1 Timothy 1: Church as God Intended: The Members, The Message and The Mission Part 2

Class Outline:

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Trials may trip, but the Truth won't slip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome To

BARAH MINISTRIES

 

Al Gleason

Guest Teacher

 

Good morning!

 

Welcome to Barah Ministries…an intimate, local Christian Church with a worldwide impact.  My name is Al Gleason and I will be teaching today.  I would like to thank Pastor Rory Clark for sharing the pulpit with me today.  It is a privilege and an honor. I would like to thank you for listening to this Bible lesson!

 

TODAY’S BIBLE LESSON

Church as God Intended: The Members, The Message and The Mission Part 2

 

LESSON INTRODUCTION

 

A group of tourists in Europe set out on a scenic drive to a small town they read about. They plugged the town's name into their GPS and hit the road. Hours passedand the terrain grew more rugged. They crossed rivers, passed through open fields, and eventually ended up in a remote area where their car got stuck in the mud.

 

Turns outthe GPS led them to the wrong location—a different town with a similar name.They were sincere, they were committed, and they fully believed they were going the right way.But they were still completely off course.

 

It took a rescue team to bring them back safely, not because they were rebellious or evil, but because they trusted the wrong guide.

 

There are a couple of key parts of this story that parallel what happens to folks in real life.

 

 

 

 

1

The group entered the destination into the GPS. Everything looked right. The road

was smooth. The sky was clear. They were confident they were headed the right way.

 

Many people start their spiritual journey that way. They’re sincerely seeking truth, they’re open to God, and they’re eager to grow. They trust voices that sound right, look spiritual, and feel familiar. It could be a preacher, an influencer, or even a personal interpretation. Everything seems fine at first. No red flags. Let’s look at First Timothy, Chapter 1, Verses 6 and 7.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:6

For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion…

 

FIRSTTIMOTHY 1:7

…wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

 

We will get into more detail on these to verses later, but it’s common for people to seek special revelation or special understanding no one else knows. It reminds me of when I used to go to the record store every Tuesday to find music that “nobody” had heard yet. I took pride in being first and being on top of music before other people. Immature Christians have this same type of desire.

 

2

As the drive continued, the paved road turned into gravel. Then mud. Then deep ruts and open fields. But by then, they had already come too far to turn back easily.

 

False teaching rarely shows its damage right away. Over time, what starts out sounding good leads to confusion, contradiction, and spiritual struggle.People begin to feel distant from God, trapped in performance-based religion, legalism, shame, or twisted theology.But they’ve already “invested too much” in the path to back out easily.

 

SECOND TIMOTHY 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires…

 

 

SECOND TIMOTHY 4:4

…and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

 

Don’t get tired of truth. It may seem boring to read the same Scripture over and over, but when you are ready, God will reveal more truth from those same Scriptures that you have never seen before. An old Pastor of mine used to say that the Word of God is pregnant because it always give birth to new revelations. As you mature in Christ, you will be able to recognize those truths and not get caught up in deceptions. If by chance you do get caught up, God will send a Timothy, or a Pastor Rory to wake you up. Amen?! Which leads to the next point…

 

3

Eventually, the car gets stuck. The travelers are disoriented, frustrated, and in need of help. A rescue team has to come to pull them out.Many believers eventually realize, “Something’s not right. This isn’t leading me to freedom, joy, or Jesus.”By then, they may feel spiritually stuck, trapped by fear, guilt, or pride.They need someone, like Timothy in Ephesus, to come alongside them and rescue them with truth. I know several of us have had this experience, from different denominations we have been a part of, or when navigating “truths” those close to us taught us. God knew this would continue to happen and He instructs us on how to handle it.

 

GALATIANS 6:1

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…each one looking to yourselfso that you too will not be tempted.

 

At times it can be easy to judge others when we have knowledge, or when our challenges are different than others. This Scripture comes with a warning to admonish you not to fall into being a judge. Remember that you too can fall into temptation.  Think back to when you did.  If you do, you’ll show the same compassion to others you once needed.

