WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:27.240 Amen. Well, good evening, everyone. It's good to see you all. It's great to be here and open up God's Word this evening. And we're in 2 Timothy. 2 Timothy. Now, a helpful tip I was found with the books beginning with T in the Bible are all together. That's something I learned and it's very helpful. So they're all together. The rest of the Bible is not alphabetical, but it's always good to find them. So Thessalonians, the two Thessalonians, the two Timothys and the two Tituses. 00:00:27.239 --> 00:00:40.460 So anyway, there's a bit of trivia for you, but it might help you in the future. But please do keep it open. And I'll talk a bit later on why it's so important to have the Bible in front of you as you're hearing from it. 00:00:40.460 --> 00:01:05.819 So we're in 2 Timothy and it is easy to know that it's Paul writing to Timothy. Okay. So Paul, we're in AD 66 or 67. He is in Rome, which I can kind of see that. So Rome right up the top, the center of the Roman Empire is the place to be, is the heart of that massive empire at the time. 00:01:05.819 --> 00:01:17.479 Now, Paul, he is in his second imprisonment. He knows that he is coming to the end of his life. Whether he's been told that or he's under an execution order, we're not really too sure. 00:01:17.839 --> 00:01:25.299 But the way that he talks, he knows that his life is going to end soon. That's what's happening in the context of this letter. 00:01:25.299 --> 00:01:34.280 And he knows that his execution is coming and he tells Timothy about it. And he's writing to this guy called Timothy. 00:01:35.099 --> 00:01:43.719 Now, Timothy, he was in Ephesus. Now, that is sort of central there towards the right, if you can see that. 00:01:44.159 --> 00:01:50.299 Now, Ephesus, this was one of the churches that Paul had set up on one of his previous missionary journeys. 00:01:50.299 --> 00:02:01.799 And Timothy there is described as he is leading the flock. He is in charge of that church and he is helping it grow in its infancy, in its early stages. 00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:08.180 Now, the first letter of Timothy, it's all about good order in the church, how to run the church. 00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:11.780 And it's also addressing the teaching that is going on. 00:02:11.780 --> 00:02:18.520 And essentially here, 2 Timothy, well, that is Paul's final words, in a sense. 00:02:19.420 --> 00:02:29.120 Essentially, in this letter, he is saying to Timothy to preach the truth that I have taught and also that I have lived by. 00:02:31.139 --> 00:02:37.159 And this is our second in the series. I got Sam to read the whole thing because it really flows nicely together. 00:02:37.159 --> 00:02:42.439 And I really hope to build on what Craig took us through in the first seven verses last time. 00:02:42.979 --> 00:02:49.039 But as a bit of a catch-up, Craig, he took us through the fact that God equips the family of faith with the Holy Spirit. 00:02:50.400 --> 00:02:54.900 And the Holy Spirit, he enables them to pass on this baton of the gospel. 00:02:55.039 --> 00:02:57.099 That is our heading for this series. 00:02:58.099 --> 00:03:01.139 And the encouragement is to use your God-given gifts. 00:03:02.659 --> 00:03:06.859 Use your God-given gifts to see the kingdom of God grow. 00:03:08.139 --> 00:03:16.900 And the sort of end bit there that Craig took us through was that Timothy is given his commission to serve in the boldness of the Spirit. 00:03:17.519 --> 00:03:18.840 And we have these three things. 00:03:18.939 --> 00:03:21.120 We have power, love, and self-discipline. 00:03:21.740 --> 00:03:23.859 Power being the ability to accomplish. 00:03:25.519 --> 00:03:28.259 Love being the willing love of others. 00:03:28.259 --> 00:03:31.359 And self-discipline being a disciplined mind. 00:03:31.360 --> 00:03:40.180 And it is off that that we hope to springboard into this passage that we are studying tonight, which is verse 8 to verse 18. 00:03:40.180 --> 00:03:47.120 And tonight we'll see that when the heat is on, when things get difficult, people basically go two ways. 00:03:47.400 --> 00:03:50.800 They go towards gospel ministry or they go away from it. 00:03:50.800 --> 00:04:03.500 And really this passage, hopefully by the end, is saying to us that we should unashamedly join that costly mission, which is passing on of the gospel. 00:04:03.500 --> 00:04:07.020 And we can do so with the help of the Spirit. 00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:15.080 Our plan tonight, we're going to look at it with three headings, which is first of all, being unashamed of the gospel. 00:04:16.420 --> 00:04:18.759 Second of all, staying true to the gospel. 00:04:19.720 --> 00:04:22.860 And lastly, living according to the gospel. 00:04:23.540 --> 00:04:24.800 So that's our plan for tonight. 00:04:24.800 --> 00:04:29.420 But you know, we were coming down, we were up at Corey's parents up north today. 00:04:29.660 --> 00:04:32.840 And we were driving down and they dropped me off here and then they went home. 00:04:33.879 --> 00:04:35.480 And Santa said, why have you got to go? 00:04:35.639 --> 00:04:39.860 I said, and Corey said, oh, well, you know, dad's preaching at church tonight. 00:04:40.439 --> 00:04:41.199 She said, oh, okay. 00:04:41.720 --> 00:04:42.840 Tell them all about Jesus. 00:04:44.819 --> 00:04:48.600 So, you know, if we get to the end of tonight and we've learned a wee bit more about Jesus, 00:04:49.160 --> 00:04:49.879 then you know what? 00:04:49.939 --> 00:04:51.680 That's mission accomplished, isn't it? 00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:57.040 So, here's a bit of an illustration to get us thinking. 00:04:58.100 --> 00:05:00.060 I don't know if you've heard of the term glory hunters. 00:05:00.759 --> 00:05:05.460 So it's people that maybe, the fact that Man City is up there has nothing to do with it. 00:05:06.300 --> 00:05:08.399 But it's, you know, it's maybe people that follow one. 00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:09.639 It's not necessarily sport. 00:05:09.699 --> 00:05:10.379 It could be anything. 00:05:11.019 --> 00:05:15.420 You know, they follow something because it is successful, because it is popular in and of itself. 00:05:16.060 --> 00:05:17.800 Now, you take Man City as an example. 00:05:17.800 --> 00:05:23.379 They used to kind of be this low-down team that weren't particularly good, and I'm sure they had a faithful following. 00:05:23.920 --> 00:05:27.600 But as soon as they got all the money and they got all the players and they started winning, 00:05:28.020 --> 00:05:33.340 suddenly, and you mainly see it with children, is the children suddenly start wearing the Man City shirts. 00:05:33.620 --> 00:05:35.300 They love the popularity of it. 00:05:35.840 --> 00:05:38.400 They love the fact, they all go towards it, don't they? 00:05:38.519 --> 00:05:39.540 Oh, they're successful. 00:05:39.960 --> 00:05:40.879 It's attractive. 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:44.240 They want to be seen as part of that thing. 00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:51.300 But, you know, sport or anything else in life, it's good and it's bad. