December 26, 2004: Joe Bartemus, Pastor of
College Park Church, continued Pastor Kimber’s theme on Spiritual Disciplines
in 2005 by examining Paul’s first letter to Timothy in which he gave some
special instructions to Timothy, in chapter 4.
As Pastor Joe began his message he outlined three elements of Paul’s
encouragement to Timothy that are directly applicable to us as we endeavor to
live good spiritual lives in the coming year:
In 1 Timothy 4:1-6, Pastor Joe warned us to BEWARE that some will fall
away from the faith…having the form of godliness but not being real (2 Timothy
3:5). He pointed out that our
day-to-day lives need to be integrated into a life of worship…living in the
presence of God, rather than separated into sacred (Sunday worship) and secular
areas (the rest of the week).
In 1 Timothy 4:7-10, Pastor Joe pointed out that if we want to be
successful, we need to stay on task and not get sidetracked on irrelevant
rabbit trails (v7). We need to focus on
becoming more godly, as opposed to worldly, in our pursuits in life because of
the impact it has on our life today, as well as in the future (v8). In doing so we need to realize that it won’t
come easy. It requires labor, hard work
and a plan with a goal in mind to keep us focused on why we are doing
what we do (v9-10).
As Pastor Joe concluded with 1 Timothy 4:11-16, he pointed out that Paul
was encouraging Timothy to get on with his life and focus on those things that
will move him toward his goal. As we study this portion of scripture, and look
to what we would like to do in 2005, perhaps our plan should include…
a) In what we say…our speech (Ephesians 4:29)
b) In the way we live our lives…our conduct (Ephesians 4 and 5).
c) In the way we love one another…for in doing so people will know you are
My disciple (John 13:34-35).
d) In the way we demonstrate our faith…particularly when going through
various trials (James 1:2-3).
e) In the purity of our lives…so we might see God at work (Matthew 5:8).
a) Maintaining a daily life of worship…reading of the Scriptures and
applying what we’ve learned (v13).
b) Using our Spiritual gifts to minister to others (v14).
c) Diligently and whole-heartedly devote ourselves to making progress (v15).
d) Keep alert, watch closely what we say and do, and stay with it…persevere
(v16).
a) What are the distractions of life that often get in our way of doing
so? (What Paul describes as deceiving
spirits and things taught by demons)
b) How do these distractions tend to draw us away from the faith?
c) What would you like to do differently in 2005 to keep your faith alive
and well?
Suggestion: Review the
“Yellow card” available at the table in the foyer, and consider reading,
discussing and encouraging each to sign the Spiritual Disciplines Covenant,
also available at the table.
A. If you are struggling with sins of commission (i.e., lust, anger,
coveting) perhaps some disciplines of abstinence would be helpful (i.e.,
fasting, silence, solitude, memorizing scripture, etc.).
B. If you are struggling with sins of omission (i.e., NOT loving, serving,
encouraging) perhaps some disciplines of encouragement would be helpful (i.e.,
study and memorize scripture, fellowship with fellow believers, giving in
secret, praying for others, etc).