9/17/18

James – Part 1 – Introduction (By Ben Fronczek)

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1052

James (part 1 – Introduction)

James  – Part 1 – Introduction                                                                                            
(By Ben Fronczek)
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to live under the same roof as the greatest man who ever lived? Under the same roof as Jesus, the Son of God.
Would it be interesting, or frustrating, humbling, or would it be an amazingly happy household?  What I find interesting is that we actually have two letters in our New Testament Bibles, that were written by two different family members who were raised with Jesus. We have the letter written by Jesus’ step-brothers James and Judas, also known as Jude so that we do not confuse him with Judas Iscariot .
Actually we read that Jesus had four step-brothers and an undisclosed number of step-sisters. In Matthew 13:54-56 we read“54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”    Also Mark 6:1-6
What do you think Jesus’ brothers and sisters though about Jesus when He left home, gained a following, heard rumors about Him teaching, doing miracles, and people claiming that He was the Messiah that was to come.
Yes we know that His mom Mary and stepdad Joseph heard some amazing things from the angel prior to His birth. And then they head the intriguing words old Anna and Simeon when they presented baby Jesus at the Temple, but Jesus’ brothers and sisters probably did not personally see or hear any of that. Yes Mary may have told them that Jesus was very special, but they may have also heard the rumors that Mary and Joseph had to get married because Jesus was well on the way before they got married.
In John 7:5, it comes right and says that, “even His brothers did not believe in Him.”
And at one point we read and get the impression that His brothers may have thought Jesus was losing touch with all reality and needed help. In Mark 3:20-21 we read, “20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that He and His disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When His family heard about this, they went to take charge of Him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
I mean what would you think if all of a sudden a family member started saying things like, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Or “54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. (John 6:54)  I admit I would have my doubts.
But after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, we see that His brothers and sisters change their opinion about Him. After Jesus gave His final instructions to His disciples and then rose and disappeared behind the clouds we read in Acts 1 starting in verse 12 that…
“12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
Wow, if the events of those past few weeks hadn’t changed His brothers hearts and minds I don’t believe anything would. Now they had proof as to who Jesus really was. They knew that He died on that cross. I’m sure they saw His dead body. They know that He was buried. But then they saw Him alive in the flesh after He rose… He was not some kind of ghost. They probably heard His final words and probably saw Him ascend into heaven.
Yes He was their brother, but Jesus was also the Son of God, and now their Messiah, savior, and Lord.
In the opening verse of their letters listen to how they describe themselves in relation to their brother Jesus. In Jude 1 he wrote, “1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,”  And the opening verse in James he writes, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,”
Both men humbly describe themselves as servants, and not as a brother of the Lord.
Over the up and coming weeks I would like to bring you lessons from James’ epistle.  It is not only earliest or first book or letter penned in the New Testament, the letter is a treasure of very practical lessons on how to live as a genuine Christian. I’m sure after James connected all the dots and realized who Jesus really was, and is, I can’t help but believe that his eyes were opened and he recalled some things that were really important to His brother, Jesus in light of the times.
I believe that’s why this letter is so practical, moving, and loved by so many to this day. James wrote from a unique perspective.
At times it may seem like I am doing more of a Bible study than a sermon. But in many ways both styles are meant to teach, edify, and encourage you to be the best Christian that you can be.
Originally the letter was written to Jewish Christian who were scattered everywhere. At this early date there may not have been very many Gentile Christians yet, and so we see some unique feature in James’ letter.
– Writing to a Jewish audience, James also alluded to over 20 Old Testament
     books. He also referred to many Old Testament characters including   .
     Abraham, Rahab, Job, and Elijah as well as the Ten Commandments and
     the Law of Moses.
– There are many descriptive figures of speech and analogies, probably more
     than in all of Paul’s epistles.
– There are many references to nature which was a common characteristic of
     how the Jewish rabbis’ taught in James’ day. It was also how Jesus taught.
– There are also many allusions to Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the