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:53.819 You know, there's good times and there's bad times. 00:05:54.659 --> 00:05:59.159 But, you know, true followers of a club or a football team or whatever it might be, 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:01.000 they go through the thick and the thin. 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:03.800 You take the other side of the city there, Man United. 00:06:04.100 --> 00:06:05.379 They are terrible at the moment. 00:06:06.100 --> 00:06:08.699 I would traditionally be a Man United fan, and they are terrible. 00:06:08.699 --> 00:06:12.839 But, you know, it's when a true fan would really go with that, 00:06:13.159 --> 00:06:15.560 and they still identify as a Man United fan. 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:16.740 They don't abandon ship. 00:06:17.000 --> 00:06:17.659 They go with it. 00:06:18.939 --> 00:06:22.379 And, you know, we'll see tonight that we're called to be unashamed of the gospel. 00:06:22.740 --> 00:06:29.120 If we claim the gospel as our own, then we are to be followers of the Lord Jesus 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:32.579 in the good times and in the bad. 00:06:33.579 --> 00:06:37.819 So that takes us to our first section, being unashamed of the gospel, 00:06:37.819 --> 00:06:41.000 which we see in verse 8 to 12. 00:06:42.779 --> 00:06:45.360 So, Timothy, he's got his commission from Paul, 00:06:45.459 --> 00:06:49.060 and Paul exhorts him to be unashamed of the gospel. 00:06:49.500 --> 00:06:53.259 And we have that so in verse 8, the very first word. 00:06:53.500 --> 00:06:56.219 And that's part of the reason I got Sam to read the first bit, 00:06:56.300 --> 00:06:59.319 because it really is talking about what has gone before. 00:06:59.319 --> 00:07:04.659 Timothy's commission in the Spirit, the Spirit gives ability, 00:07:05.079 --> 00:07:08.120 gives that willing love, gives that disciplined mind, 00:07:08.680 --> 00:07:13.060 in order that Paul's commission is, Timothy's commission is possible. 00:07:14.240 --> 00:07:15.199 So verse 8 says, 00:07:15.199 --> 00:07:20.839 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, his prisoner. 00:07:21.639 --> 00:07:26.539 Rather, join with me in the suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 00:07:27.539 --> 00:07:31.219 Don't be ashamed of the gospel that Paul preached. 00:07:32.539 --> 00:07:34.779 And, you know, potentially it's a slight aside, 00:07:34.779 --> 00:07:41.339 but I think it's important to see that Paul describes himself here as a prisoner of the Lord. 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:44.699 Now, surely you think, well, he's a prisoner of Rome. 00:07:45.099 --> 00:07:46.799 It's the Romans that have locked him up, right? 00:07:47.679 --> 00:07:48.359 And that is true. 00:07:48.419 --> 00:07:52.059 He is a prisoner of Rome, but he sees himself as a prisoner of the Lord. 00:07:53.359 --> 00:07:58.919 He sees his situation as being so much in the part of God's will 00:07:58.919 --> 00:08:02.419 that he is, in fact, there by the Lord's choice, 00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:04.159 not by the Romans' choice. 00:08:04.779 --> 00:08:07.319 And that's powerful. 00:08:07.639 --> 00:08:11.259 It was really God's will, and Paul totally accepted that. 00:08:13.079 --> 00:08:16.799 He had totally accepted God's will in that difficult situation. 00:08:17.839 --> 00:08:20.199 And off the back of that, he says to Timothy, 00:08:20.419 --> 00:08:24.099 Join with me in suffering for the gospel. 00:08:24.559 --> 00:08:25.739 Paul was suffering, and he says, 00:08:25.839 --> 00:08:29.679 Join with me in the suffering. 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:35.220 You know, we're all glad to join the blessings, the good times, aren't we? 00:08:35.240 --> 00:08:36.279 We've thought about that already. 00:08:37.060 --> 00:08:39.980 You know, when it comes to the gospel, when it comes to the work of God, 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:43.379 potentially we're glad to join in the work itself. 00:08:43.539 --> 00:08:44.940 We'll be happy to get involved. 00:08:44.940 --> 00:08:52.220 I'm sure we'll be glad to join in with the blessings of gospel work, of the Lord's work. 00:08:53.420 --> 00:08:56.740 Certainly the reward, we'll take the reward for doing God's work. 00:08:56.740 --> 00:09:03.139 But are we willing to join in the suffering that comes with God's work? 00:09:04.899 --> 00:09:10.440 You know, we can be encouraged that it is only possible to endure this suffering in God's work 00:09:10.440 --> 00:09:13.060 by the power of God, it says. 00:09:13.659 --> 00:09:14.879 By the power of God. 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:18.600 So verse 8, it's telling us to be courageous. 00:09:19.740 --> 00:09:25.379 And then it goes on to say why we can be courageous in verses 9 to 12. 00:09:25.879 --> 00:09:32.600 And this here is an amazing laying out of the gospel, of the message that we have to share. 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:38.919 Verse 9, he has saved us and called us to a holy life, 00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:44.779 not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. 00:09:45.700 --> 00:09:50.360 This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 00:09:52.639 --> 00:09:53.519 Mind blown. 00:09:54.279 --> 00:09:57.659 If you take time to read that verse again, it's amazing. 00:09:58.139 --> 00:09:59.519 The truth of these things. 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:03.700 You know, it says that we have been saved from, and that is really important. 00:10:04.019 --> 00:10:06.580 We have been saved from our sinful position. 00:10:07.100 --> 00:10:10.659 The position of being helpless before God, of being guilty. 00:10:10.879 --> 00:10:12.259 We have been saved from that. 00:10:12.259 --> 00:10:18.200 But you know, we have also been called to a holy life. 00:10:18.960 --> 00:10:21.439 It is not one thing or another. 00:10:22.080 --> 00:10:27.019 And we will go on and see here what it talks about that holy life is all about. 00:10:27.019 --> 00:10:29.399 What that looks like. 00:10:29.480 --> 00:10:30.279 Telling others. 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:32.639 Living out that life. 00:10:33.299 --> 00:10:34.159 And suffering. 00:10:35.740 --> 00:10:37.559 You know, we are not just saved. 00:10:37.620 --> 00:10:41.620 If we are saved, then we are not just saved, and then we just are idle. 00:10:41.960 --> 00:10:43.620 We're sitting around waiting for heaven. 00:10:44.279 --> 00:10:45.659 That is not what the Bible says. 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:49.079 In fact, the Bible would say that that is a wrong thing to be doing. 00:10:49.080 --> 00:10:53.620 We are saved from, but then called to this holy life. 00:10:55.620 --> 00:10:57.020 We are called to work. 00:10:59.840 --> 00:11:03.720 And you know, thankfully here, it says not because of anything that we have done 00:11:03.720 --> 00:11:06.480 comes this salvation and this calling. 