Rev. Dustin ParkerContinue- Competent and Equipped
Concordia Lutheran Church
& Fountain of Life Lutheran Church
Pentecost 21, October 17, 2010
Continue, Competent and Equipped
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
IN JESUS NAME!
As the Lord assures you, that through His word, and through the grace poured out for you in the sacraments, you have been made wise to your salvation, realize that the process has also made you competent and equipped to serve each other, and our community in love.
The phenomenon is called “displacement activity”, it is that odd, and puzzling feeling that isn’t quite fear, or frustration, but that doesn’t mean it is not intense. It can rob us of our peace, and our confidence, and leave us in a sort of mental paralysis. Too often I think, it can paralyze a Christian who God put in a certain place, to do a certain task.
It can also paralyze a church’s ability to minister to itself, and minister to its community.
Displacement Activity is simply that “head scratching” or other activity that comes from feeling like you’re a square peg being pounded into a round hole.
It is when you find yourself asking aloud the question, “why am I here?” Why me? Why now? It may be because you feel overwhelmed by a new position, or the weight of the responsibility that you bear. It could be because you are in unfamiliar territory, or perhaps territory where you failed before. It might be because we feel unsure about the direction to go in, or whether we have what it takes. We question ourselves, our competency and whether we have the tools. We question the situation, and sometimes, if we are honest – God’s decision to put us in that place, in that role, at this time.
Been there done that, to be honest – sometimes as I approach the pulpit, I still feel that way. God, are you sure you want me here. With this message? Really Lord?
Timothy was a young bishop – sent to oversee churches that Paul cared deeply for, yet had challenges. The churches themselves were in a complex, multi-cultural society, and they were still having problems with the entire – how Jewish is the church? While some were appealing to Jewish legalistic practices, others were pushing the world’s philosophy. There were divisions, some petty, others that resulted in discipline to be done to protect the church from false teaching.
There must have been some days, where he wondered why me? Why this point and this place. You really want me to do that? Paul’s words to him that were read today would bring comfort, and a pint of reference, and most of all – a focus on the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Confident and equipped, Timothy would continue walking in the faith. Even as those words would be used by the Holy Spirit to sustain Timothy, the Spirit will sustain us as well.
inCompetency (2nd use)
Need ( we can’t do it)
Able to make you
Wise to salvation
As we consider our world, and our place in it, it is hard not to consider the effect of sin on us. Those who have sinned against us, or whom we have perceived sinning against us, damage us. Our own failures and trespasses as well can sometimes seem like huge obstacles in our way. If we consider our own spiritual lives we might see ourselves as something less than confident. Luther in his work often did, as he didn’t think he prayed enough, or knew the scriptures well enough, or was holy enough to be a priest, or even considered a Christian.
Deal with such self-doubt and we become paralyzed mentally and spiritually. We looked at the challenges and realize we shouldn’t be able to deal with them, so we turn away from the challenges.
To Timothy, and to us, Paul points out that continuing to live isn’t dependent upon us. Rather, we continue living as those who grasp that God has delivered them from the past, and even from present and future failures and sin. That life is not living in the shadow of sin, but in the light of grace, poured out to use in the very words of God. Poured out as the Holy Spirit schools us through those words of scripture, as they do what Paul tells us they do – and they do well. Paul tell their purpose in verse 15,
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV)
The salvation, the deliverance that Jesus accomplished for us at the cross – as He joined us to His death that we may rise, freed from sin, is what the scriptures teach. It is not just the central message, it is the message of God’s word – trust in Him, listen to His word, the message is true – you have been rescued by Him.
Competency
Teaches - Disciples
Reproof and Correction
Pedagogue in Righteousness
The scriptures were breathed out by God – they are not just inspired, as a beautiful woman might inspire a artist or a poet or a songwriter - they are His words – breathed out with the purpose of schooling us, making us able – they have the power to instill in us the wisdom that God has saved us.
The word of God teaches us – it instructs us – that challenging process of showing us our errors – both the ones we know about – and the ones where we think we were right – and correcting it. It is the complete process of discipleship – of discipline – that of getting the concept correct. And it takes times.
Matter of fact, even the idea of discipleship – of spiritual formation is one that is confused – as if it is something we can do on our own. Read 4 chapters a day, pray for this long, do this and that – and you have become disciplined – a good disciple. Do all the things in list x – and don’t even think about the things in list Y, and you finally obtain Christian maturity.
That seems the objective of all the 40 day-journeys – from the purpose driven life, to the ones that seek to increase stewardship – they put the effect first – an obligation, a duty, the “right: or “righteous” thing for good mature Christians to do. And in doing so, they miss the boat.
It’s the last phrase that makes the difference, the training in righteousness. There are several words for teaching in scripture that give us English words. There is disciple – and didactic, both of which we have used above. But training in righteousness is a literal different – we get pediatrics and pedagogue from it – the process is that of how you teach a child from its youngest days, from potting training and counting and the alphabet, to manners and interacting with others, and studying. The training isn’t in this case, just based in knowledge, its life training.
