1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:07,100 You’re listening to a sermon from Pastor Colin Smith of Open The Bible. 2 00:00:07,100 –> 00:00:14,800 To contact us call us at 1-877-OPEN365 or visit our website openthebible.org. 3 00:00:14,800 –> 00:00:17,580 Let’s get to the message. 4 00:00:17,580 –> 00:00:20,920 Here is Pastor Colin. 5 00:00:20,920 –> 00:00:25,340 Beginning a new series that I think is really very important both for us as Christians individually 6 00:00:25,799 –> 00:00:26,780 and for us as a body together. 7 00:00:26,780 –> 00:00:35,119 It is called The Apostles Apprentice, Lessons from The Bible in Life and in Ministry. 8 00:00:35,119 –> 00:00:40,020 And I have been studying the life of Timothy off and on for some time earlier this year. 9 00:00:40,020 –> 00:00:48,520 I was fascinated to discover that Timothy is named in no less than eleven New Testament 10 00:00:48,520 –> 00:00:53,480 letters and in addition of course the Book of Acts. 11 00:00:53,520 –> 00:00:58,799 So really following Timothy’s life and his ministry is a wonderful way to explore 12 00:00:58,799 –> 00:00:59,900 the New Testament. 13 00:00:59,900 –> 00:01:05,660 Now, we begin here today in Acts chapter 15 and I hope you’ll have your Bible open there 14 00:01:05,660 –> 00:01:12,820 at verse thirty six, where we find the setting of Timothy’s call to ministry. 15 00:01:12,820 –> 00:01:16,739 And I’m going to pause here just for a few moments and make some observations from the 16 00:01:16,739 –> 00:01:21,660 scripture because I think that it has some resonance for us and that there are some things 17 00:01:21,660 –> 00:01:25,739 to be observed here that are important and helpful. 18 00:01:25,739 –> 00:01:32,139 So if you have your Bibles open at Acts chapter 15 and verse 36. 19 00:01:32,139 –> 00:01:38,639 And we take up this story at a point in the book of Acts where we’re told about an honest 20 00:01:38,639 –> 00:01:46,120 disagreement between two godly men about how the work of the gospel should best go forward. 21 00:01:46,120 –> 00:01:48,400 That’s what we have here. 22 00:01:48,459 –> 00:01:52,239 The two men of course are Paul and Barnabas and they had been close colleagues and partners 23 00:01:52,239 –> 00:01:54,540 in ministry for a long time. 24 00:01:54,540 –> 00:01:56,940 They had had a fruitful and a happy partnership. 25 00:01:56,940 –> 00:01:59,739 In fact, you can trace it through the book of Acts, 26 00:01:59,739 –> 00:02:04,860 if you go back to chapter 9 and verse 27, you will discover that it was Barnabas who 27 00:02:04,860 –> 00:02:10,179 introduced Paul to the apostles at Jerusalem, the first time he met them. 28 00:02:10,179 –> 00:02:16,520 Paul and Barnabas, we find in chapter 11 and verse 26, spent a whole year in ministry together 29 00:02:16,679 –> 00:02:19,259 at a place called Antioch. 30 00:02:19,259 –> 00:02:24,259 And in chapter 13 and verse 2, we find that the church in Antioch commissioned the two 31 00:02:24,259 –> 00:02:30,059 of them to go out in partnership together, as a missionary team sent out by the Antioch 32 00:02:30,059 –> 00:02:31,500 church. 33 00:02:31,500 –> 00:02:36,259 If you follow Paul’s first missionary journey that he shared with Barnabas, you will see 34 00:02:36,259 –> 00:02:40,699 that they saw miracles of God happen together. 35 00:02:40,759 –> 00:02:47,199 You will also see that they experienced persecution for the sake of the gospel together. 36 00:02:47,199 –> 00:02:51,119 It was a good, strong, fruitful partnership. 37 00:02:53,919 –> 00:02:56,580 But then we come to Acts chapter 15 and verse 36. 38 00:02:56,580 –> 00:02:58,660 Now, I hope you have your Bible open in front of you. 39 00:02:58,679 –> 00:03:01,100 I want you to see this. 40 00:03:01,100 –> 00:03:05,660 It’s time to launch out into the next chapter of ministry and there is an honest disagreement 41 00:03:05,660 –> 00:03:08,500 between these two godly men about what they should do. 42 00:03:08,759 –> 00:03:10,059 Look at verse 36. 43 00:03:11,059 –> 00:03:13,059 Sometime later Paul said, 44 00:03:21,720 –> 00:03:24,479 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them. 45 00:03:25,639 –> 00:03:28,800 But Paul did not think it was wise to take him 46 00:03:29,279 –> 00:03:34,979 because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 47 00:03:36,539 –> 00:03:38,539 Now this is an honest disagreement. 48 00:03:40,380 –> 00:03:42,380 Barnabas wanted to take Mark. 49 00:03:43,100 –> 00:03:49,559 By the way Barnabas was Mark’s cousin so there was personal loyalty and relationship here 50 00:03:49,559 –> 00:03:53,020 that was a very important factor in the things that happened. 51 00:03:54,300 –> 00:03:56,300 Barnabas wanted to take Mark 52 00:03:56,860 –> 00:03:59,139 but Paul didn’t think that was wise. 53 00:03:59,139 –> 00:04:03,679 That’s what the scripture tells us. Mark had been with them for part of the first missionary journey, 54 00:04:03,679 –> 00:04:08,199 but it hadn’t worked out well. Mark had either become discouraged or perhaps he had become ill. 55 00:04:08,759 –> 00:04:11,080 Perhaps he did not have the stomach for the work 56 00:04:11,279 –> 00:04:17,239 but for whatever the reason, he quit. When they were in Panfilia he got on a boat and went home. 57 00:04:18,459 –> 00:04:20,459 Now you can imagine this situation. 58 00:04:21,100 –> 00:04:24,679 It’s easy to understand. Barnabas says now look Paul 59 00:04:25,540 –> 00:04:27,660 Mark is a good man. 60 00:04:28,500 –> 00:04:33,640 I I know he didn’t cut it last time, but let’s give him a second chance. 61 00:04:34,239 –> 00:04:39,720 And Paul says, look Barnabas. No, that’s not the right way to go. It didn’t work out before. 62 00:04:40,119 –> 00:04:44,500 So let’s recognize the reality and let’s not make the same mistake twice. 63 00:04:46,220 –> 00:04:48,299 Now these are two godly men and 64 00:04:49,220 –> 00:04:51,220 they just couldn’t agree. 65 00:04:51,980 –> 00:04:57,559 Dr. Howard Marshall in his commentary on the book of Acts, I think, has a very insightful piece here. 66 00:04:57,820 –> 00:05:01,420 He says this is the classic example of 67 00:05:02,079 –> 00:05:05,959 the perpetual problem of whether to place the interests of the 68 00:05:06,579 –> 00:05:10,380 individual or the interests of the work as a whole first. 69 00:05:11,559 –> 00:05:15,640 He’s saying all the way through Christian ministry and in many other spheres of life 70 00:05:16,239 –> 00:05:18,200 you face this tension. 