A REAL RACE IN A REAL WORLD WITH REAL PEOPLE - Part 2

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0><script type="text/javascript" src="http://hb.lycos.com/hb.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://ratings.lycos.com/ratings/lycosRating.js.php"></script> <script type="text/javascript"><![CDATA[//><!]]></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://scripts.lycos.com/catman/init.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-start.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-middle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-end.js"></script> <noscript> <img src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/img/common/ot_noscript.gif?rand=280594" alt="" width="1" height="1" />  <iframe frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="728" height="90" src="http://ad.yieldmanager.com/st?ad_type=iframe&ad_size=728x90&section=209094"></iframe>  </noscript> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=95 BGCOLOR="#330066" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="048005f0dkblkv.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Preach The Word</b></FONT><B>     </b><B>|    </b><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B> </b><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Preach The Word"><U><B>home</b></U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2 Timothy"><U><B>2 Timothy</b></U></A><B>   l   </b><A HREF="id54.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="DANIEL"><U><B>Daniel</b></U></A><B>   l  </b><A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ZECHARIAH: "><U><B> Zechariah</b></U></A><B>   l   </b><A HREF="id70.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MARK"><U><B>Mark</b></U></A><B>    I   </b><A HREF="id136.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="TOPICAL STUDIES"><U><B>Topical Studies</b></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=385 BGCOLOR="#DDDDDD" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>A REAL RACE IN A REAL WORLD WITH REAL PEOPLE - Part 2</b></div> <div> 2 Timothy 4:11-13</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Last week as I was enjoying the company of Mr. Robinson, we got to talking about the good and the bad of Christian Biographies.  When you read books written about the lives of men and women of God you often finish the last page with mixed reactions.  You can either be greatly motivated and encouraged by them or be totally depressed and discouraged by them.  And what will often make the difference is the person who wrote the story.  Very often the author only mentions the persons victories, miracles and supernatural qualities, leaving out his shortfalls, weaknesses and humanness.  And when you finish reading one like that you rather say to yourself<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >, "My goodness! I'm a long way from being that spiritual.  As a matter of fact, I'll never be able to be as spiritual as that!"</FONT>  But I prefer author's who keep a good balance between the good and the bad, the nice and the ugly, the strengths and the weaknesses.  Then I'm encouraged because that's what real life down here is all about, isn't it?</div> <bR> <div> And that's why I like to read the lives of men and women of God mentioned in the Bible.  The Holy Spirit is the author and He knows how human we are, so he gives us the picture according to the truth, according to reality.  He shows us the good and the bad, the nice and the ugly, the faith and the sin of real people, normal people.  So we can identify with them and be encouraged as we live in the Real world. </div> <bR> <div> He shows us how Moses was used by God to part the Red sea, as well as when he wrestled with anger.  He writes of how David slew Goliath with a small stone, but also of his murdering the husband of Bath-Scheba.  Peter led a crowd of 3000 to Christ, but he also denied the Lord 3 times.  Abraham was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice to God, but he also lacked faith and slept with another woman because God was taking too much time fulfilling His promise.  And when I read these Biographies of the Bible I say, <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"Praise God for His Grace! And Lord, if you can use imperfect and normal people like them, I know you can use me. So here I am! Use me, Lord!"</FONT></div> <bR> <div> And when we come to Paul's final words, at the end of 2 Timothy, that's what we find: Real people in a Real World.  Some are great, others not so great, and some are quite ugly.  And that's the kind of world we still live in at the dawn of this second Millennium AD.</div> <bR> <div> So, let's take a brief look at these individuals, not just for the purpose of acknowledging some unknown people of the past with weird names we can hardly even mention.  No, I'd suggest that we look at these people and ask ourselves questions like these: Who does he or she remind me of? Am I like him or her? Is that a good or a bad thing? Are these examples to avoid or examples I should try to follow? What can I learn from these people that will help me grow in my Christian life?</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>1. MARK: WITH GOD THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM TO TRY AGAIN.