What Parents Should Want for Their Children

2 Tim. 1:1-7

 Parents' greatest job, fears, joys - often wrapped up in their children.  

We all have desires for our children, wonder what to pray, what to teach.

From God - we see some of Paul's heart, desire and prayer.  Calls Timothy his son in the faith.  This written by the Apostle Paul.

2 Tim. 1:1-2 - Paul met Timothy during his 2nd. missionary journey. 
          Timothy had believing grandmother and mother, Greek father.  He impressed Paul who brought him along on his missionary journey.

1 Timothy is more a manual for church business.  Paul was hoping to visit Ephesus.

2 Timothy - more personal for Timothy.  Shows his love and care for Timothy.  Was in Roman prison at the time he wrote this.  2 Tim. 4:6-8 - eventually was executed for preaching the Gospel.

This letter comes when Timothy was a young pastor, but was struggling, dealing with desertions, heretics, Hymenaus.

Timothy was young. - 1 Tim. 4:12, 2 Tim. 2:22  sick - 1 Tim. 5:23,  timid - 1 Cor. 16;10
Paul brought him along, discipled, poured out, demonstrated.  He mentored him - similar to the way Jesus mentor his apostles.

 Parents should want:
#1.  Good Influences for their children.
        Prov. 13:20
        2 Tim. 1:3 - clear conscience.  Paul at the end of life.  Not how he was.  Heb. 10:22
        Need to get right.  Only way to get there is through Jesus Christ.

       2 Tim. 1:3-4 - see the love?  need to pray like that for children.  Has a Pastor's heart.  a Fatherly heart.

       2 Tim. 1:5 - Importance of godly fammily.  Taught, modeled.  

#2.  Have Sincere Faith - John 1:12 - Faith that won't fade with trials or successes - forever.

#3.  Develop and use their godly gifts.  2 Tim. 1:6   Serve the Lord with all they have.
       Fan into flame.  Charisma.  Spiritual gift (s) - (discernment, evangelism, giving, hospitality, leadership mercy teaching... )  Evangelist, Pastor. 
      Is a gift, but must work and use what have been given.
1 Tim. 4:14-15 - not only spiritual, but all gifts.  Praying and helping discover and practice.  If we don't fan the flame, the fire dies and the talents get taken.

#4.  Have Confidence to use their gifts.   2 Tim. 1:7  Are those who poke holes in confidence.  ie:  fear, cowardice.  Timothy struggled.  Why do we fear?  - embarrassment, failure, task too big not good enough, scared of naysayers.  All of that is not from God. 
God gives us power, Acts 1:8 - strength, power, ability.  That's from God.  Heb. 13:6

With that power, love, and self-control that we may not fall.

Wrap-up.
Paul eventually executed in Rom.  Not sure if Timothy ever made it to see him.  Paul would be so proud to see how Timothy was using his gifts.  Tradition records he faithfully served in Ephesus until he was 80.  God used him, was so bold that he was stoned trying to stop pagan festival there.  Stoned to death. 
He, like Paul, could say, 'I've fought the good fight.  I've finished the race.'

Challenge:  pray for and work with your children.  Work on this yourself.  Let us all strive to fan into flame the gift that God has given.

Suffering for Jesus

Suffering is a reality, a big part of the reality, and we all will suffer sometime.

2 Tim. 1:8, 12, 2:3, 2:9, 3:11, 4:5

Reasons for suffering:

1)  We live in a sinful, fallen world

2)  Our own sinfulness - we make bad decisions, etc.

3)  For discipline - Deut. 8:56, Heb. 12:6-7, Prov. 3:11-12

4)  For the sake of Christ - we are going to be opposed if we love Jesus.  Are people who hate Jesus.

     2 Tim. 3:12, 1 Pet. 3:16-17, 1 Pet. 4:14-16
There will come times of persecution and suffering when we honor God.

Responses, when it comes, if it comes:

A)  Rejoice  - Acts. 5:41, Acts 16:25 - Paul and Silas thanking God in prison

B)  See it as an opportunity.  God uses hardships to grow us, to mold us.  Suffering helps us grow.

