THANK GOD, IT’S JUST “SOME”
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, July 18, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
THANK GOD, IT’S JUST “SOME”
By Michael D. O’Neal – Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church – Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:1-6
Text: 1 Timothy 4:1
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Introduction: The Bible speaks of perilous times coming in the last days in 2 Tim. 3:1. It speaks of people departing from the faith in the last days in 1 Tim. 4:1.
I believe we are in the last days. Reading 1 Tim. 4 is like reading the front page of a modern newspaper. The characteristics listed there match our culture almost perfectly.
I have been pastoring God’s people since 1975. I have been pastoring this church since 1986. During this time I have seen Christians depart from the faith. I have seen Christians quit. I read 1 Tim. 4:1, and I draw comfort from the fact that it says that SOME shall depart from the faith. It does NOT say that ALL shall depart from the faith, praise God! It is true that I have seen some Christians give up on God, but I have also seen others who have grown in grace. I have seen Christians heading in both directions — some TOWARD the Lord and others AWAY from Him. I hope that you will be one of those who will go in the right direction. I also hope that you will be encouraged by the fact that, of those who DO go in the wrong, direction …
Thank God, it’s just SOME!!!!
I. WHILE SOME ARE GOING INTO FALSE DOCTRINE, SOME ARE GROWING IN FRUITFUL DISCERNMENT
2 Timothy 4:1-4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
A. Heart problems bring heresy
* John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
B. Hunger brings happiness
C. Humility builds honorable workers
* God uses people who have a servant’s heart to be the leaders of tomorrow. See Joshua,Elisha, Timothy, Titus, etc.
II. WHILE SOME ARE GRUMBLING WHINERS, SOME ARE GRATEFUL WINNERS
Luke 19:15-21 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
A. Some see the barriers; others see the blessings
B. Some see the foes; others see the friends
C. Some see the obstacles; others see the opportunities
III. WHILE SOME ARE GIVING UP, OTHERS ARE GAINING GROUND
2 Timothy 4:10-11 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
A. Some leave the preacher (2 Tim. 4:10), but others love him.
B. Some leave their practice (church attendance, work, etc.), but others love it.
C. Some leave their position (teaching a class, working on a bus route, etc.), but others love it.
D. Some leave their prospect (vision for the future), but others love it.
IV. WHILE SOME ARE GROWING COLD, OTHERS ARE GETTING CONSECRATED
Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
That church was told to do the first works! They had left their first love.
Revelation 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
That church was commended for having progressed beyond the first works!
A. Attendance at church
B. Association with a church
C. Attention during church
D. Activity in church