fromthepreacherspc

THE LAST WORDS OF PAUL
2 Timothy 4:6-18

INTRODUCTION
A. The is always something special about the last words of a loved one.
1. This is very apparent in our desire to be around them during their final days and hours here on this earth
2. We want to hear what they say.

B. This is also true of our biblical brethren of days gone by… Romans 15:4
1. Consider the apostle Paul who reveals to us his character, trust, and inner strength in his last words to Timothy
a. It was during his imprisonment
b. He was awaiting his execution

2. His mind was clear and sharp, and his words speaks volumes of truth

3. We do not have to guess at the meaning of his words – they are emphatic and to the point

C. Let us now consider the last words of the apostle Paul…

DISCUSSION
A. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS COMPLETE RESIGNATION
1. Paul is ready to stand down, he has accepted the inevitable
a. 2 Timothy 4:6
b. Upon becoming a New Testament Christian, Paul poured out his life in service to his Lord
c. Now he knows that his blood will be poured out as a result of his defending the faith and proclaiming the precious gospel

2. But Paul is convinced that this is not a bad thing
a. 2 Timothy 1:11-12
b. Philippians 1:21-23

3. Paul had lived and prepared for a “better country”
a. Hebrews 11:16
b. Paul had prepared for that city

4. Paul had resigned himself to pay whatever price must be paid to be with the redeemed of all ages through eternity
a. Are we ready to make this same sacrifice?
b. Are we willing to do whatever it takes to get to heaven?
c. 2 Corinthians 5:1

B. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE ABOUT HIS EFFORTS
1. 1 Timothy 4:7
2. Paul was a “warrior”
a. “I have fought the good fight”
b. As a warrior for Christ he fought the enemies of the cross without shame, without fear, and without apology
c. He had armed himself for the fight and always carried a sword in his hand
d. Ephesians 6:13-17
e. Jude 3

3. Paul was a “runner”
a. “I have finished the course [race – ESV]”
b. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26
c. Paul knew that it would do no good to run in a race if he did not cross the finish line
d. Many today join in the race and for whatever reason quit before the finish line
e. But Paul never gave up – and neither should we

4. Paul was a “caretaker of the gospel”
a. “I have kept the faith”
b. Paul was entrusted with the gospel and he would be faithful with that trust even unto death (Rev 2:10)
c. Paul relied on the promise of Revelation 14:13
d. Paul spoke of those who did not “keep the faith”
1) 1 Timothy 1:19-20
2) These had NOT “kept the faith” – they had forsaken the faith

e. Sadly, there too many in our day who will not “keep the faith”
1) Who are not willing to be a “warrior” for Christ
2) Who are not willing to be “runners” who finish to race
3) Sadly these will miss heaven

f. Will we be warriors, runners, and caretakers of the truth?

C. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS CONFIDENT HOPE
1. 2 Timothy 4:8

2. In this life things do not always go as we would like
a. They didn’t for Paul…
b. BUT, what matters most is what awaits the faithful Christian – “a crown of righteousness”
c. Confidence in the promises of God allows us to overcome the hardships of this life

3. We must choose to live our lives in such a manner that we can say with Paul…
1 Corinthians 15:55-57

D. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS PAINFUL EXPERIENCES
1. 2 Timothy 4:9-10, 14-16
2. Regardless of where Paul travelled his enemies mocked, belittled, and offended him at every opportunity
a. Certain Jews stoned him (Acts 14:19)
b. Certain Jews planned to kill him (Acts 9:25)
c. Demas (once a fellow worker – Philemon 1:24) forsook Paul loving the present world (4:9)
d. Alexander did Paul much evil (4:14)
e. No one stood by Paul at his trial (4:16)

3. BUT, the Lord stood by him (4:17) – and that is
all that matters!

4. All evils that befell Paul surely cased him great
pain and sorrow

5. Paul relied surely on promises like…
John 16:33

E. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS CARING LOVE
1. “May it not be laid to their account” (4:16) this was said as he remembered that no one would stood by him at his trial

2. Paul always practiced the teachings of Jesus… Matthew 5:44

3. Paul emulated Jesus… “Father, forgive them; for they know what they do” (Lk. 23:34)

4. Some of Paul’s last words were care for the souls of man

F. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS UNENDING CONFIDENCE
1. 2 Timothy 4:17-18

2. There was no doubt in Paul’s mind that he would not be disappointed by placing his trust in God

3. Paul’s last words were similar to those of Joshua 23:14

4. Paul had no doubt about his faithful allegiance to the Lord, his faithful service in the kingdom, and the promises of his Savior

