Précis: To demonstrate that the majority of Christians live far below their potential; show the sub-level of life which most are willing to settle for; point out the need for Godly counsel and to signal a clarion call for change.
Text: 2 Timothy 2:21-26
Introduction:
Truth is often difficult to accept. Confronting the harshness of reality is an unpopular process. We would much rather avoid the negative and live in a world of positive expectation. This resolute mind-set is most admirable, but when it becomes a denial of reality it is a sickness. We must live with a confident outlook towards ourselves and the future, but we cannot avoid reality! It is therefore wise and prudent to examine the glaring inconsistency which exists between belief and being; theory and fact. What we believe to be our God given heritage is not commensurate with what we experience.
Eph. 2:10 asserts that we are God’s workmanship created unto good works. Most Christians live defeated non-effective lives.
3 John 2 exhorts; Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. Many are bound by sickness and lack.
Jesus declared; I am come that you may have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10). Abundant living is foreign to most.
Matt. 16:18 underscores that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against us. The fact is that the slightest disappointment overwhelms us.
Phil. 4:13 confidently announces that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Most are hesitant to attempt the slightest thing for Him.
Paul assures us that God shall supply all our needs according to His riches by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19) The majority of Christians are so bound by financial indebtedness, that they are unable to serve Him freely, joyfully and unabashedly.
Peter pronounced that if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 1:8). Barrenness and unfruitfulness is evident everywhere.
Evidently, what we believe is not commensurate with what we experience. Theory doesn’t measure up to Reality.
Lesson: The Need For Wise Counsel
6.1 Examples Of Wise Counsel
1. Joshua receives wise counsel from God – Joshua 1:8- 9
2. Solomon receives wise counsel from his father David – 1 Kings 2:2-4
3. Bathsheba & Solomon receive counsel from Nathan – 1 Kings 1:10-12
4. Paul instructs the leadership to instruct wisely – 2 Tim. 2:21-26
6.2 Everyone Has A Unique Calling
1. Every man hath received the gift …minister the same – 1 Peter 4:10-11
2. Therefore seeing we have this ministry – 1 Cor. 4:1
3. Specifically embroidered – Psa. 139:15-17
4. God’s workmanship created unto good works – Eph. 2:10
6.3 Major Cause For Misuse And Abuse Of This Calling
1. Lack of knowledge – Hosea 4:6; Isa. 5:13
2. Lack of proper priorities – 2 Chronicles 7:14
3. Lack of opportunity – Romans 13:15
4. Lack of training – 2 Tim 2:15
6.4 The Way of a Fool Is To Reject Wise Counsel
1. Lack of obedience – 1 Kings 2:3
2. Lack of discipline – Mark 8:34
3. Lack of liberty – Gal. 5:1
4. Lack of maturity – Gal. 4:1-3