      Mount.  Yet there are only two references to Jesus  (1:1; 2:1)
The purpose of this potent letter was to encourage those early believers to grow up and mature as a Christian and live a holy life.
This letter deals more with the practice of the Christian faith than with its precepts. James told his readers how to achieve spiritual maturity through a confident stand, compassionate service, careful speech, contrite submission, and concerned sharing.
The chief aim of the Epistle is to strengthen the faith and loyalty of the Jewish Christians in the face of persecution from rich and overbearing Jews who were defrauding and oppressing them.
The Text: Let’s start by looking at James 1:1-4    “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
I cannot help but wonder if James learned this important lesson by observing his big brother Jesus, especially knowing who He really was. From the day He was born in Bethlehem He experience one trial after another. His life was not an easy one. Yet thru the years what did James see in his brother? Strength, conviction, a growing maturity and devotion to God even though the trials became even more difficult and trying as time passed.
So the first thing James talks about is the value of trials to encourage his readers who are obviously suffering for one reason or another. Even though trials are not fun they do not come without merit, and they may be a tool of God to shape people into those who will glorify Him.
What kinds of trials was James talking about? Did he mean troubles such as running out of money, having to stay up all night with a sick child, or trouble at work: everyday troubles? Yes.
The Greek word translated “trial” here means a “proving,” specifically, “the trial of a man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy an faith . . . also to enticement to sin, and temptation.”  Various temptations to depart from the will of God are in view. The context supports this conclusion. Verse 3 restates these trials as “the testing of your faith.”
But if you think about it, a trial is only passing experience! It has been said that, “The trials of our pilgrimage only last ‘for a season.. Times of heaviness do visit us but they do not come to stay.”
Trials open our eyes to some truths about our self. They can even polish and bring out the best in us.  As the patriarch Job once said as he was speaking to his friends, “But He knows the way I take;When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10).
Sometimes there is a need for trials to get us to open our eyes, or grow.
Enduring trials makes you what you are. I hear people say that they hope their children don’t have to experience the hardships they went through. I don’t agree with that statement. Those hardships made you what you are.
Every trial that finds its way into our life came with intentional purpose.
A young Christian was attempting to get into the peach growing business. He had worked hard and invested everything he had in a peach orchard which had blossomed beautifully, but then came a frost, and it destroyed his entire crop. He did not go to church the next Sunday nor the next. So his preacher went to see him to find out why. The young fellow said, “I’m not coming to church any more. Do you think I can worship a God who cares so little for me that He would let a frost kill all of my peaches?”
The preacher looked at him for a few moments in silence, and then said so kindly, “Son, God loves you better than He loves your peaches. You see God understands that while peaches can grow without frost, men cannot grow without trials. God is not in the business of growing peaches. He’s in the business of growing Christians.”
It takes a trial to test our faith and then hopefully help it to grow and mature. Trials / test are the very soil in which we grow!
Most of those who make up our little church have experienced some difficult trials in their life, probably more than most, but less than some.
But I have to say that those trials have helped them become some of the most loving, sensitive, generous people I know. When others hurt, they can empathize with them, and I see how they rush to their side to help them.
That’s what coming thru personal trails can do for us; they tenderize our heart and soul. They help us become better people. They have helped you become a very humble, loving group of people
They have also motivated other to change their circumstances, modify their life and behavior, and even invent ways to improve the quality of life. So don’t take a negative view of those hard times, they may be preparing you for the next great step in life.
Conclusion:
A preacher was delivering a sermon before a large congregation. He pointed out that believers aren’t exempt from trouble. In fact, some Christians are surrounded by trouble — trouble to the right, trouble to the left, trouble in front, and trouble behind. At this, a man who had served the Lord for many years, shouted, “Glory to God, it’s always open at the top!”
To improve your outlook in trials, try the looking up.
I believe that’s what James saw His big Brother Jesus doing more and more often as the day grew more difficult…. He kept looking up!
May we always be looking to the Lord as we journey through this life with its trials and test.
For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

