Lesson 11
The Foundation of Our Faith-The Books of I & II Timothy, Titus, and Philemon
In the Heat of the Battle
August 10, 2003
Focus Thought
The Christian life is a continual warfare of many battles. Paul's
experiences teach us how to do battle in the war.
Scripture Reference
Proverbs 24:10
Luke 16:13
I Corinthians 9:25-26
II Timothy 2:5; 4:11
I John 2:15-16
Expositional Passage
II Timothy 4:1-11, 18
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after
their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing.
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is
departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is
profitable to me for the ministry.
. . . . .
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me
unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Focus Verse
II Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith.
LESSON OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION
I. THE WORD IS THE WEAPON
A. Keep the Weapon Ready
B. Prepared to Use the Weapon
C. Prepared to Serve
II. THE STORY OF THE STRUGGLE
A. Paul's Battle
B. Paul's Reward
C. The Christian's Promise
III. DEALING WITH DESERTION
A. How Others Faced It
B. How Paul Faced Hardship
CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
Some young boys and even grown men have considered Christianity to be
a choice for sissies and softies, with its emphasis on peace rather than
aggression and forgiveness rather than vengeance. It would be hard to find
any concept farther from the truth. Clearly, our battles are not against
"flesh and blood," but that by no means eliminates conflict and warfare from
the life of the truly committed Christian. We fight the fight of faith every
day, but it is not fought with fists and physical weapons.
I. THE WORD IS THE WEAPON
In this battle we do not use firearms, boxing gloves, or black-belt
skills. But we are not without a weapon. The sword of the Spirit, the Word
of God, is sufficient for the offense needed on this battlefield. The Word
will accomplish what psychology, finance, marketing, or personality can
never hope to bring about. We are called only to preach the Word of God. If
the Word will not work, then the battle for that soul is already lost
without regard to worldly weapons.
The purpose and use of the Word of God is not for fighting people,
however. Rather, we use it to strive in the Spirit against the forces of
evil that hold hapless souls captive.
A. Keep the Weapon Ready
It is necessary to be ever ready in this fight. From the confusing
melees on the ancient plains of Jezreel to the tangled green hothouse of
Vietnam, the one constant of warfare is the unexpected. At any time, from
any quarter a challenge from the enemy may arise. The high state of
awareness accompanying a pitched battle must be matched by the posting of
alert guards to act as sentries in times of relaxation from combat.
It is easy to discern the spiritual conflict for a soul whenever we
pray with a seeker at the altar. As they pray it is clear that there are two
unseen worlds that vie for their allegiance. On the other hand, there also
are opportunities for doing spiritual warfare for souls at the grocery
store, school, job, or in the neighborhood. At all times our spiritual
sensitivity must stand as a sentry to alert us to the need to draw the sword
for salvation's struggle. The fight is ultimately the same and the reward or
loss identical whether the battle is expected or totally unforeseen. Our
preparation to reach the lost must be well honed and constantly ready.
B. Prepared to Use the Weapon
Weapons are designed to be used in a specific way. A rifle is not
designed to be used as a club. Neither is a saber intended to bat bullets
toward the enemy. In a similar way, each situation calls for a particular
use of the multifaceted spiritual weapon we have been given-God's Word.
Consequently, constant drill with the sword of the Spirit will prepare us to
use it properly in each setting.
1. For reproof. The word "reproof" translates from the Greek word
elegcho, which means, "of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish:
KJV-convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove" (Strong's
Concordance).
In this postmodern day it is becoming increasingly acceptable socially
to do practically anything one desires to do, except judge some things to be
wrong. Still, God has commissioned us to declare, with a right spirit, that
some things are unacceptable before God; some things are sin! The Word of
God is a standard of absolutes and it will reprove and convict a person of
sin and reveal his guilt. This modern world may not wish to hear that some
things are wrong, but the Bible clearly reveals evil in the lives of mankind
(Luke 3:19; John 8:9).
Leaders need to administer reproof with love and as kindly as
possible, but still they must not shrink from their responsibility of
oversight and correction of those under their care. To refuse to do battle
in this particular arena only dooms those who might have been delivered
otherwise.
In warfare the enemy often uses psychological weapons to reduce the
will of his opponent to join the battle or proceed with full vigor. Another
tactic of the enemy involves inciting the fear of rejection or mockery. He
rolls out his preemptive, psychological strikes against us to try to cripple
our efforts before we can even launch an offensive against him. It is no
wonder that in spiritual warfare, Paul the apostle admonished us always to
be ready to go to battle, even when we are afraid.
2. For rebuke. The word "rebuke" translates from the Greek word
epitimao, which means, "to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by
implication, forbid: KJV-(straitly) charge, rebuke" (Strong's Concordance).
