I CHARACTER: THINGS THOU HAST HEARD
A. The things heard: “Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” 2 Timothy 2:1-3. The charge of Paul included several important things I need to address before we consider the verse of interest. Notice, Let us:
1. First, “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Find your strength in the grace of Christ; and not associates, or even co-workers. Some of these men will fail you; forsake you; and even betray you. Find your strength in the grace of Christ and in the power of God. Notice:
a. David said: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes,” Psalms 118:8-9. Also: “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord,” Psalms 4:5.
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b. Jeremiah writes: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord,” Jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalms 1:1-6.
c. Paul encourages: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might,” Ephesians 6:10. Illustrate: Equip yourself for the fight.
2. Further, “be about teaching faithful men, who are able to teach others.” Some of Paul’s associates and co-workers forsook him and returned to the world. He wrote:
a. One, “Demas has forsaken me; all Asia hath turned away from me,” 2 Timothy 1:15; 2 Timothy 4:10. “Only Luke is with me,” 2 Timothy 4:11.
b. Two, “Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:11. Let’s review a history of this young man.
1) Mark is called “Marcus” by Paul and Peter, Philemon 1:24; 1 Peter 5:13.
2) He began his ministry with a rocky start; but ended it with a sound finish with Paul’s admiration, Acts 12:12; Acts 12:25; Acts 13:13; Acts 15:58.
Culled from Sermons Central
