07:32.419 Now, there's a lot happening here. 00:07:32.420 --> 00:07:35.500 But centrally, there's a very bold evangelistic message. 00:07:36.640 --> 00:07:43.120 Paul and Barnabas preach Jesus as the expected Messiah, the very Jesus that the Jews crucified. 00:07:43.939 --> 00:07:45.640 And this is in the middle of the synagogue. 00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:51.160 Bravely, they do this and they see fruition. 00:07:51.680 --> 00:07:56.420 God works in their bravery, while simultaneously opposition and persecution brew. 00:07:57.220 --> 00:07:58.540 And these happen in parallel. 00:07:58.540 --> 00:08:01.920 Remember this persecution. 00:08:02.340 --> 00:08:07.920 For us reading it, this is a brief phrase, but it carries a real, costly, and felt price. 00:08:09.200 --> 00:08:14.300 The gospel ministry in Antioch had a cost, and Paul wants Timothy to remember this. 00:08:15.879 --> 00:08:17.240 And so Paul continues forwards. 00:08:18.100 --> 00:08:21.900 And we're brought to Iconium, where Paul and Barnabas follow their usual pattern, 00:08:22.600 --> 00:08:24.720 pressing on with a bold gospel declaration. 00:08:25.320 --> 00:08:28.340 So let's read together in Acts 14, 1 to 7. 00:08:28.540 --> 00:08:33.960 At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went, as usual, into the Jewish synagogue. 00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:38.879 There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 00:08:39.580 --> 00:08:43.940 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:48.860 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, 00:08:49.159 --> 00:08:52.759 who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 00:08:52.759 --> 00:08:55.139 The people of the city were divided. 00:08:55.779 --> 00:08:58.519 Some sided with the Jews, while others with the apostles. 00:08:58.519 --> 00:09:05.740 There was a plot of foot among them, among the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their leaders, 00:09:05.939 --> 00:09:07.279 to mistreat them and stone them. 00:09:07.980 --> 00:09:13.179 But they found out about it and fled to the Iconian cities of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding country, 00:09:13.399 --> 00:09:14.980 where they continued to preach the gospel. 00:09:14.980 --> 00:09:18.820 I love how the NIV puts it. 00:09:19.600 --> 00:09:23.060 Paul and Barnabas went, as usual, into the Jewish synagogue. 00:09:24.019 --> 00:09:26.440 It really is quite the strategy, isn't it? 00:09:27.080 --> 00:09:31.320 Go again into the next city and tell the Jews that they killed God incarnate, 00:09:31.620 --> 00:09:34.580 knowing that in the previous synagogue there was strong persecution. 00:09:36.340 --> 00:09:37.120 Yet what do we see? 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:39.379 God continues to work for their bold faith. 00:09:39.379 --> 00:09:42.860 If the city divides, some believe, others reject. 00:09:43.379 --> 00:09:44.960 But this pattern continues also. 00:09:45.919 --> 00:09:48.220 And again, persecution is knocking at the door. 00:09:49.159 --> 00:09:52.720 And clearly their evangelistic strategy doesn't change at all in the face of it. 00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:55.379 They don't change the message or soften it. 00:09:55.939 --> 00:09:57.840 They press on preaching boldly. 00:09:58.600 --> 00:10:00.840 And now they move onwards to Lystra. 00:10:02.179 --> 00:10:04.840 Here we're skimming through Acts 14, 8 to 23, 00:10:05.360 --> 00:10:06.759 where Paul again is preaching, 00:10:06.759 --> 00:10:09.480 and before him lies a crippled man from birth, 00:10:09.580 --> 00:10:10.799 unable to walk but listening. 00:10:11.679 --> 00:10:14.740 And Paul sees him, tells him to stand up, seeing his faith. 00:10:15.279 --> 00:10:17.179 And up he jumps, beginning to walk. 00:10:18.220 --> 00:10:21.220 And how do the people react in verse 11 of Acts 14? 00:10:22.399 --> 00:10:26.000 They perceive Paul and Barnabas to be God's inhuman form. 00:10:27.279 --> 00:10:28.399 This is a bit ironic, 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:31.480 that the Gentiles see the wonders as God-like, 00:10:31.879 --> 00:10:33.720 but that the Jewish leaders earlier didn't, 00:10:33.720 --> 00:10:39.340 actually killing God as a coming Messiah not long ago. 00:10:40.960 --> 00:10:44.100 And so the crowd names Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes, 00:10:44.700 --> 00:10:47.399 and they react by turning their clothes off 00:10:47.399 --> 00:10:50.480 in pain of this, 00:10:51.019 --> 00:10:53.360 insisting they're just messengers bringing good news. 00:10:54.920 --> 00:10:56.560 And even so, in verse 18, 00:10:56.660 --> 00:11:00.220 we see that they barely manage to stop the crowds from sacrificing to them. 00:11:00.220 --> 00:11:03.460 And then there's a very sharp turn in verse 19, 00:11:04.060 --> 00:11:06.920 and I'm going to read down to 22, I think. 00:11:08.040 --> 00:11:11.019 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium 00:11:11.019 --> 00:11:12.080 and won the crowd over. 00:11:12.519 --> 00:11:14.700 They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, 00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:16.060 thinking he was dead. 00:11:16.700 --> 00:11:18.899 But after the disciples had gathered around him, 00:11:18.960 --> 00:11:20.600 he got up and went back into the city. 00:11:21.160 --> 00:11:23.300 The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. 00:11:23.680 --> 00:11:25.440 They preached the gospel in that city 00:11:25.440 --> 00:11:26.940 and won a large number of disciples. 00:11:26.940 --> 00:11:30.080 Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 00:11:30.540 --> 00:11:32.260 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them 00:11:32.260 --> 00:11:33.400 to remain true in the faith. 00:11:33.740 --> 00:11:35.440 We must go through many hardships 00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:37.080 to enter the kingdom of God, they said. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:40.380 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in the church 00:11:40.380 --> 00:11:42.000 and with prayer and fasting, 00:11:42.180 --> 00:11:43.220 committed them to the Lord, 00:11:43.540 --> 00:11:44.840 in whom they put their trust. 00:11:47.380 --> 00:11:47.860 And so, 00:11:48.820 --> 00:11:51.200 Paul and Barnabas go out boldly in faith, 00:11:52.060 --> 00:11:55.220 preaching strongly in the synagogues. 00:11:55.220 --> 00:11:58.100 And they endure suffering again and again. 00:11:59.500 --> 00:12:01.080 I mean, isn't this just jaw-dropping? 00:12:02.120 --> 00:12:03.980 They're persecuted in Antioch 00:12:03.980 --> 00:12:05.080 for preaching in the synagogue 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:08.379 and they go on to do the same at Iconium. 00:12:09.560 --> 00:12:11.960 At Iconium, they hear of a plot to be stoned, 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:13.540 so they head to Lystra. 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:15.500 And what happens? 