7/25/13

From Gary... The Ant


Many thanks to brother Walter Vogt for this picture!!!

I haven't seen brother Walter Vogt in many, many years and frankly had no idea he had such a talent at photography!!!  This image is simply amazing!!!  Just a simple picture, yet it is filled with a very important message to those who are acquainted with the Scriptures.  Read on to see what I am referring to...

Proverbs, chapter 6


 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard.
Consider her ways, and be wise;
 
7 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,

8 provides her bread in the summer,
and gathers her food in the harvest.

9 How long will you sleep, sluggard?
When will you arise out of your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 so your poverty will come as a robber,
and your scarcity as an armed man.


2 Thessalonians, chapter 3
6  Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.  7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you,  8 neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you;  9 not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.  10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.”  11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies.  12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 

Work, it is a necessity!!!  However, today our government encourages people not to work by its welfare policies.  If you are unmarried and keep having children- you just get more and more money!!!  No responsibility, no accountability, just benefits.  If you can find the exact job you want- no problem, the government will just extend the benefits.  Now, I freely admit it is human nature to be lazy.  Consider, that the church at Thessalonica had that problem.  However, Paul gave them corrective teaching and his own example to follow to remedy the situation.  Those of you who have known me for several decades can testify to the fact that I would always work.  If I couldn't find a job that provided enough income, I would get a second job.  Life was difficult- try working two shifts days on end with rotating days off.  But somehow I did it.  It is a matter of fact that I earned my degree in Bible while working two jobs.  If you are able to work- then work!!!    

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard.

Consider her ways, and be wise;

From Jim McGuiggan... DO IT AGAIN!

DO IT AGAIN!

A few years back an older black gentleman, so I’ve read, made his first visit to Washington DC and to the Abraham Lincoln memorial. A deeply sensitive man, tried in the furnace of oppression where he and those he loved more dearly than himself had suffered greatly he looked long at Lincoln. Then he looked beyond Lincoln, to some one greater than Lincoln, someone who welcomed Lincoln’s service and he gently with deep passion prayed, “Do it again!”
God is always doing that: doing it again! He began right at our roots and offered fellowship and life in his presence and under his fatherly dominion to our parents. We went our own way and God brought curse and uncreation as a redemptive judgment as one of the ways he would keep his commitment to us.
He did it again in Genesis 9 when he gave dominion to Noah and his descendants, repeating the Genesis 1:26 commission; but the brave new world corrupted itself and we hear its God-denying insolence in Genesis 11 where the Fall narrative that began in Genesis 3 is completed.
He did it again when he brought Israel, his elect nation in Abraham, into Canaan as he did Adam and Eve into the garden but like Adam, Israel in its kings and leaders refused to exercise dominion in the image of God and he sent them into the judgment of Exile.
He did it again when he gave dominion to the Gentile powers beginning with Babylon and going through Rome. We find that rehearsed in the book of Daniel. In Daniel 2:37-38 we’re told in the terms of Genesis 1 and 9 that God gave to Nebuchadnezzar dominion which was to be exercised under God and in righteousness (Daniel 4:19-27). Like Adam, Nebuchadnezzar claimed godlike power and in his pride brought his world down with him.
The story goes on and the picture painted in the book of Judges about Israel is repeated in every age and in every nation.
It’s important to notice that the dominion speech from Genesis 1:26-27 is repeated at various times through the biblical witness and that the judgment which followed rebellion is repeatedly the speech of “uncreation”.
Babylon’s lost its dominion to the Medo-Persians almost (not quite) in silence when Cyrus’ troops entered the city via a river that ran into it but they were welcomed into Babylon by the priests who had their own bone to pick with Nabonidus and his regent Belshazzar. But that’s not how the fall of Babylon is depicted in Isaiah 13—14. There the downfall of Babylon is described in terms of a creation made mad by the God who brings “uncreation” (as he did in Egypt during the plagues).
Judah is finally judged for its sins but when Jeremiah describes it he sees it in terms of “uncreation”—the undoing of Genesis 1 (see Jeremiah 4:19-31).
In all the above and more, what does the human family experience in common in its passing ages?
We’re told repeatedly that God renewed his commission to humans to exercise dominion over the world in his image. Genesis 1 is re-enacted.
We are told repeatedly that redemptive judgment is carried out and it is spoken to us in “uncreation” terms coming from Genesis 3 and 6—8 and elsewhere.
Human sin is a single narrative; as a family we have only one story and that is of a refusal to exercise authority in the image of God; that is, in the way he exercised it in bringing creation into being and promoting life and harmony.
Human sin whenever or by whoever is linked to the original Fall and the consequent divine judgment.
Whatever the specific forms of our individual sins we all share in the essence of Sin; it has contaminated us all.
But God eternally made a commitment to his creation and in patience that defies description he refused to wash his hands of it.
In Jesus Christ he “did it again” and the dominion that Jesus now possesses and exercises in the midst of his enemies (Psalm 110) he will one day make fully public when he comes to right all wrongs and bring God’s eternal creative purpose to completion.
The NT elect has the unique destiny and mission to bear witness to the truth that God has “done it again” in Jesus.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Jim McGuiggan... Did Jesus rise into the air?

