Never Forget Who You Serve!

Temple Baptist Church - 3-24-2013

 

1 Timothy 6:13-16

 

Introduction:

A. As we get toward the end of the Book of 1 Timothy (one of the Pastoral Epistles), we find a doxology. Paul gives doxologies in several of his epistles. A doxology is an expression of praise, sometimes spoken as it is in this epistle or set to music and used in a worship service.

B. This particular expression of praise deals with certain attributes and titles given to God alone.

1. These are often hidden from the eyes of the world because of unbelief. Not being experiential, we find that faith is essential in seeing God as He is. The world denies the attributes and position of God though His “fingerprint” is everywhere.

a) Nature declares the glory of God on every hand. The perfection of the universe is found in its precision. The balance found nature as every plant, animal, bird, insect, and bacteria are essential.

b) The very existence and makeup of man declares the glory of God. Fearfully and wonderfully made are the words given in the bible to describe him. I stand amazed when I watch the wonder of conception and birth. The DNA that so intricately forms each individual is beyond comprehension. I sat the other day observing two of my grandchildren play and saw the absolute perfection in every detail of their makeup: the same and yet completely different in every aspect.

2. Paul is writing to young Pastor Timothy because of the possibility of forgetting just who and what this great God is that he served.

a) Circumstances often shroud His person. In times of trouble or perplexity, it is easy to lean upon our own strength instead of “tapping” the unlimited resources found in God alone. We row and bail while the Master of our “seas” remains in the ship un-approached.

b) Business often shrouds His person. It is so easy to be so busy serving that we forget to spend those invaluable minutes with Him.

C. These verses are a reminder to the pastor of the church as well as to the saints. Never forget who and what He is! Paul does not set forth all that is God in these verses, but gives a short reminder in two areas.

1. He Is Sovereign.

a. He is the ONLY Potentate! “mighty ruler” The Lord is not a ruler, He is the Ruler. He made it all, He sustains it all, He owns it all! He has no rival in the universe. Do not worry about Him being overruled or overpowered.

b. He is King of kings. He rules and overrules in the affairs of men.

Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Colossians 1:15-17 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

c. He is Lord of lords. He is pre-eminent. He is Lord of all.

Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2. What He is. He is eternally the same.

a. Immortality – “deathlessness” Eternal in life. John 1:4 “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” The Lord does not have life, He is life! “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” He neither diminishes nor dies. “I AM THAT I AM” gives the biblical description of Jehovah God. “I AM” means to “continue to exist” and comes from a word meaning “to breathe.” Therefore, the Lord not only exists continually but that existence is a living one. Something inanimate can exist. He is not only eternal but also eternally the same.

b. Purity and Holiness. God dwells in an inapproachable light. 1 John 1:5 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Absolute in purity; absolute in holiness; absolute in righteousness; absolutely just in all His ways and decrees! He is the Standard of all that is right; He is the Benchmark from which all are measured; and He imputes holiness and purity to you and me! Oh, what a Saviour!

Conclusion: Let us never forget who He is; who we are by faith; and who we serve!