Sermon Tone Analysis

The commands in Paul’s letter up to this point have exhorted Timothy to not be ashamed of Christ, the gospel, and Paul his messenger.

He is rather to share in the suffering that comes along with giving and living the truth.

He exhorts him to follow the pattern of teaching that Paul has laid down and guard the deposit of truth.

The imagery of a trajectory served the message well, for it provided an overview of the whole process- a perspective that is needed due to the distracting nature of problems, struggle, and resistance that go along with the endeavor to get truth, proclaim it, and live life according to it.

Show Slide from Last week

The unashamed guarding of truth is carried on into the passage this week.

How is it further developed?

It could be like an individual passing on an heirloom with the history of the heirloom, the warning of not allowing anyone to take it away from you, and the instruction of how to personally use the heirloom.

Further development of this scenario would be the process of passing on the heirloom to someone else.

What kind of effort is to be pur into this?

Why would one engage in such a process anyway?

With that developing theme in mind, I think the introduction of another imagery will serve that purpose this week

The reality of concrete

The mixture of cement made by heating limestone and clay to very high temperatures and then grinding it into a small powder

+water that makes into into a semi liquid mixture

+gravel (pounded stones) or sand.

As the mixture hardens it binds the gravel together in order to make a hard and enduring substance.

The possibilities of concrete

Some sources say that after water, concrete is the most used substance of the world.

- bridges, roads, buildings.

Corresponding action/ because of the reality and possibilities

You have to be prepared when the truck comes

You can’ pour it and go on a break.

You have to put it in its final form or else, you will not be undoing it.

There are “concrete” realities that call us to action now.

This is not just a timing factor but also a surety factor.

Because of the solid nature of concrete (Christ and His word) action can be taken with certainty.

What do you need to do now?

(v.v.

1-2)

Submit to God’s strengthening v. 1

Source-

the passive points to a strength outside of you

The context (all have forsaken) shows that confidence cannot be placed in man.

Grace in Christ Jesus- this source is freely given and simply received.

You live in a sphere unlike any other.

There is no lack of favor.

There is no break in supply.

The one who has made you a Christian will make you a conqueror.

(James Smith)

Action (How do you allow God to strengthen you)

Illustration of drawing strength from sport fans.

They are ready to carry you off the field if you throw a winning touch down.

They will boo you out of the stadium if you throw 3 interceptions.

Listen and be persuaded of God’s favor.

Don’t quit when rejected.

Don’t take anesthesia when hurting

You are teaching others who don’t care about God.

You live around coworker that have no concept of God’s presence.

You live around people who would assume use you and never thank you.

It is easy to numb ourselves with things that make us forget (Entertain rather than refresh) (This is not against medicine, sleep, activity)

Entrust authoritative truth to reliable people (Live and think in terms of permanence) v. 2

Things you have heard- it is authoritative.

It is authenticated

Entrust-

Something valuable was entrusted to me.

Don’t busy life with activity with which you don’t have time to do this.

Example of teaching songs

Reliable people

Because of your limitations ask God for wisdom in this investment

Watch out for competency in your own flesh.

Share in the present suffering of a worthy goal (Don’t get distracted) v. 3-6

Behavior is followed by what is obtained from the behavior.

What should you forego to stay on the mission?

What should you do to stay on the mission.

Our interaction needs to look like free sharing of the battle, genuine asking and seeking for what can be done to encourage our brothers and sisters in the battle.

Seek and wait for understanding (v.

7)

The giving theme is throughout this book.

He gives power.

He gives understanding.

Picture of Proverbs.

Cry after wisdom.

It will keep you in the way and preserve you from perverse man and flattering woman

Transition: May we not be a body who lives in fear of what others think.

May we invest in terms of generations rather than the present day.

May we encourage one another in the fight, and cry after understanding.

There are “concrete” realities that call us to action now?

So what are the “concrete” realities that call for such action (v.v 8-14) “Remember”

The position of Christ (v.

8)

Triumphant end

Those in Christ receive his end.

False leaders say the resurrection is already passed.

They settle for the now rather than endure.

God keeping his Word

If skyscrapers are built on this stuff, I can build a house on it

The example of Paul (v. 9-10)

He doesn’t glamorize suffering.

God enables him to see through the fog of shame.

The Word of God is not bound

He stays in the course so that people may experience the full glory of their salvation.

He doesn’t live for men to experience trifle passing glories.

Trustworthy realities (v.v.

11-13)

Dying= Living (These realities are something given)

Endurance reaches an triumphant end (Emphasize endurance, Point to responsibility)

The end can only be reached one way

* This now switches to the negative of not enduring in suffering- disclaiming association with Christ.

* The "If... then" formula changes- people in their decisions toward Christ are played out with Christ's actions toward them.

* We know that Christ can restore people who deny Him. - Peter.

However, we cannot try to work our way around this passage.

To not endure for Christ is to focus like Demas on this present world.

This is a refusal to believe that reward that Christ has ahead.