Psalm 2
Intro to Psalms “Songs” or “praises” in poetic form
Psalm 2 is known as a Royal Psalm written by David during his reign 10th century BC (900-1000years Before Jesus). The Israelites would realize that the blessing from the Lord was tied to the house of David and the Kings that were anointed would come from David’s line. So in this Psalm we see the coronation or the crowning of an earthly King with the duel purpose of looking toward the future King of Kings Jesus Christ. So in this Psalm as pretty much in all the Messianic Psalms we will see something that is true for the day that it was written but we will also see things that are true to Jesus and His ministry.
In particular Psalm 2 deals with how people respond to King Jesus
I. Some respond in rebellion against the Lord. Verses 1-3
Acts 4:24-25 Quotes this Psalm
Vrs 1 Why do people go against the Lord?
Vrs 2 Because their leaders (those they look up to) do and they follow
Vrs 3 Because they do not want to answer to anyone
2 forms of rebellion, 1. unbelief 2. disobedience(Christian)
II. The Lord responds to the rebellious people. Verses 4-6
Verse 4 God laughs, “derision” ridicules them “anthropomorphic” the psalmist describes God’s response in human terms
What are you doing that God is laughing at? When we act as if we are God and we are in control, “no one will tell me what I can or can’t do” (pride)
Did you hear about the clever salesman who closed hundreds of sales with this line: "Let me show you something several of your neighbors said you couldn't afford."
Foolishness of the Lord is wiser then mans wisdom.
Verse 5-6 God Speaks: Here is God’s wrath setting His King in Zion which was Canaanite city that David had conquered (2 Sam 5:7)
He places His King where He chooses.
When God speaks He acts…He does not go back on His promises, sometimes He is mad. Active wrath….& Passive wrath (Romans 1 “Give over”)
What are you doing that makes God mad or upset?
-Maybe you have an inappropriate relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend? -Maybe you have a secret sin? Maybe you are not being fair or honest with your spouse?
III. The Lord responds to “the Son” Verses 7-9
Promises. I am putting this in 3 groups
Vrs 7 David as he was installed as king 2 Sam. 7:14 Sonship brings the right to discipline. 2 Sam 12:9-11 “Sword will not depart
Vrs 8 David’s inheritance is that his line will bring forth Jesus
Vrs 9 David’s reign will be accomplished in Jesus
Vrs 7 Us When a person trusts in Christ they become a child of God.
1 John 3:1 “Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the Sons of God” The Lord takes interest in disciplining His children for rebellion
What do you think He would say to you? Because of your sin
Maybe He has already made it clear to you to stop and is doing that through discipline. How are you responding to His discipline?
As a father my discipline on my children immediately becomes lighter when they respond the right way.
Verse 8 Romans 8:16 calls us “Heirs” Our inheritance as sons & daughters is citizenship in heaven Phil 3:20
Verse 9 We become more then conquerors Romans 8:37
Jesus is the ultimate Son, that is who we need to see in this Psalm
Quted in the NT Hebrews 1:5 & 5:5 Acts 13:33
Vrs7 GOSPEL the only begotten that took our sins
Vrs 8 Enemies become His footstool
Vrs 9 Jesus will come back and eventually clean house as the reigning King. Everyone will bow to Jesus, the King is the King whether you say He is or not.
So how should we respond? The King tells us.
IV. The King responds to the rebellious people. Verses 10-12
“Be warned Be wise” Vrs 10 Why does the King call out to the kings and rulers? 3 reasons…-people follow them -pride needs to broken down -Jesus was crucified by the Jewish leaders (Acts 4:25-26 Paul identified them)
Vrs 11 Obedience - Serve the Lord and rejoice. A call to the Christian…live for the Lord not for self. Why live in rebellion?
Vrs 12 Belief - Trust Jesus “Kiss the Son” Only in the Son is there refuge from God’s wrath…because the Son has taken the wrath. People do not like to hear or think that God has wrath but I have grown to love the fact that God has wrath…why? Because through the Son Jesus taking the wrath shows us just how much and how strong His love is for us by taking the wrath on Himself. “Blessed are those who take refuge in the Son”
Monday, May 16, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Mary's Song
Often times in life when good things or blessing come our way we take them and enjoy them. Many times we get to points in our life in which we expect good things to be the norm, we take them for granted and we start to forget where those good things come from. But James 1:17 tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from the Father above” So how do we respond to those gifts? Our passage of study this evening Luke 1:46-55 records a song sung by Mary the Mother of the Lord Jesus. This song demonstrates that when good things come our way…”God alone should be the center of our praise” There are at least three ways Mary demonstrates this
Before we look at the passage I want to fill you in On what just happened to Mary
I. Mary praises God for who He is. Verses 46-47
Verses 46 “Soul magnifies” “The Magnificat”
Magnify-to increase apparent size or to attribute much importance to.
This actually gives us one of the purposes for praise…so others will see how great God is.
Verses 47 “my spirit rejoices in God MY SAVIOR”
Is God your Savior?
GOSPEL we need to rejoice in our salvation.
T: It is interesting because when we start to praise God for who He is (The Savior) we realize that He is a personal God who is intimately involved in our lives. Which we see with Mary in these next verses because…
II. Mary praises God for His special favor on her. Verses 48-50
“the generations call His servant blessed” Verses 48 Why?
Some misconceptions & false teaching about Mary, that are not backed by Scripture. I don’t want to offend but I want to tell you the truth from the Bible.
These beliefs are based upon man’s tradition
1. Perpetual virgin (We know from the Scriptures that Jesus had half brothers and sisters) Mathew 1:25 tells us “Joseph knew her not until she gave birth top a Son”
2. Assumption of Mary. (Mary’s body did not decay)
3. Was sinless (Immaculate conception) Remember she said God was “Her savior”
4. Should be prayed to (Mary hails Jesus)
5. Mother of God (She was the Mother of the Lord Jesus (John 2:1) as He came in human flesh but God has no Mother) “Just as Christ’s human nature had no father, His divine nature had no mother”
These are not reasons why Mary is called blessed
Here are reasons why we call her blessed
Because He uses His strength and purity to do a great thing in Mary’s life. Verses 49
-She was the mother God the Father chose for His Son. Spent much time with Him (Just think of that special time) (clip at church))
He has mercy on those who fear Him Verses 50
-Mercy-compassion and kindness. God found favor in her because she did “fear” Him (have respect for Him)
-She was part of God’s prophetic plan (Isaiah 7:14)
From this we learn that we need to praise and give glory to God for the things He has specifically done for us.
