Author: Laurin

I’m first and foremost a follower of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, striving to learn more and grow closer to Him. I am also a former public middle school English, Reading, Social Studies teacher now spending my days trying to figure out where God needs me to go next! I'm privileged to help author-friends with beta-reading and editing their work. I’m honored that I get to lead a Bible study and play librarian at my little church in southwestern Colorado. I love to serve God, meditate on His Word, read great books, take photos, be crafty, jot down random thoughts, and crochet poorly.

The Power of the Resurrection

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Alan took us through a short series on the power and importance of the resurrection. The three messages are all posted below, with audio & notes for each. Praying they bless you!

The Power of the Resurrection Now and Forever 

Big Idea:  The bodily resurrection of Jesus changes everything in the world and in your life. It gives us hope for now & for eternity. The resurrection is the heart of the gospel message.  When a person encounters the resurrected Christ, they are changed.  The resurrection is the surety that this world we live in of death, chaos, and decay will one day give way to Christ’s kingdom and a new heaven and new earth.

  1. The resurrection is at the core of the gospel.
    • Paul says it is of first importance.
    • The gospel is:  the death of Jesus, the burial (empty tomb), the resurrection, the post resurrection appearances. 
    • Without the resurrection, you’d still be imprisoned in your sins.
    • 1 Corinthians 15:1-5  
  2. The resurrection means you aren’t enslaved by sin.
  3. The resurrection means we don’t have to fear death. 
  4. The resurrection frees us from all evil power and authority over us. 
  5. The resurrection is the surety of Christ’s coming kingdom that is all about restoration and hope,  
  6. The surety of Christ’s coming to make all things new calls for repentance now, “Repent for the kingdom heaven is at hand.”  Matthew 4:17
  7. The resurrection is the only reason preaching has any purpose. 
  8. The resurrection is the only reason faith has any power. 
  9. The resurrection means the Lord extends an invitation to each believer every day. 
  10. The resurrection of Christ is the surety of the bodily resurrection of all believers.  

The Resurrection and Relations

Big Idea:  In America and the world, all kinds of relationships are broken, and we are in utter chaos.  These include race relations, class relations, wealth relations, one-on-one relations, and sexual relations.  In short, it’s a big mess, and we must view all relations in light of the reality that we are new creations due to the resurrection of Christ.  

  1. The resurrection and race relations.
    • “It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is 11 o’clock on Sunday morning.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
      • It’s not WHO you are, but WHOSE you are.
      • It still happens in the Church today, thought that’s the last place it should EVER happen.
    • Galatians 2:11-21
      • Justification by faith overrides all else.
    • Isaiah 19:23-25
    • Revelation 21:22-27
    • Bottom line:  If we make an idol of our national and racial cultures, we are not putting on the new creation we are in Christ.
  1. The resurrection and class relations.
    • Luke 14:7-14 
    • Matthew 6:2
    • Bottom line:  Jesus says that those who are in Him shouldn’t play socially elitist games for their own gain. Instead, help those who have no means to repay you.  
  1. The resurrection and our relation to our finances (wealth).
    • Material possessions mean nothing if you’re not rich in Christ.
    • It’s not about the amount you give; it’s about your sincerity & willingness of heart.
    • Bottom line:  We don’t deal with our resources by the rules but by our relation to Christ.  We give in light of his sacrificial giving to us. 
  1. The resurrection and our broken relationships.
    • 1 Corinthians 6:1-6
    • Romans 2:1-4
    • Matthew 7:1-2
    • Bottom line:  Be careful not to jump to judgement. “Vengefulness, quick to litigation, and self-interest (pride) are part of the spirit of this age” -Timothy Keller. When we say, “Vengeance is mine,” we want to play God. (Romans 12:18)
  1. The resurrection and sexual relations.
    • 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
    • Bottom line:  What we do in our bodies matters.  In light of the resurrection, we are to flee porneia (sexual immorality). 

Conclusion:  The fact we are new creations through the resurrection of Christ, impacts everything we relate to.  