00:11:07.040 --> 00:11:07.860 And a good job. 00:11:07.860 --> 00:11:12.100 Because if it was on something that we had done, then it would fail, wouldn't it? 00:11:13.720 --> 00:11:16.340 It would be on an imperfect foundation. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:17.919 It wouldn't be good enough. 00:11:18.620 --> 00:11:21.840 But thankfully, it is not because of anything we have done. 00:11:21.840 --> 00:11:26.980 But as verse 9 tells us, but because of his own purpose and grace. 00:11:28.180 --> 00:11:31.700 This grace was given us before the beginning of time. 00:11:31.700 --> 00:11:37.460 Here we have the totally unmerited grace of the Bible. 00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:41.920 If you want to look at that further this week, go and look at Ephesians chapter 1 to 3. 00:11:43.340 --> 00:11:51.200 You know, in past eternity, God determined the wonderful plan of salvation to save guilty people. 00:11:51.940 --> 00:11:52.460 You and I. 00:11:53.379 --> 00:11:56.020 He did this through the substitutionary work of Jesus. 00:11:56.019 --> 00:12:05.399 He decided to offer eternal life to as many who would accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:08.019 The Lord Jesus, he came down. 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:09.199 That was always the plan. 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:11.879 He lived that perfect life. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:16.419 And he bore the suffering that we deserved on that cross. 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:19.579 You know, that wasn't the end. 00:12:19.740 --> 00:12:21.199 He rose again to life. 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:22.840 The resurrection. 00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:27.500 Proving that he was who he said that he was. 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:30.700 Proving that he was truly God. 00:12:31.460 --> 00:12:34.340 And that he had taken our sins away. 00:12:35.780 --> 00:12:36.600 Verse 10. 00:12:39.280 --> 00:12:44.440 But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, 00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:51.940 who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:55.980 What a privilege it is to live in this day. 00:12:56.360 --> 00:13:00.639 This day when we can look back and we can see the truths of these things. 00:13:00.899 --> 00:13:02.300 We know them as history. 00:13:03.399 --> 00:13:06.540 At one point, these things were hidden from the world. 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:08.060 Christ had not yet come. 00:13:09.759 --> 00:13:13.500 But Christ, he has revealed the truths of these things. 00:13:13.960 --> 00:13:17.080 He has reversed that curse of sin and death. 00:13:17.080 --> 00:13:20.540 And as it says, he has brought life. 00:13:23.040 --> 00:13:27.940 You know, it talks about here that Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:32.379 You know, I don't want to get that wrong here. 00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:36.580 Christ in his work, maybe a better word would be that he annulled death. 00:13:36.580 --> 00:13:39.720 Because we might read that and think, well, we still die. 00:13:39.820 --> 00:13:40.700 People still die. 00:13:40.820 --> 00:13:42.160 What's that saying? 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:46.340 You know, Christ rendered death ineffective. 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:49.860 Sometimes we use the phrase that has lost its sting. 00:13:50.759 --> 00:13:52.879 Because death cannot hold us anymore. 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:59.240 Just as Christ was resurrected, so will we be if we trust in him. 00:13:59.940 --> 00:14:03.759 Death has no hold upon us if we are in Christ. 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:06.439 He has annulled death. 00:14:10.319 --> 00:14:18.139 And in doing so, he brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, as verse 10 finishes. 00:14:19.460 --> 00:14:22.039 That eternal union of soul with God. 00:14:23.379 --> 00:14:26.120 Our resurrection is guaranteed in him. 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:35.860 These things have been brought to light through the gospel, through the good news that we can read about in God's word. 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:41.740 That is the good news that we have. 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:45.159 And in verse 11, Paul describes himself. 00:14:45.279 --> 00:14:45.600 He says, 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:51.460 And of this gospel, I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 00:14:53.620 --> 00:14:56.320 You know, the fact of the matter is, is that we are too. 00:14:57.240 --> 00:15:02.200 If we are saved, if we are a Christian, then we are also called to tell others. 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:08.779 And Craig, very helpfully last time, he took us through the three ways that this is done. 00:15:08.779 --> 00:15:15.500 And I have his slide that I've unashamedly copied from last week that he sent me. 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:17.779 But we have evangelism. 00:15:17.879 --> 00:15:20.939 So we have telling those who do not know the Lord Jesus. 00:15:21.199 --> 00:15:22.279 Reaching the lost. 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:26.659 That is one way that we are appointed to tell others. 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:29.600 Paul describes it of being a herald. 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:32.899 Then we have discipleship. 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:34.440 So the development of faith. 00:15:34.680 --> 00:15:37.600 Developing those who do know the Lord Jesus as their Savior. 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:39.320 But developing their faith. 00:15:39.779 --> 00:15:40.460 Training them. 00:15:42.540 --> 00:15:45.240 And the last one is training. 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:48.320 It is developing that next generation of leaders. 00:15:48.320 --> 00:15:51.960 Like Paul did with Timothy and Titus and others. 00:15:52.980 --> 00:15:56.240 I think that's a very helpful way to look at this. 00:15:56.240 --> 00:16:00.820 Paul himself describes himself as a herald, an apostle, and a teacher. 00:16:02.779 --> 00:16:06.740 And it's because of these things, that is why Paul, he says in verse 12, 00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:09.779 that is why he is suffering as he is. 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:13.700 And he is also willing to suffer as he is. 00:16:14.820 --> 00:16:15.340 Why? 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:18.799 Because he knows the gospel that he is suffering for. 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.279 He knows why. 00:16:21.440 --> 00:16:24.120 You know, I can't read that verse without thinking of the old hymn. 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:26.120 I know whom I have believed. 00:16:26.679 --> 00:16:34.259 And I'm persuaded that he is able to keep those that I've committed unto him until that day. 00:16:36.320 --> 00:16:38.340 It's a great truth, that verse. 