Sermon for January 28, 2018
Presented by Rev. Dr. Daniel Stegeman
Title: A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-16
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, Copyright © 2001 by Crossway
Three commitments of the “good servant” of Christ Jesus
1. Teaching and Preaching (v.7)
a. The teacher must have a thorough knowledge of Scripture.
b. The teacher must have sound doctrine.
c. The gospel minister will one day give an account before God. (2 Tim. 2:15)
d. He will be devoted to the public reading of Scripture. (v.13; Neh. 8:1-3,5-6)
e. He will be devoted to exhortation; Plead with someone to take action. (2 Cor. 5:16-21)
2. Setting an Example (v. 12)
a. The teacher will set an example in speech – our words matter! (Col. 4:6)
b. He will set an example in conduct. (John 13:12-17)
c. Set an example in love, faith, and purity. (2 Tim. 1:12b-14)
d. set an example in persistence/perseverance. (v. 16; 1 Cor. 15:58)
e. He will shepherd the flock. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
3. The Salvation of Souls (1 Tim.2:3-6)
a. The preacher’s job is to declare message; hearer’s job is to respond in faith.
b. Salvation is God’s gift to those who believe. (Rom. 8:28-30)
c. This is why we do evangelism. In hope that some will respond in saving faith.
If the pastor-teacher is not walking closely with the Lord (worse yet, if he is unsaved), how will he shepherd the flock of God?
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