Requirements For a Soul-Winner | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

If you have the word of God in your hands, please meet me in

the book of 2nd Timothy. Second Timothy Chapter 2

2 Timothy 2 · chapter mention

beginning. And verse 24. 2nd, Timothy 2:24

reads. and the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but

kind to, everyone able to teach patiently, enduring evil

correcting, his opponents with gentleness, God May perhaps

grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth and

they may come to their senses and Escape From The Snare of the

devil after being captured by him to do his will Pray with me,

Louis asked for the assistance of the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lord bathe us in your mercy at this time, that we may receive

all that you have to give us through the written word.

We ask Lord that there would be a tangible sense of your power

of your conviction of your comfort.

Lord help us realize what we just saying because he lives you

live this morning. You have Your word set before us

and it is your will today for us we pray o God that for those who

do not know you they would surrender to the lordship of

Jesus Christ and embrace his saving work.

We pray for the saint who might be struggling with sin with

doubt with temptation that they would be liberated by the power

of the word. And we ask, oh God that your

church would be built according to your word and your word alone

in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Our time together. Last week, we discovered the one

condition that God prescribed for, for his people to be used

by him for his glory. Just one condition and that one

condition can be summarized by this a willingness in the heart

of that redeem soul to be consecrated unto.

The Lord, in Holiness, not skill, not ability, not

experienced not pedigree. One thing that God requires of

you and me, To be able to be used by him for his glory in

ways that we can't even imagine. And that is this cleanse

yourself from that which is dishonorable and praise.

God, as Christians, we don't have to be in the dark to

theorize. What it means to be cleansed

from that, which is dishonorable.

The scriptures tell us. Plainly.

Clearly obviously, what it means to be a holy people ready for

the use of the Master of the House.

It's right here in verse 22. Flee youthful, passions and

pursue righteousness, Faith, love and peace along with those

who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

It's not just ceasing to do certain things, it's about

pursuing other things, holy things, honorable things, and

even making sure that you are surrounded by those who will not

contaminate your character and disqualify you from God,

recruiting you to be used in this generation.

But it's beyond that it's even a next verse.

In verse 23, have nothing to do with foolish ignorant

controversies. You know, that they breed

quarrels. What does that have to do with

me, being a candidate for God's use?

What does that have to do with cleansing myself?

Well you see, in order to be a cleanse vessel for God to use

you, and I have to be able to continually discern what may be

distracting us. From God being able to use us

and the distraction that Paul has in mind by this spirit that

would limit a Believer from being an instrument in God's

Mighty hands is that they would use all their energy and their

focus to argue and debate about things that do not hold any

benefit at the end. Here's the thing.

The principle is true across the board, whether the distractions

are unprofitable arguments or an overindulgence and things like

entertainment, you and I have to be careful.

If we would be used by God, what is it in my life?

That might be limiting the capacity to which the power of

God would flow through my life? I know we don't like to hear it.

I know we're at people, that preach the gospel of Grace,

Grace will save you. The blood of Jesus Will redeem

you and it is sufficient but guess.

What you need to do something about being used by God.

Those are God's rules. Not mine.

Not Maranatha. Bible Church.

It is written. That there must be a willingness

and eagerness a longing to be cleansed.

Not just in the sense of, you know, I'm not going to do this.

No, no, I'm gonna pursue these things and if there's people in

my life that don't want to pursue it, I love you.

I might see you in heaven, but I'm going to be used by God.

Distractions, Lord, whatever is in my life, this is mature.

Christianity, brothers and sisters.

We want to be holy. It's more than just if this is

sin. Let's go further.

Is this profitable want to be used by God?

You want God's power on your life?

Is this beneficial The immature Christian says, is this sinful

the mature? Christian says, this has helped

me run. What does it hinder me?

And yet, Paul here is not quite finished about this concept of

being ready for the Masters use because he wants to now, move

forward. As we just read in these verses

to further furnace, Timothy as a young man, as a young pastor and

not just him, but us, so that he can be even more effective for

God's kingdom. And so he gives further

instructions so that he can polish this vessel and that this

vessel could be more clear and Clean.

So that he would be a force against the kingdom of darkness.

Oh, I hope you're praying this prayer, in the midst of all your

other prayers. God, make sure that in my life I

do as much damage to the kingdom of darkness as possible.

Paul is saying here, I want you to know that there is a work

within this Masters house. That is a great work but

requires specific things for you to honor to be a candidate.

And the great work amongst every good work that we should be

prepared for is the work of what we just read here.

It's a very specific word, a very, very important task being

part of the kingdom and it deals with seeing people delivered

from the deceptions of Satan. This is what we just finished

reading. There are things here that Paul

lists for Timothy to adopt into his own life for what reason

visit again here in verse 26, that they that they who are,

they those who are in deception that they may come to their

senses and Escape From The Snare of the devil after being

captured by him to do, his will that fits the context, doesn't

it? Didn't we just read a few weeks

ago about two individuals causing trouble in the church

him and as, and fi L false teachers that were Disturbing

the faith of some. Paul now, focuses on these two

people, and he draws principles, because he wants Timothy to know

how to deal with them because although they were causing

trouble, although him, and as was even excommunicated, Paul

wants him to know that there is a way of dealing with such

stubborn people in a way where they can be won to Christ.

