Christ Wesleyan Church
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Be the Guardian of Your Faith
1 Timothy 6:20 NLT
1 Timothy 1:19 NLT
A. Paul, the spiritual guardian to Timothy…
1 Timothy 1:2 NLT
1. Guardian: a defender, protector, or keeper
2. Paul was the spiritual father of Timothy. This mentor/mentee relationship began very early. Timothy was about 17. Timothy was from Lystra with a mother and grandmother who taught him the O.T. Scriptures. Paul visited their hometown and met Timothy and his family.
3. Timothy had an excellent reputation and Paul wanted to take him along on his journey. (Acts 16)
4. Paul began equipping Timothy and engaging him in ministry in Berea. (Acts 17)
5. Timothy worked with Paul and witnessed Paul’s passion and practices of ministry. (Acts 18)
6. Timothy helped establish churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. (Acts 16-17)
7. Timothy carried money from the Philippian church to Paul for his needs in Corinth.
8. Paul was in prison for two years in Rome and Timothy stayed with him.
9. Timothy was with Paul for 13 years until about 30 years of age. When Paul was released, they visited churches and stopped at Ephesus.
10. Paul charged Timothy with the work at Ephesus and this is where he wrote his first letter in 64 A.D.
11. Six of Paul’s letters include Timothy in his greetings. Paul’s last dying wish was written to Timothy in his second letter in 67 A.D.
12. According to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Timothy remained at Ephesus for 33 years. Timothy was violently beaten by a wild mob of partygoers who were angry from Timothy’s rebuke for their immoral behavior. He died two days later.
B. Guard the priorities of your faith…
1 Timothy 1:4-5 NLT
1. The highest priority is to live a life of faith in God.
2. The goal is that love would be seen in all we do.
3. Maintain a pure heart in all of our dealings.
4. Operate with a clear conscience.
5. Keep a genuine faith that is evidenced to all.
1 Timothy 1:16 NLT
C. God commissions each of us to be the guardian…
1 Timothy 1:12 NLT
1. God calls each of us to serve in ministry.
2. God equips each of us with the strength to serve in ministry.
3. The ministry is His and not ours.
4. God’s grace is greater than our past and He will use us as He sees fit.
1 Timothy 1:14 NLT
D. Some have shipwrecked their faith…
1. Avoid endless discussion, debates, and pride in your spiritual heritage.
1 Timothy 1:4 NLT
2. Avoid getting lost in your own self-interest and insincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5-7 MSG
3. Avoid conversations that are destructive rather than building one another up.
1 Timothy 1:8-11 MSG
4. Avoid anything that would soil a clear conscience before God!
1 Timothy 1:19-20 NLT
E. Be the Guardian...
1 Timothy 1:18-19 NLT
1. Remember, it is the Lord’s battle…not yours! He will help you fight well.
2. Cling to your faith. Your everyday belief, that God is greater than any obstacle, is the faith you must hold onto!
3. Keep your conscience clear. Don’t allow sin, anger, bitterness, or distractions to keep you from experiencing the greatest joy you can find! Stay tuned to the Spirit and listen to His Voice!
Galatians 5:16-17 NLT
Acts of the Apostles 24:16 NLT