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