This is the second step in fulfilling the Great Commission or conforming to the work of the Spirit WITHIN and that is the uncontested Lordship of Jesus Christ.
We cover this in detail today – what it DOES means, what it does NOT mean and their implications.
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Paul’s ending command ti Timothy was to live the Gospel and preach it whether convenient or not because that the days were coming when neither the world nor many in the church will endure or even tolerate sound doctrine. Instead they will have fanciful desires for something new and unique. In short, the truth would no longer suit them!
Nevertheless he was to encourage, rebuke, exhort with extreme patience and teaching.
Last week we began looking at this from the perspective of the Great commission which is the work of the Kingdom of God.
This week we began with the FIRST of those obligations which is to live out the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all things.
The Spirit of God WITHIN, does a progressive work which produces in the child of God a heart change from interests in the affairs of this life to those of the Kingdom. We begin to “SEEK FIRST” the kingdom of God rather than selfish, earthly pursuits.
It is not hard to see how this first principle of Kingdom life, runs contrary to the modern interests of many Christians and certainly the world. This is because we are part of the generation Paul warned Timothy about. A generation who would not endure sound doctrine but who having desires to hear something new, would find teachers to fill their ears with what they want to hear.
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This week we wrap up Paul’s second letter of encouragement and instruction to Timothy, his son in the faith.
As we examine Paul’s closing statements we are moved to take a fresh look at the Great Commission our Lord spoke to those first disciples, who in turn charged all future believers to obey as well.
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From encouragements to stand strong, to strong warnings and even stronger commands – Paul instructs Timothy about the sobering nature of life in Christ.
The world is on a path leading to destruction and they will grow worse afflicting and infecting the church with their deceptions.
Paul reminds Timothy of the personal nature of the grass roots of his faith and that of the believers in Ephesus. He then commissions him to disciple them with the view of those too going out and making more disciples by the message they live and teach.
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Paul knew of the difficulties in Ephesus because the church was structured so that the pastors (elders) and Timothy had hands on exposure to every believer.
Due to Paul & Timothy these believers became solid in doctrine.
Year later the Lord praised them for their doctrinal stability, but warned them of their lack of passion in His letters to the churches in Revelation.
This is always a danger – people either over emphasis scripture or overemphasize encounters wth God – when what makes for long term stability and growth is BOTH!
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