What are those things in your life? Maybe it is your spouse, Children, your job, your financial situation, friendships
What are the ways He specifically uses you? Ministry, impact on your neighbors. Specifically for moms…He gave you children to impact
When you come to church to worship the Lord one of the things that should be on your mind is all the blessings you have received from the Lord.
T: So we have found that we should like Mary praise God for who He is and praise God for His special favor on us and now we will find that we should praise God for His special favor on His people.
III. Mary praises God for His special favor on His people.
-He takes down those who go against His people, Justice will be served by our Lord for His people. Verses 51-52a Miriam in Ex 15 praise God for taking down the enemies of His people.
-He helps those in need. Verses 52b-54 (Shannon baptism illustration)
Maybe you are need?
-He has a plan to save His people. Verses 55 That blessing promised to Abraham comes through the offer of Salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ and we know that all those who believe have a reason to praise Him because their eternal home is with Him.
Did you know that sometimes it is difficult to rejoice and praise God when others are blessed?
Sometimes jealousy sets in because we feel that we are more deserving or that we never get blessed and that person does.
When I was little my mom and the red ribbon. Did a little research. Italians Malocchio “Evil Eye” believed this protected them from the “evil Eye”
How do you know if this is you? If you are always criticizing… they can’t afford that… they should do this or that. Or you are generally not happy for other people when they are blessed.
Thomas Lindberg said…One sign of jealousy is when it's easier to show sympathy and "weep with those who weep" than it is to exhibit joy and "rejoice with those who rejoice."
This passage helps us because the way we can combat falling to envy and jealousy is praising God for how He has blessed those around us.
…be happy for them, rejoice and celebrate with them.
In conclusion we see that God alone should be the center of our praise. Because of who He is, His special favor on us individually and His special favor on His people.
Before we look at the passage I want to fill you in On what just happened to Mary
I. Mary praises God for who He is. Verses 46-47
Verses 46 “Soul magnifies” “The Magnificat”
Magnify-to increase apparent size or to attribute much importance to.
This actually gives us one of the purposes for praise…so others will see how great God is.
Verses 47 “my spirit rejoices in God MY SAVIOR”
Is God your Savior?
GOSPEL we need to rejoice in our salvation.
T: It is interesting because when we start to praise God for who He is (The Savior) we realize that He is a personal God who is intimately involved in our lives. Which we see with Mary in these next verses because…
II. Mary praises God for His special favor on her. Verses 48-50
“the generations call His servant blessed” Verses 48 Why?
Some misconceptions & false teaching about Mary, that are not backed by Scripture. I don’t want to offend but I want to tell you the truth from the Bible.
These beliefs are based upon man’s tradition
1. Perpetual virgin (We know from the Scriptures that Jesus had half brothers and sisters) Mathew 1:25 tells us “Joseph knew her not until she gave birth top a Son”
2. Assumption of Mary. (Mary’s body did not decay)
3. Was sinless (Immaculate conception) Remember she said God was “Her savior”
4. Should be prayed to (Mary hails Jesus)
5. Mother of God (She was the Mother of the Lord Jesus (John 2:1) as He came in human flesh but God has no Mother) “Just as Christ’s human nature had no father, His divine nature had no mother”
These are not reasons why Mary is called blessed
Here are reasons why we call her blessed
Because He uses His strength and purity to do a great thing in Mary’s life. Verses 49
-She was the mother God the Father chose for His Son. Spent much time with Him (Just think of that special time) (clip at church))
He has mercy on those who fear Him Verses 50
-Mercy-compassion and kindness. God found favor in her because she did “fear” Him (have respect for Him)
-She was part of God’s prophetic plan (Isaiah 7:14)
From this we learn that we need to praise and give glory to God for the things He has specifically done for us.
What are those things in your life? Maybe it is your spouse, Children, your job, your financial situation, friendships
What are the ways He specifically uses you? Ministry, impact on your neighbors. Specifically for moms…He gave you children to impact
When you come to church to worship the Lord one of the things that should be on your mind is all the blessings you have received from the Lord.
T: So we have found that we should like Mary praise God for who He is and praise God for His special favor on us and now we will find that we should praise God for His special favor on His people.
III. Mary praises God for His special favor on His people.
-He takes down those who go against His people, Justice will be served by our Lord for His people. Verses 51-52a Miriam in Ex 15 praise God for taking down the enemies of His people.
-He helps those in need. Verses 52b-54 (Shannon baptism illustration)
Maybe you are need?
-He has a plan to save His people. Verses 55 That blessing promised to Abraham comes through the offer of Salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ and we know that all those who believe have a reason to praise Him because their eternal home is with Him.
Did you know that sometimes it is difficult to rejoice and praise God when others are blessed?
Sometimes jealousy sets in because we feel that we are more deserving or that we never get blessed and that person does.
When I was little my mom and the red ribbon. Did a little research. Italians Malocchio “Evil Eye” believed this protected them from the “evil Eye”
How do you know if this is you? If you are always criticizing… they can’t afford that… they should do this or that. Or you are generally not happy for other people when they are blessed.
Thomas Lindberg said…One sign of jealousy is when it's easier to show sympathy and "weep with those who weep" than it is to exhibit joy and "rejoice with those who rejoice."
This passage helps us because the way we can combat falling to envy and jealousy is praising God for how He has blessed those around us.
…be happy for them, rejoice and celebrate with them.
