I. Introduction (vs. 1-4) II. Paul's Charge to Timothy A. Ignite Your Gift (vs 5-7) B. Share in Suffering (vs. 8-11) a. What to do b. How to do it C. Guard What God Guards (vs 11-14) III. Application (vs. 15-18)

Christ served us, rules over us, and gives us our vocations in this world. So let us serve accordingly in our callings… 1. When under authority, let us serve: (vv. 5-8) a. With sincerity before Christ. (5) b. With faith in Christ. (6-7) c. With hope in Christ. (8) 2. When exercising authority, let us rule: (v. 9) a. With gentleness and justice like Christ.

Christ centers our family life on Him as He fill us with His Spirit. Therefore, 1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord in light of God's promise. (vv. 1-3) 2. Dads (and moms), raise your children in the Lord's Word of Law and Gospel. (v. 4)

God in Christ ordains marriage not only for the good of humanity and the church – but especially to reveal a Gospel mystery. 1. Christian marriage is appointed for covenant companionship: a. Even as wives freely submit to their husbands. (vv. 22-24) b. Even as husbands self-sacrificially love their wives. (vv. 25-28) 2. Christian marriage is a one-flesh union – to reflect the mystery of Christ's union with His Bride, the church. (vv. 29-33)

Christ has delivered us from the darkness so walk carefully in these evil days: 1. Walk with wisdom in line with the end-times. (vv. 15-16) 2. Walk with understanding in line with God's Word. (v. 17) 3. Walk with a Spirit-filled life – in line with: (v. 18) a. Mutually edifying worship. (v. 19a) b. Heart-felt praise to Christ. (v. 19b) c. Continual thanksgiving to God. (v. 20) d. Self-deferential submission. (v. 21)

Christ has made us His saints and children of light in this dark world. So: 1. Live no longer as do the sons of disobedience. (vv. 3-7) 2. Live as light in the Lord by the Spirit. (vv. 8-12) 3. Live to shine the life-giving light of the Gospel on those in darkness. (vv. 13-14)

As those beloved of God in Christ, we must walk in love, putting off sin and putting on Christ. 1. Put off lying, anger, and stealing; and put on truth, quick repentance, and generosity. (vv 25-28) 2. Put off Spirit-grieving speech; and put on edifying speech. (vv 29-30) 3. Be done with all that is ugly and malicious; and walk in light of Gospel grace. (4:30-5:2)

As you've learned the truth that is in Jesus, you must leave the old life because you are a new man. 1. You must no longer walk as pagans do. (vv 17-19) 2. Because you have learned this threefold truth in Jesus: (vv 20-24) a. You have put off the old man. (vv 20-22) b. You are being renewed in mind by God. (v 23) c. You have put on the new man. (v 24)

Christ gives Gospel-Word-gifts to His church: 1. To perfect us, minister to us, and edify us. (vv. 11-12) 2. For our unity in the faith and our maturity in Christ. (vv. 13-14) 3. For our growth together in love. (vv. 15-16)