LESSONS LEARNED IN A LETTER WRITTEN FOR THE LAST DAYS
TEXT: 2Tim3:1-17
TIME & PLACE: 24/08/08 ELBC
SUBJ: THE LAST DAYS
THEME: LESSONS FOR THE LAST DAYS
P/S: E.C. CAN BE BETTER PREPARED FOR THE LAST DAYS
T/S: BY COMPREHENDING THE EXHORTATIONS TO TIMOTHY CONCERNING THE LAST DAYS THAT ARE SET FORTH IN THE TEXT.
INTRO: As a preacher, Pastor and 1st and foremost a Christian some of the most cherished books in the Bible for me have always been the “Pastoral Epistles” (1-2 Timothy & Titus) In those 3 books there is literally a wealth of information to assist the Christian and the Preacher, whom Paul was writing the book to. In the 2nd letter to Timothy and Chapter 3 Paul comes right to a conclusion in most all that he has written to Timothy and divulges to him in 17 verses a wealth of exhortations/ lessons to assist him in the days to come. One need not look around much or be a casual reader of the Bible before you will come to the conclusion that times are drastically changing and it shouldn’t take us by surprise because the Bible said these days would come. I want to look at this 3rd chapter of 2 Timothy and see what it is we can glean from Paul’s letter to Timothy for us in the day and age we live. With that in mind I want to preach on this thought……. “LESSONS LEARNED IN A LETTER WRITTEN FOR THE LAST DAYS”.
I. THE PATTERN OF THE LAST DAYS vs1-9
A. IT IS ONE OF REALIZATION vs1 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
B. IT IS ONE OF REBELLION vs2-4
1. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves,” – fond of self, selfish.
2. “covetous,” – fond of silver.
3. “boasters,” – a braggart.
4. “proud,” – appearing above others, haughty.
5. “blasphemers,” – against man and God.
6. “disobedient to parents,” unpersuadable by parents.
7. “unthankful,” ungrateful.
8. “unholy,” – wicked.
9. “Without natural affection,” – hardhearted towards kindred.
10. “trucebreakers,” the refusal to devote ones life for sacrifice.
11. “false accusers,” – a slanderer.
12. “incontinent,” – without self control.
13. “fierce,” – savage.
14. “despisers of those that are good,” – hostile towards virtue.
15. “Traitors,” – one who surrenders to another, gives in.
16. “heady,” – hurried, swift, hasty.
17. “highminded,” – to inflate with self conceit.
18. “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” – fond of personal pleasures more than a fondness of God.
C. IT IS ONE OF RELIGION vs5-8 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (Televangelists, JW’s Mormons)
D. IT IS ONE OF RESISTANCE vs8b “so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.”
Note: One of the key indicators that I Realize that it is the last days is because of the Pattern that is so prevalent taking place all around us.
Appl: Do you see the Pattern that is taking place? The sad part for me is that I see much of the Pattern even creeping into my own lifestyle and mindset.
II. THE PERSECUTION OF THE LAST DAYS vs10-13
A. DUE TO DOCTRINE vs10a “But thou hast fully known my doctrine,”
B. DUE TO DILIGENCE vs10b-11a “manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch , at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured:”
C. DUE TO DELIVERANCE vs11b “but out of them all the Lord delivered me.”
D. DUE TO DEVOTION vs12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Note: One thing is for sure…..being a Christian in today’s day and age is not for the faint of heart. That is why so many can’t seem to be able to follow the Lord. I use to think it was a sissy that hid behind the Church and the Cross…….I now realize it is a true man and woman that chooses to follow Christ.
Appl: Has the Persecution of the last days hindered your walk?
III. THE PERSISTENCE OF THE LAST DAYS vs14-17
A. IN THE WAY OF GOD vs14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;”
B. IN THE WORD OF GOD vs15-16 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
C. IN THE WORKS OF GOD vs17 “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Note: It doesn’t take a very spiritual person to realize that there is an attack taking place today. Paul realized that there was an attack then and there will be one in the future and he encourages Timothy to “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned” People as a whole are not continuing anymore…..because they are giving in to the “perilous times” yet God has left us what it is we need to be all that He wants us to…….the Word of God.
Appl: Are you continuing? Will you continue as the days get more and more perilous? You only will if you Persist.
Inv: Hymn 407 “Is Your All On The Altar”
Serving with Gladness,
Bro. Michael Lovett
Ps 3:3
East London, South Africa