But You Have Carefully Followed (V)

by Mitchell Tan
November 24, 2017

FOLLOWING PAUL’S EXAMPLE OF FAITH

One of the things that stood out about Paul was his faith in the Lord Jesus. He had a faith that enabled him to become one of the most outstanding servants of God. It was this faith that Timothy sought to follow after as well.

“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith”
2 Timothy 3:10

1. DEFINITION OF A HISTORICAL FAITH

In the Greek, there is an article (The) in front of the word “faith”. This is a reference to the historical faith that we have in the Lord and we are meant to vigorously hold fast to it.

A. IT IS A FAITH THAT COMES FROM UNDERSTANDING OBJECTIVE TRUTHS FROM DOCTRINE

Paul’s doctrine affected the way he exercised his faith.

B. THIS IS NOT A FAITH THAT IS DETERMINED BY OUR WHIMS AND FANCIES

There were many deviations and false types of faith floating around during the times of Paul.

C. BOTH PAUL AND TIMOTHY HAD ACQUIRED THIS HISTORICAL FAITH FOR THEMSELVES

The challenge for us is to have a faith that is also historical and to make it personal.

2. FEATURES OF THIS HISTORICAL FAITH

“Separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures”
Romans 1:1-2

What are the features of this historical faith?

A. IT IS FOCUSED ON THE LORD JESUS AND THE GOSPEL OF GOD

i. The Lord is the eternal Son of God.

ii. The Lord Jesus is the Messiah born of the seed of David.

iii. The Lord Jesus is the resurrected Son of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The focus of this historical faith is on the Lord Jesus.

B. ITS BASIS IS THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

i. The coming of the Messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament.

ii. The Lord Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Him and His work.

3. APPLICATION OF THIS HISTORICAL FAITH

a. Paul sought to be dynamic in all that he did:

i. He was a man of prayer.

ii. He served the Lord faithfully.

iii. He was willing to suffer anything for the sake of the Lord.

b. He was obedient to the faith.

c. This was the spirit of faith that Paul had.

d. Let’s also seek to have the same spirit of faith.

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