Did Jesus rise into the air?

Here's Acts 1:9-11 (NRSV), "When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up to heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
So, did Jesus rise up into the sky and finally disappear from their sight? Yes he did!
There you go, smiles all round! Magicians like David Copperfield and their levitation tricks come to mind; David Blane rises a few inches off the ground and everyone oohs and ahs. Little did we know that Jesus was able to pull such stunts way back then. Some non-believers who could care less speak of "a trick" like that and others who care even less yawn and talk of nonsense or say, "Who cares?" A few non-believers and believers describe it as "myth" (a story aimed at promoting some major belief but which is not meant to be a literal description of anything that really happened). To explain the uniqueness and glory of the founders of Rome, it's said, we have the story of Romulus and Remus, their river-ride and being raised by wolves, Moses, his river experience and being adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, Jesus' virgin-birth, resurrection and ascension; all good stories but not an ounce of fact or miracle in them.
Most believers—like me, for example—take the record at face value though we would deny that the record is simply to tell us, "Here's another interesting thing that happened." We would insist that the record is recorded to make a point, to develop the larger picture of which the specific event plays a central part.
So what did happen? I think Jesus rose up in the air before their eyes and at some point some sort of cloud obscured further vision of him! But to say that and leave it like that is precisely what we're not supposed to do when we read the biblical Story.
You look out your window and see a man on a two-wheeled, chain-driven conveyance, gently pedalling past. What's he doing? "He's riding a bike!" Of course he is, but what's he doing? Hmmm. "Nothing, he's just riding a bike." Hmmm. What's he doing? "He's exercising!" Good; what's he doing? "He's working to lose weight!" Good; what's he doing? "He's following doctor's orders to strengthen his heart after his bypass surgery; he's pleasing his worried wife…" Exactly!
What's happening is not just what we see; if we really want to know what's happening we have to have some knowledge of motivation and purpose because that too is part of what is "happening". What happened in Acts 1 was more than Jesus rising into the air. Luke records it not simply to make the point that Jesus "vanished into thin air." Jesus' ascension meant something and it was recorded by Luke to develop the grand drift of the Story.
We aren't supposed to think that Luke was suggesting that Jesus kept on travelling through space until he came to where God lived or that he stepped into a warp in space that took him into another compartment of the space—time universe. He had none of that in mind. Click here. The ascension is what Farrow calls it, "a visible metaphor."
We have something of that kind when in John 20:22 when Jesus literally breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit," which they would later receive at his glorification (compare John 7:39). His literal breathing on them makes the point that the Spirit they will receive is his Spirit and comes from him to coincide with the nature of their ministry and the fulfilment of OT promises and the end of fleshly exclusivism.
The physical ascension of Jesus is his and the Christian's response to the silly claims of divinization of Roman emperors with which Luke's world was filled. He was going to exaltation as Lord of All (in keeping with Daniel 7:1-14, Psalm 110:1-3 and compare Acts 2:23-36) not to some earthly battleground but to God who gives dominion to whoever he chooses in accordance with his developing purpose.
The ascension tells us that humanity is not glorified by developing a kingdom that is "of this world". The real glory that can be inherited by humans (in and through the person of Jesus who made glorification visible to us) is gained not by worldly and human power but by our connection with the heavenly kingdom. Progress to immortality and glory is not by worldly ways, of fighting and straining, but by rejecting the kingdoms of this world (compare Jesus before Pilate in John 18:33-37). Progress to glory and immortality is not by relying on national or racial claims, by fleshly descent and exclusivism, but in and through Jesus who, as the Incarnate One descended and now ascends. The one who now ascends is now done with the limits of Jewish flesh, having died not only in the flesh but to the flesh's restraints and has been raised for the entire human family as a life-giving Spirit (see 2 Corinthians 13:4, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:45 and compare John 6:62-63).
Jesus' physical ascent vindicated God's eternal purpose for humanity in opposition to our arrogant claims of godhood and our grabbing ways that cost us all. Despite all that, God did not abandon us and in Jesus he brings us to the glory he meant for us all along. It confirms the outrageously wonderful honour he has purposed for humanity. That and more is what the ascension means.
Yes, but what happened when he disappeared out of their sight? I've no idea. I know one doesn't get to "heaven" by space travel. One of these days we'll understand something about the nature of a glorified body—what it can do and what it means for an actual body to exist in another mode.
What we're sure of is this: if Luke had wanted a mere metaphor, he could have had Jesus go off into a lovely sunset, to be seen no more; maybe calling back in a voice too sickeningly sweet, "I'll always be with you!" But that's not what he did! Jesus actually rose in the air, embodied in his human body that was now glorified and capable of who knows what.
By the way: He's coming back!

