How to Guard the Good Deposit

 Epistle from Paul to Timothy from prison.  Timothy - pastoring in Ephesus

Paul = concerned for Timothy and for Ephesus.  His young protege whom he loved and the church had an effective outreach for 2+ years.  Acts 19:10 - preached in the hall - "all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord".  Ephesus = an important hub and church.  Were deserters and troublemakers, Timothy seemingly getting worn out/discouraged.  Paul wrote from prison - don't be afraid, don't quit, keep going, don't be ashamed, be strong.  Remember what God has done.  Some instruction as well.

Timothy showed great promise and had proven himself and was faithful and would become a great hero of the faith, but even he was prone to discouragement or being overwhelmed or shying away from the moment.  Timidity.

2 Tim. 1:7 - God did not grant us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control

I hope that today would be an encouragement to anyone who feels like that.

2 Tim. 2:1 we should be about investing in the next generation - someone younger.

I)  Guard by being strong.  Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  Grace is so important to Paul.  All 13 epistles begin and end with Paul's grace.  Grace and peace become a greeting.

Why such an emphasis on grace?  First off, what is it?  Justice = God gives us what we deserve.  Mercy = God gives us what we don't deserve.  Everything we have is of grace. 
Salvation?  did you earn it? 

Eph. 2:8-9 
By grace God draws us, saves, us, keeps us.
Fruits of grace = love, joy, peace, patience ... these are a gift of grace.

1 Cor. 15:10 - Grace = free gift of God.  Can't work our way to God.

Remember, it's God who does the heavy lifting

So, how are we strengthened by grace?

A)  Remember, it's God who does the heavy lifting.   Take rest in that it doesn't all depend on you.  Especially in ministry.  God saves.  God chooses to work through you to do His work.

Phil. 1:6

Phil. 2:13

B)  Remember, God doesn't change.  His Word never changes.  His power never changes.  His love for his people and His promises to them never change.

So, be strong, but recognize where that strength comes from.

II)  Guard by multiplying  parable of the talents.  Don't let it end with you.  What I did for you, you do for others.  Entrust.  Find the right men and teach and train.  This is a chain.  Don't break it.  A chain through the centuries.  Don't be selfish.  Train up.  Look for opportunities and those relationships.  You are a disciple maker if you have the Holy Spirit inside you. 

III.  Guard by suffering  - How?
   Example:  1 - the soldier.  Willing to lay down life.  Jesus, Paul, Timothy. 

Total commitment
Singular focus

   Example 2 - The athlete.  The rules?  Ancient Olympians went through 10 month training period and swore an oath that they did that. 
1 Cor. 9:24-27
Probably, discipline and Self Denial

   Example #3 - The Farmer.  

Straight up hard Work.  No glory, no praise.  no one looking, long hours.

Be strong, guard and multiply - in our heart, in our homes, in our community.

It'll all be worth it.

1 Cor. 15:58

Encouragement:  Guard the good deposit

Passing the Torch

 From the Original minutes:

Some new beginnings....

(1z0  organized Aug. 7, 1905  (119 years ago)

(2)  1st. (official) church building = 1928
Church met there for 64 years.

(3)  1992 - dedicated New building  (now 32 years old)

Today.... another new beginning...
         Josh Smith - now the new lead Pastor - Pastor #31
(prior to Ed... had 29 pastors serving 40 separate terms over 78 years.)

The progress/ process over 119 years.....
On one hand, measurable  # of souls, baptisms, buildings, dollars, etc.
However, immeasurable!! - the really important stuff
   Examples:  (1)  salvation decisions  (re-dedications)
                    (2)  spiritual growth of individuals
                    (3)  number of lives touched/changed  (direct/indirect)
                    (4)  influences, impact of community, Kingdom

These "immeasurables" = the eternal factor
                                       the God factor
Things that will not be measurable in this life

We = MAD/MAeD = Make a difference, Make an Eternal difference..... which has always been true of Octavia Baptist Church

So---- Who did it?