We're about to hear this morning about how you and I whether

you're a pastor or not can be ready for God to use in the

business of saving Souls. specifically, those who are even

preaching and teaching, and posting about false things,

whether it's about Christ or other beliefs, and if you and I

are passionate about being used by God to nin, Paul says, in

verse 24 and the Lord's servant the Lord's servant, Now, we

might generalize this to believe that this is about all of

Christ's servants. But the context suggest that the

Lord's servant here, speaks about those who have dedicated

their lives to preaching Divine truth.

Paul uses this term servant to himself and many of his

Epistles. I'm a bond servant.

I am a slave to Jesus Christ and now he applies it to Timothy and

he applies it to anybody else that has devoted their lives to

full-time Ministry. But before you tune yourself

out, thinking that this is just for those.

In the pasture it, remember that one of God's purposes in

establishing leadership in the local church is not just to tell

you things about God. It's to set an example for you.

That's why I'm personally. And even the leaders of this

church are not fond of the idea of churches where you see the

pastor on a screen. Why?

Because the scripture says that you're supposed to be able to

observe that life and see how that life beyond the message

interacts with people and deals with issues so that you can draw

example from. And the Lord's servant here,

although these are yes and context directed towards those

who have said, I will give my life.

I've been called by the Holy Spirit, to preach the gospel.

This is also for all of God's servants because these men who

have been established in these positions are worthy of

imitation, if they are walking in Light of Christ, And so we

have a few things listed here. And the first thing about the

Lord's servant, who would be used from the household of God.

To be a better instrument to fulfill the Great Commission

that has been given to all Disciples of Christ.

Is that the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome.

Not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone.

That is the first trait. That is the first characteristic

that Paul brings to our attention.

Concerning an effective vessel for God's use in this work.

The Lord's servant cannot be characterized as one who is

energized by heated arguments, who easily escalates

conversations to the point of unnecessary tension between

people Or one who is overly sensitive.

And when they are challenged about what they believe or what

they say, without notice explode, into embarrassing,

rage. No Such Thing can be true of the

person who serves God, if we're not careful failure to apply

what I just said. This thing can do more damage to

the message than you can imagine.

The delivery of the message is just opposite important as the

message itself, regardless of the depth of the truth that you

were entertaining and explaining or how clever your arguments

Maybe. Isn't it amazing that Paul sets

this as a first thing? He even says this the holy

spirit says, before the ability to teach the ability to preach

the ability to expound scripture.

The first thing that Paul lists is that you and I must not be

quarrelsome people, but kind to some to everyone.

Because the principal is true. This is by Divine Design.

Our conduct has the power to convince people about our

message, but it also carries the force to push them away, to

never hear from us again. Turn your Bibles to First Peter

1 Peter 3:1

chapter 3, verse 1. You know, this very well Peter

says, likewise wives be subject to your own husbands?

so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won

without a word by the conduct of their wives.

You know, what's so amazing about this you and I Believe

that people are saved by hearing understanding and believing

gospel truth. You can't be saved apart from

that. You can only be saved by hearing

the gospel, understanding the gospel and then choosing to

place your faith and trust in the content of that message.

And yet, I read here in this text that there are some

unbelieving people that could be won without a word.

Without a word. How can that be?

We are people believe that by the word you're saved.

Well of course this is not suggesting that we do not give

the message so that people can comprehend.

What Christ is saying, and then choose to do what they would

want with that truth. But it does show us this That we

are able to make the transforming Grace of Christ

more believable by our conduct. The danger of that truth is in

the opposite sense that if my behavior can actually dismantle

and disarm somebody skepticism or reluctance to believe and

surely my behavior or conduct, no matter how many words I use

can cause somebody to cancel any receptivity to this message.

I want to give you an example that Charles Spurgeon gave and I

will read it. So please pay attention as my

eyes will be looking down. Charles Spurgeon says, quote, we

have heard of a wife, a Godly woman who for 20 years has been

persecuted by a brutal husband, a husband.

So excessively bad. That her faith at last failed

her and she ceased to be able to believe that he would ever be

converted. But all this while she was more

kind to him than ever. One night at 12:00 in a drunken

State. He told his friends, he had such

a wife as no other man had, and if they would go home with him,

he would get her up to try her temper and she would get supper

for the mall. They came and the supper was

soon, very ready, consisting of such things as she had prepared

as well as rapidly as the occasion would allow.

And she waited at the table with, as much cheerfulness as if

the feasts had been held at a proper time, she did not utter a

word of complaint at last one of the company, more sober than the

rest asked how it was. She could always be so kind to

such a And seeing that our conduct had made, some little

impression. She ventured to say to him, I

have done all, I can to bring my husband to God, and I fear, he

will never be saved. Since therefore, his portion

must be in Hell forever. I will make him as happy as I

can, while he is here. For, he has nothing to expect

hereafter be kind to everyone. Because without a word, this

woman made an impression. Pain.