71 00:05:18,200 –> 00:05:23,519 Do you put the interests of the individual first or do you put the interests of the work first? 72 00:05:23,679 –> 00:05:26,880 And there’s always tension over how to resolve that. 73 00:05:27,859 –> 00:05:32,779 Barnabus was more concern for the interest of Mark, the individual, 74 00:05:33,079 –> 00:05:36,899 we should take Mark with them. It’ll help him, he can contribute. 75 00:05:37,640 –> 00:05:42,859 Paul was more concerned about the interests of the work, we had to move forward. Now who was right? 76 00:05:43,420 –> 00:05:45,420 Well the New Testament doesn’t tell us. 77 00:05:47,959 –> 00:05:51,160 Frankly, in this situation here it doesn’t matter at least for us now. 78 00:05:52,500 –> 00:05:55,820 But here is what is important for us today, 79 00:05:55,820 –> 00:05:57,820 I want you to think about this, 80 00:05:58,260 –> 00:06:00,260 the Holy Spirit 81 00:06:00,359 –> 00:06:06,220 preserved this story in the Bible for us and for good reason. 82 00:06:06,619 –> 00:06:08,459 The whole church 83 00:06:08,459 –> 00:06:10,179 needs to know 84 00:06:10,179 –> 00:06:14,899 what we learn through this story, that the Holy Spirit has preserved in the scripture. 85 00:06:15,019 –> 00:06:19,600 Remember the Holy Spirit didn’t need to include this in the book of Acts, could have just skipped over it. 86 00:06:20,640 –> 00:06:22,640 And it’s in here for a reason. 87 00:06:23,480 –> 00:06:25,480 and 88 00:06:26,179 –> 00:06:29,399 Let me suggest that one reason is that we all need to know 89 00:06:31,140 –> 00:06:39,239 that there will be times when godly men have genuine disagreements about how the work of the gospel should best move forward and 90 00:06:40,320 –> 00:06:43,920 if that can’t be resolved, it may cause them to part company and 91 00:06:44,839 –> 00:06:46,839 if that happens 92 00:06:47,440 –> 00:06:50,779 You should not become unsettled in your faith. 93 00:06:52,679 –> 00:06:56,920 See, imagine what it would have felt like if you were a member of the Church of Antioch 94 00:06:57,359 –> 00:07:03,920 at this time, if I was in the congregation at Antioch two thousand years ago, and I’d heard this news 95 00:07:03,920 –> 00:07:05,760 I would have been thinking like this 96 00:07:05,760 –> 00:07:08,440 Boy, we sent Paul and Barnabas out together 97 00:07:08,440 –> 00:07:12,880 We commissioned them to be a missionary team and god has used them together 98 00:07:12,880 –> 00:07:16,339 and now these two men are going off in different directions and 99 00:07:16,720 –> 00:07:22,359 Some of the members of the congregation in Antioch must have thought this is going to be the ultimate disaster 100 00:07:23,059 –> 00:07:28,579 And of course the book of Acts tells us that God’s Grace brought a better outcome 101 00:07:30,480 –> 00:07:32,480 Barnabas were told to went with Mark 102 00:07:34,579 –> 00:07:37,040 Who ended up writing the second gospel 103 00:07:37,040 –> 00:07:42,179 And who knows how many millions have come into the kingdom of Christ by reading Mark’s gospel 104 00:07:42,179 –> 00:07:49,140 which I’m told is the first gospel usually to be translated and therefore the first gospel that many people have never heard will actually read and 105 00:07:49,299 –> 00:07:51,160 and 106 00:07:51,160 –> 00:07:54,399 This left the apostle Paul looking for a new apprentice 107 00:07:55,380 –> 00:07:57,380 Which opened the door for Timothy? 108 00:07:57,980 –> 00:08:03,100 Which is the story we’re going to follow over these next weeks from the scriptures together 109 00:08:04,619 –> 00:08:09,720 By the way for our encouragement in Paul’s last letter, which he wrote to Timothy 110 00:08:09,720 –> 00:08:13,959 And we’ll come to it in a few weeks time. It’s fascinating that in the very last chapter 111 00:08:13,980 –> 00:08:21,000 He says to Timothy get Mark and bring him to me because he’s useful in my ministry I 112 00:08:22,079 –> 00:08:26,600 Don’t know when it happened, and it may have taken some time, but that evidently was wonderful reconciliation 113 00:08:27,679 –> 00:08:29,779 and partnership in the gospel 114 00:08:31,559 –> 00:08:34,239 Now the story continues in chapter 16 115 00:08:34,679 –> 00:08:40,119 Where we’re told that Paul came to Derby and then came to Lystra 116 00:08:40,239 –> 00:08:42,979 Where a disciple called Timothy lived 117 00:08:42,979 –> 00:08:47,299 And this is the first reference we ever have to Timothy in the New Testament 118 00:08:48,380 –> 00:08:54,700 Lystra was his home and Paul had come there on one occasion before you can read about it in chapter 14, boy 119 00:08:54,919 –> 00:08:57,440 That was a tough call, Lystra 120 00:08:58,280 –> 00:09:00,280 Some folks stirred up 121 00:09:00,380 –> 00:09:04,659 opposition to Paul in Lystra to the point where he was stoned 122 00:09:06,140 –> 00:09:09,719 I mean people threw stones at him do you understand what I’m saying? 123 00:09:10,200 –> 00:09:13,859 He was stoned and 124 00:09:14,719 –> 00:09:18,500 His body was dragged outside the walls of the city 125 00:09:18,500 –> 00:09:23,039 He was left for dead except that a few believers gathered around him in the mercy of God 126 00:09:23,039 –> 00:09:26,059 He revived he was taken back into the city and moved on the next day 127 00:09:27,299 –> 00:09:31,380 So Lystra held painful memories for the Apostle Paul 128 00:09:32,359 –> 00:09:34,359 He suffered there 129 00:09:35,000 –> 00:09:38,840 But out of his pain came an advance for the gospel 130 00:09:40,219 –> 00:09:43,979 Timothy had come to christ his mother had come to Christ perhaps his father too 131 00:09:43,979 –> 00:09:51,359 That’s not entirely clear from the text a church had been born and now Paul comes back to see how these believers are doing 132 00:09:53,619 –> 00:10:00,900 And he runs into Timothy and the story that we’re going to follow is how he takes Timothy under his wing and Timothy becomes 133 00:10:01,580 –> 00:10:03,419 the Apostles 134 00:10:03,440 –> 00:10:05,440 apprentice 135 00:10:05,559 –> 00:10:09,919 Now I want to focus this morning in this first message on 136 00:10:11,760 –> 00:10:18,599 Discerning God’s calling for our lives and let me frame a question this way. What’s does it take? 137 00:10:20,239 –> 00:10:25,039 For us to be increasingly useful to Christ and to his kingdom 138 00:10:25,799 –> 00:10:29,619 What would it take for you or for me to be more useful 139 00:10:30,460 –> 00:10:33,719 To our Lord Jesus Christ in the future than we have been in the past 140 00:10:36,440 –> 00:10:38,460 What would it take for us as a church 141 00:10:39,640 –> 00:10:44,460 To be more fruitful more useful in the hands of Christ. What should we pursue? 