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:18.019 Paul is stoned, left for dead, 00:12:18.300 --> 00:12:19.600 and then they do what? 00:12:19.600 --> 00:12:22.840 That's right, they go back to preach the gospel 00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:25.720 in that city and win a large number of disciples. 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:28.740 But Paul, why would you do this? 00:12:29.560 --> 00:12:31.759 I mean, do you not remember the exile out of Antioch 00:12:31.759 --> 00:12:34.060 or the attempted stoning at Iconium 00:12:34.060 --> 00:12:35.720 or the actual stoning at Lystra 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:36.940 that left you near dead? 00:12:37.580 --> 00:12:39.279 Why would you return to these places? 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:42.740 Well, we've read that in verses 21 to 22, 00:12:43.240 --> 00:12:45.320 because the gospel needs preached 00:12:45.320 --> 00:12:47.220 and the disciples need strengthening. 00:12:48.379 --> 00:12:49.720 This is so powerful. 00:12:50.300 --> 00:12:52.360 Paul's primary concern is not his health, 00:12:52.820 --> 00:12:53.920 it's not his safety, 00:12:54.320 --> 00:12:56.340 it's not his comfort or approval 00:12:56.340 --> 00:12:58.360 or ease or even survival. 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:00.220 It's Christ's. 00:13:00.780 --> 00:13:02.760 His concern is for people to know Jesus 00:13:02.760 --> 00:13:03.600 and grow in him. 00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:06.960 And this is the Great Commission taken seriously. 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:10.320 Imagine, bloodied, bruised, fought dead, 00:13:10.860 --> 00:13:13.720 Paul gets up and walks back into the same city 00:13:13.720 --> 00:13:16.639 because the beauty of the gospel 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:18.180 deserves to be heard, 00:13:18.800 --> 00:13:20.160 regardless of cost. 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:22.980 If anything, it seems for Paul, 00:13:23.399 --> 00:13:26.420 persecution is not a sign of unwise gospel presentation, 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:28.019 but quite the opposite, 00:13:28.700 --> 00:13:29.800 a faithful presentation. 00:13:31.160 --> 00:13:33.180 The gospel is a bold message 00:13:33.180 --> 00:13:34.560 that calls for a bold messenger. 00:13:36.340 --> 00:13:38.139 He sees the brothers that need the strengthening 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:39.060 and he goes to them. 00:13:40.080 --> 00:13:41.500 And what an example this is, 00:13:41.660 --> 00:13:43.139 the Christ-likeness of this event. 00:13:43.139 --> 00:13:45.399 revealing a church leader to follow. 00:13:46.799 --> 00:13:49.120 And clearly, the disciples saw it in verse 22, 00:13:49.340 --> 00:13:51.279 because reflecting on this event, 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:52.939 they say something remarkable. 00:13:54.159 --> 00:13:55.600 We must go through many hardships 00:13:55.600 --> 00:13:57.019 to enter the kingdom of God. 00:13:58.299 --> 00:14:00.240 We must go through many hardships 00:14:00.240 --> 00:14:02.100 to enter the kingdom of God. 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:05.600 We must go through many hardships 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:07.419 to enter the kingdom of God. 00:14:07.419 --> 00:14:10.360 What an application. 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:13.519 This wasn't just Paul's message, 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:15.559 it was their realized conviction. 00:14:16.819 --> 00:14:18.159 We, the church, 00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:19.639 must go through many hardships 00:14:19.639 --> 00:14:21.279 to enter the kingdom of God. 00:14:22.559 --> 00:14:25.199 And Timothy, he doesn't just admire Paul's faith, 00:14:25.559 --> 00:14:27.519 he adopts this costly pattern of ministry. 00:14:28.519 --> 00:14:31.120 So now jumping back into 2 Timothy 3.10, 00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:33.259 we stand on very different footing 00:14:33.259 --> 00:14:34.340 looking at this text. 00:14:35.779 --> 00:14:38.960 Remember how the disciples gathered around Paul 00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:40.840 after his stoning in Lystra? 00:14:42.279 --> 00:14:44.299 Well, so does Timothy reading these words, 00:14:44.679 --> 00:14:46.240 because he likely was one of them. 00:14:47.100 --> 00:14:47.960 He lived there, 00:14:48.580 --> 00:14:49.240 and as a boy, 00:14:49.340 --> 00:14:51.539 likely saw firsthand what had happened. 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:53.419 At the very least, 00:14:53.460 --> 00:14:54.200 he's heard of it. 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:56.560 He saw the Great Commission, 00:14:56.779 --> 00:14:58.259 what it looked like when it's lived out. 00:14:58.259 --> 00:15:01.039 And alongside Timothy now, 00:15:01.159 --> 00:15:03.059 we also see the richness of these words, 00:15:03.799 --> 00:15:06.340 real words that carry wounds with them. 00:15:08.019 --> 00:15:08.580 And still, 00:15:08.700 --> 00:15:10.980 Timothy chose to follow Paul's teaching, 00:15:11.679 --> 00:15:12.399 his conduct, 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:13.740 his aim in life, 00:15:13.840 --> 00:15:14.819 his faith, 00:15:14.899 --> 00:15:15.559 his patience, 00:15:16.179 --> 00:15:16.759 his love, 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:17.720 his steadfastness, 00:15:17.819 --> 00:15:18.700 his persecutions. 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:22.299 He saw the transformational power of the gospel, 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:24.399 and he didn't need the salesman pitch. 00:15:25.539 --> 00:15:27.319 He saw the boldness and the love, 00:15:27.320 --> 00:15:28.740 a living faith. 00:15:29.760 --> 00:15:32.260 He saw that being set apart is costly. 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.180 It might even cost him his life. 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:35.420 But still, 00:15:35.600 --> 00:15:37.100 he chose to adopt this pattern. 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:38.379 He chose to follow. 00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:40.420 No special invitation. 00:15:41.640 --> 00:15:42.440 No one dragged him. 00:15:45.040 --> 00:15:46.760 And this sacrificial pattern of ministry 00:15:46.760 --> 00:15:49.340 is for Timothy and church leaders to adopt. 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:50.640 It isn't glamorous. 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:52.880 It holds pain and suffering. 00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:55.700 To be endured with a Christ-like character. 00:15:56.659 --> 00:15:57.120 Still, 00:15:57.439 --> 00:15:58.220 Timothy follows. 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:02.100 So self-giving is this pattern 00:16:02.100 --> 00:16:03.919 that it always points to Christ. 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:08.379 The people there don't see a glamorous minister. 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:10.220 They see a suffering servant. 