A drunken band of men. You know, some people who are

very sound and teaching and Doctrine and theology would

object to that famous phrase where it says, preach the

gospel. And when you have to use words,

right? Preach the gospel.

And when you have to use words, very clever, but you got to

preach the gospel with words. But I'm not going to go to The

Other Extreme. Because who cares?

If you preach the gospel, if your actions contradict the

gospel I don't care how many views you get, I don't care how

talented you are. My Bible says that you're able

to disarm any conviction that your message holds because your

conduct contradicts your words, and we have many people today

that want to be so focused on the depth of the Theology and

the cleverness of their minds and they neglect their character

all the, while not realizing that they are harming themselves

and their Ministries, whatever is left of it.

There is a kindness that we can walk in and obtain and apply

that has the ability to kill. Kill unbelief.

Kill skepticism, kill hostility in any resistance to the gospel.

The Bill speaks about that power.

In fact, he tells us in different places and Romans, for

example, that that instead of overcoming evil with evil

overcome it with good, give give bread to your enemy, give water

to your enemy and it will be like, heaping, coals on their

heads. What is he saying there?

That if you were to just be kind to, the most undeserving and

unlikely that has the ability and the power to disturb their

conscience, And so, for serious people who are serious about

seeing people rescued by the snare of Satan you and I will be

serious about something as simple as kindness practical

kindness. But from there we go.

To the second portion with says able to teach If there is going

to be any any hope, for a Christian to be an agent that

would lead people to repentance, they must have an ability to

communicate truth. Now, this should remind us of

one of the qualifications for an elder back in first Timothy

1 Timothy 3 · chapter mention

chapter 3, it's the only qualification for a pastor that

requires skill. Every other qualification deals

with moral makeup shows you the emphasis that God has for even

as leaders It's about the way you speak in the way, you manage

your household and the way you respond to people, that's the

thing that God cares about and tucked.

In with all of that you must be able to teach.

Okay, thank you Pastor, I'm over.

No no you're not done yet. Just because this is a

requirement for pastors. Does it mean that we are off the

hook? Because yes, this is a

requirement for those who are leaders in the church who would

exercise Authority in the church.

But the Great Commission is for all disciples.

All of us have to be able to have by the power of the Holy

Spirit, despite your personality, or your

temperament. A willingness to be used by God

not to preach at conferences. Not to teach a theologian class

in front of people, but to transfer the truth that saved

you into somebody else's heart. And if anybody's not convinced

this morning and maybe I'm reading too much into this text

and I hope you're still in First Peter 3.

Because all you have to do is scroll down to verse 15 and

realize that the holy spirit gives very similar instructions.

But guess what? He applies.

All of us in 1st, Peter 3:15, we read but in your hearts honor

Christ as holy Always being prepared to make a defense to

anyone who asks you for a reason.

For the hope that is in you yet do it with gentleness and

respect very similar instructions.

Only difference is now he applies it to the whole body of

Christ. If anyone asked you, for the

reason that you have this hope in Christ in the gospel, this

phrase, stood out to me, you and I must always be prepared That's

convicting. It means at least two things.

Number one, it means that you're always ready to take advantage

of the opportunity. When someone pursues the

knowledge of your faith, you must be always ready.

And you saying, why wouldn't I be ready?

Oh, you'd be amazed to know when somebody comes to ask you about

your faith. Right at the end of work, when

you're ready to go home, and you're tired and you have to

commute, and it's snowy, and it's freezing.

And guess what? Somebody comes from work, and

ask you, what are you doing this weekend?

And you're going to tell them? I go to bible study on Friday

nights, and I got church on Sunday, morning, really.

And here you are. You're hungry.

And you're tired and somebody's inquiring about your faith,

always be prepared. Not just to share.

But to know how to answer. Always being prepared.

Implying that there should be this continual mindset in the

life of the believer despite your business, despite your

work, despite anything else. There needs to be an equipping

that you apply to your own life, so that you are ready for the

opportunity, that would come your way.

And so this morning, if I were to ask everybody here, are you

passionate about souls being saved from Satan?

I'm sure everybody would lift their hand here without

hesitation But I think there's a better way of asking it and so

I'm going to ask it with these questions and answer them

honestly before the Lord because they are related.

And if you can answer these with with certainty then you are

better confident to realize. Yes, I am passionate about this,

this work that God would have me on and if you can't say yes to

what I'm saying, then perhaps it is giving an indication that

maybe my heart is not as set. On this task.

As much as I thought I was though, I may not be a

theologian or an expert on every subject or difficult passage of

the Bible. Do I long to grow in my

knowledge of the faith? Where's that desire?

Non-existent am I eager to make a personal investment in order

to receive greater light about divine revelation, or do I

completely depend on what others share with me like in this

moment right here? When I feel like I'm unfamiliar

with a certain Doctrine, Am I comfortable remaining ignorant?