There is No Escaping God by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/05/page/3/


There is No Escaping God

Introduction:  As Christians, we live under the false concept that everyone wants to find God. However, many are running away, and avoiding God at all cost. They need Him, and would be better off with Him, but they don’t know Him or want Him. Some people are afraid of an all powerful, and all knowing God. The Psalmist David describes his own futile attempt to run away from God . In the end, he finds out there is no escape from our creator, and instead of resisting God, he embraced Him.
I.    There’s no escape—God Knows Too Much.    Job 34:21,22
A.    He knows everywhere we GO.   Ps 139:2; Jer 23:23,24
B.    He knows everything we SAY   Ps 139:4
C.    He knows everything we THINK.   Jer 17:10; Heb 4:12
D.    He knows everything we DO.   Ps 10:11
This scares many, but consider this: If we are going where God wants us to go, thinking what God want us to think, saying what God wants us to say, and doing what God wants us to do, we would be so relived that God is our witness, and our rewarder. John 3:21; Heb 10:30
II.    There’s no escape—God Is Everywhere.
A.    If we go as far up as heaven, or as far down as hell we will never escape God. Ps 139:8
B.    If we dwell among the stars, we will not escape God. Obad 4
C.    If we retreat to utter darkness, we will not escape God. Ps 139:12
How often are we in peril, and call out to the Lord for help. Whether we soar the sky in a plane, discover the open road in a car, sail the ocean deep on a ship, or even shuttle to the moon, what a comfort to know that God knows where we are at all times. How comforting to know God is there to protect us, comfort us, rescue us. Ps 61:2
III.    There’s escape—God’s The Only One Who Can Help Us.
A.    Rather than hiding from God, say “Search me.”  Ps 139:23
B.    Rather than avoiding God, say, “Try me.”  Ps 139:23
C.    Rather than resisting God, say, “Lead me.” Ps 139:24
D.    Rather than directing God, say, ”Guide me.”  Ps 31:3
The more wise we get in life, the more we discover that there is no way to hide, avoid or resist God. Alive or dead, God is waiting for us. How wonderful to know that when we allow God to lead us, try us, search us, and guide us, God is ready, willing and able to perform. Rom 4:21; 1 Thess 5:24; 2 Tim 1:12
IV.   It is comforting to know—God Is Not Far From Us    Acts 17:27
A.    Those who ask, seek and knock—Find Him  Mt 7: 7,8; Jer 29:13
B.    Christians who pray to Him— Answered by Him   1 Pet 3:12; Jn 9:31
C.    Sinners ready to change their ways—Saved by Him    Isa.59:1,2; Rom 10:13
Conclusion: If we do well, we will be accepted, but if we do evil, sin dwells at the door. Gen 4:7 Cain could not escape God, and neither can we. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the beginning of our obedience to God. Ps 11:10; Eccl 12:13  Yes, God created all, knows all, and will punish all who disobey him, but he also rewards all who obey him. Rev 4:11; Acts 15:18; Rev 20:12-15; 2 Cor 5:10,11; Heb 11:6 The Lord is our Shepherd. He leads us, restores us, and His staff comforts us. How happy are we who dwell in His presence continually, who abide in the House of the Lord, forever. Ps 23; Ps 122:1; Ps 32:11

TITUS by Paul Southern

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Southern/Paul/1901/titus.html
TITUS

  1. THE TITLE
    2. This letter bears the name of the person to whom it is addressed.
  2. THE WRITER
    3. Verse 1 of the first chapter names Paul as the writer.
  3. THE ADDRESSEE
    4. The epistle is addressed to "Titus, my true child after a common faith" (1:4). Since Titus is not mentioned in Acts of Apostles, all that we know of him is found in the epistles of Paul. He was a Greek by birth (Galatians 2:3), but was converted to Christianity by Paul (Titus 1:4). He went up with Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem for the conference on the circumcision of the Gentiles (Galatians 2:1; Acts 15). Later he went with Paul on his preaching tours, and is often mentioned by the Apostle in terms of approbation and affection (II Cor 2:13; 7:5-7, 13-15; 8:6, 16-24; 12:17,18; II Tim 4:10). Being the son of Gentiles, Titus was not circumcised (Gal 2:3-5). From the important services he was called upon to perform we conclude that he was highly responsible and respected.
  4. TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
    5. This letter was probably written from Macedonia or Corinth about A.D. 67, some time between I and II Timothy (Titus 3:12; II Timothy 4:20). One thing seems evident, namely -- it belongs to a period when Paul was not a prisoner.
  5. THE GOSPEL IN CRETE
    6. Crete is a large, mountainous island south of Greece in the Mediterranean Sea. Nothing is known of the first introduction of the gospel there. Jews from Crete were present on Pentecost (Acts 2:11), and perhaps returned with the good tidings. On his voyage to Rome as a prisoner, Paul stopped at Fair Havens, a harbor in the island (Acts 27:7-15). Some writers think that he visited there again after his first imprisonment in Rome, and at this time he left Titus to look after the work. We do know that Titus had been left there (Titus 1:5). Creditable evidence indicates that Paul had done some preaching in Crete, but had left hurriedly before the churches were regularly organized (Titus 1:5). The island abounded with wealthy and influential Jews. A combination of moral weaknesses made Cretans proverbial for their vices. Classical writers tell of their greed, ferocity and fraud, falsehood, and gluttony. This state of general depravity was confirmed by the testimony of their own writers (Titus 1:12; Cf. Epimenides). Titus had the tremendous task of working among and helping to organize the churches of Crete.