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:11.240 They see Jesus. 00:16:13.299 --> 00:16:15.340 And so we can see in verse 11, 00:16:15.340 --> 00:16:18.460 we can almost feel the tears and anguish of Paul 00:16:18.460 --> 00:16:22.080 and his shaking hand as he wrote these words. 00:16:22.780 --> 00:16:25.700 We can almost see Timothy's eyes begin to tear 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:28.600 as he remembers walking on the roads 00:16:28.600 --> 00:16:30.040 in which Paul bled. 00:16:30.920 --> 00:16:33.060 We see their close relationship, 00:16:33.780 --> 00:16:34.639 their common gospel, 00:16:35.680 --> 00:16:36.820 and their shared wounds. 00:16:36.820 --> 00:16:40.600 And there is suffering package behind these words. 00:16:41.960 --> 00:16:42.879 Persecutions felt, 00:16:43.540 --> 00:16:44.700 not fled from, 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:47.980 but for the sake of the all-sufficient gospel, 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:50.060 they were endured, 00:16:50.879 --> 00:16:51.460 repeatedly. 00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:55.320 For me, this reminds me of Jesus. 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:56.940 This is Christ-like ministry. 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:58.720 And who rescued Paul? 00:16:59.200 --> 00:17:00.860 Was it the persecution newsbringer 00:17:00.860 --> 00:17:01.980 or the informant? 00:17:02.660 --> 00:17:04.799 No, it was the Lord who rescued him. 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:06.639 And we're not surprised by this, 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:09.019 but imagine getting chased out of so many cities 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:09.899 preaching the gospel, 00:17:10.139 --> 00:17:11.359 only to get stoned. 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:13.879 It doesn't really feel like rescued, does it? 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:17.000 Like, God, here I am preaching like you asked me to, 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:18.579 and this is what I get? 00:17:19.899 --> 00:17:21.539 Shamefully, that would have been my cry, 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:24.819 feeling abandoned at the first pebble thrown my way. 00:17:25.599 --> 00:17:27.079 But that's not Paul's faith. 00:17:27.720 --> 00:17:29.480 His stoning, there is no shame in it. 00:17:30.119 --> 00:17:31.399 This is not a failed mission. 00:17:31.879 --> 00:17:33.359 It's Paul's pattern of ministry. 00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:36.219 Timothy, this is not a memory. 00:17:36.959 --> 00:17:37.839 It's an invitation. 00:17:39.119 --> 00:17:41.459 This is the price of carrying the gospel boldly. 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:42.359 This is ministry. 00:17:42.939 --> 00:17:45.159 Not the crowd's attention, appraisal, 00:17:45.240 --> 00:17:46.359 but the persecution's. 00:17:47.119 --> 00:17:49.019 And we admire bold missionaries like Paul, 00:17:49.459 --> 00:17:51.500 but I wonder if we still see a success 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:53.419 if the result was rejection, 00:17:54.419 --> 00:17:55.599 pain, or even stones. 00:17:56.719 --> 00:17:58.399 Because this is the cost of the gospel, 00:17:59.199 --> 00:18:00.639 and the returns are God's. 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:03.480 So now, verse 12. 00:18:04.060 --> 00:18:07.500 If we remember Acts 14, 24, 00:18:07.900 --> 00:18:09.160 where they say, 00:18:09.480 --> 00:18:10.740 we must go from many hardships 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.960 to enter the kingdom of God. 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:15.420 Indeed, says Paul, you must. 00:18:16.220 --> 00:18:18.680 If you desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, 00:18:19.360 --> 00:18:20.480 you will be persecuted. 00:18:21.780 --> 00:18:23.200 It's not a possibility. 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:25.080 It's a certainty. 00:18:26.960 --> 00:18:30.660 So, Timothy, you want the welcome to ministry package? 00:18:31.420 --> 00:18:32.220 It's all-inclusive. 00:18:32.920 --> 00:18:35.120 You'll get on-the-job persecutions, 00:18:35.580 --> 00:18:36.420 some suffering too, 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:38.880 sorry, no budget for a private jet. 00:18:39.180 --> 00:18:40.680 You've got it all when you have the gospel, 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:42.779 and it's worth being persecuted for. 00:18:43.779 --> 00:18:44.840 Oh yeah, and the suffering? 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:48.080 Of course, you're expected to have a Christ-like character for it all. 00:18:48.079 --> 00:18:52.279 Oh, and if you're curious about the expectations from the ministry role, 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:54.379 if you desire to do well in it, 00:18:54.799 --> 00:18:55.960 and live a godly life, 00:18:56.279 --> 00:18:57.740 again, you will be persecuted. 00:18:59.159 --> 00:19:01.179 We've got quite the theme going on here, don't we? 00:19:02.359 --> 00:19:04.460 Now, while Paul is talking to the next batting carrier, 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:07.019 he addresses all future church leaders. 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:10.519 Adopting his suffering pattern of ministry 00:19:10.519 --> 00:19:11.859 is not an option, 00:19:12.379 --> 00:19:13.439 but an expectation. 00:19:13.440 --> 00:19:15.759 And we might nod, 00:19:16.380 --> 00:19:18.180 but let's not miss the wording here as well. 00:19:19.140 --> 00:19:21.860 All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus 00:19:21.860 --> 00:19:23.320 will be persecuted. 00:19:24.240 --> 00:19:25.559 And actually, the suffering, 00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:27.480 that's not just the pastors. 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:30.920 This part applies to us quite strongly. 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:33.980 If we desire a godly life, 00:19:34.160 --> 00:19:35.600 we will be persecuted. 00:19:35.860 --> 00:19:36.660 This is a guarantee. 00:19:37.860 --> 00:19:38.620 And why? 00:19:39.960 --> 00:19:41.900 I think the reason is in the wording, 00:19:41.900 --> 00:19:45.360 because a godly life is in Christ Jesus. 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:48.400 And we know what the world did to Christ. 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:52.300 And so the challenge for me, 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:53.740 for us today, 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:56.440 is whether we are at this moment 00:19:56.440 --> 00:19:58.200 desiring a godly life. 00:19:59.220 --> 00:20:01.060 Because if we are in Christ Jesus, 00:20:01.640 --> 00:20:03.720 the world will persecute us. 