Introduction: The Spirit Warns Us Clearly

Paul begins with urgency: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith…” This isn’t vague or speculative—Paul says the Holy Spirit speaks clearly. There will be those who once claimed to follow Jesus who will abandon the faith, and they won’t do it by accident.

They will devote themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons—strong words that signal spiritual warfare. These teachings aren’t just theological errors or misunderstandings; they are satanic in origin. The damage is real, and the danger is spiritual death.

But here’s the key: these people choose deception. To “devote” yourself means to cling, commit, pursue. No one forces them. They are not merely ignorant—they willingly embrace falsehood out of their desires. And Paul adds, these teachings are spread “through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared.” In other words, they have hardened their hearts against God and no longer feel conviction.

Introduction

Paul writes this letter so the church will know how to conduct itself—not because God is obsessed with control, but because the church has a distinct identity and calling. We are not merely another organization—we are the household of God and the pillar and buttress of the truth. We are called to display the gospel clearly in a confused world.

That’s why Paul outlines qualifications for leaders—not as a checklist, but to reflect the character of a gospel-shaped community. Chapter 3 culminates with this truth: because of who the church is, how we live together matters. If we want to raise the next generation with a vibrant, gospel-centered faith, we need more than intentions—we need to embody our God-given identity.

]Introduction

To understand chapter 2, we must remember Paul’s emphasis in chapter 1. Paul urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus to confront false teachers obsessed with myths and speculations, which distracted from sincere faith and distorted the purpose of the law. In contrast, Paul shared his testimony of grace, reminding us that the gospel is not just one message among many—it’s the only message that saves and transforms lives.

Chapter 2 flows from this concern. If the gospel is central, then how we pray, worship, and order ourselves matters. Our actions either support or distort the message we proclaim. Ephesus was a spiritually chaotic place, filled with deception, cultural confusion, and growing disorder in the church. Paul writes not to restrict the church but to restore its witness—because when the church loses gospel focus, it harms the present and weakens the next generation’s faith.

So we must ask: What kind of church displays Christ to the world and forms the next generation in the gospel?

Introduction

Pastor John recently spoke on the legacy we pass down as believers. Today, we continue by asking: Why do we care about legacy? Whether for meaning, purpose, or impact, the desire to leave something behind is deeply human—perhaps even divine. We want to believe our lives mattered, to make the world better, and to respond to the brevity of life, “like chaff in the wind.”

Philosophers have weighed in: some say legacy defines our identity—“I do, therefore I am.” Others, like Aristotle, linked it to virtue and human flourishing. Postmodern thought, however, often sees legacy as self-serving nostalgia. But above all, Scripture shows us that legacy matters to God.

Genesis 1:27–28 reveals that God created us in His image and gave us a legacy of dominion and multiplication. The relational nature of our Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—shows us that passing down life and truth is a reflection of God’s own being. It is good to leave a legacy because within it we find God’s will and purpose.

Introduction

Before we explore Paul’s words to Timothy, I want to take a moment to clarify what we mean by "the next generation." And a couple weeks ago,  Elder Yong offered a helpful framework – that in our church context:

• Those still in school—whether undergrad, grad, or vocational training—are part of the next generation, as they are in a season of preparation to blossom as contributing members of society and Christ’s mission in the world.

• And for those who are actively working or raising families – you are the current generation, stewarding the gospel in your workplaces, homes, and communities.

• And for those who are seasoned in life and faith—mentors, elders, seniors, parents with older children— you represent the previous generation, who are called to invest in and pass down a legacy of faith.

So when we ask, "What kind of faith legacy are we passing down?"—we’re not only talking about youth or children’s ministry of our church. We’re asking: Are we shaping a spiritual inheritance that prepares each rising generation to walk with Christ, trust His Word, and live out the gospel with conviction and compassion?

And In this letter to Timothy, Paul offers more than just instructions or abstract theology. He offers his testimony; his own encounter with grace. And his testimony becomes the soil from which four foundational truths grow—truths that show us what kind of faith legacy God calls us to pass down.

