Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 21 Delightful People
Verses- Titus 3:12-15
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.
14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Delightful People
“Greet those who love us in the faith”.
Friends are important in life. A true friend is someone with whom we enjoy mutual affection, interests and respect. The best friends are those helpers in times of trouble. Solomon once wrote, "A brother is born for times of adversity, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”
A British publication once offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. Among the thousands of answers received were the following:
"One who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable."
"One who understands our silence."
"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."
"A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down."
The winning definition read: "A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."
We know the importance of friendship as we read about the life of Jesus. Part of His earthly purpose was to train disciples who would go into the world by the power and giftedness of the Holy Spirit to share salvation’s message. He spent quality time with them where they first watched him. Then He watched them as they went two by two into the various cities. They did not go alone, but paired up as one needs another. Then they were ready to go out with the presence of the Holy Spirit to do God’s work after Jesus ascended into heaven.
But when Jesus needed prayer and comfort during His time of need there were Peter and James and John on different occasions. Jesus had the 3, the 12, the 120 and the women, and many followers on his earthly journey.
As Paul was writing to Titus he commented on the various friendship that he has made and those who are living in the area. There are people that Paul was sending to also encourage the brothers and sisters in Titus’s work. He asks the Christian family to help them and show hospitality when they arrive.
As is the case, the church expands our family of friends. There are obviously some we are closer to than others. They are some who we barely know but appreciate their ministry in the church and we feel like we are friends in the Lord. There are others with whom we can feel free to share the concerns and burdens we face and know they will treat us with love that is reserved for a few. In order to have friends, we must be a friend.
One of the problems many pastors face is loneliness for although they are friends with many they do not feel they can have special friends with whom they are accepted, not for the role they play, but for human bonding. Some will close themselves off even from other pastors as they feel threatened or jealous. Those who tend to get into trouble do so because they are carrying burdens that are not shared with someone they can call a friend.
Paul had many people, who there are some he was especially close to. At first Barnabas was the friend God provided. Then it was Silas. He embrace Luke and then took on Titus and Timothy to work and share life with.
We spent last week discussing those who are difficult people in the church and unfortunately they can get too much attention. Paul shares now about those with whom he shares in the work and in love. These are the delightful people.
Dr. Jerry Healy tells of the Church hall of fame with his kids growing up. He reminded them of people in the church they can look up to. There are people who show love and integrity and faith. He sought to offset the grumpy people with the lovely people and reminded them regularly of the saints who stand out as lights to darkness.
They are part of the reasons the family are all committed in their adult lives to the church. They are real. They are used of God.
How about you?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 22
Verses Titus 3:12=15
Devoted
As Paul reflects on the people who give him delight there are qualities implied in this passage. The first and most important is these are friends who share a common faith. They are not just believers in Jesus but committed to the cause of advancing the gospel and working together with Paul. They are devoted to Jesus and to Paul and the church.
There is the motivation for devotion that comes not by manipulation, not by twisting someone's arm. To serve Christ doesn't work very well if one is pressured out of guilt, or seeks to work off their
salvation. What motivates devoted people?
The two great commands of Jesus are to love God with all your heart, soul strength and mind and love others as yourself. A devoted person is motivated out of love, not guilt; out of an awareness that Jesus saved us, Jesus died for us. If you were the only one living Jesus Christ would have gone to the cross for just you. Do you believe that?
One of the motivating factors in the live of a devoted person is to see the change from what they were to where they are going. It was fun to hear a speaker to our men’s group a few years ago say for years he had tried to stop smoking. The only solution was to cut off his head, but when he received the freedom that God gives even to Christians as if the chains have fallen off, and now for the first time in his life has been smoke free for 10 months. When people see the work of God in their lives then they are willing to say ‘Here Am I Lord, send me.’
Now I am aware the some are freed from addictions instantaneously and others over a longer period of time, but the source of our change is not our own motivation or desire, it is yielding by faith to Christ and be devoted to keep on letting Him do his sanctifying work in our lives.
If brothers and sisters in Christ are trusting Christ that makes us family, for we have same Father, Black, white, Chinese, Indian are one together, rich and poor, educated and uneducated. There is a bond to the family of believers regardless of denominations.
But let me also add the devotion to a friend is not just for fellow Christians. Few people seem to be willing to extend friendships to people before are saved. IT is important that we guard ourselves and be separate from worldly things and sinful influences others may have, but may the Lord help us to be kind to all, friendly, and willing to serve those around us by extending a helping hand. The Lord befriended many as a way of demonstrating the love that gives, even when others misunderstand, ignore or criticize the giver.
Devotion to the Father allowed for that. It still does.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 23
Verse Titus 3:12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
Desirous to Help
Swindoll tells this story. During his days as president, Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were traveling across the country on horseback. They came to a river which had left its banks because of a recent downpour. The swollen river had washed the bridge away. Each rider was forced to ford the river on horseback, fighting for his life against the rapid currents. The very real possibility of death threatened each rider, which caused a traveler who was not part of their group to step aside and watch. After several had plunged in and made it to the other side, the stranger asked President Jefferson if he would ferry him across the river. The president agreed without hesitation. The man climbed on, and shortly thereafter the two of them made it safely to the other side. As the stranger slid off the back of the saddle onto dry ground, one in the group asked him, "Tell me, why did you select the president to ask this favor of?" The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the president who had helped him. "All I know," he said, "Is that on some of your faces was written the answer ’No,’ and on some of them was the answer ’yes.’ His was a ’Yes’ face."
