Keep Passing the Baton

Pastor Jay concludes the series out of 1 & 2 Timothy, where Paul gives Timothy instructions as his spiritual father. Paul lines out how we should run the race, and Pastor Jay illustrates how it compares to running a relay – receiving and passing the batons we have in our lives and recognizing how to finish strong.

INSTRUCTIONS FROM A SPIRITUAL FATHER

PAUL TO TIMOTHY 

FOUR THEMES FOUND IN 1 & 2 TIMOTHY

1. STAY FAITHFUL
2. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO TREAT OTHERS
3. GETTING A PICTURE OF WHO GOD MADE YOU TO BE
4. KEEP PASSING THE BATON

Running a Relay Race

1. Start fast and strong.
2. Maintain proper running technique.
3. Master the hand off- hand, voice, eyes, know your team.
4. There is a limited opportunity for the hand off.
5. Keep pace.
6. Finish Strong.

I. RECEIVE THE BATON

1 Timothy 4:6-12 (NIV) – If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 

II. PASS THE BATON  

2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) – You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

2 Timothy 2:14 (MSG) – Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God’s people.

2 Timothy 4:2 (MSG) – Proclaim the Gospel with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.

III. FINISH STRONG

2 Timothy 4 (MSG) – I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple. You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant. You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming. Get here as fast as you can. Demas, chasing fads, went off to Thessalonica and left me here. Crescens is in Galatia province, Titus in Dalmatia. Luke is the only one here with me. Bring Mark with you; he’ll be my right-hand man since I’m sending Tychicus to Ephesus. Bring the winter coat I left in Troas with Carpus; also the books and parchment notebooks. Watch out for Alexander the coppersmith. Fiercely opposed to our Message, he caused no end of trouble. God will give him what he’s got coming. At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn’t matter—the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! God’s looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes! Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila; also, the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed behind in Corinth. I had to leave Trophimus sick in Miletus. Try hard to get here before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all your friends here send greetings. God be with you. Grace be with you.