Each of these truths marks a different aspect of a gospel-shaped church, guiding us in becoming a community that faithfully prepares and empowers every generation for gospel mission. So let’s take a closer look.

Introduction

When we pick up in our text today, Paul begins by painting a picture of a church where gospel-shaped love is lived out in the ordinary rhythms of life—across generations, within households, and through the faithful use of what God has entrusted to us.

Now, at first glance, his instructions might seem quite practical and simple, even. But this is far more than a set of household tips or community guidelines. These words are deeply spiritual. Because the way we treat one another—especially in the everyday life—reveals what we truly believe about the gospel. And Paul shows us that - when the gospel takes root, it transforms how we see one another, how we care for one another, and how we live with eternal purpose. So today, we’re going to look at three ways a gospel-centered community embodies its calling:

1.       The gospel shapes how we see one another.

2.       Discipleship involves everyday care.

3.       Shared life leads to missional living.

Introduction

Genesis of the Call

God called Abram:

“Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you... all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
— Genesis 12:1–3

At 75, Abram obeyed and left Haran with Sarai, Lot, and all possessions. After a famine and a detour to Egypt, they returned to Canaan.

“Abram had become very wealthy...” — Genesis 12:16
But tension arose:
“They were not able to stay together... quarrelling arose between Abram’s herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot.” — Genesis 13:6–7

Lot chose to settle near Sodom; Abram remained in Canaan. Then God spoke again:

“All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever...” — Genesis 13:14–17

Though childless, Abram trusted. When Lot was kidnapped, Abram led 318 men to rescue him. Afterward:

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” — Genesis 15:1

Abram replied in despair, but God reaffirmed His promise:

“This man will not be your heir... So shall your offspring be.” — Genesis 15:1–5
“Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” — Genesis 15:6

Introduction

When you think about the future of the church—five, ten, fifty years from now—what do you picture? What kind of faith will the next generation inherit from us?

That’s not just a question for pastors or parents. It’s a question for all of us. Because the church is always one generation away from drifting, and one generation away from revival. The question is: what are we building—and what are we handing down? This is the question at the heart of Paul’s first letter to Timothy.

Paul is nearing the end of his missionary life. He’s poured out his heart, planted churches across the Roman Empire, endured persecution, and seen the gospel advance. But he knows the mission isn’t complete. In fact, the future of the gospel doesn’t rest on clever ideas or perfect systems—it rests on people. People who are spiritually grounded, gospel-centered, and equipped to lead the church into the next generation. That’s why Paul writes to Timothy.

He had left Timothy in Ephesus, one of the most influential cities in the Roman world. This church, which Paul himself had planted, had once been a vibrant hub of gospel ministry. But now, things were unraveling. False teachers were distorting Scripture. Speculative myths were replacing gospel truth. Leadership was weak. Moral compromise was growing. The church was losing its way.

Introduction

As we open to Judges chapter 16, we come to the final chapter of Samson’s life—a chapter that reveals not only the tragic end of a man driven by his desires but also a surprising glimpse of God’s grace.

Today’s message is really a continuation of what we looked at last week: a life driven by senses. We saw how Samson repeatedly lived according to what was right in his own eyes—doing whatever felt good or seemed right in the moment, rather than what was right in God’s eyes. That pattern doesn't stop—it intensifies here in chapter 16. Now, this chapter can be broken down into three major scenes:

1. Samson and the prostitute of Gaza,

2. Samson and Delilah,

3. And finally, Samson’s death.

Each of these moments reveals the consequences of a life led by unchecked desires—but also, they point us to the depths of God’s mercy. So let’s begin with the first section: Samson and the prostitute of Gaza.

Introduction

As we step into Judges chapters 14 and 15, we begin to see more clearly the kind of man Samson really was—not just in title, but in character. These chapters highlight how his life is driven by two powerful attitudes:

1. “I see what I want, and I’m going to get it.”

2. “I do what I feel like doing.”

Samson is led by his eyes and ruled by his emotions. Instead of being shaped by God’s Word or his Nazirite identity, he follows his physical desires and inner impulses. He pursues what looks good and reacts based on what feels good—without restraint, without prayer, and without accountability. And so, Chapters 14 and 15 make it painfully clear: Samson lives a life governed by senses and emotions, not by faith and obedience.

