Harvest Morning Worship Series
Kingdom Faith, Kingdom Focus and Kingdom Fire
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Kingdom Faith, Kingdom Focus and Kingdom Fire Harvest Morning Worship Series
Sunday, September 15 - “People of God Assemble” 1 Samuel 30:1-8, v18 & 1 Peter 2:4-10
Sunday, September 22 - “Faith and Authority to Receive What is Yours” Matthew 10:1-8 & Matthew 10:32-42
Sunday, September 29 - “Focus on Worship” Acts 16:16-25 & 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Sunday, October 6 - “It Almost Had Me, But Thanks Be to God” Psalms 73
Sunday, October 13 - “On Fire For God” 2 Timothy 1:5-14 & Acts 16:1-5
Sunday October 20 - “Kingdom Fire” Jeremiah 20:1-13 & Matthew 3:11-12
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“People of God Assemble” Sunday, September 15
1 Samuel 30:1-8, v18 & 1 Peter 2:4-10
“There Are Consequences When We Neglect What God Has given Us” (1 Samuel 30:1-3)
David was hiding from Saul who tried to kill him and subsequently hid in Philistine, an enemy territory (1 Samuel 27, 28 and 29). David was away and neglecting his family and possessions when they were taken from him.
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“The Challenge of Staying Together In a Time of Great Loss”
(1 Samuel 30:3-6)
The men that followed David also suffered great loss and talked of stoning David.
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“Faith That Gives You Focus to Seek The Lord”
(1 Samuel 30:3 ”.......But David found strength in the Lord his God.)
Kingdom faith is knowing that because of God’s amazing grace we can find the strength that we need even when we have made unwise decisions that lead us away from where God through Jesus Christ has called us. (Romans 5:1-4)
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“Dressing For The Occasion”
(1 Samuel 30:7 “Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him,”)
An ephod was a special apron that priests would wear, to cover over their clothing, so the sacrificial blood and gore would splash on the ephod, not so much on their clothing. It is likely that this wasn't just any ephod; this was the ephod of the High Priest, which had the breastplate of judgment (Exodus 28:15) attached to it (Exodus 28:28). The breastplate had in it a pouch with two different colored stones, known as the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30). When David inquired of the LORD, he probably asked Abiathar to use the Urim and Thummim. God is not going to restore or re-establish the Old Testament priesthood. The day for the Old Testament priesthood is past for us today and is now being perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 4:14-15)
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“We Are Holy and Royal Priests of the Kingdom of God”
The Holy Priesthood 1 Peter 2:4-5
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—
5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
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The Royal Priesthood
1 Peter 2:9-10
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
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“We are Priests That Serve the King in the Kingdom of God”
Revelation 1:5-6 (NIV)
5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen
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“People of God Assemble!” Hebrews 10:19-21 (NKJV)
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
21 and having a High Priest over the house of God
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
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Can you imagine if every believer and follower of Christ put on a priestly robe and came together to fast, pray, serve, worship God and love one another? What a powerful witness and demonstration that would be to the world and the powers of darkness. If we would “assemble” in times of challenge instead of separating the enemy would think twice about coming and taking anything that God has given us. (John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”)
Let us come together not just as believers but as a royal priesthood that understands the power of the kingdom of God!
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“Faith and Authority to Receive What is Yours” Sunday, September 22
Matthew 10:1-8 & Matthew 10:32-42
“To See the Kingdom, You Must Be Born Again”
(John 3:1-3 (NLT)
Many people are discouraged and disappointed when they can’t perceive or understand the concept and reality of the kingdom of God. That is because they haven’t been born again or “born from above”. Being religious and doing good works won’t translate into seeing the kingdom of God. An earthly mindset will never be able to see or understand things of the spirit that can only be seen by all who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and are led by the Holy Spirit.
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“Where is the Kingdom of God?”
(Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)
20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed
21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Luke 17:21 (NKJV)
21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Luke 17:21 (NLT)
21 You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.
Luke 17:21 (AMP)
21 nor will people say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For the kingdom of God is among you because of My presence.”
Luke 17:21 (NIV)
21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
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“Diversity of Disciples Relying on the Same Power of God ”
(Matthew 10:14)
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“Disciples First and Then Apostles”
In v.1 they are called “disciples” (those who learn) but in v.2 they become designated as “apostles”
(those who are sent).
