What kind of legacy will we leave behind to the next generation of believers? What convictions? What truths? What kind of faith will we pass down? In this new series we will study the Apostle Paul’s first letter to his protégé Timothy. We will be examining the specific convictions that Paul was leaving to his disciple and the very convictions that we seek to cultivate in our Church. From prayer, to church leadership; from the preeminence of the Gospel, to the role of men and women; these are just some of the Biblical truths that we will be studying in this new series. Our desire is to uphold a Biblical worldview and cultivate a legacy of faith that will leave the next generation secure and not found wanting. Join us, as we take these building blocks of the faith and build a legacy together!
Disciple Makers
By: Ian Opiniano
What Legacy are we leaving behind as a believer? As we began our new series, we looked at the first aspect of the legacy we want to leave behind as a church—to be disciple makers. In this sermon we studied the first chapter of 1 Timothy and examined the fruits of discipleship. We began by examining the life of Timothy and the kind of believer that he turned out to be as a result of Paul investing into his life. We also learned about how those we disciple inherit the stewardship of our faith, allowing for truth and sound doctrine to thrive in the faith of the next generation. Finally, we were reminded that we are to instruct in love; the motivator for the ministry of discipleship is love. For without love we are merely “teachers without understanding”. Discipleship is the avenue in which the Church fulfills its vision to see lives changed by the Gospel. When the generations ahead of us look back, may they see us as disciple makers.
Practitioners of the Word
By: Ian Opiniano
The Word of God is timeless truth for all generations; it is therefore without argument, essential to the legacy that the Church passes on to the next generation. Yet many churches today have made the Word secondary to practices, traditions and human sentiments– far be it from us to do the same! In this sermon we continued our study in 1 Timothy and looked at what it means to be Practitioners of the Word. First we were encouraged to learn the Word, committing to a level of excellence as we study scripture. Second, we discussed how we must have a deep love for the Word—a passion that supersedes all other passions in this world. Finally, we learned that we must also live the Word; for the Word by itself does not change lives but rather the Word applied. It’s not enough to be known as a “Bible believing” church, for many churches say the same but fall short in its practice. We must set an example for the next generation of believers by being Practitioners of the Word.
People of Grace
By: Ian Opiniano
What does it mean to be a People of Grace? As we continued our discussion about the culture we leave behind as a church, we examined the idea of being known as a people who communicate and demonstrate the grace of God. First we looked at a lifestyle of grateful living, a way of life that keeps us humble as we recollect the immeasurable grace demonstrated to us while we were lost in our sin. Second, we looked at the importance of developing a right understanding towards the lost in that, they are blind to the Gospel. This means that we cannot approach them nor condemn them as if they are able to see clearly the truth. With this in mind, we are to accept them in truth, not sacrificing the truth for grace, but communicating both to the lost. We were also reminded that we are to be Christ-like witnesses to the lost, allowing for grace to overflow from our lives to the life of others. Finally, just as Paul entrusted the doctrines of grace to Timothy, we too must do the same to faithful believers. As the generations of believers look back at the legacy of our church, our prayer is that we are remembered as a people overflowing with the grace of God.
Intercessors
By: Ian Opiniano
What does it mean to be an intercessor? As we continued our Legacy series, we looked at how to stand in the gap in prayer on behalf of others. First, we discussed how we must pray with sensitivity; being aware of the needs of the world and not falling into ignorance through isolation. We also learned to pray selflessly, lifting up prayers that go beyond our needs and venture into the needs of others with genuine care. We also looked at the need to pray for the salvation of the lost, a demonstration of our hearts becoming in line with the heart of God. Finally, we must remember to pray with sureness, for it is the confidence that God hears our prayers that dispel any unbelief that deters us from praying. When the generations after us look back, may they see a Church that is built on the prayers of the saints.
People Who Honor – Part One
By: Ian Opiniano
In a time where gender is questioned, and the roles of men and women are blurred, what will the next generation inherit from the Church concerning these things? As we continued our series on the Legacy of the church, we discussed the desire to cultivate a culture of honor. This is the desire to see men and women honoring each other in the complementary roles that God has designed. In this first part on the topic of gender roles, we studied how God has called women to a heart posture of submission. This submission does not mean that women are to agree to everything a man says, or that they are to keep silent. On the contrary, women are encouraged to guide men with their voice, and provide perspective in areas that men could be blind to. We also learned that submission does not mean that women become powerless and must rely on men for strength, but rather they are to find their strength in Christ alone. Finally we learned, that submission should not equate to fear, but ought to cultivate faith—a trust in a good God and His design for men and women. Ultimately, submission is the great privilege to reflect the submission of Christ to the Father’s will and a witness to the glory of our Savior.
