A CHANGE GOING TO COME 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-8

 A CHANGE IS GOING TO COME

2 Timothy 4:1-8

THE TEXT

4:1 I charge (thee) in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 

2 preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 

3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. 

5 But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.

6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 

8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

ASV

CHARGED TO PREACH THE GOSPEL 

Matthew 28:19 is the original charge by the resurrected Jesus to preach

The Gospel. Go he said make disciples then baptize in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit.

This is the mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It not the just the pastor's job but our job. Every believer's position may differ, but ever believers job is the same.

IN SIGHT OF GOD AND CHRIST.  This says that God pays attention to our obedience. The moment we open our mouth to speak about Jesus, He is there with us guiding the conversation. I do not think it is a coincident that

Someone stands in line next to you in the store, shopping center or wherever you find yourself. It is my belief that God sets up meetings for us to proclaim the Gospel. If that is so, how often do we fail the commission?

What can we do to step up to the the charge? How can we get into the GO mode?  Let me give suggestions (for me first)

  1. Morning Prayer ask God  to give you the opportunity to share the word

  2. Prepare your mind for the opportunity

  3. For example In the checkout line, look back and greet the person 

      Behind you.  How are doing today?   I pray  God Bless your day

      You never know who is listening or how you will be perceived, yet the

       Word has been planted. The person may respond back 

  4. Do the same for the cashier.  

  5. The point is to try to relate to the person God placed next to you. You   

      May not have but a moment, but that may be the moment God uses.

HE SHALL JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD AT HIS APPEARING AND KINGDOM

The Lord keeps a record of our good works and sins. Nothing we do escapes God’s attention. He is coming to back to judge us all. As a believer, We know Jesus is coming back but do we really believe it is

Today or tomorrow. Or do we believe we have a lot more time. If we believe in the second coming of the Lord, what are we doing to show our readiness. Are we like the  man who forecasts rain, but never brings a raincoat or an umbrella?

2 Peter 3:10

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

A thief don’t give you a schedule when he will rob you, he shows up

Unannoused, uninvited when you least expect it. You may be sleep,

Having a cup of coffee or working in the yard when Jesus shows up.

Know this He is scheduled to show up for you. At his second coming there

Will be two passenger lists. The first list will be the all believers who will be

Taken to be with him in heaven. There is a place call hell for the second list.

Will you focus be on Him when He comes? Could be today or some 

Distance time. But know this, He is coming.

PREACH THE WORD IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON

In season is the good times, the convenient times, the easy times. The times when we are around like mined people are in season. 

Out of season is the times when it is not popular to preach the Word. We

Know that there are places, times and people where the Word will not be appreciated. The lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and pride of life often keeps us silent in the Word. But these are times when it is urgent to proclaim the Word to keep us from falling short. 

We must resist the desire to fit into the crowd. That's the time we need to remind ourselves that we are not of this world but in this world to proclaim 

the Word. 

John 17:15-17

 I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one). 16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.

God did not put us here to avoid evil people, but present the Gospel to them as He gives us opportunity, 

REPROVE. REBUKE, EXHORT WITH PATIENCE AND TEACHING

REPROVE  Be prepared up to present the Gospel as best you know

                   Not everyone will be convinced , but Word planted many take

                   Root

REBUKE    Don’t sugar coat evil. Call sin what is an offense to God

EXHORT   Present the warnings and the promises of God to excite others 

                  To the duties of the Gospel

PATIENCE  We must be aware that everyone understands the Word at 

                    Different rates. Everyone put the Word in practice at different 

                    Times in their lives. We must be patient and persistent in 

                    Teaching Word.

                    As a farmer plants a seed and wait for it to take root and grow,

                    So must we plant Word and wait on the Lord make it grow.

THE TIME HAS COME WHEN THE WORLD WANT HEAR SOUND DOCTRINE

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

We are now in a time in America when the truth has been laid aside

In favor of opinions and new ideas not based on facts. We now get

Our news from FaceBook, Instagram, X and other media platforms

That are full of daily information, chats, videos and personal post that promote someone's opinions not backup by any credible data or research.