Or do I make it a joyful ambition to discover the truth

of the matter? So that I may be better

prepared. You see the vessel that God uses

to shake Souls from the spell of Satan is the one who he sees

making the effort to know his word and, to know, truth and

brothers and sisters. That is not limited to

full-time. Ministers, can I tell you

something? I've learned in my own life more

from people who are not in full-time Ministry than I did in

seminary and I'm not shooting down.

Seminary, I went to Seminary Seminarians, doesn't mean that,

you know, the word of God as deep as other people might know

it. And I want to show you an

example of this. I want to show you an example of

this because the one person that came to mind when studying this

text about being prepared. Always prepared.

Was Philip. Philip not the Apostle, Philip

the man that was chosen with six others to wait on tables in the

church that was designated the hospitality Ministry of the

early church. Philip the man later on that we

learn had four daughters and only later on in his life are we

told he was an evangelist, Philip was not an apostle, he

was not a pastor, Philip was a father, who did practical things

in the church? I don't want you to see what

happens with Philip. In Acts chapter 8, verse 26.

Acts 8:26

After Revival breaks out and Samaria.

And yes, it was initiated by Philip.

But remember, there were other apostles.

Other Apostles on the scene. And acts 8:26.

Acts 8:26

We read now, an angel of the Lord said, to Philip rise, and

go toward the South to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to

Gaza. This is a desert place.

I'm so encouraged by that verse saying, what's so encouraging

about it? I'm so encouraged because God

sent an angel, an angel of the Lord to call a man to be ready

to witness to a gentile God is ready to do a supernatural work.

This is not. This is not providential.

This is Supernatural. This is not circumstances being

orchestrated by a Divine hand. No this is God.

Speaking clearly to a servant and getting them ready to go to

another person who is really wanting to know truth and in

once he deals with them he's going to evaporate from the

scene and be transferred, somewhere else, this is

Supernatural and when God is ready to do this Supernatural

work, he doesn't go to Peter He doesn't go to John.

Mathias. Because the Phillip.

Because Philip a Dad Philip whose main Ministry was

characterized by waiting on tables.

Phillip. I'm calling you and I want you

to go somewhere so that you can preach the gospel.

Why Philip some would say, well he had the gift of evangelism.

Okay, you can argue that but I think the reason why God called

Philip was 41, basic condition, he was prepared.

And you're going to see how he was prepared and some of you

already know where I'm going with this.

So fill up an axe 827. We were told and he, he rose and

went think about that. Think about this, you want to

talk about obedience Revival, is a breaking out and Samaria.

You have people being delivered by demons, you have people being

healed, supernaturally, and in the midst of this move of God.

God calls. The one who is the vessel to

initiate this move of the, spirit says, I need you to leave

this revival and go to a desert. And guess what?

He rose and went and even ask a question Lord.

Are you sure? I'm there's a huge move of God

happening here as though. God was unaware.

I know what you're doing here. I know what's happening here but

I need you to go to one shows, you God's heart for the one.

He rose and went and there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court

official of Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians who is in charge

of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to

worship and was returning seated in his Chariot, and he was

reading the prophet Isaiah. And the spirit said to Philip,

go over and join this Chariot. It's amazing.

Philip heard, from the angel of the Lord, and angel from of the

Lord, not the angel. An angel of the Lord and then

the spirit speaks him. It just shows how precise how

sensitive he was to the voice of the spirit.

The spirit says, go to this chariot.

What's incredible here is that this is what this mission was

all about to meet one. Gentile who prove to God that he

was yearning to know the truth. How do we know he was yearning

to know the truth? Because as a gentile he traveled

all the way from where he was to go to Jerusalem to worship.

And not only did he go to Jerusalem to worship listen to

this, he had in his hands one of the Scrolls if not all of them

concerning the writings of the prophet Isaiah that might not

impress us because you can download a Bible for free on

your app. But in this day, it was not so

readily accessible. In this day, you would have to

go to the synagogue, to hear the word of God, because it was not

common to have a copy of the scriptures at your home.

So, this man had a version had a copy, and he probably paid a

very high price for it. He probably paid a lot of money

for this so that it would be ready at his disposal.

And not only that we're about to find out that Phillip hears him.

Reading the scriptures out loud. I mean he's so hungry that even

on his way back he is reading what Isaiah wrote out loud.

Have you ever wondered why the eunuch was so intrigued by the

prophet? Isaiah We don't understand

necessarily why it was because there's many writings, there's

Jeremiah there was Ezekiel, there is the first five books of

the Old Testament. Why was this eunuch?

This Ethiopian? So drawn to Isaiah, the prophet,

Consider this idea that maybe at one point.

He was in Jerusalem at a feast or he went to a synagogue and he

heard this portion being read out of Isaiah and it's so moved

his heart. That he said, I have to have a

copy of that and I need to know who this God is.