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:06.420 If we are in Christ Jesus, like Paul, 00:20:06.620 --> 00:20:08.720 boldly, and even wisely, 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:11.720 others will at times go out their way 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:12.799 to persecute us. 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.860 It may not be with stones here in the UK, 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:17.140 though in some parts of the world 00:20:17.140 --> 00:20:18.100 it continues to be, 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:20.180 but it might be social exclusion, 00:20:21.140 --> 00:20:21.940 unfair treatment, 00:20:22.420 --> 00:20:23.240 being misunderstood, 00:20:23.740 --> 00:20:24.740 or rejected, 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:26.500 or missing out on opportunities, 00:20:26.700 --> 00:20:27.880 not because we are reckless, 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:29.960 but because we belong to Jesus. 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:33.960 If the world's foundation is on sand, 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:36.900 and we stand boldly on Christ as our rock, 00:20:37.420 --> 00:20:38.400 in word and deed, 00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:40.460 their foundation will be challenged. 00:20:42.100 --> 00:20:43.059 Let's be clear, 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:46.180 persecution is not a badge we chase, 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:47.259 a confirming identity. 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:50.079 We don't go our way to be victims, 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:52.279 so we can earn something. 00:20:53.100 --> 00:20:54.340 We are whole in Christ. 00:20:54.339 --> 00:20:56.959 But this is exactly it. 00:20:57.859 --> 00:20:58.959 The world hated Jesus, 00:20:59.679 --> 00:21:01.619 and they hated the Christlikeness of Paul, 00:21:01.919 --> 00:21:04.319 and they will hate our Christlikeness too, 00:21:04.419 --> 00:21:05.139 if it is bold. 00:21:06.099 --> 00:21:07.939 So if you're facing no resistance, 00:21:09.679 --> 00:21:12.000 maybe a question to ponder is, 00:21:12.179 --> 00:21:13.720 are you boldly in Christ? 00:21:15.419 --> 00:21:18.659 Because Paul tasted the gospel message so sweet, 00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:20.740 it could not hide away. 00:21:20.859 --> 00:21:21.659 It had to be shared. 00:21:21.660 --> 00:21:24.480 Is this the gospel you know? 00:21:25.880 --> 00:21:28.019 And if you're not being persecuted today, 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:30.620 can you suffer with those who are, 00:21:31.100 --> 00:21:33.779 in prayer, solidarity, and support? 00:21:36.120 --> 00:21:38.360 As well, notice here the word desire. 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:40.019 This isn't passive. 00:21:40.680 --> 00:21:41.500 It isn't a, 00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:43.640 I wish to be more godly someday. 00:21:44.440 --> 00:21:45.540 It's not an empty hope, 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:47.580 but a Christ-empowered action. 00:21:48.300 --> 00:21:49.640 Desiring a godly life means 00:21:49.640 --> 00:21:51.640 walking into the synagogues like Paul, 00:21:51.660 --> 00:21:53.279 with a bold faith, 00:21:53.360 --> 00:21:55.680 prioritizing souls over safety or comfort. 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:59.740 A godly life is not about the perfect moment. 00:22:00.660 --> 00:22:02.140 It's about the perfect God 00:22:02.140 --> 00:22:03.480 who works in our bold faith, 00:22:03.980 --> 00:22:06.019 even if the moment appears imperfect. 00:22:07.600 --> 00:22:08.620 And wisdom is important, 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:10.460 but even retrospectively, 00:22:10.560 --> 00:22:12.100 would we say Paul looked wise? 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:14.159 He was, 00:22:14.159 --> 00:22:16.659 because souls needed the gospel, 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:18.939 and he was given it to share. 00:22:19.899 --> 00:22:21.480 He didn't avoid suffering. 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:25.079 He endured for the gospel. 00:22:25.839 --> 00:22:28.199 The message stayed strong, unchanged. 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:31.100 So ask yourself, 00:22:31.799 --> 00:22:35.019 when is the last time I stood up for something publicly, 00:22:35.539 --> 00:22:37.700 knowing I might lose my comfort or reputation? 00:22:39.120 --> 00:22:41.539 When did I last embrace the awkwardness 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:42.580 to proclaim the gospel? 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:45.620 Because Paul says, 00:22:46.220 --> 00:22:48.319 if you desire a godly life in Christ Jesus, 00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:49.859 you will be persecuted. 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:53.299 And in verse 9, 00:22:53.379 --> 00:22:53.980 we find them, 00:22:54.059 --> 00:22:54.939 the persecutors, 00:22:55.399 --> 00:22:57.039 deceivers who by very definition 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.000 oppose the truth. 00:22:58.399 --> 00:22:59.299 They are corrupted. 00:23:00.439 --> 00:23:00.919 In 10, 00:23:01.139 --> 00:23:02.099 Timothy's character 00:23:02.099 --> 00:23:04.339 and the pathway of his character 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:05.819 is contrasted to these men. 00:23:06.059 --> 00:23:06.939 But now also, 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:07.799 in verse 13, 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:09.659 we have a contrast in trajectories. 00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:11.540 The evil snowball 00:23:11.540 --> 00:23:13.160 from hating the truth 00:23:13.160 --> 00:23:13.880 into deception, 00:23:14.060 --> 00:23:15.019 from bad to worse. 00:23:15.200 --> 00:23:16.400 And on the other hand, 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:18.120 Timothy in verse 14 00:23:18.120 --> 00:23:19.500 is to continue in what he's learned. 00:23:20.640 --> 00:23:21.360 So there are those 00:23:21.360 --> 00:23:23.380 who follow Paul's pattern of ministry 00:23:23.380 --> 00:23:24.680 and grow in righteousness, 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:26.100 and there are those 00:23:26.100 --> 00:23:27.160 who reject suffering 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:29.400 and those who turn from the call 00:23:29.400 --> 00:23:30.779 and grow in evil. 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:33.320 And again, 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:34.440 church leaders or not, 00:23:34.800 --> 00:23:36.360 we're all called to grow in Christ. 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:38.220 Growth is not just for Timothy, 00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:39.860 not just for pastors, 00:23:40.420 --> 00:23:42.079 but the whole church. 