Preaching to Meddling
2nd Timothy 3:12-17 – Victory Fellowship
August 27, 2023 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
Healing Service
I. Introduction:
a. My experience at Salem (don’t look at choir)
b. When we say, “you’re preaching to the choir”
c. Paul informs Timothy of the importance of Scripture – something they ought to know.
i. But sometimes, even the choir needs a good preaching to, even if they think it meddling.
II. THE PROMISE OF PERSECUTION
a. In this letter, Paul is reminding Timothy that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these. (vv. 1-5)
b. Even in the next chapter Paul continues, 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.
c. So Paul reminds Timothy and his church how important Scripture is in our lives. Yes, he is preaching to the choir but the choir needs it.
d. Paul says scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
e. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. People, even church people don’t like to be told what they’re doing wrong.
III. Application:
a. If “preaching to meddling” is telling the church folk to learn and do things that they should already know and be doing – then it’s time to get an amen!
b. For a while now there have been preachers teaching bad stuff in churches that just go along with it – and yes, there have been good preachers leading people who smile and nod but have no intention of applying Godly principals in their lives.
c. For so many today, if the teaching of the bible is contrary to what they want to do and believe, then they feel that the bible is wrong – not them.
d. And the funny thing is – they believe this is new and modern insight! Paul and all the apostles were dealing with this problem nearly 2000 years ago!
IV. Conclusion
a. Where are we in all this? Are we like the choir of my first church? – “Hey preacher, say whatever you want but don’t look at me while you’re saying it. Don’t expect me to change my worldview because of what the bible says!”
b. Or are we like the person Paul says should remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
c. Proverbs 3:5-8: Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. Now that’s just the kind of meddling we need in our lives.
PRAYER and ANOINTING with Oil
SONG: That’ll Preach (Zach Williams)
2 Timothy 3:12-17 NLT Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.