In the course of battle we get involved in situations that demand more
than a picket line of reproof. There are some things so heinous that they
require a full scale attack of rebuke. A failing of this modern day is that
there is a lack of discrimination as to degrees of wrong and appropriate
responses. But to accept everyone's ways as equally valid is to surrender in
the midst of the battle-or even to join the enemy.
3. For exhortation. The word "exhortation" translates from the Greek
word parakaleo, which means, "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by
imploration, hortation or consolation): KJV-beseech, call for, (be of good)
comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray" (Strong's
Concordance).
It is not always necessary to see every problem as a matter of sin.
Sometimes we can alleviate the difficulty of the moment with a simple,
Bible-based encouragement to continue on or start anew in the path of right
behavior. Occasionally discouragement can hinder our steps until we nearly
cease in our journey. At that point words fitly spoken are truly like apples
of gold in pictures of silver (Proverbs 25:11).
C. Prepared to Serve
It is true that these instructions originally were directed to Timothy
as a preacher of the gospel; however, everyone needs to be a soldier for
Christ and a soulwinner. A soldier knows that to perform his duty there is
every likelihood that he will have to undergo conditions that are less than
ideal. Enduring hardship is just a part of the job. To quit in the midst of
battle because things get a little uncomfortable is to betray the purpose of
one's calling. If these are true for soldiers of this world, how much more
so for soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ!
Every Christian has the responsibility to reach for the lost. Every
person is either a missionary or part of a mission field. The main
qualification for one to be a witness is for that person to have something
of which he may give testimony. It was Mary who brought the first report of
the Resurrection. Others did not initially believe her, but that did not
relieve her of the duty to declare the good news.
God gave the leadership of the church to equip the saints for
ministry. There is more to being a child of God than just warming a pew and
paying tithes. It is the duty of Christians to produce new believers. The
ministry of the church is limited in its scope and effectiveness by the
efforts of Christians to bring the lost to Christ and to church. There is a
world of lost people who need to hear the gospel of Christ.
II. THE STORY OF THE STRUGGLE
Every battle has advances and retreats, gains and losses. A suddenly
discovered weakness may be covered by a previously unsuspected strength. A
reversal in one area does not necessarily mean the battle has to be lost.
Some of the greatest victories in the Bible were won in the face of seeming
defeat.
A. Paul's Battle
The apostle Paul left us a good example of how to accomplish the duty
of a soldier in God's army. First, he fought a good fight. He got into the
arena of conflict between good and evil and joined in the battle. He
described his fighting style to the Corinthians: "I am no shadowboxer; I
really fight!" (I Corinthians 9:26, The New Testament in Modern English, J.
B. Phillips). In this Christian battle it is necessary to do more than look
good and put on a fine show. We need to really get into the midst of the
conflict with sin.
Then Paul finished the course set before him. He gave us an example of
continuing to pursue his goal until he finished the race. Reaching his goal
was more important than making detours around difficult obstacles,
acceptance by a wicked world, or respite from the task at hand.
Not only did Paul cross the finish line of his race, but he also did
it with his integrity intact. He did not find it necessary to compromise his
doctrinal position. Paul realized that it is not enough to just finish. He
knew he must finish in the right way. (See II Timothy 2:5.)
B. Paul's Reward
Paul knew that instead of a soon-to-crumble laurel wreath he was in
contention to receive an unfading crown of righteousness as his prize. His
total effort must be greater than that of any athlete, but his reward also
would outshine theirs by far. Paul did not anticipate being crowned by a
public official, governor, or emperor, for he knew that his remuneration
would come from the King of all kings. He recognized the great difference in
value between the corruptible crowns of this world and the incorruptible one
laid in store for him (I Corinthians 9:25).
Paul also realized that prizes are not awarded in the middle of a
contest; in a similar sense, he knew that his time of recognition and
acknowledgment lay ahead of him. In his days of struggle he could seem to be
forgotten and unappreciated. But he knew there was coming a day when all the
dust of battle would settle and he would receive credit before all for his
victories and accomplishments.
C. The Christian's Promise
Great as our perception of Paul's accomplishments may be, his reward
is not one reserved for only the elite or greatest of leaders. Rather, he
realized that the crown of righteousness is a prize that is available to the
great multitude of believers. All who love and long for Christ's return also
will receive this promised reward. It is for whosoever will.
III. DEALING WITH DESERTION
The old saying says, "When it rains, it pours." When Paul faced
incarceration and imminent execution he also had to deal with disappointment
because of desertion by a close comrade. Troubles are not polite enough to
take a number and wait their turn in line. Generally problems have all the
manners of a street gang-they all pile on at once.
