The Molding of a Spiritual Leader
Introduction
Paul had warned Timothy in Chapter 3:l-9 that the last days were going to be perilous (dangerous) times. It would be a time where there would be much pressure to compromise and give in to evil. However, Paul knew that if Timothy was to become a spiritual leader he would have to assimilate many things into his life in order to survive. True makings of a spiritual leader take place when God, through several events, molds you into the person He wants you to be. Note what God uses in the life of Timothy:
I. THE EXAMPLE OF A SAINT. v.10
God gave Timothy, Paul. What did Timothy receive from Paul? "But thou hast fully known” - know; one who Has traced out the events of Paul's life; investigated. In Paul, Timothy had found a life open for all to see; nothing to hide. Said of Jesus: John 18:20-21, “Jesus answered him, ‘I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said."
Said of Paul before Agrippa: Acts 26:4, "My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know.” Paul had not hidden behind extravagant claims or religious propaganda.
"fully known" - to follow; emphatic -
"But you, you followed..." fully followed up; fully traced; as if running over a copy on which to pattern his own life.
A. PROCLAMATION. 10a
"doctrine" - teaching; the gospel he proclaimed. No matter how appealing a preacher may be, if he does not preach the truth of God's Word, he does not deserve our support.
B. DEMONSTRATION. l0b
"manner of life" - those guiding principles of his life which he had demonstrated; his way of life. Paul practiced what he proclaimed. Paul was a servant, not a celebrity.
C. RESOLUTION. l0c
"purpose" - his resolve to show "single-minded commitment to Christ."
Acts 20:24, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
D. CONVICTION. l0d
"faith" - confidence in God; Paul was a man of faith that trusted God to meet his needs.
E. RESIGNATION. l0e
"long-suffering" - reflected a forbearance toward people and circumstances. No turning back.
F. AFFECTION. l0f
"love" - embraced both friend and foe alike. He was a man of love who willingly gave himself to serve others.
G. PRESERVATION. l0g
"patience" - an attitude of preservation that controlled discouragement under trying circumstances.
II. THE EXPECTATION OF SUFFERINGS.
v.11-12
A. PERSECUTION. 11a
various forms; social pressures and rejection by their contemporaries because of their faith. The academic community may reject them in their field of study. You may be passed over for promotions in business because top management doesn't care to promote one who refuses to compromise his principles.
Persecution is inescapable to the "determined" to live godly.
B. PROMISE. llb-l2
Paul gave credit to the Lord; what believers experience is secondary to what the Lord has done for him. It focuses attention on the Lord, not on the believer.
III. THE EXPANSION OF THE SEDUCERS.
v.13
A. THEIR PROGRESS. l3a
"seducers" - swindler or imposter
"shall wax" - go forward; advance
Such men have rejected the truths set forth in God's Word and hold to no absolute truth. In the last days there will be more deception and imitation. The only way a believer will be able to tell the true from the false is by hearing the Word of God.
B. THEIR PRACTICE AND POSITION. l3b
"deceiving" - they succeeded in deceiving others and also in losing their own ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood.
IV. THE EXHORTATION OF THE
SCRIPTURE. v.14-15
A. STABILITY. 14a
"continue" - remain; abide
"assured of" - feel confidence; be convinced.
As Timothy gained information from the Lord, he became convinced that these things were true.
B. SCRIPTURES. 15a
Sacred letters; the Bible is a special book; set apart by God for special sacred uses.
"Holy" - means consecrated
1 Thess. 2:13, "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”
C. SALVATION. l5c
We are not saved by believing the Bible.
John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
The means of salvation is Jesus Christ.
Timothy was raised under the teaching of the Bible in a godly home, but it was not until Paul pointed him to Jesus that he was saved.
CONCLUSION
What is the relationship of the Bible to Salvation?
1. The Bible reveals our need for salvation.
It is a mirror that shows us how filthy we are in God's sight.
2. The Bible explains that every lost sinner is
condemned now. (John 3:l8-21)
3. The Bible explains that a lost sinner
cannot save himself. (Eph. 2:8-9)
4. The Bible explains God's wonderful plan
of salvation. (Romans 5:8, John 3:l6)
5. The Bible explains assurance.
(I John 5:9-13)
6. The Bible becomes our spiritual food for growth.
7. The Bible is our guide for life and death.