Jesus equipped these particular apostles with the kind of spiritual authority that would be effective for the people of assignment.In this particular instance their priority is to bring the Gospel to the nation of Israel
“Diversity of Disciples Relying on the Same Power of God”
Jesus chose His disciples from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. All of the disciples had something in common and that was that none of them were privileged or from backgrounds of high status.
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“Using the authority (POWER) to do the things Christ called you to do.”
Matthew 10:1
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
“Read and Follow the Instructions.”
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Matthew 10:5-7
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.
6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
“Do The Work That Only Can Only Be Done In The Name of Jesus”
Matthew 10:8
8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
“The disciples both had a message to preach and a power to display. In this, they were truly followers of their Master.”
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“There is a Reward When You Welcome God’s Servants”
Matthew 10:40-42
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“Acknowledge God’s Servants”
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
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“Focus on Worship” Sunday, September 29
Acts 16:16-25 & 1 Thessalonians 5:18
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“Paul and Silas Prepare Timothy for Evangelism and Mission Work for the Kingdom”
(Acts 16:1-5)
Paul’s first missionary journey finished about five years before the events of Acts 16. Paul was anxious to see for himself how the work of the Lord continued among these churches he founded five years
before. In the time since Paul had been to Lystra, a young man named Timothy had been serving the Lord (He was well spoken of by the brethren). Timothy had a believing mother with a Jewish background (son of a certain Jewish woman who believed), and a (presumably) unbelieving Greek father. Paul was impressed enough with Timothy to ask him to join their missionary team. This shows God’s provision, because John Mark and Barnabas just left Paul (Acts 15:36-41). No single worker in God’s kingdom is irreplaceable. When a Barnabas leaves (forwhatever reason), God has a Timothy to go on with him.
Paul, Silas, and Timothy together enjoyed great success in their work of strengthening and growing churches. Their work was successful because their first interest was in strengthening the churches. Strong churches will naturally increase in number daily, without relying on
man-centered and manipulative methods.
“An Effective Servant and a True Worshipper Will Follow the Leading of the Holy Spirit”
(Acts 16:6-10)
Asia does not refer to the Far East as we know it today. It refers to the Roman Province of Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey. After the attempt to go to Asia, Paul sought to go north into Bithynia, but was again prevented by the Holy Spirit. So, they came down to Troas.Paul didn’t set out to go to Troas. It was at least the third choice for him. But it was the Holy Spirit’s plan to lead him there. Paul, responded to the Holy Spirit and was willing to lay down his will, hisplans for the direction that the Holy Spirit brings. Paul was guided by hindrance. The Holy Spirit often guides as much by the closing of doors as He does by the opening of doors. The wisdom and greatness of God’s plan was beginning to unfold. In Paul’s mind, he wanted to reach a few cities in his region. But God wanted to give Paul a continent to win for Jesus Christ.
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“Service and Worship That Brings Glory to God and Souls to the Kingdom”
(Acts 16:13-15)
Paul Silas and Timothy were going to worship and Lydia heard them. Our acts of worship must always be genuine, sincere and above all in spirit and in truth so that when others see and hear us they know what we say is true, who we worship is true and all that we do is led by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lydia... was a seller of purple Anyone who was a seller of purple dealt in a valued, luxurious product. The dyes used for making purple were expensive and highly regarded. This woman was the first convert in Europe, and one might say that the Macedonian man in Pauls vision turned out to be a woman.
“Worship is What We Do”
(Acts 16:16-17)
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”Once when we were going to the place of prayer"
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“Jesus Christ Must Be the Focus of Your Act of Worship”
This woman is twice bound, spiritually and economically, for her masters were making a profit by exploiting her occult powers.
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“The Enemy will try to Distract You From Service and Worship to God”
(Acts 16:18)
Paul was so annoyed, and he did not appreciate the free advertising from the demon. He did not appreciate the source of the recommendation, and he didn’t need demonic approval of his work. In this, Paul was like Jesus, who often told demons to be silent, even when they told the truth about Him (Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 3:11-12).
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“In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!”