Posts are rated at how many subscribers one has. 

We can find information on any subject imagable. Every post invites you to check the like box which makes it credible and worth viewing again. The

Likes become the norms and the norms become the new truth. More and

More A I is shaping our thoughts;

AI Overview

Social media shapes our beliefs by creating echo chambers and filter bubbles through algorithms that prioritize engagement, reinforcing existing views and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. This environment leads to increased polarization and a distorted perception of reality, where extreme opinions are amplified while moderate or factual information is suppressed. Furthermore, users often place trust in information shared by friends and family within their "digital tribes," regardless of the information's accuracy, which can spread misinformation. 

The only real truth that has never changed has been protected from change Is the Word of God printed in the 66 books of the Bible, 

It’s writing are thousands of years old dating back to Moses.

BE SOBER IN ALL THINGS

2 Tim 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. 

5 But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.

Mal 3:6 For I, Jehovah, change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Heb 13:7-7 Remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ (is) the same yesterday and today, (yea) and for ever.

The real truth is not popular, Its A I, social media, power and politics that

Drive our desires. The information we get today are full of lies and misrepresentation. 

The Bible has not changed. The proof is found in the Dead Sea Scrolls

Found in the Qumran caves12 miles from Jerusalem discovered between 1947 to 1956. They are over 2000 years old and have fragments of every book of the Old Testament except Esther.  They proved that the Old Testament in print today  is 95 percent word for word accurate.  The New Testament has been proved to be 99 percent accurate of the original text. 

When we hear statements about God or the Word of God. we need to stop

Take a breath and go to the unchanging Word for clarification. The internet

Has made us lazy in doing research. You can type in a subject and in an instant the information is there. When you search for scriptures you will get interpretations and opposing interpretations. Which is right. You don’t get  to view opposing messages in the Bible. You get the truth and nothing but the truth.

DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST

Paul commands us to do the work of an evangelist. How can you do the work if you don't know what the work is? The Word of God is not always pleasing to hear, but it is what we need. No one wants to be rebuked or reproved. The closer we get to God, the more we will know that rebuke, reprove and discipline are God's way of saying I love you.

Prov 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof: 12 For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

The work of the Lord starts with us. We must renew ourselves in a right

Spirit. 

DON’T BE AFRAID OF SUFFERING FOR THE LORD

No one wants to suffer. We run from it. If we suffer, suffer a little and not for long. How can you have it your way, if suffering is on the plate. Imagine getting a hamburger and side of suffering. What about suffering with a side

Of God’s love. 

1 Peter 3:14 But even if ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed (are ye:) and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;

Suffering bring blessings which includes develop our character,

Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

There are some assignments you take for Christ that will be scary and people will criticize you for. We can face all this with confidence knowing

That Christ is with us. Courage is doing scary with confidence. 

Matthew Henry says take all opportunities to make known the pure Gospel.

Doing the scary is an opportunity provided by God.

FULFILL THE MINISTRY

Paul preached the Gospel in good times and bad times, in season and out of season. He preached in the Synagogues and was pushed out. He preached in cities and was beaten and imprisoned.  He was guided by the

Spirit back to Jerusalem where he was tried and sent to Rome to be tried again. He wrote four or five of the books  of the New Testament

From prison; Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and maybe 2 Timothy.  

If we fully take up the torch for Jesus, it will lead us to dark places. Jesus said I did not come for the righteous, but for the lost. The lost live in darkness where they are comfortable. Invading their space with the light

Will not at first be welcomed. It is our job to endure negative comments and hostile rejections to present the Gospel.

The time has come, the change has come where people have many ways and opportunities to pursue darkness. There an increasing number of advertisements on TV for adults to play video games on their phones. They 

Hire successful actors and actress, sport stars to play the games to make them More attractive. Instead of family time, studying the word, play games on your cell phones. 

How does the Word of God compete with multimillion dollar advertisements? The truth is games fill the time for a moment then fade away. The Word of God fills the heart and soul for a lifetime. Games

Provide momentary happiness. The word of God provide a life time of joy.