In conclusion we see that God alone should be the center of our praise. Because of who He is, His special favor on us individually and His special favor on His people.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Entrusted Series: "Remember"
Remember Titus 3:1-15
It is only fitting to end our study in the Pastoral Epistles with this message, because in every sense we have to remember what we learned. (illustration about guy who said 20 years of sermons made no difference) I trust that our 7 months together has spiritually nourished you, helped you to grow and gave you a grasp on what these books of the Bible teach. Even though you may not remember everything said or taught the passage we are going to look at tonight can serve as a summation for what we studied together because it is an encouragement to remember
Remember who you are supposed to be Verses 1-2
-Submissive to authorities
-Obedient (to the Lord)
-Ready to do good. A Christian should be looking for opportunities to do good, not waiting. “See a need, meet a need”
-Speak evil of no one…why do we speak evil about others?
Thomas Aquinas says “A person speaks of his neighbor things that are evil simply, for such things lead to loss or depreciation of his good name”
In a strange way we think it makes us look better, but in reality it also makes us look worse.
-Avoid a fight- It is easy to retaliate, but we should avoid
-Be gentle
-Show courtesy to ALL- even those who are belligerent
Remember who you were. Verse 3 When we remember who we were before we trusted in Christ, it helps us to understand the state of the hearts of people who are not Christians. If you want to believe that the state of the human heart is good…turn on the news and let the world show you that it is not. Just by the simple fact that if a station only broadcast good news it would be less likely to be watched. And Christians fall into the trap of doing this with personal testimonies “look how bad I was”
In the back of your mind remember how and what you were and that will help you time be more gracious and compassionate on others…not excusing sin but coming to someone with understanding.
-Foolish- the Bible tells us that the “fool says in his heart there is no God”
-Disobedient
-Led astray
-Slaves to sin
-Using our time on sin. Think about what you spend your time on. What do you read, watch, talk about, do? Are they the same things that they were before you trusted in Christ?
-Hated and hating
Remember who changed you. Verses 4-7 In order not to think we are better then anyone else Paul tells Titus to remember it was Jesus who saved you and changed you. We cannot take the credit. GOSPEL
-Good, loving and kind God
-Saved us not based on ourselves
-Based on his mercy
-By the washing and regeneration of the Holy Spirit
-Through Jesus Christ
-Heirs
Remember how you show thanks to Him Verse 8
-Do good, Jesus’ love language is “acts of service”
Remember what/who to avoid Verses 9-11
-Foolishness
-Divisive people Vr10 sometimes people who interrupt focus need to be dealt with, Remember Paul named names…unfortunately there are some people that you have to stay away from for your own spiritual health. And sometime you have to warn others about them.
Remember we are in this together Verses 12-15
-Spend time with one another
-Meet one another’s needs (Aesop’s Fables the Bear and the Traveler)
-Do good together, especially in urgent needs
Remember what you are “Entrusted” with…sharing the Gospel and living the Gospel
It is only fitting to end our study in the Pastoral Epistles with this message, because in every sense we have to remember what we learned. (illustration about guy who said 20 years of sermons made no difference) I trust that our 7 months together has spiritually nourished you, helped you to grow and gave you a grasp on what these books of the Bible teach. Even though you may not remember everything said or taught the passage we are going to look at tonight can serve as a summation for what we studied together because it is an encouragement to remember
Remember who you are supposed to be Verses 1-2
-Submissive to authorities
-Obedient (to the Lord)
-Ready to do good. A Christian should be looking for opportunities to do good, not waiting. “See a need, meet a need”
-Speak evil of no one…why do we speak evil about others?
Thomas Aquinas says “A person speaks of his neighbor things that are evil simply, for such things lead to loss or depreciation of his good name”
In a strange way we think it makes us look better, but in reality it also makes us look worse.
-Avoid a fight- It is easy to retaliate, but we should avoid
-Be gentle
-Show courtesy to ALL- even those who are belligerent
Remember who you were. Verse 3 When we remember who we were before we trusted in Christ, it helps us to understand the state of the hearts of people who are not Christians. If you want to believe that the state of the human heart is good…turn on the news and let the world show you that it is not. Just by the simple fact that if a station only broadcast good news it would be less likely to be watched. And Christians fall into the trap of doing this with personal testimonies “look how bad I was”
In the back of your mind remember how and what you were and that will help you time be more gracious and compassionate on others…not excusing sin but coming to someone with understanding.
-Foolish- the Bible tells us that the “fool says in his heart there is no God”
-Disobedient
-Led astray
-Slaves to sin
-Using our time on sin. Think about what you spend your time on. What do you read, watch, talk about, do? Are they the same things that they were before you trusted in Christ?
-Hated and hating
Remember who changed you. Verses 4-7 In order not to think we are better then anyone else Paul tells Titus to remember it was Jesus who saved you and changed you. We cannot take the credit. GOSPEL
-Good, loving and kind God
-Saved us not based on ourselves
-Based on his mercy
-By the washing and regeneration of the Holy Spirit
-Through Jesus Christ
-Heirs
Remember how you show thanks to Him Verse 8
-Do good, Jesus’ love language is “acts of service”
Remember what/who to avoid Verses 9-11
-Foolishness
-Divisive people Vr10 sometimes people who interrupt focus need to be dealt with, Remember Paul named names…unfortunately there are some people that you have to stay away from for your own spiritual health. And sometime you have to warn others about them.
Remember we are in this together Verses 12-15
-Spend time with one another
-Meet one another’s needs (Aesop’s Fables the Bear and the Traveler)
-Do good together, especially in urgent needs
Remember what you are “Entrusted” with…sharing the Gospel and living the Gospel
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Entrusted Series "Godly Influneces Inspire Good Works"
Titus 2:1-15
Many people in this world think that the only people lead people are the ones with a title to lead. But what we are finding in today’s culture is that the younger generations are not following or respecting people because of their titles.
You will often hear older people say when I was a kid, if a teacher said do something… you did it. If an adult told you what to do you did it. But something seemed to happen…the younger generation just does not seem to get that. But what does the Bible tell us about that? I believe that what Paul is teaching Titus and to pass on to the churches in Crete. Every Christian will lead and it will not necessarily be by title but by having a Godly influence and that will inspire others to good works.
