I TIMOTHY Sermons by Rev. Mike Jones [Revised December 1, 2021]
ITim 01:12-14 PARTING WITH THE PAST
ITim 01:12-15 DISAPPOINTING THE DEVIL
ITim 02:- GUIDELINES IN PRAYERS
ITim 05:17-18 PAYING THE PREACHER
ITim 01:12-14 PARTING WITH THE PAST
1 Tim 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
Learn from the successful failures. Like Ty cobb and Babe Ruth. Ty Cobb was thrown out more times trying to steal than any other man in baseball history. Babe Ruth struck out more times than any man in baseball history. Hank Aaron, who broke Babe Ruth’s record, has struck out more times than 99% of the players who make it to the major leagues. Nobody – but nobody – considers them failures and few people even remember their failures. Virtually everyone remembers their successes.
Enrico Caruso’s voice failed to carry the high notes so many times his voice teacher advised him to quit. He kept singing and was recognized as the greatest tenor in the world. Thomas Edison’s teacher called him a dunce and he later failed over 14,000 times in his efforts to perfect the incandescent light. Abraham Lincoln was well known for his failures but nobody considers him a failure. Albert Einstein and Werner von Braun both flunked courses in math. Henry Ford was broke at age 40. Vince Lombardi became the most revered coach since Knute Rockne, but at age 43 he was a line coach at Fordham University
ITim 01:12-15 DISAPPOINTING THE DEVIL
What a disappointing day today is. It could have been a day of victory and celebration but instead it is an extremely disappointing day- – for the Devil!! This church could have been a beer joint, a gambling den, or a house of prostitution but men and women of God have turned it into a place to worship and serve the most High God- Glory!
1. This Church has been a disappointment to the Devil because of its VISION-
A vision of a HOLY GOD who loves LOST SINNERS and desires to see them become SAVED SAINTS.
A Place where People: BELIEVE on Jesus (If you believed there was enough oil under the floor of this church to rebuilt the church and make everyone rich you would DIG for it).
BRAG on Jesus- Not on Self but the Savior, Only Foundation
BEHAVE like Jesus- in your life (Changed). In your love (Jesus said Love must repent (change) and then must accept His offer.
2. This Church has disappointed the Devil because of its VISITATION. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. A body of believers pray together, fellowship together, and work together. (Normally lose 10% each year due to Death, Desertion, and Dissension).
3. This Church has disappointed the Devil because of its VICTORY. It has leaned on the Power of God, trusted in the Provision of God, and seen the Promises of God. (Story of man in India who saw a light for the first time, borrowed the bulb, and tied it up by a string. Wouldn’t work because of no Power!)
Devil was Disappointed in
1) JOB- Took all he had but Job still Trusted God
2) RAHAB- Set her up to corrupt a city but ended up in the line of Christ.
3) PAUL- I Tim 1:12-15 Went from a Persecutor to a Preacher.
Who is disappointed in you today? God or the Devil. Why don’t you disappoint the Devil and accept eternal, abundant life through Faith in Christ.
ITim 02:- GUIDELINES IN PRAYERS
If you are going to pray effectively then you need to know the:
A) Types of Prayer 2:1
1. Supplications-prayers for one’s personal needs
2. Prayers-worship and adoration
3. Intercessions-Prayers for another’s needs
4. Giving of Thanks- appreciation for past blessings and faith in future promises.
B) Task of Prayer 2:2 7
|
People To Pray for |
Purpose to Pray for |
|
1. Kings, and for all that are in authority |
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty |
|
The Powers that be are ordained of God and we should pray that God would guide them into a proper course. (This was written during a time of some of the most ungodly kings ever to reign. We may not like the men but we must respect their position. See Rom 13:1 7) |
|
|
2. All men |
to be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth |
|
Since there is but one God, and but one mediator between God and men- the man Christ Jesus, and since Christ gave himself a ransom for ALL men then the testimony about him must be given to all men. For this purpose Paul was set apart as a Preacher, an Apostle, and a Teacher. (In Paul’s case this was specifically to the Gentiles. Some men get so bogged down with ALL men until they never minister to ONE man. Minister to the whole world but do it one man at a time!) |
|
Paul gives the Purpose of the Prayer (men’s Salvation) and then shows God’s Way of answering that prayer ( a preacher- Rom 10:13-15). The Task of Prayer thus becomes more than requesting certain things; it also means Reporting for Duty!!