Living Christ Risen

Big Idea: Only in understanding the reality of the risen Lord can the way be open to live as God intends us to live. Morality alone will not save you. As Paul stated, “to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). What is sin? To fall short of the glory of God! The wages of that sin is death (Romans 6:23). The following are crucial dynamics to living life as God intends us to live it:

  1. Realize who you are in Christ.
    • Ephesians 2:1-7
    • These verses are the most ultimate before and after picture you will ever see.
      • v. 1-3: Before=the Walking Dead
        • dead
        • following the world
        • following Satan
        • disobedient
        • living in the flesh
        • children of wrath by nature
      • v. 4-7: After=Alive in Christ
        • recipients of love and mercy
        • made alive in Christ
        • saved by grace
        • raised up with Him
        • set in heavenly places (present tense)
        • a picture of immeasurable grace
        • gifted with faith
        • created in Christ (a new creation)
        • given a purpose
      • Are you in the before or after category?
  2. Reflect DAILY on who Christ is.
    • Ephesians 1:15-23
    • Ephesians 3:14-21
    • What we reflect on with our minds will affect our hearts.
    • Also, what we reflect upon will be reflected outwardly toward others.
    • What we know affects who we are.
      • gnosis – mental level
      • epignosis – knowledge that affects you
    • Romans 12:2
  3. Redirect (repent) DAILY towards Christ.
    • Ephesians 4:17-24
    • Living as we are intended calls US to put off (die to certain practices) and put on other practices. It’s an ongoing redirecting of desires.
      • If it can’t get into your mind, it will never get into you heart.
    • What are the proper motivators for putting off the old person and putting on the new? Let’s talk about improper verses proper motivators.
    • Romans 8:29
  4. Relinquish your life to Christ.
    • Philippians 1:21
    • “The only one who ever lived life fully, as God intended life to be lived was Christ. The only life we can live as God intends us to live is the life of Christ.” -Major Ian Thomas, Founder of Torchbearers International.
    • Galatians 2:20
    • What would Jesus do? Wrong question. A better question is “What would I allow Jesus to do through me?”
    • John 12:23-26
      • Lose your life for Christ so that Christ may live in you.

CONCLUSION: Christ is alive to live in us. The extent to which His living in us becomes apparent is the measure to which we die to ourselves so as to reflect the reality of Him in us. “The life that Jesus lived qualified him for the death that he died. The death that he died qualifies us to receive the life that he lives. That’s the heart of the gospel in action.” -Major Ian Thomas

All the Way with God

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Terry stepped in while Alan was away to take into the book of Colossians and teach us about persevering to the end. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

All the Way with God

Colossians 1:8-14

  • Colossians 1:13
    • This is salvation.
    • Believers are in the kingdom already (spiritually).
      • The kingdom will be fully realized at His return.
      • The Lord’s Prayer tells us the Father’s plan:
        • Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
  • Colossians 1:14
    • We have redemption through His blood.
      • He paid our ransom out of the kingdom of darkness.
    • Produces the forgiveness of sins
      • Restored relationship with God through His blood fulfilling the wrath of God
  • What do we do now that we’ve been redeemed?
    • Colossians 1:1-8 summary:
      • Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae
        • He heard that this church was being well taught by Epaphras, and that they showed love in the Spirit.
        • He prayed for the church at Colossae and all believers.
    • Step One on the Stairway to Heaven
      • Colossians 1:9
        • Be filled with the knowledge of His will.
          • The will of God is found in the Word of God.
          • When you know His will, you will gain wisdom & spiritual understanding.
          • Philippians 3:12-14
            • let go to take hold
            • leave the things of the world behind
            • take hold of the things of God
    • Four More Steps on the Stairway
      • Colossians 1:10
        • Walk in a manner worthy of Him.
          • Be uncompromising in your witness.
          • Walk very carefully.
          • Remember others are watching you all the time.
        • Be pleasing to Him.
        • Bear fruit.
        • Always grow in the knowledge of God.
          • Yield yourself & your desires to Him.
          • We’re here on God’s business, to be His representatives in the midst of the darkness.
    • Strength to Climb the Stairway
      • Colossians 1:11-12
        • You need strength to walk the Christian life.
          • Strength comes from the Holy Spirit.
        • That strength provides:
          • patience in the times of trial & times of joy
          • joyfulness
          • thankfulness
            • He has qualified us to share in Christ’s inheritance.
        • Finish the race strong

The Faith-Rest Life

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

We had a few weeks of mission reports and a special musical service before Pastor Alan began a short series on the Faith-Rest Life. Unfortunately, the first message (“Living the Sabbath Principle”) did not get recorded, but I’ve included Alan’s outline with a few notes below. The second and third messages, with their recordings, are below that, each with its outline. Praying these messages bless you.

