Date:   08/20 /2006

Text:   2Timothy 1:4-7

Title:   Our Worst Enemy---- Timothy

Theme: Because God's grace reaches to our weakness, we are to draw from His resource to grow spiritually.

Introduction:

  In a recent newspaper article about the Enron trial: Skilling's testimony was his worst enemy. Ferguson wrote that many years ago, The Times, a London newspaper asked its readers, “What is the problem with the world?” A well known writer, G.K.Chesterton wrote, “Dear Sir, I am. Sincerely yours.”

  Do we sometimes feel that we are our worst enemy? I am relational, but there are times, I may do anything to appease the other person at the expense of principles and truth. I am principle minded, yet many people may be hurt by my lack of sensitivity. I like the security of thinking and doing things inside a box, but missed many opportunities for growth. Or I am fun loving, outgoing, love to meet new people and constantly coming up with great creative ideas; yet have difficulties keeping up with details thus leaving many works and projects unfinished. My strength is often also my weaknesses.

  This morning we'll conclude our sermon series on ‘Christian Growth' with the study of Timothy. From Paul's writing to Timothy, we learn that Timothy was having doubts about his life and ministry. He was discouraged by the challenges he faced in preaching and teaching the Word, not sure if anyone was listening, even considered quitting the ministry. He might have experienced relational problems with the elderly, especially the women, both old and young. There are wealthy people in his church in Ephesus and their wealth must have created tension in Timothy's own heart. There may also be some issues with the church leadership that brought stress onto Timothy. Moreover, Timothy was also facing temptations in the area of sexual morality. Timothy appeared to be his own worst enemy.

  This sounds like a conversation and confession in a counselor's office. We may even ask, what happened to Timothy? He was a minister, a student under Paul. Is it for real? However, on the other hand, isn't this also a description that can be applied to most of us some time in our Christian growth? There are times, we may feel life/work/ministry is out of control, we are frustrated, discouraged and leading to physical ailments.

  From Timothy, we want to understand how God's grace reaches down to us in our weakness to help us overcome our own enemies and grow into maturity.

I.   We are to face obstacles of growth in our lives.

  As we look at Timothy, we also recognize that if these issues are not resolved, it will affect his growth and ministry. Timothy needs to learn how to deal with his enemy, himself. Let's take a closer look at what some of the trials and obstacles are for Timothy.

  1. Temptations. 2Tim 2:22, “ 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” What was the temptation before Timothy? Youthful passions, or ‘lust' as translated in other versions. It is about sexual morality.

   Besides sexual temptations, Timothy also faced temptation from wealth. 1Timothy 6:11, “ 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” What are ‘these things'? It is about money and greed. We probably know the three most common temptations: Money, Sex and Power. Here, Timothy faced two: Sex and Money.

  What was Paul's advice to Timothy? In both 1 Tim 2:22 and 6:11, it was: FLEE. Don't even entertain the thought of standing up before these temptations, instead, flee, run away. Paul told Timothy to have self-discipline, self-control over lust and money. Don't let them control you. Timothy was to exercise self mastery. In 1Tim3:2, Timothy was told that a leader of the church must have self-discipline, self-mastery, self-control before he can lead the church. Before Timothy asked the leaders to have self-control, it must begin with himself.

  2. Health issues facing Timothy. In 1 Timothy 5:23, “ (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)” We donot know what kind of sickness Timothy had. There was some stomach problems. Paul's suggestion? Drink some wine. It appeared that Timothy might have refused to take any wine, therefore prompted Paul to give him this instruction.

  We are not too sure why Timothy refused to take wine. From Paul's writing to the church at Ephesus , there seemed to be some problem with drunkenness. Timothy could be reacting to this and thus staying away from wine completely. Paul's simple suggestion may be dealing with the issue of Christian liberty. Are we suppose to do things that are not commanded or forbidden by the scriptures? There doesn't seem to have simple solutions to the problems we face.

  3. Timothy's timid nature. 2 Tim 1:7, “ 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” From this we learn that Timothy is shy, with a timid personality. In 1Corinthians 16:10, “ 10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.” Paul is saying; when Timothy comes to visit you, try not to intimidate him. Make him feel comfortable and at home. What is Paul's instruction to Timothy? Be strong. You don't have to be timid.

  This must have come as a surprise to many of us. Timothy, a servant of God, a leader, pastor of the church at Ephesus ; having so much problems? If he had listed them in his resume, I doubt any church would have called him. We want a pastor who is healthy, strong, assertive, full of confidence and have everything under control. This is certainly not the Timothy portrayed here. At least, at this stage in life, Timothy was timid, struggling with health and temptations.

  However, isn't it true, that it is this Timothy that we can most readily identify with? We too face temptations in the areas of sex, money and power. Paul's instruction to Timothy is still true today: Flee, run away. Don't for a moment think you are strong and can handle it. No, flee away from such temptations. There are times we are not sure if we should do or not do certain things. Often we feel scared and intimidated by people or situations. We have become our own enemies. These issues if not resolved, will become obstacles of growth.

  Now, what did Paul do about Timothy's problems? How did Paul encourage Timothy?

