17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
Three Imperatives that will help the Church battle together for the faith in an era of false teachers:
17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
Three Imperatives that will help the Church battle together for the faith in an era of false teachers.
Recall the previous warnings (v. 17-19)
Remain in the love of God (v. 20-21)
“building yourselves up on your most holy faith” (v. 20)
17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
Three Imperatives that will help the Church battle together for the faith in an era of false teachers.
18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, 19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.
1) Fight the Good Fight (v. 18) 2) Keep the Faith (v. 19) 3) Correcting Error (v. 20)
Theme: Remember the responsibilities & privileges of Church Membership!
Four Biblical Bases for Local Church Membership:
1) The Example of the Early Church
2) The Exercise of Church Discipline
3) The Existence of Church Gov’t
4) The Exhortation of the One-Another Commands
FBC “I Will” Statements:
·I will always be willing to both give and receive admonition and instruction with meekness and in love, and humbly submit to the practice of church discipline.
· I will be subject to spiritually gifted elders and their biblical teachings for the edification of Christ’s church.
· I will commit to praying for the ministry here in this church, for my brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the lost who need the Savior.
