Tag: timothy

GRATITUDE

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Consider this … Is it happy people who become grateful, or grateful people who become happy? While happiness is certainly not the ultimate goal or overall objective of one’s Christian life, it does seem to be a prominent issue / desire in the life of many believers.

One of the most important aspects of a growing / maturing man or woman of God, is to learn the significance of gratitude and then value it enough to fully embrace it! 

Then one may question … For what should I be grateful? For what should I express gratitude?  In our society, we tend to eagerly criticize situations we find ourselves in, negative circumstances that might impact our lives, other people, and perhaps even ourselves! This perspective of life works to deconstruct gratitude and erect barriers that prevent one from gratefulness as an everyday attribute for life and godliness.

Once one realizes that good comes to believers through gracious and merciful acts from sources outside of ourselves, then genuine gratitude can be conceived and birthed.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 – For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

2 Corinthians 4:15 – For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks (gratitude) to abound to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17 – Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks (the result of being grateful) through Him (Christ Jesus, your Messiah) to God the Father.

Colossians 2:6-7 – Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

The concept of “overflowing with gratitude” is our Lord’s intention for all His people. Believers are created, in Christ, to be people of gratitude, a thankful people, continually celebrating His boundless purposes and incredible handiwork!

Now, if one can find no other reason for a spirit of personal, everyday gratitude, then dwell on this good that comes totally from a source outside of one’s self! 

Hebrews 12:28-29 – Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with  reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.

Is your gratitude showing? If not, why not?

Evangelist Billy Graham stated,    

“Everything we have comes from (God’s) hands; even if we worked for it or earned it, He still gave us the ability and the opportunity to do it.” 

Don’t just think about,

His & Yours, Pastor Frank

CONTENTMENT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

American cartoonist, Doug Larson once stated:

The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment.

Sad to admit, but this may hold true for those fully embedded in Westernized/Americanized Christianity as well. English Christian apologist, writer, and philosopher, Gilbert K. Chesterton (1874 –1936) who said,

Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.

He also made this comment:

True contentment is a thing as active as agriculture. It is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it. It is arduous and it is rare. 

Perhaps one with that understanding and experience can copiously grasp and fully comprehend I Timothy 6:6-8:

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.  For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 

These verses demand believers to take notice, evaluate, and practically, as well as philosophically implement.  “With these” … with what? … “we (believers) shall be content!”  

Contextually speaking, one finds this admonition buried in a dissertation from the Apostle Paul to his “son in the faith,” young Pastor Timothy, concerning false teachers in Ephesus. They possessed and demonstrated inflated egos, they understood nothing, stirred up controversies and were teaching false doctrine as well as the theory that becoming a Christian was an ideal step and/or means to financial gain. (See Ephesians 6:3-5)  By using the words “godliness” and “gain,” Paul shifts the concept from erroneous to truthful.  Being godly does not guarantee financial gain; however, godliness in itself is tremendous gain when accompanied or joined together with the spiritual attribute of contentment.

The word contentment, as used in the above-referenced passage, is derived from the Greek word “autarkeia” which means to have satisfaction or competency–the exact opposite meaning of that found in the lyrics of a popular 1965 tune by the Rolling Stones from their “Out Of Our Heads” album.  Is it possible for humanity to find true satisfaction and/or contentment from/through any activity, experience, or possession?  The Stones were obviously convinced, even though that philosophy didn’t seem to stop them from trying to find it through the exact same experiences they so meticulously critiqued. 

Paul’s instruction to Pastor Tim provides encouragement for all faithful followers of Jesus Christ to simply, commendably, and meritoriously “be content” (See I Timothy 6:8)! At  first glance, this appears to be an external (perhaps emotional) expression of “satisfaction” or “contentment.” However, through spiritually-minded philosophical reflection, this radical demand becomes a stalwart admonition for the Lord’s true disciples. 

This instruction works perfectly in conjunction and congruent with Hebrews 13:5-6,

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ so that we confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.  WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?’ 

In essence, is what one has (in Christ, and as a faithful follower of Christ–recognizing His provision) enough?

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough                                                                                     

— From Enough by Chris Tomlin

Really!  Is one fully satisfied–content in Christ and His provision?  Perhaps one’s life answers more clearly than the words one sings.  Are hearts shaped in such a way that one longs for the things of God, but never finds complete satisfaction and contentment?  

Is Jesus really enough? 

Does one require outside elements (sometimes even selected with great discretion) to be mixed into one’s Christian faith in order to raise contentment and satisfaction levels?  The previously mentioned 60’s rock song declares, “I can’t get no satisfaction.”  How many individuals who call themselves Christians have come to that same conclusion and look for something other than God’s Truth, God’s call, and God’s purposes to fill their lives with meaning and purpose?  These souls often say things like, “Well I tried the religious thing, just didn’t work for me” or “I formerly believed all that stuff, but I’ve moved on … gave it up, etc.”  Obviously, there was an extreme lack of contentment and satisfaction.  Perhaps that was even coupled with some unfulfilled and/or even improper expectations?  Consider Philippians 4:11-13:

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

  Now, there’s some contentment!  In all reality, isn’t the Lord asking all of us to move into a similar position?  However, this all begins by accepting our Lord’s call to godliness, not gain!

