Archives for July 2020

Good morning,

John 14 is a book of comfort. We learn about our new home, the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, that believers can do the works that Christ did, the promise of the Comforter, and sweet peace for believers.

Promise of the Comforter (14:16-26)

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;¹⁷ Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.¹⁸ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.¹⁹ Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.²⁰ At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.²¹ He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. ²² Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?²³ Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.²⁴ He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.²⁵ These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Here is true comfort. Jesus is leaving. Jesus says He is also coming back. In the interim, The Father will give us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, who will live within us, guide, and teach us.

This is crucial for our continued growth in Christ. The still small voice, the gentle nudge to do right, and the conviction when we have done wrong. The Holy Spirit is relentless in keeping believers on the straight and narrow path.

Sweet peace for believers (14:27-31)

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.²⁸ Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.²⁹ And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.³⁰ Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.³¹ But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.”

The world is looking for peace, but there is no peace. The world is looking in the wrong place. Jesus Christ is the Prince of peace. He gives all believers who trust in Him, His peace.

How do we deal with the stresses of life? Only through knowing Jesus Christ and His word. Peace and comfort come from the word of God. The God of heaven is bigger than any problem we have on earth. God knows each one of us inside and out. He is able to take care of all our heartaches.

Our problem is unbelief. We fail to go to God for His help. He will comfort and give us peace, if we will trust Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

John 14 is a book of comfort. We learn about our new home, the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, that believers can do the works that Christ did, the promise of the Comforter, and sweet peace for believers.

Believers can do the works Christ did (14:12-15)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.¹³ And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.¹⁴ If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.¹⁵ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

There are three things to glean from these verses.

First, we are able to do greater works than Christ. How can that be? Jesus is God. Communicating the gospel, in Jesus time, was in small gatherings, one on one, or in the homes of believers. Some trusted Christ, but not many.

After Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, many more came to Christ. At Pentecost 3,000 souls were saved. Today through radio, television, internet, and mass evangelistic meetings, souls are being saved on a daily basis. These same tools allow the new believer the opportunity to get sound Bible teaching in their homes.

Second, is the study and obedience to God’s word. Everything God wanted us to know is found in the Bible. Without a knowledge of God’s word, we will not know God’s will for our lives. Studying the Scriptures is important. Obedience to what God commands is the basis for loving Jesus.

Third, prayer. Jesus said if you pray in His name, He would answer that prayer. Our prayers must be in line with the Scriptural principles Jesus taught. If our prayers are for worldly pursuits, not in line with what Scripture says, demeans the work of Christ, then Jesus is not obligated to answer our prayer. However, when we pray in Jesus name, upholding the Scriptural principles He taught, exalting His name, He hears our prayers and will answer, yes, no, or wait.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

John 14 is a book of comfort. We learn about our new home, the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, that believers can do the works that Christ did, the promise of the Comforter, and sweet peace for believers.

John 14

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (14:26)

Introduction

Christ tells of His return (14:1-6)

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.⁴ And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.⁵ Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

To know Jesus is to know the Father (14:7-11)

⁷ If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.⁸ Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.⁹ Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?¹⁰ Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

Believers can do the works Christ did (14:12-15)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.¹³ And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.¹⁴ If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.¹⁵ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Promise of the Comforter (14:16-26)

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;¹⁷ Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.¹⁸ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.¹⁹ Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.²⁰ At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.²¹ He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. ²² Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?²³ Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.²⁴ He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.²⁵ These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Sweet peace for believers (14:27-31)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.²⁸ Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.²⁹ And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.³⁰ Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.³¹ But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

CONCLUSION

Christ tells of His return

To know Jesus is to know the Father

Believers can do the works Christ did

Promise of the Comforter

Sweet peace for believers

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

John 14 is a book of comfort. We learn about our new home, the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, that believers can do the works that Christ did, the promise of the Comforter, and sweet peace for believers.

To know Jesus is to know the Father (14:7-11)

“If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.⁸ Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.⁹ Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?¹⁰ Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.”

We serve a triune God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. One God with three different functions. God the Son speaks the words given to Him by God the Father. Jesus is always bringing honor to God the Father. Never to Himself.

“I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30) When Jesus made this statement the Jews took up stones to stone Him. Jesus claims to be God, because He is God.

Jesus was teaching His disciples that He is God. He was giving them a lesson about the relationship between God the Father and God the Son.

Knowing that Jesus is God should be a comfort to us. Since He knows everything, He knows us. He knows our joys, sorrows, and trials. He hears our prayers and has the power to answer them. Yet He knows what is best in every situation. He answers our prayers according to His will.

What a blessing to have the triune God working in unity on my behalf.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

John 14 is a book of comfort. We learn about our new home, the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, that believers can do the works that Christ did, the promise of the Comforter, and sweet peace for believers.