It is not necessarily about a title you hold but about the way you act that will influence and inspire the people around you to do “good works”
So this passage talks about three spheres of influencing people to do good works… 2 that can belong to us and one that belongs to God.
(us)Intergenerational Influence Vrs 2-8
(us)Positional Influence Vrs 9-10
Divine Influence Vrs 11-14
Bookends are Vrs 1 & 15 the role of the Godly Pastor
Vrs 1 A Godly Pastor teaches sound doctrine…the Bible does not only give us something to believe in it gives us a model for behavior. Sound Doctrine=orthodoxy and practice of that =orthopraxy
So Titus is to teach the churches about these ways we influence others to do good works.
• Intergenerational Influence Vrs 2-8
-Work on personal testimony Vrs 2-3 & 7-8
-Take an interest in the next generation vrs 4-6
Focus for the women is older women helping younger women be Godly
-Learn from the previous generation (the idea carried in verses 4-6 if the older are to take an interest in the younger…the younger should respond)
App: Seek one another out
• Positional Influence Vrs 9-10
The Bible is not teaching or promoting slavery…God’s desire for us is to do what is right even when people may be doing wrong to us…for instance we say “two wrongs don’t make a right”
“Don’t argue”…do what you are told as long as it is not sin. “Pilfer”=stealing in small quantities, just because you may be treated unfairly you do not do the wrong thing by stealing from your master.
Why? To be a positional testimony which may cause your master to be influenced to trust Christ and do good works.
How does this apply today? Students, employees, children anyone that is in a role that there is an authority over them, that authority can make decisions apart from the people is affects.
Example: School or work making and enforcing new rules w/o discussing with employees or students. What happens in that situation? Many times there is some sort of uprising, The person of God should evaluate their motives and actions and make sure they fit with what the Lord is pleased with.
Here is how you can influence those above you to good works…
- Work for the Lord. “don’t argue & do a good job” whatever you are called to do you should do it unto the Lord.
Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
-Don’t let unfair treatment cause you to sin” “Pilfer” You are called to do good not bad. Hebrews…we have a high priest that can sympathize.
• Divine Influence Vrs 11-14
You may not have any good examples of the first two points in your life…but there is no excuse because ultimately the best example of “good works” comes from Jesus Christ…this should influence the way you live.
-Vrs11 Grace-getting what we do not deserve. Christ did good for us even though we offend Him with our sin GOSPEL
-Vrs12 Nature of the Gospel inspires us to turn from sin and do good.
So even when we feel we have no one to look at for inspiration to do good works we have the Lord Vrs 12b “to live Godly in this present age”
I am more sinful then I ever imagined and God is more gracious then I ever imagined
-Vrs 13 His plan has hope. Guy at skatepark after 9/11/01
He is coming back for us so we do not have to spend eternity without Him
Side note not May 21st
-Vrs 14a He proves it “The Great Exchange” He gave us His Righteousness and took our Sinfulness. He did that by laying His life down for us.
- He made us holy Vrs14b He did that in order that we would do good works for Him Eph 2:8-10
Vrs 15 back to my job…This is what Pastors are called to do…as much as possible make sure people are reminded of this.
Many people in this world think that the only people lead people are the ones with a title to lead. But what we are finding in today’s culture is that the younger generations are not following or respecting people because of their titles.
You will often hear older people say when I was a kid, if a teacher said do something… you did it. If an adult told you what to do you did it. But something seemed to happen…the younger generation just does not seem to get that. But what does the Bible tell us about that? I believe that what Paul is teaching Titus and to pass on to the churches in Crete. Every Christian will lead and it will not necessarily be by title but by having a Godly influence and that will inspire others to good works.
It is not necessarily about a title you hold but about the way you act that will influence and inspire the people around you to do “good works”
So this passage talks about three spheres of influencing people to do good works… 2 that can belong to us and one that belongs to God.
(us)Intergenerational Influence Vrs 2-8
(us)Positional Influence Vrs 9-10
Divine Influence Vrs 11-14
Bookends are Vrs 1 & 15 the role of the Godly Pastor
Vrs 1 A Godly Pastor teaches sound doctrine…the Bible does not only give us something to believe in it gives us a model for behavior. Sound Doctrine=orthodoxy and practice of that =orthopraxy
So Titus is to teach the churches about these ways we influence others to do good works.
• Intergenerational Influence Vrs 2-8
-Work on personal testimony Vrs 2-3 & 7-8
-Take an interest in the next generation vrs 4-6
Focus for the women is older women helping younger women be Godly
-Learn from the previous generation (the idea carried in verses 4-6 if the older are to take an interest in the younger…the younger should respond)
App: Seek one another out
• Positional Influence Vrs 9-10
The Bible is not teaching or promoting slavery…God’s desire for us is to do what is right even when people may be doing wrong to us…for instance we say “two wrongs don’t make a right”
“Don’t argue”…do what you are told as long as it is not sin. “Pilfer”=stealing in small quantities, just because you may be treated unfairly you do not do the wrong thing by stealing from your master.
Why? To be a positional testimony which may cause your master to be influenced to trust Christ and do good works.
How does this apply today? Students, employees, children anyone that is in a role that there is an authority over them, that authority can make decisions apart from the people is affects.
Example: School or work making and enforcing new rules w/o discussing with employees or students. What happens in that situation? Many times there is some sort of uprising, The person of God should evaluate their motives and actions and make sure they fit with what the Lord is pleased with.
Here is how you can influence those above you to good works…
- Work for the Lord. “don’t argue & do a good job” whatever you are called to do you should do it unto the Lord.
Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
-Don’t let unfair treatment cause you to sin” “Pilfer” You are called to do good not bad. Hebrews…we have a high priest that can sympathize.
• Divine Influence Vrs 11-14
You may not have any good examples of the first two points in your life…but there is no excuse because ultimately the best example of “good works” comes from Jesus Christ…this should influence the way you live.
-Vrs11 Grace-getting what we do not deserve. Christ did good for us even though we offend Him with our sin GOSPEL
-Vrs12 Nature of the Gospel inspires us to turn from sin and do good.