  6. PURPOSE AND CONTENTS OF THE LETTER

    1. Purpose
      2. The purpose of the book was to console Titus regarding the work Paul had left him to do. The Cretans have been described as unsteady, untruthful, quarrelsome, licentious and intemperate (Titus 1:10-16). The work of Titus among such people must have been difficult.
    2. Contents
      1. Qualifications of elders (1:5-9).
      2. How to deal with false doctrines (1:10-16).
      3. Instructions concerning aged men and women (2:1-8), and servants (2:9,10).
      4. The grace of God (2:11-14; 3:4-8).
      5. Exhortations to Titus (2:15; 3:1-3, 8-15).

  7. EXERCISES FOR STUDENT ACTIVITY

    1. List the number of times the word Savior is used in the book.
    2. Give the qualifications of elders as set forth in Titus (1:5-9).
    3. Compare these qualifications (1:5-9) with those given in I Timothy 3.
    4. What instructions are given concerning aged men? aged women? younger men? younger women? servants? (2:1-10).
    5. What is said in Titus about the grace of God (2:11-14; 3:4-8).
    6. Note how many times the key-words "good works," "good tidings" occur.
    7. How many times does the expression "sound doctrine" occur?
    8. The thought of sober-mindedness occurs at least six times in Titus. What impressions does this fact give? List the references.
    9. Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised, but not Titus? (Galatians 2:3-5; Acts 16:1-3).
    10. Make a list of the different persons named in Titus.
    11. How do you account for the fact that the name of such a valued and trusted man as Titus is not mentioned in Acts of Apostles?
    12. What does the Epistle to Titus teach concerning congregational independence?
    13. Was Titus left in Crete for a temporary purpose or a more permanent one?
    14. What evidence is there that the Cretan churches were not in existence when Paul passed by Crete on his voyage to Rome? (Acts 27).

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)


Cat-meow-flage (camouflage) ? by Gary Rose



I had to look twice before I saw the cat, because it was so blended in with its background. Once I realized that it was just a cat sitting on a board, no problem.


For most of the human race, fitting in has a high priority. This is true especially for teenagers.

So, how does “fitting in” relate to those of us who call ourselves “Christians”? We have the benefit of both the Old and the New Testaments, the blessing of God that has gone beyond the Law and the Ten Commandments and even the unmerited favor of forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. Should we go back and try to be first century Jewish Christians or ignore the Old Testament altogether? And what about the heathenish society we live in- should we try to be as much like them, so that we can “fit-in” and avoid confrontation (or worse, persecution)?

In searching for an answer, I found myself in Paul’s letter to the Romans and found there some interesting thoughts...


Romans 11 (World English Bible)
   28  Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake.  29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.  30 For as you in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,  31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy.  32 For God has shut up all to disobedience, that he might have mercy on all. 
  33  Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! 
  34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
  35 “Or who has first given to him,
and it will be repaid to him again?”
  36  For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen. (emphasis added)

Romans 12 (WEB)
 1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.  2 Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
(emphasis added)


In looking for an answer, I thought of Romans 12:2, but then I realized that the previous verse was tied into it. And then there was that “Therefore”, which led me back to the previous chapter.

As a Gentile who follows Christ, I must appreciate the Jews who also follow Jesus, because ultimately both groups are now one. Why? grace through faith! Neither group is better, for both have been saved by the blood of Jesus, the Christ!