Living the Sabbath Principle (The Faith-Rest Life)

  1. Introduction
    • Genesis 1:27-2:3
      • Adam & Eve were created on the 6th day; God rested on the 7th day.
      • Adam & Eve entered into God’s rest; sin took them out of that rest.
  2. Sabbath Principle – what is it?
  3. Four passages of scripture with Sabbath implications.
    • Exodus 17:1-6
      • God had just delivered the Israelites from Egypt, and they grumbled. He has delivered us from so much more, and yet we still grumble.
      • Key truth: God puts us in testing circumstances, the “no water” places. Will we respond in faith or fear? To not respond in faith is to in effect believe God isn’t present.
    • Numbers 20:1-13
      • This is God’s grace. He gives us living water, even when we don’t deserve it.
      • Key truth: We often will blame others, or God, and want to escape a testing circumstance. We will miss God’s blessing if we don’t follow his instruction.
    • Hebrews 3:7-13
      • Key truth: What we hear can determine how we respond to life’s tests. Do we hear God’s promises and act in faith or do we hear all kinds of other voices? If we don’t hear, we will never rest, and it’s hard to hear if we aren’t still.
      • What keeps us from being able to be at peace in life’s stormy tests? This passage says there are 5 things:
        1. An evil heart of unbelief
        2. Departing (standing off) from God
        3. Deceitfulness of sin
        4. Wandering hearts
        5. Ignorance of God’s ways
    • Hebrews 4:1-16 (Next Sunday)
  4. Conclusion
    • We can live in Sabbath rest or circumstantial chaos. There’s a choice to be made.

Sabbath Rest (The Faith-Rest Life)

Hebrews 4:1-12

  1. The dynamics of living the Sabbath rest (Faith-Rest Life)
    • God’s rest is a standing promise to stand upon. vs 1
    • God’s rest must be entered into by faith. vs 1
    • God’s rest can be missed. vs 2, vs 5
    • God’s rest if rejected angers God. vs 3a
    • God’s rest is based on His resting. vs 3b-4a
    • God’s rest, if rejected is an act of disobedience. vs 6
    • God’s rest is a time sensitive offer. vs 7-8
    • God’s rest is a rest from work as we know work. vs 10
    • God’s rest involves an effort. vs 11
    • God’s rest involves God’s word as a revealing source. vs 12
  2. Conclusion: Living the faith-rest life is available through actively resting on God’s promises. The time to start living is now.

Great Necessities for Sabbath Rest
Hebrews 4:12-16, Isaiah 40

  1. Introduction: Sabbath is not a day of rest; it is resting on the promises of God. Faith-rest is not based on our feelings, but on His promises. You’re never going to be able to say, “It is well with my soul,” if you carry around the baggage of the past.
  2. The necessity of evaluating life by God’s word.
    • Men do what is right in their own eyes.
      • This leads to unrest, anxiety, and fear.
    • The only way we know if we are obeying in faith or disobeying in unbelief, is by the evaluating power of God’s word.
    • Hebrews 4:12-13
    • God’s word has evaluating power because it is:
      1. Alive
      2. Powerful
      3. Cutting
      4. Penetrating
      5. Judging
  3. The necessity of holding to one’s profession of faith by holding on to our high priest, Jesus.
    • Hebrews 4:14-15
    • There are trials and temptations that test our faith. We can look at how Jesus responded.
      • He used the Sword of the Spirit to battle temptation
        • Three ways Satan tempts (1 John 2:26):
          1. lust of the eyes
          2. lust of the flesh
          3. pride of life
  4. The necessity of prayer.
    • Oh, what needless pain we bear…
    • We often look at prayer as a last resort.
    • Hebrews 4:16
      1. Pray with confidence (James 1:2-8)
      2. Pray for grace and mercy (Luke 18:13)
      3. Acknowledge your need!
  5. The necessity of waiting on God in dependent trust.
    • Isaiah 40:28-31
    • The idea of waiting on God has many aspects in the Hebrew language.
      • It means to believe God is reliable and can be leaned on. The Hebrew word “amen” carries this aspect.
      • It means you can throw your cares on God.
      • It can mean taking refuge in God by fleeing to Him.
      • It can mean trusting God for deliverance from pain.
    • All of these things can be involved in waiting for God. The outcome of waiting on God is we exchange the limited resources of our strength for His divine power.
  6. The necessity of trusting in God instead of idols of our own making.
    • Isaiah 40:18-20
    • How many things in our life do we put our trust in that will just topple over?
    • What makes you think you can run with the horses? (Jeremiah 12:5)
  7. Conclusion: The faith-rest life is still offered; will we enter in?