 

Sincerity may start the journey, but only the truth will get you to the right destination. Let’s say that again. Sincerity may start the journey, but only the truth will get you to the right destination!

 

This is why Paul charged Timothy so strongly: protect the flock and guard the gospel. Well intentioned people can still find themselves stuck in the wrong place when they follow the wrong voice.

 

We all need others to teach us and to show us the way. But sometimes, whether well-meaning or wicked, we are given information that is incorrect. As such, instructions from God are important as ever.

 

In today’s lesson we will continue our study of First Timothy, a letter written by the apostle Paul to Timothy to give him guidance on how to handle the church at Ephesus. This guidance is just as relevant today as it was back then.In the first part of this lesson,  we did an overview of the letter.  Today we will study a passage in First Timothy, Chapter 1, verse-by-verse.

 

OPENING SONG INTRODUCTION

 

Having a sincere heart is not a guarantee we will make it to the expected destination. It is important to look to the Lord for direction, knowing that our help will come from Him. Let’s worship together as we listen to Total Praise by Richard Smallwood and Vision.

 

MUSIC

OPENING SONG

Let’s sing the Lord’s Praises

 

TOTAL PRAISE

Richard Smallwood and Vision

 

OPENING PRAYER

 

Let us pray…

 

Father thank you for the opportunity to fellowship together and to study Your Word together…thank you for Your eternal wisdom that is written in Your Word…truththat never changes.

 

There is no one more strategic, knowledgeable, or wise than You. You are the most purposeful Being that exists. You know the end from the beginning, and You are aware of every detail that pertains to our lives, even the number of hairs on our head. We humble ourselves to Your divine wisdom and ask for understanding so we can do things Your way. It is Your Glory to conceal things and the honor of kings to search them out.

 

We thank you for a heart that seeks to know You better, and we thank you for the glory that will result as we search out those things. We ask this through the power of God the Holy Spiritin Christ’s name… Amen.

 

TODAY’S BIBLE LESSON

Church as God Intended: The Members, The Message and The Mission Part 2

 

LESSON PART ONE

 

Before we study verse one, let’s remember why this letter was written. Paul isn’t writing as a distant theologian sitting in comfort. He considers himself the least of all saints and an example of what God’s grace can do. He’s writing as a battle-scarred apostle, speaking to his trusted son in the faith, Timothy, ayoung pastor left in one of the most spiritually hostile cities of the Roman Empire: Ephesus (the equivalent of New York City today).

 

False teachers and false teaching had crept into the church at Epehsus. People were sincere…but sincerely off course. The gospel was being distorted. Leadership was getting messy. The church, God’s beautiful design, was in danger of being repurposed into something God never intended.

 

So Paul writes not just to correct, but to remind, equip, and re-center the church.

This isn’t a passive letter. It’s a charge and a directive.

 

In the city where Timothy was Pastoring, idols were everywhere….not just carved in stone, but embedded in the culture. Temples to money, sex, power, and fame were on nearly every corner. It was a place where worldviews collided, where truth was relative, and where the gospel of Christ was just another voice in a crowd of competing ideas.

 

In the middle of that chaos, Paul doesn’t tell Timothy to run or to blend in.  He tells him to stand firm.I have a question for you. Today we live in a world that is full of confusion. Are you running, blending in, or standing firm in what you believe? If you are careful not tomake a face, no one will know your answer. LOL

 

This letter is more than encouragement.  It’s also a call to clarity and courage.

It’s a charge from God to Timothyand to us.

 

The letter is designed to provide guidance on sound doctrine, church leadership, and godly living within the Christian community, equipping Timothy and future leaders like uswith the wisdom to shepherd the church in truth, love, and order.