BE DEDICATED TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS

2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:

The Apostle Paul’s life is an example to follow. His testimony shows his devotion to the Gospel

2 Cor 11:24-26  Of the Jews five times received I forty (stripes) save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep; 26 (in) journeyings often, (in) perils of rivers, (in) perils of robbers, (in) perils from (my) countrymen, (in) perils from the Gentiles, (in) perils in the city, (in) perils in the wilderness, (in) perils in the sea, (in) perils among false brethren;

I was reminded by a lady of wisdom in one of my classes: Do all the good  you can, while you can, to everyone you can, because you never know if you will get back this way again

The course for each of us is laid out by the Father with help of Jesus and the Holy Spirit we can finish it

THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

2 Tim 4:8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

• This is not my home, I am just traveling through on the way to heaven,

• The road will be rough, times will be frustrating, there will be pain, hardships and disappointments

• With the Lord I can walk with joy, peace and hope 

• If i stay faithful the crown is waiting 

SUMMARY

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.

• This prophecy is being fulfilled today before us. It is proof of the accuracy of the Bible 

• If you speak a lie long enough people will believe it

• Untruths are being magnified from nation leaders around the world including the US

• Many Government leaders, don’t want peace, they want authority and power

• Manufacturers of guns, ammunitions and weapons of war are getting wealthy in the name of peace

• Multimedia with all it’s misinformation is now considered the truth

• The real unchanging truth is the Bible. The one who is in Charge is our lord and Savior

• We are all here today by our Lord and Savior serving and waiting for His return

PREACH THE WORD IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON, THE WORLD NEEDS THE TRUTH

WE HAVE A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WAITING ON US

 

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE FATHER Galatians 4

 SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD THE FATHER

Gal 4:1-7

THE TEXT

1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 

7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

This life on earth is a training ground to get us to the place where God has

Predestined us. We are born in this world, trained in this world for a heavenly destination. We are predestined to be sons and daughters of the most High God. 

We were born in this world to parents who trained us along with grandparents, relatives and teachers to bring us to maturity to stand on our own, 

Paul lays out our position  as a servant even though a heirs, our tutoring and our maturity to perform as heir. Initially we are in no position to take

On the responsibility of heirship, but after maturity during time set by

The Father we become active heirs. The time of maturity is set by the Father in Heaven

The process of taking on the responsibility of heir involves three things. Knowledge, 

Education 

Self discipline 

The world is a training ground where we gain knowledge, experience, through trials, tribulations and successes. We meet the right people and

The wrong people and learn to distinguish between the two. We are faced with decisions that have to be made daily. Paul used as an example the Jewish family.

In the ancient Jewish life the oldest son was the heir to the family assets. After the father died the oldest son became heir. During his childhood

He was under a tutor and had had the rights of a slave. At the time of

Maturity set by the father the oldest son took possession of the family 

Assets (see the story Esau and Jacob).

When we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior every believer becomes an

Heir to the earth resources and the Kingdom of Heaven. We were born in sin and shaped in iniquity  therefore a transformation has to take place to become an heir.  The transformation is a life long event.

KNOWLEDGE

The transformation begins with knowledge of God. Some where in our lives we were introduced to God, through parents, friends , relatives, teachers in the church and preachers. Today it is common to be exposed to God through the social media. We can only know God through the study of the Word for ourselves. One we accepted Christ we given the indwelling of the Holy Spirit whose job is guide our understanding to the Word. 

It is very important to know the Word because the devil is waiting to destroy you.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

In the Garden of Eden, Eve had been taught the Word, but was easily deceived by the devil. The devil knows the Word because he was present

When the Word was revealed to all the writers of the Bible. Before the creation of the earth the angels were already created and the devil had been judged.

Job 38:6 Whereupon were the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner-stone thereof, 7 When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

We were placed in this world to learn the duties God predestined us for.

We are here to observe the glory of God that blesses us each day,

The sun, the trees, the plants, and birds and animals. At night we observe the moon stars to numerous to count. The natural man see but never understand their creation. Believers have no doubt that God is creator and all is His glory. 

