공동체와 양육

Putting the Gospel Into Action (2 Tim 1:1-14)

2011.10.23Rev. Mike Lee

Paul charges Timothy to administer the gospel with no regret, no fear, and an eternal perspective, and to keep guarding it faithfully until the end. Gratitude, obedience, and expecting suffering are how we live that out.

Serve God with gratitude and a clear conscience (vv. 3)

Paul begins by thanking God, and that gratitude keeps his conscience clear. Even when others have hurt us, we are called to give thanks, forgive, and pray that they will also see the gospel at work. Our service is worship, so we must direct our focus to God and let Him shape us. A clear conscience comes from doing what is right, because violating it lets fear and Satan drive a wedge between us and God. A life lived by conviction can say, like William Borden, 'no regrets.'

Share the gospel without fear, through God's Spirit (vv. 5-7)

Paul recalls the sincere faith that first dwelt in Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, so we must invest in the next generation. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control, which the Holy Spirit produces in us. Our fear of sharing the gospel is usually selfish, rooted in concern for what others think of us. The gospel is God's initiative, and our part is to obey when He leads us to someone. Because the gospel offers eternal life, refusing to share it withholds the most precious gift a person can receive.

Grace comes through humility and suffering, so expect it (vv. 8-14)

Paul calls Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, not to seek a comfortable life. God's grace cannot be earned by good works, because salvation is based on grace alone, accomplished by Christ alone, and received by faith alone. Paul was not ashamed, because he knew whom he had believed, and his strength grew as persecution grew. We must expect suffering as Christians and be ready for the attacks Satan brings. Our hope rests on an eternal perspective that keeps us steady in hardship.

Guard the gospel faithfully until the very end

Paul charges Timothy to guard the good deposit entrusted to him, the way a guardian protects a sacred trust. Some people deserted Paul in prison, but one faithful companion risked his life to stand with him. We are called to be like that companion and not to run away from God during hardship. We must remain faithful until the end. The call is to administer the gospel with no regret, no fear, and an eternal perspective.

Apply to Life

  • Let us give thanks in every circumstance and pray for those who have hurt us.
  • Let us invest in the next generation and pass our faith on to our children and grandchildren.
  • Let us obey when God leads us to share the gospel with a friend or co-worker, setting our fear aside.
  • Let us expect suffering as believers and keep our eyes on Christ until the end.
  • Let us live with no regret, no fear, and an eternal perspective.

This summary was made automatically from the sermon's captions and may differ from the sermon.

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