II Timothy 2:3-7 Graduation Sunday May 21, 2017 What Am I Made Of? II Timothy 2:3-7 Graduation Sunday May 21, 2017

I Timothy to this point… Chapter 1 – Our Calling Chapter 2 – Our Character Character to Promote the Work of God 1-13 The Commitments of Character Personal and Public (1,2) The Components of Character Three Practical Examples (3-7)

Today: How are we to do the Work of God? We must possess character. Let God develop a few particular character qualities in our lives. Consider 3 illustrations that explain the character necessary for us to live in God’s world, follow God’s will and accomplish God’s Work. See if you can pick them out of the passage as we read…

2 Timothy 2:1-7 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

The Single-Mindedness of a Soldier (3,4) The Picture – 3 The Principle – 4a The Prize – 4b

The Self-Discipline of an Athlete (vs. 5) Disciplined to Prepare Disciplined to Participate Disciplined to Play By the Rules

The Stick-to-it-ive-ness of a Farmer (vs. 6) The Law of Involvement The Law of Enjoyment

As we close … My Plea – take a moment to consider and reflect. My Prayer – that the Lord give you understanding. My Point – We want to live in God’s world, follow God’s will and accomplish God’s Work. My Part – “grow up” in character: Single-mindedness Self-discipline Stick-to-it-ive-ness

God’s Work will be accomplished as we let Him produce these character traits in our lives!