C) Troubles in Prayers 2:8 15
1. Troubles for Men vs 8 In the Greek the definite article “the” precedes men. Paul is saying that “the” men should take the leadership in Church Prayer. (Sad to say, many times the prayer life of the Church is left to the women because the men are too “busy” to stop for Prayer.)
“without wrath and doubting” indicates the two conditions necessary to effectual prayer- freedom from irritation toward your fellowman, and confidence toward God.
Thus men’s troubles in Prayer are an unwillingness to accept Responsibility and problems between themselves and between them and God.
2. Troubles for Women vs 9 15
a. Their appearance-modest apparel. Modest here means “an ordered system, a harmonious arrangement, order”. This orderliness does not extend merely to the relationship of the various articles of clothing to one another but also to the relationship of that clothing to her Christian character and testimony.
b. Their attitude- shamefacedness and sobriety (Humility and soundness of mind). The basic idea here is that Paul is trying to show women that many times their clothing is worn because of Pride instead of because it’s Proper. This prideful attitude will hinder her prayers.
c. Their authority- they are not to teach or usurp (take the place of) authority over the man. This means that women should not teach Adult men or be in a position of defining doctrine (such as a woman Pastor). (This does not mean it is wrong for women to teach unmarried young men or children. This is part of her responsibility as a mother.)
Women are to learn in silence (no public outburst) because of:
1. Creation- Adam created first then Eve (Eve was created as a helper for Adam, not a boss!)
2. Corruption- The woman was deceived (Women are generally more easily swayed by emotional arguments. Their emotions are their greatest assets and yet their greatest liability.)
3. Childbearing- One of the main duties of the woman is to bear children (Not define Doctrine!) Doing so will save her from falling into false doctrine and allow her and her husband to continue in faith, love and holiness with a sober minded attitude. (Blame Sin not me- Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.)
ITim 03:14‑16 THE CHURCH
Paul has been instructing young preacher Timothy in the necessary guidelines for the Church to function properly. Now in the heart of the instructions Paul tells Timothy why all this is important.
I. THE POSITION THE CHURCH OCCUPIES Many people seem to think of the Church with “Tunnel Vision”- that is, they see only one purpose for it. They see it as either a:
1. DIET- A necessary evil. They want to do something else but they feel they must go to Church. They would rather be eating the “Onions of Egypt” but they feel they must endure the Manna of God.
2. DEBT- Payment on an “eternal life insurance” policy. They want to go to Heaven when they die so they are willing to make a “Payment” now and then. “Father” makes them go the “Family Reunion” but they don’t have a lot in common with the “In-laws”.
3. DEATH- Place to bring someone when they die so the preacher can say good things about them. You want the Preacher to say Good and Gentle things so you can leave with a “warm feeling” inside. And you definitely don’t want him to mention those things that make you feel bad; such as sin and hell and the cross.
If either of these is your idea of the Church then I hope God will help you to see today that the church is not “a necessary evil” but Necessary to combat Evil and Promote Eternal values.
THE CHURCH IS:
A) The House of God- The meeting place of the “Family of God”. (You must be “Born” into this family). The Church is the Place where the family meets for:
1. Raising- Development, growth, becoming what you are supposed to be (Part of the Body)
2. Refreshment- Eat and Drink (Milk and Meat of the Word)
3. Rest- Encouragement, Meditation
4. Rules- Discipline, guidelines
B) Church of the Living God- I Pet 2:9 Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should shew forth the praise of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1. Peculiar (Chosen)- called out assembly. In the world but not of it. We are supposed to be different.
2. Priesthood- To worship and work
3. Pure (Holy)- Set Apart For God. We Avoid Defilement and “Flirting” with the World
4. Praises- Songs, Testimonies. The Light of our lives show those in darkness that we know the way.
C) Pillar and ground of the Truth- Foundation for life
1. From Bed room to the Board room (Song of Sol- Ep 6:)
2. From Joys of Life to the Jobs of Life
3. From Troubles of Life to the Triumphs of Life-
II. THE MESSAGE WE PROCLAIM- The Gospel of Christ. The good news that Christ has set us free from Sin’s Penalty, Sin’s Power, and will one day deliver us from Sin’s Presence. The greatest news the world has ever heard- and it desperately needs to keep hearing it.