</b></div> <bR> <div> "Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry." 2 Timothy 4:11b</div> <bR> <bR> <div> "No matter what your past may have been, the future is brighter than you can imagine. Why? Because our God specializes in using broken vessels.  That's His preferred plan." <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >Swindoll, Moses, p. 93</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Now, you can't appreciate what Paul is saying here unless you know something of his previous clash with Mark during his First Missionary Journey.  </div> <bR> <div> So let's go to <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Acts 13:13 / 15:36-44</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Woe!  What happened here!  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"Such a sharp disagreement that they parted company."</FONT>  Some "holier than thou" Christians would say<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >, "How unspiritual can you be!  Two men of God, missionaries at that, arguing and splitting apart!  What is this?"</FONT> It's the Real World, that's what it is.  That's what it's like living in a fallen world where nobody's perfect.  One Seminary Prof. Put it this ,  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"Come on guys, let's not kid ourselves here, there's nobody else here but us chickens."</FONT></div> <bR> <div> I can hear Paul and Barnabas stating their case in each others face, each one being absolutely convinced he's doing God's will. </div> <bR> <div> Paul, the Go-Get'em, All or nothing visionary might have said:  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"Listen, Barnabas!  This kid just doesn't have what it takes to be a missionary.  I mean just look at the facts: He came with us the first time.  He saw how the Lord provided all the time.  He saw the miracles.  He witnessed the conversions.  But he just can't take the heat.  We're fighting against the devil himself here and John Mark is just too wet behind the ears.  I won't take him with me.  I mean if he abandoned half way the first time, there's absolutely no way we can rely on him for what's in front of us now.  Forget about it, Barnabas, he just blew it! That's all!"</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Barnabas, the Encourager might have responded something like this: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"But Paul, what are you saying? Okay, maybe he is just a kid to you, but can't you see what he did right? I mean, he wasn't a total failure!  I see a lot of potential in this young man. He did have the faith to at least come, didn't he? I think he learned some hard lessons from his mistakes.  And if we're just patient and gracious with him, I just know the Lord has great plans for Mark.  You're too demanding and stubborn Paul…"</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Did you ever imagine Paul and Barnabas at each other's throat like that? Comforting, isn't it? Unless… that never happens to you, of course.</div> <bR> <div> So, Paul deemed Mark a failure, it would seem.  But now, look at what he says about Mark in <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >2 Timothy 4:11b, "Bring him with you (Timothy), because he is helpful to me in my ministry."</FONT>  Oh, Really! What happened?</div> <bR> <div> It would seem that Paul has changed and Mark has changed.  Remember, when Paul and Barnabas went separate ways,<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >  "Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus." Acts 15:39. </FONT> Maybe that's just what Mark needed: some time alone with Barnabas. But the point here is this: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#800080" FACE="Arial" >God did not give-up on Mark.  Mark did not give up on God.  And Mark was indeed used by God in spite of his past mistakes.</FONT>  </div> <bR> <div> And what an encouragement that is for us!  All of us have blown it before.  All of us have committed sins in our past that were horrendous.  But no matter how bad you've blown it, never believe the lie that God has had it with you. </div> <bR> <div> Yes, there are consequences to pay when we blow it, but God's mercy, Grace, Forgiveness and Love are always available for those who face the music, repent and are willing to start over.  Mark did it! Peter did it! Abraham and Paul did it! And so can you! What a comfort. </div> <bR> <div>  Now, Paul mentions another one of his acquaintances: Tychicus</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>2. TYCHICUS: THE HIGH VALUE OF TOTAL TRUST.</b></div> <bR> <div> "I sent Tychicus to Ephesus." 2 Timothy 4:12</div> <bR> <div> Turn to: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Colossians 4:7-9 and Ephesians 6: 21-22</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Paul seems to have a lot of trust invested in this man, Tychicus, doesn't he? He calls him a <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"dear brother", "faithful servant in the Lord", "a faithful minister", "a fellow servant in the Lord."</FONT>  He seems to have been a man fully trusted as Paul sent him to deliver his letters, bring news and encouragement to churches and Christians a far.  