Our Mid-Week service was a powerful reminder of the endurance and strength found in God’s grace. From the opening congregational of “Amazing Grace” to the deep study of 2 Timothy 1, the message was clear: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power.
Pastor Arville Duncan continued our journey through the pastoral epistles, focusing on the encouragement Paul offered to Timothy—and how that same exhortation applies to every believer today.
Sermon Highlights
1. The Gift Within
Preaching from 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Pastor Arville focused on the command to “stir up the gift of God.”
- The Holy Ghost: This gift is none other than the Holy Spirit dwelling within the believer.
- Keeping the Fire: Just as a fire needs to be stirred to keep its heat, our spiritual lives require assembly in the church and the preaching of the Word to remain fervent and effective.
2. Overcoming the Spirit of Fear
We were reminded that fear does not come from God. In a world full of uncertainty, the believer has access to a “sound mind” and divine power.
- Encouragement for All Ages: Pastor shared a personal story from when he turned 70, reflecting on how a chance meeting with an 87-year-old preacher reminded him that he still had “many good years ahead.” We are never too old or too young to be used by God.
3. The Urgency of the Work
Referencing Ecclesiastes 9:10, the message urged us to be diligent while we have the opportunity.
- No Work in the Grave: There is no wisdom or work to be done once we leave this life. While we have health, we must use it to build the church and reach the lost.
- The “Christian Bubble”: We live in a different atmosphere than the world. If you find yourself enjoying the world more than the things of God, it’s time for a “spiritual cleansing.”
4. A Consistent Testimony
A testimony isn’t just what you say during a service; it’s how you act at work, at school, and in your neighborhood.
- Patient Suffering: According to 1 Peter 2:20, taking criticism for doing wrong is expected, but suffering for doing well is pleasing to God.
- Being Unashamed: Don’t be ashamed to carry your Bible or speak the name of Jesus. Your lifestyle is the loudest sermon you will ever preach.