People Who Honor – Part Two
By: Ian Opiniano
As we concluded our discussion on gender roles, we examined the responsibility of men in the Church as authoritative teachers and leaders. A rebuke was expressed to the men who womanize, domineer, and are largely apathetic towards the call of God on the male gender. We learned that the call of men is to imitate Christ in sacrifice; to lay down their lives just as Christ laid down His life for His bride, the Church. When men fail to this, they imitate the first man—Adam, who failed to protect his wife from sin. This imitation of Christ requires that men lead women with the Word, guard their purity and place their wellbeing above their own. Ultimately, as women submit and men sacrifice, the Gospel is beautifully depicted in the complementary roles; the image of the Church who submits to her bride, and the Christ who sacrificed His life for her.
Above Reproach
By: Ian Opiniano
As we continued our series on Legacy, we looked at the quality of being “above reproach”. In this sermon we saw that those in leadership are called to this standard but also all believers. We learned that an important part to living an exemplary life is through accountability. It is in this process of submitting to one another for edification that humility is preserved. Accountability also produces integrity in that, the scrutiny of others shield us from sin, and pushes us to give an account of the deeds we’ve committed in our private life. We also learned that accountability protects our testimony by enabling us to live a life that is worthy of the Gospel we preach. In the end, all of us will be held accountable for every word and deed we commit. Accountability in this life ultimately aids us in keeping those words and deeds above reproach and worthy of the body of Christ.
Awestruck
By: Ian Opiniano
Continuing our Legacy series, we looked into the attribute of being awestruck by the Gospel and the mysteries of the faith. For this, we continued our study in 1 Timothy and unpacked what Paul describes as the “mystery of godliness”—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We examined briefly the doctrine of the Incarnation: God manifested in the flesh, being both fully God and fully man, two distinct natures in the one person of Jesus Christ. We also learned that the incarnation of God communicates His invitation to man to be in right relationship with Him. This was followed by unpacking the importance of the Resurrection, and how the Holy Spirit vindicates the divinity and authority of Christ through the event. Along with this, the resurrection validates our claims as believers and enables us to live for God with the same power that rose Christ from the dead. Finally, we looked at the beauty of the ascension and how it declares the active work of Christ as our mediator before the Father. Our desire as we consider these wonders of the faith is that we too would become awestruck at God’s salvific plan for humanity, and confess with sincerity “Great indeed is the mystery of godliness!”
Awestruck – Part 2
By: Ian Opiniano
As we concluded the second half of our sermon entitled Awestruck, we discussed the impact that Christianity has had in the cultures of the world throughout time. The proclamation of the Gospel has aided in the shaping of all facets of human civilization; from civil rights to business reform, from women’s rights to healthcare. Contrary to popular belief, Christianity has been the greatest influencer to the civilization of humanity and it all started by the proclamation of the Gospel. We also examined how the Gospel was a revolutionary concept in that it did not pander to a specific group of people, but in fact saw conversions from all types of people from different cultures and creeds. This is all due to the fact that God’s grace is irresistible, able to overcome the most depraved heart and Christ is most desirable, the pinnacle of human longing and search for truth. Finally, we examined how the ultimate result of the propagation of the Gospel is the glorification of Christ. It is a privilege to be called a follower of Christ. It ought to leave us awestruck to think about how God has proclaimed His good news to all the nations, and has repurposed us for the ministry of reconciliation.
Holiness
By: Ian Opiniano
Continuing our series on Legacy, we looked at holiness as a pattern of life that believers are called to live out. We discussed how we often place standards on holiness that result in the task becoming inaccessible and more challenging than it needs to be. With this in mind, we clarified what holiness ‘is’ and ‘is not’ according to our passage in 1 Timothy 4. Firstly, we mentioned that holiness is about spiritual revision and not physical restrictions. The idea that holiness starts at the renewal of our hearts and minds and not in a set of rules. Second, we talked about how holiness is a spiritual exercise and not a physical exhibition; holiness requires an inward transformation and not an outward boasting. Finally we examined how holiness is a spiritual privilege for believers and not a physical preference. This is the idea that as believers we are being sanctified by God to become holy just as He is holy. It is the privilege of the believer whose works no longer amount to filthy rags to communicate the glory of God through holiness. What kind of faith will we leave behind to the next generation? A faith that is wholly set apart.
