Sermon Central
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Letters To Timothy
Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 27, 2013 (message contributor)
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1. I Did Not Quit
Contributed on May 21, 2016
Christian service requires stamina to stay the course despite opposition.
“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who ...read more
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2. Who Can We Blame?
Contributed on Nov 12, 2016
If we will cease blaming others, we must be controlled by the Spirit of God. A study of the impact of God's Spirit in the life of a believer.
“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” [1] It was an exceptional week, even for a broken world. One morning in June, we awoke to horrific news that an alligator had dragged a two-year-old boy into a lake at Walt Disney World. Though the presence ...read more
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3. Come Before Winter
Contributed on Oct 15, 2016
The coming of winter imposes an urgency on our service to Christ. For someone we know, it is "winter, or never." Whatever we are to do, it must be now.
“Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. “The Lord be with ...read more
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4. When Standing Alone
Contributed on Aug 27, 2016
Each Christian will eventually stand alone. At such times, they may be assured that they are never truly alone--the Lord is standing with them.
2 TIMOTHY 4:16-18 WHEN STANDING ALONE… “At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear ...read more
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5. Battles To The Very End
Contributed on Aug 14, 2016
Though believers in the Lord are engaged in battles to the end of earthly days, they are assured of victory in Christ.
“Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to ...read more
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6. The Next Generation
Contributed on Jun 8, 2013
The Christian, and especially the elder of the church, is engaged in a lifelong campaign. He must prepare the next generation to enter into the conflict.
“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I ...read more
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7. One Mediator
Contributed on Jul 14, 2013
Christ is the One Mediator between God and man. The message seeks to explore the necessity of mediation and the results of God's provision.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God ...read more
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8. He Is Able
Contributed on Jun 28, 2015
In the darkest times, God is prepared to accomplish great things to the praise of His glory. He is able.
“I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” [1] Unapologetically, the message today is meant for Christians—followers of Christ the Lord. This is appropriate since the text was ...read more
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9. Think About It
Contributed on Nov 22, 2015
Delayed gratification is the norm for God's choice servants. Ponder how He works leads to a precious gift of understanding.
“Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” [1] Anticipate opposition and hostility if you are a Christian. Don’t seek conflict; but don’t be surprised when opposition arises. We Christians seek peace with all people and we will do ...read more
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10. Henceforth
Contributed on Jul 2, 2016
There is so much more than this moment called now for which the believer lives. Standing on the cusp of eternity, the Apostle directs our gaze to what follows this life.
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people ...read more
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11. Difficult Times
Contributed on May 15, 2016
As the consummation of the Age nears, the infiltration of evil into the churches will become more pronounced, requiring awareness and resistance from the faithful.
“Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ...read more
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12. Family Responsibility
Contributed on Mar 22, 2014
Balancing the responsibility of the family and the church for vulnerable family members is discussed.
“If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.” [1] The Apostle admonished Timothy to instruct the congregation that they must assume responsibility for their own ...read more
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13. Ensuring A Future For The Faith
Contributed on Sep 20, 2015
Examining the responsibility to seek out and prepare faithful men who will advance the Faith in days to come.
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” [1] Apostolic succession ...read more
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14. Character Counts
Contributed on May 8, 2016
The response to disruptive people demonstrates the Christian's maturity. Paul counsels the expression of the character that marks all who are mature in Christ.
“In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the ...read more
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15. Lion Attack
Contributed on Aug 8, 2015
Responding as godly people when Satan attacks.
“You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.” [1] Asics has produced an amusing ad. Two Xhosa men are walking and talking. “I’m no longer interested in Sandra Bullock,” says one. “It’s like in ...read more
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16. Until He Comes
Contributed on Sep 6, 2014
Knowing who is served is essential for finishing well. The man of God must faithfully fulfil His appointment until Christ returns.
“I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the ...read more
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17. Misusing The Law
Contributed on May 5, 2013
The purpose of the Law and the danger of mishandling that same Law is discussed. The contrast of law and gospel is examined.
“We know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually ...read more
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18. Guarding The Good Deposit
Contributed on Jul 25, 2015
The message explores what Paul meant when he urged Timothy to guard the good deposit. Preachers are point men in the battle to stand firm against error, but the congregation must join them in this task.
“By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” [1] Servants of Christ demonstrate a dynamic interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the exercise of the ministry God has assigned each one. One writer, citing an old maxim of the ...read more
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19. Departure From The Faith
Contributed on Oct 19, 2013
Apostasy is an ongoing threat to the faithful. It is a process rather than an event.
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be ...read more
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20. The Advantage Of A Godly Home
Contributed on Mar 15, 2015
Children raised in a godly environment are advantaged in learning of Christ the Lord.
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” [1] The way of salvation is taught by godly people; but the Spirit of God must make the dead individual alive in Christ. We ...read more
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21. Remember Jesus Christ
Contributed on Dec 26, 2015
In our service to the Lord, some things must always be borne in mind. Remember Jesus Christ is perhaps the most important truth to hold in mind for each Christian.
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” [1] We have just come through the Christmas Season. We are poised on the cusp of a new year. ...read more
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22. In These Last Days
Contributed on Jan 25, 2016
A review of the characteristics of life in the last days and how the people of God must respond to those conditions.
IN THESE LAST DAYS "Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not ...read more
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23. Share In Suffering
Contributed on Apr 26, 2015
God calls His people to stand firm in the face of trials and suffering.
“Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.” [1] The call of Christ is not as is commonly presented in contemporary church life. We preachers do issue a call for our hearers to ...read more
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24. Deacons Who Serve Well
Contributed on Sep 21, 2013
The rewards of serving well as a deacon are explored.
“Those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” [1] Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” [MARK 10:45]. Jesus also ...read more
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25. Timothy: The Young Theologue
Contributed on Jan 27, 2013
God’s preparation for service in the hard place is studied.
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, “To Timothy, my true child in the faith: “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” [1] Biographical studies can be about as exciting as watching paint dry. ...read more
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26. Responding To Threats
Contributed on Aug 17, 2014
False teachers threaten the health of the Community of Faith, just as errant doctrine threatens the spiritual welfare of the people of God. The message considers how the elder is to respond to such threats.
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” [1] The people of God live under constant threat even to their lives. Jesus warned His people, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of ...read more
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27. Handling God's Word
Contributed on Apr 16, 2016
The message explores the familiar admonition to handle the Word of Truth rightly.
“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent ...read more
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28. When The Elder Sins
Contributed on May 16, 2014
Elders are to be honoured for their labour. However, elders are to be held accountable before the congregation to discharge their appointment in a faithful manner.
“Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these ...read more
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29. What About The Younger Widows
Contributed on Mar 15, 2014
Having provided instruction for establishing an order of widows, Paul proscribes enrolling younger widows and justifies his position.
“Refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and ...read more
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30. A Hymn Without A Melody
Contributed on Feb 27, 2016
Considering the hymnody of the faithful, what is the meaning of the hymn Paul cites in this particular text? How does this build the saints today?
“The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” [1] I must believe that the ...read more