September 25, 2005
"Are You Ready to Take a STAND?"
A Call to Faithfulness—Part 15
2 Timothy 2:22-3:17
"It takes men and women of conviction to make a difference in difficult times."
Preparation for taking a STAND:
Stop pursuing youthful lusts.
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust.
—2 Timothy 2:22a
"You have to 'run from' because youthful lusts are chasing you. Pleasure and power are strong drugs."
Take on the qualities that build (Godly) character.
Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
—2 Timothy 2:22b
We have been called to be holy.
Growing in Christian character is balanced.
We must flee sin, but we must also pursue righteousness!
"You won't build Godly character through passive inactivity."
Assume right attitudes so that others will want to submit to God.
Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. The Lord's servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will believe the truth.
—2 Timothy 2:23-25 (NLT)
But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But to do this with gentleness and respect...
—1 Peter 3:15
"Attitude is everything."
Read: Philippians 2:5-7
Notice what's happening and hold on to what is right.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
—2 Timothy 3:1-2
Special note about last days:
In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...
—Hebrews 1:1-2
First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire.
—2 Peter 3:3 (NLT)
Question: Why are the last days taking so long?
Answer: Because of God's love. (2 Peter 3:9)
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
—1 Timothy 4:1
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
—2 Timothy 3:2-4
"Worship God, love people, and use things."
The heart of every problem is a problem in the heart!
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
—Psalm 16:11
Declare God's Word and use it as a standard for training.
"Knowing God's Word is the only way we can tell what's true and false."
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
—2 Timothy 3:16-17
- The Word of God enlightens people to receive the salvation of God.
Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news - the Good News about Christ.
—Romans 10:17 (NLT)
- The Word of God equips people to do the work of God.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
—Psalm 119:105
Special note on Christian parenting: You will not have this opportunity after they grow up.
Train a child in the way he should go...
—Proverbs 22:6
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
—Psalm 119:9
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
—Psalm 119:11
Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Lifework
What point of today's message do you need to focus on this week, so that you are better prepared to take a STAND for Christ? Who will hold you accountable to your commitment?
A Call to Faithfulness—Week 15
Personal and Group Study
Getting Started
- Do you like to watch scary movies? Why or why not? What do you do when a movie gets intense; eat more popcorn, bite your fingernails, or remind yourself that this is just a movie?
- When you get involved in "End Time" discussions, what is it that most people focus on? Have you ever watched an "End Times" movie? What did you like and dislike about it?
Digging Deeper: Read 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17
- In this passage, what is Timothy to flee and what is he to pursue?
- How does one defend faith against heresy without arguing over the truth?
- Paul says that people in the last days will have a "form of godliness." At the same time, he lists a multitude of sins. With a list like this, how could they possible have a "form of godliness"?
- Why does Paul emphasize both his character and is suffering in verses 10 and 11?
- Is persecution necessarily the result of righteousness? Why or why not?
- What does Paul share as the origin and purpose of the "holy Scriptures"? How has the Word of God equipped you for your ministry?
Applying It To My Life
- What barriers to faithful living do you encounter? Have you tried fleeing from sin without pursuing after righteousness? What was the result?
- What myths are people buying into today? How can you help counteract their misconceptions?
- How can you make God's Word more a part of your life?