 

Its relevant because it teaches us:

 

1. To stand for Truth in a confused world
2. That godly leadership matters
3. To live a life of integrity
4. The power of discipleship
5. To maintain an eternal focus

 

God also revealed that it’s important to have your violin appraised before you use it as a doorstop! You’ll remember this from the first lesson.  A Stratevarius is not a doorstop!  You must understand your value and seek God’s purpose for your life. You are more valuable than you realize!

 

Now, let’s read First Timothy, Chapter 1 verse-by-verse.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:2

To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:3

As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:4

…nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:5

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:6

For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:7

…wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:8

But we know the Law is good, if one uses it lawfull…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:9

…realizing that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:10

…and for immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:11

…according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:12

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:13

…even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:14

…and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:15

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:16

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:17

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:18

This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:19

…keeping the faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:20

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

 

We’ve just read Paul’s opening words to Timothy. When we get back from the break, we’ll take the offering, then we are going to get a better understanding of what Paul is saying to Timothy, and what God is saying to us, by examining not only what each verse says, but also what each verse is saying.

 

Take a five minutebreak.

 

FIVE-MINUTE BREAK

NOBODY

Casting Crowns

 

 

 

 

TODAY’S BIBLE LESSON

Church As God Intended: The Members, The Message and The Mission Part 2

 

 

 

OFFERING INTRODUCTION

Paul wrote a letter to Timothy to bring order and sound doctrine to the church. God has doctrine about giving that we must follow as well.

Let’s welcome up Denny Goodall with today’s offering message.

 

THE OFFERING

Denny Goodall

 

OFFERING VERSE

 

FIRST JOHN 3:18

Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

 

OFFERING SONG

BLESS THE LORD

Tye Tribbett & G.A.

 

TODAY’S BIBLE LESSON

Church As God Intended: The Members, The Message and The Mission Part 2

 

LESSON PART TWO

 

Welcome back!

 

Let’s studyPaul’s letter to Timothy, beginning in Chapter 1. To really understand what Paul is saying to Timothy…and what God is saying to us through these words…we’ve got to dig into the verses.

 

In the first lesson, I talked about the importance of context when we are studying the Word. It is also important to ensure when reading the Word, to understand what is being said AND the implications of what is being said. Unfortunately, many know what the Bible says, but they don’t understand what the Bible is saying.

 

KEEP IN MIND THREE THINGS

 

What was happening in the church at Ephesus at the time

Why Paul wrote the letter the way he did

How the letter applies to us today

 

Let’s study First Timothy,Chapter 1, starting with Verses 1 and 2…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God the Father, and the commandment of our Savior,Christ Jesus the Lord…who is our hope…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:2

…to Timothy, my true child in the faith…grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Paul establishes his authority by reminding us that he is an apostle of Christ and that his apostleship was commanded by God. Timothy was established as a Pastor by Paul, the one who heard directly from God. Effectively, Paul and Timothy were sent by God! We should respect and submit to their authority that was given to them by our Heavenly Father.  Paul was almost sixty years old at the time of this writing, and Timothy was about thirty.

 

The word used for commandment here means a “royal commission.” Not only does this establish their authority, but it gives us confidence when we abide by these instructions.  First Timothy, Chapter 1, Verses 3 to 7…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:3

As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men neither to teach strange doctrines…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:4

…nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.

 

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:5

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:6

For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:7

…wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

 

In our world today, misinformation spreads faster than truth. Social media platforms have algorithms designed to feed people content that confirms their preferences instead of what’s accurate. As a result, many well-meaning people fall into belief systems shaped more by viral opinions than by verified truth. We’re living in an age where deception is disguised as insight, and popularity is often mistaken for credibility. This isn’t just a cultural issue,it’s a spiritual one.

 

Imagine a person searching online for health tips and getting pulled into a community that promotes dangerous, unproven remedies. At first, it seems harmless, just different perspectives. But over time, they stop trusting doctors, stop taking prescribed treatments, and their health deteriorates…not because they were rebellious, but because they were misled.