In this case – life training in righteousness – the righteousness that has been counted as ours – it is already there, guaranteed by the blood of Christ, guaranteed as the words of the scriptures told us of the promise in our baptism.
What does it mean to live life – knowing that we are counted as righteous by God – already judged and given the promise of the judgment? That is the story of the scriptures – yet we have such trouble realizing it! Paul’s words – paraphrased – you want to persevere – you want to be able to do that which God has called you to do? Don’t look at yourself – look to the place where God has promised to be with you – to the place where God has determined and marked you in baptism as His!
Continue to look to scripture – not from duty – but to draw your strength from the glorious gospel that declares you as His people, that constantly refers to this marvelous grace – and shows you that you already walk in it – cleansed, forgiven, reconciled, redeemed, bought with a price.
That’s why chapter 4 is all about living and serving in view of Christ’s return, and the coming of the Judgment day and the full revelation of God’s reign! Paul tells Timothy to not let people be distracted by other teaching – that would steal people to follow their passions, to worship the false gods that proliferate and promise pleasure and self-fulfillment.
Equipped (3rd use)
Learned in the school of hard knocks
The Net
Competent and Equipped for every good work – that is how Paul describes Timothy, it is how we are described by Paul in Ephesians 2:10. God’s masterpiece, His artwork, the people that His saved – His gift.
As we are led and trained in living – living by God’s judgment as righteous and just, the scriptures create something in us as well – being competent and equipped. Not competent in the sense of being barely adequate – but competent in the sense of being fully certified and authorized and empowered to act.
For that is the final judgment of God – that even though sometimes our decisions were not the best – sometimes the motives may have been questionable – there is a calm assurance that God will indeed work out everything for our best. That He has counted us as righteous, and who is to bring a charge against us, with that judgment?
He reigns – He is in control – and He has called us together – His people in this place – to do His work – the work of sharing His grace with our specific community. Competent – equipped – empowered by Him, my question isn’t what can we not accomplish – but what can we accomplish?
So my friends – continue in what you have learned – and what you trust in – that which is revealed to you in His words, and poured out for you in the sacraments – the fact that God has made you His! Share that blessing with all – for just as Jesus died for you – he did for your family, yours friends, your classmates, your coworkers and even those who bug you and antagonize you.
For God has made you competent and equipped you for this very work – the good work of being His people.
And rest in His peace, knowing that He dwells with you.. and guards your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. AMEN?
& Fountain of Life Lutheran Church
Pentecost 21, October 17, 2010
Continue, Competent and Equipped
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
IN JESUS NAME!
As the Lord assures you, that through His word, and through the grace poured out for you in the sacraments, you have been made wise to your salvation, realize that the process has also made you competent and equipped to serve each other, and our community in love.
The phenomenon is called “displacement activity”, it is that odd, and puzzling feeling that isn’t quite fear, or frustration, but that doesn’t mean it is not intense. It can rob us of our peace, and our confidence, and leave us in a sort of mental paralysis. Too often I think, it can paralyze a Christian who God put in a certain place, to do a certain task.
It can also paralyze a church’s ability to minister to itself, and minister to its community.
Displacement Activity is simply that “head scratching” or other activity that comes from feeling like you’re a square peg being pounded into a round hole.
It is when you find yourself asking aloud the question, “why am I here?” Why me? Why now? It may be because you feel overwhelmed by a new position, or the weight of the responsibility that you bear. It could be because you are in unfamiliar territory, or perhaps territory where you failed before. It might be because we feel unsure about the direction to go in, or whether we have what it takes. We question ourselves, our competency and whether we have the tools. We question the situation, and sometimes, if we are honest – God’s decision to put us in that place, in that role, at this time.
Been there done that, to be honest – sometimes as I approach the pulpit, I still feel that way. God, are you sure you want me here. With this message? Really Lord?
Timothy was a young bishop – sent to oversee churches that Paul cared deeply for, yet had challenges. The churches themselves were in a complex, multi-cultural society, and they were still having problems with the entire – how Jewish is the church? While some were appealing to Jewish legalistic practices, others were pushing the world’s philosophy. There were divisions, some petty, others that resulted in discipline to be done to protect the church from false teaching.
There must have been some days, where he wondered why me? Why this point and this place. You really want me to do that? Paul’s words to him that were read today would bring comfort, and a pint of reference, and most of all – a focus on the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Confident and equipped, Timothy would continue walking in the faith. Even as those words would be used by the Holy Spirit to sustain Timothy, the Spirit will sustain us as well.
inCompetency (2nd use)
Need ( we can’t do it)
Able to make you
Wise to salvation
As we consider our world, and our place in it, it is hard not to consider the effect of sin on us. Those who have sinned against us, or whom we have perceived sinning against us, damage us. Our own failures and trespasses as well can sometimes seem like huge obstacles in our way. If we consider our own spiritual lives we might see ourselves as something less than confident. Luther in his work often did, as he didn’t think he prayed enough, or knew the scriptures well enough, or was holy enough to be a priest, or even considered a Christian.