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Jim McGuiggan... Did Jesus go to heaven when he died?

Did Jesus go to heaven when he died?

 If Jesus went to heaven when he died why did he tell Mary he hadn't yet ascended to his Father (John 20:17)?
If he didn't go to Paradise the day he died what are we to make of Luke 23:43 where he tells the robber that they would be together in Paradise that day? [But see.]
If the totality of a human ceases at biological death and bodily corruption begins immediately, then Jesus didn't go to Paradise (or Heaven if you think they're distinct) that day. He ceased to exist and his corpse, if he died as other humans died, began the process of corruption then and there. [If we hold that God miraculously preserved the corpse from corrupting we are faced with other questions and problems.]
Let's suppose (for argument's sake) that's it's true that a human doesn't cease to exist at biological death. I happen to believe that, but let's just pretend we knew without doubt that it's true. Let's say the human is a complex being and can suffer disembodiment—he can diewithout ceasing to exist. Death is the experience of the entire person and not just the body; what a person loses in dying is not existence but "embodied life"—the life God created humans for.
Suppose then that in losing embodied life (that is, in dying biologically) Jesus' "spirit" or "soul" went to his Holy Father. That would mean he "went to heaven". Why would we have difficulty believing that?
Well, there's John 20:17 where Jesus gently forbids Mary to continue to cling to him (using a present imperative). The reason he forbids her, he says, is because he hasn't ascended to his Father. Shelving for now why he said that to her, we know he had not yet ascended to his Father. Does that not show he couldn't have been with his Father previously—during his death experience, for example?
I'm sure it doesn't! His ascension to his Father (like the resurrection) is a distinctive part of the outworking of God's cosmic redemption. Though we don't need to say the word ascension here is used in a "technical" way (why would that trouble us?) Jesus' ascension is his departure from the world in glory to be exalted as Lord of All. The ascension completes the series of acts and experiences of Jesus by which God glorifies him. It is part of the triumphant (resurrected) Jesus' march to immortal glory.
His death experience, on the other hand, is Jesus being robbed—like every other human—of embodied life. As long as Jesus exists in that state, Death thwarts God's purpose for Jesus (and humanity). It wouldn't make any difference if Jesus' spirit or soul sat on his Holy Father's knee, he is in a disembodied state—he is experiencing death. It isn't just his corpse that lies in the tomb that has died—Jesus died. The spirit/soul doesn't experience death in the way the physical body does but the physical body is not all there is to a man—the entire person is robbed.
[For illustration purposes only: Imagine a person fully conscious of all that's going on, lying in bed for years with a body they can't use due to disease. To say the problem is confined to the body because the mind is fully functional would be unforgivable. To be created for and asembodied life and to have that gift thwarted affects the entire person.]
The upshot of all this is that Jesus' spirit being with his Father during the death experience (his sharing with us the judgment of God on sin) is nothing like the ascending to the Father of John 20:17. One is Jesus sharing judgment and the other is the resurrected Jesus going to glorious exaltation (compare 1 Timothy 3:16). Poor Mary was so glad to see him and Jesus is telling her she needs to understand thta it's not back to business as usual and that she will fully have him only when he goes to the Father (compare John 14—16).
So did Jesus go to heaven when he died? I do believe he did and because I believe that Paradise is simply another name for Heaven (stressing the blessedness of it) I'm sure Luke 23:43 teaches that. See 2 Corinthians 12:2, 4. I'm pretty sure that Jesus went to Heaven the day of his death for I'm certain he didn't mean the tomb when he said Paradise.
Is Paradise not a part of heaven, a sort of waiting place? I think we've come up with that notion mainly because we have difficulty with John 20:17. I think if we understand John 20:17 and Jesus' ascension as I've suggested above (or something like it) that we don't need that compartment notion. A brief word on Paradise.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Jim McGuiggan... Did God PUNISH Jesus?

