"Sail On, Avoid Becoming Shipwrecked"

Text:

1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Title:

“How to avoid becoming Shipwrecked”

Introduction: Paul did not want to see his “son in the faith” become shipwrecked. Paul wrote this epistle to Timothy to warn him of the things that could beset his ministry.

Ten rocks to avoid lest you smash your ship!

1. Pharisees

1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Everywhere that Paul went, he would be followed by those who would try to reinstruct his converts. It was the purpose of these “judizers” to reharness the gentile believers and put them under the Old Testament Law. Paul warns Timothy in the first Chapter, to not give into them. Jesus said that the entirety of the Old Testament Law could be summarized with “Love God,” and “Love thy neighbor.”

I wonder if those two phrases would be smitten from the walls of our court rooms today....

2. Politics

1:2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

As much as I would like to see America change, I must remember that the purpose to the Church is to “Preach” and to “Pray.” I am not here to save the present Kingdom. I have been called to preach about the “Kingdom” that is to come.

It very well could be that God would raise up among our membership those who would enter into the political arena. I say “Amen” to every Christian would is trying to “Occupy” until Jesus comes. But my position, as the preacher, is to stay behind the pulpit and cry out against sin, proclaiming the Gospel, preparing people for the “Kingdom that is to come.”

3. Perfume

2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

A preacher can become ensnared by the “Ladies” of the Church. We need to encourage them to come to Church modestly dressed and in submission to their husbands.

One of the best ways for a preacher to protect himself is through his preaching. Make mention of “how much you love your wife.” Live and preach a message of holiness and home.

4. Performance

3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

It is easy to get caught up in the numbers game. I can become so concerned about the Church attendance and advancing the growth of the Church, that I forget about my responsibilities at home. I must not neglect my wife, my children, and my grandchildren. I cannot be a good Pastor if I am not first, a good husband, and then a good father.

5. Pride

3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

God equals power. There are many who will love you simply because of their love for God. A Pastor should be a hero. He is the “Shepherd” of the flock. A novice might let this elevated position go to his head. Whatever we are, and whatever we might become, is by the grace of God.

6. Persecution

4:12 Let no man despise thy youth;

If a man stays in the ministry for any length of time, he might be more apt to fall into a state of despair, then to be lifted up with pride! Life is humbling.

There are those in the Church who feel like it is their calling in life to keep the Pastor humble! Paul mentions this to Timothy when he says something like this, “Beware of those who will constantly confront you by saying, who are you to tell us what to do? You are much too young to provide us with wisdom. We know more than you do.”

As a missionary, Paul did not stay in town long enough to become the Pastor of the Church. However he usually stayed in town long enough to “kicked” out of it!

7. Pining People

5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old,

It seems like everyone has their hand out. They want the Pastor’s instant attention. Paul tells Timothy that only the widows in their affliction are worthy of such constant care. And then he goes on to define what a biblical widow is... that is, not all widows are to be brought under the watchcare of the Church. Paul outlines several stipulations of consideration. The bottom line is, he tells Timothy, “You cannot be everybody’s hero!”