Deal with such self-doubt and we become paralyzed mentally and spiritually. We looked at the challenges and realize we shouldn’t be able to deal with them, so we turn away from the challenges.
To Timothy, and to us, Paul points out that continuing to live isn’t dependent upon us. Rather, we continue living as those who grasp that God has delivered them from the past, and even from present and future failures and sin. That life is not living in the shadow of sin, but in the light of grace, poured out to use in the very words of God. Poured out as the Holy Spirit schools us through those words of scripture, as they do what Paul tells us they do – and they do well. Paul tell their purpose in verse 15,
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV)
The salvation, the deliverance that Jesus accomplished for us at the cross – as He joined us to His death that we may rise, freed from sin, is what the scriptures teach. It is not just the central message, it is the message of God’s word – trust in Him, listen to His word, the message is true – you have been rescued by Him.
Competency
Teaches - Disciples
Reproof and Correction
Pedagogue in Righteousness
The scriptures were breathed out by God – they are not just inspired, as a beautiful woman might inspire a artist or a poet or a songwriter - they are His words – breathed out with the purpose of schooling us, making us able – they have the power to instill in us the wisdom that God has saved us.
The word of God teaches us – it instructs us – that challenging process of showing us our errors – both the ones we know about – and the ones where we think we were right – and correcting it. It is the complete process of discipleship – of discipline – that of getting the concept correct. And it takes times.
Matter of fact, even the idea of discipleship – of spiritual formation is one that is confused – as if it is something we can do on our own. Read 4 chapters a day, pray for this long, do this and that – and you have become disciplined – a good disciple. Do all the things in list x – and don’t even think about the things in list Y, and you finally obtain Christian maturity.
That seems the objective of all the 40 day-journeys – from the purpose driven life, to the ones that seek to increase stewardship – they put the effect first – an obligation, a duty, the “right: or “righteous” thing for good mature Christians to do. And in doing so, they miss the boat.
It’s the last phrase that makes the difference, the training in righteousness. There are several words for teaching in scripture that give us English words. There is disciple – and didactic, both of which we have used above. But training in righteousness is a literal different – we get pediatrics and pedagogue from it – the process is that of how you teach a child from its youngest days, from potting training and counting and the alphabet, to manners and interacting with others, and studying. The training isn’t in this case, just based in knowledge, its life training.
In this case – life training in righteousness – the righteousness that has been counted as ours – it is already there, guaranteed by the blood of Christ, guaranteed as the words of the scriptures told us of the promise in our baptism.
What does it mean to live life – knowing that we are counted as righteous by God – already judged and given the promise of the judgment? That is the story of the scriptures – yet we have such trouble realizing it! Paul’s words – paraphrased – you want to persevere – you want to be able to do that which God has called you to do? Don’t look at yourself – look to the place where God has promised to be with you – to the place where God has determined and marked you in baptism as His!
Continue to look to scripture – not from duty – but to draw your strength from the glorious gospel that declares you as His people, that constantly refers to this marvelous grace – and shows you that you already walk in it – cleansed, forgiven, reconciled, redeemed, bought with a price.
That’s why chapter 4 is all about living and serving in view of Christ’s return, and the coming of the Judgment day and the full revelation of God’s reign! Paul tells Timothy to not let people be distracted by other teaching – that would steal people to follow their passions, to worship the false gods that proliferate and promise pleasure and self-fulfillment.
Equipped (3rd use)
Learned in the school of hard knocks
The Net
Competent and Equipped for every good work – that is how Paul describes Timothy, it is how we are described by Paul in Ephesians 2:10. God’s masterpiece, His artwork, the people that His saved – His gift.
As we are led and trained in living – living by God’s judgment as righteous and just, the scriptures create something in us as well – being competent and equipped. Not competent in the sense of being barely adequate – but competent in the sense of being fully certified and authorized and empowered to act.
For that is the final judgment of God – that even though sometimes our decisions were not the best – sometimes the motives may have been questionable – there is a calm assurance that God will indeed work out everything for our best. That He has counted us as righteous, and who is to bring a charge against us, with that judgment?
He reigns – He is in control – and He has called us together – His people in this place – to do His work – the work of sharing His grace with our specific community. Competent – equipped – empowered by Him, my question isn’t what can we not accomplish – but what can we accomplish?
So my friends – continue in what you have learned – and what you trust in – that which is revealed to you in His words, and poured out for you in the sacraments – the fact that God has made you His! Share that blessing with all – for just as Jesus died for you – he did for your family, yours friends, your classmates, your coworkers and even those who bug you and antagonize you.
For God has made you competent and equipped you for this very work – the good work of being His people.
And rest in His peace, knowing that He dwells with you.. and guards your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. AMEN?