00:16:38.679 --> 00:16:39.519 Verse 12. 00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:44.039 But Paul knows in whom he has trusted. 00:16:44.720 --> 00:16:49.200 Not what, but whom he has believed in the person of the Lord Jesus. 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:58.740 He is convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him to that day. 00:16:59.540 --> 00:17:05.980 Paul, in that language that he uses, he is assured completely of his salvation until that day. 00:17:07.640 --> 00:17:10.559 Paul, he uses that phrase, that day, quite often. 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:13.000 It's talking about the judgment seat of Christ. 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:16.599 That day in a future time after the Lord Jesus has returned. 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:20.119 Where Christians will be judged for their work on the earth. 00:17:20.359 --> 00:17:23.480 Things that they have done or haven't done for God. 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:29.359 He is convinced of the safety he has in God. 00:17:29.359 --> 00:17:36.099 But the more we learn, the more that we deepen our relationship with God, 00:17:36.319 --> 00:17:38.439 then the more willing we will be to serve. 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:43.559 And that means that when the tough times come, the more willing we will be to endure. 00:17:46.099 --> 00:17:50.459 But here we really see that we are in God's hands. 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:55.319 And if we are saved, then we cannot be taken out of his hand. 00:17:55.379 --> 00:17:57.939 No matter what life throws at us. 00:17:57.940 --> 00:18:03.220 And Paul is not saying here, as he knows, as we can read, he did not have an easy life. 00:18:03.840 --> 00:18:05.039 He suffered terribly. 00:18:05.580 --> 00:18:07.960 So it doesn't mean that we won't suffer in life. 00:18:08.779 --> 00:18:12.259 It does mean that our salvation is secure in him. 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:18.820 Paul, he is the ultimate example of being unashamed of the gospel 00:18:18.820 --> 00:18:21.759 and living out the consequences of it. 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:28.500 So that's us seen being unashamed of the gospel. 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:34.220 And that takes us to our second heading, which is stay true to the gospel. 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:37.920 So Paul, having laid out the truth of the gospel, 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:42.039 he exhorts Timothy not to deviate from it at all. 00:18:43.539 --> 00:18:45.420 I don't know if you've probably been a while. 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:46.759 You ever played Chinese whispers? 00:18:46.759 --> 00:18:49.720 I probably shouldn't call it that nowadays. 00:18:49.879 --> 00:18:50.519 It should probably be something. 00:18:50.619 --> 00:18:51.579 I don't know why it's called that. 00:18:52.379 --> 00:18:55.920 But the girls now, so I've got two daughters, if anyone doesn't know, 00:18:56.259 --> 00:18:57.480 but they love to play this game. 00:18:57.599 --> 00:18:59.079 So if we're sitting waiting for dinner or something, 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.119 can I play Chinese whispers? 00:19:00.900 --> 00:19:03.740 So it normally starts with Maggie, which is difficult, 00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:05.099 because she can't talk that well. 00:19:05.539 --> 00:19:06.960 But she'll whisper something to Santa. 00:19:07.160 --> 00:19:09.480 Santa will whisper something to me, and then I have to say it out loud. 00:19:09.480 --> 00:19:13.279 And no matter what I end up saying, one, it is wrong, and two, it's funny. 00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:16.620 Just because, you know, the age that they're at. 00:19:17.339 --> 00:19:18.839 But, you know, it's an interesting game, isn't it? 00:19:18.860 --> 00:19:21.360 But if we did this in this room and we tried our best, 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:23.539 the chances are we would get to the end, 00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:26.299 and it just wouldn't be the same as it started. 00:19:29.819 --> 00:19:31.259 Here Paul is saying to Timothy, 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:36.480 do not deviate at all from the gospel that was preached to you. 00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:38.940 Verse 13, it says, 00:19:38.940 --> 00:19:40.700 what you heard from me, 00:19:41.420 --> 00:19:43.680 keep as the pattern of sound teaching 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:47.519 with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 00:19:48.920 --> 00:19:51.860 Paul is saying, follow my example. 00:19:54.840 --> 00:19:58.559 You know, Paul, he would have passed on the gospel to Timothy, 00:19:58.840 --> 00:20:00.900 the good news of the Lord Jesus. 00:20:01.620 --> 00:20:03.059 And interestingly, in this day, 00:20:03.120 --> 00:20:05.299 they were so much better at remembering things 00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:08.200 and passing them on than we are in our culture today. 00:20:08.940 --> 00:20:13.799 There was oral stories passed down from generation to generation to generation 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:15.160 that stayed the same. 00:20:16.120 --> 00:20:17.480 They were almost trained in it. 00:20:18.059 --> 00:20:20.580 But, you know, we have the Bible in its written form. 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:24.460 And in a sense, it is therefore easier to stick to it. 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:28.380 You know, we are called, and Timothy is called here, 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:31.539 to keep on speaking the truth in faith. 00:20:32.279 --> 00:20:36.640 And what that means is with dependence on God, trusting in God. 00:20:37.340 --> 00:20:39.640 We're also to do so in love. 00:20:39.640 --> 00:20:43.580 Yes, the love of God, but also to the love of others, 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:47.540 both those who are fellow believers and those who are not. 00:20:49.800 --> 00:20:54.000 You know, this is the key to these three things that we thought about earlier, 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:57.120 evangelism, discipleship, and training. 00:20:58.040 --> 00:20:59.700 It isn't just what we say. 00:20:59.820 --> 00:21:00.820 It isn't just the content. 00:21:00.819 --> 00:21:03.379 It is how we say it. 00:21:03.579 --> 00:21:06.679 It is the motivation behind our words. 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:12.799 Paul, he has many correctional letters in the Bible. 00:21:13.119 --> 00:21:15.539 He has many letters where he is calling people out, 00:21:15.659 --> 00:21:16.819 individuals or churches, 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:19.339 saying, you are doing things wrong. 