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November 12, 2023

The Ministry of the Minister (1 Timothy 4)

Preacher:
Passage: 1 Timothy 4
Service Type:

In the course of this sermon, we delved into the profound insights of 1 Timothy 4, where the Spirit expressly warns about the challenges the Church will face in the latter times. The urgency in these words resonates, akin to the Holy Spirit passionately trying to gain our attention amidst the noise of the world. Much like radio waves, cell signals, and TV broadcasts surround us, the Spirit is constantly speaking to us. To hear His voice, we need the right frequency—the Holy Spirit.

Just as a rabbit ear antenna tunes in to the right frequency for a TV signal, the Holy Spirit tunes our spirits to understand the Bible and the things of God. Authorization is crucial, much like the access code to a Wi-Fi signal. In the spiritual realm, we have the right to be sons of God, as stated in John 1:11. We possess the Bible—the right device—to decipher God's messages. The Spirit expressly warns of the last days, and we are urged to tune in, turning away from the distractions of the world.

As we explored the signs of the last days through prophecies in Matthew 24, Ezekiel, Romans 1, and Revelation, we observed the unfolding of events such as the re-establishment of Israel, the move towards a cashless society, the potential for a one-world currency, and the advancements in technology. In this context, the danger of apostasy becomes glaring. Cults often lure with a mix of truth and lies, and the departure from faith is marked by preaching the gospel of self-righteousness.

False teachers, disguised as angels of light, propagate lies, searing their consciences in the process. They impose legalistic burdens, forbidding marriage and commanding dietary restrictions not rooted in Scripture. The remedy lies in understanding that God created all things to be received with thanksgiving. Acts 10:9-16, depicting Peter's revelation about clean and unclean foods, emphasizes that we are sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.

To be a good minister, one must instruct based on the words of faith and good doctrine. We are to be nourished in the Word, which, like a nursing mother's milk, adapts to our spiritual growth. Rejecting profane fables and prioritizing godliness over legalism, we are reminded that bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable in this life and the one to come.

The faithful saying emphasizes trusting in the living God, the Savior of all, especially those who believe. Timothy, as a young minister, is encouraged to be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. Reading Scripture publicly, exhortation, and doctrine are pivotal for growth, requiring intentional study methods. The directive not to neglect spiritual gifts, accompanied by an understanding of personal gifts, underscores the importance of recognizing and utilizing them.

Meditating on these teachings and fully committing to them facilitates spiritual progress visible to all. The admonition to take heed to oneself and the doctrine stresses the impact on personal salvation and the salvation of those who hear. The alignment of one's life with the teachings ensures authenticity in ministry.

In summary, the Ministry of the Minister is a divine calling, demanding a qualified and instructed individual. As Pastor Allen Victor leads Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, we invite you to visit our church at 7510 Plantation Bay Drive N., Jacksonville, Florida. Let's continue to spread the message of faith, love, and purity in these crucial times.

#MinistryOfMinister #SpiritualGrowth #LastDaysWarning