THE PREACHER’S PERFORMANCE

For the twenty five years I served as a minster at Pole Creek Baptist Church, I was subject to an annual review by the Personnel Committee—as were all our staff. It was not a bad time, but productive as a time of self-reflection and objective evaluation. I first had to fill out a form sharing progress toward the previous year’s goals and setting forth what I believed God was directing me to do in the year to come. 

But, the truth is, people are always scrutinizing us and judging us. It is not an annual matter, but a daily one. Each week they judge our sermons as to content and delivery. They look at our work and judge us as successful or failing. They not only look at what we do but the way we do it—evaluating actions and attitudes. 

The reality is that you cannot please everyone. Not even a champion like Paul was immune from criticism. People have their favorite preachers, and it can become political, as Paul confronted in the Corinthian church in the prior chapter. 

So, what about the preacher’s performance?

Consider OUR REQUIREMENT, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (v. 1-2).

We are required to be servants of the Savior—“servants of Christ.” Church folk will have an expectation that we serve them. Yet, our duty is to serve our Master—and that will, of course, lead us to serve the members. The key, however, is that we are not seeking to be people-pleasers, but rather to please our Lord. This gets to our motivation. We are not hirelings, who labor for earthly payment, but we are shepherds who toil for eternal reward. 

We are also required to be stewards of the Scripture—“stewards of the mysteries of God.”  Good shepherds are faithful to feed the flock of God. The sheep need the Word of God. Our call is to stay true to the sound doctrine delivered to us and to fearlessly proclaim it. We hope the congregation will receive it, but the reality is that the Lord will review it. 

What does God require of the preacher?  Paul says it is, “that they be found faithful.”  We cannot always assure fruitfulness, but we can pursue faithfulness.

Thus, we should expect OUR REVIEW, “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.” (v. 3-5a).

There will be human judgment. “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court,” (v. 3a).  You do not have to ask—judgment will be shared. Sometimes it will be to your face, and at other times behind your back. The preacher will hear words of commendation and condemnation. It is not all that unusual for a preacher to be tempted to puff up when he receives accolades. On the other hand, his bubble may burst with the sharp word of criticism. Some brand us a hero and others count us a zero. The reality is we are more likely somewhere in the middle. Yet, Paul refused to even render a final judgment based on his own self-reflection, “In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted.“ (v. 3b-4a). Why?

There will be heavenly judgment. “It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.” (v. 4b-5a).  This is the ultimate “performance review.”  Only God is qualified to render absolute judgment on our ministry, for only He is omniscient. The truth is that if others knew us like we know ourselves, then they would not think as highly of us as they do!  Yet, there are times we think we have failed, and God will find us faithful. We do not even see all the results—nor do we always grasp our motive. To God, what we do is important, but also why we do it. 

Ultimately, we will see OUR REWARD, “Then each one will receive his commendation from God,” (v. 5b). 

There will be this consideration. In the preceding chapter, the Apostle has noted that at the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works will be tried by holy fire. Sadly, I fear much of what I have done will be consumed as wood, hay, and straw. Hopefully, there will also be that which is revealed as gold, silver, and gems—worthy of eternal reward. 

This brings the commendation. God gets the final word. What we may discover is that some country pastor will be summoned to the front of the line—a man who labored in obscurity—and he is shocked to receive great reward. Then, we may witness some celebrity preacher who is sent to the back of the line—a man who worked in notoriety—and he is sad to receive little reward. Who knows?

God knows. 

There will be reason for all to celebrate the grace of God that enables us to do anything. Truthfully, we confess as servants, “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” (Lk. 17‬:‭10‬‬).  Honestly, we confess as stewards that our gifts and opportunities come from God—that we neither deserve them, nor earn them.

There is a crown for the preacher to seek. Peter mentions this in 1 Peter 5:1-4. “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Yet, what will the elders do with those crowns of glory?  In heaven, “the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.’” (Rev.‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭11‬). Our motive in seeking this crown is to glorify the Lord God who chose such unworthy servants and blessed us with an amazing stewardship.

Let us then be true and faithful—and leave the judgment to God.

THE SUCCESSFUL SERVANT

 

The story of Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24 illustrates successful service for the Lord. Eliezer was sent to seek a spouse for the son, Isaac. Similarly, as servants of God, we are sent to seek those who will become the Bride of the Son, Jesus Christ. 

We begin with THE PLEDGE OF A WORKER, (v. 1-9). God—in His supremacy—did not need us, yet in His sovereignty has chosen us. He calls laborers to work in His field. He calls men to commitment. He is still calling today; but are we listening? I remember when I surrendered to Jesus to preach the Gospel in 1976. My pledge was that with the help of God: “Lord Jesus, anything, anytime, anywhere—I am ready.”

Then, we hear THE PRAYER OF THE WORKER, (v. 10-14).  The availability came from the servant, but the ability came from the Lord. This man understood the need for God’s intervention, if his work was to be successful. So he prayed. We will never see fruitfulness in our labors apart from faithfulness in our prayers. 

Further, We see THE PREPARATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 15-28).  God was already at work—even before the servant concluded his prayer!  Our intercession does not change the will of God, but includes us in the accomplishing of it. The woman was a beautiful virgin with the humble heart of a servant. This is the Bride that God the Father has prepared for His Son. Paul wrote: “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish,” (Eph. 5‬:‭26‬-‭27‬‬). 

There is THE PROVISION FOR THE WORKER, (v. 29-33a). Provisions were prepared for the servant. When we take the step of faith to pursue God’s will, He has promised He will supply our needs. I have never lacked anything that I truly needed during a half century of Gospel ministry. The Lord told His disciples, “Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food,” (Matt.10‬:‭9‬-‭10‬‬). Where the finger of God points, the hand of God provides!

Also, note THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WITNESS, (v. 33b-49). Abraham’s servant had something to say—and it was urgent—so much so that he would not even eat until he shared it. He relates the story of his search for a bride for his master’s son, and how the Lord had providentially led him there. He delivers the word and calls for decision. Our task is to proclaim the Word; those who hear are accountable for their response to it. 

Next, observe THE PROSPERITY IN THE WORK, (v. 50-60). God blesses these words and the servant prospers in his work. He sought a bride and a bride was found!  God might have sent a heavenly angel to visit Rebekah with a vision, but instead selected a human messenger to make the appeal. This is how God typically prepares a Bride for His Son. The Father seeks a man and sends a man, supplying the man with the means for mission. When it seems the Word is falling on deaf ears, be encouraged and rejoice in the promise of God, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55‬:‭11‬‬). 

We conclude with THE PRESENTATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 61-67).  What a sight the son beheld when his bride was presented to him by the servant!  She is chaste and pure—“prepared as a bride adorned for her husband,” (Rev. 21:2).   What a glorious day that will be—and to know that God used humble servants like us to bring the bride home!

“‘Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” ‘ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” (Rev. ‭19‬:‭7‬-‭9‬‬).

A BURDEN FOR SOULS

Spurgeon was a passionate preacher and a zealous soul-winner.  But, all God’s men should be.  What is it that fueled such a fire in Spurgeon’s heart—and might it not also do so for me and for you?  Here are his words:

Death-beds are grand schools for us. They are intended to act as tonics to brace us to our work. I have come down from the bed-chambers of the dying, and thought that everybody was mad, and myself most of all. I have grudged the earnestness which men devoted to earthly things, and half said to myself,–Why was that man driving along so hastily? Why was that woman walking out in such finery? Since they were all to die so soon, I thought nothing worth their doing but preparing to meet their God. To be often where men die will help us to teach them both to die and to live.  

M'Cheyne was wont to visit his sick or dying hearers on the Saturday afternoon, for, as he told Dr. James Hamilton, "Before preaching he liked to look over the verge."  