00:21:19.619 --> 00:21:20.799 You need to do it this way. 00:21:20.799 --> 00:21:24.779 You know, over the years, 00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:27.799 there's been many a right word said, 00:21:28.119 --> 00:21:31.599 but with the wrong motivation or said in the wrong way. 00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:34.319 These things can be extremely damaging, 00:21:34.740 --> 00:21:37.359 whether to individuals or to groups of people. 00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:40.980 And that challenge then for us is, 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:43.740 what is our motivation when speaking? 00:21:44.639 --> 00:21:46.960 It's a massive challenge to me standing up here. 00:21:46.960 --> 00:21:51.880 What is my motivation when I come to teach from God's word? 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:55.240 But it comes down to that individual level as well 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:56.920 of when we are speaking to others, 00:21:57.100 --> 00:21:59.240 when we are trying to challenge or encourage 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:01.160 or even just in our home groups. 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:03.620 You know, what is our motivation? 00:22:03.980 --> 00:22:05.799 Are our words said with love 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:08.440 and with the right motivations behind them? 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:13.400 So that's verse 13. 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:15.559 In verse 14, Paul carries on and says, 00:22:15.559 --> 00:22:19.200 guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you. 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:22.579 Guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit 00:22:22.579 --> 00:22:24.679 who lives in us. 00:22:25.579 --> 00:22:26.859 Don't edit the gospel. 00:22:27.919 --> 00:22:29.019 Don't twist it. 00:22:30.099 --> 00:22:32.960 We have that language of guard twice. 00:22:33.659 --> 00:22:34.839 You know, the language is clear. 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:38.259 Later on in this letter, and it's not a long one, 00:22:38.419 --> 00:22:41.740 the false teachers, they are called out 00:22:41.740 --> 00:22:44.039 for twisting the gospel, 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:46.279 for twisting what Paul had preached 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:47.460 for their own benefit, 00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:49.500 for the good of themselves, 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:51.240 because it suited them. 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:54.119 You know, this is such a threat. 00:22:54.220 --> 00:22:56.359 It wasn't just a threat for the early church. 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:59.240 It's such a threat in this day that we live in now. 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:01.099 False information. 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:04.980 People saying things that sounds about right, 00:23:05.480 --> 00:23:06.480 but it just isn't. 00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:09.259 And that is why I encourage you, 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:10.960 and I'm glad that Sam said it as well, 00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:12.620 to keep your Bibles open. 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:15.799 Many people that come up to the front 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:18.140 and speak at Brunswick will encourage you to do so. 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:20.000 Please have your head in your Bible. 00:23:20.819 --> 00:23:22.440 Challenge what you are hearing. 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:27.799 And it's not to be in a way that you're trying 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:29.720 to catch people out or look for mistakes, 00:23:29.840 --> 00:23:32.180 but it's just fact-checking. 00:23:32.299 --> 00:23:34.019 It's checking that what you're hearing 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:37.180 goes along with what your knowledge of the Bible 00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:39.440 and what the rest of the Bible says 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:41.420 in its completeness. 00:23:43.820 --> 00:23:45.420 Don't be led astray. 00:23:46.320 --> 00:23:48.320 Keep studying things for yourself. 00:23:48.319 --> 00:23:51.779 But you know, you're not alone in this. 00:23:52.179 --> 00:23:53.659 Yes, we can encourage each other, 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:55.119 and we can challenge each other 00:23:55.119 --> 00:23:57.039 and discuss these things with one another. 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.779 Ask questions. 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:03.359 You know, the encouragement is that 00:24:03.359 --> 00:24:05.659 as it finishes in verse 14, 00:24:06.159 --> 00:24:08.319 we have the help of the Holy Spirit 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:09.500 who lives in us. 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:12.720 Help us discern what is good 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:14.259 and what is true and what is right. 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:17.460 It's not in our own strength, once again. 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:20.720 It is the only way that we can do it. 00:24:22.119 --> 00:24:23.879 But you know, don't edit the gospel 00:24:23.879 --> 00:24:28.720 and don't take other people at face value 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:30.059 that may be doing the same. 00:24:30.319 --> 00:24:32.139 Be aware of false teachers, 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:35.240 and we'll see that more as a letter develops. 00:24:36.419 --> 00:24:37.819 So our challenge from this section 00:24:37.819 --> 00:24:39.439 is to stay true to the gospel. 00:24:40.179 --> 00:24:41.919 Speak the truth of the gospel 00:24:41.919 --> 00:24:43.740 with the right heart 00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:46.700 and with the help of the Spirit. 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:50.740 And that leaves us to our final section, 00:24:50.900 --> 00:24:53.740 which is living according to the gospel, 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:56.880 which is the last three verses there. 00:24:57.819 --> 00:25:00.460 So Paul, he finishes with this juxtaposition 00:25:00.460 --> 00:25:02.700 of these two different groups of people, 00:25:02.900 --> 00:25:05.100 the faithful and the faithless. 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:08.000 I'm not going to get you to do it, 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:10.159 although I might wake everyone up a little bit, 00:25:10.539 --> 00:25:11.740 but it's like that kids game 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:12.819 where you have two options. 