by Ps John Lin
Consequences after the fall of mankind
Big idea:
God desires us to thrive relationally with others
Bully, excessive digital use, pressure, addiction... Etc
Alot of problems above are relational in nature
Genesis 2:18
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
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God wanted human being not to be alone in his original design, which is foundational to our mental wellness
Genesis 2:25
Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
They were not ashamed until sin entered
How consequences of sin brought about conflicts in our lives:
1. Humanity tries to cover up shame
Genesis 3:7-8
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
Adam and Eve cover up to hide their shame when they hear God coming. Before they were perfect harmony, but now they deal with shame by hiding from God, chose to hide instead of being open
Something shifted inside them, they felt unworthy and incomplete
- I'm not good enough
- I'm not who I'm suppose to be
Shame exposes something deeper within us:
that somewhere down the line, we have believed in the lie that we're not worthy and not good enough
Avoidance to cover up:
(Clothes, deep relationship, over compensating, strive for success at expense of putting down others, being perfectionist etc)
We are suffocated by our shame and haunted by what others see or say about us
Only Christ can restore us to be children of God, by what Christ has done, none of our own effort or who we are
John 1:12
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
There is no need to strive anymore
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!
2. Humanity tries to remove the guilt
Genesis 3:11-13
And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Instead of confessing, Adam chose to remove his guilt by blaming Eve and Eve shifted blame to serpent
We try to remove guilt by playing victim and blame others
Sin distorts the way we view our relationship with God and with one another
Blaming Alleviates us from guilt and remove ourselves from responsibility from the sin we have committed
Blaming leads to Anger that leads to depression and lacks of empathy for others
God did not respond to Adam with hate or anger but he gave Adam the opportunity to respond in confession and repentance
2 Samuel 12:13
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Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
In Christ we are able to receive forgiveness because God is faithful
3. Humanity will experience conflict with one another
Genesis 3:16
To the woman he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”
Men and women were created equal....sin came and distorted relationship and ultimate affect humankind
Genesis 4:7
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Woman desires will not be aligned over men
(This is far from God's design of co-equal)
Sin causes us to have conflict with one another
World is becoming more polarised, workplace politics, school bullying, cyber bullying, harbour hatred or unforgiveness to someone who abused us. Lost of appetite, lose sleep, emotionally paralysed when going through stress
Unforgiveness is like a poison, God will not forgive us if we do not forgive others
Forgive and you will be free
We can be carrying the negative emotions or mental stress and think it's ok to carry, but We will never to be able to let go, only jesus can take away
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Only Christ can bring peace and healing
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
If sin did not stop God then, it will not stop HIM today!
Where are you Emotionally, Spiritually, Relationally??
Monday, October 28, 2024
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Created OK
by Pastor Wilson
Big idea:
God desires us to strive spiritually with Him
It's ok not to be ok:
God desires us to strive spiritually, relationally and vocationally, with Him and with others
Pray against Negative effects of mental health for self or others
- Raise awareness of mental health issues
- Provide a theological basis for mental health challenges
- give a pastoral response
Adams and Eve had to relate to three major areas of human flourishing :
1. Humanity relationship with God
2. Humanity relationship with Each other
3. Humanity relationship with the environment
1. Humanity relationship with God
Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Men was created to have dominion over the whole earth
Genesis 2:15-17
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Garden of Eden was part of God's residence
Work is part of God's plan and purpose
2. Humanity relationship with each other
Genesis 2:18-24
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 19 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam[a] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs[b] and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib[c] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Eve was created to:
- Facilitate procreation
- Help Adam
3. Humanity relationship with the Environment
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Adam and Eve had to work and interact with the environment..
When they disobey God, these three areas went through adverse conditions, thus affected mental well being
First consequences of fall is humanity's independence from God
Genesis 3:6-10
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
God act of asking Adam where was he was intentional, drawing Adam out of shame and allow him to come clean on what just happen
Second consequences of fall is Humanity's experience of aging and physical death
Genesis 3:24
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side[a] of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
The tree of life was taken away
Third consequences of fall is humanity animosity with the devil which continues today where he choose to steal, kill and destroy
Genesis 3:14-15
So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring[a] and hers; he will crush[b] your head, and you will strike his heel.”