2 Timothy, pt. 8

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Pastor Alan finished up his series in the book of 2 Timothy with chapter 4, verses 9-22, “The Final Farewell.” We have a tendency to skip over these verses at the end, but they hold very valuable lessons. To hear this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

The Final Farewell

2 Timothy 4:9-22

Paul is dealing with final matters, and as he does, he mentions numerous people. Some are his friends and allies; others are harmful enemies. Paul did not have a problem calling people out by name if they were causing harm to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  1. Dealing With a Deserter (v. 10)
    • Demas – loved this world
    • Drift happens when we love the pleasures of this present world more than the coming Kingdom
    • John’s description of the “world”
      • kosmos – a sphere of order that is in direct opposition to God
      • 1 John 2:15-17 – lusts of the eyes, lusts of the flesh, pride of life
      • 2 Timothy 3:2-4 – lovers of self, money, pleasure
      • Revelation 2
        • Smyrna
        • Pergamum
        • Thyatira
    • This world is insidious, and it is tugging away at us constantly
  2. Dealing With Others (v. 10b-13)
    • Sending them out
      • Timothy
      • Luke
    • Seeing their best
      • Mark
    • Give them a mission
      • Paul asks Timothy to bring him his most necessary items:
        • cloak (warmth)
        • Scripture
  3. Dealing With Opposition (v. 14-15)
    • Don’t be afraid to confront opposers
    • Realize God’s in charge
    • Always be on guard
  4. Dealing With Being Alone (v. 16-18)
  5. Dealing With Fear & Weakness (v. 19-22)
    • Rely on the truest friends
    • Remember the Spirit God gave us
    • Pray for the grace of God in everything we do

Lessons from the Valley

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

We were blessed to have Dr. Jeff Leigh visit our little church and share a wonderful message with us. He taught about Elijah’s experience from 1 Kings 19. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included notes from his message with links to Scriptures he references. Enjoy!

Lessons from the Valley – 1 Kings 19:1-18

Ephesians 6:13 – it’s not about the tremendous victory in your battle; it’s about simply standing strong in the midst of your valleys.

Valleys are tough things to go through. They reveal our character and weaknesses, what we are standing on. But they can also strengthen us.

1 Kings 19:1-18

  • Elijah had a tremendous victory in 1 Kings 18 – then Ahab & Jezebel threatened his life. Instead of standing, Elijah ran.
  • Simple things can send you running if you don’t stand in the Lord.
  1. What Are the Valleys We Create?
    • Fear + Running
    • Expectations
    • Self-orientation
    • Isolation
  2. Things We Run to Instead of God
    • The past (what worked before)
    • What we understand (our own wisdom)
  3. How Does God Rescue Us?
    • Still, small voice; His Word
    • Gets us up & starting to fulfill His commands v. 15-16
      • Directing us uniquely
    • Helps us to see others v. 18-21
      • Those who are around us
      • Those who are also IN the fight
        • 7000 faithful
        • Elisha
  4. What Mountain Can We Always Stand Upon, Even When in a Valley?
    • Luke 10:17-20
      • Don’t rejoice in the little (or even big) victories in your valleys – rejoice in your salvation by faith through grace. That is the unfailing/unfading mountain that will always give you strength.

2 Timothy, pt. 7

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

In his continuing series on the book of 2 Timothy, Alan led us through the first eight verses of the final chapter. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. Enjoy!

