Introduction
The Holy Spirit gives confidence, therefore we have no excuse if we
do not serve the Lord
confidently. Our boldness in service grows as we walk with the Lord,
and experience the strength He gives. We may also learn as we watch how
God has enabled others to serve in difficult situations. Timothy certainly
received an example, and encouragement, from Paul.
1. The . . Reason to Serve Confidently. v 1-2
If we have a reason to serve with confidence, and
we do, by what authority would we make that claim? We serve the Lord of
Lords and King of Kings who will judge the living and the dead. We also
have an advocacy reason. The word translated "proclaim" in verse two (preach
in the KJV) usually refers to the kind of proclamation the minister does.
However, laymen can also preach like this and share at all times what the
Lord has done for them. All of us are to be persistent in sharing a pertinent
message, with patience. Recently I heard of a wife who prayed for and shared
with her husband for 55 years before he received Christ. That is a wonderful
reason to share.
A. The . . Authority Reason
to Serve Confidently
1. The
. . Kings Authority. v 1 a
" Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the
dead,":
2. The
. . Kingdom Authority. v 1 b
" and by His appearing and His kingdom, I solemnly charge you
B. The . . Advocacy Reason to
Serve Confidently.
1.
An
Advocacy of . . Proclaiming. v 2a
" proclaim the message;"
2. An
Advocacy of . . Persisting. v 2b
"persist in it whether convenient or not;"
3. An
Advocacy of . . Pertinence. v 2c
" rebuke, correct, and encourage"
4. An
Advocacy of . . Patience. v 2d
" with great patience and teaching."
2. The . . Restraints to Serving Confidently. v
3-4
Serving the Lord will bring
several restraints. One will be rejection as many do not want our message,
and will not tolerate it. In addition, false teachers will reject our message.
Why? Because they want a message that tickles their ears, and will be like
a revolving door turning away from truth, while turning toward myths.
A. The Restraint of the
. . Rejected Message. v 3
1.
Rejected because of their . . Tolerance. v 3a
" For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine,"
2. Rejected
because of their . . Teachers. v 3b
". but according to their own desires, will accumulate teachers for themselves"
3. Rejected
because of their . . Tickles. v 3c
"because they have an itch to hear something new."
B. The Restraint of the . .
Revolving Myths. v 4
1. Revolving
In . . Turning Away. v 4a
"They will turn away from hearing the truth In . . ." v 4b
2. Revolving
In . . Turning Towards. v 4b
"and will turn aside to myths.
3. The . . Readiness to Serve Confidently. v 5-8
We should be ready
to serve confidently with a godly endurance. The endurance needs to be
in all we do, especially evangelism. Some seem to be willing to serve in
most ways but want to leave evangelism to the paid staff, and that is not
biblical. In fact we should be like Paul, willing to expend our life in
serving our Lord. Paul gave a fine example of his readiness to serve, as
he says "I have fought a good fight." It is sad but occasionally necessary
to fight a good fight for the faith. Remember Jesus cleansed the temple
twice, and at times we must stand for a cleansing of the faith. Those who
serve looking forward to the return of the Lord, and serve with a motivated
confidence will receive the crown of righteousness.
A. The Endurance of . . Readiness.
v 5
"But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do
the work of
an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6. I am already being poured out
as a drink offering,
and the time for my departure is close.
1.
Endurance in . . Everything. v 5a
2. Endurance
In . . Evangelism. v 5b
3. Endurance
In . . Expending Of Life. v 6
B. The Example of . . Readiness.
v 7-8
7 I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 In the future,
there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all
those who have loved His appearing.
1. Example
In the . . Fight. v 7a
2. Example
In the . . Faith. v 7b
3. Example
In the . . Future. v 8
4. The . . Rescue and Reward of Serving Confidently.
v 16-18
Serving confidently brings some rewards and times
of rescuing by the Lord. It is sad to know of ministers who serve, and
no one stands with them. Paul had this experience and speaks of an absence
of support from man, but an abundance of support from the Lord. I am pleased
to testify of fine laymen standing with me on many occasions of ministry.
I think all ministers need this kind of support from those with whom he
serves. Paul further shares about the Lord delivering him from Satan's
attacks, and then gives adoration to the Lord for His Person, and the heavenly
home He makes possible. Yes! It is a joy to serve confidently. Amen? Amen!
A. Rescued from the Absence
of Support. v 16
"At my first defense, no
one came to my assistance, but everyone deserted me. May it
not be counted against them.
B. Rewarded by the . . Abundance
of Support. v 17a
"But the Lord stood with
me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully
made through me, and all
the Gentiles might hear"
C. Rescued from the . . Attacks
of Satan.. v 17b
"So I was rescued from the
lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil work"
D. Rewarded through the . .
Adoration of Salvation and the Savior. v 18b
"and will bring me safely
into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever
and ever! Amen