142 00:10:45,359 –> 00:10:47,239 individually and together 143 00:10:47,239 –> 00:10:48,299 if 144 00:10:48,299 –> 00:10:51,380 We are to be more useful for Christ and for his kingdom 145 00:10:52,299 –> 00:10:56,099 How can we be a church a people who are more? 146 00:10:56,820 –> 00:11:00,460 Responsive to the call of God more sensitive to the leading of the spirit 147 00:11:00,900 –> 00:11:05,239 more ready to risk and to take initiative for the advance of the gospel 148 00:11:08,419 –> 00:11:11,419 Now I won’t suggest three things that we can learn from 149 00:11:12,099 –> 00:11:19,419 The example of Timothy as we find it in the Scriptures here. The first is simply the whole business of reputation 150 00:11:20,340 –> 00:11:22,200 reputation 151 00:11:22,200 –> 00:11:24,460 And we’re talking here about the ability 152 00:11:25,140 –> 00:11:30,140 To position yourself for growing usefulness to Christ 153 00:11:30,940 –> 00:11:32,619 The ability 154 00:11:32,619 –> 00:11:34,619 for you, or for us 155 00:11:34,859 –> 00:11:37,179 To position yourself ourselves 156 00:11:38,020 –> 00:11:41,179 For growing usefulness to Christ 157 00:11:43,059 –> 00:11:47,640 Now I think we see this with regards to Timothy in verse 2 of chapter 16 158 00:11:48,400 –> 00:11:53,000 Where we are told that the brothers at Lystra and Deconium 159 00:11:53,760 –> 00:11:55,679 spoke well of 160 00:11:55,679 –> 00:12:01,960 Timothy, they spoke well of him, that’s his reputation. They spoke well of him 161 00:12:03,280 –> 00:12:05,900 Now your reputation very simply is 162 00:12:06,559 –> 00:12:08,380 What the people? 163 00:12:08,380 –> 00:12:13,820 Who God has placed over you and around you would say about you if they were speaking candidly 164 00:12:14,739 –> 00:12:21,200 Your reputation, it is what the people God has placed over you and around you would say of you if 165 00:12:21,780 –> 00:12:23,780 they were speaking candidly 166 00:12:24,219 –> 00:12:26,219 and 167 00:12:26,260 –> 00:12:28,260 Reputation matters 168 00:12:29,219 –> 00:12:31,479 Especially for those who are being trusted 169 00:12:32,820 –> 00:12:34,299 with 170 00:12:34,299 –> 00:12:38,619 Responsibility in the church and in the advance of the gospel 171 00:12:40,820 –> 00:12:42,500 Pastors 172 00:12:42,539 –> 00:12:44,140 Missionaries 173 00:12:44,140 –> 00:12:45,700 elders 174 00:12:45,700 –> 00:12:47,700 leaders 175 00:12:48,260 –> 00:12:54,900 What should we look for in such people. Well, we’ll see it later in the series again in first Timothy 176 00:12:55,099 –> 00:13:02,539 Because Paul tells Timothy when he has become a pastor himself later in his life journey what he should look for in appointing elders 177 00:13:03,419 –> 00:13:05,539 And if you look through the list there 178 00:13:05,539 –> 00:13:10,659 You’ll find that one of the key things that he says is you’re to look for someone with a good reputation 179 00:13:10,659 –> 00:13:14,099 A good reputation that matters look at that 180 00:13:17,020 –> 00:13:21,299 Look for someone who is above reproach 181 00:13:23,020 –> 00:13:26,340 Look for people who have modeled 182 00:13:27,859 –> 00:13:33,179 Effective leadership within their own family circle because how a man is managed his own family 183 00:13:33,179 –> 00:13:37,119 Will tell you a great deal about what he’s likely to do in the church 184 00:13:40,659 –> 00:13:42,659 your reputation matters and 185 00:13:44,520 –> 00:13:47,559 The first thing that made Timothy a good 186 00:13:48,020 –> 00:13:54,520 Candidate to be the Apostles apprentice was that the brothers at Lystra, and Iconium spoke well of him. This is huge 187 00:13:56,219 –> 00:13:58,219 Now let’s apply it personally 188 00:13:59,919 –> 00:14:01,919 If 189 00:14:02,159 –> 00:14:04,159 Someone who knew you really well 190 00:14:05,380 –> 00:14:08,179 were asked to write a reference about you 191 00:14:08,840 –> 00:14:12,640 With regards your usefulness in Christ’s work 192 00:14:14,340 –> 00:14:18,219 What would they say that might qualify you for greater usefulness 193 00:14:18,219 –> 00:14:23,820 And what might they say that could hinder your greater usefulness in the work of Christ? 194 00:14:24,679 –> 00:14:27,340 I mean let’s take some of the qualifications first 195 00:14:28,479 –> 00:14:32,119 Would people who know you well say that you are marked by self-control 196 00:14:33,619 –> 00:14:37,820 By wise judgment by courage by perseverance 197 00:14:38,820 –> 00:14:40,820 Would they say you are reliable 198 00:14:41,979 –> 00:14:43,979 trustworthy consistent 199 00:14:44,659 –> 00:14:47,219 Would they say that you are caring that you are compassionate 200 00:14:49,340 –> 00:14:51,719 What about the hindrances would they say you’re lazy 201 00:14:51,979 –> 00:14:54,619 Would they say there’s short-tempered that you’re a fair-weather 202 00:14:55,039 –> 00:15:02,219 Follower that you are easily discouraged would they say that your self-Centered would they say yourself opinionated or even self-absorbed 203 00:15:02,219 –> 00:15:04,219 Absorbed 204 00:15:05,440 –> 00:15:07,440 see everything you do and 205 00:15:08,559 –> 00:15:10,559 Everything you say 206 00:15:10,739 –> 00:15:15,919 builds a track record that becomes your reputation and 207 00:15:17,580 –> 00:15:20,200 Reputation is one of the key factors 208 00:15:20,940 –> 00:15:23,239 That determines our future usefulness 209 00:15:23,979 –> 00:15:26,039 For Christ and for His kingdom 210 00:15:27,179 –> 00:15:29,179 You want to be useful to Christ? 211 00:15:29,799 –> 00:15:32,200 People will want to know, what have you done? 212 00:15:33,739 –> 00:15:35,820 How did you handle it when it was tough? 213 00:15:37,260 –> 00:15:40,400 What fruit has come from your efforts? 