Did God PUNISH Jesus?

The trouble with believing that God punished Jesus with the punishment that sinners were due to get for their sins is that if Jesus was punished with that punishment then sinners can’t be punished for them.
The trouble with believing that God punished Jesus with the punishment that sinners were due to get for their sins is that if Jesus was punished that way for every human sinner then no sinner could be lost—universalism would be true.
The trouble with believing that God punished Jesus with the punishment that sinners were due to get for their sins is that if every sinner isn’t saved then Jesus died for only some sinners—limited atonement would be true and Jesus didn’t die for the whole world.
The trouble with believing that God punished Jesus with the punishment that sinners were due to get for their sins is that if Jesus was punished that way he would have been lost eternally.
The trouble with believing that God punished Jesus with the punishment that sinners were due to get for their sins is that if God punishedJesus he was punishing a man he knew to be utterly innocent and utterly righteous—that’s immoral and God himself forbids it (Deuteronomy 24:16).
The trouble with believing that God punished Jesus with the punishment that sinners were due to get for their sins is that if sin is punishedout of existence there is no “forgiveness” only punitive justice. Imagine punishing a criminal to the nth degree for his crimes and then saying, “We forgive you now.”
To use Isaiah 53:5 to prove God punished Jesus for the sins of others misses the point. In Amos 4 God punished the guilty via drought, famine, pestilence and invasion to bring them back to him but the punishment he brought on them fell on the innocent babies and the devoted righteous people. We’re not to conclude that God punished innocent babies and his devoted servants. If some apostates became repentant they could confess that the punishment that brought them to their senses and to peace had fallen on the innocent and righteous. But they wouldn’t have said God punished the innocent and the righteous.
The difference between the “suffering servant” in Isaiah 53 and the innocent and faithful ones of Amos 4 (and elsewhere) is that the righteous sufferer of Isaiah 53 was their redeemer as well as one of their own.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... The Macedonian Call (Acts 16:6-10)


                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                    The Macedonian Call (16:6-10)

INTRODUCTION

1. With Timothy accompanying Paul and Silas, they...
   a. Delivered decrees determined by the apostles and elders in
      Jerusalem - Ac 16:1-5
   b. Journeyed through Phrygia and the region of Galatia - Ac 16:6
   c. Were not alone; the Holy Spirit was very much with them - Ac 16:6-7

2. The Holy Spirit's guidance in this case was unique...
   a. Though it was very much in evidence in Paul's journeys - cf. Ac 13:2,4
   b. It should not be considered typical as to how God directs His
      people

[If so, how does God guide His people today?  How can we ascertain
God's will for us in our own lives?  Before I suggest how God directs
us today, let's first review...]