Over almost 40 years of ministry, I’ve learned that people who are satisfied and content with the Lord’s provision live freer lives, enjoy what they have, and give much more to the Lord’s work than those who are without contentment.  Why?  Because as they continually surrender to Christ-likeness, they live godly and according to scripture.  That’s an incredible “means to great gain when accompanied by contentment.”     

Perhaps this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations (and even the entire holiday season) should become focused on contentment and satisfaction offered to believers through our relationship with Jesus Christ.  Isn’t it time to set aside childish things and grow on up into “contentment?”  Godliness and satisfaction are actually twins!  

Now, don’t just think about it!

–Pastor Frank

STIR UP

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In II Peter 1:13, the Apostle of the Lord tells his audience of fellow believers and friends that he considers it right (his responsibility) to intentionally “stir up” certain spiritual perspectives in their lives.  The Greek word found in this text, “diegeiro” is used sparingly in our New Testaments, usually in reference to awakening someone from their sleep as in the Gospels and Acts.  However in this case, it’s meaning is quite significant. Peter employs “diegeiro” metaphorically within a spiritual context demanding an awakening of the mind/heart/soul in the Lord’s people. 

This theme seems to progressively emerge as the primary objective of Peter’s epistles/letters … calling to remembrance the important truths which they had previously been taught, but of which these disciples were in serious danger of forgetting, or turning away from, due to prevailing errors in their beliefs and lifestyles.  Their minds/hearts were open and candid, but the biblical text and context implies they were not necessarily pure/sincere.  The apostle Peter regards these followers of Christ as disposed to both hear and understand the truth, and yet liable to be led astray by the plausible errors of others and the world. Such minds/hearts needed the spiritual truths of Christ’s teachings and biblical doctrine refreshed and brought to the forefront of their thinking. 

Without question, these truths were familiar — but not active; known — but not followed; understood — but not validated by obedience in the lives of these Christians.  Therefore, Peter uses this word,  “diegeiro” once again in II Peter 3:1-2 where he reveals an intended purpose of this letter . . . “This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.”

A related Greek word, “egeiro” is also used within a similar context in Matthew 25:7 where the virgins are not prepared and must awake from their slumber; In Romans 13:11, where believers are reminded to live godly and prepared, anticipating the moment (imminency) when Christ calls for His bride and His subsequent second advent (physical return to earth); In Ephesians 5:14, where Paul challenges Christ’s Church to arise or awake from its spiritual slumber and apparent apathy!  Even in a letter full of personal encouragement and precise instruction to his faithful apprentice, Pastor Timothy, Paul follows a similar path coaching him, “to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you.” (See II Timothy 1:6) Without question, Peter’s unquenchable,  insatiable hope and desire in II Peter 1:13 and 3:1-2 is to stir up, excite, awake, and arouse the faith and service of those he leads.

According to Peter himself, while awaiting His earthly departure, he will remain steadfast to this end … wholeheartedly, perhaps even with intimidation, stirring up believers so they will pursue excellence in their ministries and focus their minds/hearts upon the divine/spiritual things from above, rather than the overly enticing temptations and sins of this flesh/earth/world that so easily entangles Christ’s people.

As we approach 2012, God is stirring me in order to stir up you, and the body of Christ at West Oaks Fellowship as well.  Last year, our teachings, preaching and instruction seemed to take on a very serious posture of commitment with the  potential of suffering for our faith and the cause of Christ.  This year, our focus will be on re-kindling those things which God has birthed in us, yet for whatever reason have grown stale, ceased to function, or slipped into melancholy mediocrity.  This is my personal commitment to each of you as individuals, and to our entire fellowship. If ministers are negligent in their work, it can hardly be expected that the flock, which is entrusted to their care, will be diligent in theirs. 

Therefore, just as Peter will not be negligent (at no time or place, in no part of his work), but will be exemplarily and universally diligent, so will I, to the best of my ability as God continues to provide me strength, as your Pastor, co-laborer in the Gospel, brother in Christ, and friend.  I am also bound, by the Lord, just as Peter was, to continuously make mention of our Lord’s promises, declare His truths to His people, encourage you to obediently serve and do good to all.  I am trusting that your remembrances will be stirred and that we all awake to the things our Lord has “prepared for us beforehand to walk in!”  While some might think this effort needless or useless, the apostle doesn’t, therefore, nor shall I. 

We must: 

  1. Put in mind what we already know in order to prevent one from forgetting. 
  2. Improve our knowledge of the Lord.
  3. Put into practice what we know and what one learns. 
  4. Diligently study and pursue the things of God so one will not be shaken or moved by every wind of doctrine. 

The great doctrines/truths of the gospel, that Jesus is the Christ, that Jesus Christ came into the world to redeem and restore sinners, that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved, and given a new life in Christ to carefully maintain and use for His glory/honor until one’s work in this world is accomplished will be our mantra. These are truths the apostles insisted on in their day and these are faithful precepts worthy of our acceptance in 2012 and in every age of the Christ’s church. These must be constantly affirmed by our Lord’s true ministers (See Titus 3:8) … believers must be well instructed and established therein, so each one can resolutely believe and determinedly behave accordingly. Even the most advanced Christian is not, and cannot, while in this world, be above the need for such stirrings and consistent reminders, nor move beyond the methods and means which God has appointed for His people/His body/His church. 