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:43.160 We, together, 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:44.620 as a body. 00:23:45.559 --> 00:23:46.539 We're to continue 00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:47.579 in what we've learned, 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:49.039 firmly believed. 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:53.299 In chapter 1, 00:23:53.460 --> 00:23:55.140 Craig showed us 00:23:55.140 --> 00:23:56.779 how Timothy's sincere faith 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:57.940 came through his grandmother, 00:23:58.539 --> 00:24:00.019 Lois and mother Eunice. 00:24:00.860 --> 00:24:01.740 And here's Paul, 00:24:02.200 --> 00:24:03.620 who also in chapter 1 00:24:03.620 --> 00:24:04.299 calls Timothy 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:06.680 his dear son in Christ. 00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:09.120 And this is a beautiful picture, 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:09.539 isn't it? 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:11.259 Not just of individual faith, 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.660 but of faith passed on. 00:24:14.820 --> 00:24:16.440 Paul boldly preached the gospel, 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:18.740 his message reached Lois and Eunice, 00:24:19.400 --> 00:24:20.539 they taught it to Timothy, 00:24:21.080 --> 00:24:22.580 and now Paul is urging him 00:24:22.580 --> 00:24:23.640 to continue in it, 00:24:23.680 --> 00:24:24.980 to carry the baton forward. 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:27.900 And what a family in Christ this is. 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:31.160 You've heard the famous quote, 00:24:31.580 --> 00:24:33.799 it takes a village to raise a child. 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:35.339 I mean, it takes a church 00:24:35.339 --> 00:24:36.579 to raise a gospel worker, 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:37.159 it looks like, 00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:38.259 in this passage. 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:40.240 I'm not a parent, 00:24:40.339 --> 00:24:40.940 and this might not be 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:42.159 the central point of the passage, 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:44.399 but it stands out to me 00:24:44.399 --> 00:24:45.559 that from childhood, 00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:46.579 Timothy was exposed 00:24:46.579 --> 00:24:47.259 to the scriptures. 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:49.240 He was set off 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:50.240 on the right trajectory 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.559 that he's to continue in, 00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:52.259 not once, 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:53.579 but over years. 00:24:54.779 --> 00:24:55.500 And I'm convinced 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:56.259 that this exposure 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:57.299 contributed to 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:58.819 shaping his heart for Christ, 00:24:58.940 --> 00:24:59.539 for ministry. 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:01.159 And God definitely 00:25:01.159 --> 00:25:02.220 did not waste it. 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:04.720 And so as we think 00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:05.420 on passing on 00:25:05.420 --> 00:25:06.399 the baton of the gospel, 00:25:06.639 --> 00:25:06.859 well, 00:25:07.519 --> 00:25:09.159 maybe with a little disillusionment 00:25:09.159 --> 00:25:09.680 considering 00:25:09.680 --> 00:25:11.779 the modern context 00:25:11.779 --> 00:25:12.279 of Scotland, 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.799 this verse 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:15.359 should shine through. 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.819 Here the gospel 00:25:17.819 --> 00:25:19.700 has been faithfully passed down, 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.579 consistently invested. 00:25:22.379 --> 00:25:24.379 We see a passage over time, 00:25:24.460 --> 00:25:25.460 a long trajectory. 00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:27.960 Notice how this isn't 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:29.100 a quick baton, 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:29.860 throw and catch. 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.660 And notice too 00:25:31.660 --> 00:25:32.420 how Paul is not 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:33.240 the only mentor 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:34.039 that has shaped 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:35.400 Timothy for ministry. 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:37.019 His family is mentioned 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:37.700 repeatedly, 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:39.279 and by name. 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:42.480 If the Holy Spirit 00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:43.039 empowers 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:45.559 this baton passing process, 00:25:46.079 --> 00:25:47.019 will he not work 00:25:47.019 --> 00:25:47.960 for every hand 00:25:47.960 --> 00:25:48.720 that's stretched out 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:49.279 to serve, 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:50.940 every encouragement, 00:25:51.440 --> 00:25:52.100 every prayer, 00:25:52.940 --> 00:25:54.180 every word of advice? 00:25:55.200 --> 00:25:56.360 We all contribute 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:57.279 to this process. 00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:58.399 We all have gifts. 00:25:59.680 --> 00:26:00.379 The parents today, 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.799 biological or spiritual, 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.420 is Paul. 00:26:02.920 --> 00:26:03.639 Is this something 00:26:03.639 --> 00:26:04.519 on your calendar? 00:26:05.399 --> 00:26:06.500 Acquainting your children 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.399 or your mentees 00:26:07.399 --> 00:26:08.000 with the Bible? 00:26:09.220 --> 00:26:11.180 Maybe the persecutions 00:26:11.180 --> 00:26:11.740 you'll face 00:26:11.740 --> 00:26:12.639 are from within 00:26:12.639 --> 00:26:13.460 your own household 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.559 as you invest 00:26:14.559 --> 00:26:15.180 in this way. 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:17.359 From an unbelieving spouse, 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.619 the wider family, 00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:20.359 the secular culture 00:26:20.359 --> 00:26:21.740 that always pushes against, 00:26:22.099 --> 00:26:23.240 or a resistant child. 