February 4, 2024
Sermon Series: Remain Devoted and Faithful To The End
Book: 2 Timothy
SERMON # 2: BEING BOLD TO THE END
Part 2
2 Timothy 1:11-18
How strong is your grip? When you shake someone’s hand…. when you hold a tennis racket…. when you hold a tool? Whether it be a handshake, a sporting act, or being a handyman around the home, a firm grip is necessary. Just think how clammy a weak handshake feels. A bad grip on a hammer will not drive the nail into the board. Just as it is important to have a strong grip in these areas, it is critically important for the Christian believer to have a good grip on the Lord Jesus.
The Psalmist, King David, reminds us with this vivid illustrate:
“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Ps. 63:8, NLT).
In other words, “hang on as He holds on to you!’
As we read Pauls’ final written words in this epistle, we see no wavering----no doubt----in his mind about his faith in Christ. We only see unshakeable confidence and boldness; in spite of the fact, he knows his execution is imminent. This passage reveals three requirements for being bold to the end:
Part 1
I. CONCENTRATE ON WHOM YOU BELIEVE v. 11-12
Part 2
II. DEDICATE YOURSELF TO GOD’S WORD v. 13-14
A. Hold fast to sound words v. 13 – Paul is telling Timothy to hold on to his teachings, which today make up almost half of the New Testament, using them as a form of his teaching. the context in which this teaching is to be done is in:
1. By faith---in Christ alone.
2. By love--- in Christ alone.
B. Hold fast your trust v. 14---by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul exhorts young Timothy: That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us v. 14. The word keep, means “preserve intact.” We must be loving in our teaching, but we must be faithful to keep the truth of God’s Word. The responsibility for preserving the Word of God intact can be obeyed through the power of the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
The Holy Spirit continuously resides in us, giving us the boldness to guard the Word. Note that the believer can keep his trust and do the work of God only by the power of the Holy Spirit. No man can penetrate the heart of another person; only the Holy Spirit of God can do that.
How much do you depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, every part of your life? Many people are prone to “help” God out by supplying their own power. And the story for all has the same ending: the power of men will eventually run out.
There was once a man who built his entire business upon his personality. He was charming, creative, and crooked. You might even know someone like this man.
This man had enough power to build several businesses for his self-made empire. Like the pied piper, he charmed many to follow him down his path of corruption. He went on for years propelled by his own power.
One day, the funds to run this man’s empire dried up. A local recession had devastated the economy, and in only a few short months every one of his businesses dried up like a vine that had been cut away from its roots. His money, and his power had finally run out…and God’s power was never used.
Which power supply are you plugged into---God’s or your own?
This passage reveals three requirements for being bold to the end:
1. Concentrate On Whom You Believer v. 11-12
2. Dedicate Yourself to Guard God’s Word v. 13-14
III. ANTICIPATE DISAPPOINTMENTS AND PLEASANT SURPRISES v. 15-18
A. Hold fast without turning away, for many turn away v. 15 – Paul now expresses his disappointments: This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes v. 15. Since Paul mentions these two by name, they must be a special disappointment.
Paul was facing the crisis of his life: he was standing trial on a capital charge, that of being an insurrectionist, a disturber of the peace against the Roman empire. It was dangerous to be associated with Paul. Because of this, most of the believers throughout Asia deserted Paul. They actually turned away from Paul who had done so much for them.
B. Hold fast, following the example of those who have proven faithful: Onesiphorus v. 16.
In contrast to his disappointments, Paul also has pleasant surprises. One of which he refers to when he writes: The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain v. 16.
1. He diligently sought Paul until he found Paul. However, Onesiphorus did not allow the difficulty of finding Paul nor the danger of being associated with him to keep him from locating Paul. In friendship, adversity separates the chaff from the wheat. We don’t find out who our real friends are until we need them.
2. He was assured of mercy on the great day of judgment v. 18.
Paul’s deep appreciation and love for Onesiphorus. He prays that God will have mercy upon this dear saint in the day of judgment, that God will reward Onesiphorus for the many things he did for him when he was a prisoner. We will be judged at the Judgment seat of Christ to determine our eternal rewards (2 Cor. 5:10). According to James 2;13, at that Judgment our mercy, or kind acts, to others will be so important.
Being Bold to The End
1. Concentrate On Whom You Believe v. 12-13
2. Dedicate Yourself to Guard God’s Word v. 3-14
3. Anticipate Disappointments and Pleasant Surprises v. 15-18
Responsive Reading: 2 Timothy 1:11-18
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