2 Timothy 4:1-8

The Big Picture: God gives a charge to all of us. To not act on the charge, or call, could mean an opportunity missed, never to be regained. So, act upon whatever the charge is to you. Don’t wait for a convenient time because there seldom is one. Also, following God’s calling is never promised to be comfortable.

  1. Paul’s Charge to Timothy (v. 2, 5)
    • Preach the Word
    • Be ready all the time, not just when it’s convenient
    • Correct those in error
    • Rebuke those who are sinning
    • Encourage those who are doing good
    • Be level headed
    • Expect and endure hardship
    • Give the good news
    • Do your duty
  2. The Motivations for the Charge (v. 1, 3)
    • God is a watching presence
    • Christ will judge
    • Christ will come again
    • Christ is King
    • The times are getting worse where the truth will not be tolerated
  3. The Cost of Carrying Out the Charge (v. 6-7)
    • For some it meant, and still means, martyrdom
      • but death is not final
    • It means a fight
      • the soldier
    • It means running the race to its finish
      • the athlete
    • It means patiently keeping the faith
      • the farmer
  4. The Reward for Paying the Cost (v. 8)
    • A crown of righteousness

Conclusion: Ask God if there is something He is specifically charging you to do. If it is clear to you, then do it. Don’t put it off waiting for a more convenient time.

“I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and Heaven without Hell.” -William Booth (founder of the Salvation Army, 1829-1912)

2 Timothy, pt. 6

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Pastor Alan is still taking us through the book of 2 Timothy. One week did not get recorded properly, but I have posted the outline below (for 2 Timothy 2:14-26). The following Sunday took us into 2 Timothy 3. To listen to that message, simply click play on the audio player below. The outline can be found below, with links to Scriptures referenced. Enjoy and be blessed!

2 Timothy 2:14-26: A Study in Contrasts

  1. Marks of a Good Teacher (v. 14-15)
    • gives constant reminders (v. 14a)
    • gives direct warnings (v. 14b)
    • is accountable to God (v. 15a)
    • can pass inspections (v. 15b)
    • has nothing to be ashamed of (v. 15c)
    • gives straight direction in truth (v. 15d)
  2. Marks of False Teachers (v. 16-18)
    • practice empty chatter (v. 16a)
      • all style, no structure
    • teach and live ungodliness (v. 16b)
    • spread destruction (v. 17)
    • stray away from the truth (v. 18a)
    • undermine people’s faith (v. 18b)
  3. A Firm Foundation (v. 19)
    • false teaching gives no foundation (v. 19a)
    • God’s solid foundation has two dynamics (v. 19b)
      • it bears a seal
      • it demands an action
  4. Two Types of Lifestyles (v. 20-26)
    • Marks of a Noble Lifestyle
      • cleanses himself of evil behavior (v. 21a)
      • is used of God (v. 21b)
      • pursues righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace (v. 22a)
      • keeps company with true believers (v. 22b)
      • doesn’t engage in controversy and infighting (v. 23)
      • doesn’t lose their cool (v. 24a)
      • kind, competent, patient, correcting (v. 25)
    • Potential Results of a Noble Life (v. 25b-26)