This is a Bible Ancient story with current day implication which affect mental health
1. Humanity independence from God
- They believe in the lie that there was something better believing the serpent, they chose not to believe in God, this chose from dependency on God to dependency on self - Walk away from God's original intent
"Functional atheist"
God is only involved in your eternal salvation but not your day to day activities
Instead of working on source of life, we're working in source of fear and uncertainty
Isolation from God would have detrimental effects, leading us away from source of life to meltdown
Move from independence to complete dependence in Christ jesus
2. Humanity experience if aging and death
- death cause fear and anxiety, distress
Psalm 18:4-6
The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me;[a] 5 the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 6 In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.
Psalm 116:3-4
The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”
Psalmist believed Sheol was a place that dead will go in their afterlife. They call upon God in their anguish. Death is a process where we're absence from body and presence with the lord
1 Corinthians 15:20-22
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
Jesus Christ overcome death to bring us life
1 Corinthians 15:55
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
3. Humanity s animosity with the devil
Luke 8:27-29
When Jesus[a] had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.)
these evil spirits cause him to behave differently and even have supernatural strength to break chains
Luke 8:30-36
Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. 32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 36 And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed[a] man had been healed.
he was clothed, in his right mind until deliverance from unclean spirits
Christ came into his life to set him free
The devil and his demons have power Over humanity because of sin
There's no fear in Demonic spirits and oppression
- There is power in the name of Jesus!
Big idea:
God desires us to strive spiritually with Him
It's ok not to be ok:
God desires us to strive spiritually, relationally and vocationally, with Him and with others
Pray against Negative effects of mental health for self or others
- Raise awareness of mental health issues
- Provide a theological basis for mental health challenges
- give a pastoral response
Adams and Eve had to relate to three major areas of human flourishing :
1. Humanity relationship with God
2. Humanity relationship with Each other
3. Humanity relationship with the environment
1. Humanity relationship with God
Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Men was created to have dominion over the whole earth
Genesis 2:15-17
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Garden of Eden was part of God's residence
Work is part of God's plan and purpose
2. Humanity relationship with each other
Genesis 2:18-24
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 19 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam[a] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs[b] and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib[c] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Eve was created to:
- Facilitate procreation
- Help Adam
3. Humanity relationship with the Environment
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Adam and Eve had to work and interact with the environment..
When they disobey God, these three areas went through adverse conditions, thus affected mental well being
First consequences of fall is humanity's independence from God
Genesis 3:6-10
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
God act of asking Adam where was he was intentional, drawing Adam out of shame and allow him to come clean on what just happen
Second consequences of fall is Humanity's experience of aging and physical death
Genesis 3:24
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side[a] of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
The tree of life was taken away
Third consequences of fall is humanity animosity with the devil which continues today where he choose to steal, kill and destroy
Genesis 3:14-15
So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring[a] and hers; he will crush[b] your head, and you will strike his heel.”
This is a Bible Ancient story with current day implication which affect mental health
1. Humanity independence from God
- They believe in the lie that there was something better believing the serpent, they chose not to believe in God, this chose from dependency on God to dependency on self - Walk away from God's original intent
"Functional atheist"
God is only involved in your eternal salvation but not your day to day activities
Instead of working on source of life, we're working in source of fear and uncertainty
Isolation from God would have detrimental effects, leading us away from source of life to meltdown
Move from independence to complete dependence in Christ jesus
2. Humanity experience if aging and death
- death cause fear and anxiety, distress
Psalm 18:4-6
The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me;[a] 5 the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 6 In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.
Psalm 116:3-4
The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”
Psalmist believed Sheol was a place that dead will go in their afterlife. They call upon God in their anguish. Death is a process where we're absence from body and presence with the lord
1 Corinthians 15:20-22
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
Jesus Christ overcome death to bring us life
1 Corinthians 15:55
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
3. Humanity s animosity with the devil
Luke 8:27-29
When Jesus[a] had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.)
these evil spirits cause him to behave differently and even have supernatural strength to break chains
Luke 8:30-36
Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. 32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 36 And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed[a] man had been healed.
he was clothed, in his right mind until deliverance from unclean spirits
Christ came into his life to set him free
The devil and his demons have power Over humanity because of sin
There's no fear in Demonic spirits and oppression
- There is power in the name of Jesus!
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Disciple Makers Journey - the Disciples Makers Continuation
by Pastor John Lin
Big idea:
The great commission is only complete when we reproduce Disciple Makers
#1
We must continue to be transformed and trained in God's word
2 Timothy 3:10-17
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
While the world is moving in certain direction, we follow and model a Christ centred life
Disciple Making should be a way of life, to love God and to love people
Similarly, As you go about your life, live a way of life of being a disciple maker to love God and love his people, pursue a godly life..
