June 12, 2005
"What To Do When You Feel Like Quitting"
A Call To Faithfulness—Part 1
1 Timothy 1:1-12
Understanding 1 Timothy
The background:
Major world events:
The occasion for Paul writing to Timothy:
What To Do When You Feel Like Quitting:
1. Remember who appointed you to the work.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope...
—1 Timothy 1:1
Note: Paul was crystal clear about his motivation for ministry. "I do it for Jesus' sake!"
Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ.
—Colossians 3:22-24
2. Remember who is trying to discourage you.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
—James 4:7
For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
—Ephesians 6:12-13 (NLT)
"If you don't get up in the morning and meet the devil, you're just headed the wrong way."
—R.G. Lee
3. Remember the importance of the task.
The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there, would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.
—1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)
We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.
—1 Timothy 1:8
All this is for (their) benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart...
—2 Corinthians 4:15-16
4. Remember the outcome of your service.
For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.
—2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NLT)
These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.
—2 Corinthians 4:17 (MSG)
God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry; we never give up.
—2 Corinthians 4:1 (NLT)
Lifework
What have you started that you believe is God's will, and now you are ready to throw in the towel? Friend, God calls you to a long obedience. Anything worth doing is always going to be hard at some point. God calls you to faithfulness. Faithfulness means you hang in even when you feel like quitting. Remember who appointed you to the task. Remember who is trying to discourage you. Remember the eternal importance. Remember the blessings of faithfulness. Never give up!
Prayer: Dear God, I live in a culture of quitting, but you have called me to a long obedience. Never let me forget my call. It is no less than the Apostle Paul's. Help me to have the resolve to persist regardless of circumstances, opposition, feelings, discouragement and hardships. Let me see you in what I do, day by day, step by step, persevering to the end. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
A Call to Faithfulness—Week 1
Personal and Group Study
Getting Started
- What chores were you assigned as a child at home? What chores were your siblings assigned at home? Which chores did you like and which chores did you dislike? Why?
- What is most difficult task you have ever taken on at church, at school or in the community? What helped you complete the task?
- Did you ever get or give a "win one for the gipper" type of pep talk? What was the occasion?
Digging Deeper: Read 1 Timothy 1:1-11 and scan the rest of the book to discover the general themes.
- How certain was Paul of his assignment to establish and give guidance to the churches of Asia Minor? Why did Paul keep going when the task got tough? (verse 1)
- What did you know about Timothy's background and career before starting this study? If you were Timothy, how would you feel being left in a situation like this? What problem would seem most serious to you?
- How are these false teachers misusing the law? (verses 7-10 and Galatians 2:15-16) For what audience and what purpose is the law intended? (Romans 3:20)
Applying It To My Life
- In the past, what was more important to you than love: The desire to be right? The desire to be "on top"? The desire to be in control? The desire to look good? Or something else?
- In your life, what seems to be lacking: Clear thinking? Sound doctrine? Clear conscience? Pure heart? Sincere faith? Why?
- To get the most out of 1 Timothy, what are you willing to put into it? How will you apply yourself to the study of this book? Will you commit to be a part of a group? Will you commit to prayer? Will you commit to accountability?