Result of suffering

   1)  Can strengthen your ministry potential - 2 Cor. 1:3-4
   2)  Can strengthen connection with others - God uses these times
   3)  Sometimes puts us in the right ministry environment. 
         Ex. Joseph, Paul - Phil. 1:12-14
   4)  It just makes us better - Rom. 5:4-5

God works all these things together for good.  2 Tim. 4:6-8

God has great reward for those who suffer and are obedient.  2 Cor. 5:10, Matt. 6:20

 

Closing Scripture:  Rom. 8:18-25

Ordination Service for Josh Smith

To ordain = set apart to an office, duty, task.....

Ordination = a ceremony wherein an individual is
          #1 - recognized as called, gifted for a task
  and   #2 - FORMALLY INDUCTED - into that office or given a title reflecting that

So... are gathered to FORMALLY recognize and induct Josh into the office of Pastoral MINISTRY

Pastoral Qualifications?  1 Tim. 3:1-7

Additional charges in Pastoral Epistles = 102  (my count)  - Timothy and Titus

Whittled down to 3 categories....

    A.  Preaching
    B.  Pastoring 
    C.  Personal Development   

So.....The Charge to Josh  

I.  Preaching - because this is a ministry of THE WORD!! - if not of the Word, is not preaching.
    1 Tim. 4:13
    Titus 2:1 - "teach according to sound Doctrine" - get it right
    2 Tim. 2:14 - Keep reminding, warn them  (REPETITION)

On one hand - "with great patience"
On the other hand - Titus 2:15 - "with all authority"

In other words, be authoritative, but don't be an arrogant Know it all!!!!

1 Tim. 6:2 - "urge these things upon the people"

II.  Pastoring (Shepherding)
Because this = ministry of Word AND of People!!   A person who doesn't do well with people can't be a pastor.
1 Tim. 4:12 "example" live the faith as well as preach it
2 Tim. 5:1-2  On one hand "exhort" (confront, challenge) without being arrogant
                     However, "don't rebuke sharply" and "treat people properly"
1 Tim. 5:21  "Without partiality"
                Some people are more likeable but all due equal respect and concern
2 Tim. 2:24   "kind to everyone" (includes non-believers)
2 Tim. 2:25   "gently instruct" those who oppose

Titus - "teach older men, teach older women, encourage young men, be a n example, show integrity"

Add:  2 Tim. 4:5 - don't be a 'short fused' preacher
       endure, do the work, discharge ALL duties!!!

Add also:  John 21 - "feed my sheep" IF you love me!!!!
And  1 Pet. 5:2-4

Octavia Baptist Church needs BOTH a preacher AND a pastor!!!

III.  Personal Development
1 Tim. 4:7 - TRAIN YOURSELF!!  Nobody is going to do it for you!!!

1 Tim. 4:14 - don't neglect your gift
1 Tim. 4:15 - be diligent (give self wholly to this)
1 Tim. 4:16  - watch LIFE and DOCTRINE  (persevere in both)

Add these....:  "flee sin, pursue righteousness"
                      "fan into flame the gift within you"
                      "guard what has been entrusted to you"
                      "endure hardship"
                      "join me in suffering for the gospel"
                      "fight the good fight of faith"

Summary:   1 Tim. 2:15
Only 1 person can develop you into a great preacher, pastor - YOURSELF!!! Even God won't do it without your cooperation adn effort!!!

This = your Calling, ministry, JOB!!
DON'T BE LAZY!  DEVELOP YOURSELF!! NEVER  stop studying, pursuing, developing, learning!

NOW  A Charge to the church - Josh is being ordained BY OBC to soon be your Pastor.  You have obligations and responsibilities also!!!!

#1.  If you recognize him as a preacher, teacher ... listen to him!!
Doesn't mean he's always right!  But always give due consideration and respect.

#2.  If you recognize him as a leader... follow him. 
    On one hand, he's not always right
    However, he is the one most likely to recognize God's Vision and direction

#3.  If you recognize him as a defender of the faith.... support him!  Example:  Ex. 17 - Israel and Amalekites
Aaron adn Hur holding up Moses' hands!! - a leader needs to be supported

#4. If you recognize him as a man of God... Pray for him!! - that is our obligation  
      The greater the ministry... the greater the pressures and attacks!! By Satan, by non-believers

NOTE - his call, position does not lessen his humanity!!
Therefore, 

#5.  If you recognize him as a fellow human being.... minister to him!!
      He will need - encouragement, compassion, sympathy, affirmation, backing, forgiveness!!! 
Jesus - "spirit is willing, flesh is weak"

#6.  If your recognize him as  a family man.... minister to his family!  If you want to bless him bless his family!