 

If you think this doesn’t apply to you because you are not a conspiracy theorist, you are mistaken. Did you know it is legal to propagandize us?  The government and others can intentionally mislead us, legally. Misleading facts about events, manipulated statistics from “trusted” scientific studies, and even age-old theories taught as fact like The Theory of Evolution and The Big Bang Theory permeate our culture. This isn’t a doom and gloom message.  It emphasizes the importance of being diligent to vet the information you receive, primarilyusing God the Holy Spirit and prayer.

 

The same type of misleading is EXACTLY what was happening in Ephesus. Paul warns Timothy that false teachers weren’t just spreading lies—they were leading people off course under the guise of spirituality. That’s why Paul charges Timothy to “command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer.”  It wasn’t about winning arguments—it was about protecting souls from destruction disguised as devotion.

 

Considering Verses 6 and 7, have you considered the number of fruitless conversations that take place today?With social media, television broadcasts, and streaming services available 247, outlets are hungry for content.  Fun fact…there are 150,000 pieces of content uploaded to social media every minute. Guess what most of it is? Fruitless discussions.

 

Do you allow yourself to be misled by information that reinforce emotions or agenda that are not the truth? Are you quiet when you know the truth about something because you don’t want to rock the boat? Lord…have mercy on us all!

 

Paul insisted that Timothy challenge falsehood no matter how sincere or popular it seemed. This is God’s expectation for us as well.  We are commanded to tell the truth in love!

 

First Timothy, Chapter 1, Verses 8 to 11…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:8

But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully…

 

Another way to say this?  The law is good when applied properly. False teachers were using the Old Testament law and genealogies to create different doctrines to lead people astray.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:9

…realizing that law is not made for a righteous person…it is made for those who are lawless and rebellious…for ungodlyunbelievrs…sinners…for the unholy and profane…for those who kill their fathers or mothers…for murderers…

 

Paul points out that the law was given to magnify sin in Romans, Chapter 7, Verses 7 to 25. Without the law, a lawless person is not aware of his sin. As believers, our sins have been taken care of by the Lord Jesus Christ’s work on the Cross.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:10

…the law was made for immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to sound teaching…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:11

…according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God…a gospel with which I (Paul) have been entrusted.

 

God’s intention was never for people to gloat about how great they are because they follow all the rules. Our self-righteousness in God’s eyes is at best like menstrual rags according to Isaiah, Chpater64, Verse 6. The law is a mirror used to expose our sin, so that we turn to the Lord for redemption leading to a

relationship.

 

The sins Paul mentions in this set of verses mirror the Ten Commandments, and he refers to it as sound doctrine. The societal standards today have deviated quite a bit from those established in the Bible. The Biblical standards are not only largely rejected, but the new standards are exactly what the Bible says not to do.

 

People worship a multitude of gods and make idols out of many things. Sins have been given new names to make tham seem okay.  Adultery is now known as an affair. Your business is your businessunless your business is with someone who is not your spouse when you are married. This is adultery. Stealing is okayas long as you don’t get caught…coveting is promoted through outlets like social media… honoring your father and your mother is completely out of style.

 

If we are not vigilant, we will fall for the trickery of the enemy, instead believing societal “standards” over God’s perfect standards.

 

First Timothy, Chapter 1, Verses 12 to 17…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:12

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:13

…even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:14

…and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:15

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:16

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:17

Now to the King…eternal, immortal, and invisible…to the only Godbe honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

Paul takes a moment here to thank the Lord, because the Lord was merciful,  considering Paul trustworthy. That’s the grace of God, and it is the same grace He has made available to us today. Christ came to save sinners, and Paul considers himself the worst of all sinners.He was!  If Christ will do it for Paul, He will certainly do it for you and me.

 

When the Lord gives a Word like this, it can be difficult to trust Him in the face of the opposition you face. Taking a stance on Biblical truth can get you fired, outcast, or even thrown in jail.