Jesus cast out demons with His own authority. Paul was careful to speak to demons only in the authority of Jesus Christ, and he spoke beyond the afflicted girl to the demon itself with this authority of
Jesus. At that moment the spirit left her: The idea behind at that moment is that the demon came out immediately. Yet Jesus said that some demons would be more difficult to cast out than others
(Matthew 17:21).
“Endure Hardship as a Good Soldier”
(Acts 16:19-24)
(2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV))
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. Christians are in a spiritual warfare. The devil, the world, and the flesh are real enemies. These spiritual enemies are out to destroy the testimony and effectiveness of the believer. The enemy will seek to take you out or make you a prisoner of war. Thus, we are called upon to be good soldiers for the war.
The Christian's greatest desire is to please Christ, and to embrace the hope and joy that in being rewarded for faithful service, to hear his Master say, "Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).
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“No What Matter Your Circumstance is, Focus On Worship!”
Acts 16:25
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Regardless how difficult our circumstances may be, we can find reasons to thank God.
We can be thankful that all things work together for our good if we belong to Him (Romans 8:28). We can be thankful that God's grace is sufficient to sustain us in every circumstance (2 Corinthians 12:9). We can be thankful that nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:37–39). We can be thankful that God even supports us spiritually when trials produce difficulty in our prayer life (Romans 8:26). Rough circumstances also prove the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:6–7).
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“It Almost Had Me, But Thanks Be to God” Sunday, October 6
Psalm 73
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“The Goodness of God”
(Psalm 73:1)
“Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.” It is the goodness of God that we should always hold firm in our hearts. This is a truth which cannot be shaken. How do you define
God’s goodness over the course of your life? How do you give thanks in everything? Why would you give thanks in everything?
“But as for me”
(Psalm 73:2)
“But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.”
As followers of Christ there may be times when we lose our footing. There are time when our feet slip in our walk with Christ and the process of slipping and sliding may lead to falling. Peter had a
awesome response to this problem. Peter encourages us to stay focused and if we daily seek the Kingdom of God Peter said we would never fall or stumble.
2 Peter 1:3-10 3
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and
unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble
“Stay Focused and Keep Your Eyes on the King of glory”
Psalms 73:3-10
3 For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. When we lose focus on service and worship we will always focus on something else. The psalmist became envious when he “saw” meaning
when he began to focus his attention on those who do not follow Christ. (Read Psalm 37)
Psalm 37:3-4
Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD. And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Trust in the LORD, and do good: Instead of worry and envy, David counseled the man or woman of God to simply trust God and do good for His glory. It is remarkable how quickly we can get distracted from the simple work of trusting God and doing good, and often looking at the seeming prosperity of the wicked is one way we are often distracted.
Asaph was bothered in Psalm 73, wondering why the wicked often experienced so much prosperity. “The words ‘do not fret’ literally mean ‘do not get heated,’ which is also how we might express it. Or
we might say, ‘Don’t get all worked up.’ Or even, ‘Be cool.'” (Boice)
“What’s Really Wrong”
James 4:1-3
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?
2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong
motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Fights and quarrels among you
Desires that battle within you
You desire but do not have
You covet
You do not have because you do not ask God.
You do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives,
“Struggling with the Prosperity of the Wicked”
Psalm 73:3-10
What are your emotional and spiritual responses to the
Prosperity of the Wicked? Envy, Jealousy, Anger, Bitter, Depressed, Racist, Hate, Lack of Faith in God, Low Self Esteem, Stress, Covetousness. Here is a godly perspective on the rich:
James 1:11 (NIV)
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its
blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich
will fade away even while they go about their business.
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“Our Response to God”
Psalm 73:11-15
“Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”
Don’t ever be disillusioned or doubt God’s knowledge and awareness
of what ’s going on in your life. The God we serve is patient, merciful,
loving, forgiving, caring, concerned and comforting. Jesus Christ is
always there and when you call on his name you will find Jesus as a
savior who moves into action.
“Kingdom Response to Money”
(Acts 16:6-10)
A good summary of this economic theme in Jesus’ teaching are his words in the Sermon on the Mount: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven ...
for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:19-21
1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
“Trying to Understand”
Psalm 73:16
“So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!”
I know. It is hard to watch entertainers, athletes, wealthy politicians, even religious leaders who don’t live a life that honors God, but yet financially they have more money than they will ever spend. Don’t get
caught in the snare of envy and bitterness it will only take away from you and leave you worse off and weaker in the kingdom.
