Grace Fellowship Sermons

“Joy” and “death” don’t seem appropriate in the same sentence, and they would forever be at odds if it weren’t for another word that we celebrate at Easter – “resurrection.” So today, we will explore three joy-inducing reasons that the Father had in the death of the Son, as proven by the resurrection of Jesus.

Some people believe that Jesus is the ultimate model for ethical living. It is. Others believe that Jesus is the most spiritual man who has ever walked this earth. That is true. Still, others believe that Jesus is the finest example of overcoming injustice in our world. No doubt. While these sentiments are true, they are not sufficient to express the most significant fact about the life of Jesus – that the joy of the Father was perfectly and completely satisfied in the life of the Son.

Everyone has a desire for an enduring legacy. Who doesn’t want to be remembered well and to have an impact that lasts long after we are gone? What if you could have a lasting effect that stretches far beyond your days on earth? Would you be interested to know how? Today you will find out.

There are circumstances in life that command special attention: a first kiss, the first day of school, first job, etc. At these times, the awareness is high because the occasion is unique. Similarly, Timothy needs to heighten his awareness to the forces seeking to influence the spiritual formation of the Church of Ephesus.

Job descriptions are essential if things are to get done. Whether it is a parent describing to a child how to clean their room or a CEO leading a world-wide corporation, knowing what you are supposed to do is critical to accomplishing what must be done. In our passage today, Paul gives Timothy his job description as a pastor that will both honor Christ and provide healthy leadership in the church at Ephesus.

Last week we looked at who we should follow and how we should follow them. This week we see how Paul exhorts Timothy to stay rooted in God’s Word. We hope you are encouraged by the kindness of our Lord today.

For thousands of years, humans found their way in life by looking to the sky. Sailors used the constellations, sun, and moon to reach distant lands. Today, our navigating occurs through GPS (Global Positioning System). If you want to know where you are and how to get where you want to be, then GPS is crucial. In our passage today, Paul provides Timothy with a spiritual GPS that will guide him throughout his life. It is these same truths that will guide us on our spiritual journey. We hope you are encouraged by the kindness of our Lord today.

During World War 2, the United States developed a warning system to detect enemy submarines approaching the continental Unites States. The goal was twofold, to recognize and repel possible harm to people. Paul is helping Timothy do just this in our study today.

“Don’t act like a tourist,” said the tour guide. He went on to tell the group that there are people who look for tourists to cheat or steal from. The naïveté of a tourist serves as an example of how we need to be alert to false spiritual leaders who take advantage of people for their own gain.

Paul continues his warning to Timothy about false teachers in the church. Last week, Paul outlined the methods every church leader and every believer should employ when confronting such adversaries. Today, Paul zeroes in on their true motivations and the means they use to achieve them. Just as in Timothy’s day, these are difficult times.