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
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