I pray you, moreover, measure your work in the light of God. Are you God's servant or not? If you are, how can your heart be cold? Are you sent by a dying Savior to proclaim his love and win the reward of his wounds, or are you not? If you are, how can you flag? Is the Spirit of God upon you? Has the Lord anointed you to preach glad tidings to the poor? If he has not, do not pretend to it. If he has, go in this thy might, and the Lord shall be thy strength. Yours is not a trade, or a profession. Assuredly if you measure it by the tradesman's measure it is the poorest business on the face of the earth. Consider it as a profession: who would not prefer any other, so far as golden gains or worldly honors are concerned? But if it be a divine calling, and you a miracle-worker, dwelling in the supernatural, and working not for time but for eternity, then you belong to a nobler guild, and to a higher fraternity than any that spring of earth and deal with time.  

Look at it aright, and you will own that it is a grand thing to be as poor as your Lord, if, like him, you may make many rich; you will feel that it is a glorious thing to be as unknown and despised as were your Lord's first followers, because you are making him known, whom to know is life eternal. You will be satisfied to be anything or to be nothing, and the thought of self will not enter your mind, or only cross it to be scouted as a meanness not to be tolerated by a consecrated man. There is the point.  

Measure your work as it should be measured, and I am not afraid that your earnestness will be diminished. Gaze upon it by the light of the judgment day, and in view of the eternal rewards of faithfulness. Oh, brethren, the present joy of having saved a soul is overwhelmingly delightful; you have felt it, I trust, and know it now. To save a soul from going down to perdition brings to us a little heaven below, but what must it be at the day of judgment to meet spirits redeemed by Christ, who learned the news of their redemption from our lips! We look forward to a blissful heaven in communion with our Master, but we shall also know the added joy of meeting those loved ones whom we led to Jesus by our ministry. Let us endure every cross, and despise all shame, for the joy which Jesus sets before us of winning men for him.  

One more thought may help to keep up our earnestness. Consider the great evil which will certainly come upon us and upon our hearers if we be negligent in our work. "They shall perish"–is not that a dreadful sentence? It is to me quite as awful as that which follows it,–"but their blood will I require at the watchman's hand." How shall we describe the doom of an unfaithful minister? And every unearnest minister is unfaithful.  

I would infinitely prefer to be consigned to Tophet as a murderer of men's bodies than as a destroyer of men's souls; neither do I know of any condition in which a man can perish so fatally, so infinitely, as in that of the man who preaches a gospel which he does not believe, and assumes the office of pastor over a people whose good he does not intensely desire. Let us pray to be found faithful always, and ever. God grant that the Holy Spirit may make and keep us so. (Lectures to My Students, pp. 319-320, Kindle Version)

That is my sincere prayer for myself and those preachers who read these words. Let us get alone with God and not come out until the fire of God for the perishing burns with holy zeal in our soul!  When we stand to preach, the people will know, and they will come to watch us burn.  

SIMPLE MESSAGE; SUPERNATURAL MIGHT

 

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

Here you have the whole plan of salvation. Christ is preached, sinners hear the message of the gospel, they believe it, and so they are saved. What a mass of rubbish people have interjected into this blessed simple plan! How different this is from the cumbersome, complicated plan by which men would destroy our souls. Cling to the old-fashioned gospel and never turn away from it! Nothing can take the place of the simplicity of divine truth. DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON) May there be none in our church this weekend who shall fancifully seek after a pretended salvation which will leave them as they are; but may they know that Jesus saves his people from their sins; and, oh, that with self-loathing, and deep contrition, and earnest heart-searching, souls may come to you again and cast themselves before your face, trusting in Jesus, and crying out to be delivered from sin; and may this be the day of deliverance. Oh, that this Sunday as our church gathers, while we are trying to preach, you might raise up children of Abraham from these stones. Men that seem naked and cold as stones, quicken by the mighty Spirit this very day; and may they be led to yield themselves unto God, and their members instruments of righteousness. May the Lord grant it and we will bless his name. Amen.

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

Paul was a preacher. His priority in preaching was the cross, for it was and is the power of salvation to all who are saved. 

Consider, THE FOCUS OF GOSPEL PREACHING, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…”. He was not making baptism meaningless by his comments, but instead was maximizing the cross. The symbol of salvation is significant, but the source of salvation is supreme. Apart from salvation, the sign in baptism—like any other religious exercise—is useless. The cross is everything. 

Once we come to the cross, we will confess its power that has delivered us by “dying” to the old life of sin, “burying” it beneath the water, and “rising” to the new life in Christ. Apart from the cross, baptism is worthless. It is worse than that, it would be a hindrance to genuine salvation, as we depend on our works rather than the finished work of Christ on Calvary.  

Political parties based on the preacher who had baptized them had risen in Corinth—threatening the unity of the church, (cf. v. 10-16). Paul wanted to bring that to a screeching halt, and did so by this focus on the cross. By the way, those who wish to make baptism an essential part of salvation, need to read and re-read this. The Apostle would never make such a blunt statement about baptism, if it were necessary to save someone.

Then, weigh THE FOLLY OF GOSPEL PREACHING, “not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…”. Gospel preaching is not dependent on oratorical eloquence and human genius. Indeed, Paul was concerned that such would only subvert the message. It might change the focus from the Savior to the preacher. 

I heard of a drunk who bumped into the evangelist, D. L. Moody, and slurred, “Don’t you know me? I am one of your converts.” Moody responded, “Well, my son, you look like one of mine—you’re surely not one of the Lord’s.”  The truth is that if I can talk someone into “converting,” someone else can talk them out. 

We dare not change the message to make it more culturally acceptable. The Gospel is folly to those who reject it. Think of it: 2000 years ago, an impoverished Jew, hanging naked on an instrument of torture, being the means by which we can be forgiven of sin and enter heaven!  It is not that the message is irrational, but transcends human reason.  It is all of grace and for Gods glory. 

This, however, is THE FORCE OF GOSPEL PREACHING, “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”  Again, as Paul was not making the symbol of baptism trivial, neither was he saying our manner of preaching insignificant.  But, he elevates the message over all else. For the cross of Christ alone is the power of God for salvation—period, exclamation point, forever and ever, Amen!  It is not human profundity, but heavenly power that raises one dead in sin to eternal life. It is not religious ritual, but Gospel force that regenerates a sinner, transforming them into a saint. 

We must preach the Gospel—and never move beyond it. You do not graduate to something else!  Now, other doctrines connect to it; other texts support it; there are many implications from it. But, as Spurgeon said, “I have never yet found a text that had not got a road to Christ in it.”  

You see, it is not the piece of wood that saves us, but the Person on the cross that redeems. Paul would put it this way in 2 Corinthians, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him,” (5‬:‭21‬‬).

Man of God—preach Christ crucified! That is our mandate. 

KEEP ME BURNING

As a child, I was taught a song in church, “Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning; Give me oil in my lamp, I pray.  Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning; Keep me burning till the break of day.”  We sung it with enthusiasm, but I had little comprehension as to its meaning. Now, I know.  If we do not feed the fire in our soul as preachers, then the flame of love and zeal may dim.  Our usefulness then as preachers will diminish also.  Spurgeon had much to  say about this.  Here is an excerpt from the “Prince of Preachers” on that topic.

Even the lamps of the sanctuary needed oil. Feed the flame, my brother, feed it frequently; feed it with holy thought and contemplation, especially with thought about your work, your motives in pursuing it, the design of it, the helps that are waiting for you, and the grand results of it if the Lord be with you. Dwell much upon the love of God to sinners, and the death of Christ on their behalf, and the work of the Spirit upon men's hearts. Think of what must be wrought in men's hearts ere they can be saved.  