John 15:19
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
The world hates you, there is no middle ground for those who follow Jesus
When you desire a godly life, it is normal to face trouble, persecution, pain
Continue in what you have learned, from the character of someone for you to model... Who make you wise for salvation
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Bible was Written by 40 different authors, across 40 different continents, Over 1500 years About God's redemptive plan in our lord Jesus christ
God's word
- Instruct good and sound doctrine
- Rebuke false teaching or trachers
- Correct wrong behaviour
- Train disciples towards righteous living
God's word must be the reference, compass to Form our worldview and Life, in the way we live, when negative emotions seeps in
God's word must be the primary source of what forms our worldview and lives
#2
We must continue to reproduce Disciple Makers until Christ return
2 Timothy 4:1-8
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
- with internet at our fingertips
- influx of info online
- tools can be used for good or evil
- we may consume false teachings or theology if we are not trained in God's word
The great commission will never complete if it ends with only us
1. Identify one person in your life that has yet to follow Jesus
2. Pray for this person consistently
3. Connect with them and find out how they're doing
4. Allow God to move and work in their lives
Big idea:
The great commission is only complete when we reproduce Disciple Makers
#1
We must continue to be transformed and trained in God's word
2 Timothy 3:10-17
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
While the world is moving in certain direction, we follow and model a Christ centred life
Disciple Making should be a way of life, to love God and to love people
Similarly, As you go about your life, live a way of life of being a disciple maker to love God and love his people, pursue a godly life..
John 15:19
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
The world hates you, there is no middle ground for those who follow Jesus
When you desire a godly life, it is normal to face trouble, persecution, pain
Continue in what you have learned, from the character of someone for you to model... Who make you wise for salvation
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Bible was Written by 40 different authors, across 40 different continents, Over 1500 years About God's redemptive plan in our lord Jesus christ
God's word
- Instruct good and sound doctrine
- Rebuke false teaching or trachers
- Correct wrong behaviour
- Train disciples towards righteous living
God's word must be the reference, compass to Form our worldview and Life, in the way we live, when negative emotions seeps in
God's word must be the primary source of what forms our worldview and lives
#2
We must continue to reproduce Disciple Makers until Christ return
2 Timothy 4:1-8
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
- with internet at our fingertips
- influx of info online
- tools can be used for good or evil
- we may consume false teachings or theology if we are not trained in God's word
The great commission will never complete if it ends with only us
1. Identify one person in your life that has yet to follow Jesus
2. Pray for this person consistently
3. Connect with them and find out how they're doing
4. Allow God to move and work in their lives
Sunday, October 6, 2024
The Disciple Makers Journey - The Disciple Makers Challenge
by Pastor Wilson Teo
Big idea:
God wants us to be aware of the messiness in Disciple Making
2 Timothy 3:1-5
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
We will see increase in wickedness, lovers of self, disobedient to parents...etc
No point engaging these people because their hearts are bent on godlessness..
Do we accept how the world define family or we obey God's instruction when he creates family?
Salt&light...
Olympic Games 2024
Last supper picture using drag queens....
How should we make sense of the messiness brought about by godlessness?
2 Timothy 2:15-16
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
2 Timothy 2:22-23
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
Prove yourself in teaching and conduct
Go beyond just the ability to teach well but also live out God's word with integrity
Biblical integrity is "closely tied to the concept of wholeness, uprightness, and blamelessness before God. It involves living in accordance with God's moral standards and commands, both inwardly in one's thoughts and motivations, and outwardly in one's actions and speech.
- AI Gemini -
When someone has integrity, it refers to him having consistency in words and actions
Paul wanted Timothy to be a Disciple Maker with integrity and teaching to align to God's words.
Only then can Timothy present as approved minister in the eyes of church
2 Timothy 2:24-26
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
The devil was using them (opponents) to harm the church
Timothy must be consistent in word and in deed to live in the authority of God's word to overcome opposition. In the same way, Disciple Makers must have integrity in both words and deed to live in the authority of Gods word and overcome opposition
Don't hide weaknesses and only show good side
Looking at the scandals that evolves great ministers of God who had fallen. At the end of the day, It is not just what we teach and have said, what we have achieved in during our life on earth, but also How we live our lives
So how do we address the current scandals without riding on our moral high?