I. GOD'S GUIDANCE OF PAUL AND HIS COMPANIONS

   A. FORBIDDEN TO PREACH IN ASIA...
      1. By the Holy Spirit - Ac 16:6
      2. Paul later spent 2 plus years at Ephesus - Ac 19:1-10
      3. Perhaps the Spirit forbid them at this time, knowing that they
         would later have the opportunity to serve for some time in Asia
         (SW Turkey)

   B. NOT PERMITTED TO GO INTO BITHYNIA...
      1. By the Spirit of Jesus - Ac 16:7; cf. Ro 8:9-10
      2. Peter later wrote to Christians in Bithynia - 1Pe 1:1-2
      3. Perhaps the Spirit did not permit them at this time, knowing
         that others would minister the area of Bithynia (NW Turkey)

   C. ARRIVAL AT TROAS...
      1. Bypassing Mysia (NW Turkey), they arrived at Troas (the coast of
         Mysia) - Ac 16:8
      2. Paul has a vision of a man of Macedonia ("Come over to Macedonia
         and help us.") - Ac 16:9
      3. Conclusion (dream) and inclusion (Luke) - Ac 16:10
         a. Concluding that the Lord was calling them to preach the
            gospel in Macedonia
         b. Including the author (Luke) who now uses the personal
            pronouns "we" and "us"

[And so the Spirit directly led Paul in doing God's will on this
journey.  But what about us today?  How we can be sure that we live and
act in harmony with God's will for us?  Here are thoughts to consider...]

II. UNDERSTANDING GOD'S GUIDANCE TODAY

   A. THERE IS GOD'S PROCLAIMED WILL...
      1. God has made His will known in many respects - e.g., 1Th 5:18;
         1Pe 2:15
      2. This He has done through revelation
         a. By sending inspired prophets in the past - He 1:1
         b. By sending His own Son - He 1:2
         c. By having the Spirit guide the apostles - Jn 16:12-13; e.g.,
            1Co 14:36-37
      3. It is this proclaimed will of God that we must do to be saved 
         - cf. Mt 7:21
      -- That which is essential to know, God has revealed through
         Scripture - 2Ti 3:16-17

   B. THERE IS GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL WILL...
      1. God acts providentially in our lives - cf. Ro 1:10; 15:32
      2. For such reason we are to pray regarding our plans - Jm 4:13-15
      3. Our requests are answered as it may suit God's will - 1Jn 5:14
      -- We may not have certainty as to what is God's providential will
         for us

   C. THERE IS GOD'S PERMISSIVE WILL...
      1. God allows things to happen that are not necessarily according
         to His desired will
      2. He permits people to sin and even hurt other people
         a. He is not pleased, and will one day render judgment - Ac 17:30-31
         b. He is able to fulfill His own will, despite such rebellion 
            - cf. Isa 10:5-7
      3. God permits people to do things that are indifferent to Him
         a. There are some matters of indifference to God - e.g., Ro 14:5-6
         b. Likewise, some decisions we make might not really matter to
            God
      -- Thus not all choices please God, nor are they necessarily
         required by God

[With these thoughts in mind, here are some suggestions for...]
   