On one hand, Many people worked, sacrificed, donated, remained faithful
However, it was God wh worked IN and Thru them!!   He's chosen us to be the body of Christ.

So, on one hand, 2 Pet. 1:5 - "make every effort"
       on the other hand, Eph. 3:20-21

In other words, on one hand, it doesn't happen without faithful servants
                         however, won't happen without God's involvement!!

Future of Octavia Baptist Church??
On one hand, numerical growth is limited, however, THAT doesn't limit...
          (1)  influence on individual lives
          (2)  impact on our community
          (3)  our contribution to Kingdom growth
Question:  Remember this:  What will Remain as legacy of OBC.... in heaven?  eternity?? 
Answer = People!!!

God is faithful!  He will do His part
So, our part, your part =
   (1)  remain faithful = "He can do more tat we imagine"
   (2)  seek His Vision  (for OBC) - have "not yet arrived"
   (3)  work hard  - "Make every effort"
   (4)  support Josh AS you've supported me!!

On one hand, don't want to "Bask on the Past" (rest on our laurels)
BUT... should (1) celebrate the Past
as We (2)  move forward... to the future.

Phil. 3:12-15 - (pass the torch)

Josh:   remarks as new pastor.

Christian Change through Growth

New Year's Resolutions?  40-50% of Americans do it.
1/2 are health related  (#1= exercise more  #2 = lose weight)

New Year's resolutions not unique to America, NOT unique to modern times  ( is found throughout the world, among Babylonians and Romans)

WHY???  #1.  because people recognize need to Improve!"
and           #2.  New Years Day - great time to start  

The Bible says nothing about New Year's Resolutions.  However, does say a lot about change/improvements/resolutions, new beginnings, etc.

BUT... the Biblical concept is more than change.  = GROWTH
Growth in knowledge, wisdom, understanding, strength, abilities
In other words Spiritual growth / Character growth, growth in relationships - with God and with man.

POINT HERE = to grow more Christ-like!

On one hand, growth IS change ... however, are some distinct differences.

         CHANGE                                                              GROWTH
actions, habits, what you DO                                    Attitude, heart, who you ARE
   (external behavior)                                                    (internal being)

event oriented ( ?? happened, I changed)                  Process oriented  (gradual)

Can be temporary (can change back)                      Permanant  (can't UNGROW)

Something you accomplish                                        Requires God's ASSISTANCE
(self-improvement)

A Similar Biblical concept = MATURITY  (result of growth)

(1)  God gives the church gifted servants to help people grow/mature. - Eph. 4:12-13

(2)  Bible encourages believers to persevere and grow into maturity.  Heb. 5:14, 6:1

(3)  James says 'perseverance builds maturity! - James 1:2-4

(4)  Parable of soils/seeds .... 3 groups never mature - Luke 8:14

POINT:  this is more than behavioral development.  = character development, which leads to a different lifestyle!

OBSERVATIONS
#1.  Biblical growth begins with recognition of need.
       A)  a need to Improve - Luke 18:9-14, Rev. 3:17

       B)  a need for DIVINE ASSISTANCE - you can change your mind,  can't change your heart!!
          (hence "re born, re generate, re new, re shape)

BUT: 
#2.  Biblical growth will NOT occur without your cooperation - 2 Pet. 1:3, 5-8
     NOTE:  you cannot cause growth, but you can create an environment for growth
             example:  garden

#3.  Biblical growth is intented to be an ongoing and never ending process.  Gen. 22:1
      Example:  Abraham at 114 years of age.

NECESSARY INGREDIENTS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

So, to grow toward Spiritual maturity you need...
#1.  an awareness  (of your need)

#2.  resolution, determination (to address those needs)

#3.  submission  (to God's will, words, desire, plan)

#4.  Effort/Action  (to "want to grow" isn't enough)

#5.  Consistency (doesn't mean ever fall, = always get up)

#6.  time (growth = gradual process)

#7  proper information of WHO you are, who and what you should be, HOW to achieve that...
      in other words, God's Word  (His revelation, handbook)

#8.  Jesus in your heart  (His presence, His Holy Spirit within).  Can you expect His assistance when you REJECT His Son???