Remember, you are not sent to whiten tombs, but to open them, and this is a work which no man can perform unless, like the Lord Jesus at the grave of Lazarus, he groans in spirit; and even then he is powerless apart from the Holy Ghost. Meditate with deep solemnity upon the fate of the lost sinner, and, like Abraham, when you get up early to go to the place where you commune with God, cast an eye towards Sodom and see the smoke thereof going up like the smoke of a furnace. Shun all views of future punishment which would make it appear less terrible, and so take off the edge of your anxiety to save immortals from the quenchless flame. If men are indeed only a nobler kind of ape, and expire as the beasts, you may well enough let them die unpitied; but if their creation in the image of God involves immortality, and there is any fear that through their unbelief they will bring upon themselves endless woe, arouse yourselves to the agonies of the occasion, and be ashamed at the bare suspicion of unconcern. Think much also of the bliss of the sinner saved, and like holy Baxter derive rich arguments for earnestness from "the saints' everlasting rest." Go to the heavenly hills and gather fuel there; pile on the glorious logs of the wood of Lebanon, and the fire will burn freely and yield a sweet perfume as each piece of choice cedar glows in the flame. There will be no fear of your being lethargic if you are continually familiar with eternal, realities.  

Above all, feed the flame with intimate fellowship with Christ. No man was ever cold in heart who lived with Jesus on such terms as John and Mary did of old, for he makes men's hearts burn within them. I never met with a half-hearted preacher who was much in communion with the Lord Jesus. The zeal of God's house ate up our Lord, and when we come into contact with him it begins to consume us also, and we feel that we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard in his company, nor can we help speaking of them with the fervency which comes out of actual acquaintance with them. Those of us who have been preaching for these five-and-twenty years sometimes feel that the same work, the same subject, the same people, and the same pulpit, are together apt to beget a feeling of monotony, and monotony may soon lead on to weariness. But then we call to mind another sameness, which becomes our complete deliverance; there is the same Savior, and we may go to him in the same way as we did at the first, since he is "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." In his presence we drink in the new wine and renew our youth. He is the fountain, forever flowing with the cool, refreshing water of life, and in fellowship with him we find our souls quickened into perpetual energy.  

Beneath his smile our long-accustomed work is always delightful, and wears a brighter charm than novelty could have conferred. We gather new manna for our people every morning, and as we go to distribute it we feel an anointing of fresh oil distilling upon us. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Newly come from the presence of him that walketh among the golden candlesticks we are ready to write or speak unto the churches in the power which he alone can give. Soldiers of Christ, you can only be worthy of your Captain by abiding in fellowship with him, and listening to his voice as Joshua did when he stood by Jordan, and inquired–"What saith my Lord unto his servant?" Fan the flame as well as feed it. Fan it with much supplication. We cannot be too urgent with one another upon this point: no language can be too vehement with which to implore ministers to pray. There is for our brethren and ourselves an absolute necessity for prayer. Necessity! I hardly like to talk of that, let me rather speak of the deliciousness of prayer–the wondrous sweetness and divine felicity which come to the soul that lives in the atmosphere of prayer. John Fox said, "The time we spend with God in secret is the sweetest time, and the best improved. Therefore, if thou lovest thy life, be in love with prayer." The devout Mr. Hervey resolved on the bed of' sickness–" If God shall spare my life, I will read less and pray more." John Cooke, of Maidenhead, wrote–" The business, the pleasure, the honor, and advantage of prayer press on my spirit with increasing force every day." A deceased pastor when drawing near his end, exclaimed, "I wish I had prayed more;" that wish many of us might utter. There should be special seasons for devotion, and it is well to maintain them with regularity; but the spirit of prayer is even better than the habit of prayer: to pray without ceasing is better than praying at intervals. It will be a happy circumstance if we can frequently bow the knee with devout brethren, and I think it ought to be a rule with us ministers never to separate without a word of prayer. Much more intercession would rise to heaven if we made a point of this, especially those of us who have been fellow-students. If it be possible, let prayer and praise sanctify each meeting of friend with friend. It is a refreshing practice to have a minute or two of supplication in the vestry before preaching if you can call in three or four warm-hearted deacons or other brethren. It always nerves me for the fight. But, for all that, to fan your earnestness to a vehement flame you should seek the spirit of continual prayer, so as to pray in the Holy Ghost, everywhere and always; in the study, in the vestry, and in the pulpit. It is well to be pleading evermore with God, when sitting down in the pulpit, when rising to give out the hymn, when reading the chapter, and while delivering the sermon; holding up one hand to God empty, in order to receive, and with the other hand dispensing to the people what the Lord bestows. Be in preaching like a conduit pipe between the everlasting and infinite supplies of heaven and the all but boundless needs of men, and to do this you must reach heaven, and keep up the communication without a break. Pray for the people while you preach to them; speak with God for them while you are speaking with them for God. Only so can you expect to be continually in earnest. A man does not often rise from his knees unearnest; or, if he does, he had better return to prayer till the sacred flame descends upon his soul. Adam Clarke once said, "Study yourself to death, and then pray yourself alive again": it was a wise sentence. Do not attempt the first without the second; neither dream that the second can be honestly accomplished without the first. Work and pray, as well as watch and pray; but; pray always. 

Stir the fire also by frequent attempts at fresh service. Shake yourself out of routine by breaking away from the familiar fields of service and reclaiming virgin soil. I suggest to you, as a subordinate but very useful means of keeping the heart fresh, the frequent addition of new work to your usual engagements. I would say to brethren who are soon going away from the College, to settle in spheres where they will come into contact with but few superior minds, and perhaps will be almost alone in the higher walks of spirituality,–look well to yourselves that you do not become flat, stale, and unprofitable, and keep yourselves sweet by maintaining an enterprising spirit. You will have a good share of work to do and few to help you in it, and the years will grind along heavily; watch against this, and use all means to prevent your becoming dull and sleepy, and among them use that which experience leads me to press upon you. I find it good for myself to have some new work always on hand. The old and usual enterprises must be kept up, but somewhat must be added to them. It should be with us as with the squatters upon our commons, the fence of our garden must roll outward a foot or two, and enclose a little more of the common every year. Never say "it is enough” nor accept the policy of "rest and be thankful." Do all you possibly can, and then do a little more. I do not know by what process the gentleman who advertises that he can make short people taller attempts the task, but I should imagine that if any result could be produced in the direction of adding a cubit to one's stature it would be by every morning reaching up as high as you possibly can on tiptoe, and, having done that, trying day by day to reach a little higher. This is certainly the way to grow mentally and spiritually,–" reaching forth to that which is before." If the old should become just a little stale, add fresh endeavors to it, and the whole mass will be leavened anew. Try it and you will soon discover the virtue of breaking up fresh ground, invading new provinces of the enemy, and scaling fresh heights to set the banner of the Lord thereon. This is, of course, a secondary expedient to those of which we have already spoken, but still it is a very useful one, and may greatly benefit you. In a country town, say of two thousand inhabitants, you will, after a time, feel, "Well, now I have done about all I can in this place."  

What then? There is a hamlet some four miles off, set about opening room there. If one hamlet is occupied, make an excursion to another, and spy out the land, and set the relief of its spiritual destitution before you as an ambition. When the first place is supplied, think of a second. It is your duty, it will also be your safeguard. Everybody knows what interest there is in fresh work. A gardener will become weary of his toil unless he is allowed to introduce new flowers into the hothouse, or to cut the beds upon the lawn into a novel shape; all monotonous work is unnatural and wearying to the mind, therefore it is wisdom to give variety to your labor.  

Far more weighty is the advice, keep close, to God, and keep close to your fellow men whom you are seeking to bless. Abide under the shadow of the Almighty, dwell where Jesus manifests himself, and live in the power of the Holy Ghost. Your very life lies in this. Whitefield mentions a lad who was so vividly conscious of the presence of God that he would generally walk the roads with his hat off. How I wish we were always in such a mood. It would be no trouble to maintain earnestness then.  