III. SEEKING GOD'S GUIDANCE TODAY

   A. FOCUS ON THE PROCLAIMED WILL OF GOD...
      1. I.e., study diligently to learn what God has revealed
         a. If you don't embrace and practice the revealed will of God...
         b. ...what difference does it make to seek areas of God's will
            unknown to you?
      2. The value of focusing on the proclaimed will of God
         a. We will not be ignorant of what is essential for us to know
            and do
         b. We can avoid choices that are clearly contrary to God's will

   B. SEEK ADVICE FROM OTHERS...
      1. Discuss your alternatives with older, mature Christians - 
         Pr 11:14; 12:15
      2. Consult the wisdom found in the Bible (especially Proverbs,
         Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon)

   C. ASK GOD FOR WISDOM...
      1. Pray diligently for the ability to discern wisely - Jm 1:5-8
      2. Wisdom is that spiritual insight that enables you to evaluate 
         situations clearly, and helps utilize what options and abilities
         you have
      3. Use such wisdom to eliminate what appears less acceptable

   D. COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD...
      1. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord's sake - cf. Ps 37:5-6,23-26
      2. Make your plans subject to God's will, both proclaimed and
         providential - Jm 4:15
         a. Give God permission to close the door on your choice if that
            is His will
         b. If He closes the door on your choice, look for alternatives

   E. OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER...
      1. God is not like a train; he is able to run on more than one
         track
      2. A choice may not be between good and bad, but between good and
         better
      3. God can use us in many different ways
      4. If need not choose right away, wait; that will give you time to
         grow and gain wisdom
      5. Whatever your hands finds to do in your existing circumstances,
         do it with all your might

CONCLUSION

1. Our goal should be to "stand perfect and complete in all the will of
   God"... - cf. Co 4:12
   a. Especially as it pertains to the proclaimed will of God
   b. Even as much as possible in the providential and permissive will of
      God

2. Epaphras' desire for his brethren serves as a good example; as does 
   that of our Lord...
   a. Who taught us to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it in
      heaven" - Mt 6:10
   b. Who Himself prayed, "Not as I will, but as You will..." - Mt 26:39-42

Are you seeking to "find a way in the will of God" as it pertains to
the plans in your life...?



Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2013

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From Mark Copeland... A True Son In The Faith (Acts 16:1-5)



                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                   A True Son In The Faith (16:1-5)

INTRODUCTION

1. Paul's second missionary began when he and Silas left Antioch of
   Syria...
   a. Commended by the brethren to the grace of God - Ac 15:40
   b. Passing through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches - Ac 15:41

2. Coming to Derbe and then Lystra, they added a third companion to their
   party...
   a. A young disciple named Timothy - Ac 16:1-3
   b. Who would assist Paul for decades at personal cost and great risk

[Paul called Timothy "a true son in the faith" (1Ti 1:2).  I like to
think of him as "The Daniel Of The New Testament". What was so remarkable
about him?  Let's first review what we know about...]

I. TIMOTHY - BEFORE HIS SELECTION BY PAUL

   A. PERSONAL INFO...
      1. His name means "honoring God" (he would prove true to his name!)
      2. He was a native of Lystra - Ac 16:1-2
      3. His mother was a Jewish, his father a Greek - Ac 16:1
         a. There is no mention of a synagogue in Lystra
         b. The mixed marriage might suggest a shallow faith earlier in
            her life
         c. Which might also explain why Timothy had not been circumcised
         d. Though he was taught the Old Testament Scriptures - 2Ti 3:15

   B. DISCIPLESHIP INFO...
      1. His mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) had become believers
         - Ac 16:1; 2Ti 1:5
      2. Timothy was likely converted by Paul on his 1st missionary
         journey
         a. Paul had preached the gospel in Lystra and left disciples
            there - Ac 14:6-7,20
         b. Paul considered himself a spiritual "father" of those he
            taught - e.g., 1Co 4:17
         c. He certainly thought of Timothy as his "son" in the faith
            - 1Ti 1:2; 2Ti 1:2
      3. Timothy may have been as young as 13 when converted
         a. Paul's first missionary journey was around 47-48 AD
         b. Yet 16 years later (64 AD) he was still a "youth" - 1Ti 4:12
      4. As a new disciple, he may have witnessed Paul's stoning at
         Lystra - Ac 14:19-20
      5. He was familiar with Paul's persecutions at Antioch, Iconium, 
         Lystra - 2Ti 3:10-11
      6. As a disciple he was well-spoken of by brethren at Lystra and 
         Iconium - Ac 16:2


