II Timothy 2:1-7

As we have studied II Timothy for the past few weeks there has been much discussion about our responsibility as recipients of God’s grace to actively, but humbly, use our spiritual gifts to both guard and share the truth of the gospel.

“…but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines the heart.” (I Thess. 2:4)

Regrettably, it is far too easy as immature Christians to fall into the trap of wanting to please ourselves or others more than wanting to please God. Even church leaders are susceptible to this selfish desire, which “inevitably leads to moral and spiritual decline, because pleasing the world, including worldly Christians, demands compromise of God’s truth, God’s standards, and personal holiness” (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary – II Timothy, p.45).

John MacArthur also gives a good summary of the verses we discussed last week at the Terrace. He writes,

“There are certain things the spiritual Christian has to endure, such as suffering for the faith [v.3]. There are certain things he has to avoid, such as becoming entangled with the affairs of the world [v.4]. There are certain mandates he has to obey, namely, the commands of his Lord [v.5]. There are certain things he has to do, including tasks that seem mundane and ordinary [v.6]. And, just as surely, there are things he will be given to enjoy, the victory and the rewards of a dedicated selfless, and disciplined life. Through His apostle [Paul], the Lord assures us: ‘Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord’ (1 Cor.15:58).”
(The MacArthur New Testament Commentary – II Timothy, p.49)

We are grateful for the spiritual gifts God has given us so that we may be equipped for effective service. But like Timothy, we often look at our weaknesses and feel largely inadequate. So we strive, through prayer and faith, to keep Christ as the treasure of our hearts and to make pleasing Him our primary goal in life. We trust that He is faithful and will bring to completion the good work he began in us (Philippians 1:6).

What a great night Wednesday night. We spent some good time chatting over coffee and some famous "corbin special recipe" chocolate chip cookies.

We dove into II Timothy and discussed Paul's charge for Timothy and all believers, to cherish, guard, and share the gospel. After talking about practical ways to do this in our lives, and what guarding the gospel really looks like we broke up for the night and all gave Steve a high five on his broken hand?!

Come check it out The Terrace next week, we would love to have you for the first time or again and again!

The Gospel: GUARD the Good News

Ya, pretty much of all us have heard the Gospel and believed the Gospel. But, do we truly, truly understand and take to heart what God calls of us to do in response to it. It should change our lives, it should make us see the world through different eyes, and it should stir us to arms in defense of the Gospel.

In II Timothy, continuing in Chapter 1, Paul calls Timothy not only to teach and be bold in Ephesus, as the church leader there, but to become so passionate about the Gospel that Timothy would guard it like the treasure it was and still is.

Come join us at The Terrace at 7:30pm Wednesday night. I think Holly might be making some good ole' chip o' the choclate cookies and we will dive in to some good talk about God's word, as well as a probably some other random subjects, which last week led us into sleep walking....Stay tuned!

Famous Last Words....

Have you ever noticed how society hangs on every little word that comes out of famous people's mouths. Even last night with the Presidential debate, each Presidential candidate slowly and very carefully chose their words as audience members asked them tons of questions. It's because WE are watching and waiting for people to say crazy things, wrong things, and sometimes, if we're lucky, amazing things.

But inevitably when a famous person dies everyone waits for their famous last words. Be these words of wisdom, or loving words of kindness.

Paul was one of those men that all through his life, people noticed. When he was a Pharisee that persecuted Christians, I feel sure people noticed and were quite frankly afraid of him. When he was miraculously saved he became quite possibly the greatest prophet our world has ever seen, aside from Jesus. And during his time, and his many missionary journeys he began to develop strong relationships with other believers that would impact the world around them. Paul died for a reason; that reason being to proclaim Jesus life, death, and resurrection.

In the next couple of weeks we are going to read and study what Paul's famous last words were in II Timothy as he spoke loving and encouraging words to his most faithful friend, so that this friend could carry on the teachings of Jesus to the next generation. Come join us this Wednesday at 7:30 pm as we fellowship and study God's word together. Shoot me an email at christopher-corbin@ouhsc.edu to get directions!