2 TIMOTHY
Pastor Rick Jackson
One of the greatest generals to live in the last 100 years
or so was General Douglas MacArthur, commander of the Allied Forces in the
Pacific during World War II. Perhaps best known for his, “I shall return”
promise to the Philippines. MacArthur made a list of “4 RULES OF SUCCESS”
in military battles. I do not know if he was basing them on Scripture (he
professed to be a Christian) but his list is indeed Scriptural. In fact, God
used the Apostle Paul to describe them almost 2000 years before MacArthur.
I. “A CAUSE TO DIE FOR” [2 Timothy 2:1]
On July 4th we should remember those who fought
for our freedoms. Freedom is not free. All gave some, some gave all. In 1
Samuel 17:29 David asked the question near a battlefield, “Is there not a
cause?” Paul gave a cause in 2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be
strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Was this something he was
willing to die for? He gave the answer to some Christians who were worried
about his safety in Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break
mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem
for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Many have given their lives for the promotion of the freedom
that Christ offers, [John 8:36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye
shall be free indeed.
II. “AN ADEQUATELY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED ARMY” [2 Timothy
2:1-19, 3:16-17]
1. Training [v. 1-5]
2. Endurance [v. 6-13]
3. Knowledge [v. 14-19, 3:16-17]
III. “AN ADEQUATE MEANS OF SUPPORT” [2 Timothy 1:6-18]
1. Equipped by God [v. 6-14]
2. Example of Others [v. 5, 11-18]
IV. “KNOWING YOUR ENEMY” [2 Timothy 2:19-26]
1. Self [v. 19-22]
2. Sinners [v. 22-25]
3. Satan [v. 26]
In short, the enemies are internal, external & infernal –
the flesh, the world, & the Devil
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