Any resolution to change for the better = good thing!!!
AND nothing wrong with seeking "SELF IMPROVEMENT"
But don't overlook God's Plan for you!!!

ie:  personal, spiritual, character growth.... towards Christ-likeness!!

So....Recognize your need?   Ready to address it?  Willing to Submit to God?  to Christ?  His Word?  His Holy Spirit?
Are you willing to expend EFFORT to this end??

Closing Scripture:  Phil. 3:12-15

Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come!

It is very special to reflect on Christ's 1st. Coming

A favorite Christmas song is "Joy to the World".  Was written by Isaac Watts - 1674 - 1748.  A non-conformist, meaning he didn't conform to the teachings of the Anglican Church.

Message = first 4 lines of song.  

Are 4 points on the importance of Christ's advent.  Should be great joy at Christmas time.

I)  Joy to the World!  The Lord is Come!  This should bring us great joy.

Question:  Why should the world rejoice?

      A)  Christ's coming showed God's good will to men. - John 3:16-17
      Shows how precious we are to Him.  Christ came willingly to demonstrate God's love for us  

     B)  Christ's coming made the Father visible - John 14:6,9  Matt. 1:23, Isa. 7:14  (700 plus years before)
           He is the image of the invisible God.  Jesus is our perfect example.  Humans will let you down.

     C)  Christ's coming showed God keeps His word!  Hos. 11:1 (Egypt)  Micah 5:2 (Bethlehem), Isa. 7:14 (born of a virgin.  All promised 600/700 years earlier.
            God's faithfulness in the past gives confidence He'll continue to be faithful.  All of us have been let down by somebody sometime.  God will never let us down!  God wants good for us!

II)  Let Earth Receive Her King
      Jesus is King whether you recognize it or not.  Whether it's labeled hate speech or not.  He is not dethroned.  Truth is truth whether you like it or not.
      Not just for the Jews, for for all nations.  We are to be a part of a Messianic Psalm.  If we are in Christ, are part of His kingdom.  Psm. 2:8, Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8  Rev. 1:5-6 
He is ruler of the kings of the earth.  Has made us a  kingdom of priests.  Psm. 2:1-12 - warning

III)  Let every heart prepare Him room
       Who is the us?  Gen. 12:3 - Gal. 3:7-8 - ... of the faith....  Eph. 2:8  is not generic faith  acts 4:11-12 - must submit to Christ
       Give life to Jesus.  Will never find purpose until you do.  Is no better time than the present to give your life to Christ.

IV)  And Heaven and Nature Sing  - Is what your were created to do... all creatures and creation created to serve and worship God.
Psm. 19:1 - the Heavens declare   Psm. 98:7-9 - what inspired Isaac Watts
Heavenly Beings - Job 38:4-7, Isa. 6:2-3, Rev. 4:8, Rev. 5:11-14  
Song "All Creatures of Our God and King" written in 1225 - We were created in God's image with more responsibility than any other created thing on the earth to praise Him.

So----- what should this season inspire us to do?
REJOICE!  Trust God more!  Serve the King!  Submit our heart to Him!  Join creation in His worship!

St. Francis Assisi wrote "All Creatures of Our God and King" in 1225 which tells all created beings to praise the Lord.  Will never find joy and satisfaction until you do!

Onesiphorus, A Brother Born for Adversity

 As believers, we should be good to people. 

Onesiphorus - great example of what to be and what to be as a believer and a friend.

Paul was a great friend and had great friends:  can see this from groups, fellowship tender words, was ripped away when had to leave them, was gifted.  

Examples:  Onesimus, Epaphroditus, Priscilla, Aquila, Thychicus (a beloved brother), Tertius, Ampliatus (my beloved in the Lord), Luke (with him during his imprisonment), Timothy, and of course, Onesiphorus.