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:25.700 Maybe like me, 00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:26.279 you find that 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:27.140 it's easier 00:26:27.140 --> 00:26:27.980 to share the gospel 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:28.819 and invite a 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:30.180 non-believing friend 00:26:30.180 --> 00:26:31.000 out for a coffee 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:31.960 to study the Bible 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:32.880 than it is 00:26:32.880 --> 00:26:34.039 with your own family. 00:26:36.839 --> 00:26:37.839 But this isn't 00:26:37.839 --> 00:26:38.539 Paul's pattern 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:39.120 of ministry. 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:40.759 Like him, 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:41.880 we're told to be bold 00:26:41.880 --> 00:26:44.160 for the all-sufficient gospel, 00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:46.000 holding faith 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:47.519 in the transformational power 00:26:47.519 --> 00:26:48.240 that it holds, 00:26:48.240 --> 00:26:50.160 and we must endure. 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:52.359 Because the sweetness 00:26:52.359 --> 00:26:53.700 of the gospel message 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:55.960 is so worth the suffering, 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:58.039 and God works through it. 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:01.620 Maybe you've been blessed 00:27:01.620 --> 00:27:03.359 to have this type of community 00:27:03.359 --> 00:27:04.539 to be invested in 00:27:04.539 --> 00:27:05.660 and acquainted 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:06.279 with the scriptures 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:06.859 from young, 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:08.640 and that's an opportunity today 00:27:08.640 --> 00:27:09.759 to thank not just God 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:10.259 for that, 00:27:10.460 --> 00:27:11.220 but your family 00:27:11.220 --> 00:27:12.059 and those who have 00:27:12.059 --> 00:27:12.900 invested in you. 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:14.640 So maybe that's an application 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:15.380 to take away. 00:27:17.160 --> 00:27:17.660 And so we come 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.860 to the final two verses, 00:27:19.620 --> 00:27:20.880 a well-known part 00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:21.880 of the Bible. 00:27:22.400 --> 00:27:23.640 We have the divine breath 00:27:23.640 --> 00:27:24.180 of God, 00:27:24.300 --> 00:27:25.140 the Holy Spirit 00:27:25.140 --> 00:27:26.380 working to create, 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:27.220 like in Genesis, 00:27:28.340 --> 00:27:28.940 and this time 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:30.320 working through 00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:31.160 the written words, 00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:33.200 the highest authority 00:27:33.200 --> 00:27:33.880 we have, 00:27:34.820 --> 00:27:35.300 God's word 00:27:35.300 --> 00:27:36.019 that is powerful 00:27:36.019 --> 00:27:36.820 into salvation. 00:27:38.540 --> 00:27:38.740 I mean, 00:27:38.759 --> 00:27:39.700 we see these words, 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:40.600 the scripture 00:27:40.600 --> 00:27:41.400 is profitable. 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:42.960 It's so worth 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:43.840 investing into, 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:44.660 worth our time 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:45.279 and attention, 00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:47.040 and not just in theory, 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:47.839 but look at how 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:48.539 the word of God 00:27:48.539 --> 00:27:50.059 can be angled 00:27:50.059 --> 00:27:50.819 like a sword. 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:53.159 It can be useful 00:27:53.159 --> 00:27:53.839 for teaching, 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.259 for reproof, 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:56.420 which is exposing 00:27:56.420 --> 00:27:57.440 something that is wrong, 00:27:58.159 --> 00:27:58.960 for correction, 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:01.099 which is taking 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:01.819 that wrong thing 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:02.599 and pointing it back 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:03.319 to what is right. 00:28:04.200 --> 00:28:04.799 It trains us 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:05.420 in righteousness. 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:07.940 This is the language 00:28:07.940 --> 00:28:09.059 of transformation, 00:28:10.159 --> 00:28:10.759 learning, 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:11.599 unlearning, 00:28:11.799 --> 00:28:12.099 growing, 00:28:12.420 --> 00:28:12.859 learning, 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:13.619 unlearning, 00:28:13.619 --> 00:28:14.039 and growing. 00:28:14.699 --> 00:28:15.839 It's a process. 00:28:17.239 --> 00:28:18.119 And we hear of 00:28:18.119 --> 00:28:19.059 reproof or correction, 00:28:19.899 --> 00:28:20.599 and we often 00:28:20.599 --> 00:28:21.619 think outwardly. 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:22.739 But this is 00:28:22.739 --> 00:28:24.059 especially for us. 00:28:25.439 --> 00:28:26.539 If the Bible 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.579 is truly profitable, 00:28:27.779 --> 00:28:28.519 which it is, 00:28:28.879 --> 00:28:29.899 we must welcome 00:28:29.899 --> 00:28:30.819 its work in us. 00:28:30.959 --> 00:28:31.979 It's for our good. 00:28:33.979 --> 00:28:34.719 Let's remember 00:28:34.719 --> 00:28:36.099 that this letter 00:28:36.099 --> 00:28:37.259 is written for Timothy, 00:28:37.659 --> 00:28:38.919 the next baton carrier, 00:28:39.919 --> 00:28:40.719 called to use scripture 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:41.799 with care and love, 00:28:42.140 --> 00:28:42.980 even if it means 00:28:42.980 --> 00:28:43.539 challenge. 00:28:44.500 --> 00:28:45.279 And it can mean 00:28:45.279 --> 00:28:45.819 challenge. 00:28:47.100 --> 00:28:47.819 A church leader 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:48.700 adopting Paul's 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.620 pattern of ministry, 00:28:50.039 --> 00:28:51.180 who after being stoned 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:52.259 was so lovingly 00:28:52.259 --> 00:28:53.539 concerned for the church, 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:55.059 well, this type 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:55.720 of church leader 00:28:55.720 --> 00:28:56.480 can use scripture 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:57.339 with care and love. 00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:00.460 And we've seen it here 00:29:00.460 --> 00:29:01.600 that this can mean 00:29:01.600 --> 00:29:02.539 reproof and correction. 