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

Class Outline:

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The Pastoral Playlist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.  Thanks for listening to this Bible lesson!

 

TODAY’S BIBLE LESSON

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

 

LESSON INTRODUCTION

I want to tell you a story that sounds almost unbelievable.

A man inherited an old violin from his grandfather. It sat around the house for years — dusty, missing a string, nothing impressive to look at. One day, he needed something to prop open a door, so he wedged the violin against it.

For years, that’s all it was:
A doorstop.

Until one day, a friend visited — a professional musician — and nearly fainted when he saw it.

“Where did you get that?”

“Oh, just an old family violin.”

“No, you don’t understand… that’s a Stradivarius.”

It was one of the rarest, most valuable violins in the world — worth millions — known for a sound no modern instrument can match.And all that time, it had been propping open a door.

Can you imagine?Something designed to make music that stirs souls, something priceless and irreplaceable… reduced to holding up a door.

As crazy as that sounds, for many in the church today this has happened. God in His infinite wisdom, designed the church - His people - for a supernatural purpose:

 

1. To carry His message of salvation and eternal life
2. To reflect His love in this fallen world
3. To live a purposeful life that reflects what heaven looks like on earth

 

For many,Church has been reduced to a Sunday habit,a social club, or something to make you feel good because of how you live your life during the rest of the week.

 

If effect, we have taken God’s masterpiece and reduced it to a doorstop.

 

This pattern of fallen man is a familiar scene to God. It has been happening from the beginning as He knew it would, so He created a plan of redemption for us through Christ…Amen?!

 

A great example is fall of man in the garden. Let’s look at what God instructed, then examine what happen. Let’s read Genesis Chapter 2, Verses 16-17.

 

GENESIS 2:16

The LORD God commanded the man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely…”

 

GENESIS 2:17

“…but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die."

 

God was very clear with His instruction. He said you can freely eat of any tree of the gardenexcept the tree of good and evil that was in the middle of the garden (Genesis 2:9).

 

I’m sure most of you can recall what happened after Eve chopped it up (had a conversation) with that snake known as Satan. Let’s look at Genesis Chapter 3 Verse 6.

 

GENESIS 3:6

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

 

The garden was God’s masterpiece. It was perfect, as were Adam and Eve. It was Paradise. Even the name “Eden” means pleasure or delight. But man messed it up by not following God’s plan for how they should conduct themselves in this Paradise. We are reminded of the result of this disobedience daily, as we deal with our flesh’s desire to sin.

 

The paradise on earth that God designed specifically for man to enjoybecame the place he was exiled from.  It’s intended purpose was abandoned.

 

Thank God He did not give up man. More specifically, He didn’t give up on us. He gave New Testament believers a guidebook to show us how we should conduct ourselves today.

 

In today’s lesson we will begin our study of First Timothy, a letter written by the apostle Paul to Timothy to give him guidance for the church…guidance that is just as relevant today as it was back then.We will overview the letter, then startdigging in verse-by-versein the next session.

 

OPENING SONG INTRODUCTION

 

There are times when people mess up and don’t get the opportunity for redemption. Adam and Eve sinned, we continue to sin, but through Christ we have been redeemed and made righteous. Because of His sacrifice, we are truly blessed. Let’s worship together as we hear Fred Hammond sing Blessed.

 

 

 

 

 

MUSIC

OPENING SONG

Let’s sing the Lord’s Praises

 

BLESSED

Fred Hammond

 

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, and that never changes.

 

As we study about your original plan for the church, let us receive your word with an open heart, willing to adjustas you see fit.  Help us esteem your word above what our parents may have taught us, or what society may say, above any hurts we have had in the past, and above anything else in our lives that tries to block what You are saying to us.

 

We thank you for peace that passes all understanding, and hope that keeps us steady regardless of what we face. 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

 

LESSON PART ONE

 

Today we will begin our study of First Timothy by reviewing the ten questions that should be answered when studying a book.

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

1

Who Wrote the Letter We Are About to Study?

 

Paul is the author of this letter to Timothy. He wrote the letter between 62-64 AD, after being acquitted of charges against him and being released. After being wrongly accused for crimes that carried the death penalty, spending two years in prison awaiting trial, Paul was still on fire for God. Let’s read Acts 28, Verses 23-24.

 

ACTS 28:23

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers, and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God, and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus from the law of Moses and from the prophets from morning until evening.

 

ACTS 28:24

Some were persuaded by the things spoken, but others will not believe.

