SUBJ: Paul's encouragement to Timothy
that well applies to all believers and that especially directs us into
"the patient waiting for Christ" our Lord with due consideration of His
glorious person.
AIM: That we might truly be encouraged
and go on to "fight the good fight of faith."
INTR: It is interesting to note that
the things that were troubling to the early Christians continue to be
the same today and to further note that the underlying causes remain the
same. 1. Both epistles to Timothy contain references to practices to
be avoided even as we would note in the early verses of this chapter and
to be prepared for the opposition from the world. 2. We would here be
made aware that certain pursuits fortify and equip the believer as we
are "pilgrims through a barren land." They are not given us as a formula
for success; they are things that direct us into a deepening
relationship with the Lord which profits greatly. 3. It is certain
that Paul addressed these things to Timothy as a minister of the Gospel,
but he brings these things to a personal level and thus it applies to
all.
THESIS: The encouragements
here point to the faith and to the strengthening of it with a precious
anticipation of His appearing.
I. Words of encouragement (vv.
11-12) 1. The phrase "man of God" was used in the O. T. regarding
some of the prophets but refers to those who belong to God: 1) Not
only as a preacher, rather as one of a "peculiar people" zealous of good
works. 2) A term of distinction referring to things gone before in
this chapter (danger of riches etc.) 2. The first word of exhortation
here is to flee things detrimental. 1) In the sense of being fearful
of being entangled or overcome. 2) In recognition of rendering
service to another master. 3. Another strong word is given here as
well - follow. Again, a strong word meaning to pursue or persecute with
a view to capturing the things that are here listed: 1) Righteousness
- Not for the purpose of being justified; rather that the things we
believe be honored as Christ is to be seen in us. 2) Godliness -
Living in His presence with full devotion to the Gospel scheme of
things. 3) Faith - Not only that which is believed, but also the
pursuit of it with the moral conviction that full surrender must be unto
Christ alone. 4) Love - Agape put into practice after the example of
Christ. 5) Patience - Compare the "patient waiting for Christ" as
being joyous and hopeful endurance. 6) Meekness - Knowing of our own
debt we would engage with humility and gentleness. 4. Fight the good
fight of faith had been exemplified in the life of Paul. The reminder
elsewhere is that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal - they are
spiritual and so is the fight. Paul before Agrippa testified that "He
was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." 5. And "Lay hold." 1)
From Strong - to seize for help, injury, attainment, or any other goal
in keeping with eternal life. 2) The thought of getting hold and not
let go for any reason. 6. There are many witnesses, and they will
detect any inconsistency.
II. A charge for the duration (vv.
13-14) 1. Paul would remind Timothy and us that we are always in the
presence and in the sight of God and Christ, the faithful witness in all
things - Paul as he wrote is and Timothy as he read it. 2. The
thought of keeping is not a matter of obedience as it is a matter of
possessing; obedience follows as a matter of the value we place on these
things. 3. This commandment (referring to the things above) embodies
the whole of the Law either as Ten Commandments or two. 4. Grace is
given and we are directed to live in this world but above the world -
that is we are not to in any ways contaminate the Gospel or give
occasion to the world or any other to find occasion against it. 5.
Until He appears - with this in view all the other things concerning
this life are put into perspective; we owe all to Him.
III. A
confirmed outcome (vv. 15-16) 1. It will be in His time - "We see
Jesus" and we will see all the world bow before Him. 1) Looking to
things as they are we may become discouraged but 2) Looking to and
hasting His appearing we are filled with hope. 2. The exclusive claim
to the rule of all - the only Potentate, King of kings, and Lord of
lords! 3. A precious doxology: 1) Who only has immortality - His
eternal being and thus is able to give to His own. 2) Who dwells in
light (judgment, justice, truth) unapproachable and 3) Whom no man
has or can see, 4) To Whom be honor and power (dominion) forever.
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