Today I want to share from Rick Renner's "Sparkling Gems From The Greek - Volume 2".
End Time Advice
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the
work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. — 2 Timothy 4:5
Today I want to give you some end-time ministry
advice — advice that is very pertinent for the present times. You might
want to go back and review what we discussed in the September 26 Sparkling
Gem, because it is foundational to what I will share with you today. As we saw,
the Holy Spirit prophesied in Second Timothy 4:3,4 that doctrine would change
in the last days.
The Holy Spirit inspired these writings in Second Timothy 4
to prepare us for what lies ahead, much of which is already happening
right now. He told us that when it comes to our stance on the infallible,
incorruptible Word of God, we should be dedicated to correct interpretation and
to teaching and preaching that is done with the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is very important instruction for us in a day when
people are abandoning the sound teaching of doctrine. Regardless of what others
do, we must decide that we will remain clear channels for the truth,
even if it means we must put up with accusations that we are too traditional
and stuck in the past. This is God’s command to us.
Then Paul wrote in verse 5, “…Make full proof of thy
ministry.” The Greek word for “full proof ” is plerophoreo, which simply
means fulfill. Paul was urging Timothy to complete his ministry and bring
it to its fullness. Although Paul was addressing Timothy directly, he was also
talking very specifically to us — to those who would be alive at the
end of the age. I believe this refers to our generation, and it certainly
explains why we see so much nonsense going on in the world around us concerning
the way people think and believe. This kind of deluded thinking and believing
has even crept into the Church.
The pure preaching of doctrine is often replaced today with
motivational speaking — nice, uplifting messages. In fact, the majority of
people in modern congregations are ignorant of the most elementary aspects of
New Testament doctrine. And very often, those who occupy the pulpits —
although they may be masterful communicators and rate highly among motivational
speakers — are equally uneducated in basic Bible principles. Many of those who
do know the Bible don’t preach it as strongly as they once did because it’s not
as popular as other types of messages. The result of this compromise is a drift
from the Holy Scriptures. And this drift continues, seemingly unabated,
while the doctrinal vacuum in the Church is being filled with motivational
messages and “new-and-improved” church-growth programs. Yet when
everything is said and done, only the Bible has the power to permanently
transform a life.
Friend, the Bible has not changed. It’s still sharper than
any two-edged sword (see Hebrews 4:12), and it’s still the answer for everyone,
whether it’s in written form or on your computer or smart phone! The Bible is
still the Word of God that has His very breath infused within it. And if you’ll
take it into your heart and release it, it will put you on your feet again. It
will heal your body, deliver your mind, and bring peace and order to your
children and your household!
So much of what “creeps” into your home today is just a
treadmill of information designed to keep you in a continual state of learning,
never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (see 2 Timothy 3:6,7). So
if I could leave you with some valuable end-time advice today, it would be
to continue in the truth you know — found in God’s holy,
infallible, incorruptible Word.
You can rest assured that the Word of God is, has
been, and always will be unchanging, and it will produce fruit in you
if you will abide in it. God’s Word will perfectly equip you to stand strong,
unfaltering, and unwavering in the days that lie ahead. Your part is simply to
abide in His truth and continue in that which you have learned from
Him.
AMEN! God's Word is TRUTH! The ONLY TRUTH! Never stray from the Word of God as your Source of TRUTH! Submitting to God's Word is what it takes to operate with the "Mind of Christ"! Settle it FOREVER in your own heart and life that you will NEVER allow ANYTHING or ANYONE to take HIS place inyour heart and in your life! Here is Hillsong with "Say The Word":
Shalom in Him!