Introduction

When we began this series in the Book of Judges, we did so with a clear purpose: which is to reflect on what happens when a generation fails to raise the next in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. The tragic pattern of Judges shows us that when God’s people neglect this responsibility, the next generation quickly forgets who God is and turns away from His ways.

Today, as we come to Judges 13 and begin the story of Samson, we are brought back to that central theme. Because before we ever meet Samson the man, we are introduced to the world he was born into—a spiritually numb and directionless generation. And at the heart of that world are his parents, Manoah and his wife. At first glance, Judges 13 might seem like a typical birth narrative, but it’s actually much more. It’s a mirror that reflects the spiritual blindness and complacency of the people at that time—including the very ones chosen to raise a deliverer. So before we look at Samson’s strength or his downfall, we need to pause and consider the spiritual condition of his parents—and what that reveals about the state of Israel. Because the story of Samson doesn’t begin with his actions, but with a generation that had already lost its way.

Introduction

Today’s message comes from two sections of the book of Judges which records the life of 5 judges that we call the Minor Judges. The total number of the minor Judges is 6 including Shamgar on whom Pastor John talked about weeks ago. Much like Shamgar, there is not much written about the other 5 minor judges. The minor judges are referred to as minor judges simply because of the length of what is recorded about them. Some scholars believe that their accounts are shorter because they’re not of any significance, but if they understand the power of God’s word they would know that nothing in the Bible is insignificant. Everything is there for a purpose.

The stories of the minor judges are nestled in between the stories of the major judges, especially the more graphic stories as if God is giving us a short breather to catch our breath.

The single verse of Shamgar (3:31) comes after a bloody battle led by Ehud.

Tola and Jair come after the chaos of Gideon and his sons.

Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon come after the story of Jephthah where we see another bloody war, the killing of his own daughter by his own hand, and the slaughter of their own people 42000 Ephraimites.

Introduction

Today is a day of celebration—one that stands at the very heart of the Christian life. We are not gathered for tradition or routine, but because something history-altering and eternally significant has happened: the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, everything changed.

• The stone was rolled away—not just from a tomb, but from despair.

• The curse of sin was broken.

• Death lost its sting.

• A new creation began—for all who are in Him.

Without the resurrection, the Christian faith would be empty, our preaching meaningless, and our hope in vain. But Jesus rose—bodily, historically, victoriously—and now we have a living Savior, a reigning King, and a secure future. Today, we not only remember this moment in history—we celebrate what it means for us now.

The resurrection is not just good news for Jesus; it is good news for us. It declares that sin and death no longer have the final word. Because Christ is alive, we too can live—with a new identity, new power, and unshakable hope.

This truth is beautifully revealed in baptism. Baptism is not just a ritual or symbolic gesture—it is a declaration that the resurrection life of Jesus now lives in us. Just as Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, so too do believers proclaim through baptism that they have died with Christ and now walk in newness of life.

Baptism, then, is an Easter act. It embodies the miracle of dying with Christ and rising into resurrection life.

This brings us to Romans 6:3–11, where the Apostle Paul reveals the deep connection between baptism and the resurrection. Through it, we see the transforming power of Easter at work in the lives of all who belong to Jesus.

Introduction

In our passage today from Ezra, we see a moment where God’s people fasted before a long journey—much like how we’re about to journey through this sacred week. And from this short yet rich text, we can learn three essential truths about biblical fasting that can guide us in this season. So for today, we’re going to focus on:

1. The Practice of Fasting – What is fasting? How was it practiced in Scripture, and how can we engage in it meaningfully today?