The world is a teacher in trials and circumstances. Faith develops by what we cannot accomplish unless we relay on the God’s divine help. Hope in the Lord is developed through the disappointments we face. We learn that love requires a sacrifice as seen in Jesus on the cross. To grow in the Lord and receives the promised benefits we must submit the divide guidance of the Holy Spirit. Finally we lean patience in trials as we trust God to handle

With our problems

EDUCATION

Education is derived from the word educe which means to draw out . It is the job of the teacher to draw out that which God has placed in him. When Jesus selected His twelve disciples He had allowed their character to develop through the hard work of the trades assigned to them. They developed confidence in their abilities amidst the trials and disappointment of their trades. They were devoted to their jobs working with and providing for their families. Walking with Jesus was their education in the Word of God. The trained love,compassion, and service. They were rebuked to 

Bring them in line with God’s will.

So it is with us to day as heirs to the kingdom of God is a period of 

Immaturity where we grow to maturity in the Lord by the study of the Word of God. We get to Know God personally by the circumstance He puts in our lives

DISCIPLINE 

We learn to be disciplined through the error of our ways. Discipline is another word for God’s love,

Job 36:10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. 11 If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. 12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.

Putting the knowledge of the Word of God in action requires a discipline 

Attitude.  Jesus said if you love me, keep my commandments. We were placed here to from Godly habits 

Rom 8:29 For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained (to be) conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren:

We are heirs of God but will not be complete until Jesus return for His Church. 

James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world (to be) rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him?

To the Jews the law was the tutor. The heirs were a slave to the law. Now

The Jesus as come we have no need for a tutor but the grace and mercy of God 

 

A NEW START FOR YOUR LIFE Galatians 2

 A NEW START FOR YOUR LIFE

Galatians 2

This text highlights christian growth and development. The apostle Paul is the author of the text and an excellent example of a man who was initially an unbeliever and became one of God’s champions of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A HUMBLE SPIRIT

In this Christian journey, every believer gets a new start. On the road to Damascus, Saul, a devout Jewish follower, met Jesus and got a new start.

He started using the name Paul which was his  Roman  name from birth. Saul was his Hebrew name. It is interesting because the name Saul means big man. The name Paul means small man.  Saul held a high position in the Jewish religion. After he met Jesus, he began using  Paul, his Hebrew name, considering himself small in the Christian faith or small compared to His Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

To serve God we must see ourselves small in comparison to Jesus and small in comparison to others, to prevent ourselves from being prideful.

It is not to devalue ourselves but to place us in position to be used by God in any circumstance. God loves a humble spirit

SET APART TO SERVE BEFORE BIRTH

According to Paul, he was set apart from his mothers womb to preach the gospel to the gentiles.  Gal 1:15. He spent the first part of his life being trained in the Jewish law which he excelled more than his counterparts.

On his way to Damascus, he had  letters from the Jewish authority to persecute the young church.

A New Life  for Paul began when he encountered the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus  (Acts 9:1-9). He changed from a persecutor of the church to an active believer and promoter of Jesus Christ 

Once we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, a change in us was

Brought about by Christ Himself. Any man/woman in Christ is a new creation. The old has died and the new has come alive in Christ.

A NEW REPUTATION

Every believer begins a new reputation in Jesus Christ. The old self has died and a new creation began. This new reputation grows as our faith in Jesus grows. 

To not cause division in the Church because of his past reputation as a persecutor of the church, Paul separated himself from the church to a place where people did not know him or have hostility toward him. 

 

After his conversion, Paul did not go to church leaders. Instead he spent 3 years in Arabia (Gal 1:19).  We are not told what Paul did

In Arabia. Let me suggest that Paul needed to realign his training in the Jewish law to include Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. While the name Jesus is not included in the Old Testament, I believe Paul saw

Jesus as the author and authority of scripture.  We do know that Paul had a library of books he studied from.

2 Tim 4:12-13 But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus. 13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.