Take care, also, to be on most familiar terms with those whose souls are committed to your care. Stand in the stream and fish. Many preachers are utterly ignorant as to how the bulk of the people are living; they are at home among books, but quite at sea among men. What would you think of a botanist who seldom saw real flowers, or an astronomer who never spent a night with the stars? Would they be worthy of the name of men of science Neither can a minister of the gospel be anything but a mere empiric unless he mingles with men, and studies character for himself. "Studies from the life,"–gentlemen, we must have plenty of these if we are to paint to the life in our sermons. Read men as well as books, and love men rather than opinions, or you will be inanimate preachers.  (Lectures to My Students, Spurgeon, pp. 314-317, Kindle edition)

I pray for you, servant of the Most High, and seek for myself as I stand under God and before men, “Give us oil in our lamps; Keep us burning!”  To the Glory of God, Amen!

TERMITE TROUBLE

Sometimes we think that problems in the church are a twenty-first century phenomenon. In reality, there have been issues since the first century. The church was flourishing, but not without fighting. The Devil will always oppose the forward march of the church. His way is not only to attack, but to infiltrate. Jesus warned of this. “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.’” (Matt.‬ ‭13‬:‭24‬-‭25‬‬). 

Old Vance Havner said it in his inimitable way: “The church has never been in so much danger from woodpeckers on the outside, as termites on the inside!”  We have termite protection at our home. Our pest control company sprays to create a chemical barrier to prevent the destructive pests from invading, and carries out regular inspections to make sure they have not found entry. Church elders, you are charged with pest control. There is the truth treatment. You must faithfully spray Scripture  around the house of God. You must also be watchful, lest destructive invaders slip in.  The longer these are tolerated, the greater will be their damage.

Recognize them by their DIVISIVE DISPUTATION. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses…” (v. 17a). “Divide and conquer,” is an effective military strategy. Satan employs it effectively. The Devil knows that if he can get us fighting one another, then he will have no fear of us being an effective force. 

Many churches form circular firing squads! Note those who are ever causing division. Do a regular termite inspection! Confront them and exercise church discipline when needed. 

Be aware of their DOCTRINAL DEVIATION—“contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them,” (v. 17b). Termites are insidious insects. They eat away at the fiber of the wood. The wood may appear solid, but is getting weaker by the day—until it collapses. We must, “Avoid truth decay!”  

It would seem that the doctrinal deviation Paul was speaking of led to divisive disputation. We must hold to fundamental principles, without theological hair-splitting. One cannot sacrifice sound doctrine for maintaining unity. Yet, we should be cautious about making mountains out of molehills. Satan is a deceiver and will sow tares among the wheat. The peril is that the tares appear so much like wheat. Rampaging through the field, indiscriminately yanking up weeds, will also cause us to pull up young wheat. Discernment is demanded. 

The invasive insects are identified by their DECEPTIVE DECLARATION.“For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” (v.18‬‬). These claim to serve Jesus, while their motive is self-interest. It is not about Him, but them. Their communication is contradictory to their claim to be His servants. They are smooth talkers and flattering speakers. They hold up a Bible in front of a packed auditorium and with a sparkling smile promise, “Your Best Life Now.”  

Those mature in faith will detect them, but the immature will be deceived by them. Pastors, be mindful of who your members are listening to and what they are reading. The solid saints in the congregation are likely to spot such and spurn these teachers, but the young in faith will be seduced by them. Keep all the truth termites away by faithful exposition of Scripture, but do a regular inspection to see if some termites have slipped in. The earlier such is confronted, the less damage they will do!

BEFORE I GO: Some Final Instructions, Part 4–LOOK UP!

The dungeon was dark and damp.  Rodents raced across the floor and fleas gnawed at the flesh. The smell of sweat and urine hung heavy in the air.  The sound of men cursing and crying reverberated off the stone walls. Soon, there would be other sounds—iron soled boots echoing as soldiers marched down the corridor, the clanging of a key turning a lock, the squealing of a heavy iron door swinging on rusty hinges, and the brusk command, “Come with me.”  The old preacher would have his head laid on the chopping block, the sharp sword of the executioner would fall—head one way, body another, soul another—and Paul, the Apostle would be set free from this sinful world and be welcomed into glory.  

Knowing his time was short, he penned these final words in Timothy 4. He calls us to, “Look up!” 

He delivers A CHARGE TO THE LEADERS (v.1-5).  John Maxwell says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”  The elders of the church have an awesome responsibility to be led of God and to lead the church accordingly. The church need to hold them accountable.  Here is God’s directive. 

First, exalt the Master (v.1). Men who currently lead the church—along with others who may hear God’s call to Gospel ministry—have a duty to the members, but the ultimate reckoning is to God. It is a charge that is solemn and sobering. You will answer to God, and stand before Christ Jesus in judgment. The work elders do is of eternal significance. Therefore, theirs will be the stricter scrutiny. It is about God’s kingdom and not building yours!  How is it built?

Second, as elders expound the message (v.2-4). There are many tasks for the elders, but the high calling is to preach the Word.  

Recall in Acts, how deacon ministry began because the preachers said, “we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (6:4).  The pastors must not let church activity crowd out spiritual preparation in preparing to speak for God by first hearing from Him.  

Then, he must stand with a Bible in their hand and speak with the authority of heaven at their back.  We live in a day, when congregations increasingly demand for preachers to tickle their ears by telling them what they want to hear.  Never let that happen in your church!

Third, we must exhibit the ministry (v.5). Beyond what your lips say is what your life shows. The character of the elder is to be one of moral purity as they exercise self-control. The commitment of the elder is to be one of endurance and effort. He is to have a heart for souls.  His ministry is Gospel-driven and his message is Gospel-centered.  The elders are not the exclusive soul-winners, but are to be exemplary soul-winners. 

From a charge to the elders, Paul testifies of A COMMITMENT TO THE LAST (v.6-8). The Apostle’s commitment will be to the finish, sealed by his own blood.  Here is his swan song—Paul’s last will and testament. 

He offers reflections on the past (v.7). 3 times, he reflects, “I have.”  

Paul speaks as the soldier when he says, “I have fought the good fight.”  He has taken many a wound in his war with the world, the flesh, and the devil.  He has faithfully worn the whole armor of God and wielded the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Now, he will lay his armor aside and head for home.  The battle is over and victory has been won!  

Paul speaks as a sportsman when he claims, “I have finished the race.”  It has been a marathon—a grueling race of endurance with many hurdles to clear, but now the finish line is in sight and he is sprinting to the tape.  The race is over and victory has been won!  

Paul speaks as a steward when he asserts, “I have kept the faith.”  In the New Testament world, a steward was a household slave entrusted with his master’s possessions.  He was to manage them and invest them wisely, caring for the household. Paul had been entrusted with the faith—the body of Christian truth (cf.1:11-14). The work is over and the reward has been won!  

God help us to have this testimony in the end.  Please pray for me to finish well!  

The reflections on the past, are linked to readiness in the present (v.6). Paul’s mind runs to his Jewish roots for an illustration—the pouring out of a drink offering on the altar as an act of worship.  His entire ministry had been a pouring out of his life for Jesus, the church, and lost humanity. 

The time for his departure from this world is close and he is not dreading it, but delighted by it!  Departure is a nautical term for boarding the ship, raising the anchor, and setting sail. Paul was boarding the Old Ship of Zion for a voyage to golden shores!  

This will end in rejoicing in the prospects (v.8). If we bear the cross, we will gain the crown!  Notice the reward is reserved for “that Day”—the appearing of Jesus the second time. You don’t get the reward when you die, or you will get short-changed. Our influence lives on!  Only when time is no more will the final results be in and full reward be given. Not just for Paul, not just for preachers,  but “to all those who have loved his appearing.”  Do you love His appearing?  Are you looking up? Looking for Jesus? Living with expectancy and urgency?  Those who are most heavenly minded do the most earthly good.  Look up!  Live for eternity!

The Apostle concludes his life and letter with A CHALLENGE TO THE LAITY (v.9-22). I commenced this message with a charge to the leaders, and now I want to conclude with a challenge to the members.  