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:04.480 It might go against 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.460 our comfort, 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:06.960 but we must welcome 00:29:06.960 --> 00:29:07.400 both. 00:29:08.680 --> 00:29:09.819 Because those who desire 00:29:09.819 --> 00:29:10.839 to live a godly life 00:29:10.839 --> 00:29:11.859 will face suffering. 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:14.819 Have we allowed 00:29:14.819 --> 00:29:15.859 this space in our lives 00:29:15.859 --> 00:29:17.019 to be lovingly corrected? 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:20.579 That is part of this 00:29:20.579 --> 00:29:21.639 idea of being 00:29:21.639 --> 00:29:22.439 made complete. 00:29:24.500 --> 00:29:25.759 We have a strong 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.779 hint of this here, 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:28.960 this trajectory again 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:30.819 of sanctification, 00:29:31.099 --> 00:29:31.799 of becoming more 00:29:31.799 --> 00:29:32.500 like Christ 00:29:32.500 --> 00:29:33.899 for the Spirit's 00:29:33.899 --> 00:29:34.599 work in us. 00:29:35.839 --> 00:29:36.960 And in this process, 00:29:37.079 --> 00:29:38.159 the Bible is central. 00:29:39.819 --> 00:29:40.740 So that we can become 00:29:40.740 --> 00:29:41.659 more like Christ, 00:29:41.819 --> 00:29:42.960 but also so that we're 00:29:42.960 --> 00:29:43.759 equipped for every 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:44.279 good work. 00:29:46.700 --> 00:29:47.519 It's useful, 00:29:47.639 --> 00:29:48.740 it's essential in fact, 00:29:49.220 --> 00:29:49.960 but we ask for 00:29:49.960 --> 00:29:50.960 what larger purpose? 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:51.799 And again, 00:29:53.139 --> 00:29:54.179 because the scriptures, 00:29:54.819 --> 00:29:55.859 they help us 00:29:55.859 --> 00:29:57.000 be equipped 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:58.500 and so that we 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.220 may be complete. 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:01.200 And then this implies 00:30:01.200 --> 00:30:02.279 that there are good 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:03.319 works for us to do 00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:04.839 and that we must be 00:30:04.839 --> 00:30:05.539 equipped for them. 00:30:05.539 --> 00:30:08.079 For Timothy, 00:30:08.740 --> 00:30:09.720 his call to ministry 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:10.460 required that 00:30:10.460 --> 00:30:11.460 acquaintance with the 00:30:11.460 --> 00:30:12.399 scriptures he's had 00:30:12.399 --> 00:30:12.819 from young. 00:30:13.159 --> 00:30:13.980 We've seen that. 00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:15.500 It's central to the 00:30:15.500 --> 00:30:16.339 passages as we go 00:30:16.339 --> 00:30:16.799 through them. 00:30:17.299 --> 00:30:18.180 And the same is true 00:30:18.180 --> 00:30:19.519 of Paul and Barnabas. 00:30:19.980 --> 00:30:20.659 How could they have 00:30:20.659 --> 00:30:21.319 reasoned with those 00:30:21.319 --> 00:30:22.460 in Acts if they never 00:30:22.460 --> 00:30:23.119 knew the scriptures 00:30:23.119 --> 00:30:24.019 to reason with? 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:27.279 There is no good work 00:30:27.279 --> 00:30:28.099 that the Bible does 00:30:28.099 --> 00:30:29.720 not prepare and equip 00:30:29.720 --> 00:30:30.200 us for. 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:31.779 So we need to hold 00:30:31.779 --> 00:30:32.159 it dear. 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:34.540 And this includes 00:30:34.540 --> 00:30:35.540 the process of passing 00:30:35.540 --> 00:30:36.700 on the baton of ministry. 00:30:38.259 --> 00:30:39.340 If we want to raise 00:30:39.340 --> 00:30:41.080 faithful ministry workers, 00:30:41.460 --> 00:30:42.740 then the Bible will 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:44.000 equip us in that task 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:45.460 and the Spirit will 00:30:45.460 --> 00:30:46.259 empower us in that 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:46.540 journey. 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:48.740 We've seen the 00:30:48.740 --> 00:30:49.960 centrality of the 00:30:49.960 --> 00:30:50.779 word in Timothy's 00:30:50.779 --> 00:30:51.100 journey, 00:30:52.180 --> 00:30:53.060 in Paul's preaching 00:30:53.060 --> 00:30:54.040 in the synagogues, 00:30:54.680 --> 00:30:55.420 in his family 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:57.019 believing and 00:30:57.019 --> 00:30:57.900 acquainting Timothy 00:30:57.900 --> 00:30:59.240 further with it. 00:31:00.300 --> 00:31:01.480 And now Timothy is 00:31:01.480 --> 00:31:02.460 to preach it down, 00:31:02.599 --> 00:31:03.339 to pass it down, 00:31:03.380 --> 00:31:04.019 and he's continued 00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:04.420 to do, 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:06.680 to continue doing 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:07.259 what he's already 00:31:07.259 --> 00:31:07.799 been doing. 00:31:09.839 --> 00:31:10.900 Regardless of our 00:31:10.900 --> 00:31:12.440 role in this process, 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:14.700 we must all adopt 00:31:14.700 --> 00:31:15.740 Paul's pattern of 00:31:15.740 --> 00:31:16.160 ministry. 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:17.900 Rooted in the 00:31:17.900 --> 00:31:18.279 words, 00:31:18.880 --> 00:31:19.839 we must declare the 00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:20.920 gospel boldly to 00:31:20.920 --> 00:31:21.519 one another, 00:31:22.700 --> 00:31:23.660 as Paul is doing 00:31:23.660 --> 00:31:24.259 to Timothy, 00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:26.420 and to the world. 00:31:27.660 --> 00:31:28.660 There's this bold 00:31:28.660 --> 00:31:29.880 truth and love that 00:31:29.880 --> 00:31:30.740 we see continuously 00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:32.339 here, and suffering 00:31:32.339 --> 00:31:33.039 is part of that 00:31:33.039 --> 00:31:33.460 package. 00:31:35.680 --> 00:31:36.700 I hope tonight's 00:31:36.700 --> 00:31:37.400 passage has been 00:31:37.400 --> 00:31:38.099 both challenging 00:31:38.099 --> 00:31:38.900 and encouraging. 00:31:39.700 --> 00:31:40.259 I know it's been 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:41.079 both for me as I've 00:31:41.079 --> 00:31:41.640 studied it. 00:31:42.859 --> 00:31:43.640 I know that today, 00:31:43.759 --> 00:31:44.400 as I'm here, 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:45.720 I've been greatly 00:31:45.720 --> 00:31:46.480 encouraged by your 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:47.779 investment in me 00:31:47.779 --> 00:31:48.740 across the last few 00:31:48.740 --> 00:31:49.079 years. 