Audio Recording

Word Rev. Scott Strickman Download

There is a short gap that represents about 20 seconds of missing content at about minute 14:15 and again at 42:45. We’re sorry for the omission.

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: FWPSM

2 Timothy 4:1-8 (ESV)
4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.

Sermon Outline
Time in the Bible – particularly in the weekly assembly of God’s people – is a chief means of spiritual nourishment for maturing in Christ.

1. Hear the Word

v2 “preach the word”

2. Endure Sound Teaching

v3 the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching

3. Keep the Faith

v7 “I have kept the faith”
v6 “I am already being poured out as a drink offering”
v8 “the crown of righteousness… not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing”

Prayer of Confession
Dear heavenly Father: we humbly admit our sin and acknowledge our need for forgiveness. You have spoken to us through the Scriptures, but we have not listened. We have not endured sound teaching; with itching ears we have gathered to ourselves teachers that suit our own passions. We have wandered off into myths, and we have not kept the faith. We have done what we ought not to have done. Yet the same word we have neglected points to Jesus Christ, the righteous judge, who pardons sins. In his name we ask for forgiveness, with thankful acknowledgement of your mercy. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

What is your experience reading the Bible? What do you value, appreciate, benefit from? What is challenging? What competes for your attention?
How is the public reading and preaching of Scripture a unique way to listen to God?
What are some guidelines for listening to a sermon? What can you be doing to receive the most from it? What are some things to not do?
Why is the Bible the most reliable way to learn about Jesus Christ?
How can you tell if Christ is being faithfully preached (in a sermon)?
What are some habits that would help you better engage weekly preaching and reflect on what you heard or put something into practice over the course of the week?
How do you “keep the faith”? What does that mean, and what implications does it have for how we understand Christianity?
Why is it important to “love” the “appearing” of Christ? What does that mean? How can you cultivate better appreciation for the appearing of Christ?