Don't turn there. But listen to these words, just

imagine with me this eunuch in Jerusalem and as he's walking

around and as he's there to worship, he sits in one of the

synagogue's or maybe even the temple, and one of those priests

gets ready. And he pulls out the scroll,

like we see in Jesus, And look for and he reads this portion

out of the prophet, Isaiah, Isaiah 56 3.

Let not the Foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord, say

the Lord will surely separate me from his people and let not the

eunuch. Say, behold, I am a dry tree for

thus, says the Lord to the eunuchs who keep my Sabbath's,

who choose the things that please me and hold fast.

My Covenant, I will give in my house and within my walls a

monument and a name better than Sons and Daughters.

I will give them an everlasting name that shall not.

Be cut off. Imagine this eunuch.

Not able to Bear children. Hearing that this God of this

people even gives hope to the eunuch and that the Unix should

not consider themselves, a dry tree.

But that they are invited into the house of God and they will

have something better than children.

A name in my house, my fellowship, my presence and I

just love to imagine it that eunuch their tears streaming

down his face thinking to myself.

There's even hope for me. I must know who this God is that

invites me a eunuch, a gentile Foreigner into his presence

forever? So he went into his purse and he

paid whatever price. It was, convincing, whatever

priest was there. I must have this and I must

study this and I must know who this God is.

There he is, in the Chariot. Scrolling through the scriptures

and he comes to Isaiah 53. Where we are told about the

suffering servant. And then Phillip hears him

reading it out loud. So in verse 34, We read after

the, the eunuch is heard by Phillip Phillips is.

Do you understand what you're reading?

Now? Remember, this is a royal

official. This is a man in a chariot

probably surrounded by men and Philip had the boldness to be

able to come here and reading the scriptures out loud and he

took advantage of the opportunity and he says Hey do

you even understand what you're saying?

Do you understand what you're reading?

And the man turns his, how can I understand?

Unless someone guides me Invites this stranger up.

Look, look how hungry was. He didn't even kids.

Who are you? Where'd you come from?

You just appeared. He says if you know something,

get in here. So he comes.

And then the man asked in verse 34.

The eunuch said to Philip about whom I asked you that the

prophets say this about himself or about someone else.

Jews today are still trying to convince others that the

suffering servant is not speaking about Christ.

Speaking about the nation speaking, about Israel's

suffering, which has a lot of problems when you interpreted

that way verse 35, then Philip opened his mouth.

And beginning, with this scripture, he told him the good

news about Jesus from the Old Testament.

From the Old Testament. Not from John, not from

Ephesians. No.

No from Isaiah. From that scripture, he begins

to present the gospel What's Happening Here in light of what

we're learning today. This is what's Happening Here.

God saw a man, so desperate to know the truth.

Desperate enough to travel desperate enough to pay a price.

Perhaps desperate enough to even invite a stranger into his car.

So that he can better understand this God, that intrigued him and

pulled his heart toward him and listen to this.

When God sees such a person on any corner of the earth, he will

move Heaven and Earth to make sure the gospel gets to him.

People often ask this question. What about those?

Who have never heard the gospel? What will happen to them?

And I answer it this way. I have proof, you have proof in

the scriptures that when God sees a man, who is desperate,

God Will Make A Way. For him to receive the Gospel.

You see here with the eunuch who had the scriptures, you see with

Cornelius who didn't have the scriptures but he had enough

sense to fear. God, he knew that there was a

god out there, he helped the Jews out, but he didn't have the

person of Jesus Christ in mind and God did with that man.

What he did with this unique, he sent a disciple, he sent a man

to preach the gospel. God will move Heaven and Earth

for any person. Even on the basis of just

general Revelation from creation, who says, I need to

know who is this designer. Behind these things, these trees

and my hands and my hair. And this food, who is this?

God, God will move Heaven and Earth to make sure that the

gospel gets them. But as much as God saw this,

man, he saw another man, he saw a father of four.

He saw one in the hospitality Ministry, but he saw a vessel

that was prepared. He saw and Philip a student of

the word he saw and Phillip somebody that was willing to sit

patiently and expound the scriptures and he wasn't a

pastor And in his sovereignty and in his Supernatural

orchestration, he brings them together.

And God is willing to do the same today.

With somebody who's not an elder or an evangelist or traveling

Minister. All these looking for somebody

who is who is able and willing to know the truth and share the

truth. now, we come to the third characteristic, in 2nd, Timothy

2:24 not only able to teach but patiently enduring evil.

This is perhaps the most difficult qualification.

You want to be used to see Souls getting snatch from Satan.

You want to be used for God to even allow Supernatural

testimonies to be real in your life.

As in the case of Philip, as some of you already know that

what that feels like you've been in those moments where it was

divinely. Appointed.

You thought it was just an average day, you thought you got

lost, you thought that you missed your bus and all the

while it was. God setting you up to meet

somebody to hear the gospel. Yes.

Here we read that. Not only he or she must be able

to share the truth and you can't share the truth.

Unless you know the truth you can't answer questions unless

you know the answers, and let me say this.

