Who And Why? (Mentor series)

(Notes from FBC Ruston and Dr. Chris, Jan 22, 2012)

1 Timothy 1:1-3
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus...

Whay Are We Here? Why Am I Here?
v. 1 .. Paul establishes his authroity for readers.
'Apostle' means someone sent, an ambassador sent by a leader to a foreign land
Paul knew why God had left him here
* Why has God left you on earth now? (God didn't leave you hear to be unhappy and ineffective)

1. To Advance the Name of Jesus
v. 1 -- "God our savior" ... emporer was considered and called 'savior' by Romans at this time; Paul is more concerned about lifting up God than pleasing politicians

2. To Bless Others
v. 2 -- Timothy, as many leaders can relate, struggled with discouragement and disappointment and depression; he was pastor in a difficult situation in Ephesus ... He understood 'grace,' the undeserved favor and goodness of God...mercy and peace are Paul's blessings in prayer to Timothy ... he is an encourager

3. Settling These Issues Makes All The Difference
a. Your life has a real positive purpose
C.S. Lewis: Following God does not mean you'll always be happy; not following God guarantees you will not be happy
* Be about the business of the king

b. You can endure the worst
vs. 3 -- Timothy had wanted to leave Ephesus. Paul knew he could hang in there. Paul had been imprisoned, beaten etc. for the faith ... He endured because he knew why God had left him here

c. This is where you will be effective and leave a legacy
God to work and meet each day with assurance that you know why you are here and your are doing what you're to be doing. (We ALL live on borrowed time)

Understand your privilege to serve, and serve with passion

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