Paul = writing to Timothy from an awful prison to encourage and instruct.  Probably = last words.  He was lonely, and knows his time is coming to an end.

2 Tim. 1:13-15 - Guard and Practice because:

1)  People will abandon the faith.  Example:  Matt. 13:20-21 - Parable of the sower.  When hard times come, is a time for growth, the real believers stay firm. 
     So, build and train - is good to know the 'why' we believe.

2)  Serving the Lord can FEEL lonely   But, are never alone if really in the faith.  Psm. 94:14, Matt. 28:20, Heb. 13:5-6, Rom. 8:31-35
     Temptation.  

Lessons from Onesiphorus.    2 Tim. 1:16-18

A.  Be a real bro.  Prov. 17:17    How?

B.  Be present - ministry of presence is fairly easy now.  Was a lot harder in Paul's time.

C.  Make an effort - Matt. 25:37-40  traveled a long distance to go to Paul.  searched earnestly, at great risk, had a history of service

D.  Have your brother's back.  He was not ashamed of Paul.  Was a friend all the time.  Gal. 6:2, Heb. 13:1-3, John 13:34-35, John 15:13 - greater love hath no man....  Brothers should defend, care for each other.  We should have a special love for other Christians

E  Inspire others to be better believers.  We can be inspired by others to do better. 
    Heb. 11, Heb. 12:1-2, 1 Cor. 11:1 - Imitate me as I imitate Christ --- let that be a goal in our lives.

How can we stir up love and good works   Heb. 10:24 - one of the chief jobs of Christians

Challenge:  think am I refreshing the saints?  Am I loyal to God and his people?  Am I pulling people to or pushing them away?  Can't love the Lord and hate His people.

Closing Scripture:  Eph. 4:29-5:2

2 Timothy 1:8-14

 In the New Testament, we have Pastoral Epistles  (1 & 2 Tim, Titus)
                                            and Prison Epistles  (Ephesians, Philipians, Colossians, Philemon)

2nd. Timothy = Both!!  in other words - TO Timothy FROM prison.

Closed Acts with Paul in Rome under house arrest!  Evidence suggests were 2 Roman imprisonments.
So NOW (2nd. Tim) Paul IN prison awaiting execution.  (is pretty confident that he will be executed)

So.... pens "last words" to Timothy  (at Ephesus)
Hence, there is much advice, instruction, encouragement - MOST of which applies to ANY and ALL Christians!
Note:  Timothy is in charge of all the churches in the area.

(Josh did 2 Tim. 1:1-7 last time)   Today = 2 Tim. 1:8-14

BUT, ... vs. 8 begins with "therefore", So leading up to this? 
              vs. 3 .... I thank God as I remember you"
              vs. 5 .... I'm reminded of your sincere faith"
              vs. 6.... fan into flame ... the gift within you"

In other words, "because of who you are and what you are called to do (the task before you) ... additional advice!

2 Tim. 1:8-14 - Watch  for specific charges that apply to Timothy AND to you!

4 Specific Charges:

I)  Don't be ashamed (of the Gospel)

II)  Join me in suffering (for the Gospel)

III)  Follow the pattern (you've been shown)

IV)  Guard the good deposit (you've been given)

I)  Don't be ashamed  (of the Gospel, of me)  - Vs. 8
      Why 'ashamed?? 
(A)  THEN  - Example:  Alexamenos = weakness!  Worshiping a God who was crucified and hung naked on a cross.  Showed sign of weakness to Romans.  Ridicule in Rome still found today.  Christians saw this as a great victory over death.  Mockery still true today.

(B)  NOW = foolish!!  ie:  direct your life based on myths, legends, antiquated morals?"  (still a mockery)

Paul's answer ... #1)  2 Tim. 1:12 - "I know WHOM I have believed" 
Christianity is more than a belief system.  It = a personal interaction with a risen Christ!