A. How Others Faced It
People vary in their responses to pressures and troubles. Problems are
often like a grindstone and whether they polish us up or wear us down
depends on the stuff of which we are made. It is indeed true that the real
strength of men and tea leaves come out in hot water.
1. Demas-a dropout. "Demas hath forsaken me." "No servant can serve
two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he
will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon"
(Luke 16:13).
Demas: "Contracted from DEMETRIUS, or Demarchus. Paul's 'fellow
laborer,' along with Mark and Luke (Philemon 24), and companion (Colossians
4:14) during his first Roman imprisonment. But he declined; for in II
Timothy 4:10 Paul writes, 'Demas hath forsaken (Greek text: "left behind")
me, having loved this present world (world course), and is departed unto
Thessalonica,' probably his home (Chrysostom). Love of worldly ease and home
comforts was his snare, a sad contrast to 'all them that love Christ's
appearing' (II Timothy 4:8)" (Fausset's Bible Dictionary).
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (I John 2:15-16).
Demas had for quite some time been a valuable part of the evangelistic
team headed by Paul (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 24). As long as things were
going in what seemed to be a positive direction Demas apparently was
satisfied to continue with the company of these good men.
When things became difficult it became evident that Demas had a
greater love for the world around him than for the appearing of the Lord
that would eventuate in the receiving of a crown of righteousness. He wanted
his reward in a more tangible and temporal form. To Demas, the senses' now
was better than faith's later.
Demas actually made the situation worse by his desertion in the heat
of the battle. His departure added to the load on those who were left
behind. No matter how committed someone is to the work of God, the defection
of a trusted companion takes an inevitable toll on the psyche of the one
left alone. Being left behind by those who have gone to work in other parts
of the harvest field does not have the spiritually debilitating effect of
the desertion of a backslider.
2. Marcus-a copout. "He went not to the work." Many years earlier Mark
had also deserted Paul under less than ideal circumstances. During Paul's
first missionary journey Mark was a supposedly valuable addition to the team
while they ministered in Cyprus. However, when they went to Perga in
Pamphylia, a part of Asia Minor, John Mark left the missionary company and
returned to Jerusalem. That this created some hardship for the missionary
team is evident by the fact that Paul refused to include Mark in later
missionary endeavors.
According to the Wycliffe Bible Commentary, "There is no reason to
think that the basis of the difference was doctrinal."
With the passage of time various explanations have been proposed to
explain the exit of John Mark from the work. Though we do not know the
reason he abandoned his commitment to the missionary journey, we know that
he did return home. Moreover, his action greatly grieved Paul.
Whatever the reason, Paul considered the defection an act of weakness
on the part of John Mark. In a time when Mark should have increased his
courage, he allowed it to diminish to the point where even the strength of
youth and his other strengths did him no good. For some reason he evidently
perceived a coming difficulty that he felt unable to confront.
Though we are disappointed at John Mark's defection, we rejoice that
he recovered. (See II Timothy 4:11.) Previous mistakes and failures do not
mean that we are forever defeated. The real tragedy of life does not
necessarily occur in a fall, but in the failure to rise again. Worse still
is to accept defeat or failure as a permanent condition and not even try to
stand once more. Those who have failed can have hope from John Mark's
experience that they can also become victorious again.
3. Lucas-a standout. "Only Luke is with me." In the midst of all the
problems and some desertions, Paul found a rock of stability in Luke, the
beloved physician (Colossians 4:14). There were several characteristics Luke
had developed in his life that gave him the constancy to stand with Paul in
those troublesome times.
It is clear from his writings that Luke did not base his decisions on
unsubstantiated rumors or the feelings of the moment. (See Luke 1:1-5; Acts
1:1-3.) Luke gathered information, analyzed the data, and drew his
conclusions based on the facts available. Upon this foundation of truth Luke
was able to withstand the pressures of the lure of the world and the
persecutions from the enemies of truth. In contrast to Demas, Luke, like
Moses, chose "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to
enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" (Hebrews 11:25).
Because Luke was firmly grounded in his beliefs he had a solid sense
of his position in the kingdom of God. Thus he could resist the allure of
the world because he knew that he was fulfilling a vital place in God's
work. Luke's understanding of the crucial work in which he was involved tied
him solidly to his fellow laborer, Paul. Although Luke was not prominent in
the Bible narrative, he was willing to work at whatever opportunities came
to him. (See Ecclesiastes 9:10; Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22.)
Luke had delved into the background of the Christian movement of which
he had become a part. Consequently, he had a great appreciation of what he
had received from God. Luke had experienced the joy unspeakable shared by
others who had received the Holy Ghost, but he was held to truth by
something more substantial than the inconsistent feelings of even ecstatic
emotion. Luke had discovered the value of his experience and realized that
it was worth holding to even when conditions seemed to discount its
importance.