214 00:15:42,380 –> 00:15:46,799 Reputation matters. Now. These are challenging things. Here’s the encouragement 215 00:15:48,919 –> 00:15:51,340 Reputations can change radically 216 00:15:54,299 –> 00:15:56,299 Remember that at one time 217 00:15:57,099 –> 00:16:03,940 Christian believers in the early world only knew one thing about Paul’s reputation that he was a blasphemer and a violent man 218 00:16:04,520 –> 00:16:09,099 That was his reputation among all the churches. You heard of this man. He’s a blasphemer 219 00:16:09,140 –> 00:16:16,619 And he’s a violent man then the Spirit of Christ got hold of him. His life was transformed and he was known 220 00:16:17,000 –> 00:16:19,000 In an entirely different way 221 00:16:20,940 –> 00:16:22,940 Now there is no reputation 222 00:16:23,179 –> 00:16:26,900 That the Spirit of God cannot change and 223 00:16:28,719 –> 00:16:30,940 Let me offer this encouragement, too 224 00:16:32,539 –> 00:16:35,179 That you will be amazed how quickly 225 00:16:36,700 –> 00:16:41,679 Your reputation can change when you begin to change your behavior 226 00:16:41,679 –> 00:16:47,440 This is a wonderful principle of hope. People will quickly see where we are making progress and 227 00:16:48,260 –> 00:16:52,020 Where they see a person making progress they will rejoice with that 228 00:16:52,919 –> 00:16:54,919 And there will be great encouragement 229 00:16:55,119 –> 00:17:02,599 So I framed this question and with each of these questions. I’ve framed them first for myself and lived with them through this week and 230 00:17:04,520 –> 00:17:06,520 Now share them with you 231 00:17:07,439 –> 00:17:09,439 Here’s the first question 232 00:17:10,020 –> 00:17:12,020 What change? 233 00:17:12,540 –> 00:17:14,540 Can you make? 234 00:17:15,219 –> 00:17:17,880 That will cause you to be more useful to Christ 235 00:17:17,880 –> 00:17:19,880 What change? 236 00:17:20,060 –> 00:17:24,959 Could you name just one as you think of the sort of things that people would say might be 237 00:17:25,380 –> 00:17:28,359 hindrances to your increased usefulness to Christ 238 00:17:28,400 –> 00:17:34,819 What change could you make that would position yourself for greater usefulness to Christ? One change 239 00:17:35,339 –> 00:17:40,040 Now this is a great discussion to have with someone who knows you well later today 240 00:17:40,739 –> 00:17:41,439 Ask them 241 00:17:41,439 –> 00:17:42,939 What do you see is one thing I could change? 242 00:17:43,660 –> 00:17:49,939 One area in which I could grow in order to be more useful to Christ one thing that might hinder me 243 00:17:49,939 –> 00:17:54,500 But if I could grow in it I’d just be positioned better 244 00:17:55,579 –> 00:18:02,060 To be more useful to Jesus Christ and when you ask them to be honest with you ask someone who’s not scared to tell you 245 00:18:02,060 –> 00:18:03,180 right and 246 00:18:03,180 –> 00:18:05,859 When they tell you then ask God 247 00:18:06,699 –> 00:18:09,079 For the help to make that change 248 00:18:10,560 –> 00:18:12,560 Because it’s key 249 00:18:13,060 –> 00:18:15,439 To being increasingly effective 250 00:18:16,439 –> 00:18:18,439 For Christ and for his kingdom 251 00:18:19,000 –> 00:18:24,040 That’s the first thing reputation the ability to position yourself for growing usefulness to Christ 252 00:18:25,359 –> 00:18:27,359 Here’s the second 253 00:18:27,680 –> 00:18:29,140 readiness 254 00:18:29,140 –> 00:18:31,140 the ability to embrace 255 00:18:31,540 –> 00:18:34,680 Change for the advance of the gospel 256 00:18:35,520 –> 00:18:38,599 readiness the ability to embrace change 257 00:18:38,599 –> 00:18:45,400 Change for the advance of the gospel now, there’s something very fascinating here in verse 3 258 00:18:46,800 –> 00:18:50,500 Paul wanted we’re told to take Timothy along on the journey 259 00:18:51,680 –> 00:18:53,300 so 260 00:18:53,300 –> 00:18:55,420 He circumcised him 261 00:18:56,380 –> 00:19:02,020 Because of the Jews who lived in that area for they all knew that his father was a Greek 262 00:19:02,979 –> 00:19:06,140 Just to explain this his mother then is a Jewish 263 00:19:07,020 –> 00:19:08,300 believer 264 00:19:08,339 –> 00:19:11,520 and his father is non-jewish a Greek and 265 00:19:12,319 –> 00:19:20,260 So Timothy is a Jewish man, but coming from these parents. He has evidently not been circumcised and 266 00:19:20,859 –> 00:19:23,780 the family are believers in Christ 267 00:19:24,819 –> 00:19:26,819 And we’re told that Paul 268 00:19:27,579 –> 00:19:33,500 Circumcised Timothy before taking him on as the apprentice on the second missionary journey 269 00:19:34,400 –> 00:19:35,420 now 270 00:19:35,420 –> 00:19:40,140 this incident got Paul into a whole lot of trouble and 271 00:19:41,599 –> 00:19:43,599 I’ll tell you why 272 00:19:44,119 –> 00:19:46,400 Paul was passionate about 273 00:19:47,040 –> 00:19:48,839 insisting that 274 00:19:48,839 –> 00:19:51,719 circumcision could not be added to the gospel and 275 00:19:52,319 –> 00:19:57,140 If you just look back to chapter 15 and verse 1 you will see it quite clearly there that 276 00:19:57,619 –> 00:20:01,859 There were some men who came down from Judea to and to your chapter 15 verse 1 277 00:20:01,859 –> 00:20:09,380 And they were teaching the brothers that unless you’re circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses you cannot be saved 278 00:20:10,680 –> 00:20:15,219 Now Paul and Barnabas as you read on there took a strong stand on this issue 279 00:20:15,760 –> 00:20:19,280 They said to these folks who were insisting on circumcision 280 00:20:19,939 –> 00:20:26,060 Look if you say that you have to be circumcised in order to be saved. You have actually 281 00:20:26,680 –> 00:20:28,560 undermined the Gospel 282 00:20:28,560 –> 00:20:30,119 you have 283 00:20:30,160 –> 00:20:37,719 so taken away the centrality of Christ by adding something to Christ that what you’re preaching is no longer the Gospel and we have to 284 00:20:37,719 –> 00:20:41,739 Defend the Gospel and there was a vigorous debate and dispute on this point 285 00:20:42,819 –> 00:20:49,800 So Paul and Barnabas take this strong stand, which is of course affirmed by the apostles at the council that took place in Jerusalem 286 00:20:49,800 –> 00:20:56,079 That’s the story of chapter 15. And then at the end of all that after taking this strong stand, what does Paul do next? 287 00:20:57,060 –> 00:20:59,180 He goes and he circumcises Timothy 288 00:21:00,780 –> 00:21:06,920 Well, you see this got Paul into all kinds of trouble people who didn’t like him made all kinds of accusations of 289 00:21:07,500 –> 00:21:08,800 inconsistency 290 00:21:08,800 –> 00:21:14,319 Here’s Paul, you know, he’s in Jerusalem making a strong stand that you can’t add circumcision to the Gospel 291 00:21:14,479 –> 00:21:19,079 but now he’s taking Timothy and before he takes him on as the apprentice he goes and 292 00:21:19,339 –> 00:21:23,640 Circumcises him, right? Where is the man? You know, he seems to be so inconsistent 293 00:21:25,079 –> 00:21:27,079 So what’s going on here? 294 00:21:27,160 –> 00:21:29,319 Why would Paul circumcise Timothy? 