SUCCESSION PLANNING
Pastor Lawrence continued our study this past Sunday, which Pastor Harry began last week, by utilizing Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1 and moving into the second chapter of the letter as well. What struck me most from the sermon was Paul encouraging Timothy to follow the pattern of the sound words Timothy had heard from Paul (see 2 Timothy 1:13). Ever since his encounter on the Damascus Road, Paul had followed the sound words of Jesus and is now asking Timothy to be part of the succession plan to continue the mission upon which Paul had embarked, i.e., spreading the Gospel.
Within Pastor Lawrence’s message, we find that there are those that persevered through Spiritual discipline (see Onesiphorus) and those that failed the perseverance test due to the lack of it (see Phygelus and Hermogenes).
1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB) gives us the purpose of Spiritual discipline. 7But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
The only road to Christian maturity and Godliness engages the practice of Spiritual disciplines. While Spiritual disciplines are ours to utilize in successfully persevering, the source that makes them successful is God:
2 Timothy 1 (NLT) 7For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Anyone that has accepted Jesus into their heart as Savior has been entrusted with the most precious of all gifts. Paul understands that he and Timothy both have received this gift in 2 Timothy 1:14 when he says “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us,”
Paul and Timothy both knew Godliness is a critical part of this present life and life to come beyond it. We see this evidence in Paul’s first letter to Timothy:
1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV) 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
As Christ-followers at Mosaic, let’s stay on the road to spiritual maturity and godliness, as encouraged by Paul’s letters to Timothy.
Thank you Mike for this helpful insight. Striving for godliness through self discipline is not an easy thing. One thing that I have found helpful is to replace (habituate) bad habits with good ones. For example, if you realize you are stingy practice being generous. This is not an easy thing to do and we must rely on the Holy Spirit. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Happy Father’s God. We love you.