FAITH & God – Competitive
Foundation Verses 2:1-3
BE STRONG in Jesus Christ
ENTRUST teaching to reliables
For reliables to teach
JOIN in Suffering
Vs 5 competing
“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(G) except by competing according to the rules. “
COMPETING
Illus: pick a sport…..
Investment – $
Time
Sweat
Sacrifice
What is Paul trying to get across to Timothy…?
Paul doesn’t treat his FAITH lightly….
– Serious
– Continuous Commitment
– Don’t lose sight of it ???
He needs reminding?
How about us?
ACCORDING TO THE RULES
Golden Rule
MATTHEW 7 – NASB
12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
(13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.)
2 Great Commandments
MATTHEW 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”
Contrast:
Competition against ???
The big lie –
that our relationship with God can be replaced ….
that that can wait till later
We & TIMOTHY ARE FACING :
THE PERPETUAL FORK IN THE ROAD
How is my TIME best spent ?
What about when life is DIFFICULT ?
Isn’t easier better?
Why SACRIFICE when pursuit of pleasure is easier?