God’s Gospel if for you; God’s Church is for you. Join today.
ITim 04:12 MIRROR ME
Get 5 groups of two. Name one as Leader and the other as Followers in each group. Tell the Followers that they must attempt to do everything the Leaders do.
Ask if it is easier to be a Leader or a Follower? It is much easier to be a Leader. Paul tells Timothy that in today’s scripture.
I Tim 4:12 (Amp) Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (Pattern) for the believers, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
I. Jesus gave us a Pattern (as a Leader) of:
A) Service- (John 13:14-15) If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. {15} For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
B) Suffering- (1 Pet 2:21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
C) Sinless Living- (Heb 4:15-16) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. {16} Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
II. Christians can give a much needed Pattern for Society in their:
A) Confidence in Troubles which helps set a Pattern of Comfort- (2 Cor 1:3-4) Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; {4} Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
B) An Example to help others avoid Discouragement- (Josh 1:5) There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Causes of Discouragement among Christian Workers:
A) Friction among people
B) Fatigue and weariness
C) Feelings of Failure- In His Will there is no failure; Out of His Will there is no success.
D) Fewness of Number
If people follow you pattern what will they make of their lives?
ITim 05:17-18 PAYING THE PREACHER
I Tim 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The Laborer is worthy of his reward.
I am writing (and Preaching) this under an unusual set of circumstances. Because of our numerous outreach ministries I am frequently contacted by Pastors about a variety of subjects. Recently one of the principle themes has been the poor pay received by Free Will Baptist Pastors. From all the research I have been able to do regarding pay in other denominations, Free Will Baptist Pastors in this area are on the bottom of the pay scale (Average FWB Pastor receives pay in the $200 dollar range while others seem to average from $400-$600 [The “Big” Churches in town are much more than this]).
Not only is the Pay low among FWB but the retirement benefits are non existent. A FWB Pastor who was ordained the night I was ordained was forced to retire due to poor health recently. He draws minimal Social Security (Because he drew minimal pay to pay Social Security on) and gets around $40 dollars a month from the Conference he belongs to (Compare that to the fact that I could leave FWB and join the Methodist where I could preach exactly the same thing I’m preaching now and in 10 years retire with full pay).
But you say, “You’re not in it for the Money”; and I’m not. I have never asked a church what they pay (simply accepting what was given to me) and I have never asked a church for a raise; nor do I intend to!! While the Lord uses the Church to pay my salary, I am an employee of God and look to Him to meet my needs; and He always has, and I believe He always will (If I began to look to the Church for my salary then I would begin to preach to please them while now I can preach to please God).
With that background in mind, let me tell you why I picked this particular Sunday to preach on this subject. Friday Morning during my prayer time I reminded the Lord that when I wrote my Tithe check Sunday I would have $8.59 in our checking account (don’t have a Savings Account). I reminded the Lord that I don’t have any hobbies that I spend money on, I buy small gas efficient cars instead of nice luxury cars (can’t afford payments, taxes, or insurance on big cars), and the only new furniture we have is a bedroom suite that the Church gave us last Christmas. Every new suit I’ve received in the past 10 years has been a Christmas Present from a Church or a Personal Gift from an individual and I wear my other clothes until they “Shine”.
The Lord heard and answered because Friday Afternoon one of the Deacons called wanting time at the end of this service to give the Church an opportunity to vote on giving me a raise. Since they have already decided on the fact and amount of the raise that gives me a chance to bring a message like this without fear of someone thinking I am asking for money. It also allows me to put this message in the Newsletter so that some other Pastors may reap benefits from it.
I’ve shared enough bad things about my finances so let me share some good things before I get down to Preaching: (1) The Church gave my wife and I over $800 in July to go to the National Association in Tampa. (2) The Church put a $5000 dollar garage on the Parsonage this year that I gain almost all the benefit from. (3) I was visiting someone recently and they gave me $200 to enable me to go to the Doctor. (4) My problem is not starving to death but how to keep from gaining any more weight!
PRINCIPLES IN PAYING YOUR PASTOR:
1. A Prophet that pastors for Profit should not be a Prophet. I Pet 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Money should never be a Pastor’s Motive.
