Four Catch Phrases:
“6) For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7) For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7
Paul was a fire watcher. He could see from a distance that Timothy’s fire was going out. His passion was beginning to simmer.
Back in high school, I worked every spring and fall for the local forestry department. My job was to climb the fire tower and watch for smoke. When a smoke looked threatening, I would triangulate with another tower and dispatch the fire trucks. With time I became an experienced fire watcher.
Let me share an outline I preached resenting from the book of 2 Timothy. I trust it will be a blessing to you:
Four Catch Phrases to Reset Your Walk With God. 2 Timothy 1-2
Introduction:
We are going to spend some time this morning in the book of 2 Timothy 1-2 By this point, Timothy had been in ministry for a while and he was getting tired and his fire was going out. Paul was a fire watcher! He was constantly monitoring the “Now” fire in others. (Story of being a Fire watcher as a teenager) Timothy needed a reset and not a restart. That might be your case this morning.
Transition: Let’s look at four Catch Phrases Paul gave Timothy to encourage him to reset his life.
I. Catch Phrase #1: Rekindle The Fire (2 Timothy 1:6)
Five simple ways to rekindle your fire:
Join a Courageous Prayer and praise meeting: (Acts 4:23-31; 16:22-30) Memorize and then meditate on a chapter of Scripture for a full week. (Psalm 119:25, 50, 91, 107, 149, 154, 156) day and night Psalm 1:1-4 Stream line your life by repenting of and sins and removing exasperating distractions: (Acts 3:19; 6:1-4) Step to the front lines of ministry. (Luke 10:17-20, Acts 2:43) Set aside a time for prayer and Fasting. (Isaiah 58:5-12; Acts)
II. Catch Phrase # 2: Retain the Standard (2 Timothy 1:13)
Retain the Standard of the solid Gospel. 1 Tim 1:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 Retain the Standard of a Biblical World View. Romans 1:18-27 Retain the Standard of a Biblical view of morality and ethics. Romans 1:28-32; 2 Timothy 3:1-7
III. Catch Phrase #3: Guard the Treasure (2 Timothy 1:14)
Guard the Treasure of fellowship with God. 1 John 1:5-7 Guard the Treasure of the filling of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 Guard the Treasure of marriage and family. Ephesians 5 Guard the Treasure of freedom from sin and bondage. Galatians 5 Guard the Treasure of a clear conscience 1 Tim 1:5; 2 Tim 1:3 Guard the Treasure of the ministry entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 3:16-4:8
IV. Catch Phrase # 4: Be strong in Grace that is in Christ Jesus.(2 Timothy 2:1-9)
Observation… the first three phrases we are responsible for… this one is totally dependent on God as the Divine Source.
Learn the paradox of Divine Supply and personal responsibility.
Augustine: “Pray as if it all depends on God; work as if it all depends on Man!”
Three kings of Grace: 2 Timothy 2:3-6
Soldier Grace: is Gods divine enablement made available to help us endure what in and of ourselves we otherwise could not survive in winning the victory. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Athlete Grace: is God undergirding our natural abilities and disciplined training to produce winning results. 2 Timothy 2:5 Farmer Grace: Is God enlisting us to work in the fields of life while He orchestrates all the details to produce an abundant harvest. 2 Timothy 2:6 (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)
Grace is always pictured as God and man working together in tandem. (Pilot Instructor and tail dragger lessons)
Conclusion:
Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit is a “Now” phenomenon. Godliness is a daily pursuit. Past failure can bring future fruitfulness, just like past successes can lead to pride, arrogance and a time of wandering from God. It is your “Now” walk with God that matters!
So let me ask you a few questions: Is your fire burning “Now?” Are you walking in the power of the Holy Spirit “Now?” Is your time in the Word and in the prayer closet effective “Now?” Are you being faithful in season and out of season “Now?” Are you setting your mind on things above “Now?” Are your priorities right in the “Now?” Are you storing up treasures in heaven “Now?”
I’m not interested in your past biography or some future dream, I want to hear and see current events of what God is doing in your life right “Now!” Are you on fire for the glory of God “Now?”
If not:
Rekindle the Fire! Retain the Standard! Guard the Treasure! Be strong in Grace!
