The text for the sermon today is taken from 2 Tim 3.
2 Timothy 3:1-17 NIV
We hear terrible news everyday. Murders, rapes, robberies. A wildlife poacher was released.
Pastor Daniel first mentioned the theme of transformation of society during the 30th anniversary of the church. We can only transform the society by transforming the hearts of the people. We are in a race of life. We can only stand the tide of godlessness with the Word of God.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1. Marks of godless people
– self-centred and harsh (v1-5)
We read in Revelation that one day we will be given a number and we will operate by this number. Without this number we cannot do anything. We see governments of the world pushing for this.
If a family can go to court against one another, there is no love.
v1-5 listed 15 characteristics of the people in the days to come (or already here!) We see people compromising on quality and integrity.
– exploit the weak and vulnerable (v6,7)
People are taking advantages and exploiting the women, children, aliens, the poor and the marginalized. It breaks the heart of God when they are exploited and abused. If God is concerned about the poor and needy, we must be concerned about them too.
How do we treat our staff or domestic workers? As a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ? Are we fair to our business partners? Do we cheat them? Do we play them out? Do we scream and shout at out staff rather than talking to them in private? Do we treat with dignity the people who are at our mercy?
Here in DUMC, we ministries serving people with Down syndrome and dyslexia. The society may see this as not making economic sense as it doesn’t bring benefit. But God is concerned about them, so we are too.
– Oppose the truth (v8,9)
When truth is rejected, there will be all kinds of sins, crimes and corruptions.
From the Christian perspective, truth is in the form of a person, who is the person of Jesus Christ. The best thing that happen to us is knowing Jesus. We need to share Jesus to others. No one should be shortchanged.
There are those who oppose to truth because it is painful. The truth convicts them.
Truth will be suppressed in a godless society, which is self-centered.
2. Marks of a godly person
– Paul’s example in teaching and living (v10-12, 1 Cor 19:11, 1 Jn 5:19)
1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
Paul focussed on the Word of God.
Paul also shared about his life – his purpose and his passion.
We just need to look at the way a person live, the priority and the choices made, we can tell who he / she is. Some people’s lives are dictated by their friends (picking up every phone calls) or food.
A cell group that eats more grows more. No enemies can sit and eat together. When we eat together, we are celebrating friendship.
What are we passionate about? Are we passionate about the Word of God / sharing the Gospel / character building?
Paul also mentioned his sufferings and persecutions.
Sometimes we are persecuted when we follow God. It won’t be easy. Why is it that people who lie and cheat and get away with it? What is the difference between those in the prison and those who are committing crime out there – one is caught and one is not yet.
1 John 5:9 NIV
We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.
Romans 5:3-4 NIV
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Christians look at suffering differently. We don’t look for suffering. But we know something good will come out from it. When we live a Christlike life, we face difficulties and challenges. When we overcome the trials, we become more patient. Anyone who has not suffered in life is presumptions and proud. The pain, the heartache, confusion and hopelessness will make us stronger and more considerate.
– Instruction to Timothy (v14, 15)
a. Learn rightly from the Scripture
b. Live wisely for the Saviour
3. Place of Scripture for godly training
– Origin of Scripture (v16): God breathe. God inspires the authors to write the Bible, without shutting out the personality of the writer. The Holy Spirit guided the writer so they wrote what is intended.
– Purpose of the Scripture (v16, 17)
]a. Right training will always lead to right behaviour / living
Romans 15:4 NIV
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
We may not have a long lifespan but it can make a difference depending on our priorities and passion.
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