Sunday Messages - Sheboygan eFree Church Sunday Messages

In our opening verse, Paul wrote But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty (3:1). What does Paul mean by the phrase in the last days? He is referring to the period of time that began with the coming of Christ and will continue until the day of Christ’s return. As Hebrews 1:1-2 reminds us, this is a period of time established by God for the fulfillment of his plan for his people.

A major distinctive of the last days is the presence of false teachers. At least 18 different characteristics are used by Paul to describe these people in the verses we are considering. Critical to Paul’s portrayal of them are the words having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power (3:5). Paul’s counsel to Timothy is to avoid such people. As a congregation committed to the truth of God’s Word, let’s examine these verses carefully, and apply these thoughts to the times in which we live.

In every generation, the church will face false teachers who try to twist and distort what God has said clearly. To do this, these false teachers often generalize on a theme (in our passage, it’s the nature of the resurrection, v.18) and then run down a path of human speculation about that theme. The most dangerous false teachers arise from within the church (1 John 2:18-19; 2 Peter 2:1; Numbers 16; Galatians 1:6-10).

The question in this passage (2:14-26) is, “How shall the Church deal with false teachers?” As Paul encourages Timothy, the pastor at Ephesus, he speaks to all Christians everywhere about the work, the integrity, and the self-control that is required to deal with false teachers.

God is building his covenant people on the firm foundation of his inspired, preserved and infallible Word. In every generation there will be unique challenges to God’s definition of sanctification and holiness (how shall we live?) and the gospel (what is the ‘good news’?) and Christian doctrine. In every generation, God's people cling to his Word.

As we experience questions, doubts and even challenges to God’s Word and authority, it is incumbent upon us to respond with wisdom. In our passage today, Paul instructs Timothy that there is a time to “remind” and to “charge,” but there is also a time to “avoid” the trendy topics.

In Ephesians 4-6, Paul outlines how Christian people will (and must) relate to one another and to the world around us. His instruction involves church life (4:1-5:21), family life (5:22-6:4), work life (6:5-9) and a vigilant attention to our own relationship with God (6:10-20 and chapters 1-3).

As we focus on 6:1-4, we will see clear instructions for those who have dads (like you) and those who are dads. These instructions are always life-giving to the whole church, so that those who are dads, those who are orphaned, those who had a rough situation with an earthly dad, and those who are not yet a dad will learn what is “right,” and all of us will honor our Father in heaven.

As the Apostle Paul begins a new paragraph in this letter to Timothy, the term endure seems to be central to his thoughts. In 2:10, Paul writes Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, and in 2:12 he adds if we endure, we will also reign with him. The word endure carries with it the meaning “to last,” and is associated with terms such as “endurance” and “duration.”

Jesus Christ serves as the Apostle Paul’s inspiration for endurance. This is why Paul challenges Timothy to remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead (2:8). This idea is further developed in 2:11-13, an early creedal statement marked by a series of if and then clauses. Clearly, one who belongs to Jesus Christ is one who endures as faithful to the One who remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself (2:13). Let’s ponder these thoughts, as we apply God’s word to our lives.

On this special Sunday in which we honor our high school graduates, Pastor Robert Lee delivers a message called "King of Kings and Lord of Lords,"' based on Revelation 19:11-16.

Originally called “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day is a National Day of Mourning which calls Americans to reflect upon the personal sacrifice of 1.3 million soldiers who have died in US military service for the cause of freedom and liberty in our land. Indeed, “some gave all,” and we thank God for them.

In the 27th Psalm, David teaches us how those who face great conflict and threat can have confidence in total victory as we draw near to the LORD. On this Memorial Day, it is imperative that we set our hopes on the Friend of sinners, who sacrificially laid down his life in love so that all who trust him enjoy liberty and freedom forever.

We are not surprised that the word entrust appears in this passage, since the term was used by the Apostle Paul in prior instructions to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 6:20, Paul wrote O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul states that God is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Two verses later, Paul challenges Timothy to guard the good deposit entrusted to you (2 Timothy 1:14).

In 2 Timothy 2:1-7, we can see how Paul’s transition plan is to unfold. In verse 2, the Apostle writes 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. Paul hopes for a living chain of truth that will extend through the centuries. Let’s seek to understand the transition plan described in these verses and apply the insights to the times in which we live.

The heart of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is revealed in the second chapter of Luke. Upon Christ’s birth, shepherds arrived in Bethlehem to witness what God had revealed. After this occurrence, Luke tells us that Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart (2:19). At the age of twelve, Jesus joined his parents in traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Passover. It was such a memorable experience that, when the family returned to Nazareth, Mary treasured up all these things in her heart (2:51). Mary’s heart was a storehouse of treasures.

The story we are considering today highlights the wisdom of Jesus, cultivated in his loving home environment (2:40, 52). Note the various stages of Jesus’ growth: baby (2:16), child (2:40), boy (2:43), and finally just his name, Jesus (2:52). On this special day, when we pause to honor our mothers, let’s examine the relationship of Mary and Jesus, applying these truths to life.

The Apostle Paul demonstrated a great capacity for developing personal relationships. His vast circle of friendships included Timothy, Titus, Priscilla and Aquila, Silas, Luke, Barnabas, Ananias, and John Mark. Clearly, Paul invested himself in the lives of others to bring honor to the Lord. When we examine the final chapter of Romans, we find Paul sending greetings to thirty-three people, twenty-four of whom were in Rome.

In 2 Timothy 1:15-18, we find Paul in a reflective state of mind. The great Apostle wants to equip Timothy to use discernment when choosing ministry associates. Through the use of contrast, Paul describes those who have departed from him (i.e., Phygelus and Hermogenes) and one who remained loyal to him through the trials of life (Onesiphorus). Let’s ponder the wisdom provided in these verses as we cultivate relationships in a way that brings glory to God.