Faithful Patterns
By: Ian Opiniano
In this sermon we discussed the necessity of demonstrating faithful patterns for the next generation to observe and imitate. We looked at the need to pattern our faith publically—not being ashamed of it or keeping it to ourselves without the consideration of others. We must be visible examples so that others can see the work of God through our lives. Secondly, we looked at the need to practice the gifts of God perpetually. Like Timothy, we are called to be immersed in the gifts that the Holy Spirit has distributed to every believer. This is not a call to mysticism, but a call to a methodical practice of the gifts that God has given us. Finally, we looked at the need to protect what we practice and preach with persistence. There are many factors in this life that seek to pull a believer away from the truths of God’s Word and distort how we live. Which is all the more reason to persist in the practice and the preaching of the truth. When our time on earth is done, our desire is to leave behind the truths of God’s Word, and faithful patterns for following generations to live by.
Storge
By: Ian Opiniano
We continued our Legacy series by examining some practical ways of demonstrating the Biblical concept of “storge”—the love of family. First we looked at the necessity of considering other believers as family; it’s not enough to simply be associated to a church but we must also love its members as we do our actual relatives. This is under the premise that our heavenly bonds are greater than our earthly bonds. Secondly, we examined the need to care for our families who are in the church and outside the church. Paul in 1 Timothy 5:8 describes how believers can end up defacing the faith when they fail to demonstrate compassion and care to those of their household. Finally, we discussed that if the Church wants to demonstrate storge-love, we must learn to cherish the household of God. According to our study, the primary way of cherishing the family of God is not to tarnish it with the words we say; defamation is the root of division. We must be careful to watch our words with others, and consider whether we are building up or tearing down. The family of God is an illustration of the Kingdom to come; an example to the world of what true family can be.
Double Honor
By: Ian Opiniano
In this last sermon we looked at the idea of giving double honor to the Overseers of the Church. In our discussion about the legacy of faith that Pluslife will leave behind, our desire is to see those in leadership positions be honored for their labor. One way we can show this is by considering those in leadership with appreciation; recognizing the sacrifices that our leaders undergo in order to minister to the household of God. Secondly, we can administer correction to our leaders when applicable. Reproving and edifying those in charge of us communicates our love for them, and our desire to not see them be disqualified. Finally, we can convey honor for our leaders by assisting them in the areas of service, prayers and affirmation. It is the grace of God that allow mere men to shepherd His flock; similarly, it is the privilege of the flock to honor those entrusted to care for them. May the legacy we leave behind produce believers that render double honor to the shepherds who oversee us.
Discernment – Part 1
By: Ian Opiniano
In this first half of our discussion on discernment, we looked at the standard that the Church uses to distinguish between sound teaching and false teaching. Like many churches, we hold Scripture as the only infallible rule of measure when it comes to matters of faith and truth- Sola Scriptura. We believe that the contents of the Word of God has the final word on what is sound teaching and false teaching. We also discussed the argument of some that holding this view of Sola Scriptura would “put God in a box”, but as we learned, the Bible does not restrict God, it reveals exactly who He is. Finally, we saw how the primary indicator of false teaching is that the fundamental truths of God’s Word is twisted just enough to preach a different gospel and a different Christ. This reality ought to push believers to study Scriptures more and learn the nuances of sound doctrine. As we leave behind a legacy of faith to the next generation, discernment is a necessary tool for the church to pass on. Coupled with a passion for sound doctrine, we can rest assured knowing that future generations will be able to distinguish between what is truth and what is false.
Discernment – Part 2
By: Ian Opiniano
As we concluded our discussion on discernment, we looked at some more characteristics of false teachers and the content of their teachings. We saw in 1 Timothy how Paul describes false teachers as those with a prideful disposition. Their aim is to boost their influence while diminishing God’s; their teachings revolve around independence through self-help. On the contrary, we learned that the Bible does not teach self-help, but rather surrender to a God who is an ever-present help in times of need. In addition, we discussed how false teachers often promote disorder; their teachings do more to divide the church than to unite it. Along with this, we saw how false teachers also propagate depravity, blurring the lines between what is sacred and what is sinful. Finally, we looked at how these teachers have profitable desires; their aim is to profit from the Gospel that is meant to be freely given. Discernment is crucial for the Christian walk. It is this process of searching Scripture and testing every spirit that enables the Church to leave behind a legacy grounded in the truth.
Faithful Fighters
By: Ian Opiniano
As we closed off our series on Legacy, we looked at the necessity of consistency as the basis of a legacy—a foundation built on constants not convenience. For this sermon, we examined Paul’s final charge to his protégé Timothy, “fight the good fight of the faith.” We saw the importance of having to choose our battles; often in this life we can end up striving for things that are secondary rather than primary. Secondly, we were called to continue our progress, allowing Him who began a good work in us to see it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. Finally, we were reminded to change our focus, to live for what is truly life; not for the material but for what is eternal. For the legacy of the church to stand the test of time, it requires that believers consistently strive for the things of God. We are called to be faithful fighters.