00:25:12.919 --> 00:25:14.019 You all stand in the middle of the room 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:15.480 and you say, right, 00:25:16.179 --> 00:25:17.839 you know, 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:20.240 is an apple a fruit or a vegetable? 00:25:20.519 --> 00:25:21.319 Fruit's over here, 00:25:21.599 --> 00:25:22.480 vegetable's over there, 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:23.459 and everyone runs. 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:25.339 And it's great when no one knows 00:25:25.339 --> 00:25:27.099 and you get a bit of running back and forward, 00:25:27.219 --> 00:25:28.899 but eventually people have to decide. 00:25:29.419 --> 00:25:30.799 And that's a wee bit of what we have here. 00:25:30.799 --> 00:25:35.299 We have these two total contrasts of people described. 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:38.000 So verse 15, 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:41.240 what it's saying is that everyone has deserted Paul. 00:25:41.879 --> 00:25:43.139 Everyone has deserted Paul 00:25:43.139 --> 00:25:44.960 because of their fear of the Romans. 00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:46.299 Paul, this great leader, 00:25:46.419 --> 00:25:47.599 he has been taken away, 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.680 he's been locked up, 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:49.619 he's been imprisoned. 00:25:50.399 --> 00:25:52.159 He is facing persecution, 00:25:52.460 --> 00:25:53.700 he is facing death, 00:25:53.899 --> 00:25:56.180 and no one wants anything to do with him. 00:25:56.659 --> 00:25:57.659 That's what he is saying. 00:25:57.660 --> 00:25:59.540 And these two people, 00:25:59.940 --> 00:26:02.340 and Sam did a great job of pronouncing their names, 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:03.340 and I'm not going to try, 00:26:04.980 --> 00:26:06.519 but they are particularly mentioned. 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:08.380 And what is interesting about them 00:26:08.380 --> 00:26:10.960 is that we know absolutely nothing else about them. 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:12.680 It's the only time they're mentioned. 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:14.700 They are not described elsewhere 00:26:14.700 --> 00:26:15.980 about who they are, 00:26:16.060 --> 00:26:16.680 what they did. 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:18.440 You know, 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:20.180 we know absolutely nothing of them. 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:21.040 But some, 00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:21.720 I read this, 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:22.800 this is not my quote. 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:24.960 I would love to take credit for it, 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.500 but it isn't. 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:27.580 But I read someone that said this, 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:30.380 they couldn't help their ugly names, 00:26:30.900 --> 00:26:33.200 but they could have helped their ugly character. 00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:37.220 They had really ugly characters. 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:40.340 They totally abandoned Paul. 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:41.620 We don't know the situation, 00:26:42.620 --> 00:26:44.660 but they were particularly called out 00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:46.019 for their faithlessness. 00:26:46.740 --> 00:26:48.180 When the going got tough, 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:50.060 they just got out of there. 00:26:50.059 --> 00:26:52.619 You know, 00:26:52.679 --> 00:26:55.200 Paul's friends and colleagues in the gospel, 00:26:55.399 --> 00:26:57.899 they left him in his chains. 00:26:59.579 --> 00:27:01.859 And if you think of the world of celebrity 00:27:01.859 --> 00:27:03.000 and fame nowadays, 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:03.940 you know, 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:05.319 we live in a cancel culture, 00:27:05.399 --> 00:27:05.740 don't we? 00:27:06.599 --> 00:27:07.700 In a worldly sense, 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:08.779 if someone is popular, 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:11.099 if they're at the height of fame, 00:27:11.139 --> 00:27:12.000 of their profession, 00:27:12.339 --> 00:27:14.019 all it takes is one thing, 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:16.480 and they'll just be dragged straight back down. 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:18.319 You think of, 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:19.360 you know, 00:27:19.420 --> 00:27:20.000 various people, 00:27:20.059 --> 00:27:20.759 I'm not giving an example, 00:27:20.900 --> 00:27:21.980 but you think of various people 00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:23.339 who have just been at that height, 00:27:23.579 --> 00:27:25.380 but then something has switched, 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:27.200 and society's opinion of them 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.259 just drags them away. 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:30.200 And they are just suddenly, 00:27:30.579 --> 00:27:32.279 no one wants anything to do with them, 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:33.539 and everyone else is off 00:27:33.539 --> 00:27:34.700 to the next thing 00:27:34.700 --> 00:27:35.640 or the next person. 00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:38.960 And you know, 00:27:39.020 --> 00:27:40.640 if we are true to the gospel, 00:27:40.820 --> 00:27:42.080 then we will have chains. 00:27:42.640 --> 00:27:43.700 Not physical chains, 00:27:43.780 --> 00:27:46.460 we are unlikely to end up in prison. 00:27:46.820 --> 00:27:48.340 We are unlikely to have to die 00:27:48.340 --> 00:27:49.680 for the gospel in this country. 00:27:50.680 --> 00:27:51.540 But you know what? 00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:52.420 Our chains, 00:27:52.580 --> 00:27:54.440 it may well be unpopularity. 00:27:55.960 --> 00:27:58.600 It may well be poverty. 00:27:59.580 --> 00:28:01.680 It may well be that we suffer physically 00:28:01.680 --> 00:28:03.240 on this earth. 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:06.759 Our friends may well leave us 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:08.960 if we have chains of the gospel. 00:28:10.319 --> 00:28:10.620 But you know, 00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:12.740 the encouragement is 16 to 18. 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:14.160 And once again, 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:15.019 we have this man 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:16.700 that Sam pronounced very well, 00:28:17.120 --> 00:28:18.380 and he was very loyal. 