3 Key Words: Calling, Character, & Convictions!

1. For all Deacons - I Timothy 3:8-16 (see 3:1 “likewise”)

2. For Jason Benson - I Timothy 4:12

I. 9 Ways to Guard the Gospel:

1. By strength in God’s grace - v. 1

2. By training God’s pastors - v. 2

3. By sufferings w/ God’s blessings - vv. 3-6

4. By understanding God’s calling - v. 7

5. By remembering God’s King - v. 8

6. By courage in God’s will - v. 9a

7. By confidence in God’s Word - v. 9b

a. Paul - II Timothy 3:16-17

b. Peter - II Peter 1:16-21

1. By Understanding the conditions of salvation - vv. 11-13

(1) THIS IS A TRUSTWORTHY STATEMENT

• IF WE DIED WITH HIM, then WE WILL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM

• IF WE ENDURE, then WE WILL REIGN WITH HIM

• IF WE DISOWN/DENY HIM, then HE WILL DISOWN US (Matthew 10:33)

• IF WE ARE FAITHLESS, then HE WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL - FOR HE CANNOT DENY HIMSELF (God is not impacted by our lack of faith)