To develop and raise disciples makers with integrity
We must provide a safe space to share our struggles and be accepted for our weaknesses so that we can move forward
Be held accountable in a safe space
Transparency must be accompanied by accountability to find godly freedom and victory over our weaknesses
Life is messy with human shortfalls and weaknesses
2 Timothy 2:3-6
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
Paul gave three metaphors to encourage Timothy
Soldier
Timothy was expected to be single minded and not be tangled
Athelete
Compete by rules
Farmer
Work hard on the farm
Persevere through hardship and not give up, knowing there is a purpose for your suffering
To encourage Timothy to persevere through hardship, not to give up, and to know that there was a higher purpose to his suffering
John was the only one to die of old age, he was exiled, died as a prisoner. God blesses His people. As Disciple Maker we must also teach the full counsel of God's word. God blesses His people and allow suffering to grow our awareness and dependence on Him. Bible does not promise that belivers will not face any suffering. Instead it says God will be with us, To have an end in life no matter how difficult the journey is, and to look forward to the next challenge
Instead of blaming, overcome adversities ...
Why am I going through all these?
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters who suffers trials of many kinds. For the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And perseverance must finish it's course, so that you will be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
We have Eternal assurance ...
Conversion
2 Timothy 2:11
Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
Water baptism
Is not an option, it is a command from the lord Jesus lord.
Perseverance
2 Timothy 2:12
if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
Apostasy
2 Timothy 2:12b
if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
Pray for Hearts turnaround and return to Jesus Christ when they still can
Faithlessness
2 Timothy 2:13
if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Big idea:
God wants us to be aware of the messiness in Disciple Making
2 Timothy 3:1-5
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
We will see increase in wickedness, lovers of self, disobedient to parents...etc
No point engaging these people because their hearts are bent on godlessness..
Do we accept how the world define family or we obey God's instruction when he creates family?
Salt&light...
Olympic Games 2024
Last supper picture using drag queens....
How should we make sense of the messiness brought about by godlessness?
2 Timothy 2:15-16
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
2 Timothy 2:22-23
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
Prove yourself in teaching and conduct
Go beyond just the ability to teach well but also live out God's word with integrity
Biblical integrity is "closely tied to the concept of wholeness, uprightness, and blamelessness before God. It involves living in accordance with God's moral standards and commands, both inwardly in one's thoughts and motivations, and outwardly in one's actions and speech.
- AI Gemini -
When someone has integrity, it refers to him having consistency in words and actions
Paul wanted Timothy to be a Disciple Maker with integrity and teaching to align to God's words.
Only then can Timothy present as approved minister in the eyes of church
2 Timothy 2:24-26
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
The devil was using them (opponents) to harm the church
Timothy must be consistent in word and in deed to live in the authority of God's word to overcome opposition. In the same way, Disciple Makers must have integrity in both words and deed to live in the authority of Gods word and overcome opposition
Don't hide weaknesses and only show good side
Looking at the scandals that evolves great ministers of God who had fallen. At the end of the day, It is not just what we teach and have said, what we have achieved in during our life on earth, but also How we live our lives
So how do we address the current scandals without riding on our moral high?
To develop and raise disciples makers with integrity
We must provide a safe space to share our struggles and be accepted for our weaknesses so that we can move forward
Be held accountable in a safe space
Transparency must be accompanied by accountability to find godly freedom and victory over our weaknesses
Life is messy with human shortfalls and weaknesses
2 Timothy 2:3-6
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
Paul gave three metaphors to encourage Timothy
Soldier
Timothy was expected to be single minded and not be tangled
Athelete
Compete by rules
Farmer
Work hard on the farm
Persevere through hardship and not give up, knowing there is a purpose for your suffering
To encourage Timothy to persevere through hardship, not to give up, and to know that there was a higher purpose to his suffering
John was the only one to die of old age, he was exiled, died as a prisoner. God blesses His people. As Disciple Maker we must also teach the full counsel of God's word. God blesses His people and allow suffering to grow our awareness and dependence on Him. Bible does not promise that belivers will not face any suffering. Instead it says God will be with us, To have an end in life no matter how difficult the journey is, and to look forward to the next challenge
Instead of blaming, overcome adversities ...
Why am I going through all these?
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters who suffers trials of many kinds. For the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And perseverance must finish it's course, so that you will be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
We have Eternal assurance ...