00:28:20.059 --> 00:28:21.339 Despite the threats, 00:28:21.700 --> 00:28:24.039 despite that he will have known 00:28:24.039 --> 00:28:27.420 the difficulties that Paul was facing, 00:28:27.740 --> 00:28:29.579 he ran right towards it. 00:28:29.579 --> 00:28:31.460 You know, 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:33.339 even being associated with Paul 00:28:33.339 --> 00:28:34.019 at this point 00:28:34.019 --> 00:28:36.139 could have brought a rest. 00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:37.659 It could have ended up 00:28:37.659 --> 00:28:39.579 being executed alongside him 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:41.000 because you were associated 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:42.500 with Paul. 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:43.799 But this man, 00:28:43.879 --> 00:28:44.939 he was unashamed 00:28:44.939 --> 00:28:46.960 in its entirety. 00:28:47.879 --> 00:28:50.079 He went to the riskiest place 00:28:50.079 --> 00:28:53.539 to find the most wanted man 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:55.039 to help him 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:56.000 and support him 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:57.680 and encourage him 00:28:57.680 --> 00:28:59.519 in his godly work. 00:29:00.900 --> 00:29:01.160 And you know, 00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:02.680 as I was thinking about this, 00:29:02.779 --> 00:29:03.519 that he went, 00:29:03.619 --> 00:29:04.640 he searched him out, 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:05.480 he found him, 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.240 he would have had to have 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:07.119 gone to Rome 00:29:07.119 --> 00:29:07.880 and asked around, 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:08.619 where's Paul? 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:09.640 Where are they keeping him? 00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:10.660 You know, 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:11.720 I was just really thought 00:29:11.720 --> 00:29:12.539 about the contrast 00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:13.619 of this man 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:14.900 and Peter, 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:16.680 the disciple in the Bible. 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:18.720 When the Lord Jesus was arrested, 00:29:19.440 --> 00:29:20.420 we all know the story, 00:29:20.500 --> 00:29:20.880 I'm sure, 00:29:21.400 --> 00:29:21.779 but Peter, 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:22.900 he went to that courtyard. 00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:24.380 He wanted to be near Jesus. 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:25.260 He wanted to see 00:29:25.260 --> 00:29:26.200 what was going on, 00:29:26.780 --> 00:29:28.480 but he denied him three times. 00:29:29.940 --> 00:29:31.860 You could imagine this man here, 00:29:32.180 --> 00:29:33.020 I'll give it a go, 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:33.980 on a cipherous, 00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:35.220 he would have been asking, 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:35.900 where's Paul? 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:36.600 I want to see him. 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:37.440 Can I go and see him? 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:37.920 Let me in. 00:29:37.940 --> 00:29:38.600 I want to have my, 00:29:38.860 --> 00:29:39.080 you know, 00:29:39.120 --> 00:29:40.220 my five minutes with him. 00:29:40.800 --> 00:29:41.380 But Peter, 00:29:41.520 --> 00:29:41.720 no. 00:29:42.660 --> 00:29:43.560 Peter didn't do it. 00:29:44.320 --> 00:29:45.300 Peter denied him. 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:46.820 He was too scared 00:29:46.820 --> 00:29:47.820 of what the people 00:29:47.820 --> 00:29:48.680 would do to him. 00:29:49.120 --> 00:29:50.500 He was too scared 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:52.540 of that worldly cost. 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:54.819 But you know, 00:29:54.859 --> 00:29:57.319 because of this man's faith, 00:29:58.579 --> 00:30:00.980 Paul wishes him a reward 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:01.659 on the, 00:30:01.779 --> 00:30:02.279 once again, 00:30:02.359 --> 00:30:02.859 that day, 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:04.379 that judgment day. 00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:05.500 That's what that word 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:06.460 mercy really means. 00:30:06.539 --> 00:30:07.720 It's really a reward 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:09.119 from the Lord 00:30:09.119 --> 00:30:10.879 on that judgment day. 00:30:12.159 --> 00:30:13.319 What an example 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:14.500 this man is here 00:30:14.500 --> 00:30:15.539 of being unashamed 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:17.480 of everything 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:18.119 and anything 00:30:18.119 --> 00:30:19.559 to do with the gospel 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:20.159 of Christ. 00:30:20.160 --> 00:30:23.140 We might not face arrest. 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:24.620 We might not face death, 00:30:24.680 --> 00:30:26.740 but we may well face embarrassment. 00:30:27.779 --> 00:30:28.820 We might be embarrassed, 00:30:29.100 --> 00:30:29.680 potentially, 00:30:30.320 --> 00:30:31.200 sharing the gospel. 00:30:32.120 --> 00:30:34.480 We might be outcast socially 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:36.700 from various groups 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:38.259 left out of things, 00:30:39.240 --> 00:30:40.640 left out of friendship groups 00:30:40.640 --> 00:30:42.240 because of our faith. 00:30:42.240 --> 00:30:44.120 You know, 00:30:44.160 --> 00:30:44.880 are we willing 00:30:44.880 --> 00:30:47.720 to push on 00:30:47.720 --> 00:30:48.400 for the gospel? 00:30:48.960 --> 00:30:49.579 Are we willing 00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:50.839 to suffer these things 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:51.460 regardless? 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:54.700 Live according 00:30:54.700 --> 00:30:56.339 to the gospel. 00:30:59.160 --> 00:31:00.220 Just to sum up 00:31:00.220 --> 00:31:01.240 before we finish. 00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:02.799 So we saw that Paul, 00:31:02.880 --> 00:31:03.880 he exhorted Timothy 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:05.120 to be unashamed 00:31:05.120 --> 00:31:06.779 of the gospel 00:31:06.779 --> 00:31:07.960 through the power 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.599 of the Spirit. 