2 Timothy 1:6-14 Loyal

Theological Proposition/Focus: The Gospel is worth the ultimate sacrifice whether that be death or the full investment of one's life.

Homiletical Proposition/Application: We have been entrusted with the most important message in history. The message of the Gospel.

Introduction:

Image: Cracking the enigma machine

The Enigma machine, developed in the early 20th century, was a groundbreaking encryption device that became synonymous with German military secrecy during World War II. Designed initially for commercial use, the German military adapted and enhanced the Enigma, turning it into a highly complex cipher machine to safeguard their sensitive communications. The device consisted of a keyboard and a set of rotors that encrypted messages in a seemingly random manner, making it extremely challenging to decipher. Each press of a key triggered a series of mechanical movements, constantly changing the encryption pattern. The Enigma's cryptographic strength lay in its ability to generate an astronomical number of possible combinations, rendering traditional codebreaking methods ineffective.

Capturing an Enigma machine held immense strategic significance during World War II. The Enigma, a highly sophisticated encryption device used by the German military, was instrumental in securing their communications. When Allied forces managed to seize an Enigma machine, it provided invaluable insights into German encryption methods. The captured machines, along with associated codebooks and settings, allowed Allied codebreakers to further unravel the complexities of the Enigma system. This breakthrough significantly expedited the process of decrypting intercepted German messages, granting the Allies access to critical intelligence in real-time. The knowledge gained from captured Enigma machines played a pivotal role in shaping military strategies, enabling the Allies to anticipate and counter German actions effectively.

Cracking the Enigma code during World War II stands as one of the most significant achievements in the history of cryptography. The Enigma machine, employed by the German military to encode sensitive communications, presented a formidable challenge to Allied codebreakers due to its complexity and regular reconfigurations. Alan Turing, a pioneering mathematician and computer scientist, played a crucial role in deciphering Enigma-encoded messages. Turing's team at Bletchley Park developed the Bombe, an electromechanical device designed to rapidly test possible Enigma settings. Their perseverance, innovation, and ability to adapt to the evolving Enigma configurations were essential. But also secrecy of their codebreaking efforts mattered. Turing's team was entrusted with protecting one of the most significant truths, the Allies had cracked the enigma. The decoding of Enigma not only unveiled the enemy's plans and significantly accelerated the end of the war, saving countless lives and altering the course of history.

The ministry of the Gospel of Jesus is of monumental importance and those in whom this message has been entrusted have the capacity to be part of the salvation of countless souls. However, unlike the Bletchley Park team, this mission is no secret.

Setting the Stage:

2 Timothy, is one of the pastoral letters attributed to the Apostle Paul in the New Testament of the Bible. The letter was probably written during Paul's second imprisonment in Rome, around AD 64-67 shortly before his execution. I see this letter as very much Paul's last will and testament. The letter serves as a personal and instructional message from the elder apostle to his beloved disciple and co-worker in the faith, Timothy. The letter emphasizes themes such as enduring faith, steadfastness in the face of challenges, and the responsibility of Christian leaders to faithfully carry on the teachings of Christ. As Paul faces the imminent prospect of martyrdom, he takes on a poignant tone, providing a glimpse into the profound spiritual legacy he wishes to impart to the next generation of believers, particularly Timothy, who is encouraged to guard the deposit of faith and continue the work of spreading the Gospel.

In 2 Timothy 1:6-14, Paul appeals to Timothy to remain loyal to the Gospel.

The sermon today has a lot of items that are directed specifically at Tim, are good reminders for our other deacons and pastors, but really apply to everyone. You see all of us have been called to Gospel ministry. Some of us are called to hold a particular office but we all have a responsibility to the Gospel.

Let's read 1 Timothy 1:6-14,

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Body

The first point I want to make is that.

You have been called to minister but that does not mean ministry will always be easy (6-8).

I am sorry to have to say this but it is reality. There are times when ministry is hard. Paul, as he wrote, was facing imminent death. Early Christian tradition and historical accounts suggest that Paul was executed in Rome, likely during the reign of Emperor Nero, around AD 64-67. One widely accepted tradition is that Paul was beheaded. This belief is based on a reference in early Christian writings, specifically in the "Acts of Paul," an apocryphal work that describes Paul's execution by beheading.

So imagine Paul, sitting in a prison knowing that the end is near. Ministry is hard! But imagine Timothy also, his mentor is imprisoned and he will likely never see him again. What's more, prison often brings shame. Ministry is sometimes hard. But hard does not mean impossible and Paul has some important reminders for Timothy. First, he remind Timothy that

Remembering decisions made and the time of a calling provide important motivation (6).

In verse 6 Paul reminds Timothy that he needs to exercise the gifts for ministry fanning them. The idea here is that as the gift is used it is brought to full potential. But how does one do that in the midst of hard ministry? By remembering that they have been called by God. This is I think the point of verse 6. Paul is saying, "Timothy remember that we laid hands on you calling you to ministry. That call was our recognition of God's gifting you. Don't forget, God has called you!"

At this point, you might be wondering if there is something spiritual or magical that happens when we lay hands on someone whereby they receive a special gift or grace. My answer, I don't think so. The Greek word διὰ (through) that we translate as "through the laying on of my hands" is very imprecise and can mean nothing more than an "association between Timothy's ordination and the young man’s awareness of his own abilities."

I really think Paul is saying. Timothy, don't forget that we all recognized God's calling. When the going gets tough remember God's call.

The Gospel is worth it (12b-14).

Image: Military officer commissioning.

I still remember my younger brother's commissioning as an Air Force officer.

An Air Force officer in the United States takes the Oath of Office, which is a solemn pledge affirming their commitment to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. The oath is as follows:

"I, [full name], having been appointed a [rank] in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So help me God."

The oath underscores the officer's dedication to the principles of the Constitution and the responsibilities associated with their position in the United States Air Force.

Here is what I want you to consider, you may not be an officer in the military but God has called you to be a minister to the Gospel. Today we are ordaining Tim and part of that process is really commissioning him to serve faithfully as a deacon. We did not make up some oath for Tim to take but I want you to realize that Tim has expressed his commitment to the Gospel that has been entrusted to him.