Take a Risk
Sermon 5: Take a Risk
Main Passages: 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 10-17
Main Idea: Following Jesus will require something from you. This decision is not a neutral one. This means you will need to walk away from certain passions to follow others. And when this happens there will be moments of risk. These moments of uncertain outcomes are the exact places where God builds big faith. Make no mistake, part of faith building is risk taking. And here we can fully see God’s hand in our lives.
Key Point
There is no growth without risk. And risk is an essential element of faith.
Risk that is for God:
- Is Biblical
- Is Prayerful
- Is Thoughtful
Background on 2 Timothy
- This is Paul’s final letter
- He’s in prison (and its not going well)
- He encourages Timothy to remain true to his calling (1:6-7)
Into the Text (Three Risks)
- The risk of commitment without guaranteed success (2:1-7)
- A Good Soldier
- A Farmer
- An Athlete
- All share this reality-
- Focused attention, but with no guarantee of a positive outcome.
- This is Risk
- The results may be either external results or internal growth
- The risk of persecution while following Christ (3:1-17)
- We will encounter imposters while growing our faith (1-5)
- We can expect persecution as we grow our faith (3:12)
- The risk of following Christ without rewards on this side of heaven (4:6-8)
- He’s execution is not far away
- He believes Jesus will reward his faithfulness
- He believes this is also available to you and me.
The kind of faith we grow now will impact the kind of church we leave behind.
Application:
What risks are you willing to take to grow your faith?
What are the ropes that are holding you back?