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:10.039 He laid out 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.480 in that middle section there 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:13.099 that marvelous truth 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:14.220 that we have 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:15.039 to protect, 00:31:15.339 --> 00:31:16.579 to keep the same, 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:18.299 and also to preach, 00:31:19.099 --> 00:31:20.160 to tell others about. 00:31:22.140 --> 00:31:23.539 And we have our gospel, 00:31:23.720 --> 00:31:24.700 so let's live it out. 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:27.039 Live out the consequences 00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:29.019 of living that holy life 00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:30.500 that we have been called to. 00:31:31.099 --> 00:31:32.519 We have been saved from 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:34.440 and called to 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:35.559 this holy life. 00:31:36.900 --> 00:31:37.140 You know, 00:31:37.180 --> 00:31:37.700 next time, 00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:38.980 as we go into chapter 2 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:40.059 and as we go through 00:31:40.059 --> 00:31:41.120 2 Timothy, 00:31:41.640 --> 00:31:42.420 it's great to keep 00:31:42.420 --> 00:31:43.279 reading the whole thing 00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:44.240 because we need to remember 00:31:44.240 --> 00:31:45.120 it was written in one, 00:31:45.539 --> 00:31:46.640 it was to be read as one. 00:31:47.039 --> 00:31:48.000 The next time we'll see 00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:49.240 that Jesus' grace 00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:50.099 is a source 00:31:50.099 --> 00:31:51.160 of great power 00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:52.819 and it helps us 00:31:52.819 --> 00:31:53.539 to endure 00:31:53.539 --> 00:31:55.319 for a greater good. 00:31:56.339 --> 00:31:57.319 So let me just pray 00:31:57.319 --> 00:31:58.599 as we close 00:31:58.599 --> 00:31:59.180 and then 00:31:59.180 --> 00:32:00.579 I think Simon 00:32:00.579 --> 00:32:01.259 will come back up 00:32:01.259 --> 00:32:02.640 for another hymn. 00:32:04.680 --> 00:32:05.319 Come on, Father, 00:32:05.319 --> 00:32:05.919 we just thank you 00:32:05.919 --> 00:32:06.939 so much for your word. 00:32:09.319 --> 00:32:10.259 We thank you 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:10.919 for the truth 00:32:10.919 --> 00:32:11.919 that we can find in it. 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:12.480 We thank you 00:32:12.480 --> 00:32:13.799 for the marvelous truth 00:32:13.799 --> 00:32:14.419 of the gospel. 00:32:18.119 --> 00:32:18.859 We thank you 00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:19.480 that before 00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:20.720 time even began 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.659 that the salvation 00:32:21.659 --> 00:32:22.919 plan was hatched, 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:25.240 that the Lord Jesus 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:25.859 would come 00:32:25.859 --> 00:32:26.439 and he would 00:32:26.439 --> 00:32:28.399 live that perfect life, 00:32:30.039 --> 00:32:31.099 that he would 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:32.259 proclaim who he was 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:32.939 and prove it 00:32:32.939 --> 00:32:33.679 by his death 00:32:33.679 --> 00:32:34.339 and resurrection 00:32:34.339 --> 00:32:36.199 we thank you 00:32:36.199 --> 00:32:37.539 that we can be saved 00:32:37.539 --> 00:32:38.459 because of that 00:32:38.459 --> 00:32:39.579 glorious work 00:32:39.579 --> 00:32:41.159 and we look forward 00:32:41.159 --> 00:32:41.759 to that day 00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:42.500 that we will 00:32:42.500 --> 00:32:45.299 be united in heaven 00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:47.740 and that we will 00:32:47.740 --> 00:32:48.720 live forever 00:32:48.720 --> 00:32:49.720 praising the one 00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:50.799 who has done 00:32:50.799 --> 00:32:51.740 everything for us. 00:32:52.879 --> 00:32:54.119 So we do just ask 00:32:54.119 --> 00:32:54.980 that you will help us 00:32:54.980 --> 00:32:55.639 on this earth, 00:32:55.740 --> 00:32:56.579 help us to 00:32:56.579 --> 00:32:58.919 work hard 00:32:58.919 --> 00:32:59.619 for the gospel, 00:33:00.399 --> 00:33:01.379 that holy life 00:33:01.379 --> 00:33:02.319 we've been called to. 00:33:02.419 --> 00:33:03.480 We ask for your help 00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:04.980 as we do dearly need it. 00:33:05.380 --> 00:33:06.079 We thank you 00:33:06.079 --> 00:33:06.940 for the Holy Spirit 00:33:06.940 --> 00:33:07.880 who helps us 00:33:07.880 --> 00:33:09.000 in all these things. 00:33:09.680 --> 00:33:10.740 Help us to endure 00:33:10.740 --> 00:33:11.660 even in the difficult 00:33:11.660 --> 00:33:12.380 situations 00:33:12.380 --> 00:33:13.360 and the persecution 00:33:13.360 --> 00:33:14.200 and the suffering. 00:33:15.960 --> 00:33:16.740 We do just pray 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.380 for our brothers 00:33:17.380 --> 00:33:18.519 and sisters around the world 00:33:18.519 --> 00:33:19.799 that suffer 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:21.420 in ways that we 00:33:21.420 --> 00:33:22.259 will never suffer 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:23.879 and we do just ask 00:33:23.879 --> 00:33:24.379 your blessing 00:33:24.379 --> 00:33:24.940 and help 00:33:24.940 --> 00:33:25.559 on them 00:33:25.559 --> 00:33:26.279 where they are 00:33:26.279 --> 00:33:28.019 and in the situations 00:33:28.019 --> 00:33:28.759 that they are in. 00:33:29.700 --> 00:33:30.400 So we just thank you 00:33:30.400 --> 00:33:31.000 for your word 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:31.960 and we do just pray 00:33:31.960 --> 00:33:33.400 that everything from you 00:33:33.400 --> 00:33:34.079 will be remembered 00:33:34.079 --> 00:33:35.160 and everything from me 00:33:35.160 --> 00:33:36.000 will be forgotten about 00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:37.200 and we do just ask 00:33:37.200 --> 00:33:38.339 that as we think 00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:38.980 on these things 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:39.480 this week 00:33:39.480 --> 00:33:41.079 that you will continue 00:33:41.079 --> 00:33:42.480 to work in our hearts 00:33:42.480 --> 00:33:43.779 and to convict us 00:33:43.779 --> 00:33:44.680 and challenge us 00:33:44.680 --> 00:33:46.759 of what you want to say 00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:47.759 to each individual 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:48.920 here in this room. 00:33:49.539 --> 00:33:50.360 So we just thank you 00:33:50.360 --> 00:33:51.000 for this time 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:52.320 and we pray for it 00:33:52.320 --> 00:33:53.240 in the wonderful name 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:53.900 of the Lord Jesus. 00:33:54.380 --> 00:33:54.660 Amen.