Christ tells of His return (14:1-6)

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.⁴ And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.⁵ Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The chapter opens with words of comfort. “Let not your heart be troubled…” Why? Because Jesus is going to prepare a place for us. He then promises to come back for them. Also, where He lives, they would also live. Then He tells them that He is the way, truth, and life.

This portion of Scripture is associated with our heavenly mansion. But is that really the most important lesson?

Jesus would soon die for the sins of all mankind. Those who trust Christ by faith will have their sin debt paid. They will have eternal life waiting for them. And they will have the privilege to spend all of eternity with the one who bought their pardon on the cross.

The key lesson is that all true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will spent eternity with their Savior. It will be a personal relationship. We will see Him face to face. We will speak to Him, ask Him questions, and be taught by Him.

That is true comfort.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will look at 1 Timothy 1.

Timothy was a young preacher, lead to Christ by Paul. Paul is now writing to Timothy words of encouragement, challenge, and a charge on how to best minister to the church at Ephesus.

We will look at an introduction to 1 Timothy, the warning against false teachers, the Lord’s grace to Paul, and the purpose of Paul’s instruction to Timothy.

The purpose of Paul’s instructions to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-20)

“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;¹⁹ Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:²⁰ Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

Paul now charges Timothy, his son in the faith, be diligent to the word of God (prophecies), be faithful, and have a good conscience. Why? To be able to stand firm against those who would pervert the faith. Paul was beset by enemies who tried to discredit him and his ministry.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Every single day we are in a spiritual fight. Satan does not want us to succeed. He wants to thwart our witness for Christ. He wants us to stumble in our walk with the Lord. He uses discouragement, pride, and self-righteousness as some of his weapons.

God wants us to continue to minister for Him. Witness, disciple, and encourage others in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Will we follow Paul’s charge to Timothy or Satan’s call to the wicked?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will look at 1 Timothy 1.

Timothy was a young preacher, lead to Christ by Paul. Paul is now writing to Timothy words of encouragement, challenge, and a charge on how to best minister to the church at Ephesus.

We will look at an introduction to 1 Timothy, the warning against false teachers, the Lord’s grace to Paul, and the purpose of Paul’s instruction to Timothy.

The Lord’s grace to Paul (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;¹³ Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.¹⁵ This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.¹⁶ Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.¹⁷ Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Paul thanks Jesus Christ for his call into the ministry and his salvation. He testifies to his wicked past, how he obtained mercy, and then closes with praise to the eternal, immortal, invisible, and only wise God. Paul’s salvation was real. From day one, he was being trained to minister for Christ.

All believers in Christ have a similar testimony to Paul. The circumstances are different, but each of us were sinners, away from God. We obtained mercy from God through Christ’s death, burial, resurrection on our behalf. Jesus paid for our sin debt at Calvary.

God has called every believer to some ministry for Him. Not all the servants of God in the Bible were full time prophets or missionaries. Many were ordinary people, doing ordinary things, telling others about who Jesus is, what He did for them, and how they could also have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Have you embraced the ministry God has given you? Do you have a testimony of how God saved you? Are you willing to share it with others? How important is Jesus Christ in your life?

Our challenge is to be busy about the ministry God has given us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will look at 1 Timothy 1.

Timothy was a young preacher, lead to Christ by Paul. Paul is now writing to Timothy words of encouragement, challenge, and a charge on how to best minister to the church at Ephesus.

1 TIMOTHY 1

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

INTRODUCTION

Greeting (1 Timothy 1:1-2)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;² Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Warning against false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3-11)

The nature of the heresy (1 Timothy 1:3-7)

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, ⁴ Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. ⁵ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:⁶ From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;⁷ Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

The purpose of the Law (1 Timothy 1:8-11)

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;⁹ Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,¹⁰ For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;¹¹ According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

The Lord’s grace to Paul (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;¹³ Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.¹⁵ This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.¹⁶ Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.¹⁷ Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The purpose of Paul’s instructions to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-20)

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;¹⁹ Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:²⁰ Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

CONCLUSION

Beware of false teachers

Rehearse the grace of God to you

Praise God for His goodness

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will look at 1 Timothy 1.

Timothy was a young preacher, lead to Christ by Paul. Paul is now writing to Timothy words of encouragement, challenge, and a charge on how to best minister to the church at Ephesus.

We will look at an introduction to 1 Timothy, the warning against false teachers, the Lord’s grace to Paul, and the purpose of Paul’s instruction to Timothy.