295 00:21:29,400 –> 00:21:31,400 I 296 00:21:31,719 –> 00:21:33,719 Think the answer is quite simple 297 00:21:34,459 –> 00:21:35,800 in 298 00:21:35,800 –> 00:21:37,800 chapter 15 299 00:21:37,959 –> 00:21:42,900 Paul took a strong stand against those who were insisting on circumcision 300 00:21:44,520 –> 00:21:48,560 Because he refused to change the gospel for the culture 301 00:21:50,359 –> 00:21:53,839 He had no place for the kind of approach that says 302 00:21:54,040 –> 00:21:58,819 You know, let’s change the message in order to make it easier for people to hear 303 00:21:59,319 –> 00:22:04,599 Which is what the judaizers were doing by insisting on circumcision as part of the gospel 304 00:22:06,199 –> 00:22:14,359 But at the same time paul was also insistent on removing any barriers to communicating the gospel to the culture 305 00:22:15,959 –> 00:22:19,359 And paul’s ministry was to jews as well as it was to gentiles 306 00:22:20,520 –> 00:22:22,839 And when he goes on the second missionary journey 307 00:22:23,400 –> 00:22:29,479 He doesn’t want to be bogged down an endless debate about circumcision and whether timothy should be circumcised or not 308 00:22:29,880 –> 00:22:31,880 So as an act of freedom 309 00:22:32,280 –> 00:22:35,239 He says, hey, let’s just do this and then it’s not going to be an issue 310 00:22:35,400 –> 00:22:38,400 And then we’re going to be free in order to communicate the gospel 311 00:22:40,119 –> 00:22:46,780 Now it’s important to grasp a principle here and I i let’s try and grasp it in our minds in our hearts 312 00:22:48,260 –> 00:22:50,339 faithfulness to the gospel involves two things 313 00:22:50,900 –> 00:22:52,900 never 314 00:22:53,140 –> 00:22:56,819 Change the gospel for the sake of the culture. That’s the first thing 315 00:22:57,859 –> 00:23:03,219 Never change the gospel for the sake of the culture. That’s a big issue in the church in this country today 316 00:23:03,380 –> 00:23:06,660 You know people don’t like hell don’t like sin or interested in themselves 317 00:23:06,739 –> 00:23:14,020 So let’s reshape the message so that hits all the right buttons and is silent on the wrong ones that that that that is 318 00:23:14,739 –> 00:23:16,739 that is unfaithful 319 00:23:17,780 –> 00:23:19,780 As the sort of thing that paul would have nothing to do with 320 00:23:20,000 –> 00:23:21,459 oppresive 321 00:23:21,459 –> 00:23:26,660 Never change the gospel for the sake of the culture, but here’s the second thing that goes with it 322 00:23:27,699 –> 00:23:32,500 Always be ready for change that will advance the gospel in the culture 323 00:23:32,660 –> 00:23:36,420 Always be ready for change that will advance the gospel in the culture 324 00:23:38,099 –> 00:23:44,900 For christians and this may be our greater temptation to say, oh, we’ve got the truth we’ve got the bible 325 00:23:46,339 –> 00:23:49,459 and we’re content with that even if no one is listening even if 326 00:23:49,459 –> 00:23:53,619 We’re not reaching people effectively but that is not faithfulness either 327 00:23:55,060 –> 00:23:58,979 So you see there are these two strands to faithfulness to the gospel 328 00:23:59,459 –> 00:24:03,380 Never change the gospel for the sake of the culture. You don’t change the gospel 329 00:24:04,500 –> 00:24:08,119 But always be ready for change that will advance the gospel 330 00:24:08,979 –> 00:24:10,900 in the culture 331 00:24:10,900 –> 00:24:11,939 now 332 00:24:11,939 –> 00:24:17,380 I want us to think for a moment about what this meant from timothy’s point of view 333 00:24:19,939 –> 00:24:24,339 The fact that timothy as a 20 year old male 334 00:24:25,939 –> 00:24:30,500 Was willing to submit to being circumcised by the apostle paul 335 00:24:32,900 –> 00:24:34,900 Speaks volumes 336 00:24:36,180 –> 00:24:41,699 About this man’s values and priorities because there was only one reason for doing it and that was 337 00:24:42,500 –> 00:24:47,380 If it’s going to take away some barrier to the gospel if it’s going to make me more useful as a missionary 338 00:24:47,619 –> 00:24:50,500 Yeah, that’s fine. That’s fine by me. I paul just go ahead 339 00:24:52,579 –> 00:24:54,579 You think about that 340 00:24:57,859 –> 00:25:02,819 Talk about moving outside your comfort zone you with me 341 00:25:06,099 –> 00:25:08,099 Here is a 20 year old 342 00:25:10,180 –> 00:25:16,819 Who is deadly serious about doing whatever it takes for the advance of the gospel 343 00:25:17,939 –> 00:25:23,300 Paul if you say this is gonna help it’s fine by me. I want to be an effective missionary 344 00:25:23,619 –> 00:25:27,699 I want to reach Jews as well as gentiles, that’s what it takes. That’s fine. Press ahead 345 00:25:29,939 –> 00:25:34,260 See what that says about the character the spirit of this man as a 20 year old 346 00:25:37,780 –> 00:25:40,020 I gotta talk to the men here for a few minutes 347 00:25:41,859 –> 00:25:44,500 Put yourself in Timothy’s shoes 348 00:25:44,800 –> 00:25:46,560 All right 349 00:25:47,900 –> 00:25:49,900 You are 20 years old 350 00:25:50,739 –> 00:25:52,619 You’ve been serving in the church for a while 351 00:25:52,619 –> 00:25:56,699 And now the apostle Paul is turned up and evidently is interested in taking you under his wing 352 00:25:56,780 –> 00:26:02,640 He says he wants to mentor you and you say, oh Paul. I’d love to have you as my mentor 353 00:26:03,619 –> 00:26:09,979 Well, yes says Paul. I’m ready to take you on my second missionary journey. You can be my apprentice. Hey Paul 354 00:26:10,099 –> 00:26:16,599 I’d love to do that missions trip with the Apostle Paul. We get into ministry. Now look he says 355 00:26:17,660 –> 00:26:20,939 You need to know the ministry isn’t for the fainthearted 356 00:26:21,640 –> 00:26:23,640 And it’s gonna be tough 357 00:26:23,920 –> 00:26:25,699 And it’s not gonna be easy 358 00:26:25,699 –> 00:26:30,199 And there’s always a price and I don’t know what’s gonna happen on the second missionary journey 359 00:26:30,219 –> 00:26:35,540 But you need to be ready for anything. Hey Paul. I’m your man. You really mean you’re ready for anything Timothy 360 00:26:36,199 –> 00:26:38,199 Okay, you’re signed up 361 00:26:39,040 –> 00:26:41,040 We leave tomorrow 362 00:26:41,520 –> 00:26:43,520 Pack your bags 363 00:26:44,060 –> 00:26:49,479 But by the way before we leave, I’ve just got to do a little bit of apostolic surgery 364 00:26:53,819 –> 00:26:55,819 Now here’s the application 365 00:26:58,420 –> 00:27:05,300 The advance of the gospel will always be in tension with our comfort period 366 00:27:06,020 –> 00:27:08,020 Is that right? 