B. How Paul Faced Hardship
Paul faced the adversity of his imprisonment and impending execution
with equanimity. Even in warning Timothy about the dangers resident in
Alexander the coppersmith, Paul displayed no rancor. He merely mentioned
that Alexander had been a source of opposition to Paul and warned Timothy to
be alert to any problems from him. Paul left the final disposition of the
matter in the hand of God with no animosity against this enemy of the Cross.
"In any case, what is said of this last Alexander is that he had shown
the evil which was in him by doing many evil deeds to the apostle, evidently
on the occasion of a recent visit paid by Paul to Ephesus. These evil deeds
had taken the form of personally opposing the apostle's preaching. The
personal antagonism of Alexander manifested itself by his greatly
withstanding the proclamation of the gospel by Paul. As Timothy was now in
Ephesus, in charge of the church there, he is strongly cautioned by the
apostle to be on his guard against this opponent" (John Rutherfurd,
International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia).
For some reason no one with the grace and intestinal fortitude to stay
with him accompanied Paul at his first hearing. Fear proved to be a stronger
motivator in those who were around at that time than did faith in the
provision and protection of the Almighty. As Paul reported this sad
situation he also gave a glimpse of the inner state of his own being. Rather
than judging those who might have otherwise supported him in a time of
trial, Paul reflected the spirit of Jesus and Stephen in praying that these
who had failed him might not be held accountable.
Despite the faithlessness of men, God proved Himself as dependable as
the rising sun. In his time of trial Paul was the recipient of a portion of
the eternal strength reserved for those who trust in Him. Paul did not let
the defection of men dull his sensitivity to the abiding presence of the One
who promised never to forsake us. Paul discovered that Christ would stand by
to lend support when all others abandoned him, despite the fact that the
disciples had forsaken Him and fled in His time of turmoil (Matthew 26:56).
God is no respecter of persons (Deuteronomy 10:17; 16:19; II
Chronicles 19:7; Matthew 22:16; Luke 20:21; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11;
Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25). We can be certain that when
we need His strength He will be at our sides as He was with Paul. To God,
time and distance are irrelevant. He always looks at the heart and the need
of His children through the lens of His love.
Paul had every confidence in the power of God to do whatever was
necessary to deliver him from evil. Even death was not an enemy to be feared
when one's life was committed as was Paul's. It is not always necessary to
be spared death or sickness in order to experience the delivering power of
God. Sometimes the way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13) may be through the
valley of shadows (Psalm 23:4). Even Calvary looked like a horrible defeat
to the natural eye and mind-for three long days. But then the victory became
clear!
It is the will and plan of God to bring His children into the fullness
of His kingdom. We may tend to think of His preservation only in terms of
this mortal life, but God is not limited to our thinking, concepts, or
restrictions. At times our preservation may come through death's door.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalm
116:15).
Though Paul died a martyr's death at Roman hands, his faith was
justified. Paul has indeed been preserved unto His heavenly kingdom.
CONCLUSION
A pledge or contract is only as good as the integrity and resources of
the one who makes it. Many a solemn pact has been abrogated by the
deceitfulness of a participant or the vagaries of access to resources. Even
good people may sometimes make promises it is impossible for them to keep.
As humans our resources of courage are not always as wide and deep as we
suppose them to be. Our strength may fail us in a time of great need. It is
still true that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41;
Mark 14:38). Regrettably, sometimes our spirit gets carried away and makes
promises our flesh cannot keep.
Rascals and saints can both abandon us at the most inopportune times.
The motivation may be good or bad, but the result is the same: we sometimes
stand alone.
Even when no other person stands by us we are not alone. Our God has
promised to go with us through every circumstance of life, even to its end.
If we can look beyond the disappointments of the failures of mankind, both
enemies and friends, and stay sensitive to the presence of the Spirit even
in our darkest hours, we will find strength unknown to others and a peace
beyond understanding. We can gird on the spiritual armor and march forward
as triumphant soldiers of the Cross.
REFLECTIONS
. What is the greatest weapon of the Christian, both defensive and
offensive? Discuss.
. Discuss several purposes of the Word of God mentioned by apostle Paul.
. What is one of the primary responsibilities of every Christian? Discuss.
. Why should Christians not be discouraged by moments of seeming defeat?
Discuss what should be their response to setbacks.
. Discuss some of the disappointments suffered by Paul. How should a
Christian respond to disappointments?
To get out of a hard situation,
try a soft answer.
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath:
but grievous words stir up anger.
YBIC, Thomas And YSIC, Linda.
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