2 Timothy 3: Two Kinds of People Contrasted

  1. What are the Last Days? (v. 1)
    • The period between Christ’s ascension and His return
    • “the days of Noah” – the last of the Last Days
    • Described as difficult
    • The Amplified Bible says, “dangerous, troublesome, great stress”
    • The Greek word is the same as translated “violent” in Matthew 8:28, describing demon possessed men.
  2. The People of the Last Days (v. 2-4)
    • Paul uses 18 words to describe them.
    • They can be summed up as the:
      • decadent
      • deviant
      • defiant
      • deceitful
      • disobedient
  3. The Three Deviant Affections
    • All begin with the phrase “lovers (philos – emotional affection) of…”
      • self
      • money
      • pleasure
  4. The Other 15 Vices or Sins
    • Romans 1:18-32
      • boastful
      • arrogant
      • blasphemers
      • disobedient to parents
      • ungrateful
      • unholy
      • unloving
      • irreconcilable
      • slanderers
      • no self-control
      • savage
      • opposed to good
      • treacherous
      • reckless
      • conceited
    • Use this list to examine yourself!
  5. The Cloak of Religion (v. 5a)
    • There is only the outward appearance of goodness and religiosity
    • No Holy Spirit
  6. How to Respond (v. 5b)
    • Avoid!
  7. The Predators (v. 6-9)
    • This is NOT saying that all women are weak-minded!
    • It is saying that there are predators who prey on the weak and vulnerable.
  8. Switch Gears! (v. 10-17)
    • What to be and do in the last days:
      • “You, however…”
        • follow sound teaching and teachers (v. 10)
        • have a purpose (v. 10)
        • have faith, patience, love, and endurance (v. 10)
        • accept suffering (v. 11-12)
        • beware of evil people (v. 13)
        • be grounded in Scripture (v. 14-15)
        • accept rebuke/correction (v. 16)
        • be capable of getting equipped (v. 17)
  9. Conclusion
    • We should always be in the process of self-examination, confession, and repentance in light of the certain accountability.

2 Timothy 2:8-13

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Alan continued to take us through the book of 2 Timothy with a teaching on the second chapter, verses 8-13. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

2 Timothy 2:8-13

A key concept of 2 Timothy is enduring in both hardship and in the good times (since we can become complacent). We must remain faithful (not deny the faith). Paul is a picture of remaining faithful – 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 is a resume of suffering. Remaining silent can be a form of denying Christ.

  1. Priorities (v. 8-10)
    • Remember Jesus Christ
      • we fail when we forget who Jesus is & who we are in Him
      • 3 R’s
        • the Resurrection & its implications
          • without the resurrection, we can’t live out the life we are to live IN Him
          • the resurrection makes it possible for Him to work in & through us
        • Christ Reigns
          • He is the King of a kingdom, a descendant of David
          • we will reign with Christ
        • Results of the Gospel
  2. Promises (v. 11-13)
    • This section of Scripture is believed to be one of the earliest hymns in the Christian Church.
    • It contains four conditional clauses.
    • It is a “trustworthy saying” – you can believe it to be true.
      1. If we died with Him (died to self), we will also live with Him.
        • Galatians 2:20
        • Faith is expressed in confession.
          • Have you confessed you sin to Christ?
          • Have you denied your self?
      2. If we endure, we will also reign.
        • the promise of reward
          • He won’t deny us salvation, but He will deny us reward.
        • 2 Types of Inheritance in Scritpure
          • Heirs of Christ by faith
          • Co-heirs with Christ by suffering & enduring for Him (Romans 8:17)
        • reward = eternal glory (see v. 10)
      3. If we deny Him, He will deny us.
        • denial is born of fear
        • perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18)
      4. If we are faithless, He remains faithful.
        • We can’t change the faithfulness of God.
        • Our lack of holiness can’t affect the holiness of God.
        • He cannot deny His character.
          • It’s not what He does; it’s Who He is.
    • You know a person by their fruit.
    • True belief brings change.

2 Timothy, pt. 4

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

In Alan’s series on 2 Timothy, Paul’s Final Words, he took us into the second chapter of the book. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