So even when we feel we have no one to look at for inspiration to do good works we have the Lord Vrs 12b “to live Godly in this present age”
I am more sinful then I ever imagined and God is more gracious then I ever imagined
-Vrs 13 His plan has hope. Guy at skatepark after 9/11/01
He is coming back for us so we do not have to spend eternity without Him
Side note not May 21st
-Vrs 14a He proves it “The Great Exchange” He gave us His Righteousness and took our Sinfulness. He did that by laying His life down for us.
- He made us holy Vrs14b He did that in order that we would do good works for Him Eph 2:8-10
Vrs 15 back to my job…This is what Pastors are called to do…as much as possible make sure people are reminded of this.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
"Godly Leaders Inspire Good Works"
Titus: Letter written by Paul in roughly 63-66 AD sometime before his imprisonment. Was written after Paul and Titus went to help the churches in Crete and then left Titus there. Although Paul’s last words in 2 Timothy were that Titus went to Dalmatia, tradition tells us that after that he went to Crete and spent the rest of his life there ministering with the church in that region.
Probably a lot of work there because there were probably many churches. The Cretan’s were a rough group Epimenides there own prophet said
Vrs 12.
Polybius in Histories said “Almost impossible to find personal conduct more treacherous or public policy more unjust, then in Crete”
Cicero states in Republic “Moral principles are so divergent that the Cretans consider highway robbery honorable”
How do you do good among such a sinful and messed up culture? The first thing is appoint leaders who follow the Lord. Is this possible to find Godly people to lead in such terrible circumstances…Titus would know the answer is yes…cause he knew about Noah, Lot, Moses, Daniel
Theme of letter: “Promoting good works among the people” Obviously a difficult task.
Tonight we will learn that “Godly leaders inspire good works”
We all realize that when there is corruption in leadership and injustice happens people respond in sinful ways.
An example of that was in LA in the early 90’s when Rodney King beaten by police and the police got off the hook. Explain the riots and the story of Rev. Bennie Newton who ran a ministry for troubled young men in LA, turn on the tv as the riots started to break out and realized around the corner from his house Reginald Denny was being beaten by looters. He ran out to find that others saved Reginald by the attackers were now beating a man named Fidel Lopez, Rev. Newton with Bible in hand jumped on Fidel to guard him from the attackers and yelled “If you kill this man you have to kill me first” and the attackers dispersed and Rev. Newton prayed over the man and brought him to the hospital because no ambulance responded.
Our culture and every culture and place need righteous leaders to stand for righteousness.
To identify Godly leaders we look at...
• family life.
• personal purity.
• doctrinal beliefs.
• willingness to do what is right no matter the cost.
What I am going to do is go through the passage in order rather then going through there four points and taking the passage out of order. With these points behind me you will be able see that these points are what we find in the passage.
• Intro Verses 1-4
Vrs 1 Paul starts with the reminder of truth GOSPEL (doctrinal beliefs)
Vrs 2 Even though you are in a culture of liars. In 600BC the Cretans were so much known for being liars that other people came up with the term “Cretanize” which meant you were lying. In sharp contrast Paul states “God is not a liar” His Gospel is true (personal purity)
Vrs 3 Given Word to be preached and “Entrusted” Paul with it. This is what all Christians must understand we are “Entrusted” to bring the Word. (doctrinal beliefs)
• Vrs 5 Here is what I need you to do. Clean up the mess and then appoint those who can take care of the church.
Appoint: who has the right to put people in leadership? Those in leadership, not about yes men but about qualified men.
The character of Godly leaders Vrs 6-8 What qualifies them? these are character traits that all Christians should strive after. When I preached 1 Timothy 3 I did an entire sermon on these traits, so I don’t want to get repetitious.
Paul is saying here is this the measuring stick…Why? Because people need real life people in their church and community to look up to, get Godly advice from and trust. In the culture Titus was in it was a lot easier to select unqualified men to be leaders but Paul is saying “no no” There must be standards for who will have authority in the church.
Vrs 9 these men have to be willing to do the hard things and not shrink back for fear of others. They stick to God’s Word and use it to correct those who violate it and oppose it.
• The character of the ungodly Vrs 10 Paul now describes what characterizes the ungodly. “circumcision party” The false teachers arose form the Jewish Christians (Here is how you will recognize them, they are the ones adding rules)
• What to do about the ungodly 11-14.
-Silence v11 They need to be willing to speak up..
Silence in the face of evil is itself evil...not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act. ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
-v12-13a Even the unredeemed know they are sinful (Epimenides)
-Rebuke & correct them v13-14
Need to point out their error and send them on the right way
Myths-belief in untrue or fanciful stories that were deceptive and excused immoral behavior.
• Vrs 15-16 When someone is working on their personal purity their focus becomes on the things of the Lord, when that happens we think on what is pure…that is where our mind goes…did you ever have someone say to you “get your mind out of the gutter”?
The ungodly are deceived their conscience and moral compass is off…The book of Romans talks a lot about this.
-When your mind is deceived the result is sin, false teachers loved to make up and hold people to rules that are not Biblical
Vrs 16 “Unfit” even when they do good it just does not seem good
The result…
Having Godly leaders in place will inspire those they are leading to do good works.
Our Response…
Follow in good works in order to lead others to Jesus.
In effect we all have some role in leading…
Probably a lot of work there because there were probably many churches. The Cretan’s were a rough group Epimenides there own prophet said
Vrs 12.
Polybius in Histories said “Almost impossible to find personal conduct more treacherous or public policy more unjust, then in Crete”
Cicero states in Republic “Moral principles are so divergent that the Cretans consider highway robbery honorable”
How do you do good among such a sinful and messed up culture? The first thing is appoint leaders who follow the Lord. Is this possible to find Godly people to lead in such terrible circumstances…Titus would know the answer is yes…cause he knew about Noah, Lot, Moses, Daniel
Theme of letter: “Promoting good works among the people” Obviously a difficult task.
Tonight we will learn that “Godly leaders inspire good works”
We all realize that when there is corruption in leadership and injustice happens people respond in sinful ways.
