INTRODUCTION - THE GREATEST INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO GUIDE THE CHUCH IS FOUND IN TIM. & TITUS -  PASTORAL

• II Tim tells of tremendous personal responsibility- Titus how to set a Ch. in order-Crete
• I Tim. instructs Timothy in how to direct the church- teach it, & rebuke as needed
• We need a fresh look as Summer is about over, to draw us back into discipline - a team

We are in a crucial hour- We will fall unless we tighten our work for Christ!

I. INSTRUCTION FOR THE CHURCH - Chapters 1-3 - God has a plan

The Church is the pillar and ground of the truth- It must stand straight & tall!

A.  THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH MUST BE PURE - Ch.1- Paul wrote by Commandment of the Lord!

1. Timothy was left at Ephesus to make sure only the Truths of God be taught v.3
2. This was a great city- full of great culture, mysticism, ritualism,- & Diana's Temple
3. God's law has a purpose-v.8-but the end of the law is a Christian life-v.5, not legalism
4. The Glorious Gospel saved the worst sinner- 11-15 even as bad as Saul the Pharisee
5. Not everyone claiming to be of God is saved- but Paul got saved-15, so a song- 17
6. But to preach this Gospel involved a war 18b, and real enemies of Christ- 20

B.  THE PEOPLE OF THE CHURCH MUST BE PRAYERFUL AND OBSERVE GOD'S ORDER - Ch.2 - order of sexes

1. Prayer to be made for all- kings too, 1-2, and giving of thanks for them- even Nero
2. We criticize too much- & pray too little- Illus.-Camp Counselor prayed anti boy-
3. The purpose of our prayer -v.2b that we might have peace to live for God- not fussing
4. God's purpose shown-v.4 that even the leaders might be saved- Do you want this?
5. Both Men & Women to pray-no wrath, no doubting-8- but special inst. for Women- 9-15
6. Remember they were in Ephesus - gaudiness is advertisement for a harlot-

C.  THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH MUST BE PROVED AND WORTHY OF GREAT OPPORTUNITY - Ch. 3

1.  The Bishop-(Supt./overseer) and the Deacon (worker) - these are good offices-v.1, 13 -worth while
2. The emphasis is on their lives being Christian- practical holiness- practical living
3. They must not be a novice, nor unproved- must have good report without the church
4. But those who so minister will be rewarded of the Lord, and can have great boldness-
5. Then after Paul's challenge to behave-v.15, he has a hymn about the mystery of Church-16
6. The people might fail, the Pastor & officers fall- but the church will continue-!
7. In spite of our weakness, the gates of Hell cannot prevail against the church! - Miracle

No matter what the church will stand till Jesus comes- so do not desert ship in storm.

II.  INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MINISTER - Ch. 4-6

1. These instructions cover the problems the minister must face in the church after the song
2. Life in the church is not to be smooth, nor is there absolute agreement with preacher

A.  THE MINISTER MUST TEACH THE TRUTHS OF GOD NO MATTER WHO RESENTS IT  - Ch. 5

1. Some will depart from the faith- v.1 the warning is plain concerning their itching ears
2. The false doctrines mentioned here are only a few- but the problem is large!
3. The minister must put forth words of faith, and good doctrine- not just negative-v;6
4. There are many sidelines- but the pastor reaching for Godliness will not be trapped by the aestheticism-gossip-fables- not the physical beauty culture!
5. Ours is not a dead Diana- but a living God- v.10, so we Command- & Teach! v.11 3. Young or old to be an example-12, read, teach, meditate, & watch out! v.16
6. The pastor of today longs for the time to meditate- /teach/minister- hard balance

B.  THE MINISTER MUST REBUKE SOME, AND EXERCISE JUDGEMENT WITH AUTHORITY FROM GOD - Ch. 6

1. This means he is to use great tenderness, 1,2 but also sternness, v.20, all fairly-21b
2. This is the hard part of the ministry- reprove, rebuke, exhort- II Tim 4:2 is hard
3. I find it hard to judge against any person- but here it is! I miss mark, but must rebuke sin.
4. The Church charity and relief was handled by the early pastors for widows-etc. 3-16
5. We have let government take this over- don't trust pastor with money or authority?
6. But the early pastor directed finances-17-18, rejected rumors 20, & used medicine-v.23

C.  THE MINISTER MUST TEACH MEN TO OUTLIVE AND OUTFIGHT THE WORLD CH.6

1. The pastor must say no-& withdraw from some-v.3-5 and flee worldly desires -money - 6-11a
2. Following good, fighting bad, and keeping his trust against science 11,12, 20
3. Not easy, But we all have the charge 13, keep it until the appearing of Jesus 14

CONCLUSION - DO YOU WANT A CHURCH WITH VICTORY IN JESUS? IS IT WORTH YOUR EFFORT?

1. Then open your heart to Jesus- and march forward together with us!
2. Salvation will open the church door -  your willingness to serve will get your reward!