 

I have personally struggled with this in my life, especially as a young man because I believed achieving my dreams was going to be through my efforts. This meant I would have to climb the corporate ladder, or be a top salesperson, which I thought required me to fit in and to be liked.

 

Based on my understanding at the time, the best way to fit in was not to be vocal with my faith. I would not do things that went against the truth, but I didn’t openly share the truthwith others. If everybody at work was stealing time, I would steal a little time, too, since everyone was doing it. If a colleague was misleading a prospect on a joint sales call, I wouldn’t speak up and risk us losing the sale. Those decisions made me feel unworthy because I didn't do the thingsI knew I ought to do. Feeling unworthy led me not to do the things God wanted me to do. Then, I didn’t see it as harmful, Now,  I know it was rebellion.

 

In addition, not achieving a certain level of wealth or status compounded my feeling of unworthiness. Thoughts like, “I’m too intelligent to be stuck here”or “I went to this school and I should be further along!” dominated my thoughts.  But when you read Verse 12 and 13, seeing God putting Paul into service and considering him faithfuleven though he was formally a blasphemer, a persecutorof the Church and a violent aggressor directly against Christ himself, it is comforting. Paul says he was shown mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief.

 

If I think about the things I’ve done and why I did them, I must acknowledge

that I was ignorant in unbelief. If Paul, who is the least of all saints, a violent man who hunted and killed Christianscan find grace in Christ, the Lord must havegrace left for me. Like Paul, it is important for me to forget about what I did in the past and step into what God has for me in the future. I must put those things behindand press on to the mark of the high calling of Christ.

 

If you can relate to what I’m saying, I want to encourage you not to let your past define you. Don’t let your feelings of unworthiness hold you back. If God has put something on your heart to do, then do it. He is faithful, and will prove it in your life, just like He did in Paul’s life.

 

Remember God does not call the sanctified.  He sanctifies the called!

 

Paul says the grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly. Since we are in Christ, that same grace is poured out on us abundantly. Paul’s testimonymakes ours pale in comparison. If Paul can receive grace and mercy, fulfilling his call, surely, we can.  The Lord expects it!

 

Let’s read the last three verses...First Timothy, Chapter 1, Verses 18 to 20…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:18

This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight…

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:19

…keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

 

FIRST TIMOTHY 1:20

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

 

Verses 19 and 20 tell us to keep fighting the good fight so we don’t get shipwrecked in our faith like Hymenaeus and Alexander, who have been handed over to Satan to be taught a lesson. They were false teachers with false teaching, wolves in sheep’s clothing who were looking to destroy the Ephesus flock.  God bless Hymenaeus and Alexander!  Don’t be like them, y’all!Follow God with a sincere heart, learning the true Word, so you don’t get turned over to Satan like them!

 

Verse 18 is deep, with implications youmay not notice from just reading, so I want to illuminate what is really communicated here. Paul calls what he has said a command he has entrusted to Timothy. The Greek word for command is parangelia, a military term indicating an authoritative order passed down from a superior. Paul sees Timothy not only as a young minister, but also as a soldier of Christ…entrusted with a divine mission. Paul’s tone is fatherly and authoritative. He is communicating the urgency and the weight of the missionas he passes the torch to Timothy. If you are in Christ, this torch has been passed to you as well.

 

Take note that Paul used the word entrusted. Timothy didn’t choose mission, he didn’t create the mission, he received it. He became a steward of a sacred responsibility. Like any good soldier, you don’t choose your orders, but you follow them. Paul could have also said, “What I’m giving you is not negotiable. Keep it, protect it, and carry it with conviction.”

 

The last thing I want to point out is the explanation and encouragement Paul gives Timothy. Do what I’m telling you so you can fight a good fight. Paul says this sound doctrine, this command given is necessary to fight the battle well. Ministry is a battle, as we know according to Ephesians, Chapter 6, Verse 12:

 

EPHESIANS 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

 

We have a battle to fight. Paul’s words imply we have opposition (internal and external), spiritual resistance, and a need for strategy, endurance, and courage in the spiritual life. The instructions given in this chapter equipped Timothy and us with what we need to handle the implications Paul outlines.