Greeting (1 Timothy 1:1-2)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;² Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Warning against false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3-11)

The nature of the heresy (1 Timothy 1:3-7)

“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, ⁴ Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. ⁵ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:⁶ From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;⁷ Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”

People were opposing the presentation of the gospel. They taught false doctrine, engaged others in meaningless debates, and claimed to be leaders of the faith. Their motives were not pure. They lacked love.

Paul tells Timothy to teach the Ephesians correct doctrine in love.

When we present the gospel to others, we must do it in love. Not argumentative or being overbearing. Love wins people to Christ.

The purpose of the Law (1 Timothy 1:8-11)

 ^“But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;⁹ Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,¹⁰ For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;¹¹ According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”

What was the purpose of the law? To show men and women that they were sinners who could not keep the law. They needed a blood atonement for their sins. God directed them to sacrifice animals. However, that was not sufficient.

“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.² For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.³ But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.⁴ For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:1-4)

The law points the lost to Jesus. He is the perfect lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of all mankind.

“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:¹² But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;¹³ From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.” (Hebrews 10:11-13)

We need to tell others about how Jesus paid the sin debt that we owed, but could not pay.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will look at 1 Timothy 1.

Timothy was a young preacher, lead to Christ by Paul. Paul is now writing to Timothy words of encouragement, challenge, and a charge on how to best minister to the church at Ephesus.

We will look at an introduction to 1 Timothy, the warning against false teachers, the Lord’s grace to Paul, and the purpose of Paul’s instruction to Timothy.

Introduction to 1 Timothy

AUTHOR: The apostle Paul, as stated in the salutation (1Ti 1:1). The internal evidence certainly supports Paul as the author, especially references to his earlier life (1Ti 1:13), and the close relationship between the author and Timothy (1Ti 1:2; cf. Ph 2:22).

RECIPIENT: Timothy, Paul’s “true son in the faith” (1Ti 1:2,18). We are first introduced to Timothy in Ac 16:1-3, where we learn that his mother was Jewish (cf. also 2 Ti 1:5; 3:14-15) and his father Greek. Well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium, Paul desired that the young disciple travel with him and therefore had him circumcised to accommodate Jews they would seek to evangelize. This began a long relationship of service together in the work of the Lord, in which Timothy served Paul as a son would his father (Ph 2:19-24). Such service included not only traveling with Paul, but remaining with new congregations when Paul had to leave suddenly (Ac 17:13-14), going back to encourage such congregations (1 Th 3:1-3), and serving as Paul’s personal emissary (1 Co 16:10-11; Ph 2:19-24). He had the honor of joining Paul in the salutation of several epistles written by Paul (2 Co 1:1; Ph 1:1; Co 1:1; 1 Th 1:1; 2 Th 1:1), and from such epistles we learn that Timothy had been with Paul during his imprisonment at Rome. Such faithful service helps us to appreciate why Paul would leave him in Ephesus (1Ti 1:3)

TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING: 

Paul wrote this epistle from Macedonia, following his first imprisonment in Rome (cf. Ac 28:16, 30-31). Paul was released and allowed to travel for several years before being arrested again and finally put to death by Nero. It is possible to conjecture from several references in his epistles that he went to places like Philippi (Ph 1:26; 2:24), Colossae (Phile 22), and even Spain (Ro 15:24,28). With more certainty his destinations included Ephesus (where he left Timothy, 1 Ti 1:3), Macedonia (where he wrote 1st Timothy, 1 Ti 1:3), Crete (where he left Titus, Tit 1:5), Miletus (2 Ti 4:20), Corinth (2 Ti 4:20), and a winter at Nicopolis (Tit 3:12). Any attempt to determine the exact order of these visits is pure speculation, however. If 1st Timothy was indeed written during this period, the date would be around 63-64 A.D.

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: Paul had left Timothy behind at Ephesus with an awesome responsibility: to charge some not to teach anything contrary to the “sound doctrine” which was according to the “glorious gospel of the blessed God” (1Ti 1:3-11). Fulfilling this charge was made difficult by Timothy’s youth and natural timidity (1Ti 4:11-12; cf. 2 Ti 1:7-8). While Paul hoped to come himself, he writes Timothy to guide him in the meantime (1 Ti 3:14-15).

So how does this impact us?

When Paul got saved, he began the life long mission of learning about Christ, proclaiming Christ, and discipling or equipping others.

What have we done since we have been saved? It is our responsibility to know and obey God’s word. If we are doing that, then the natural outcome will be an overwhelming desire to tell others about how they can become believers in Christ. Once the lost become saved, then they need to learn about who Jesus is, what the Bible says, how that applies to them, and be challenged to share their faith with others.

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

This is what the great commission is all about. Reaching the world for Christ.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Are we doing our part?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001