An example of that was in LA in the early 90’s when Rodney King beaten by police and the police got off the hook. Explain the riots and the story of Rev. Bennie Newton who ran a ministry for troubled young men in LA, turn on the tv as the riots started to break out and realized around the corner from his house Reginald Denny was being beaten by looters. He ran out to find that others saved Reginald by the attackers were now beating a man named Fidel Lopez, Rev. Newton with Bible in hand jumped on Fidel to guard him from the attackers and yelled “If you kill this man you have to kill me first” and the attackers dispersed and Rev. Newton prayed over the man and brought him to the hospital because no ambulance responded.
Our culture and every culture and place need righteous leaders to stand for righteousness.
To identify Godly leaders we look at...
• family life.
• personal purity.
• doctrinal beliefs.
• willingness to do what is right no matter the cost.
What I am going to do is go through the passage in order rather then going through there four points and taking the passage out of order. With these points behind me you will be able see that these points are what we find in the passage.
• Intro Verses 1-4
Vrs 1 Paul starts with the reminder of truth GOSPEL (doctrinal beliefs)
Vrs 2 Even though you are in a culture of liars. In 600BC the Cretans were so much known for being liars that other people came up with the term “Cretanize” which meant you were lying. In sharp contrast Paul states “God is not a liar” His Gospel is true (personal purity)
Vrs 3 Given Word to be preached and “Entrusted” Paul with it. This is what all Christians must understand we are “Entrusted” to bring the Word. (doctrinal beliefs)
• Vrs 5 Here is what I need you to do. Clean up the mess and then appoint those who can take care of the church.
Appoint: who has the right to put people in leadership? Those in leadership, not about yes men but about qualified men.
The character of Godly leaders Vrs 6-8 What qualifies them? these are character traits that all Christians should strive after. When I preached 1 Timothy 3 I did an entire sermon on these traits, so I don’t want to get repetitious.
Paul is saying here is this the measuring stick…Why? Because people need real life people in their church and community to look up to, get Godly advice from and trust. In the culture Titus was in it was a lot easier to select unqualified men to be leaders but Paul is saying “no no” There must be standards for who will have authority in the church.
Vrs 9 these men have to be willing to do the hard things and not shrink back for fear of others. They stick to God’s Word and use it to correct those who violate it and oppose it.
• The character of the ungodly Vrs 10 Paul now describes what characterizes the ungodly. “circumcision party” The false teachers arose form the Jewish Christians (Here is how you will recognize them, they are the ones adding rules)
• What to do about the ungodly 11-14.
-Silence v11 They need to be willing to speak up..
Silence in the face of evil is itself evil...not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act. ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
-v12-13a Even the unredeemed know they are sinful (Epimenides)
-Rebuke & correct them v13-14
Need to point out their error and send them on the right way
Myths-belief in untrue or fanciful stories that were deceptive and excused immoral behavior.
• Vrs 15-16 When someone is working on their personal purity their focus becomes on the things of the Lord, when that happens we think on what is pure…that is where our mind goes…did you ever have someone say to you “get your mind out of the gutter”?
The ungodly are deceived their conscience and moral compass is off…The book of Romans talks a lot about this.
-When your mind is deceived the result is sin, false teachers loved to make up and hold people to rules that are not Biblical
Vrs 16 “Unfit” even when they do good it just does not seem good
The result…
Having Godly leaders in place will inspire those they are leading to do good works.
Our Response…
Follow in good works in order to lead others to Jesus.
In effect we all have some role in leading…
"Helpful or Hurtful?"
Helpful people…
-are servants of the Lord
Crescens v10 nothing is known but apparently was dispatched to do the work of the Lord in Galatia
Titus v10 Helpful but we will learn more about him next week.
Tychicus v12 Eph 6:18-21 & Col. 4:2-7 Paul states that “he is a faithful brother and minister” 2x and says he will tell the church at Collosea his affairs…so he was a messenger.
Q=Do you serve the Lord?
Luke v11 The physician wrote Gospel of Luke and Acts. But he is with Paul
-use skills and abilities to serve.
Q=What skills and abilities do you have to serve?
-provide companionship. Luke knew Paul would appreciate company.
Q=Are you available?
-do things for others.
Vrs 13 bring my cloak, books and parchments (OT Scriptures)
Q=Are you willing to do things for others?
Side note: Spurgeon Metropolitan Tabernacle in 1860’s on “The books”
How rebuked are they by the apostle! He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a men to utter, yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books! The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, "Give thyself unto reading."
Christians, what is true of ministers is true of all our people. You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure, is to be either reading or praying.
Hurtful people…
-let us down
Demas v10 Being in love with the world will leave you Restless. It is amazing to see that when people turn away from the Lord it actually hurts those who are serving Him. (some personal illustrations)
Q=Have your actions and decisions let others down?
-cause us problems
Alexander v14a “Much harm” “guard against/Beware of him” this would carry the idea we have to put up some walls against people who have hurt us. This does not mean we do not forgive, or we should treat them badly. But it does give us the idea that we should enter in with extreme caution.
Do people change?
Sometimes the hurtful become helpful.
Mark v11 Acts 15:36-41 Paul disapproved of Mark because of his departure from them. 46-47AD. God sometimes uses departed situations to further the Kingdom and prove peoples usefulness. Paul did not say “I was wrong about him” he said he is useful almost 20 years later.
So yes people change but they may need time…I would suggest time
You may be saying to yourself…I don’t really have many helpful people in my life…
Vrs 16-18 When we can’t count on anyone…we can count on the Lord.
Jesus is helpful to us even though were hurtful to Him. GOSPEL
How do we treat those who are hurtful?
Vrs 14b (our instinct is to take revenge)
-take comfort that the Lord will repay.
Vrs 16 -pray for mercy for them
- Realize you have hurt others.
Thomas Kempis wrote in the “Imitation of Christ” in the 1400’s
Under the heading “Bearing with faults of others”
“Try to bear patiently with the defects and infirmities of others, whatever they may be, because you also have many a fault” “If you cannot make yourself what you wish to be, how can bend others to your will” “we want them to be perfect and yet we do not correct our own faults”
(Paul would understand that because he did great harm to the faith and then he was saved and people where skeptical and he understood that)
How do we treat those who are helpful?