2 Timothy 2:1-7

  1. Stand Strong in Grace (v. 1)
    • Grace = that which is given is neither earned nor merited
      • works are NOT required to be saved or to stay saved
      • Ephesians 2:8-10
        • grace + faith = salvation
        • not of yourself: grace generates faith
      • works follow salvation
      • if we have to work for salvation, it negates all Christ did on the cross
      • grace is God working in our lives to bring us closer to Him
    • How do you stand in the sphere of grace?
      1. You reject the idea that you are strong enough to stand on your own.
        • If you don’t stand in grace, you’ll fall in your works.
      2. You resist the temptation to boast about your seeming indispensability.
      3. You receive what God has given and appropriate it.
        • It’s all IN Christ Jesus who was full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
      4. You access grace by faith.
        • Romans 5:1-4
        • You are justified by faith, which gives you access to grace.
  2. Teach & Equip (v. 2)
    • Teach what? The gospel.
    • Prerequisites: those who will be taught to share the gospel must be:
      • faithful
      • able to teach others
      • Hebrews 5:11-14
      • One should never coast on their giftedness:
        • gifted is not an excuse for lack of preparation & competence
        • must rely on God & give Him credit
      • Part of ministry is to entrust the gospel to faithful & competent people
  3. The Cost of Carrying Out the Charge (v. 3-6)
    • Three Metaphors
      1. A Soldier
        • 1 Timothy 1:18-19 KJV – war a good warfare
          • engage the enemy
          • prayer is warfare
        • dedicated
          • not entangled by distractions
          • focused on the mission
          • carry out orders
            • we are subordinate to Christ who recruited us
        • 600 Legions of Roman soldiers (360,000 men)
          • most feared warriors of their time
          • carried a short sword with two sharp edges
            • for stabbing, not slashing
            • the Word is a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12) able to pierce in spiritual warfare
      2. An Athlete
        • Olympics: had to sign up for 10 months of dedicated/disciplined training
          • no breaking protocol
          • no commitment to anything else – period (even family)
          • must follow the rules or become disqualified
          • Crown of Victory for the winner
      3. A Farmer
        • lonely, hard-working, patient
        • endure hardships season after season
        • leadership involves loneliness & disappointment, but perseverance allows for a share of the crop/harvest
  4. The Point of Reflecting (v. 7)

2 Timothy, pt. 3

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Alan finished up the first chapter of 2 Timothy a few weeks ago. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

2 Timothy 1:9-18

Timothy was the pastor of the church of Ephesus (the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor). Paul is in prison, and this letter was his final written word.

  1. Paul’s Declaration (v. 9-12)
    • these verses were a hymn in the early church
    • Paul is declaring things that God has done for us through Jesus – fundamental things that we MUST be clear about.
      1. Christ saves us. (v. 9)
        • from sin & the curse of sin
        • we’re all physically dying, but everyone who is apart from Jesus is dying spiritually (Ephesians 2)
        • Salvation is an umbrella term for:
          1. justification: have been saved – reconciliation at the moment of trusting Him as our Savior (Romans 10)
          2. sanctification: being saved/changed – reconciled by His death; saved by His life (Romans 5)
          3. glorification: will be saved – away from the effects & presence of sin (1 Corinthians 15)
      2. Christ calls us to holiness. (v. 9)
        • ecclesia (Church) = called out ones
        • korban = something dedicated to the Lord
        • We are called out to be dedicated to the Lord.
        • “Be holy as I am holy.” (1 Peter 1)
        • Our righteousness must be greater
          • inward righteousness (Christ in us)
      3. Our saving & our calling are by God, not by us. (v. 9)
      4. Everything about the gospel is centered in grace, not works. (v. 9)
        • All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God
          • sin = falling short of God’s glory
      5. Christ destroys death & reveals eternal life. (v. 10)
        • eternal life = to know God & His Son (have an intimate relationship with them) (John 17)
        • opposite of the gospel = Satan, who comes to steal, kill, & destroy (John 10)
      6. The gospel has to be preached. (v. 11)
        • The gospel has apostolic authority.
        • The gospel has to be taught (delved into) with the aim of making disciples.
      7. Christ will guard Paul’s work. (v. 12)
        • Like he’s made a deposit & Christ is keeping that work safe & ready for that day
          • lay up for yourself treasures in heaven (Matthew 6)
          • Christ, the Good Shepherd, guards (John 10, Psalm 23)
          • what we do for Christ is kept
  2. Paul’s Admonition (v. 13-14)
    1. Holding fast/enduring is a major theme in this letter
      • hypomeno = stay under the load
    2. Hold fast to what you’ve heard.
      • sound words/teaching
    3. Act on what you hear in faith & love
      • balance is necessary
    4. Sound words must be protected.
      • There must be objective truth or there’s nothing to hold on to.
      • Jesus is the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life
      • No one comes to the Father, except through Him (John 14)
  3. Paul Deserted and Refreshed (v. 15-18)
    1. The importance of presence.
      • We need other people in our lives.
    2. Those who show mercy will receive mercy.
    3. Deed done in the name of Christ will not be forgotten on “that day” (the day of judgment for reward)

How do you want to be remembered? As someone who refreshed others or as one who deserted those who needed you?