Now, the dividing line is obvious; in Christ or out of Christ! Those who are out of Christ caused Christ to suffer and Jesus did not change who HE was to please them, he suffered in silence and presented both his body and will to God the father.

If we truly are Christians, then we must do the same. Stand out! Be what God wants you to be, regardless of what the world says or does! This brings us back to Romans 12:1 and includes verse 2.

Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:11ff.


  11  “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  12  Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

  13  “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.   14  You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.   15  Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.   16  Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (emphasis added)


Remember who we are Christians and listen to the words of Jesus!
Apply them liberally and shine, for this is the will of God!!!

9/14/18

"THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY" What Kind Of Men God Makes (1:7) 


"THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

What Kind Of Men God Makes (1:7)

INTRODUCTION

1. The relationship between Paul and Timothy was like that of a father
   to a son - 2Ti 1:1-2
   a. Whom he prayed for daily - 2Ti 1:3
   b. Whom he longed to see - 2Ti 1:4
   c. Whom he remembered fondly - 2Ti 1:5

2. As any father would his son, Paul sought to encourage Timothy to be a
   man...
   a. To make good use of the blessings and opportunities given to him
      - 2Ti 1:6
   b. To become the kind of man God intended him to be - 2Ti 1:7

[What does God intend for a man to be?  What kind of man is God willing
to create for those who submit to His workmanship?  Using Paul's words
in 2Ti 1:7, we note that...]

I. GOD MAKES FEARLESS MEN

   A. MEN OF GOD DO NOT ALWAYS START OUT BOLD...
      1. Peter displayed cowardice on several occasions 
          - Mt 14:30; 26:69-75; Ga 2:11-12
      2. Paul confessed fearful tendencies - 1Co 2:3

   B. YET MEN OF GOD DEVELOPED BOLDNESS...
      1. The council noted the boldness of Peter and John - Ac 4:13
      2. Paul later confessed confidence in the face of trial 
          - Ac 20:24; 21:13

   C. HOW GOD MAKES FEARLESS MEN...
      1. As faith and love increase, fear decreases
         a. Fear is indicative of little faith - Mt 8:26
         b. Love casts out fear - 1Jn 4:18
      2. Boldness comes through prayer
         a. The apostles prayed for boldness - Ac 4:29-31
         b. Paul solicited prayer in his behalf for boldness - Ep 6:
            18-19

[As men of God grow in faith, love, and prayer, God removes the spirit
of fear.  As we return to our text (2Ti 1:7), we also observe that...]

II. GOD MAKES STRONG MEN

   A. MEN OF GOD START OUT WEAK...
      1. Even the apostles had their moments of weakness - Mt 26:40-41
      2. All disciples start as babes in Christ - cf. 1Co 3:1

   B. YET MEN OF GOD ARE TO BE STRONG...
      1. As Paul exhorted the Corinthians - 1Co 16:13
      2. As he exhorted the Ephesians - Ep 6:10

   C. HOW GOD MAKES STRONG MEN...
      1. By providing the right kind of armor - Ep 6:10-17
      2. By providing the aid of His Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:
         16,20
      3. By providing a relationship with His Son - Jn 15:5; Php 4:13

[As we grow in truth, righteousness, faith, and prayer, God's Son and
His Spirit will provide what aid we need to be strong in the service of
the Lord.  From our text we also learn that...]

III. GOD MAKES LOVING MEN

   A. MEN OF GOD DO NOT ALWAYS START OUT LOVING...
      1. The apostles were often jealous of one another 
          - Mt 20:24; Lk 22:24
      2. James and John developed the reputation as "Sons Of Thunder"
         - Mk 3:17; cf. Lk 9:54

   B. YET MEN OF GOD DEVELOPED LOVE...
      1. John, "Son of Thunder", became the apostle of love 
          - 1Jn 4: 7,11
      2. Peter would refer to Paul as "our beloved brother" - 2Pe 3:15

   C. HOW GOD MAKES LOVING MEN...
      1. By loving us - 1Jn 4:10-11; cf. 1Th 4:9-10
      2. By providing Jesus as an example of love 
          - 1Th 3:16; cf. Jn 13:34-35

[As we allow ourselves to be moved by God's love for us, we will grow in
our love for others.  Finally, we see from our text that...]