Before people feel condemned, God is not waiting for you to

become a PhD before he uses. You just like we heard last

week. God is not waiting for you to be

completely refined and completely cleanse without a

speck of dust on your soul before he utilizes you for the

menial tasks. No God uses you as he He's you

pursuing the truth. As you see you growing in the

knowledge of the truth. I can tell you this, that many

of the things that I learned especially in the realm of

apologetics have not come because I lock myself in my room

for hours necessarily know. It came from me willing to just

go out have conversation with people and they ask me a

question. I looked at my says I don't know

the answer right now but I'll get back to you.

And then I run to my room and I stuffed myself in the books and

I try to discover what it is so I can better be prepared when

God sees that he makes more opportunities.

Real in your life patiently, enduring evil, the King James

and new King, James would say, simply patient, patient.

The ESV would say, patiently, enduring evil, the nasb would

say, patient, when being wronged, why?

Because when you go to the Greek, The word is much more

specific than just a general sense of being a tolerant

person. The Greek actress as patient

with ills and Wrongs And so it's not just being about, you know,

calm and collected, when things don't go your way, it's

specific. It's when you are in the pursuit

of presenting truth, evangelizing, sharing counseling

are being wronged in the process.

You must be patient forbearing. This tells me something for Paul

to use this, by the spirit, this precise word implies this very,

very clearly that if you're going to get in the business of

being a being a vessel to see people saved from Satan's

deception, you will be treated wrongly.

At one point or another, you will be wronged for doing so

it's not a pain-free mission brothers and sisters, it's

actually filled with pain. Yes we make ourselves available

for Supernatural testimonies like Philip but we also position

ourselves to be objects of great scorn and mockery I remember

when I was first saved in college my second year of

college. So, people knew me before I was

saved, and they knew me when I got saved, and after I got

saved. And you know what?

It's like when you're lit on fire by the gospel.

I have to run around and try to change people's minds about my

testimony about my reputation. I have to go around telling

people that I'm a changed person because I didn't want them to

think I'm the same day all that I was during frosh week.

And I remember people started to catch on in our classrooms, were

not very big, and there was one specific young lady.

I don't know where she is today. She was in that classroom, and

she was tough. She heard that Daniel became a

Christian. And so, she would take advantage

to step into that classroom from time to time and make an open

mockery of me in front of everybody.

And I remember one time before class just a few minutes before

she stepped in there. And she saw me, she goes, oh

guys, it's Daniel the guy that hates gays.

Is and there was somebody in our class who was a regular

attending a class who is obviously a homosexual hates

gays, and doesn't believe gays should be met.

And she just went on and on and I thought never thought this, I

want class to start now. Right now.

And I just in that moment, didn't want to say anything,

just kept my mouth shut. Let her do what she wanted to

do. And it was a non-believer in

atheist that stood up for me and quieted her.

Are you ready for that? Kind of stuff at work?

You ready for that kind of stuff with your family, dinners when

you have Christmas, and people know that you're the part of a

cult as an Evangelical. You ready for that?

I was reading the Gospel of John this week.

That's my time, my personal time.

And I saw something that never caught my attention before, it

may not sound profound to you, but it deeply ministered to me

and it had to do with the personal insults that Jesus had

to endure. That's what it was, remember,

seeing it and it and it showed up, so real to me as John 3:16.

John 3:16

I was like, I can't believe what Christ actually endured in the

context in the setting of him. Giving life transforming truth.

Can I show you a couple examples turn your Bibles to John 8?

John 8, verse 40. John 8:40 in this wonderful

John 8:40 John 8:40

wonderful dialogue between Jesus where we see his famous words

that I am statement about Abraham later on but we see

early on but now look what Jesus says in verse 40 but now You

seek to kill me. A man who has told you the truth

that I heard from God, this is not what Abraham did and look at

verse 41. Look what they say you are doing

The Works of your father, that the fought your father did.

And they said to him, we were not born of sexual immorality.

We have one father, even God. This is what they're saying

here. We were not born of sexual

immorality. What do you think they meant by

that? They're essentially insulting

the parentage of Jesus. We know from scriptures that

there was much controversy of the origins of Christ.

And we know that Mary was pregnant before she was even

married herself and news traveled abroad and that even

carried along to Jesus adult life.

And these people frustrated with Jesus claims and convicting

words decided to viciously imply that he was Illegitimate, as a

child. Guess what?

They were calling. His mom, a harlot.

So, as though they were saying, we were not born of sexual

immorality, but we don't know about you.

Jesus of Nazareth, brother. Hot-blooded brother, listen to

me. What would you do if somebody

insulted your mother? What would you do if somebody

called your mom, a prostitute as your evangelizing, her sharing

your faith? Mmm Christ.

Is your example, amazing. How specific the Bible is Christ

is your example because he did not retaliate, though.

He was reviled he didn't revile in return.

Any convicting thing? That Jesus said was true because

he does say in this context. Your father is the devil.