 

Paul used Scripture in an attempt to get them to understand what was going on (as it relates to Christ being our Savior and His salvation offer) but they still will not believe. Paul spoke a word then dropped the mic on them… Acts 28, Verses 25 through 31.

 

ACTS 28:25

And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah, the prophet to your fathers,

 

ACTS 28:26

Saying,‘Go to this people and say, “YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE…

 

ACTS 28:27

…FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; OTHERWISE, THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.

 

ACTS 28:28

“Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; They will also listen.”

 

 

ACTS 28:29

[When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves]

 

ACTS 28:30

And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him…

 

ACTS 28:31

…preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.

 

When we open the Bible, it’s easy to just read the words without thinking about what the people were actually going through. But when we take time to study the context—the struggles, the pressures, the circumstances—and then imagine what it would feel like if we were in their shoes, the message comes alive in a whole new way.

 

That’s what makes Paul’s words to Timothy so powerful. Even in the middle of his own trials, Paul refused to stop ministering. He wasn’t just giving Timothy instructions; he was showing him an example. Paul could speak with authority because he lived what he preached.

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

2

To Whom is the Letter Directed?

 

This letter was to Timothy, the Pastor at Ephesus which was a city in Asia Minor. Here are some interesting facts about Timothy:

 

• The name Timothy is Timotheos in the Greek, which means Honoring God.
• Timothy’s mother Eunice was a Jewish believer, and his father was Greek (Acts 16:1).
• He joined Paul at a young age, when Paul was on his 2^nd missionary journey in Lystra (Acts 16:1-3)
• He was circumcised as a young man (ouch!) to remove barriers when ministering to Jews.
• He labored with Paul in Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus. These cities were known for persecution of the saints and as spiritual battle fronts.

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

3

Where Do the People Who Received the Letter Live?

 

They lived in the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor.Ephesus was a wild place that reminds me of some of the largest cities in our country today. It was the 3^rd largest city in the Roman Empire with about 250,000 people. It was a wealthy, influential port city. It was famous for the Temple of Artemis (Roman name Diana) and was a massive religious, cultural, and economic hub.

 

Let me paint the picture of Ephesus for you. Imagine a city with hundreds of thousands of people, a booming economy, merchants from all over the world, and a reputation for setting cultural trends. Imagine massive temples where people worshiped idols, peddled superstition and magic and sold them on the streets, and businesses that made their living off false religion. That was Ephesus.

 

If Paul were writing to Timothy today, it would be like saying, ‘Timothy, I need you to Pastor in New York City,’ a city where Wall Street drives the world’s economy…where Times Square draws people from every corner of the globe…where there are temples to money, fame, sex, and power on every corner…where every worldview collides, and where the gospel is just one voice among thousands of competing ideas.

 

That’s what Timothy faced in Ephesus — and Paul’s charge to him was this: ‘Guard the message, keep the church in order, and stay faithful, because the gospel must shine in the middle of the chaos.’

 

Thousands of years later, we are in a similar situation. Today it’s like many major cities in our country and around the globe.

 

Some scripture references are in Acts that illustrates this….Acts, Chapter 19, Verses 11 to 19

 

ACTS 19:11

God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul…

 

 

 

ACTS 19:12

…so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.

 

God was using Paul to work miracles in a mighty way, and the war spread through the city to a point where most people knew about it. Some exorcists wanted to capitalize on Paul’s fame by  doing what he was doing.

 

ACTS 19:13

But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits to the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.”

 

ACTS 19:14

Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

 

ACTS 19:15

And the evil spirit answered and said to them, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"

 

ACTS 19:16

And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

 

ACTS 19:17

This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.

 

The word got out about this, and it scared the people. People were comfortable withspiritual practices as many were practitioners themselves. To know that those that follow Jesus were more powerful was probably why so many were scared, knowing that their practice could be overpowered.

 

ACTS 19:18

Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices.

 

 

 

ACTS 19:19

And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

 

In Matthew it was mentioned that a silver coin was worth about a day’s wage (Matthew 20:9-10). The average daily wage now is about 5 per day. That would mean they burned the equivalent of million worth of stuff in today’s value. It was a serious demonstration of forsaking their old ways and turning to God!

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

4

What Do We Know About the Author of the Letter?

 

Paul was initially known as Saul of Tarsus, was considered a Hebrew of Hebrews, and a Pharisee that had a deep understanding of Jewish law and traditions. As Saul, he was a “Christian killer” that fiercely hunted Christians. Given the authority hunt and kill Jewish Christians, he was on the road to Damascus and had an encounter with the Risen Christ that led to his conversion to Christianity and his ministry to the church. He is credited with writing 47% of the New Testament.

