A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

1
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

• Theme Doing what is necessary to be a good
  servant of our Savior. 1 Tim. 46-12

2
Introduction

• To hear your name associated with being a good
  servant is a complement to your character which
  has been exercised and recognized over time.
• It is joyous and encouraging to hear these words.
• It is something all Christians love to hear.

3
Introduction

• In this lesson we shall
• Look both at the context and work of Timothy as a
  servant of the Lord.
• Extrapolate the principles of what a good servant
  does (whether an evangelist or not).

4
Context The church at Ephesus

• There were pressing issues regarding the church
  at Ephesus 1 Tim. 13
• This was the reason Paul urged him to continue in
  his labors with the saints.
• He needed Timothy to instruct certain Christians
  not to teach strange doctrines.
• He wanted Timothy to realize that the goal of
  our instruction is love from a pure heart and a
  good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Tim. 15

5
Context The church at Ephesus

• The reason for Pauls urgent commendation to
  Timothy
• Some (Christian) men were straying from faithful
  teachings.
• These men wanted to be teachers of the Law,
  although they do not understand what it says nor
  of matters over which they make confident
  assertions.
• The problem could not be brushed away but
  addressed with urgency for the sake of the body.
• Jesus came to save sinners and so do good
  servants of our God. 1 Tim. 115

6
Context The church at Ephesus

• Being a good servant is not easy it takes time,
  energy, and commitment!
• It takes a working knowledge of Gods word before
  a child of God and effectively serves in the
  Lords kingdom.
• Great courage to what other servants may not be
  willing to do.
• But, that is what makes a servant of Jesus Christ
  a good servant!

7
What a Good Servant Does (1 Tim. 46-12)

• Pointing out things necessary. V. 6
• A good servant does not want to cause trouble in
  the bodyhe does, however, want to handle the
  troubles that are at hand.
• Pointing out, reminding, instructing on matters
  that pertain to the body is what makes him a good
  servant.
• Brethren by this time would know the truths
  that are being recalled. Cp. 2 Pet. 112
• The purpose then, is bringing up what is already
  known, because there are Christians needing to be
  stopped in what they are teaching or doing.

8
What a Good Servant Does (1 Tim. 46-12)

• Is nourished in Gods Word. V. 6
• If a servant of God does not know His word
• How can he warn his brethren against false
  teaching?
• How can he instruct them on sound doctrine?
• A good servant must continually be fed a healthy
  and steady diet of Gods word.

9
What a Good Servant Does (1 Tim. 46-12)

• Avoids (literally rejects) unholy teachings. V.
  7
• This keeps false teachers from instilling
  strange doctrines Paul alluded to Timothy in
  the beginning of his letter.
• It also kept Timothy focused on where his study
  needed to rest The word of God and not of man.
• Even today, many in the name of personal study
  will look to the words of men for their
  guidanceonly to further away from the word of
  God!

10
What a Good Servant Does (1 Tim. 46-12)

• Is disciplined (exercise) in godliness. Vss. 7-8
• The word exercise denotes vigorous training and
  subjection of the body.
• A good servant trains himself (subjects himself)
  to the practice of godliness.

11
What a Good Servant Does (1 Tim. 46-12)

• Is committed to hard work. V. 10
• The purpose of all that a servant of God does is
  ultimately heaven!
• But, there is also benefit for the hard work in
  this life the souls of many.
• In other words, a good will labor and strive in
  the work of the Lord and in godliness because of
  the hope we have in what God has promised
  eternal salvation.

12
What a Good Servant Does (1 Tim. 46-12)

• Teaches with authority. V. 11
• Authoritative preaching comes only if a person
  has a strong, contextual knowledge of Gods word.
• His is able to rightly divide the word of truth.
• He preaches/teaches Gods word with urgency.
• He is obedient to the Lord and thus, a good
  example to those he teaches.
• With all the above he is able to command and
  teach.

13
What a Good Servant Does (1 Tim. 46-12)

• Is a model to others. V. 12
• The word example (or model) originally comes from
  the Greek tupos.
• This word from which we get the word type
  (from a typewriter) literally came about by a
  blow.
• The result is the imprint left behind.
• Ultimately, all of his teaching, study, exercise
  to godliness and hard work makes him a strong
  imprint on other Christians of what a good
  servant is.

14
Conclusion

• You can clearly see what God wants out of a good
  servant?
• The question you need to ask yourself is are you
  a good servant of Jesus Christ?