ORDERS ARE ORDERS

II TIMOTHY 4

Pastor Rick Jackson

Several months ago a missionary and I were discussing the state of churches in the U.S. and he told me that many solid fundamental churches are facing declining numbers, unfaithful members and difficult situations. A few weeks ago I sat down with a pastor from Union County and learned he has been having similar problems retaining members as we have had here at BBC. One of our members spoke with a church with uber-nice facilities in Keystone and yet they are facing dwindling numbers. Yesterday a local pastor of a good sound church in the area shared with me that despite declining attendance, about half ours, he would not succumb to the temptation of bringing in worldly music. We both also agreed that we would not stop preaching the Word as well. Why not bring in questionable music? Why not quit teaching the parts of the Bible that make people uneasy? There are many reasons but one is simply, “Orders are Orders!”

I. THE PROBLEM OF CARNAL CHRISTIANS [v. 3-4]

1. Dislike Solid Teaching [v. 3]

2. Delight in Superficial Teachers [v. 4]

3. Decide Fables Supplant Truth [v. 4b]

II. THE PRESENCE OF CHALLENGING CONDITIONS [v. 1-2]

1. The Preeminence of the Word [v. 1, 3:15-17]

2. The Presence of God [v. 1, Galatians 1:20]

Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
1 Timothy 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

3. The Person of Christ [v. 1]

III. THE POWER OF A CONSIDERABLE CHARGE [v. 2, 5]

1. Preach the Word [v. 2, Galatians 1:10]

2. Persevere the Watch [v. 5a]

3. Prove the Work [v. 5b]