                         #2)  Rom. 1:16-17 - "it is the Power of God... to salvation"
In other words, it works!!!  John 14:6,  Acts 4:12

II)  Join me in suffering  (share in)  Vs. 8b

     A)  suffering for the gospel - in other words, when presenting, promoting the Gospel entails a degree of suffering .... DON'T SHY AWAY!
     B)  suffering by the Power of God - ie:  with the Presence and assistance of God.  When are suffering for the Gospel, are NEVER alone!  

Note:  vs. "His prisoner" - (Christ's)
implied:
     C)  Suffer well  (properly - in an exemplary manner)
ie:  when suffering is not immediately, directly tied to the Gospel ... Nevertheless.. Christians should suffer in a manner that shows Faith and Confidence in God - 2 Tim. 2:3,  1 Pet. 2:21  (context = slavery)

III)  Keep to the Pattern  (vs. 13)  in other words, what you've been taught (the truth), is true... DON'T DEVIATE FROM IT!!!
early on.... many received the Gospel But wanted to "adjust, correct, improve on it" 
example:  Gnostics
Today? = Same!!!  example:  Progressive Christianity 
Titus 1:9 - applies to more than "elders".  Should be true of all Christians. "If it's new, it's probably not TRUE!" 

Closely related...
IV)  Guard the good deposit - Vs. 14
"you've been ENTRUSTED with something valuable & precious..."GUARD IT!!"  watch over, protect, keep safe, be diligent, alert, attentive.
Which = (1) protect it from corruption - on one hand, can't keep others from corrupting, BUT can keep self from corrupting it!
              (2)  put it to use Example:  Parable of the Talents - "wicked, lazy servant"
Don't SIT on your salvation!
Note:  closing of 1 Tim. 6:20 - with help of Holy Spirit

Add: 
V)  Entrust this deposit to others 2 Tim. 2:2
     ie:  evangelism, discipleship, teaching, training, equipping, etc.
Which = Pass it on and multiply the effects!

2nd. Timothy is full of direct, explicit charges ... to Timothy, to US... to you! 
So... (1)  give serious consideration to these charges
and  (2)  measure your faith according to them.!

Closing scripture:  2 Tim. 4:1-5

    

How Giving Thanks Changes the World

 God's people have been giving thanks long before it was started in this country.  America did not invent Thanksgiving. 

James 1:16-17 - How soon we forget that all the good gifts we have are from God. 
Bitterness and Discontentment are results of ingratitude.  They are the marks of a crumbling society - one that refuses to honor God.  We, as God's children, cannot or should not be ungrateful.

2 Tim. 3:2-4, Rom. 1:21-24

Josh. 4:1-7, 19-24  - Before this, there was the exodus from Egypt, disobedience at Kadesh Barnea, a generation wanders for 40 years, Joshua takes them into the Promised Land.

I.   Reasons to give God Thanks
     #1.  For what He's done:  Examples:   Exodus, enemies, provided manna and quail in the wilderness, Pilgrims

Question:  What has he done for you?  Physically?  Spiritually?  We seldom give God credit.

     #2,   For what he's promised.  John 10:10  "I have come that you might have life..."  (direction, peace, purpose) Promised Land.  Ultimate Promised Land..  John 11:25-27 - Do you believe this?  What a day that will be. - God is doing good things in our lives right now.

There are many reasons to give Him thanks, but, How?

II.  How to give God thanks.
      #1.  Remember - ex. 12 stones after then crossed the Jordan. 
           Psm.  78:9-11 - Ephraimites condemned.  they failed to remember what God had done.  Remember daily in prayer - 1 Thess. 5:18  Count your blessings.
Pass down faith.  Demonstrate in front of your children what He's done.

III.  What are the results of giving thanks? 
       #1.  A grateful heart is a happy heart. = Psm. 9:1-2  God has a way of using gratitude to change heart and mind.
       #2.  People turn to God.  When have a grateful heart, look different - Matt. 5:16  As Christians, when we live a life of gratitude, we will look different to the world.

Psm. 67 - Before you eat, thank God for what He's done, promised.  Recount His faithfulness and provision through song like Psm. 13:6