II.   We are to recognize the resource God has already given us.

  How did Paul help and encourage Timothy? Yes, there were some specific instructions such as, self control and drink some wine. However, there is something more basic than this. Paul reminded Timothy of what he had already possessed. There are times in life and ministry when I felt overwhelmed. This would lead to fear and self-doubt. If you were to ask me what the problem was, I would say I don't know. Sometimes we can be so discouraged that we could not see things clearly.

  You remember the story of Mary of the day of Jesus' resurrection. She was so overcome by grief that she could not see Jesus standing before her. In this passage, we see Paul as a very patient counselor, gently helped Timothy not only to see his problems but the resources he had to overcome those obstacles of growth.

1.   Paul appealed to Timothy's spiritual sensitivity.

  In 2 Tim 1:4, “ 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.” Paul remembered Timothy's tears. Paul reminded Timothy that he had already opened up his inner emotions to him. Timothy was free to pour out his emotions to Paul. Our willingness and ability to open ourselves to another person is a key factor in Christian growth.

  If we want others to help us to grow, it is important that we learn how to share our emotions, feelings with others. Without this opening up, sometimes it is difficult to grown.

2.   Paul appealed to Timothy's genuine faith.

  2 Tim 1:5, “ 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” Paul reminded Timothy of the faith that he had learned from his grandmother and mother. It was a sincere faith, meaning not hypocrisy. Timothy was not acting, putting on a mask to show others of his faith. He did not hide his weaknesses in order to show how strong he is. Nor did he hide his strength, to over-emphasize his weakness and to demean himself. Timothy was real. He was a man of integrity. His weakness and strength are open for all to see.

  Isn't it true that there are times in life when we don't want others to see our strengths and struggles? There is something that we want to hide. We begin to act and the faith is no longer sincere, genuine. We put on a mask. When this happens, very often it is also a sign of problems in spiritual growth. We may have stopped growing altogether.

  When we face obstacles and challenges in our Christian growth, it is important to maintain our integrity. Keep that genuine and sincere faith.

3.   Paul appealed to the Power given to Timothy.

  Now, Paul reminds Timothy what he already possesses. 2 Tim 1:6-7, “ 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” God has already given Timothy his spirit. There are some unique characteristics of this Spirit.

  First it is a spirit of power. God has given him the power to change his weaknesses into strength. With God on his side, no one can be against him. He does not have to continue to live in fear.

  Second, it is a spirit of love. This spirit will enable him to love others, those who may not cooperate with him. The same spirit will also enable him to exercise Christian liberty to take good care of his physical body.

  Thirdly, it is a spirit of self-control. This spirit will enable him to control himself when facing temptations of lust, money and greed.

  Finally, did Paul's advice and encouragement work? Hebrews 13:23, “ 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.” Most likely, Paul is the author of the book of Hebrews. What did write about Timothy? Timothy was released. From what? In the context of the 1 st century society, Timothy was released from prison. Wait a minute, the timid and shy Timothy was imprisoned? Timothy was told not to be ashamed of the gospel, fight the good fight, in season and out of season, preach the word. He regained his strength and courage, he was imprisoned because of his faith. God's power had changed him from that weak and shy person to a person who is not ashamed of the gospel, and even suffered for the sake of the gospel.

  Do we ever feel overwhelmed by life? Do we feel that we are about to give in to those strong temptations surrounding and bombarding us constantly? At times, this could be very discouraging, isn't it? But the truth we are to learn from Paul's encouragement for Timothy is that God has already given us the Holy Spirit to overcome these obstacle and temptation. We need to tap into this power.

  Several months ago, I was driving on 59 to church. For some reason, the car could not go beyond 60mph. If I further step on the gas pedal, I hear the loud engine rev sound. I said to myself, boy, this must be a transmission problem, its going to cost me big bucks. After I got to church, I realized I was driving in the 3 rd gear, instead of the 4 th . The car was capable of going beyond 60mph, but I did not put it in the right gear, and consequently, not able to use all the potential power that is in it.

  Isn't this also true with Christian growth? We have been given the Holy Spirit, it is a spirit of power, love, and self-control. This spirit will enable us to overcome our temptations and fears in life. Our responsibility is to learn to trust and constantly rely on him.

Conclusion:

  One day on the way home in St. Louis , my car ran out of gas. I turned right into a small path and parked the car there. I came back to the main street, made a left turn. I walked for about 30 minutes, found a gas station, bought a gas tank and some gas. After putting the gas in, I drove out of that path way and made a right turn to continue my trip home. In less than a minute after I made the right turn, I saw a gas station right there. If only I had turned right earlier, it could have saved me all that walking.

  In our spiritual growth, very often we find ourselves very similar to Timothy. Our worse enemies, or obstacle of growth is really ourselves. We are bond by our unstable emotions, lacking of self control and feeling defeated. We find ourselves going round and round in circles with no hope in sight. Very often, we just stay at one particular stage without much growing.

  You see, all we need to do is to make a right turn. It is there, we find a full service station. At that station, we'll find God's spirit of power, love and self-control. This spirit is adequate to help us defeat our worst enemy, bring us hope, courage and overcome the temptations in life.