-encourage them
Vrs 19-21 Greet those co-laborers Paul is being an example of a person that is helpful. His encouraging words to those people. Think about the God of this universe decided to inspire Paul to give “shout outs” to certain people and how encouraging would that be to be one of them.
-Bless them
Vrs 22
The final words Paul penned was a blessing
-are servants of the Lord
Crescens v10 nothing is known but apparently was dispatched to do the work of the Lord in Galatia
Titus v10 Helpful but we will learn more about him next week.
Tychicus v12 Eph 6:18-21 & Col. 4:2-7 Paul states that “he is a faithful brother and minister” 2x and says he will tell the church at Collosea his affairs…so he was a messenger.
Q=Do you serve the Lord?
Luke v11 The physician wrote Gospel of Luke and Acts. But he is with Paul
-use skills and abilities to serve.
Q=What skills and abilities do you have to serve?
-provide companionship. Luke knew Paul would appreciate company.
Q=Are you available?
-do things for others.
Vrs 13 bring my cloak, books and parchments (OT Scriptures)
Q=Are you willing to do things for others?
Side note: Spurgeon Metropolitan Tabernacle in 1860’s on “The books”
How rebuked are they by the apostle! He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a men to utter, yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books! The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, "Give thyself unto reading."
Christians, what is true of ministers is true of all our people. You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure, is to be either reading or praying.
Hurtful people…
-let us down
Demas v10 Being in love with the world will leave you Restless. It is amazing to see that when people turn away from the Lord it actually hurts those who are serving Him. (some personal illustrations)
Q=Have your actions and decisions let others down?
-cause us problems
Alexander v14a “Much harm” “guard against/Beware of him” this would carry the idea we have to put up some walls against people who have hurt us. This does not mean we do not forgive, or we should treat them badly. But it does give us the idea that we should enter in with extreme caution.
Do people change?
Sometimes the hurtful become helpful.
Mark v11 Acts 15:36-41 Paul disapproved of Mark because of his departure from them. 46-47AD. God sometimes uses departed situations to further the Kingdom and prove peoples usefulness. Paul did not say “I was wrong about him” he said he is useful almost 20 years later.
So yes people change but they may need time…I would suggest time
You may be saying to yourself…I don’t really have many helpful people in my life…
Vrs 16-18 When we can’t count on anyone…we can count on the Lord.
Jesus is helpful to us even though were hurtful to Him. GOSPEL
How do we treat those who are hurtful?
Vrs 14b (our instinct is to take revenge)
-take comfort that the Lord will repay.
Vrs 16 -pray for mercy for them
- Realize you have hurt others.
Thomas Kempis wrote in the “Imitation of Christ” in the 1400’s
Under the heading “Bearing with faults of others”
“Try to bear patiently with the defects and infirmities of others, whatever they may be, because you also have many a fault” “If you cannot make yourself what you wish to be, how can bend others to your will” “we want them to be perfect and yet we do not correct our own faults”
(Paul would understand that because he did great harm to the faith and then he was saved and people where skeptical and he understood that)
How do we treat those who are helpful?
-encourage them
Vrs 19-21 Greet those co-laborers Paul is being an example of a person that is helpful. His encouraging words to those people. Think about the God of this universe decided to inspire Paul to give “shout outs” to certain people and how encouraging would that be to be one of them.
-Bless them
Vrs 22
The final words Paul penned was a blessing
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Entrusted: "The Pastor, the People, the Promise"
2 Timothy 4:1-8 “The Pastor, the People, the Promise”
Vrs 1 We will all meet our Judge 2 Cor 5:10 Paul was motivated by future judgment so therefore he wanted to motivate Timothy that way as well. “I charge you”
Some have suggested that we should not be motivated by reward…but I would suggest that pleasing Christ is a reward that we should all be motivated by. (My kids just love to hear words of approval and affirmation) but in this passage Paul also concludes that there is a heavenly reward for living a life that is pleasing to God…a life of righteousness.
In this passage Paul then is telling Timothy a pastor of pastors, what Christian’s should be reminded of when it comes to righteous living. He speaks to the pastors and the people
Vrs 2 The call of a pastor is to…
-“Preach the Word” Matthew Henry said “It is not their own notions and fancies that they are to preach, but the pure plain word of God; and they must not corrupt it”
Remember the ceter piece of the Word is Jesus
-“Be ready” “instant” Calvin “Overcome the hindrances of being effeminate or slothful, don’t yield to opposition and make excuses for our laziness”
In season-when people want to hear it. Out of season- when they don’t
Use the Scripture for guidance in dealing with the people
-Reprove- conviction (help people realize something is wrong)
-Rebuke (admonish) – disapproval based upon what the word says
-Exhort- Persuade to press on
-“with complete patience and teaching(doctrine)” This should be the attitude of the pastor/preacher. Anytime correction has to happen it should be done in patience and gentleness but rooted in Scripture.
Inevitably if a Pastor is doing this people who persist in sin will be inclined to get angry. And in the next verse Paul speaks about what those people will do
Vrs 3-4
Temptations for the people
-Not to endure sound teaching (I don’t like that / or you have no right)
-Find people who teach what they like to hear (they themselves are the measure of needs to be heard and taught and how things should go) We live in this time and unfortunately democracy has taught us to think like we know what we are talking about.
So the problem is because of our prideful un-teachable spirits we do not want to admit that we are in desperate need of guidance. And true guidance only comes fro the Lord and His Word
-Believing myths or wrong doctrines
A person with a teachable spirit will respond to the preached word. And submit to Godly people when they are sticking with the Scripture
Vrs 5-6 The Pastor and the People
My position as a Pastor is to study God’s Word and have a pulse on the people I minister to so I am able to preach what we all need to hear. The great news for all us is that when we study through books of the Bible or select passages of Scripture to preach through we know it is what God wants us to hear. And then you all will be able to learn how to function as a Christian in your world.