IV. GOD MAKES SOUND MEN

   A. WHAT IT MEANS TO HAVE A SOUND MIND...
      1. The Greek word is sophronismos - "1) an admonishing or calling
         to soundness of mind, to moderation and self-control; 2) self-
         control, moderation" - Thayer
      2. "The Greek word denotes one of sober mind; a man of prudence
         and discretion. The state referred to here is that in which the
         mind is well balanced, and under right influences; in which it
         sees things in their just proportions and relations; in which
         it is not feverish and excited, but when everything is in its
         proper place." - Barnes
      3. It depicts one who is stable and self-controlled in both life
         and doctrine

   B. THIS QUALITY TO BE FOUND IN MATURE CHRISTIANS...
      1. Bishops (elders) must be sober (sophrone) - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8
      2. Older men are to be temperate (sophrone) - Tit 2:2
      3. Older women are to teach (sophronizo) younger women
         a. To be sober (sophronizo) - Tit 2:4
         b. To be discreet (sophrone) - Tit 2:5
      4. Young men like Timothy - 2Ti 1:7

   C. HOW GOD MAKES SOUND MEN...
      1. Through obedience to the words of His Son - cf. Mt 7:24-25
      2. By setting one's mind on the things of the Spirit (i.e., the
         word of God), producing the fruit of the Spirit - cf. Ro 8:5-6;
         Ga 5:16,22-23

CONCLUSION

1. For those willing to submit to the workmanship of God, He will
   create...
   a. Fearless men
   b. Strong men
   c. Loving men
   d. Sound men

2. Such qualities are not limited to those of the male gender...
   a. They are virtues found in women as well
   b. Especially when older women exemplify and teach them to the
      younger women

3. We may not start the Christian life with these qualities; new
   Christians often have...
   a. Cowardice
   b. Weakness
   c. Hatred
   d. Instability

But God is willing to "give us" (2Ti 1:7) courage, strength, love, and
stability.  Are we willing to submit to His workmanship in our lives...?

Note:  The main points for this outline was taken from a sermon by
Alexander Maclaren, in his "Exposition Of The Scriptures"

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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Jesus Is Coming Soon? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1701

Jesus Is Coming Soon?

by Dave Miller, Ph.D.
One hymn which has attained considerable popularity over the years is R.E. Winsett’s “Jesus Is Coming Soon.” Since the New Testament teaches that we are to “sing with the understanding” (1 Corinthians 14:15) and to refrain from speaking or singing falsehoods (Ephesians 4:25; 5:19), it behooves us to be conscious of the meanings and biblical significance of the lyrics which pass from our lips.
The New Testament teaches that Jesus could come at virtually any time (Matthew 24:42-44). It teaches that time is nothing with God, to the extent that even a delay of hundreds of years amounts to nothing (Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8). In this sense, Jesus may be thought of as “coming soon.” But the Bible also teaches that no one knows when Jesus will actually come again (Matthew 24:36). To give the impression that one is certain that Jesus will return “soon,” i.e., in the next few months or years, is to make a claim that cannot be sustained by Scripture. It is perfectly within the purview of biblical thought for Jesus to delay his coming for another thousand years or even much longer.
The real problem with the song is seen in its second verse. If there was any doubt about the song’s millennial leanings, the lyrics of verse two clearly betray the author’s eschatological misconceptions. The phrases “love of so many cold,” “evils abound,” and “when these signs come to pass” are undeniable allusions to Matthew 24:12 and Luke 21:28,31. While the lyricist applies these conditions to the end of time and Christ’s second coming, Jesus applied them to the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in A.D. 70. When Christ comes again, there will be no signs to herald the fact (Miller, 2003). It will come completely by surprise with no signals to warn people even of the approximate time (Matthew 24:36-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; 2 Peter 3:10).
It is not easy to admit that a song that is so emotionally and aesthetically satisfying possesses inherent flaws that render it spiritually unacceptable. But if we truly love and respect God and His Word, we will adjust our practice, loyalties, and sentimentalities to fit God’s will—not vice versa. After all, when Jesus returns, we want Him to find us humbly submitting to His will.

REFERENCE

Miller, Dave (2003), “There Will Be No Signs!” Apologetics Press, http://www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=937&topic=83.
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