00:31:49.500 --> 00:31:50.319 And I see much of 00:31:50.319 --> 00:31:51.059 Paul's pattern of 00:31:51.059 --> 00:31:51.859 ministry here at 00:31:51.859 --> 00:31:52.339 Brunsfield. 00:31:53.440 --> 00:31:54.519 The discipleship and 00:31:54.519 --> 00:31:55.440 caring encouragement, 00:31:56.019 --> 00:31:57.400 I've seen those things 00:31:57.400 --> 00:31:57.940 and they're truly 00:31:57.940 --> 00:31:58.420 special. 00:31:59.580 --> 00:32:00.519 So thank you. 00:32:01.360 --> 00:32:02.300 But I know also that 00:32:02.300 --> 00:32:03.300 God calls us to grow 00:32:03.300 --> 00:32:05.200 more, to be 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:06.259 increasingly like him. 00:32:07.120 --> 00:32:08.200 And this is through 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:09.800 his spirit, but we are 00:32:09.800 --> 00:32:10.660 called to obedience 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:12.600 and to desire. 00:32:14.380 --> 00:32:15.500 So tonight, we are 00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:16.340 challenged to adopt 00:32:16.340 --> 00:32:17.120 Paul's pattern of 00:32:17.120 --> 00:32:18.880 ministry, to boldly 00:32:18.880 --> 00:32:20.140 declare the gospel, 00:32:20.480 --> 00:32:21.180 and endure the 00:32:21.180 --> 00:32:22.280 persecutions that will 00:32:22.280 --> 00:32:22.600 come. 00:32:22.599 --> 00:32:25.179 This bold gospel 00:32:25.179 --> 00:32:26.439 calls for bold 00:32:26.439 --> 00:32:26.959 messengers. 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:28.899 It's all powerful, 00:32:29.500 --> 00:32:30.899 transformative, and 00:32:30.899 --> 00:32:31.759 so worth sharing. 00:32:33.659 --> 00:32:34.779 I was in Romania 00:32:34.779 --> 00:32:35.980 just a week ago, 00:32:36.179 --> 00:32:37.599 talking to missionaries 00:32:37.599 --> 00:32:38.839 about their confidence 00:32:38.839 --> 00:32:40.099 in Christ, some of 00:32:40.099 --> 00:32:41.359 which worry that if 00:32:41.359 --> 00:32:42.079 they're found out to 00:32:42.079 --> 00:32:42.980 be missionaries in the 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:43.519 countries they're 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:44.719 serving, their 00:32:44.719 --> 00:32:45.539 children will be 00:32:45.539 --> 00:32:45.859 killed. 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:49.419 Decades living under 00:32:49.419 --> 00:32:51.139 threat because the 00:32:51.139 --> 00:32:52.039 beauty of the gospel 00:32:52.039 --> 00:32:53.159 is worth it. 00:32:54.480 --> 00:32:55.720 It's worth each of the 00:32:55.720 --> 00:32:56.440 stones that struck 00:32:56.440 --> 00:32:58.119 Paul and each of the 00:32:58.119 --> 00:33:00.799 dangers they faced, and 00:33:00.799 --> 00:33:01.539 each of the nails 00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:03.500 piercing Jesus on the 00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:04.379 cross for us. 00:33:05.960 --> 00:33:08.440 I wonder tonight, is it 00:33:08.440 --> 00:33:09.500 worth the same for us? 00:33:10.779 --> 00:33:11.799 Worth losing a 00:33:11.799 --> 00:33:12.500 friendship over? 00:33:13.379 --> 00:33:14.740 Worth losing comfort or 00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:16.200 social importance over? 00:33:16.539 --> 00:33:17.460 Or money or an 00:33:17.460 --> 00:33:17.940 opportunity? 00:33:17.940 --> 00:33:18.059 community? 00:33:20.320 --> 00:33:22.000 Paul says, if you 00:33:22.000 --> 00:33:23.180 desire a godly life, 00:33:23.700 --> 00:33:24.320 you will be 00:33:24.320 --> 00:33:24.860 persecuted. 00:33:26.120 --> 00:33:27.160 The believer in Acts 00:33:27.160 --> 00:33:29.519 said back, we must go 00:33:29.519 --> 00:33:30.519 through many hardships 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:32.000 to enter the kingdom of 00:33:32.000 --> 00:33:32.259 God. 00:33:33.380 --> 00:33:34.180 Will we? 00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:36.840 Because if we adopt 00:33:36.840 --> 00:33:37.640 Paul's pattern of 00:33:37.640 --> 00:33:39.519 ministry, desiring a 00:33:39.519 --> 00:33:41.620 godly life, we must. 00:33:41.619 --> 00:33:43.859 God, we must 00:33:43.859 --> 00:33:44.219 I'm just going to 00:33:44.219 --> 00:33:44.799 close in a quick 00:33:44.799 --> 00:33:45.119 prayer. 00:33:48.679 --> 00:33:49.579 Father, we thank 00:33:49.579 --> 00:33:50.419 you for today's 00:33:50.419 --> 00:33:52.179 passage and the 00:33:52.179 --> 00:33:53.039 challenge that it is 00:33:53.039 --> 00:33:54.039 to the way we 00:33:54.039 --> 00:33:55.879 boldly proclaim the 00:33:55.879 --> 00:33:56.799 gospel in our lives, 00:33:56.919 --> 00:33:57.059 Lord. 00:33:58.639 --> 00:34:00.899 It becomes so easy to 00:34:00.899 --> 00:34:02.339 just be comfortably in 00:34:02.339 --> 00:34:04.039 our schedules and in 00:34:04.039 --> 00:34:05.319 our patterns of life, 00:34:05.559 --> 00:34:06.659 but you called us to 00:34:06.659 --> 00:34:09.059 adopt, like Paul, a 00:34:09.059 --> 00:34:10.759 different pattern, one 00:34:10.759 --> 00:34:12.679 that is self-giving and 00:34:12.679 --> 00:34:13.599 one that seeks to 00:34:13.599 --> 00:34:15.559 glorify you boldly in 00:34:15.559 --> 00:34:16.559 words and lifestyle. 00:34:17.299 --> 00:34:17.920 And so, Lord, I pray 00:34:17.920 --> 00:34:19.420 that in the weeks to 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:20.599 come, you'd shape us 00:34:20.599 --> 00:34:22.000 for this message, you'd 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.840 equip us for your 00:34:22.840 --> 00:34:24.920 words, make us more 00:34:24.920 --> 00:34:26.880 like you, but also that 00:34:26.880 --> 00:34:27.699 we would be able to see 00:34:27.699 --> 00:34:28.880 those opportunities and 00:34:28.880 --> 00:34:29.920 step out boldly in 00:34:29.920 --> 00:34:31.500 them, even if there is a 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.259 cost to us. 00:34:33.699 --> 00:34:34.639 Provide for us the 00:34:34.639 --> 00:34:35.500 doors to walk through 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:37.279 and the conversations to 00:34:37.279 --> 00:34:37.599 have. 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:39.179 And if we are going 00:34:39.179 --> 00:34:39.980 for suffering now, 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:42.599 Lord, let you be our 00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:44.699 comfort as you have 00:34:44.699 --> 00:34:45.380 been for Paul. 00:34:46.239 --> 00:34:47.420 And those experiences, 00:34:47.759 --> 00:34:48.599 let them be used and 00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:50.279 passed down as Paul has 00:34:50.279 --> 00:34:51.019 done to Timothy. 00:34:52.380 --> 00:34:53.159 Thank you for your 00:34:53.159 --> 00:34:53.619 word and the 00:34:53.619 --> 00:34:55.139 encouragement it is and 00:34:55.139 --> 00:34:55.940 the joy it is to have 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:56.779 the freedom to study 00:34:56.779 --> 00:34:57.539 it today together. 00:34:58.099 --> 00:34:59.339 In Jesus' name, amen.