 

Paul was the perfect example that the saving grace of God worked. He started out as a church destroyer but turned into a church planter…he went from a persecutor to a preacher. Let’s read Acts, Chapter 9, Verses 1 and 2.

 

ACTS 9:1

Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest…

 

ACTS 9:2

…and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way (a name for the Christian church at that time), both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

 

When reading the Scriptures, I tried to relate who Paul was to somebody alive today. I couldn’t think of anyone person, but the illegal immigration situation in this country came to mind.

 

There is outrage today about people here illegally being deported.  The government has a focus on stopping illegal immigration and they are taking action that some feel is unfair or inhumane. None have been given the authority to kill illegal immigrants but insome cases it seems to be a raw deal.

 

But this was nothing compared to what Paul did. This man went to the government to get permission to kill Christians, both men and women. Think about that. This man had no regard for women either. He was a cold-blooded killer, someone that we would put in jail today for those actions. And this is the man that God called to help lead us to salvation? This is an example of God’s wisdom superseding man’s wisdom because I don’t think anyone would pick this guy to start anything but a war.

 

Perhaps God understands that it is war, and that's why Paul was the perfect candidate. Let's look at Acts, Chapter 9, Verses 3 through 6.

 

ACTS 9:3

As Saul was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him…

 

ACTS 9:4

…and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

 

ACTS 9:5

And Saul said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,..

 

ACTS 9:6

…but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do."

 

Saul was a rough man, so the Lord was rough with him so he could relate. The Lord stopped Saul in his tracks, blinded him, then spoke to him and told him what to do. The Lord didn’t come down in the spirit shaped like a dove, like He did with Jesus. He effectively busted him in the mouth to get his attention!

 

After that experience, Saul went on and did exactly what God told him to do and was relentless with it.

 

This letter to Timothy will show us ways that we have erred if we are not executing God’s plan as He intended.  But Paul encourages us, just like he did Timothy back then, that his grace is more than sufficient for us. Let’s look at First Corinthians, Chapter 15, Verses 9 through 10…

 

FIRST CORINTHIANS 15:9

For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

 

FIRST CORINTHIANS 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

 

Let’s also look at Galatians, Chapter 1, Verses 13 through 16…

 

GALATIANS 1:13

For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it…

 

GALATIANS 1:14

…and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.

 

GALATIANS 1:15

But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased…

 

GALATIANS 1:16

…to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood,

 

One can argue that Paul was the worst of the worst type of people. He was heartless and relentless at achieving his nefarious plans. He was excellent at it. He used his skills for evil, but God still had a plan for him from birth, just like he does us. Regardless of our past or where we are in our spiritual journey, God’s grace is with us to do what He has called us to do.

 

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

5

When Did the Author Write the Letter?

 

The letter is believed to be written between 62 and 64AD. There are no specific Scriptures that say exactly when it was written, but clues from the Scripture suggest it was between Paul’s imprisonments during that time. The Roman Empire dominated the Mediterranean world with Emperor Nero leading the way. When Paul was writing this letter, Nero was becoming increasing corrupt, paranoid and cruel.

 

Something interesting is that during this time, Christianity was under social suspicion and Christians were accused of being atheists because they didn’t worship Roman gods, and some believedChristians were cannibals because some misunderstood the Lord’s Supper!

 

Rome was descending into chaos, and the church was under serious attack when Paul wrote to Timothy.

 

When we return from the break, we’ll take the offering and then we’ll continue with the rest of theten questions you should ask when studying a biblical letter.

 

FIVE-MINUTE BREAK

NOBODY

Casting Crowns

 

TODAY’S BIBLE LESSON

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

 

OFFERING INTRODUCTION

Church family, as we prepare to give, I want to remind you of something powerful from the Word of God.

In Galatians, Chapter 6, Verse 9Paul also tells us…

GALATIANS 6:9

‘Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.’

Giving is one of those good works. Sometimes it stretches us, sometimes it requires sacrifice — but Scripture promises it is never in vain.

So today, as we bring our offering, we’re not just dropping something in a basket or clicking a button online. We’re participating in God’s order, persevering in doing goodand worshiping Him with joy.

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

 

THE OFFERING

Denny Goodall

 

OFFERING VERSE

 

SECOND CORINTHIANS 10:5

 

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

 

OFFERING SONG

YOU ARE GOOD

Israel Houghton & New Breed

 

TODAY’S BIBLE LESSON

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

 

LESSON PART TWO

 

Welcome back!We continue with the ten questions you should answer when studying a biblical letter.

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

6

Where Was the Author When He Wrote the Letter?