5. Paul looked forward to his eternal reward!

CONCLUSION
A. Paul was a great Christian man worthy of our emulation

B. I pray that our last words can be spoken with the confidence of Paul

C. I pray that our last words will spoken as a faithful Christian and warrior for the cause of Christ

Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

THE PIVOTAL COMMAND

Mark 12:28-31

INTRODUCTION

1. In Mark 12:30-31 we have a very pivotal command for every Christian, a command that is at the very heart of Christianity.
2. If these verses are not engrained in our daily living then we will never be spiritually what we ought to be
3. It is indeed the pivotal command

Mark 12:28-31

1. We know these verses, we have heard them often, and we understand that they mean we are to love God with our total being and our neighbor as our self
2. Many claim to love God
3. Many say they love God
4. Many say they love their neighbor
5. Many, though, do not really understand what it means to love God with our total being—and to really love our neighbor; thus, let us delve deeply into Mark 12:30-31 and come to understand what it really means to love God with our total being.

DISCUSSION

“Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God” 

First notice that this is not a request or an option, it is a command, an imperative.

1. We are to love (agape)
2. The highest form of love
3. An intellectual love which always does the proper and best thing.
4. Agape not Phileo
5. We are to love God, this would exclude putting anything above God in importance.

“With ALL thy …..”

1. There is to be no holding back with our love
2. Giving our best effort
3. Not settling for second best

“Love … with all thy MIND”

1. This has to do with the intellect or knowledge
2. To love God as we ought, it must be done through knowledge
3. The Biblically ignorant really do not love God
4. Romans 10:3
5. Ephesians 4:18
6. John 14:15 … How can one keep that which he does not know?
7. Hosea 4:6 

To love God with all of our minds, we must study   

1. Deuteronomy 17:19
2. Isaiah 34:16
3. John 5:39
4. Acts 17:11
5. 2 Timothy 2:15

Our minds must be filled with truth

1. 2 John 4
2. 3 John 3

We can not love God as we ought if we are biblically ignorant

“Love ….. with all of thy HEART”

1. This is loving God with emotion and affection
2. Because of the Pentecostal movement in the church in the 50s and 60s, many swung completely to the other side and are afraid to show any emotion.
3. We can’t please God on pure emotion
4. People end up doing as they please with this
5. We must have emotion under control and guided by knowledge

Emotions are important:

1. Lord’s Supper
2. Baptisms
3. Lost souls
4. The hurting

The Bible is filled with emotion

1. Luke 10:20
2. Romans 12:15
3. Philippians 4:4
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
5. Matthew 9:36
6. Psalm 122:1
7. Psalm 84:10

“Love …. with all thy SOUL”

1. This is loving God with our very life, the Greek word is translated as “life” in many verses – can also be translated as breath (yuch – psuche)
2. This involves the willingness to give over our whole life to the Lord.
3. In doing so we must live a sacrificial life
4. Romans 12:1-2 … transformed = metamorfo0
5. Matthew 16:25
6. 1 Corinthians 10:24
7. To love God with all of our soul we must be willing to give our whole life over to Him, to devote our whole life to His service, and even be willing to die for Him.

“Love …. with all thy STRENGTH”

1. This we do using our abilities, our money, and our time.
2. We must use our abilities for the Lord
3. Matthew 25:14-30
4. So many talents are never used for the Lord
5. Many talents are never developed

Giving shows our true love for the Lord 

1. 2 Corinthians 8:2, 5
2. 2 Corinthians 9:7, 12

Giving of our time shows our true love for God

1. Ephesians 5:15-16
2. Psalm 90:12
3. Ecclesiastes 12:1
4. Colossians 4:5

“Love thy neighbor as thyself”

1. If you love your neighbor as yourself, you apply the commandments in your conduct toward him as scrupulously as you wish him to apply them to you.
2. You must not injure him or lie to him, or steal from him, or covet his success; you must treat him exactly as you in his place wish to be treated or ought to be treated by him.
3. The same principle of love underlies both the first and second great commandments.
4. Matthew 7:12
5. Romans 13:8-10

“There is none other commandment greater than these” (Mk. 12:31)

“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Mt. 22:40)

CONCLUSION

We must understand that we really can’t love God with all of soul and strength without first loving Him with all our mind and heart.

Loving God is more than just lip service, it is giving over our ALL!!!

1. ALL of our mind
2. ALL of our heart
3. ALL of our soul
4. ALL of our strength

Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

THE WONDERFUL CHRIST

Isaiah 9:6

INTRODUCTION

The book of Isaiah is full of prophecies concerning Jesus

1. Prophecies concerning what He would endure for people of all ages
2. And there are also prophecies that speak of the type of person Jesus would be
3. Isaiah 9:6

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah states that a child was going to be born into the world, not an ordinary child, but someone extra special

1. Children are born everyday, but one like Isaiah is describing comes only once in eternity.
2. Isaiah speaks of Jesus, and says He will be “wonderful”
3. So Isaiah says there will be one born that is more marvelous that we could ever imagine.