367 00:27:08,020 –> 00:27:13,660 the advance of the gospel will always be in tension with our 368 00:27:13,920 –> 00:27:15,780 comfort 369 00:27:15,780 –> 00:27:19,839 We will always be faced individually and together 370 00:27:21,099 –> 00:27:22,939 with choices 371 00:27:22,939 –> 00:27:24,939 between what is most 372 00:27:24,939 –> 00:27:28,619 Comfortable for us and what is most useful to Christ and I’ll tell you 373 00:27:29,199 –> 00:27:34,359 Every Christian and every church will tend over time in one of these two directions 374 00:27:35,199 –> 00:27:36,819 It’s 375 00:27:36,819 –> 00:27:38,819 Just how it is 376 00:27:42,479 –> 00:27:44,479 now I have to tell you 377 00:27:45,119 –> 00:27:47,640 With a deep sense of thankfulness to God 378 00:27:49,280 –> 00:27:51,660 That it is more and more clear to me 379 00:27:52,699 –> 00:27:58,520 That the heart of this congregation is that the next ten years of ministry in this church 380 00:27:59,060 –> 00:28:03,859 Are not going to be about our comfort but they are going to be about the advance of the gospel 381 00:28:03,880 –> 00:28:06,660 That’s where we’re at isn’t it. That’s where we’re at and 382 00:28:08,140 –> 00:28:10,140 It won’t be easy 383 00:28:11,020 –> 00:28:12,339 It 384 00:28:12,339 –> 00:28:19,540 Means moving from the mindset that says the church exists for me and therefore what’s most important is how I like it 385 00:28:20,359 –> 00:28:22,359 That’s the comfort mentality 386 00:28:22,579 –> 00:28:23,920 To 387 00:28:23,920 –> 00:28:31,260 A different mindset that says the church is Christ’s it exists for Christ and therefore what matters is how his work can best be? 388 00:28:31,459 –> 00:28:32,560 accomplished 389 00:28:32,560 –> 00:28:34,560 and so I framed this 390 00:28:34,819 –> 00:28:40,260 Second question that I now want to lay before you as I’ve tried to ponder at myself what price 391 00:28:41,439 –> 00:28:45,500 What price are you ready to pay for the advance of the gospel? 392 00:28:46,520 –> 00:28:48,520 See we desire to be a church more 393 00:28:48,939 –> 00:28:54,319 Responsive to Christ where it’s desire to be people who are more useful in the work of Christ’s kingdom 394 00:28:55,180 –> 00:28:56,199 this 395 00:28:56,199 –> 00:28:58,199 readiness to pay a price this 396 00:28:58,680 –> 00:29:03,300 Readiness to move outside of the comfort zone is critical to that path 397 00:29:04,959 –> 00:29:09,199 Jesus said look you want to be my disciple. That’s what you’re saying 398 00:29:09,900 –> 00:29:15,459 here’s what it looks like you’re going to have to deny yourself and take up your cross and 399 00:29:15,459 –> 00:29:21,119 Follow me. You’ll be on the cross. It’ll be painful. It will stretch you out and 400 00:29:21,939 –> 00:29:25,020 Your life will flow into the world as a result. That’s how it happens 401 00:29:26,280 –> 00:29:28,280 There isn’t another way 402 00:29:31,319 –> 00:29:33,319 Reputation 403 00:29:33,699 –> 00:29:41,160 The ability to position yourself for us to position ourselves for growing usefulness to Christ 404 00:29:41,660 –> 00:29:43,760 a 405 00:29:43,760 –> 00:29:45,599 readiness 406 00:29:45,599 –> 00:29:51,859 The ability to adapt and change for the advance of the gospel, even when it’s costly to pay a price 407 00:29:54,300 –> 00:29:56,300 To move outside of the comfort zone 408 00:30:00,079 –> 00:30:02,079 Here’s the third thing recognition 409 00:30:02,640 –> 00:30:04,680 when I say recognition don’t think of 410 00:30:05,599 –> 00:30:10,040 Trophies or medals or awards or anything like that. We’re talking about the ability to 411 00:30:10,260 –> 00:30:11,819 discern 412 00:30:11,819 –> 00:30:17,040 The call of God on your life at any given time now. This is critical 413 00:30:18,439 –> 00:30:25,880 Individually and for us together if we are to have growing usefulness to Christ the ability to discern 414 00:30:26,060 –> 00:30:30,699 The call of God on your life at any given time 415 00:30:32,380 –> 00:30:36,780 Are you able to recognize the voice of God that’s a huge question 416 00:30:37,640 –> 00:30:39,939 and a key to usefulness 417 00:30:41,020 –> 00:30:42,479 or 418 00:30:42,479 –> 00:30:44,479 Are you deaf to the Spirit? 419 00:30:47,400 –> 00:30:48,459 Are 420 00:30:48,459 –> 00:30:51,939 We able to discern the promptings of the Lord 421 00:30:52,859 –> 00:30:56,599 That moves his living body forward into action 422 00:30:57,959 –> 00:30:59,959 and to follow 423 00:31:00,260 –> 00:31:02,260 You 424 00:31:04,680 –> 00:31:10,780 See the ability to discern what God is saying individually and together is crucial to our usefulness 425 00:31:15,479 –> 00:31:20,859 see corporate ability to discern the direction of the Holy Spirit is very different from an 426 00:31:22,939 –> 00:31:25,339 Individualistic self-confident, this is what I want 427 00:31:30,479 –> 00:31:31,839 How 428 00:31:31,839 –> 00:31:33,839 Do you discern? 429 00:31:34,500 –> 00:31:36,420 the leading and the prompting of the Lord 430 00:31:36,420 –> 00:31:41,819 I won’t suggest to you three green lights that I’ve found to be very helpful over many years in my own life 431 00:31:41,819 –> 00:31:45,540 I think they’ve been attested through history and or clear in Scripture 432 00:31:46,140 –> 00:31:50,819 Normally, you would look to find these three showing together though. They may come in any 433 00:31:51,459 –> 00:31:57,319 Assortment of orders they may come in any order. Let me give you the three and comment on them briefly in our desire 434 00:31:57,979 –> 00:32:02,780 Our word confirmation and an open door three green lights 435 00:32:04,439 –> 00:32:06,439 That you should look for as 436 00:32:07,780 –> 00:32:12,060 Marks that enable you to discern the prompting of the Lord 437 00:32:14,699 –> 00:32:16,699 Inner desire 438 00:32:17,300 –> 00:32:22,780 One way that you will know that God is calling you to do something is that he’ll give you an intense desire to do it 439 00:32:22,780 –> 00:32:24,239 He’ll 440 00:32:24,239 –> 00:32:28,280 Lay it on your heart. It’ll be in your mind. You keep thinking about it talking about it 441 00:32:28,280 –> 00:32:33,339 You keep being brought back to it. It somehow comes up in all kinds of conversations. You cannot shake it off 442 00:32:34,380 –> 00:2:37,459 and we will see as we follow Timothy’s progress that this 443 00:32:37,760 –> 00:32:43,219 Desire for the ministry that he’s engaged in just grows and grows within him now 444 00:32:43,219 –> 00:32:46,099 This is not always the first sign of God’s call 445 00:32:47,099 –> 00:32:52,160 Remember other people may be able to discern