 

Here’s a story to illustrate what’s happening here. During World War II, a young soldier was assigned to deliver a sealed message from the battlefield to the commander’s post. He was just handed an envelope and told, “Don’t stop. Don’t open it. Get it to the post no matter what.”

 

Along the way, the soldier encountered bombs, rough terrain, and enemy fire. He could have abandoned the mission. He could’ve guessed what was in the envelope and tried to act on it himself. He could have opened the envelope.  But he didn’t.

 

Bruised and exhausted, he delivered the envelope. He never saw what happened next. He was told nothing, just dismissed.Years later, historians discovered that the message he delivered rerouted a battalion, prevented an ambush, and saved hundreds of lives.

 

He never got a medal.

 

He never knew the ripple effect of his obedience.

 

Heaven did.

 

Timothy may not have known how many lives he’d touch by simply obeying. The same is true for us. Sometimes God gives us a calling that feels small.  Yet we…

 

Serve in the background.

 

Teach a small group.

 

Pray for someone no one else sees.

 

Stand firm in truth when it’s unpopular.

 

You might not get credit and its likely you might never know whomyourobedience served.  But obedience to God’s assignment always has eternal impact. Hebrews, Chapter 6, Verse 10 reminds us:

 

HEBREWS 6:10

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the unconditional love you have shown toward His name in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.

 

God knows all and sees all, and He is faithful and just to do all He has promised to do. So, when you get the opportunity to teach the truth, teach the truth. Choose to be courageous. Don’t be discouraged when you choose to follow God’s way and you can’t immediately see how God will make you victorious in your situation.  Especially, don’t be discouraged when you are attacked for following God’s way! When you’re faithful to what God entrusted to you, He sees it all, even when the world doesn’t.

 

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE

The Good News of Jesus Christ’s Salvation Offer to the Human Race

 

The closing moments of this lesson could be the ten most important minutes of your life.  You’ll be introduced to the good news concerning how you can spend all eternity in heaven when you close your eyes in this life.  We want you to know that…

 

GOD WANTS YOU!

He Wants You to Make the Most Important Decision of Your Life

 

…and what He wants for you is that you make the most important decision of your life.

 

God wants a RELATIONSHIP with you!  The Lord’s half-brother says in James, Chapter 4, Verse 8…

 

JAMES 4:8

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

 

The enemy of God, Satan wants you to be part of a RELIGION.  Religion is Satan’s strategy against the human race and it is designed to make you indifferent or antagonistic to God.  It works!  The Bible describes religion in Second Timothy, Chapter 3, Verse 5 as…

 

SECOND TIMOTHY 3:5

…a superficial form of godliness (a counterfeit to Christianity)… that denies godliness’ divine power…

 

You have a choice…relationship or religion…what’s your choice?

 

Religion can’t get you to heaven!  Religions propose that if you don’t do everything their “god” expects, the god will be disappointed.  Regardless of your best efforts to follow religious rituals, the religion does not GUARANTEE you will get to heaven.

 

In Matthew, Chapter 23, Verse 27 and 28, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself expresses his disdain for religion…

 

MATTHEW 23:27

“Woe to you (religious) scribes and Pharisees…you hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs…which on the outside appear beautiful…but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”

 

MATTHEW 23:28

“Outwardly youappear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (you are unrighteous unbelievers).”

 

The Bible is a gift from God that introduces you to the possibility of a relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Hebrews, Chapter 4, Verse 12 describes the power of Scripture…

 

HEBREWS 4:12

For the word of God is alive and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…and it’s piercing…even as far as the division of soul and spirit…of both joints and marrow…and it is a critic of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

God’s plan is to teach you the truth about how to have a relationship with Him through the Bible.  Satan’s plan is to teach you lies that obscure the truth of the Bible.