[It was this very young disciple that Paul wanted to join him and Silas.
Imagine the courage required on Timothy's part to accept, knowing the 
tribulations Paul had already faced!  Imagine the faith required by 
Timothy's mother and grandmother to let him go with Paul! But now let's
review what we know of...]

II. TIMOTHY - AFTER HIS SELECTION BY PAUL

   A. BEFORE LEAVING LYSTRA...
      1. Paul had Timothy circumcised because of the Jews
         a. Jews in the region knew Timothy's father was a Greek - Ac 16:3
         b. Remember Paul's evangelistic method:  Jews first, then
            Gentiles - Ro 1:16
         c. His custom was to visit synagogues first - Ac 17:1-3
         d. As a Jew (reckoned as such because of his mother), being
            uncircumcised would hinder Timothy's effectiveness among Jews
         e. As a matter of expediency, Paul had no qualms with Jewish
            Christians keeping elements of the Law - cf. 1Co 9:19-23
            Ac 18:18,21; 21:17-26
         f. When made an issue of salvation, Paul would refuse 
            circumcision - Ac 15:1-2; Ga 2:1-5
      2. Consider what circumcision required of Timothy
         a. For young and older men, it was a serious and painful
            procedure - Gen 34:24-25
         b. For Timothy, his first act of service for Paul involved
            bloodshed!
      3. Timothy may have also been commissioned with spiritual gifts
         at this time
         a. By the laying on of hands by the elders of the church - 1Ti 4:14
         b. Together with the laying on of Paul's hands - 2Ti 1:6

   B. AFTER LEAVING LYSTRA...
      1. Timothy fulfilled special and often dangerous missions for Paul
         a. Staying behind with Silas in troubled Berea - Ac 17:13-14
         b. Sent to learn of the brethren in afflicted Thessalonica - 1Th 3:1-8
         c. Leaving Ephesus to go to Macedonia with Erastus - Ac 19:22
         d. Sent to Corinth to remind them of Paul's ways in Christ - 1Co 4:17
         e. Sent to persecuted Philippi to learn of their condition - 
            Php 2:19
         f. Left at Ephesus to deal with any who might be trouble - 
            1Ti 1:3-4,18-19
      2. Timothy truly became Paul's "fellow laborer in the gospel of
         Christ"
         a. Paul considered no one as like-minded as him - Php 2:19-22
         b. He had Timothy join him as co-authors of 6 epistles - 2Co, 
            Ph, Co, 1Th, 2Th, Phile
         c. Timothy received 2 epistles from Paul - 1Ti, 2Ti
      3. As Paul faced death, he asked Timothy to come (which involved 
         risk) - 2Ti 4:9 
      4. Timothy himself was imprisoned at some point, but later released
         - He 13:23

CONCLUSION

1. Summarizing what we learned about Timothy, he was...
   a. Blessed by the faithful upbringing of his grandmother Lois and
      mother Eunice
   b. Dedicated as a disciple to serve Jesus and His apostle Paul
   c. Faithful in carrying out tasks assigned to him
   d. Courageous in the face of persecution, risking imprisonment and
      death
   e. Humble enough to accept a "second string" position, the perfect
      "preacher's helper"

2. Like Daniel, Timothy is a wonderful example for serving God in 
   youth...
   a. "in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity"
      - 1Ti 4:12
   b. "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" - Dan 1:8

For all Christians, Timothy demonstrates what it means to be "A True
Son In The Faith".  

As sons of God through faith and baptism into Christ (Ga 3:26-27), let
the example of Timothy in the Scriptures inspire us to be more faithful
and fruitful in our service to Christ, no matter the cost...!


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012

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