2. A Pastor who labors in Word and Doctrine should not have to worry about Debt- I Tim 5:17. If he is extravagant and wasteful then he should reap the results of his own carelessness but a Pastor who puts his life into the work should not have to worry about a livelihood. A Pastor who labors in Doctrine should not have to incur Debt!
3. How do you determine what is fair and equitable? II Cor 8:13-15 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Some Suggestions– Find what you think is the Average Income for the Congregation and pay the Pastor that.
–Average the Deacon’s Salaries and pay that amount (Compare “Apples to Apples”. If you use the Deacon’s take home pay then make that the Preacher’s take home pay. The value of the Parsonage is always used as an excuse to pay a Preacher poorly but remember that he is in fact a “renter” and when he leaves the Church the Parsonage stays!).
–It might even be possible to find the average salary of the other churches of comparable size in your area and use that. (Whatever criteria you use, the Deacons should have some sort of automatic annual review of the Pastor’s Salary each year and make any needed recommendations).
4. Realize that it’s wrong to expect God to use others to make up for your unconcern- II Cor 11: 8-9 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethern which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
5. Accept the fact that the Church will have to answer to God for the way they have dealt with God’s servant. I Cor 9:13-14 Do ye not know that they which minister about the holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. I fear that many Church members will hang their heads in disgrace when God shows them how carelessly they have dealt with his servants. Pastor’s “take it” because of their love for God and People and many members seem to think they can do as they please but one day God will expose their actions and attitudes for what they really are.
A Pastor is called to live where God calls him; be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; attend social and family functions as a representative of the Church; “raise the dead, comfort the broken hearted, mature the saints”; and then figure out where Cain’s wife came from to satisfy someone who wants him to do something in his “spare” time. He is not in a Profession to be Paid but in a Ministry to be honored. The Church can determine to pay him as little as possible while expecting the maximum from him or the Church can determine to lift every burden they can from his shoulders in order that he might do his best in the ministry God has called him to. You must determine if the “Laborer is worthy of his reward”.
ITim 05:24 SINS THAT WE SIN
We can cover our sins and wait for God to expose them or we can confess our sins and let the blood of Christ cover them.
SINS THAT WE SIN are not always the wrong actions or activities observed by others: Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after (1 Timothy 5:24).
- Sins we hide: Inside sins such as Gossip, Coveting, Lust – I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart (Matthew 5:28).
- Sins of Omission and Inaction: Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17).
- Attitude sins such as hatred and prejudice: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors (James 2:9).
- Influence sins- It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:21-23).
ITim 5:24-25 SIN’S SHADOW
Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid (1 Timothy 5:24-25)
Amp Bible- The sins of some men are conspicuous (openly evident to all eyes), going before them to the judgment (seat) and proclaiming their sentence in advance: but the sins of others appear later [following the offender to the bar of judgment and coming into view there]. So also, good deeds are evident and conspicuous, and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden [indefinitely].
I. Sin’s Shadow in
A) Specific Sins Sinner Sins. Example: Wrong Sex = Divorce, Disease, Displaced Children
B) Second Hand Sins “follow after” and produce a Ripple effect. Israel’s disbelief led to everyone wandering in the wilderness for 40 years waiting on a generation to die. Israel’s corrupt character led to the nation’s captivity (Is that the problem in some of our churches today- Church problems: Sin, Secularism, Splits, Strong willed People who demand their way, Speaking against one another- But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36)
David’s Sin led to a dead child, a raped daughter, and rebellious children.
II. Salvation’s Light that Shines- Their works do follow them- And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them (Revelation 14:13)
A) Ministry- Thousands in India have been saved and many churches begun because a woman (Laura Belle Barnard) had a burden to reach the multitudes outside her church). Bobby Poole won Juan Carlos Ache to the Lord in Brazil. Juan Carlos has led mission trip to the Jungles of Brazil and to Ireland.
My Salvation- Family Saved, multitudes have heard.
Five most Common Errors of Sinners:
1) Feeling you can delay- Today is day of Salvation
2) Focusing on Saint’s slips
3) Fearing what others will say about your decision
4) Fleshly desires cause you to not repent
5) Failure to come to God via Faith
Will you cast a shadow or shine a light?