 

What happens when you close your eyes in this life?  If you have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, counting on Him to save you, good things happen.  If are counting on religion to save you, bad things happen.

 

The Bible makes it clear that salvation is a gift that we receive through faith. Let read a few scriptures that illustrate this…Ephesians, Chapter 2, Verses 8 and 9…

 

 

EPHESIANS 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God…

 

EPHESIANS 2:9

…not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

 

Titus, Chapter 3, Verse 5…

 

 

TITUS 3:5

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the HolySpirit,

 

Romans, Chapter 3, Verses 23 and 24…

 

ROMANS 3:23

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…

 

ROMANS 3:24

…being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus…

 

No matter how much work you do, you can’t work your way into heaven and be able to brag.

 

In the lesson today, we were reminded of how evil Paul was. Regardless, he accepted Christ as his Savior, and through God’s grace and mercy, he was saved.  Acts, Chapter 16, Verse 31…

 

ACTS 16:31

They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved by God, you and everyone in your household who also believes."

 

Romans, Chapter 10, Verses 9 and 10…

 

 

 

ROMANS 10:9

…if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God the Father raised Him from the dead, you will be saved…

 

ROMANS 10:10

…for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

 

It is as simple as making a decision and having faith that God will do the rest. We cannot do it on our own.

 

When you die it is heaven or the Lake of Fire for all eternity.  You get to make the choice where you spend eternity.  Relationship or religion?  What’s your choice?

 

God wants a relationship with you because He doesn’t want ANYONE to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire.  Second Peter, Chapter 3, Verse 9 says…

 

SECOND PETER 3:9

The Lord is not slow about His promise of salvationas some accuse Him of…instead, He is patient toward unbelievers…not wishing for any of you to perish (in the Lake of Fire) … but for all of you to come to repentance (a change of mind about having a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ).

 

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE

The Good News of Jesus Christ’s Salvation Offer to the Human Race

 

CLOSING SONG INTRODUCTION

 

As we close, the messagePaul gave to Timothy echoes in our own lives. We all have to hold onto the faith, confront falsehood, and fulfill the assignment God has entrusted to us. This doesn’t mean standing for truth is going to be easy. There will always be pressure to conform, to be compliant, or to compromise what we believe in. I believe we can all relate to this, and that’s why I have chosen to play the song STAND to conclude this message.

 

The lyrics say, “What do you do when you’ve done all you can, and it seems like it’s never enough?” Paul’s answer to Timothy, and God’s answer to us, is simply stand. Stand on the word, stand in truth, stand in grace. At times, it will be hard and it will feel lonely, but when we stand in obedience, we will walk in victory. God will never leave us or forsake us. Be encouraged as you listen to STAND by Donnie McClurkin.

 

MUSIC

CLOSING SONG

Let’s Sing the Lord’s Praises

 

STAND

Donnie McClurkin

 

 

CLOSING PRAYER

Let us pray...

 

Heavenly Father…

 

…we thank You today for the truth of Your Word and the charge You've placed upon our lives. Like Paul to Timothy, You’ve called each of us to guard the truth, confront what’s false, and to walk boldly into the calling You’ve given us.Society dictates a different standard and believers in the status quo bring pressure that makes it difficult at times. Often, we feel like we are standing alone. You know that it’s not always easy, andYou have equipped us to handle it all.

 

Today we make a decision to stand. We will stand for righteousness, we will stand for truth, we will stand in grace, and we will stand in your love. Like the heroes of the faith that came before us, we will stand in faith knowing that You will see us through. We understand that you have entrusted us, just like You did Timothy, so we will run with the charge to Your Glory. Thank you for Your grace and mercy that gives us the ability to endure...

 

…we ask these things through the power of God the Holy Spirit…in Christ’s name...Amen.

 

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Please make it a habit to listen to the announcements.  They are posted separately.  Keep current on the things going on and coming up in Barah Ministries.

 

 

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KEEP ON STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD DAILY!

 

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