 Paul spent 14 years preaching the Gospel in Syria and Cilici To the Gentiles then returned to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus (Gal 2:1). Having established his reputation and dedication to Gospel of Jesus Christ, he was given the right hand of fellowship by James. Peter and John (Gal 2:9)

Every believer is given the opportunity to establish a new reputation in Jesus Christ. We are all born in sin and shaped in iniquity. We are born again in Jesus and our new reputation begins.

NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH JERUSALEM CHURCH

Doing my lifetime in the ministry, I had the opportunity to serve under

Five different pastors in 4 different churches. Each time I had to establish a relationship with the church leaders. 

Time, experience and education sets us up for the work God has planned for our lives.  Paul’s education and elevation in the Jewish

Religion set him up for the call by Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and establish churches on each of his missionary journeys. 

We all may have a plan for our lives, but God has a better plan that fits into His plan of redemption for mankind. It is believed that Paul was in his late 20s to early 30s at his conversion. His mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles could have been in his mid 40s (Acts 13:2).

It appears that Pual spent 17 years after his conversion being prepared before He and Barnabus were set aside to preach the gospel throughout the Roman Empire (3 years in Arabia, 14 year preaching in Cilica and Syria)

God sometimes uses the early years of our lives to give us life experiences and education before He calls us to the mission He prepared for us before the foundation of the earth

FAITH IN JESUS PLUS NOTHING IS OUR SALVATION 

There are those who want to add their beliefs.spiritual gifts or works

To the free gift of Salvation from the grace of our Lord and Savior. When Paul returned to Jerusalem there were those who wanted to add Circumcision to faith in Jesus as a requirement for salvation.

Paul argued that salvation is by grace through faith and nothing else

RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP 

Every believer ought to be connected to a church body. Paul received a revelation from God to establish a bond with the Church in Jerusalem. He proclaimed His work in Cilica amd Syria in preaching the Gospel  

The right hand of fellowship signifies mutual agreement, trust and support in the ministry. We all need the prayers of each other in the ministry. We need the affirming grace of each other.  There will be time when we need the encouragement of the church. There will be times and we will need to encourage others by our work in the ministry 

Heb 10:25 

25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

ALWAYS HAVE A LISTEN EAR FOR GOD

Don’t get to busy in the mission for God that you cannot hear God

On the Road to Damascus, Paul heard the word of God and was converted immediately. He knocked off his horse and blinded by the

Lord than led to home of a believer where he received his again.

The Jewish law and traditions must have troubled Saul (Paul) for him

Listen to the Jesus he had previously discounted. He accepted Jesus as Lord without question. 

Each of us have been drawn to the Lord Jesus by a measure of faith He placed in us. The journey with Jesus begins with the faith of a mustard seed.

Paul was led by the Lord to spend 17 years getting prepared for the Mission. He heard the word of God directing him to go back to Jerusalem And establish fellowship with local church

Paul was led by the Holy Spirit from Tarsus to Antioch to  start the first missionary journey. 

Acts 13:2

2 And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 

 

WAIT PATIENTELY ON THE LORD’S TIMING

Your divine mission was set in place long before your call to the ministry. God is in charge of your calling, training and the start of the mission He has for you.

Paul began as a student of the Jewish law,and rose to the rank of a Pharisee in the Jewish hierarchy. He was more zealous for keeping

Law than his counterparts. This was not his calling. It was his experience and training in the misapplication of the Jewish law that prepared Paul for the correct teaching of the Gospel. Paul may have been in his mid 40s before the start of 1st missionary journey,

We are all full of thoughts and impressions of the world that don’t line up with God’s plan for us. Like Paul, the worldly training has to be replaced with Godly training in Jesus aided by the Holy spirit.

SUMMARY

We were chosen by God to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. All believers have an assigned part in this work. It takes, work, dedication, humbleness and constant study of God’s word.

YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A NEW START FOR LIFE.  BELOW ARE THE ELEMENTS OF GROWTH

• HUMBLE SPIRIT

• SET APART BY GOD

• NEW REPUTATION

• A NEW RELATIONSHIP

• RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP

• LISTEN EAR FOR GOD

• WAIT PATIENTLY ON THE LORD’S TIMING