 

Paul was in Philippi in Macedonia (northern Greece). It is likely that Paul was there because, although the churches were strong there, they were facing strong persecution. They were relatively poor provinces but they were rich in generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

 

 

 

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

7

What Was God’s Purpose in Getting the Author to Write the Letter?

 

The purpose of this letter was to encourage Timothy, the Pastor at Ephesus, to stay faithful, and to edify him by reminding him of his authority to pastor. It also explained how a local church should be managed and to enforce his own authority as a servant of God.

 

Paul’s writings to Timothy for encouragement lineup with otherScripture that encourgagesus to be strong and to stand firm regardless of what we’re going through. Timothy was getting weary in well doing, so God reminded him to keep going through Paul’s words. This is a theme throughout Paul’s writings that shows us no matter who we are.  We need this type of encouragement. Here are a fewother examples where Paul encouraged the saints.

 

First Corinthians, Chapter 15, Verse 58…

 

FIRST CORINTHIANS 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

 

Galatains, Chapter 6, Verse 9…

 

GALATIANS 6:9

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

 

Romans, Chapter 8, Verse 31…

 

ROMANS 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

 

If we believe what God says, how can we not be comforted from Romans 8:31?  Who can stand against the Sovereign God of the Universe and win? If we are on His side, how can we lose? I can’t think of a way.

 

 

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

8

What Does God Want the Author to Communicate to the Letter's Intended Audience?

 

God wants Timothy to understand the order that He has ordained for the church, who should be leaders in the church, and somethings to be watchful outside of the church (false teachers and doctrines).

 

Based on what Paul writes, there was some disorder in Timothy’s church. God takes order seriously, and it can be seen throughout creation. Much of the Old Testament is about rules and regulations that God gave Man to establish order in the midst of chaos. Some of the rules have changed because of what Christ did for us, but God’s requirement of order has not.

 

First Corinthians, Chapter 14, Verse 33…

 

FIRST CORINTHIANS 14:33

…for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

 

If there is confusion, it’s likely that we are not following God’s plan for the situation.  First Corinthians, Chapter 14, Verse 40…

 

 

FIRST CORINTHIANS 14:40

But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

 

This next Scripture can be a tough one to swallow. Personally, when I see dishonesty, people that don’t seem genuine, or even rules that don’t seem to benefit me, I don’t want to be subject to them. God has a different view though.

 

Romans, Chapter 13, Verses 1 and 2…

 

ROMANS 13:1

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

 

 

ROMANS 13:2

Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

 

Lord have mercy on me! Lol

 

Second Thessalonians, Chapter 3, Verses 6 and 7…

 

SECOND THESSALONIANS 3:6

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

 

SECOND THESSALONIANS 3:7

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,

 

These two Scriptures can be challenging to adhere to also because there are times where you just don’t feel like being disciplined. You don’t feel like doing the extra or doing what’s required.But that is the standard, and through God’s grace, that what He’s calling us to and what He expects us to do.

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

9

What Is The Central Message of the Letter?

 

The central message of the book is to provide guidance on sound doctrine, church leadership, and Godly living within the Christian community. Overall, it is meant to equip Timothy and future church leaders with wisdom allowing them to shepherd the church in truth, love, and order.

 

This letter builds upon the Word that God has given to his leaders before.  Jeremiah, Chapter 3, Verse 15…

 

JEREMIAH 3:15

Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding.

 

Proverbs 11, Verse 14…

 

PROVERBS 11:14

Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.

 

In addition to the grace that we have through Christ, God has prepared leaders that will give us knowledge, understanding, and council to keep us from falling. Paul’s words to Timothy stays true to this established foundation. It is also a reminder that we should take heed to the council we get from our shepherds.

 

QUESTIONS TO BEGIN THE STUDY OF A BIBLICAL LETTER

10

What Relevance Does the Letter Have to Our Lives Today?

 

It’s still relevant because God’s design is still in play. His wisdom addressed the foundational principles of leadership, integrity, and living a life of faith with fellow believers. Here are some specifics of how it is relevant for today:

 

Standing for Truth in a Confused World

Paul warns against false teachings and encourages us to stay rooted in the Gospel. The level of misinformation and confusion is at an all-time high and available 247 at your fingertips. Consider what Jesus said back then and think about what you see in the world today.  Matthew, Chapter 7, Verse 15…

 

MATTHEW 7:15

"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

 

Godly Leadership Matters

Humility, self-control, and faithfulness are still and integral part of great leadership. Without them leadership fails, especially today. It is not uncommon for people today to selfish and emotional in their actions. The leadership requirements are still relevant today.  Titus, Chapter 1, Verses 7 to 9…

 

TITUS 1:7

For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain…

 

TITUS 1:8

…but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled…

 

TITUS 1:9

…holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

 

In recent years, some of the most beloved ministers seem to have gotten caught up in situations that indicate they were not able to uphold the standard outlined in Titus, a letter still as relevant as ever.

