WE AIM TO PLEASE
(Encouragement for the Way)

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Sports Hog talk show – the greatest change in college athletics is the focus on what pleases the student athlete.

Timothy:

1. An Encouraging Letter from His Mentor (Background to 2 Timothy)
   1. Timothy was Paul’s troubleshooter and representative (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10-11; Philippians 2:19-23; 1 Thessalonians 3:2)
   2. At work in Ephesus
   3. Paul is in prison, facing death.
   4. Members of the church are opposing him, he is disrespected.
   5. Rival teachers, who are teaching garbage, are having more success
   6. Timothy is strongly considering a career change
      1. Thus, Paul’s letter

2. The Essence of the Message: “This is no time for Wimps!” (1:7)
   1. Paul = Don’t give up.
      Being mediocre, neutral is being a wimp/timid
   2. Paul Gives Examples Timothy would know:
      1. Phugelus and Hermogenes (1:15) — deserters
      2. Humenaeus and Philetus (2:17-18) — false teachers (for selfish reasons no doubt)
      3. Demas (4:10) — deserter, “he loved the world”

3. Paul charges Timothy to:
   1. Continue in what he knows is true (3:14)
   2. Who do you aim to please?
      [Sports Hog Talk Show – The biggest change in college sports. The goal is now to please the student athlete.]
   3. He gives three examples:
      1. Soldier (Courage). Fear says “Be safe and neutral”
      2. Athlete (Endurance). Comfort = “Risk-free Christianity”
      3. Farmer (Patience). Self-Gratification says “what do I get from putting up with these people?”
   4. But the common element of all three is duty and dedication
      1. Rewards are only experienced by the dedicated
      2. Rewards are only enjoyed by heroes

4. 2 Timothy 2:11-13
   If we died with Him, we will also live with Him (baptism)
   If we endure, we will also reign with Him (dedication)
   If we disown Him, He will also disown us (so don’t)
   If we are faithless, He will remain faithful ... (grace and repentance)

   [Give invitation, then Pause and have them stand and pay attention ...]

5. Charge in Paul’s Words: “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus ... Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you ... for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

Chris Benjamin

West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
Evening Sermon, 3 December 2006

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