When pastors teach the Word and the people respond
We become able to….
-Think clearly- The only way we can think clearly is if our mind is renewed. Romans 12:2 “do not conform to the world…be transformed”
-Endure suffering- Deal with it and don’t let it stop you
-Tell others about Jesus GOSPEL
-Fulfill what God has given us to do – whatever you feel you are gifted to do and God has enable you to do, keep your focus and do your job
-Live a life of sacrifice
-Unfortunately the trap that Paul is talking about that many Pastors fall into is “fear of man” and they feel they have to bow to what the people want or the people will not come. This I believe comes from low self worth, focusing too much on numerical growth, focusing too much on what every other church is doing and a low view of the power of God’s Word preached
-The trap that people fall into is that they think that church exists for them, so they find a place that speaks to what they want to do or hear.
But the church exists for the Glory of Jesus
Questions we can ask ourselves…
Vrs 7
-“Fought the good fight” Do I do what can to serve Him?
-“Finished the race” If today were the last day did I finish well? (weddings)
-“Kept the faith” Do I keep to sound teaching of the Bible?
Vrs 8
The result for both parties is a promise…a reward for righteous living
The promise
This is why I think it is not only appropriate but Biblical to focus in on the promise…sometimes it is all we have.
Paul was awaiting his death…he could easily say “a life of service and this is what I get… jail time and a death sentence” (your best life now)
Righteous living results in a little something extra in the “goody bag”
Vrs 8 “crown of righteousness” this is a reference to some kind of heavenly reward for those who have lived in righteousness.
Paul reminds in 1 Cor 9:25 that runners in an earthly race run for a prize that does not last but as Christians when we seek after and follow the Lord He rewards us with a crown that will last.
The way we understand that is “those who love His appearing” signify those who live their lives in view of Jesus.
If you are so focused on the Lord you cannot help but live a life of righteousness.
Vrs 1 We will all meet our Judge 2 Cor 5:10 Paul was motivated by future judgment so therefore he wanted to motivate Timothy that way as well. “I charge you”
Some have suggested that we should not be motivated by reward…but I would suggest that pleasing Christ is a reward that we should all be motivated by. (My kids just love to hear words of approval and affirmation) but in this passage Paul also concludes that there is a heavenly reward for living a life that is pleasing to God…a life of righteousness.
In this passage Paul then is telling Timothy a pastor of pastors, what Christian’s should be reminded of when it comes to righteous living. He speaks to the pastors and the people
Vrs 2 The call of a pastor is to…
-“Preach the Word” Matthew Henry said “It is not their own notions and fancies that they are to preach, but the pure plain word of God; and they must not corrupt it”
Remember the ceter piece of the Word is Jesus
-“Be ready” “instant” Calvin “Overcome the hindrances of being effeminate or slothful, don’t yield to opposition and make excuses for our laziness”
In season-when people want to hear it. Out of season- when they don’t
Use the Scripture for guidance in dealing with the people
-Reprove- conviction (help people realize something is wrong)
-Rebuke (admonish) – disapproval based upon what the word says
-Exhort- Persuade to press on
-“with complete patience and teaching(doctrine)” This should be the attitude of the pastor/preacher. Anytime correction has to happen it should be done in patience and gentleness but rooted in Scripture.
Inevitably if a Pastor is doing this people who persist in sin will be inclined to get angry. And in the next verse Paul speaks about what those people will do
Vrs 3-4
Temptations for the people
-Not to endure sound teaching (I don’t like that / or you have no right)
-Find people who teach what they like to hear (they themselves are the measure of needs to be heard and taught and how things should go) We live in this time and unfortunately democracy has taught us to think like we know what we are talking about.
So the problem is because of our prideful un-teachable spirits we do not want to admit that we are in desperate need of guidance. And true guidance only comes fro the Lord and His Word
-Believing myths or wrong doctrines
A person with a teachable spirit will respond to the preached word. And submit to Godly people when they are sticking with the Scripture
Vrs 5-6 The Pastor and the People
My position as a Pastor is to study God’s Word and have a pulse on the people I minister to so I am able to preach what we all need to hear. The great news for all us is that when we study through books of the Bible or select passages of Scripture to preach through we know it is what God wants us to hear. And then you all will be able to learn how to function as a Christian in your world.
When pastors teach the Word and the people respond
We become able to….
-Think clearly- The only way we can think clearly is if our mind is renewed. Romans 12:2 “do not conform to the world…be transformed”
-Endure suffering- Deal with it and don’t let it stop you
-Tell others about Jesus GOSPEL
-Fulfill what God has given us to do – whatever you feel you are gifted to do and God has enable you to do, keep your focus and do your job
-Live a life of sacrifice
-Unfortunately the trap that Paul is talking about that many Pastors fall into is “fear of man” and they feel they have to bow to what the people want or the people will not come. This I believe comes from low self worth, focusing too much on numerical growth, focusing too much on what every other church is doing and a low view of the power of God’s Word preached
-The trap that people fall into is that they think that church exists for them, so they find a place that speaks to what they want to do or hear.
But the church exists for the Glory of Jesus
Questions we can ask ourselves…
Vrs 7
-“Fought the good fight” Do I do what can to serve Him?
-“Finished the race” If today were the last day did I finish well? (weddings)
-“Kept the faith” Do I keep to sound teaching of the Bible?
Vrs 8
The result for both parties is a promise…a reward for righteous living
The promise
This is why I think it is not only appropriate but Biblical to focus in on the promise…sometimes it is all we have.
Paul was awaiting his death…he could easily say “a life of service and this is what I get… jail time and a death sentence” (your best life now)
Righteous living results in a little something extra in the “goody bag”
Vrs 8 “crown of righteousness” this is a reference to some kind of heavenly reward for those who have lived in righteousness.
Paul reminds in 1 Cor 9:25 that runners in an earthly race run for a prize that does not last but as Christians when we seek after and follow the Lord He rewards us with a crown that will last.
The way we understand that is “those who love His appearing” signify those who live their lives in view of Jesus.
If you are so focused on the Lord you cannot help but live a life of righteousness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)