what God is calling you to do before you do 446 00:32:52,180 –> 00:32:54,619 They may see your gifts before you see them 447 00:32:54,619 –> 00:32:59,439 They may encourage you before you actually get how useful you could be in any given area 448 00:32:59,579 –> 00:33:03,880 So it’s not always the first sign, but it is a green light that you should look for 449 00:33:04,959 –> 00:33:06,959 It may be 450 00:33:07,760 –> 00:33:09,760 That others see this first 451 00:33:10,719 –> 00:33:17,439 But it will be a normal part of Christian experience that your heart will be in what you are doing 452 00:33:18,359 –> 00:33:19,579 and 453 00:33:19,579 –> 00:33:23,579 If you find that that is no longer the case, it may well be that God is actually 454 00:33:24,339 –> 00:33:28,959 Loosening the soil around your roots to prepare you for the next assignment 455 00:33:29,979 –> 00:33:31,979 How else would he do that? 456 00:33:33,459 –> 00:33:37,459 But it’s not just inner desire it also involves an outward confirmation 457 00:33:37,640 –> 00:33:42,040 You see Timothy’s ministry was not just something that he desired to pursue himself 458 00:33:42,040 –> 00:33:47,859 it was confirmed by the church at Lystra now there are many references to this but 459 00:33:48,439 –> 00:33:52,439 1 timothy 4 and verse 14 is particularly important 460 00:33:52,660 –> 00:33:57,380 where we’re told that about an occasion when the elders of the church at Lystra 461 00:33:57,739 –> 00:34:03,479 His local church the elders of the church had gathered round Timothy. They laid hands on him and they prayed and 462 00:34:04,219 –> 00:34:07,199 While they were engaged in that time of prayer over 463 00:34:07,260 –> 00:34:10,139 Timothy someone spoke a prophetic word 464 00:34:11,399 –> 00:34:17,580 Is what we’re told in 1 timothy chapter 4 and verse 14 in other words they were prompted by the spirit of God to say something 465 00:34:18,439 –> 00:34:25,060 Which when they said what they did whatever it was were not told about Timothy all of the other elders and Paul and Timothy all 466 00:34:25,060 –> 00:34:31,459 Knew that it was God who had spoken this word and that this was the truth and that this was what was being said about 467 00:34:31,459 –> 00:34:34,879 Timothy in his ministry we don’t know what that word was and we don’t need to 468 00:34:35,560 –> 00:34:37,679 But the point that’s important for us is this 469 00:34:39,000 –> 00:34:43,379 The timothy didn’t just drift into ministry there was a clear sense that God 470 00:34:44,399 –> 00:34:46,500 Had given this direction to his life 471 00:34:46,500 –> 00:34:50,600 And it wasn’t just his own inner sense of that the mattered 472 00:34:50,600 –> 00:34:55,600 It was that others within the body of Christ also discerned it and affirmed it 473 00:34:57,560 –> 00:35:02,260 Now if this is the pattern as indeed it is in the new testament of discerning calling 474 00:35:02,659 –> 00:35:03,979 It doesn’t happen alone 475 00:35:04,120 –> 00:35:06,120 but it involves the body 476 00:35:06,120 –> 00:35:08,040 Here’s the important question for us 477 00:35:09,280 –> 00:35:13,239 Who are the Timothys in this church today? 478 00:35:15,739 –> 00:35:19,639 Now it’s a very important question because if we are praying as 479 00:35:20,560 –> 00:35:22,560 Jesus taught us to pray 480 00:35:23,100 –> 00:35:25,100 We’ll be looking for the timothy’s 481 00:35:26,199 –> 00:35:31,939 See Jesus taught us to pray. He said the fields are white to harvest. So what are we to do? 482 00:35:32,560 –> 00:35:36,919 We’re to pray that God will send laborers into the harvest field 483 00:35:37,879 –> 00:35:39,879 We’re to pray for that 484 00:35:40,219 –> 00:35:41,360 now if 485 00:35:41,360 –> 00:35:43,360 individually and as a body we are 486 00:35:43,659 –> 00:35:49,659 seriously praying as Jesus taught us to pray that laborers will be sent out into the 487 00:35:50,020 –> 00:35:55,459 harvest field then surely we will be opening our eyes from our prayers and saying well, who is that I 488 00:35:56,639 –> 00:35:58,659 mean who is there and especially 489 00:35:59,580 –> 00:36:01,580 younger people 490 00:36:02,100 –> 00:36:05,260 who have a good reputation and 491 00:36:06,500 –> 00:36:09,060 Show our readiness for sacrifice and a 492 00:36:09,600 –> 00:36:11,600 flexibility of attitude and 493 00:36:11,979 –> 00:36:16,840 Have the fingerprints of God all over the ministry that they’re doing here right now 494 00:36:17,060 –> 00:36:22,560 To such an extent that the right thing for the church would be to say let us release that man 495 00:36:22,560 –> 00:36:24,820 That woman so that they can give themselves 496 00:36:25,739 –> 00:36:32,620 24-7 to the work that they’re already doing and do it some place else at some part of the world for the advance of the Gospel 497 00:36:32,620 –> 00:36:34,620 And for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom 498 00:36:34,719 –> 00:36:41,419 Let’s get away from this idea that those who are called to serve are simply the volunteers who get that idea themselves 499 00:36:42,639 –> 00:36:45,719 What about the church as a discerning body? 500 00:36:46,540 –> 00:36:51,179 Identifying those who are most gifted to be sent out for the advance of the gospel 501 00:36:52,179 –> 00:36:54,179 There’s a key to usefulness 502 00:36:54,699 –> 00:36:56,699 engagement of others 503 00:36:58,020 –> 00:37:00,219 Who should you be speaking to encouraging? 504 00:37:01,600 –> 00:37:04,899 prompting not necessarily for full-time ministry, but 505 00:37:05,580 –> 00:37:07,580 but to take a step forward 506 00:37:08,340 –> 00:37:12,340 To see you know you have something in you that could be offered into the hands of Christ 507 00:37:14,479 –> 00:37:16,479 In our desire 508 00:37:17,020 –> 00:37:19,020 Out her confirmation 509 00:37:20,399 –> 00:37:22,379 The third thing is the unopened door 510 00:37:22,379 –> 00:37:25,179 it’s always the confirmation that comes by way of 511 00:37:26,699 –> 00:37:34,959 Call from God is an open door of opportunity and in this case of course it happened for Timothy when Paul arrived at Lystra and 512 00:37:36,179 –> 00:37:40,020 Here’s Timothy. Can you imagine it faithfully serving the Lord in the local church? 