Tonight, I want us to consider some famous last words. Not mine, but the last words of the apostle Paul to Timothy. 2 Timothy is Paul¡¦s last known letter before he was beheaded
In 2 Timothy chapter 4, Paul gives Timothy three ESSENTIALS for a fruitful ministry.
In verse 1, Paul reminds Timothy (and us) of the importance of what he¡¦s about to share.
Read = 2 Timothy 4:1
The first ESSENTIAL is: SHARE THE TRUTH! (4:2-4)
Read= 2 Timothy 4:2-4
You got to KNOW IT before you can SOW IT. (2 Tim. 3:14-16; 2 Tim. 2:15)
The Word of God is what both sinners and saints need.
IL- The Hand: hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate.
APPL- What steps are you taking now to learn and apply the Bible to your life?
You got to SOW what you KNOW. (it¡¦s amazing what can happen when we sow the Word)
Read= 1 Timothy 4:11-13
The second ESSENTIAL is: Reach the Lost! (4:5-8)
Read= 2 Tim. 4:8
A. All believers are called to do evangelism! (2 Cor. 5:14-20; Acts 20:24)
Read= 2 Corinthians 5
Read= Acts 20
B. Evangelism is relational, intentional and it involves sacrifice. (1 Cor. 9:19-23)
Read= 1 Corinthians 9
There are two things you can do on earth that you can¡¦t do in heaven..one is sin; the other is witness. What do you think we should be doing?
For the believer, this life is a close to hell that we¡¦ll ever get. But sadly, for unbelievers, this life is as close to heaven they will get.
What steps can you take to get started?
Step#1: Look Around. Your mission field is right where you are. List names of individuals you know who need Christ, whom you will pray regularly.
Step#2: Look Up. God changes people through prayer. Pray daily for your list and that God would give you opportunities to share His love with them.
Step#3: Look Out. Look for ways to cultivate friendships with others and earn their confidence.
Spend time with them.
The third ESSENTIAL is: MAKE DISCIPLES at any cost! (4:9-22)
Read= 2Tim. 4:9-22
More than 17 people (most by name) are mentioned in this chapter alone; over 100 elsewhere.
What does that tell us about Paul? He invested in individuals.
A. Bringing someone to Christ is just the beginning! (1 Thes. 2:8)
1 Thessalonians 2
8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
APP. Ask God to give you one other person you can invest in.
What do you look for? Someone who¡¦s faithful, available, and teachable
Ask God to give you someone who will invest in you.
B. We need to multiply and produce reproducers (2 Tim. 2:2)
2 Timothy 2
2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
ILL- KP>>>Ward>>>>Doug>>>>Me>>>>Others
Personal Appl: What action does God want you to take? Is it to get serious about evang or discipleship