Conversion
2 Timothy 2:11
Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
Water baptism
Is not an option, it is a command from the lord Jesus lord.
Perseverance
2 Timothy 2:12
if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
Apostasy
2 Timothy 2:12b
if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
Pray for Hearts turnaround and return to Jesus Christ when they still can
Faithlessness
2 Timothy 2:13
if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
The Disciple Makers Journey
by Pastor Meng Cham
Big idea:
God's desire is for you to raise up Disciple Makers for the next generation
2 Timothy 1:3-5
I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
Paul was a spiritual parent to Timothy
Our faith legacy
- Spiritual heritage (Paul to Timothy as spiritual parent)
- Natural parentage (Eunice and Lois as natural parent and grandmother)
Doctrine requires the context of relationships to become effective
Paul was filled with thanksgiving when he goes through reminiscent :
Calling ---> Recalling our calling
Recall Motivation
Recall Purpose
Recall Zeal
Recalling helps us to rediscover our calling
Don't give up praying and doing your calling even though you are the only one left
2 Timothy 1:6-7
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
There will be opposition, rejection from the world, challenges for pushing forward your calling
You have supernatural power within you to do what you need to do, fan the flame of the holy spirit, rekindle the Holy spirit within you
Holy spirit will fill us with 3 things when we pray:
1. Power to undergo, to stay the course, to overcome
2. The ability to love, willingness to love for the person for his/her betterment
3. Self control to not do what we want/know how to do, not to act rashly or impulsively but make room for the lord to do what He need to do
We are just earthen vessel. We need to wait for the power of the holy spirit for us to proceed with ministering
Holy Spirit should always be on standby mode in us, spiritual battery fully charged
Share in the suffering for the gospel
2 Timothy 1:8-12
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
Reframing suffering for the gospel:
1. A holy calling v9a
2. A privilege.v9b
3. A win v10
4. A divine appointment v11
What is sobering is looking at the "world watch list 2024"
Around 365 million Christians are subject to high level...
1 in 7 Christians are persecuted worldwide, including 1 in 5 in Africa and 1 in 7 in Asia....
1 Peter 2:21
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
To ensure the propagation of the gospel
1 Timothy 1:13-14
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
To continue Disciple Making call, we take the following steps:
1. Follow sound (healthy) teaching
2. Guard the gospel message now, by the power of the holy spirit
2 Timothy 2:1-2
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
3. Entrust to faithful individuals
Reliable and Able
Big idea:
God's desire is for you to raise up Disciple Makers for the next generation
2 Timothy 1:3-5
I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
Paul was a spiritual parent to Timothy
Our faith legacy
- Spiritual heritage (Paul to Timothy as spiritual parent)
- Natural parentage (Eunice and Lois as natural parent and grandmother)
Doctrine requires the context of relationships to become effective
Paul was filled with thanksgiving when he goes through reminiscent :
Calling ---> Recalling our calling
Recall Motivation
Recall Purpose
Recall Zeal
Recalling helps us to rediscover our calling
Don't give up praying and doing your calling even though you are the only one left
2 Timothy 1:6-7
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
There will be opposition, rejection from the world, challenges for pushing forward your calling
You have supernatural power within you to do what you need to do, fan the flame of the holy spirit, rekindle the Holy spirit within you
Holy spirit will fill us with 3 things when we pray:
1. Power to undergo, to stay the course, to overcome
2. The ability to love, willingness to love for the person for his/her betterment
3. Self control to not do what we want/know how to do, not to act rashly or impulsively but make room for the lord to do what He need to do
We are just earthen vessel. We need to wait for the power of the holy spirit for us to proceed with ministering
Holy Spirit should always be on standby mode in us, spiritual battery fully charged
Share in the suffering for the gospel
2 Timothy 1:8-12
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
Reframing suffering for the gospel:
1. A holy calling v9a
2. A privilege.v9b
3. A win v10
4. A divine appointment v11
What is sobering is looking at the "world watch list 2024"
Around 365 million Christians are subject to high level...
1 in 7 Christians are persecuted worldwide, including 1 in 5 in Africa and 1 in 7 in Asia....
1 Peter 2:21
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
To ensure the propagation of the gospel
1 Timothy 1:13-14
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
To continue Disciple Making call, we take the following steps:
1. Follow sound (healthy) teaching
2. Guard the gospel message now, by the power of the holy spirit
2 Timothy 2:1-2
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
3. Entrust to faithful individuals
Reliable and Able
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