Paul seems to have total trust in him.  </div> <bR> <div> Do you know anybody like that? Someone you know without a doubt that you can totally trust with anything? Or, lets' get personal: Are you a person who can be totally trusted in word and deed?</div> <bR> <div> I can tell you one thing: It's a dying breed.  Recently I saw a young man with a black T-shirt on with bold red letters written across the back: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"DON'T TRUST ANYBODY".</FONT>   What kind of person would believe something like that? A person who's been hurt, betrayed. A person who placed his or her trust in someone, or several people, who ended-up not being worthy of trust.  It's part of living in the Real World isn't it?</div> <bR> <div> "Many a man claims to have unfailing love, </div> <div> But a faithful man who can find?" Proverbs 20:6</div> <bR> <div> "Help, Lord, for the godly are no more;</div> <div> The faithful have vanished from among men." Ps. 12:1</div> <bR> <div> "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Ps. 41:9</div> <bR> <div> So, people who can't be trusted have been around since the fall, haven't they?  And how can that changed? By pointing the finger at others?  I'm persuaded if I gave each and everyone of you here today a sheet of paper and a pen, you could fill it with  names of people you trusted and who put you down. </div> <bR> <div>  No, the solution isn't trying to make people trustworthy.  The solution is personal.  It starts with you.  You need to become trustworthy. You need to keep your promises and apologize when you don't.   You need to determine yourself to become like the Lord in this matter, for the Lord never let's His people down, right?</div> <bR> <div> "In you our fathers put their trust;They trusted you and you delivered them.  They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed." Ps. 22:4-5</div> <bR> <div> And when a Christian walks with the Lord, on a moment-by-moment basis, in him we can trust and not be disappointed.  This seems to have been the case with Paul and his friend Tychicus. </div> <bR> <div> And  again, Paul mentions another one of his acquaintances; Carpus.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>3. CARPUS: THE WARMTH OF CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY.</b></div> <bR> <div> "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." 2 Timothy 4:13</div> <bR> <div> "From the context it seems probable that Paul stayed with Carpus… and had entrusted him with the care of several valuable possessions.  It also may be that the church in Troas met in Carpus's house." <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >MacArthur, 2 Timothy, p. 210</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Paul was a missionary, a teacher and itinerant evangelist.  So he often depended on the gracious hospitality of believers.  There's another believer who showed this kind of hospitality in <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >3 John 5-8</FONT>.  He's name is Gaius, Turn with me there. </div> <bR> <div> Webster defines hospitality this way, <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"Receiving guests and treating them with warmth and generosity." </FONT></div> <bR> <div> It's a great way to use your home to show the love of Christ with your fellow man. </div> <bR> <div> Again, people who do this are a modern dying breed. Why? We're too busy.  Too pre-occupied.  Too drained.  Too centered on ourselves.  So, you want to make a difference in your community? You want to be a blessing to your fellow man? Invite them over to your home.  Let them know you value them by letting them come into your home and being a true Christian Servant to them.  They won't only be surprised.  They'll probably remember you for it the rest of their lives.  During our first visits, here to Calgary we were invited to Len and Tanis place. Wilf and Anita's. Mr. Koop's, the Staples and the Wheelers and we deeply appreciated it. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>CONCLUSION</b></div> <bR> <div> So remember, </div> <bR> <div> Just because you've made mistakes in the past, there's always room for you to get things right and try again.  God never gives up on you, so why should you give up on Him?</div> <bR> <div> "Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again." Prov. 24:16</div> <bR> <div> The Lord calls all Christians to imitate Him so a lost world will see Him through us.  And they'll know they can trust God when they see they can trust God's children. </div> <bR> <div> "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." Luke 16:10</div> <bR> <div> Ask the Lord how you could use your home to bless people in Jesus name.  Believers and unbelievers.  Some will appreciate it.  Others won't. But that's not what should motivate us.  God is warm and generous with both. </div> <bR> <div> "I'll tell you the truth, anyone who gives… a cup of water in my name… will certainly not lose his reward."  Mark 9:41</div> <bR> <bR> <div> "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14</div> <bR> <div> Amen and God Bless You All.</div> </td> </tr></table></body>