 

Living a Life of Integrity

Paul challenged Timothy to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. God still expects this standard of us today.  Titus, Chapter 2, Verses 7 and 8…

 

 

TITUS 2:7

…in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity indoctrine, dignified…

 

TITUS 2:8

…sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

 

The Power of Discipleship

Timothy is model of a mentor-mentee relationship rooted in faith. We are still called to disciple others to help them come to faith and learn how to grow in maturity and purpose. Today people are comfortable with the concept of being coached. Effectively, Paul was Timothy’s coach, and Jesus was the disciple’s coach, teaching them personally for over three years. He told the disciples this in Matthew, Chapter 28, Verses 19 and 20…

 

MATTHEW 28:19

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…

 

MATTHEW 28:20

…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

 

Maintaining an Eternal Focus

Paul warns against the love of money and urges contentment and Godliness and gain. Today we live in a materialistic world where it is easy to focus on things instead of God. Jesus’ encounter with a rich young ruler sums up what Paul was saying. He had proclaimed that he kept all of the commandments, then Jesus hit him where it hurt…Matthew, Chaptear 19, Verses 21 and 22…

 

MATTHEW 19:21

Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

 

MATTHEW 19:22

But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.

 

The young ruler trusted in richesmore than he trusted God. We can trust in all kinds of things more than we trust God which puts us in the same situation as this young man.

 

What is it for you? Is it money? Or your horoscope? The news? The statistics? What they say? Whatever it is, a quick self-check will reveal why this word is still relevant today as ever. Who or what will you put your faith in?

 

God’s church was never meant to be confused or aimless. He gave us a blueprint. The members are called to live with integrity, showing the world whatJesus, and what His grace and mercy looks like. The message is clear and unchanging: guard the gospel, hold to the truth, and don’t get caught up in false teaching. And the mission is urgent—pray, make disciples, and take the good news into the world. When the members live it, the message stays pure, and the mission moves forward, the church becomes exactly what God intended it to be.

 

It’s easy to have a focus on ourselves and what we want because we are chasing fulfillment. What we don’t realize is that fulfillment we are chasing is in God’s plan for the church… I think that is worth repeating…The fulfillment we desire can be obtained when we submit to God’s plan and do what he has assigned to us.

 

God isn’t looking for a perfect church; He’s looking for a faithful church yielded to His word. He’s calling us to follow the plan He designed, to protect the message He gave, and to run with the mission He started. Will you say yes to that call?

 

Today we’ve seen the big picture of how God intended His church to function—the members, the message, and the mission. But this is just the beginning. In our next session, we’re going to go deeper, walking through this letter verse by verse, uncovering the wisdom Paul gave Timothy and the powerful truths God has for us today.

 

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 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 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 Holy Spirit,

 

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 saw how evil Paul was. He made a decision to turn from what he was doing and have faith in God. This is all he wants us to do.

 

ACTS 16:31

They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

 

ROMANS 10:9

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God 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

 

When God asks us to do something we don’t always understand it at the time. We might be discouraged because we can’t do what we would prefer to do. Be encouraged and know that God has us. Be encouraged as you listen to Fred Hammond’s song, Yahweh.

 

MUSIC

CLOSING SONG

Let’s Sing the Lord’s Praises

 

YAHWEH

Fred Hammond

 

CLOSING PRAYER

Let us pray...

 

Heavenly Father…

 

Thank you for your Word that remains a light for our path. Help us to understand all that you say to us and give us the strength to do as you command us.

 

Thank you for never leaving or forsaking us when we miss the mark, and thank you for making a provision for us to get back on track because you knew we were going to miss it before we did.

 

Thank you for Christ and the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to stay in right standing with you.

 

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

 

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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.

 

 

DISCUSSING THE LESSON AND PRAYER CIRCLE

 

Join us Live or on Zoom Immediately Following the Lesson

 

GOT BIBLICAL QUESTIONS?

 

Ask the Pastor

pastor@barahministries.com

 

WANT US TO PRAY FOR SOMEONE?

 

Send your request to pastor@barahministries.com

 

 

KEEP ON STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD DAILY!

 

Thanks for coming!

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for listening!

 

www.barahministries.com