He does, but he wasn't saying that because you called my mom,

a harlot. You want to see how patient

Jesus is scroll down to verse 48.

Jesus continues with his amazing words and his wisdom.

And they could not confound him and they could not argue against

them. The Jews answer them.

Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a

demon? Jesus answered, I do not have a

demon, but I honor my father and you dishonor me.

So now they went from insulting his mother, and his parentage.

And they go against his very person and they say, you know

what, word in town is actually true your demon possessed.

And you are a Samaritan, which was a scathing thing to say in

this time because, you know, the Samaritans and Jews were not the

best of Pals. They were half-breeds, they were

not full blooded Jews and it's almost as though they're there.

They're making this claim again. Maybe your dad is actually

Samaritan. This doesn't feel good.

We read it on paper and we just glanced by it.

That hurts that stings and you're trying to help these

people. Your Samaritan.

Your false teacher because Samaritans have false teaching.

And not only are you a false teacher, you're a false teacher

that's energized by a devil. The perfect Son of God you think

you and I are going to just walk through this life without such

things. And I love what Jesus does Jesus

denies. That he was demon possessed

because he didn't want anybody to think otherwise concerning

the purity of his spiritual state, but he doesn't say

anything about him being a Samaritan.

Notice that? He doesn't say anything about

him being a smart, he would not entertain that insult from the

people. They said you're a Samaritan.

He just completely bypasses that.

Because Jesus had a different heart for the Samaritans, and

these Jews did. Are you willing to patiently

endure? Evil.

And remember this, when people can't answer your arguments,

they often will attack your character.

Just keep that in mind. But we come to the last Point

here. Paul says not only patiently

enduring evil remaining in the spirit even though Satan will

try to get under your skin and try to pull out of you fleshly

response. But correcting his opponents

with gentleness. Correcting his opponents with

gentleness. Now let me say this.

Because in our minds right now, we're all going to that word,

gentleness, aren't we. And it's true.

We need to be gentle. But this point demands,

something else and it demands this that if we're going to be

vessels that God would use as God.

Used Philip as God used. Many people that do not have

their names on Billboard's or in books, but to win souls, you

must be, I must be willing to have uncomfortable

conversations. Because God says here, that if

you're going to be such a vessel for my use, you must be able to

willing to tell somebody that they're wrong and that they

don't have the right belief and that their understanding of the

Lord is not, right? And their, interpretation of the

scripture is not in line with traditional Orthodoxy, you must

be willing to say those things with somebody and that is

becoming increasingly difficult in our age.

We are living in a time when our culture is discipling, a

generation to A false sense of respect.

To the point where even if you dare State your own opinion, you

should expect the fury of the cancer police.

And so, you have people now who are very educated, who are in

prominent positions, that will not say certain things because

you now, live in a society where you are threatened and

intimidated for even stating what you believe about

something, do you think that's just a cultural phenomenon?

Do you think this oversensitivity and this push

for people to be silenced or fired or smeared or cancel?

Do you think that's just a just a humid?

It's spiritual We're in a spiritual war.

So what's happening here? Satan is discipling, a

generation and future Generations.

To make sure that there would be no critics of evil and sin

without a price. That's what it is.

And if the church is not on guard, what's intimidating, the

media to not say certain things. What's arresting people from

even voicing their opinion about politics or Trends.

What's even causing students in a learning environment to feel

crippled and paralyzed and fearful lest.

They be highlighted as being rebellious for not adopting.

The Narrative will come into the Church of Jesus Christ.

Paul says, they must be willing to correct their opponents and

face falsehood. And now one might object and

say, well, it says right here, gentle, they have to be yes, of

course, gentle. We're not arguing against that,

but can I challenge your definition of gentle please?

What is your understanding of gentleness?

Is it to remain silent for fear of offending, those who are

clearly in the wrong? Is it to remain in a neutral

position with everyone? Even though they are promoting

heresy or disruption in the church?

I would damage the reputation of Christ.

What's your definition of gentle?

Now if you would think to yourself that gentle means timid

and silent and making sure that what you believe would never

cause friction in an environment or in a relationship.

You might have very great trouble with the definition of

gentle in the Bible. because instead of debating about it,

and instead of coming up with our own ideas, why don't we go

to the best example of gentleness as personified?

And embodied by someone, you know where I'm going, right?

Listen to these words from the lips of the perfect.

Son of God. In Matthew 11:29, take my yoke

Matthew 11:29

upon you and learn from me for I Am.

What gentle And lowly in heart. And you will find rest for your

souls. You know what Jesus, just said

to us this morning, do you want to learn what it means to be

gentle? Do you want to learn what it

means to be meek, learn from me. And you know, some parts of the

Bible with Jesus that might not fit our understanding of gentle.

Because gentle doesn't mean bold rather.

It does mean. Bold gentle does mean,

courageous gentle does mean willingness to confront what

Paul has a mind about gentleness.

It's about an attitude that is framed by a righteous goal and

that righteous goal is what we read later on in second Timothy

with those verses that we heard earlier to see someone delivered

from Satan snares. That you have God's glory in

mind and man's good. In mind.

