First Baptist Church
Fairbanks, Alaska
805 Sixth Avenue
(907) 456-4923
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Fairbanks, Alaska 805 Sixth Avenue (907) 456-4923 |
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Let’s Fight! 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Mark Howdeshell (January 27, 2008) 2 Tim 4:5 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. Introduction *MURPHY, MICHAEL P. Rank and Organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, SEAL. Place and date: Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan, 27-28 June 2005. Entered service at: Patchogue, NY. Born: 7 May, 1976, Smithtown, NY. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005. While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy’s team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four-member team. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Are you ready to go to battle? Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for your buddy? Are you doing it for the medal? Heart of the Matter We have to be ready when called to service. We have to give it our all. We have a reward that can only be imagined for gallantry and faithfulness. The Meat of the Message
Matt 14:28-31 28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
i. Illness ii. Hunger iii. Arguments with a spouse or loved one iv. Football game on TV
i. Peter was doing exactly what Jesus told him to do…walk on the water. ii. He took his eyes off of Jesus… 1. Saw the wind 2. Became afraid iii. Recoverable by the power of Jesus when He reached out and caught Peter’s hand iv. Keep your focus on the MASTER!!!
Eph 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
2 Tim 4:1-5 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
i. Be prepared 1. Proactive position instead of reactive response ii. In season and out of season 1. In church 2. In the classroom 3. At home 4. At work 5. Wherever you are!
i. Correct 1. Tell someone the proper way to do something ii. Rebuke 1. Chastising wrong actions or motives iii. Encourage 1. Build up their character, motivation, self-esteem iv. Accomplish with great patience and careful instruction
i. Stay cool ii. Stay on track iii. Stay focused and spread the Word iv. Stay the course
2 Tim 4:7-8 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
i. Not a single person fought for the medal ii. Each person fought for the person in the foxhole next to them iii. Awarded by President of the United States
i. The reward is much greater than the MOH ii. Don’t fight for the reward, fight for the love of your neighbor and the love of your God! iii. Accept the acknowledgement of God for a job well done
The Bottom Line We are called to be prepared for battle. Do your Father proud!! INVITATION Are you ready for service? Do you know your mission? Are you focused? Make today the day that you “enlist” in God’s Army!!!
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