“Staying in the Presence of God”
Psalm 73:17
Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
John 14:26 ESV
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Hebrews 13:5 ESV
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
James 4:7-8 ESV
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Psalm 37:3-4 ESV
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
“God is a Good Judge”
Psalm 73:18-20
18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
19 In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.
20 When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.
The wisdom of God is to be relied upon. When you read and meditate on Proverbs 3 Chapter you will understand that the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom. “Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not to your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5 We must focus on Proverbs 3:6 “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
“I Confess. It Was Me”
Psalm 73:21-22
21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up
inside.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant- I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. It is not
spiritually healthy for us as christians to consistently blame our lack of growth and development on others
and surrounding circumstances. We must ask the the Lord to search our hearts (See Psalm 139) and reveal to us the areas in our walk with Christ, where we need to submit to His way, His will, His word and His life giving spirit
I Still Belong To You
Psalm 73:23-25
23 Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything
on earth.
You Are The Strength of My Life
Psalm 73:26
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Take a moment to pray right now at this very moment and give God praise through His Jesus for being faithful to you and being the strength of your life.
Draw Near, Draw Close, Stay Near, Stay Close
Psalm 73:27-28
27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.
28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
Please Read Matthew 14:22-33
Keep Your Eyes On Jesus!
Jesus (and Peter) Walks on the Water
Remember:
God Is Good!
Stay Focused!
Talk to God about Your Frustrations!
Stay in His Presence!
You Belong to God!
Jesus Christ is the Strength of Your Life!
Draw Near, Draw Close, Stay Near, Stay Close!
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“On Fire For God” Sunday, October 13
2 Timothy 1:5-14 & Acts 16:1-5
The Fire of God
2 Timothy 1:6
NLT (New Living Translation)
This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
NKJV (New King James Version)
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
AMP (Amplified Version)
That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire—the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].
(TLB) The Living Bible
This being so, I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you.
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Accept The Call
2 Timothy
Paul encourages Timothy to accept his calling. It involves committing to something bigger than himself, willingly sacrificing and enduring challenges to accomplish a greater good.
Raise Faithful Leaders
2 Timothy 2:1-2
Paul calls Timothy to raise faithful leaders who will teach the good news about Jesus and focus on the Scriptures' core story line and message.
Corrupt and False Teachers
2 Timothy 2:14-26
2nd Timothy mentions corrupt teachers who abandoned the hope of Jesus' resurrection and new creation for a hyper-spiritualized Christianity that is disconnected from daily life.
Nature and Purpose of Scripture
2 Timothy 2:14-15
Divinely inspired and breathed, Scripture is useful for teaching, challenging, correcting and training so that God's people would be saved and prepared to do good.
Good Leaders Prepare Others For Service
2 Timothy 3:10-17
â– Paul led him to Christ.
â– Paul gave him ministry opportunity
â– Paul taught him by both word and example.
â– Paul laid hands on him in ordination.
â– Paul guided and mentored him in the midst of ministry.
â– So, Timothy was to remember who taught him these things,
Paul Says “Preach the Word”
2 Timothy 4:1-5
Paul’s emphasis on the word of God has been constant. There are some 36 references to the true gospel in this letter and some 17 references to false teachings.
â– Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord (2 Timothy 1:8).
â– Hold fast the pattern of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13).
â– The things that you have heard from me among many
witnesses, commit these to faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2).
â– Rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
â– A servant of the Lord must be... able to teach (2 Timothy 2:24).
â– All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
“The Good Fight”
2 Timothy 4:6-8
â– Rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
â– A servant of the Lord must be... able to teach (2 Timothy 2:24).
â– All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
Love is one of the keys to fighting the good fight. It is a powerful weapon against all evil. Brennan Manning says, “In every encounter we either give life (love) or we drain it. There is no neutral exchange.” Love is a way to fight the good fight. It helps us to resist the evil one who plants seeds of destruction. Another way to be strong in power and resist the “devil’s schemes” is to put on the full armor of God daily. (Ephesians 6:10-18) The disciples of Christ had to fight hard to hold on to their faith amidst the persecution and trials of being a Christian. Paul, however, describes the fight as a “good fight” – one worth fighting for, one worth giving your life for.