Isaiah says that this one that is to be born will cause people to wonder at His greatness

1. Matthew 7:28
2. Matthew 13:54
3.  In this lesson I want us to consider some reasons why Jesus is so wonderful.

INTRODUCTION

JESUS HAS WONDERFUL EYES

1. John said Jesus has eyes “like a flame of fire,” (Rev.2:18)
2. When I think of a fire I think of two things:
   1. Beautiful… Beauty of a fire place
   2. Powerful
      • Power to destroy ……. forest and homes
      • Power to strengthen ……. tempers steel – steam engines
      • Power to comfort ……. warmth – security

3. Jesus’ eyes are beautiful because they see our every need

Matthew 9:36

• “For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous” (1 Pet. 3:12a)
• The Lord is always watching us with great concern
• He has great concern for our need
• He sees our needs physically and spiritually… Matthew 6:25-32
• If the Father knows our needs, then we can rest assured that Jesus sees our needs as well.
• Jesus has wonderful eyes

JESUS HAS WONDERFUL EARS

1. Jesus’ ears are wonderful because He listens to us

2. The ears of the Lord are open to the prayers of the righteous (1 Pt. 3:12b)

3. 2 Samuel 22:7

“In my distress I called upon Jehovah; Yea, I called unto my God: And he heard my voice out of his temple, And my cry came into his ears.”

4. The Psalmist asks … Psalm 94:9

“He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?”

5. Great comfort is gained from talking to someone about a problem who really listens.

6. Jesus will listen to our prayers because He really cares

7. Sometimes all we need is someone to talk to – and Jesus is always there with a ready ear

8. Jesus has wonderful ears

JESUS HAS WONDERFUL SHOULDERS

1. Jesus’ shoulders are wonder because they bear our burdens

2. Psalm 55:22

“Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

3. 1 Peter 5:7

4. The poem … “Footprints”

One night I dreamed a dream.

As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,

One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,

especially at the very lowest and saddest times,

there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.

“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,

You’d walk with me all the way.

But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you

Never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you.”

5. Jesus has wonderful soulders

JESUS HAS WONDERFUL ARMS

1. Jesus’ arms are wonderful because they are able to strengthen His people.

2. Psalm 89:21

“With whom my hand shall be established; Mine arm also shall strengthen him.”

3. Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart faileth; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever”

4. Song: “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”

5. Jesus has wonderful arms

JESUS HAS WONDERFUL HANDS

1. Jesus’ hands are wonderful because they save

2. Isaiah 50:2

“Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst”

3. Isaiah 59:1

“Behold, Jehovah’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear”

4. No one can pluck us out of His hands, unless we choose to jump.

5. He can give a hand and pull us out of the drowning waters of sin.

6. Also His hands are wonderful because they were pierced for us that we might have the hope of eternal life

7. Jesus has wonderful hands

JESUS HAS WONDERFUL FEET

1. John says they are like unto “burnished brass” (Rev. 2:18)

2. These wonderful feet walk in among His church where ever it is found (Rev. 2:1)

3. Romans 10:15 … Jesus’ feet are beautiful because they brought us the gospel

4. He will always run to our aid

5. His feet are also wonderful because they were pierced for us

6. Jesus has wonderful feet

JESUS HAS A WONDERFUL HEART

1. Jesus has a wonderful heart as seen in His love for the world

2. John 15:13

3. Romans 5:7-8

4. Ephesians 5:2

5. His heart is touched with our needs, and makes every effort to save us

6. Because of Jesus’ wonderful heart, He gave the supreme sacrifice – His life on the cross

7. Jesus has a wonderful heart

JESUS HAS WONDERFUL WORDS

1. Jesus’ words are wonderful because they will not pass away

• Matthew 24:35
• 1 Peter 1:24-25

2. Jesus’ words are wonderful because they are what weare judged by

• John 6:68
• John 12:48
• Deuteronomy 18:19

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him”

• These words are wonderful because they tell us how to please Him and therefore be able to enter heaven
• These words are also wonderful because they tell us how to have a better life here on this earth
• Jesus has wonderful words

JESUS HAS A WONDERFUL HOME

1. Jesus’ home is wonderful because it will receive all His people

2. John 14:1-3

3. Revelation 21:10-27 describes this beautiful home

CONCLUSION

1. Everything about Jesus is wonderful
2. Is it any wonder that He is WONDERFUL?
3. Are you a partaker of the wonders of Jesus?

Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

GETTING READY TO GROW

INTRODUCTION

1. 1 Timothy 4:15-16 
2. Our “progress” must appear to all
3. This has reference to growth
4. Our growth needs to be apparent to the congregation
5. This growth takes place when we:
6. Take heed to our selves
7. Take heed unto our doctrine
8. Continue in these things

The description in Revelation 3:15-19 of the church in Laodicea is disheartening.

1. Suppose a preacher who was an effective “personal worker” had moved to Laodicea and soon numerous people were being baptized.
2. In the environment of the congregation at Laodicea, how long would most of those new converts have remained faithful?
3. Remember 1 Timothy 4:15? … “that thy progress may be manifest unto all”

All too few of the lost are rescued anywhere – but perhaps a greater tragedy is the mortality rate of those who are rescued.

1. Sometimes the way the Lord’s own people think and act makes it difficult to interest unbelievers in the Lord – and to hold those who are new in the faith.
2. In regard to our own work in this congregation, is there work that needs to be done before we can have real, enduring growth?

DISCUSSION

INDIVIDUALLY, OUR DAILY WALKS WITH GOD MUST BE INTIMATE   

We must live as those who genuinely know the Lord and who enjoy an obvious closeness to Him.

1. Deuteronomy 4:3-7
2. Cleaving unto the Lord saved many in Israel
3. God said that Israel’s closeness to Him will be seen by the nations around about
4. The same will hold true with us

Others need to be able to make of us the kind of request the Greeks made of Philip

1. John 12:20-21
2. People must see Jesus living in us!
3. Song: “Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me”

Others must see in us the blessings of walking with the Lord – not simply the pride of knowing about the Lord.

1. We cannot share what we do not have
2. We need to be able to wish for others the close personal relationship with the Lord that we ourselves enjoy
3. Acts 26:29
4. Paul wished all could experience the joy he had in the Lord

CONGREGATIONALLY, WE MUST BE INVOLVED IN ONE ANOTHER’S LIVES

1. In studying with prospects, we should portray the Lord’s church as a loving family who support one another in this life

2. This is as it should be…
3. John 13:34-35
4. Acts 2:46-47…Worshipped together and ate together
5. Romans 12:15

But, does the reality of our congregational life fulfill the claims we make about the closeness of the Lord’s family?

1. In this busy age, the same thing can happen to our spiritual family that is happening to our physical families: we are merely living/worshiping under the same roof – without any real sharing of life together.
2. As a child… “Whose house are we going to tonight?”
3. We need to share more in one another’s life

If we would truly “restore” New Testament Christianity, we must do more than see one another at the church building and show an occasional act of hospitality in our homes: we must become involved (rolled together, intertwined) with one another.

1. This is a KEY to growth
2. Other must see this in us

THE ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH MUST BE EDIFYING TO THE OUTSIDER AND TO THE YOUNG IN THE FAITH

1. The services of the Lord’s people are not always such as would move an unbeliever or a new convert in God’s direction…
2. 1 Corinthians 11:17
3. 1 Corinthians 14:15-17
4. Do our visitors and those young in the faith see our enthusiasm and reverence in worship?
5. Singing
6. Bibles open – following along

It is a sad commentary when some feel a bit reluctant to bring their best “contacts” to services – or when they have to apologize to new converts for what they see and hear when the church meets.

1. John 4:24
2. 1 Corinthians 14:40

3. Something is wrong anytime we impart anything other than spiritual refreshment and strength to our visitors and new converts.

In our assemblies, unbelievers ought to experience courtesy, warmth, and genuine interest in spiritual things – love for God and man.

If we are serious about growth, we are going to have to be more “visitor conscious” when we assemble.

WE MUST BE PREPARED TO NURTURE BABES IN CHRIST

1. The reality of having “babies” is sometimes strikingly different from our idealized visions beforehand – new converts can sometimes bring with them a host of “problems.”
2. They may be from a denominational background – thus, they may have thoughts and ideas foreign to the Bible that has to be dealt with
3. They may bring baggage with them which they had before they became a Christian
4. They may come from a socioeconomic group we are not comfortable in dealing with

We must continue to teach…

1. Matthew 28:19-20
2. We must help them to… 2 Peter 3:18

We must be patient …

1. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
2. 2 Timothy 4:2 

CONCLUSION

1. Most importantly, we must work in the strength of the Lord and to His glory, not leaving the Lord out of His own work.
2. We must truly speak and act as stewards
3. Philippians 2:13
4. 1 Peter 4:10-11
5. Before becoming useful and effective in reaching the lost – and in strengthening the brethren – we may have to “cleanse” ourselves from things that hinder us… 2 Timothy 2:21
6. Remember… 1 Timothy 4:15-16

Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com