#7. If you recognize him as a n employee ... Pay him! 
      Don't be so "spiritual" that you are impractical!  1 Cor. 9:7-11

#8.  If you recognize him as an Outstanding employee... reward him!!   (this is more than money)
      IF he blesses this church and this community, then it is only fitting for the church and community to bless him!!

Closing:  presentation of Certificate of Ordination, signed Bible, prayer and congratulations!!

The Cure for Weariness

 I)  Why are we weary?  Why are we tired?  Answer:  Our souls are malnourished.

      A.   - Man does not live by bread alone......  Matt. 4:4, Deut. 8:3
           God gives peace, satisfaction, rest

           Junk food doesn't satisfy - gives a burst of bad energy, then crash
           Example:  candy to kids on bus.  Great for a while, but crash is coming!

     B.  We aren't getting our work done - Gen. 2:2 - in 6 days you shall do your work, and 7th. day cease from labor.
           Sabbath = rest or cease
           Mixing work with leisure = do neither well
           God gave 7th day of rest as example for us.  He doesn't get tired.  You do!

    C.  We are weighed down by sin and useless stuff.
           Psm. 38:3-4 - Psm. 31:10, Psm. 32:3-4  so ... Psm. 32:5-7
           Heb. 12:1 - sin and junk
            "if your social media causes you to miss out on life, delete it."
            "if your cell phone causes you misery, light it on fire and smile"
            "if video games consume 6 hours of your day, sell them.  You'll have money and time."

    D.  We fail to rest.   First of all, repent of sins and trust Christ - Rom. 6:16-18
                    Matt. 11:28-30 = rest and refreshment for your soul in Christ.
             Yoke sounds like bondage .... My yoke.....
             Matt. 23:4     - not by works
             Eph. 2:8 - God draws - God saves - God keeps by grace

             Luke 10 - Mary sits and listens to Jesus, while Martha is busy.  It's good to serve, but it's hard to serve in your own might without God.
            Give God a day - Gen. 2:2 - a little every day 

You have an example in Elijah - (rested and refreshed) 
             1 King. 1:9 - defeated prophets of Baal, brought rain, raced Ahab on foot
                               - then on run from wicked Jezebel
              1 Kings 19:4 - meets with God, eats, drinks, gets some naps (good spiritual advice)
                                   = back at it in strength after 4o days.

We - need to find rest so we can work, fight, live as intended
       - turn to Jesus
       - repent of sin, get rid of junk
       - give Him time (a day) - for the Word, prayer, Worship, fellowship, enjoy the outdoors, family, enjoy God's gifts and cease mentally, physically, spiritually from work.
         

Closing Scripture:  Heb. 4:1-11                           

Obedience, Faithfulness, Provision

 God teaches us through stories.  Today - story of Abraham.

Gen. 12:1-3 - much has happened prior to this section of Scripture:  

                     The flood, tower of Babel,

Now God chooses and calls a man called Abram to leave his country, his family, to a place He tells him. 
                      Will make him a great nation, all families of the earth will be blessed.
                       Name will be great.

 God Blesses and works through Obedience 
Shows great faith, even when don't  have all the details.  Was a big ask.   Abram left everything.

 Sometimes God calls us to something that we aren't comfortable with, but we have to step out of our comfort zone in faith to obey.

 Went to Egypt because of famine - claimed Sarah his sister - 

Heb. 11:8-9 - Matt. 19:29 

God does this not only to Christians but to unbelievers as well.
In order to follow Christ, they have to leave a lot.

When God calls you to step out in faith, we can look at Abraham as an example.
Goes to Egypt due to famine, not totally honest with Egyptians about who Sarah was,
God brings plagues, uses plagues to bring them out.

Later on, due to famine, Joseph's family moved to Egypt, then were called out after 400 years - used plagues to get them out.  