Stand faithful with your leaders (v.9-15). I am unworthy of the accolades heaped on me at times. Church members I have pastored have been so gracious and generous to us.  I am what I am by the grace of God.  To Him be all glory and praise!  

But, I will tell you that with all the joys of ministry, there have been many sorrows over the years. Paul’s words here are heartbreaking. There were many who abandoned him and others who abused him. I thank God for those who have walked the aisle to join the church, but I have grieved over those who have walked out the door to leave the church.  Each is a small cut, and you bleed a slow torture each time. Others like Alexander the coppersmith do great harm—and oppose the Lord’s word. I have faced such sometimes in ministry. Don’t be one of those!  

Stand faithful and stay focused on your Lord (v.16-18). The ultimate focus of Paul was not the men who deserted him, but the Lord who stood with him.  He lived for another world—a pilgrim on a journey to the heavenly kingdom. His focus was on the glory of God.  Look up!  

I love how the old hymn reminds us:
O soul are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There's light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

His word shall not fail you he promised
Believe him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

Even as you look to Jesus, seek fellowship in Christian love (v.19-22). Having a focus on Christ does not negate having fellowship with Christians. The church is His body.   I heard of a child i bed, when a thunderstorm broke. He was terrified by the flashing lighting and booming thunder. The lad called for his parents. Dad reminded him, “Go back to sleep. The Lord is with you.”  He answered, “I know, but right now I need somebody with skin on them!”  So did Paul! 

There is urgency—“come before winter.”  He wanted his cloak and his Scriptures (v.13)—the cloak to warm his skin and Word to warm his soul!

Today I near 48 years of preaching. On August 8, I announced my call in 1976 at Oakley Baptist Church. I would preach my first sermon a week later, August 15 at Victory Baptist Church. A teenage girl came to Christ that day as I offered the Gospel invitation. Many men and women, boys and girls, have followed in the decades of preaching—to God be the glory!

So, dear reader, consider the condition of your soul. If you are not saved, then I beg you, “Come to Jesus!  Give your life to Him!  He will forgive you.  He will save you.  Do it now!”  

I cannot guarantee I will ever offer you this invitation again.  I cannot assure you that you will ever have another opportunity at all.  You may be called out to meet God before this day ends!  Please, please come to Jesus today!  Look up to Him and be saved!

To those who belong to Jesus, I ask, “Will you be able to truthfully say at the end of your life—I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith?”  For the elders, I charge you before God as Paul did.  To the members, I challenge you as Paul did.  Will you stand faithful to your leaders?  Will you stay focused on your Lord?  Will you seek fellowship in love?

SINK OR SWIM?

Here is a message I will preach tomorrow as we are in the midst of dealing with Hurricane Helene’s destruction. Feel free to use any of these thoughts as you find them helpful. I pray they encourage you!

SINK OR SWIM?Acts 27-28 (read 27:18-25)

What will you do when a storm comes into your life?  It isn’t a question of whether you will be in a storm, only when. We here in the WNC Mountains were not expecting the magnitude of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, but here we are. Maybe you are in a tempest of trial right now. If you are not, then one is coming. You do not have a choice whether you will be in a storm, but you do have a choice whether you will sink or swim. The Apostle Paul found himself in a storm in Acts 27-28. We can learn from him how to survive stormy seas. 

1. EXPECT STORMS (27:9-14). This storm may have surprised the sailors, but it didn’t blindside Paul. All seemed well—sunshine and soft breezes, then a brutal typhoon assaults them. Isn’t that like life?  We spread our picnic on a sunny day, and then there is a flash of lightning, a thunderclap, and a downpour comes. Peter warned, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” (1 Pet.4:12). Being a Christian doesn’t exempt you from storms, but equips you to survive.

2. ESTABLISH FAITH (27:15-17). The sailors ran ropes around the ship’s hull to try to hold it together. When storms come into our lives, we will fly apart if something doesn’t hold us together. Those ropes that secure us and establish us is our faith in God. Again, listen to what Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (1 Pet.5:8-9). Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The more we have God’s Word stored in our heart, the stronger our faith will hold in the trial. The promises of God become like the ropes that shore up our faith. 

3. EJECT BURDENS (27:18-19). To lighten the ship meant to jettison precious cargo. A lot of wealth was chunked into the ocean to lighten the load and keep the ship from being swamped. The greater priority was not riches but rescue—not loot but life! Most of us could stand to lighten our load. Jesus spoke about living in the moment and not being anxious about the future. Today’s troubles are enough, without being weighed down by tomorrow’s burdens. Storms have a way of ejecting the extraneous. They clear the clutter and help us focus on the eternal and not earthly. What really matters?  The things that burden us are often trivial compared to eternity. “Only one life, ‘Twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.” (Jim Elliott)

4. EMBRACE HOPE (27:20-29). It was dark—all hope seemed eclipsed. No sun broke through the dark ominous clouds. No stars sparkled by night for the blackness blotted them out. Yet, have you heard, “Never doubt in the dark what God has told you in the light.”  When all hope seemed gone—from human perspective—there was real hope from heaven’s perspective. I want to say to you, “Take heart…believe God…!” The sailors put out four anchors. The Bible promises, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” (Heb.6:19). 

5. EMBED COMMITMENT (27:30-32). There are songs that portray the church as the old Gospel ship—the good ship Hope. There are going to be turbulent times when you are tempted to abandon the ship. But, there is safety in staying on the ship—being embedded in our commitment to the church. When troubles come, we need our fellow sailors more than ever!  Gaither song, “This old ship’s been through some battles before; storms and tempests and rocks on the shore. Though the hull may be battered inside it’s safe and dry. It will carry its cargo to the port in the sky. Let the church be the church; Let the people rejoice. For we’ve settled the question—we’ve made our choice. Let the anthems ring out; songs of victory swell. For the church triumphant is alive and well.”  There are always those who wish to write the obituary of the church—to say it’s sunk!  But the rumors of our demise are greatly exaggerated!

6.  ENCOURAGE OTHERS (27:33-38). They were all encouraged. It is what my prayer is for you today!  I want you to be encouraged. Encourage means to add courage while discourage means to subtract courage. By our words, and our body language too, we encourage or discourage others. You get to choose! If this church will be a place where encouragement is exuded, this fellowship will be a magnet to the hurting and hopeless—the disheartened and dejected—and this place will be filled with expectant people coming for their weekly infusion of encouragement!  Hurricane Helene blew in an opportunity for us as God’s people to touch a hurting community.

7.  EXPECT DELIVERANCE (27:39-44). It was time to sink or swim. Time to jump in!  That’s total commitment!  Paul expected deliverance and persuaded the others to do so as well. 

CONC. Are you going to sink or swim?  If you don’t know Jesus, you’re sunk if you die without Him. You die without hope!  You will sink into a lake—a lake of fire!  Jesus will save you, if you cry out to Him!  If you are saved, you ought to identify yourself with the church in baptism. Join the crew!  Get on board the ship!

By the grace and with the help of God, let me tell you I plan to swim and not sink!  I’m going to serve God in sunshine and storms. I’m going to worship when I feel like it and when I don’t. I’m going to share the Gospel whether people listen or they don’t. I’m going to support the church when the members behave and when they don’t. I’m going to encourage you whether you want it or not!

BEFORE I GO: Some Final Instructions, Part 3–KEEP TRUE

 

America is in a perilous position. The nation has faced many assaults in the past. Growing government tyranny and the attack on cherished freedoms such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to bear arms, along with the decline of our economy and open borders—while embracing the butchering of babies in the womb and parading of perversion in the streets is horrifying.  I commented recently to a lady who mentioned this that, it is “national suicide!”  

The church is no longer looked upon as a benefit to society, but an enemy. How will the church respond to living in an antagonistic world?  The choice of many churches is to cave to the culture by compromise. At first they grow quiet while still claiming to maintain their convictions. Yet, it is only a matter of time until such churches take the next step away from the faith. 