Therefore we will begin 2012 by asking, “Need To Unshelve In 2012?” because many have put things up … out of sight on an obscure shelf in their spiritual lives that need to be awakened — rekindled — stirred up.  I’m sure you’ve heard all the nonsense and speculation about the world ending in 2012 (see Fusion article on the 2012 movie from January 2010 @ the WOF website).  We  absolutely know, according to God’s Word, that this will not happen!  However, Christ may indeed appear in the clouds and call for His saints to be instantly transformed and meet Him in the air. So, if that potential exists, why not be found awake, faithfully serving, and waiting in anticipation of His call, rather than slumbering in dysfunction and snoozing?  Now, don’t just think about it!                    

–Pastor Frank

WINTER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

When you think of winter, what do you think of?  In the south, not many of us really think about a change of lifestyle and a significant impact on our daily routine and activities as some farther north might experience.  A white Christmas is generally an unlikely dream, as are sleigh rides or sledding, snowball fights, and making snow angels or snowmen.  While I do have pictures of our church covered in snow, as well as our home, those are definitely out of the ordinary!  Nonetheless, on the fourth day of creation (Genesis 1:14-15) one learns that God planned the seasons on earth and placed the stars in the heavens so humanity would know and understand times and seasons.  Genesis 8:22 clearly reveals the Lord’s post-diluvian purposes, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease,” along with His covenant promise (Genesis 9:8-17) of His “bow in the cloud!” Even the psalmist is moved to expressions of praise when considering God’s attributes of supremacy and sovereignty as revealed through His handiwork:

Yours is the day, Yours also is the night;

You have prepared the light and the sun.

You have established all the boundaries of the earth;

You have made summer and winter.

–Psalms 74:16-17

While incontestably there are specific reasons (ultimately being benefits for humanity and creation) for all of God’s design, it seems somewhat awkward from a merely human perspective that one is thrilled with the goodness and blessing of winter… blizzards, sleet, cold, ice, slippery walks and steps, snow blindness, hypothermia, black ice, etc., etc., etc.!   However, when I think of winter, for some unknown reason my mind recalls a somewhat obscure verse buried at the end of the Apostle Paul’s second letter to his son in the faith, Pastor Timothy.

Make every effort to come before winter.

II  Timothy 4:21

Surely there were some practical reasons for this encouragement. In fact, according to II Timothy 4:13, Paul had left his cloak at Troas with Carpus along with some books and parchments. Obviously, with winter approaching Paul would need this loose fitting outer garment for protection from the elements. In addition, travel to Rome would involve both overland and sea transportation which is potentially much more hazardous during the winter months.  On the other hand, perhaps there is more to this statement than one immediately comprehends in a cursorily pass. 

Is this the heartfelt desire of the mentor, a spiritual father yearning to see his student and beloved son in the faith one last time before departing earth?  Incontestably, Paul’s days were numbered and any knock on the door or opening of the latch could be guards coming to escort the apostle to his impending Roman execution. Hypothetically, can you imagine Timothy thinking … well ok,  let me wrap some things up here in Ephesus, go down to Miletus to set apart and ordain a couple of elders, swing by Colossae to celebrate communion with some brothers and sisters there, and then head on to Italy … ?  Then, upon arriving in Rome, Pastor Tim seeks out Paul’s place of imprisonment, only to be cursed and repulsed by the guards.  Then he goes to the house of Claudia or Pudens, or Narcissus, or Mary, or Ampliatus searching for his coach … asking where to find the apostle.  It seems one can actually experience the haunting of their reply, “Are you Timothy? He was longing to see you, but he was beheaded in the first week of December!”

Come before winter or never!

Remember Christ’s reply to the disciple who complained that Mary’s costly and beautiful gift of ointment might have been expended on behalf of the poor?

For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.

John 12:8

Perhaps the true call of our Lord, Master Jesus is often, “Come before winter” — not tomorrow, when you’re ready, or after you get things straightened out and in proper/perfect order!  Never again would three sleeping disciples be asked to watch and pray with Jesus in his hour of agony. Sure, they were faithful in service and even death, but that unique opportunity  vanished and was gone forever just like Christ’s invitation to a follower in Luke 9:59/Mark 8:21! 

Just as winter comes, irrespective of one’s agenda, readiness, or timetable, so does a new year … and that’s every year.  Prepared and ready, or not — 2014 is here — right now and right on time!  And sure, it’s another year of opportunity, just like last year and every year, but let’s change that perspective into a year of action now! Why not fully accept and use the opportunities Christ lays before us? Speak those words of encouragement, demonstrate kindness, give cheerfully, confirm appreciation, pray in faith believing, be led by God’s Holy Spirit, let His Word richly dwell within you, serve with gladness, and rejoice evermore, all before winter!   

— By GRACE, His & Yours, Pastor Frank