Jesus went to Egypt as a baby to avoid Herod's decree to kill all the male children. - Hos. 11:1

God using all these things to show us that God is faithful.

Gen. 13 - 14 - separates with Lot, rescues him in battle, Melchizedek shows up.

Gen. 15:1-6, 12-21 - God makes covenant with Abram - and he believed God.  Was counted as righteousness.  Jer. 34:18-19 - how covenants worked in those days

God is faithful even when we're not.   Abram cannot mess this covenant up - both parts taken by God.

   a) - dishonesty about Sarah
   b)  - Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael
   c)  Gen. 17:15-21- Abraham laughs -
   d)  Sarah laughs later and God chastises - can't lie to God.  Just be honest.

Gen. 18:14 - Is anything too hard for the Lord  

Psm. 86:15 - get back in the game - 1 John 1:9 - God does keep His promises.

Chapter 21 - Isaac born, Abraham was 100 and Sarah 90.

Though Abraham was a great man of faith, and a hero in the Bible, he was still a man just like us and still messed up.  If God chooses to work with and through us, He has to work with broken and flawed people.

God provides for our greatest needs. 
Psm. 23:1 - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

Gen. 22:1-3 - God tested Abraham. - Was quick to obey. 

Gen. 22:8 - that's faith - said God would provide a lamb
Gen. 22:9 -  willingly lay life down in obedience to his father. 
Can see gospel message played out. - Mt. Moriah very close to where temple was built, and close to where Jesus was crucified.

Gen. 22:13-14 - God provided a substitute
         He still does this for us.  1 John 4:9-10, Rom. 5:8
         Accept it.
         Don't get numb to it.  

Greatest need any of us have is a Savior.  God placed in us the desire to know Him.

A. Give life to Jesus.  Don't give up or give in after you fail.
Examples:  Peter, David, Abraham

B.  Get Back in the fight.

Never going to find true love, true peace, without Christ.

  

Start Winning the Battle in Your Mind

 We all struggle with discouragement, anger, depression, fear, frustration, etc,  Many are completely destroyed.  The major battles start in the mind.

Today:  Paul to the Philippians, from prison.

Phil. 4:4  - Major theme = REJOICE!
Phil. 2:18 - you also be glad and rejoice with me.
Phil. 3:1 - ..... rejoice in the Lord
1 Thess. 5:16 - Rejoice always - regardless of circumstances - be glad in, celebrate, delight in God's grace

Antonym of rejoice:  be annoyed, aggravated, irritated, gripe

Why rejoice?  We have reason to rejoice!!  It sets our heart and mind right.

Phil. 4:5 - reasonableness, gentleness - speaking to two women. 
quote from Preach the Word - "A rejoicing spirit is a gentle spirit and a gentle spirit is a healing balm to the church and the world!"

The Lord is at hand, near.  God is with His people.  - Isa. 57:15 - Rest in that!

Phil. 4:6 - Do not be anxious - don't worry about it 
              Paul writes from prison - Phil. 4:9 - model what you've seen in me.  He had dealt with hunger, poverty, ostracism, infiltrators, and heretics.
Matt. 6:25, 31, 34 - states 3 times 'do not be anxious'.  It steals from God's gift and plan for today.

We worry about so much that will never happen.
Matt. 6:27 - who can add a cubit to height by worrying
Luke 12:25 - who can add single hour to life

Now I'm worried about my worrying.  What do I do??

Pray with a thankful heart.  God knows what is going on around you.
Sounds simple and it works.

Pray without ceasing = 1 Thess. 5:17-18
Song:  "oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear"

Phil. 4:7 - Peace of God - prayer works.  John 14:27 - Jesus gives peace far beyond what anything else cn give.

Phil. 4:8 - Fill your mind with and think of good things. 
Think on true things instead of lies.
              honorable things instead of dishonorable, unethical, unprincipled things
              just things instead of unjust, unreasonable, wrong
              pure things instead of filthy, contaminated things
              lovely things instead of ugly, grotesque
              commendable instead of reprehensible

Media, blog, TV, podcast social media - What we consume matters.

Psm. 101:3 - peaceful mind - or tumultuous, anxious, angry

Rejoice --- don't complain
Set self to not worry --- don't be consumed with it
Pray without ceasing ---- instead of prayerless
Fill your mind with good and not evil.