Paul is not advocating a manner of correction that satisfies

self. You're not in the business of

heresy hunting online. Or finding a minut error and

somebody's teaching or their practice so that you can feel

better about yourself because you look more Superior.

That's not what Paul is talking about.

It's about an attitude of the heart that will frame your words

and your tone even though it comes in the form of rebuke.

Like, you know, that there are some people in your life that

are passionate about truth that will even lift their voice if

they have to. But all the while you can sense

the love You can sense, Christ's love.

And there are other people who are trying to do the same thing,

but because they don't have the spirit of God operating through

them. It shuts people off.

Immediately Jesus says, learn from me for.

I am gentle and lowly in heart. Gentle doesn't mean you keep

quiet. Gentle doesn't mean that you

don't question. Gentle doesn't mean that

sometimes you even have to rebuke.

No no. You know what I'm worried about.

When I read this verse, I'm worried about what's happening

in our culture is affecting the church to what degree.

Imagine I just imagine you're oblivious to those certain text

about Jesus and how he dealt with certain people and I just

read to you about a person who spoke these things to certain

people. You know what, I think would

happen with most Christians, they would think that Christ was

very uncrossed, like they would think crisis very unchristian,

like, And so, we have to understand that there is a

righteous boldness and confrontation, but it is always

tamed by humility. And it is always stained by

wisdom that knows when to speak up in a certain way and when to

be patient and correct seeing someone because the opposite

extreme, right? Because I know what can happen

with a snippet like this. Somebody can cut this off and

say, look, what look what this man is saying, Jesus whipped up

people in the temple. So we should Jesus.

Did it twice in his ministry, not every Sunday.

Jesus didn't go around with a whip around his belt whipping,

people. Every time he saw them.

He knew when he knew when to stand up for the truth.

He knew when to sit down with a woman who was in sin and be very

patient. And I would say this look at the

connection and closing as we come back to 2nd Timothy.

These things are so important, those so simple so very

important that it connects to The Sovereign work of God which

says here in verse 25 God May perhaps grant them repentance

leading to a knowledge of the truth.

God works with human agents in the business of redemption, he

does. See this excludes this concept

that if God can move, someone's heart and change them and

convict them and regenerate, and then I can sit on my hands.

No, he looks for a specific quality of Christians and then

he works through them. And what I see here in the

progression of thought, is when we as Believers, we furnish

ourselves, this way, when we place these things in our lives,

we better position ourselves and people that we confront to know

truth and to be led to repentance.

Some of you in here, maybe more passionate than others.

Some of you in here are better at the kindness thing that the

teaching thing. And some in here are more

better. The teaching thing that the

kindness thing, we need both and let me say this, this is so

important to apply because when we deal with people as a church

that is passionate about truth. Notice Paul's language.

He says that they may come to their senses and Escape The

Snare of the devil after being captured by him to do his will

people are not your enemy. They're held hostage, you want

to be gentle, you want to be soft, you want to be calculated

with your words. You want to know when to say it

and how to say it realize that they are held prisoner, they are

not your enemy. They're duped and they're

clouded and they need you by the grace of God to help them see.

Liberty. May we pray and ask God to help

us apply these things and wisdom for the sake of the glory of

Jesus Christ and his gospel. Let's pray.

Heavenly Father, we come before you as vessels in your house.

Longing to cleanse ourselves from that, which is

dishonorable. So that we may be vessels of

honorable use Lord. We heard your word concerning

the instruments that you see Fit for your use, in the business of

rescuing people from satanic, bondage.

And Lord, we want to be those people.

We want to be those people. That would be found ready when

you see a soul. In the neighborhood, that

doesn't know, but his longing to know Christ.

Thank you for the awesome truth that your roster is very large.

You do not only have a handful that will do all this work.

You have a great roster of people fathers and mothers

students, doctors businessmen, stay-at-home moms Part-time

workers at a retail store. Lord, you have a great roster.

But Lord, we lay our lives down. We ask you to help us to not be

quarrelsome, but to be kind to everyone Lord, to be able to

know the truth and to be able to communicate the truth, despite

our personalities are limitations.

Got your. Holy Spirit has been given to us

to be powerful Witnesses. Look to patiently endure evil,

because this is a difficult work where people will scorn us and

mock us even within the church. Helped us be like the master who

did not retaliate with Insults but remained on the path of not

sinning with his mouth but being bold with the truth and Lord, we

ask that you would give us the love and the compassion to be

able to correct others. But with a certain attitude that

would not turn them off. But also at times to be bold,

when we need to to shake people from their deception, give us

the wisdom to know how to walk in.

What at what time with which person Lord, we submit ourselves

because we Not to be used with our lives and we give you glory

for the wisdom that you have provided this morning.

So that we would not be left in the dark.

We say yes to your will and to your commands.

And we ask you o God in heaven, use us use us in 2021 for your

namesake and Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Can we stand as We Worship the Lord?