That is a bleak picture, and mirrors the one Paul paints here. The encouragement is that the church in its infancy grew and flourished in a pagan culture where they were hated and hurt.  So, may we.  

Jesus promised that His church would march to victory and the gates of hell would not be able to withstand her. Paul was in bonds, but the Gospel was not bound (2:9). He was leading prison guards and prisoners to faith, and some of those soldiers would wind up as Imperial guards and witnesses to those of Caesar’s household!  He was penning powerful words that are still changing lives today. 

There are foes we must face and a weapon we must wield as we examine 2 Timothy 3.

First, we will consider THE FOES WE MUST FACE (v.1-9). The Apostle warns that difficult times are coming. I believe they are right around the corner. I pray I am wrong, but I am persuaded that I am right. We face a foe that is mostly overt and one that is more covert. 

One foe we face is the hostility of the world (v.1-5). Watch the news on TV.  Go out into public. What Paul describes here might as well be America in the 21st century. 

Rather than loving people and using money, we will love money and use people as “lovers of self” and “lovers of money” (v. 2a).  Arrogance will be apparent as mankind is “proud” and “abusive,” (v. 2b). 

There is disrespect of authority, beginning in the home, “disobedient to parents,” (v. 2c), and defiance at home breeds disregard of heaven, “ungrateful, unholy...” (v. 2d)—rejecting our earthly fathers translating into rejection of the Eternal Father. Then follows despising His rule and throwing off moral restraint (v.3-5). Religion will be present, but an empty shell—mere ritual with deadening effect. 

This leads from the hostility of the world, which is overt, to that which is covert—the subtlety of the wayward (v.6-9). The devil manifests himself at times as a roaring lion seeking to strike fear into his prey.  On other occasions, he is a sneaky snake that crawls in and waits in the darkness before injecting its deadly venom of sin into the victim. This is how the serpent attacked Eve—first to doubt the accuracy of the Word of God with a question, “Did God actually say?” (Gen. 3:1) and then to deny the authority of the Word of God with a contradiction, “You will not surely die,” (Gen. 3:4).

The Devil uses creeps—“those who creep into households and capture weak women,” (v. 6a). They creep in on a podcast, a popular book, and so forth. If discernment is not exercised, they will be, “ever learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth,” (v. 7).  

The Apostle had previously warned, 

“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” (1 Tim.2:11-15). 

The culture is increasingly feminized—masculinity is under attack as “toxic”—and this spirit is growing in the church in the name of equality. Of course, there is equality of dignity among men and women!  Neither sex is to be valued above the other. Yet, while there is no difference in dignity and worth, there is a difference in duty and work. We have different roles. 

The elders of the church are to be men who are the gatekeepers of sound doctrine while the women are to be the homemakers of young disciples. Timothy’s faith had been birthed and built due to the effort of his godly mother and grandmother, (cf. 2 Tim. 1:5). Women have a different role in the church and men have a different role in the home—neither less essential, but not identical.  

Beware of counterfeits like Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses with their fake miracles, (v. 8-9). They really didn’t seem that different on the surface, but at the heart it was the distance between heaven and hell. They learn it in a liberal seminary and export it to the local sanctuary. Little by little, they inject the serpent’s venom into the church with deadening effect.

How can we endure the hostility of the world and overcome the subtlety of the wayward?  There is THE WEAPON WE MUST WIELD (v.10-17). The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.  This is how Jesus conquered Satan, and so must we with, “It is written!”  

This mighty weapon must be wielded with endurance (v.10-15). Paul stresses endurance in v.10, 11, and the need to “continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed” (v.14). This is my call to you today—“Keep true!”  It is a fight to the finish.  

In those days, soldiers engaged in hand to hand combat, and endurance was demanded. This is true spiritually. How many have we seen who wearied of the fight, were wounded in the battle, and finally have thrown down the sword in surrender to the enemy? I first heard Warren Wiersbe say, “This world is not a playground; it is a battleground!”  

The enemy is strong and on the march. Persecution is likely to become an increasing reality.  Paul mentions it in v.11 twice and again in v.12. We have known a period of protection in America and the church has become flabby and soft.  I heard a preacher, Stuart Briscoe talking about the difference between our churches and other churches in places across the ocean that suffer persecution. I paraphrase, “In the west, we face problems and cry, ‘O God, take these burdens off my back.’ And in the east they pray, “O God, make my back strong to bear these burdens.”  

The period of protection eventually yields to a period of persecution. The world is not going to get better (v.13). Those of us who are saved will endure. The seed of Scripture has brought us faith in Jesus—and that is eternal life (v.14-15). 

This is the message which we must share with endurance and can do so with confidence (v.16-17). We can be confident in the perfection of the Word (v.16a). It is God breathed.  As God breathed into Adam and made Him a living soul, He has breathed into His prophets during the Old Testament era and His apostles in the New Testament age so that what they wrote down is a supernatural Book filled with miraculous power. 

We can be confident in the perfection of the Word, and in the profit of the Word (v.16b). It is profitable for doctrine, “teaching.”  Our beliefs are based on the Bible. It is profitable for discipline, “reproof.”  Our rebellious nature must be broken—and Scripture chastens us. It is profitable for direction, “correction.”  A light for our path to correct our wandering tendency and direct us from the path of sin and onto the path of sanctification. It is profitable for dedication, “for training in righteousness.”  Moody proposed, “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.”  

We can be confident in the perfection, profit, and purpose of the Word (v.17). The purpose of the Word is to make us “complete,”—that is, spiritually mature; capable, “equipped,”—trained for the task; committed, “for every good work”—and this is real success as God sees it.

Have you received the seed of salvation—the Word of the Gospel which brings faith in Jesus Christ?  If so, have you publicly confessed that faith?  The lines are being drawn. We get on one side or the other. It is time to take a stand for Jesus. 

Having received salvation, are you standing tall and staying true?  Is there an unwavering commitment to follow Jesus?  We must swim against the current of the culture or be swept back. 

A solid Bible-believing church is the place for the reinforcing of that faith. There you will be taught the Word of God. You will be encouraged in your walk with God. If you are not a member of such a church, why not?  If you join such a church, you can seek to keep true together!

Maybe you are in a liberal church. You don’t like it, but tolerate it. You argue, “But my grandparents are buried in the graveyard!”  The fact is that they would leave if they could. A former generation would find it heartbreaking to see what many churches degenerate into by the erosion of faith.

BEFORE I GO: Some Final Instructions, Part 2–BE STRONG!

The Christian life is not just difficult—it is impossible. There has only been one Person who has perfectly lived the Christian life and that is Christ Himself. The bad news is you can’t do it.  The good news is you don’t have to—for Christ is in you to live His life through you.  

You are not saved by the work of Christ and sanctified by your work.  It is all of Christ and therefore all of grace. Elsewhere, Paul stated, “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him” (Col. 2:6). He described his own experience this way, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20)—all Christ is for all God demands. 

There are three areas Paul describes in 2 Timothy 2 that demand God’s power to be at work in us, so we can be strong.

BE STRONG IN SERVING (v. 1-7). We are saved to serve. See Paul’s stress on our “aim is to please,” the Lord (v.4); as “a worker,” (v.15); that is, we are “a vessels…ready for every good work” (v. 20-21); being “the Lord’s servant,” (v. 24). 

The Apostle shares INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVANTS (v. 1-2). For the demands of Christian service, we can be “strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  Yet, this grace is not given to Lone Rangers who serve in isolation, but God gifts the different members of the Body of Christ to accomplish more together than they could ever by themselves.  

The strength of massive redwood trees that tower into the sky, and have resisted storms for millennia, is found in their extending roots that interlock with other redwoods. They stand and grow together! 

Look at the discipleship chain here. You be faithful to find others who are faithful that can in turn raise up more to be faithful.  Don’t forget that God means for your home to be a discipleship factory as well, (cf.1:5).  