513 00:37:41,060 –> 00:37:43,060 and suddenly Paul turns up and 514 00:37:43,520 –> 00:37:48,399 Invites him to be the apprentice wow what an opportunity see be faithful 515 00:37:49,120 –> 00:37:53,659 In whatever Christ has given you to do now do it with all your heart 516 00:37:53,919 –> 00:38:00,820 Do it so others will see the effectiveness of what you’re doing you never know how you may be at this very moment being 517 00:38:00,840 –> 00:38:05,500 Measured for a larger task that God already has in store for you, and who knows what that is 518 00:38:07,560 –> 00:38:09,560 Three green lights 519 00:38:11,080 –> 00:38:16,439 Timothy didn’t drift into ministry. He was given this great desire there was outward confirmation 520 00:38:16,439 –> 00:38:22,020 It was an open door of opportunity. Timothy, when it gets tough remember this wasn’t just your idea God called you 521 00:38:24,560 –> 00:38:28,800 Now I have found this to be very very helpful in my own life over many years 522 00:38:31,520 –> 00:38:35,899 Why are Karen and I committing ourselves 523 00:38:36,979 –> 00:38:41,260 again to ministry here at Arlington after 10 years 524 00:38:41,419 –> 00:38:44,899 Three answers. It’s our inner desire 525 00:38:45,500 –> 00:38:52,419 We’ve received in many ways the external confirmation of other people and of the congregation and 526 00:38:54,100 –> 00:38:59,959 Boy do I see a wide open door of opportunity for the advance of the gospel in our ministry together 527 00:39:01,800 –> 00:39:02,979 Now you see here’s the question 528 00:39:02,979 –> 00:39:06,520 This is the third question and the last one for this morning as again 529 00:39:06,520 –> 00:39:09,459 I tried to frame it for myself and now share it with you 530 00:39:09,820 –> 00:39:14,560 Are you walking with Christ in such a way that you can discern? 531 00:39:14,919 –> 00:39:16,919 What he is calling you to do 532 00:39:19,179 –> 00:39:24,159 So when a person is sitting in the congregation and and they go out on a Sunday morning and they say you know 533 00:39:24,159 –> 00:39:26,919 I sense that God has spoken to me 534 00:39:28,000 –> 00:39:33,580 That’s an evidence that that person is walking with the Lord to the point where their ears are open now 535 00:39:33,580 –> 00:39:35,580 Are you in that position? 536 00:39:36,139 –> 00:39:37,560 or 537 00:39:37,560 –> 00:39:39,560 Are your ears clogged that? 538 00:39:40,120 –> 00:39:45,100 Even if God were to speak to call and to prompt you you just wouldn’t hear it 539 00:39:48,060 –> 00:39:51,699 Jesus spoke again again about folks who have ears but do not hear 540 00:39:54,919 –> 00:39:57,959 When was the last time that you’ve felt that the Lord was 541 00:39:58,459 –> 00:40:03,280 Prompting you to take a new venture of faith and you knew it was the Lord that was prompting you to do it 542 00:40:03,379 –> 00:40:05,379 When 543 00:40:05,520 –> 00:40:12,199 Was the last time that you sensed in a deep way that the Lord was speaking to you in a direct and a personal way 544 00:40:12,199 –> 00:40:16,919 Are you walking with the Lord in such a way that you would be able to discern? 545 00:40:19,340 –> 00:40:24,739 You see an our ability to do that together is only a reflection of the degree to which we’re able to do it individually 546 00:40:25,100 –> 00:40:27,100 So 547 00:40:28,560 –> 00:40:32,020 We’re talking this morning about what it really means to be a 548 00:40:32,399 –> 00:40:38,699 That is more responsive to the calling of Christ. a people who are more useful for Christ and for his kingdom 549 00:40:39,199 –> 00:40:41,199 Here is where it is at 550 00:40:42,679 –> 00:40:44,679 Reputation 551 00:40:45,320 –> 00:40:51,300 What change can you make that will make you more useful to Christ 552 00:40:52,120 –> 00:40:54,120 Readiness 553 00:40:55,260 –> 00:41:00,840 What price will you pay for the advanced of the gospel and 554 00:41:02,979 –> 00:41:09,879 Recognition are you walking with Christ in such a way that you are able to discern 555 00:41:11,979 –> 00:41:13,979 What he has calling you to do 556 00:41:13,979 –> 00:41:15,979 As 557 00:41:18,659 –> 00:41:25,600 I’ve pondered these things and try to apply them to my own life as a preacher must always do I 558 00:41:29,979 –> 00:41:33,139 Found myself wanting to respond in prayer 559 00:41:35,659 –> 00:41:39,139 So I’ve written a prayer that I’d like just to read through you and 560 00:41:40,000 –> 00:41:44,179 Then we can make it our own together in just a moment’s time. It’s quite short 561 00:41:45,300 –> 00:41:47,300 see you only hear this for a 562 00:41:48,179 –> 00:41:50,120 while in the morning, I’ve 563 00:41:50,120 –> 00:41:53,439 Lived with it for much of this week, and here’s what its brought me 564 00:41:54,739 –> 00:41:57,419 See if this is what it brings you Lord 565 00:41:59,239 –> 00:42:01,239 Help me to grow 566 00:42:02,320 –> 00:42:04,760 So that I may become more useful to you 567 00:42:05,239 –> 00:42:07,540 Strengthen me to bear the cost 568 00:42:10,439 –> 00:42:12,879 So that the gospel may advance through me 569 00:42:15,459 –> 00:42:17,459 Help me to walk with you 570 00:42:18,760 –> 00:42:24,820 So that I will be in a position to discern what it is that you want me to do, that’s the prayer 571 00:42:28,260 –> 00:42:31,000 Now don’t you want to be that kind of Christian 572 00:42:31,100 –> 00:42:33,100 And 573 00:42:36,620 –> 00:42:39,919 Don’t you want that we should be that kind of church 574 00:42:42,620 –> 00:42:45,820 Let’s bow in God’s presence and make this prayer ours together 575 00:42:48,919 –> 00:42:50,919 Lord 576 00:42:52,419 –> 00:42:54,419 Help me to grow 577 00:42:57,179 –> 00:42:59,739 So that I may become more useful to you 578 00:43:01,879 –> 00:43:03,879 Strengthen 579 00:43:05,120 –> 00:43:07,120 Me to bear the cost 580 00:43:09,979 –> 00:43:11,979 Make me ready to pay the price 581 00:43:14,739 –> 00:43:17,219 So that your gospel may advanced through my life 582 00:43:22,679 –> 00:43:27,560 Help me to walk with you in such a way that I may hear your voice and discern 583 00:43:28,639 –> 00:43:30,639 What it is that you want me to do? 584 00:43:31,540 –> 00:43:35,879 And be responsive to the promptings of your holy spirit 585 00:43:39,239 –> 00:43:41,820 Make me that kind of Christian 586 00:43:43,219 –> 00:43:45,100 and 587 00:43:45,100 –> 00:43:47,199 Make us that kind of church 588 00:43:50,439 –> 00:43:53,080 That we may be more and more useful to you 589 00:43:55,199 –> 00:43:57,560 Until the day when we see you face to face 590 00:43:57,800 –> 00:44:00,379 These things we ask in Jesus name 591 00:44:05,459 –> 00:44:10,699 You’ve been listening to a sermon with pastor Colin Smith of Open the Bible. To contact us call us at 592 00:44:11,600 –> 00:44:17,080 1-877-Open-365 Or Visit our Web site OpenTheBible.org 593 00:44:27,560 –> 00:44:29,560 You