Paul could call on delightful people who are willing to help. They are the backbone of church work. Artemas and Tychicus and Titus were desirous to do what needed to be done for God and for Paul.
Now contrast that situation with the other folk who when asked to do something complain, feel put out and seem to do things for the Lord out of compulsion instead of desire and joy.
vs. 8 reminds us they are devoted and ready to do what is good. Artemas is mentioned only here but Tychicus name is mentioned in three other letters. He delivered Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he wrote as Paul's secretary and delivered and read it to the people at Colossi. He was with Paul in Rome and ministered with and was sent to as a postman and informed Paul of news that was happening. Now we see he is sending them to Titus to relieve him. They are willing to take the job that needed to be done by helping Titus. When they come they will relieve Titus from his responsibility so that he can be with Paul in the winter. They are desirous to do whatever they can do. God bless such people who are willing to take responsibility. They know their gifts and of the character of trustworthiness and of such the churches are built.
God’s design is for the body of the church to love Him and one another. His plan is that people work together each doing something according to their gifts, but even if something needs to be done instead of begging for help to have people see the bigger picture of serving God and desirous to do so.
May their numbers increase!
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 24 HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Verse- Titus 3: 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.
Thankful
On this Thanksgiving Day I have seen people are getting together with family and/or friends. I think of the people who are overseas in the military or in missions work who are away from family and friends. I think of those who are in beds of illness and unable to enjoy company or a good meal. I think of those with whom we minister in prison on a monthly basis. Usually during holidays the inmates are not allowed to congregate due to a reduced number of staff who are off. Many are required to just be in their cells.
But the loneliest of all I believe are those who have no hope and are outside of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The greatest part of thanksgiving is knowing who to thank. It is a friendship with God by the works of Jesus.
Paul’s closes friends were people who he could call brothers and sisters in the Lord. The family that meant so much were those who were ostracized by the community because of their faith. They would watch out and take care of one another.
In a survey of more than 40,000 Americans said these qualities were most valued in a friend: 1. The ability to keep confidences 2. Loyalty 3. Warmth and affection.
Adding to that list Paul would say a common faith.
These are delightful people with whom Paul could give thanks for they are helped by strangers who are Christians. They are lodged and fed and in many cases given money for their journey of spreading the gospel and carrying out functions for discipleship
Titus and the church were willing to provide resources to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and would see that they have everything they need. Dedicating friends also are willing to pay the costs for ministry according to their means.
I was talking with one of our members who has the right idea when he said that what he has is the Lord and however the Lord can use it car, house, money is a privilege. That's what we are here for. I think of the gift hospitality of Amy and Melvin who ministered by providing resources and food and invitation for all people.
Titus is instructed to do whatever he can to help these believers on their missions trip. We have folks we can help.
Be thankful for friends for such people are richer by far than in material goods.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 25 Diligent
Verses Titus 3: 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Diligent People
As we conclude the delightful saints Paul sees they are ones who keep doing what friends do. They do what is good and godly. They keep working to provide for their needs and those who can share when others are doing the Lord’s work without regular income. They are productive and not depended people. They are diligent to work.
They make good citizens in both the nation as well as the kingdom of God. They are respected and loving people.
There is the responsibility there is also the need to work. To doing what is good. To accomplishing tasks, to provide for their own needs not to just sit and do nothing. Responsibility of believers is to do what they can to take care of their own needs and help of the needs of those who cannot. But many who cannot usually assist with a servant attitude also and not just on the take. How can we help those in need, so that they can be brought to their feet until they can assist others? There are some who are terminal or infirmed for whom work cannot be expected.
Diligent people are willing to cooperate lovingly. They share in the joy of the relationships with Jesus and with others in the Lord. There is a unity of the brethren.
How do you deal with them? You deal with them in loving relationships in encouraging and praying and helping and cooperating and sharing and working and blessing one another that the cause of Christ can advance.
Let me say that this book is a book gauge in character connect, and conduct. It is important to learn doctrine and live out our witness, It is important to act with humbleness and changed lives. It is important to minimize divisiveness and maximize their devotion. which are you?
In a church newsletter Earl Balley wrote “The commitment of a Christian.”
"I have made a covenant with God of the universe. I am part of the fellowship of the faithful. I have been filled with Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I have crossed the line. The decision has been made and I am unashamed. I will not look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
I no longer need to have preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I do not have to be right first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I will now give others the right to be wrong, in my eyes. I, by God's grace, will live by faith, lean on his presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer and labor by His power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Jesus- the Author and finisher of my faith. My road is narrow the way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. By God's grace, I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. Lord help me not to flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or flow with the tide of mediocrity.
By God' matchless Grace I will not give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, prayed up and stored up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ and then taken up. Because Jesus paid it all, I am a DISCIPLE of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. I must go ‘til He comes, give ‘til it hurts, preach till all know, and work while He give me breath. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me-my banner will be clear - JESUS IS LORD OF MY LIFE!"
We will deal with divisive people and we will deal with the devoted,
but the devoted will have something to rejoice about and people to rejoice with when Jesus comes. Which are you?
Pastor Dale