Next, we note ILLUSTRATIONS OF SERVANTS (v. 3-7). 

The first illustration is that of a soldier on the battlefield (v. 3-4). There is a dedication required—a painful price to pay for commitment. We are to be faithful and focused—seeking to please Christ our Commander.  

The second illustration is of a sportsman in the arena (v. 5).There is a discipline demanded—for no athlete excels without intensity and integrity. You can’t take shortcuts or you are disqualified. How many “winners,” become “loser,” disqualified for performance enhancing drugs? The Bible is our rulebook!  

The third illustration is of a sower in the harvest (v. 6). There is a determination required. Hard work and hopeful waiting join hands in the field. For the farmer there is toil and trust, effort and expectation, patience and productivity. 

We must be strong in serving.  Furthermore, BE STRONG IN SUFFERING (v. 8-13). Paul underscores suffering here (v.9)  At the center of Christian faith stands a cross. Jesus summons us to come and die.  Yet, the way we live is to die (v. 11).

Consider, THE STANDARD OF SUFFERING (v. 8-9). “Remember Jesus Christ”—as the supreme standard of suffering. He never asks us to go where He has not been. Paul was following in His Master’s steps up the Calvary Road.  

The writer of Hebrews put it, 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬‬)

Even as Christ by His death conquered the power of death, Paul’s chains did not bind the Gospel, but liberated it. No grave could confine Christ and no prison can shackle the Gospel!  

So, we are called to THE SHARING OF SUFFERING (v.10-13) “with him” is repeated three times. It is in union with Christ that we have His might to enable us.  Look back at 1:8 where we are bidden to share in suffering for the sake of the Gospel.  

There is a mystery in the sovereign election of God and the responsibility of man to obtain it—along with the agency of witnesses to communicate it (v.10).  

First, the cross and then the crown; first, pain and then the prize!  His faithfulness will keep you faithful—this is the perseverance of the saints (v.11) and note the “if.”  When we see some fall away, it doesn’t mean that the promises of God have failed, but that Christ did not truly indwell them, for those He is in abide in Him! 

Be strong in serving, suffering, and BE STRONG IN STUDYING (v.14-26). Paul emphasizes, “the word of truth,” (v.15); warns of those who have, “swerved from the truth,” (v.18); those “able to teach” (v. 24), and mentioning, “the knowledge of the truth,” (v. 25).  

God’s grace is required to open our reception of the truth, our comprehension of the truth, and in our application of the truth. We do not study the Bible as we would a textbook, written by men, but as a supernatural message inspired by God. It is the sword of the Spirit in the valiant soldier’s hand. It is the standard of the Scripture in the victorious sportsman’s hand. It is the seed of our salvation in the faithful sower’s hand. 

God’s grace in the Word is FOR DISCERNMENT (v.14-21).  We discern what is primary and worth fighting for and what is peripheral and worthless fighting over (v.14). There are hills to die on, but don’t make mountains out of molehills, because such nit-picking over non-essentials only brings ruin to the audience. 

There is diligence required for studying Scripture,(v.15).  I challenge you to be a student of the Word, but sadly many will splash around in the shallow end of the pool rather than plunge into the deep end. 

Why? 

It’s hard. It takes discipline!  Because of Scriptural illiteracy, there is spiritual immaturity and many fall prey to godless babble and gangrenous error (v.16-18). 

Just because an author is a best-seller or a preacher has a big following doesn’t mean you should blindly swallow what they are saying!  You need to see if what I am telling you aligns with God’s Word. 

Look at Paul’s warning in Ephesians 4:13-16, as he urges us onwards:

“until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Failure in discernment is why you will have pastors and church folk who will endorse abortion and embrace perversion!  The professed faith of many is futile, but for those whose minds are saturated with Scripture, their foundation is firm (v.19). 

What kind of church member are you—a vessel for honorable use or dishonorable use?  (v. 20-21). A china plate or a chamber pot?  If you cannot discern the difference, don’t invite me over for a meal at your house!  

The kind of member you are will depend on the kind of student you are—particularly, from whom you learn. Paul was an honorable vessel—a special instrument set apart for the Master, and prepared for every good work. 

In contrast, Hymanaeus and Philetus were dishonorable vessels.  Timothy needed to purge his mind from such garbage they were spewing (v. 21), so he might follow Paul’s example and be an honorable vessel too. There is a connection between theology and morality, between conviction and conduct, doctrine and devotion. Let a man depart from the truth of the Word and he will soon descend into the trash of the world. 

God’s grace in the Word is for discernment, and also FOR DELIVERANCE (v. 22-26). It is not surprising then that Paul moves from the warning about shunning false teaching to fleeing filthy living.  We must be reminded that knowing the truth is good, but not good enough.  We must be doers of the Word and not hearers only, lest we deceive ourselves as James warns, (cf. James 1:22). 

May God deliver us from the sinful passions of our youth (v. 22a)!  By the way, you don’t have to be a youth to succumb to the sins of youth.  You can be a dirty old man!  The grace that comes to us from the Word is to guard us from evil, so we can flee it, but also to guide us into holiness that we may follow it, namely, “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace” (v. 22b). 

The church is to be a hothouse where members are plants that are rooted and grow into fruitful believers, “along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart,” (v. 22c). In tending tender young plants, preachers and teachers cannot be brutal, but must be gentle—not demanding, but patient (v. 23-24).  Jesus’ model was, “a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench” (Matt.12:20). Sinners aren’t the enemy.  They are brainwashed by Satan. Therefore, we are to love them and lead them to Jesus!

BEFORE I GO: Some Final Instructions, Part 1—HOLD ON!

If you knew that today would be your last day on earth, what would you want to say to those you love?  That is what we have in Paul’s last letter in 2 Timothy. The Apostle was on death row, and wanted to give his young protege some final instructions for the church.  His first call is to “Hold on!”  He exhorts Timothy, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1:13). How can we hold on?

BY GROUNDING IN FAITH (v.1-7). Paul mentions the “sincere faith” (v. 5), the genuine faith in Christ that Timothy had received in his home that flowed from his grandmother Lois, to his mother Eunice, and now to him. 

This is the ground upon which a life, a home, a church must be built—the solid Rock of Jesus Christ, whom we have received by a sincere faith. Is yours a “sincere faith” that fits you for heaven? Peter enjoined, “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election,” (2 Pet.1:10). Having your name on a church membership roll won’t matter if it isn’t written in heaven in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  

Hear the words of Jesus in Matt.7:21-27. 

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’  Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

I am haunted by the fact that some people who have sat in pews under my preaching, or read these words that I am posting, will hear those awful words, “Depart from me.”  If the foundation is not stable, then nothing else you do will stand.

Hold fast by grounding in faith, but also BY GROWING IN GRACE (v.8-12). The Apostle underscores the manner of salvation as the grace of God that has been bestowed on us (v.9). 

This is God’s free gift.  If we are saved, it is not based on anything we have done, but on Him.  If you could lose your salvation, you would. But, it isn’t our commitment to Christ, but His commitment to us that takes believers from start to finish (v.12). We can hold on because He holds on to us!  

Yet, there is always a danger that the fire of passion for Jesus may become a faint flicker (v.6). That devotion to Christ will require fueling.  Do you need to be rekindled today?  God’s Spirit is within us to empower us (v.7). 

I’ve heard that some of us have Christianity like an old iron bedstead—firm on both ends and sagging in the middle!  We are firm on the front end that God saves us from hell, and firm on the back end that He will save us for heaven, but right now we are sagging! 

God’s purpose in giving us grace, is not to sit, but to serve (v.11). When can we stop growing and going? Not, “until that Day” (v.12). The old hymn exhorts: “We’ll Work ’Til Jesus Comes.”  That is God’s intention for each of us. We may retire from a job, but we can only retire from serving Christ when Jesus comes for us.  Our retirement community is called, “Heaven!”