2. The Posture of Fasting – What kind of heart posture should we have when we fast?

3. The Object of Fasting – What is our fasting for? What are we seeking in our fasting?

4. And lastly we’ll look into some practical guidelines to keep in mind as we engage in fasting

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself doing something for God that felt urgent, passionate, even sacrificial—only to later realize it may not have been what God actually wanted? Sometimes our greatest mistakes don’t come from outright rebellion, but from misplaced zeal. It’s not that we don’t care about God—it’s that we speak and act out of emotion or desperation without first pausing to consider who He is and what He truly desires of us. This kind of misguided passion can be dangerous. It can lead us to make decisions that, though well-intended, are not rooted in trust, obedience, or right understanding. It can make us think God is impressed by dramatic gestures when what He really seeks is humble obedience and a heart that knows Him.

Today’s passage brings us to the story of Jephthah—a man moved by passion, desperation, and a desire for victory, yet tragically unaware of the heart of the God he claimed to serve. His story is a sobering reminder that spiritual passion not grounded in the knowledge of God can cause devastating consequences. So let’s take a look at what this story has in store for us—and what it reveals about how we are to approach God, not just with passion, but with understanding.

Introduction

The story we find in Judges chapter 9 is about a man named Abimelek. And to understand who he was, we need to look at the end of chapter 8, which gives us some context: It says in Judges 8:29-31 - Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and lived in his own house. Now Gideon had seventy sons, his own offspring, for he had many wives. And his concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he called his name Abimelech.

If you remember from last week’s sermon, after Gideon saved the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites, the people came and asked him to be their ruler. But Gideon refused, acknowledging that God was the true ruler of Israel. However, despite rejecting the title of ruler, Gideon lived like one. He chose not to become a king, but he lived like a king. And so, just like the kings of those days, he married many wives, and from these wives, Gideon had 70 sons. But apparently, even these many wives were not enough for him. So what did he do? He took a concubine for himself.

• A concubine is similar to a mistress—someone who is not legally married to a man but has a relationship with him.

• So, in addition to all the wives who bore him 70 sons, Gideon had a concubine from Shechem who bore him another son named Abimelek.

• Now, The fact that she was from Shechem is significant because Shechem was a Canaanite city with a history of idolatry and rebellion against God. And so, by taking a concubine from Shechem, Gideon aligned himself with a people who had often been in conflict with Israel and its covenant with God.

Introduction

In our series on Gideon, we saw that the Israelites, drifting from God and living in disobedience, were overpowered by the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites, along with other tribes, destroyed crops, stole livestock, and left Israel helpless. In desperation, the Israelites cried out to God. God responded by calling Gideon, a man filled with doubt and fear. When the angel of the Lord appeared to him, Gideon was hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat. The angel greeted him as a "mighty warrior" and told him that God would send him to rescue Israel. Gideon questioned God, saying, "Why has all this happened, and am I really the right person?"

Even after God assured him of His presence, Gideon hesitated, asking the angel to wait while he prepared an offering. Instead of rebuking him, God patiently waited. When Gideon returned, the angel touched the offering, and fire consumed it, leaving Gideon amazed and afraid. Still fearful, Gideon obeyed God's command to tear down his father’s altar to Baal, but he did it secretly at night. Despite Gideon’s doubts, God reassured him, promising victory. We learn that, like with Gideon, God is patient with our doubts and fears and gives us the courage to follow Him.

Now, as we continue to reach the climax of the story, we see several important incidents that take place before Gideon finally defeats the Midianite army, and then a few more incidents that lead to his downfall. So today, we’ll look at:

1.     Fleece incident – in which Gideon tests God again

2.     Gideon and his 300 warriors – in which 32,000 men are reduced to just 300.

3.     Gideon’s defeat of the enemy.

4.     Gideon’s downfall after his victory and what lesson we can learn from it.

Introduction

So Gideon has an encounter with the angel of the Lord.

V.12 - ¹² And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him...

But what’s interesting is that his conversation was with the Lord himself.

-        v.14 - And the Lord turned to him and said…

-        v.16 - ¹⁶ And the Lord said to him

So by this time, Gideon knew in his heart who he was dealing with. He may have questioned God and doubted his calling at first, but now, he knows deep in his heart that it is indeed God who is calling him to step up.

How do we know that Gideon knew deep in his heart? Because in our text today, we see him bringing an offering. And just look at what he offers in Judges 6:19 - ¹⁹ So Gideon went into his house and prepared a young goat and unleavened cakes from an ephah of flour. The meat he put in a basket, and the broth he put in a pot, and brought them to him under the terebinth and presented them. 

