BETHESDA CATHEDRAL – WORD EDIFICATION (Oikos on 13th Jan 2012)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Pre-Baptismal Class: Started on Sun, 8 Jan, 12 -1 pm, Classroom 1, 2nd Floor.
2. Singapore Glory Explosion: with Ps. David & Stephanie Herzog, 14 &15 Jan,
6 pm, Sanctuary.
3. Prayer & Praise: Wed, 8pm, Chapel.
WORD RELEASED
1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
WORD EDIFICATION – Study on the book of II Timothy (Spkr: Rev Tim O’Connell)
Introduction
Towards the end of his life, Paul wrote his second letter to his spiritual son Timothy. These are the
words of a man who had fought a good fight and was leaving behind a legacy for his spiritual
son to carry on.
1) Transition of Leadership (2 Tim 1)
a) Father and Son relationship.
The letter of II Timothy is referred as Paul’s last will and testament (2 Tim 1:2) where Paul
showed his concern and affection for his spiritual son. (This sentence was put under
introduction but I shifted down to point 1. Ps Tim also repeated at his closing.) The older
generation of leaders has to pass the baton to the new generation for the work of the Lord
to continue. Example are: Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, & Paul and Timothy.
Nowadays God is making the different generations to work together with a new synergy.
b) Godly heritage (2 Tim 1:5)
Just like Timothy who benefited from a godly heritage from his mother and grandmother,
likewise we must pass on a godly heritage to our children and grandchildren. We must pray
for them regularly and take time to instill in them godly value and faith in the Lord.
c) Power of impartation (2 Tim 1:6-10)
Paul laid hands and prayed for Timothy, he received spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit’s
power. Likewise, as spiritual parents, we can also lay hands to pray for an impartation upon
our spiritual children. The principle applies to natural parents as well. An example is Isaac
releasing blessings upon Jacob (Gen 27:26-29). When the Pastor receive the word from the
Lord and release it to the congregation, the Pastor will release an impartation upon those
who respond through the laying of hand.
d) Knowing our calling (2 Tim 1:11-12)
Paul knew his calling that God has called him. We must also know his plans and purposes
for our lives so that we will be fervent and focused in doing the things God has called us to
do.
2) Be a good soldier (2 Tim 2:1- 14)
a) Raising godly teachers
Paul instructed Timothy to raise up godly teachers who studied God’s Word and also faithful
in teaching others (2 Tim 2:2).
b) To know God’s mission objective for you
The people of the tribe of Zebulun were examples for us to emulate (1 Chron 12:33, 38). In
order to be good and effective soldiers, we must know how to use all the weapons that
God has given us in Eph 6:13-18. Next, we must know our roles and responsibilities in God’s
army ( 1 Chron 12:38 “All these men of war, who could keep ranks…” NKJV).
c) We must learn to fight on God’s terms. (2 Tim 2:5)
Even though God gave a battle plan which worked well in previous battles, David was
diligent in seeking the Lord and was given a different battle strategy (2 Sam 5:22- 24). He
resisted the temptation to be presumptuous but sought the Lord’s will. This is a lesson for us
to learn whenever we have to make significant decisions.
3) Be a student of God’s Word (2 Tim 2:15 – 19)
We must not take God’s Word for granted but be diligent in the study and seeking God’s
Word (cf. Amos 8:11)
Paul exhorted Timothy to study God’s Word in order to be a good workman who was
effective in handling the Word. Because God’s Word is very powerful (Isa 55:11), so we
must know and understand His power through His Word (cf. Jn 8:32; Heb 4:12).
4) Be a vessel of honor (2 Tim 2:20 – 26)
a) Warning to flee youthful lust v.22
The Lord warned the church of Laodicea that she must not be lukewarm, otherwise
judgment would come (Rev 3:15 – 16). Similarly God wants us to deal with the issues in our
lives which are not pleasing to him. These are issues that hinder our spiritual walk and they
may pertain to sin, compromise or complacency in our heart, mind and action.
b) Which language you speak v.23
Words have the power to build up or tear down because the power of life and death is in
our mouth (Prov 18:21). Therefore we need to watch our conversations and the words that
we speak carefully.
c) Be honorable in conduct v. 24 – 26
We are called to be ambassador of Christ and we represent him in wherever He has placed
us. Knowing this, we must conduct ourselves in a worthy manner so that others will know the
Lord whom we serve (v.26).
Application
1. What does it mean to you to be a soldier of God? What steps do you have to take to be
more effective? Discuss.
2. The prophet Amos warns of an imminent famine of the word of God (Amos 8:11 - 12). We
must take heed of this warning and devote ourselves to read and study God’s Word on a
regular basis.
3. What are the areas/issues of your lives which you need to surrender to the Lord (2 Tim
2:22-26)? Take a moment to confess and allow the Lord to come and deal with them.