So hold on by grounding in faith, growing in grace, and BY GRIPPING THE TRUTH (v.13-18). Paul is saying to this young preacher boy to get an unbreakable grip on the truth—sound doctrine and systematic theology.  

Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest commented, “Particular words are to be retained and used so that the doctrinal statements of the truth may remain accurate and a norm for future teachers and preachers.”  

Do you have a grip on the meaning of words like, “justification, reconciliation, sanctification, glorification,” and what do you believe about the nature of God, the work of Christ, the person of the Spirit, the authority of Scripture, the mission of the church, etc.?  

False teachers are to be condemned (v.15). They are a cancer to be cut out!  

Faithful workers are to be commended (v.16-18). Nothing so refreshes a preacher as to see those who serve diligently!

It burdens me at times when I see a post on social media or hear someone quote some false teacher—a doctrinal deviant!  But, it blesses me when I see those who are solid in sound doctrine—who immerse themselves in truth and teach it.  That is refreshing!  

Pastors need refreshing!  We get weary and worn and weak.  We are not super human.  I want you to make a commitment today to be a refresher to your pastor. So many have been to me!  To all my pastor friends reading this—particularly those men who lead the Haywood Baptist Association member churches that I serve—know that I am here for you and praying for you!

Do you have a genuine faith?  If you were to die today and stand before the Lord, and He asked you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” what would you say?  I prayed a prayer.  I got baptized. I try to be a good person.  I believe in God. All that is good, but will not get you into heaven. A genuine faith is grounded in the work of Jesus Christ.  You look to Him alone for your salvation. 

Do you have a real faith, but it needs to be rekindled?  Will you recommit yourself to be faithful until Jesus calls you home?

Are you committed to studying the Word, submitting to it, and sharing it?  Will you say today, “I am going to be a refresher!”

BEING A MAN OF GOD

 

Paul calls upon Timothy to be a man of God. There can be do greater aspiration for the preacher than to be worthy of that description. This is the thrust of 1 Timothy 6. The key text reads: “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (v. ‭11‬-‭12‬‬). 

The man of God is to FLEE, “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things,” (v. 11a). In context, the things we are to flee are listed in the prior verses, 1-10. 

The man of God will flee rebellion against authority, (v. 1-2). As always, when we interpret Scripture, we must consider the context. That means not only the Scriptural context, but the cultural context. It is too easy to read first century writing through twenty-first century eyes. 

Slavery was a condition in the first century Roman Empire that many new converts to Christianity found themselves in. How should a believer who was a slave respond to those in authority and how ought a believer who owned slaves exercise authority?  

We must also note in the context that the slavery in the Roman Empire was not equivalent to what was practiced in America. It was not the enslaving of a particular race, nor did it negate all the slave’s rights. Some slaves were in that state voluntarily due to poverty where they could survive no other way, or due to debts they could not pay. So, they subjugated themselves for a period of time. These slaves could own property and were able to purchase their freedom. 

Still, it was slavery. It was an institution that the law of love would bring to an end. It would not be by violent overthrow, but by elevating man’s understanding of human dignity in being made in God’s image. Further, how could a Christian who claimed God as Father enslave another believer who was his brother?

There is a practical application for us in our day. Concerning work conditions, employees are to honor the authority of the employer and employers are to respect the dignity of the workers.  A Communist Manifesto will never accomplish this, but a Christian message will!

The man of God is also to flee deviation into heresy, (v. 3-5). What Paul appears to confront is the doctrinal deviation called the “prosperity gospel” today. Those who preach this do so out of arrogance and ignorance. The presence of this produces division through diversion from the truth. They gain adherents among those depraved in thought and deprived of truth. God is pursued as a means of material gain. God becomes a means to the end, instead of Him being the end Himself. It is a materialistic worldview—love for what is of earth instead of the eternal. That brings us to our next danger from which to flee. 

The man of God must flee obsession with money, (v. 6-10). It is not that having possessions—should God provide them—that is sinful, but it is when possessions become obsessions that it opens a portal into all kinds of evils. The drive and desire for material things is a trap that ensnares many. Its love is the polluted fountain from which all manner of evil flows. Jesus put it bluntly—you can worship God or money, but not both, (cf. Matt. 6:24). Materialism brings ruin and the destruction of our souls. Mark those who preach and practice a prosperity perversion. They have strayed from Scripture and will be stabbed with reality sooner or later.  Simply put—the man of God cannot be a man of the world.  

Flee these things!  Yet, it is not enough to avoid the negative, we must also FOLLOW, “pursue,’ (v. 11b). This is the positive dimension. 

Pursue “righteousness.”  This is being right with God and man. We are to treat others “right,” because God has done so for us. 

Pursue, “godliness.”  That is, we are to seek to be like our God. There are attributes, of course, that we cannot obtain: omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, for example. But other attributes—his kindness, goodness, and patience are to be sought and obtained.

Pursue, “faith.”  From start to finish the Christian life is one of faith. We need to seek to grow in faith until we reach glory and faith becomes sight.

Pursue, “love.”  God is love and so a man of God will express love. It is a love for the Lord and a love for those made in His image. 

Pursue, “steadfastness.”  We are to be men of conviction. We take a stand and do not bend. Our feet our on the Rock. 

Pursue, “gentleness.”  You can be a man of conviction and also be a man of compassion. You do not compromise the truth, but you do not beat people over the head with the Bible. Screaming in anger at sinners will only drive them away. We must gently persuade them.

Flee, follow, and then FIGHT, “Fight the good fight of the faith,” (v. 12a). We can be gentle, and still firm. Think of a father holding a small child. He does not want to lose his grip, lest he drop the child, yet he does not want to squeeze the child so hard it hurts!  The man of God does not go looking for a fight, but if the fight is brought to him, he does not hesitate. There are some things worth fighting for—and in this case it is “the good fight of the faith.”

Fight with perseverance in devotion, (v. 12-16). Eternal life that is the promise of the Gospel is demonstrated to be more than an initial superficial decision, so we abide devoted to the Lord. Real grace that brings us to heaven will keep us solid here on earth. There is a tenacity that indicates it was “a good confession,” as that which our Lord made before Pontius Pilate. We devotedly, doggedly press on , “to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  

Here is the good confession:  

God is, “he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of Lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (v. 15‬-‭16‬‬). 

Fight against pride in position, (v. 17-19). Our world classifies people as “the haves,” and “have nots.”  Those who have social standing are those who have wealth. That is not the attitude we are to have as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Humility instead of haughtiness is to mark those in the church, irrespective of the world’s estimation of them. Glorify God and be grateful for His gracious abundance if you have it. Be generous in using it for the good of others. It is not a sin to be wealthy, but it is a sin to be greedy. God blesses some with the capacity to gain wealth, so that it may be exchanged for the currency of eternity. The “Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous,” is fleeting, but the generous soul has taken hold of “that which is truly life.”

Fight for purity of doctrine, (v. 20-21). The preacher has a sacred trust.  The faith—the body of Christian truth—has been deposited with him for safekeeping. 

There is not only a deposit to secure, but a deception to shun. It is “irreverent babble.”  It is irreverent for it exalts man’s wisdom over God’s Word. It is babble as it uses Christian vocabulary while denying Biblical veracity. 

These false teachers speak, “contradictions of what is falsely called, ‘knowledge,’” (v. 20).  Liberals claim a greater knowledge than those who hold to a simple faith in the Gospel. They are able to correct the Scripture, they think. What these actually do is abandon the most sublime truth which is beyond their understanding to confine a god of their own making into the little space between their ears. When one goes down that demonic detour, the wrecking of their faith awaits—as well as the passengers in the church that such a preacher is driving. 

What Timothy needed in order to flee, follow, and fight was “grace,” (v. 21b). It is what we all need and it is all we need!  It is grace to flee from evil, grace to follow the good, and grace to fight the error. Grace makes the man of God. May the Lord give us grace to cling to the truth, and stop our ears to error. Lord, keep us true to this Blessed Old Book!