I mentioned last week that Gideon, along with the rest of the nation, was living in extreme poverty because the Midianites had been pillaging their crops and livestock. Whatever they could harvest, the enemy would take. And so food was scarce. And yet, here we see Gideon bringing an extravagant offering.

Now, just to put it into perspective:

• An ephah of flour is about 90 cups—which is a massive amount.

• For those familiar with baking, that’s enough to make 25 ten-inch cakes or 90 loaves of bread!

• On top of that, he sacrifices a young goat, which is a precious resource in those times.

• And he prepares a pot of broth from the meat, which required time and effort.

So what is this telling us? It’s telling us that Gideon wouldn’t have made such an enormous sacrifice unless he was convinced in his heart that he was standing before God Himself.

Introduction

As we’ve just read, Gideon was called to be a judge during a time of great turmoil in Israel. The nation was suffering under the oppressive grip of the Midianites. But who were the Midianites? Well, they were actually descendants of Abraham, just like the Israelites.

In Genesis 25:1-6, we learn that after Sarah died, Abraham married a woman named Keturah, and together they had many children. One of their sons was Midian, and thus, the Midianites were born. But while the Israelites lived in covenant with God, the Midianites lived apart from Him, serving idols like Baal and Asherah. So, when the Israelites turned away from God, He allowed the Midianites to oppress them severely.

In fact, the oppression was so bad that the Israelites were forced to flee to the mountains, building caves in the cliffs to survive. (Imagine what that must have been like. You can see images of the caves at Nahal Zin.) The Bible explains in verses 3-6 how the Midianites harassed the Israelites:

“Whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. They would encamp against them and devour the produce of the land, as far as Gaza, leaving no sustenance in Israel—neither sheep, nor ox, nor donkey. For they would come up with their livestock and tents, coming in like locusts in number—both they and their camels could not be counted. And they laid waste the land as they came in. And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord.”

The Midianites destroyed everything the Israelites worked for: their crops and livestock. By verse 6, the Bible says, “Israel was brought very low.” In the NIV, it says “Midian so impoverished the Israelites,” and this word “impoverished” is key. The root of the word describes a bucket hanging at the end of a rope. The Israelites were literally “hanging by a thread,” barely surviving under Midianite oppression.

So, in response to this, what did the Israelites do? As we’ve seen time and again, they cried out to God for help. But unlike the other stories we’ve looked at, God didn’t immediately raise up a judge to deliver them. Instead, He sent a prophet. This prophet reminded the Israelites who God is, what He had done for them, and called them to repentance. In verses 8-10, we read:

“The Lord sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of slavery. And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. And I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.’ But you have not obeyed my voice.’”

The reason God sent this prophet was to show the Israelites that He doesn’t just deliver them automatically when they cry out. God can’t be manipulated like a cosmic vending machine. He wants our repentance—true, sincere turning back to Him. I know that in my own life, I’ve found times where I tried to manipulate God without realizing it. I’d sin, telling myself I’d just repent later and be forgiven. But that’s exactly what the Israelites were doing—they were sinning knowingly, but expecting God to deliver them whenever they cried out. This time, before raising up a judge, God first sent a prophet to remind them of their need for real repentance. We’re not told exactly how the Israelites responded to the prophet, but we can assume they repented. After this, God called Gideon to be their deliverer.

Now, let’s look at Gideon and the circumstances he was in when God called him.

Introduction
Today, as we dive into Judges 4, we encounter another battle narrative, this time between the Canaanites and the tribes of Israel. But unlike the straightforward stories of the previous judges, this narrative is far more dynamic and involves several people rather than just one judge. It’s not a simple story where God raises a judge, and that judge delivers the people. Instead, multiple characters are involved, making the story more complex.

As we go through the text verse by verse, we’ll look at what actually happened in this story and what the Lord is revealing to us through it. I won’t focus on the symbolism but will stick to the events as they unfold, beginning with the setting of the narrative.