Ask self - What do you add and what do you subtract?
                                                           

Closing Scripture:  Eph. 4:25-32

The Christian Journey - Part 2

 Last Week = Israel out of Egypt + into the wilderness
Egypt = bondage    Wilderness = teaching and testing
Promised Land = where God wanted His people to dwell in this life  (land of blessing) 

Application for us?  - 1 Cor. 10:11

compare to your personal journey!  getting to the place God wants you to be - ie:  IN THIS LIFE!!
We can learn from their mistakes.

Last week = "what 1st. generation did wrong...."
(1)  Stopped!  didn't stop believing, owning, following... but= stopped short;  on the brink of blessing.

(2)  Why stopped?  easier to wander tan to fight - today - easier to be a mediocre, lukewarm Christian than be where God wants us to be.

(2)  Result?  on one hand, God took care of them.
                    however, they missed His best.... for themselves and for their children!  AND, they left a legacy of unbelief (failure)

The REST of the Story?  Conquest by the 2nd. Generation.
(Book of Joshua   Deut. = re-reading of the Law    Joshua - the conquest

So.... today= What the 2nd. Generation did right!

Application = compare to your spiritual journey  ie:  getting to the place God wants you to be (in THIS life!)

I.  They embraced God's Vision   (for them) 
Which = Ex. 3:7-8  ("out of, into")
On one hand  wilderness - part of the journey  (teaching, testing)
However, not intended as permanent residence

Note:  the analogy breaks down here because our Spiritual journey means we OFTEN return to the place of teaching, testing.  Example:  Abraham - Gen. 22:1  - 114 years old.

God's plan for you MAY be scary, difficult, etc. 
But  (1) = a plan for your good  - Ger. 29:10-11
(context = Israel and homeland   But has universal application for believers) - vs. 11

And (2)  a plan for your growth - Eph. 4:11-15

II)  They accepted responsibility (for the conquest (them)
Contrast:  1st. Generation - Korah's Rebellion - Num. 16:12-14

Question:  Who = responsible for your spiritual journey?  growth?  development?  Because = "fix me"!!!
Compare:  2 Pet. 1:3/5

III)  They Planned to Succeed
This is more than hoped, intended, wanted to....
This - planned and prepared to .

NOTE:  this does not mean plans APART from God
             but = in conjunction with God  (His directions)

So... do you want to be a wanderer?  (a victim; "not my fault")
or a conqueror?  (take responsibility)

IV)  They stepped out  (moved forward, acted, went in)
again ... NOT apart from God's directives BUT once you know ... it's time to GO!!

V)  They went into the Land  (redundant?)
WENT IN ... (1) focused - alert, aware
Deutonomy states over and over - "watch out, beward, remember, don't forget" - therefore intent and intense
                     (2)  fighting  - compare  Col. 1:28-29
                     (3) expecting trouble - Eph. 6:10-12 - our struggle ins not against flesh and blood, BUT ... = constant struggle!!
                     (4)  expecting success  - they had the Lord's PROMISE and PRESENCE  Josh. 1:4-6, 9

VI)  They TOOK the Land
On one hand, God GAVE it to them!!
However, they had to TAKE it!  Josh. 1:10-11
AND ... they took it INCREMENTALLY - ie.  1 small piece at a time.  Conquest too 5 - 7 years.
Book of Joshua covers about 25 years. 
On one hand, we have some miracles after Jericho
However, MOST cities fell without miracles!!!

So... they fought to TAKE the Land and then,

VII)  They fought to keep it.
The WAR isn't OVER when the Battle is won.    Satan will try to take it all back!
On one hand, we have VICTORY in Christ
However, the Final Victory is not until we are in His presence!!

So..... the Challenge for us... for you....

(1)  will you leave Egypt?  A way has been provided for that .... The Gospel

(2)  You will travel through the wilderness  (maybe repeatedly)
Question:  will you learn there?  or will you Live there??  Is your decision

(3)  Will you move on ... to the place God wants you to dwell?  May be scary, difficult, dangerous, BUT,.. you don't go alone  "Lo, I am with your ALWAYS..." 
You have to go - no one is going to carry you.  

Closing Scripture:  John 13:17