Fan into Flame

I had the privilege last night of hearing Dr. Sinclair Ferguson speak at the installation of the new minister at a wonderful PCA congregation nearby. He spoke on 2 Timothy 1:1-14, noting 5 principles for ministry.

1. A heart for ministry (vs 6)
You can have the gift, and have it confirmed by others, but still not use it. Fan it into flame. Don't withhold your heart from God's people. Paul made himself a servant of the church (2 Cor 4:5).

2. Unashamed fidelity (vs 8)
Being unashamed may mean suffering, even within the church. Will we draw back, even if it means suffering. Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of Jesus, and not of Paul, either. Why Paul? Because standing with Jesus results in standing with His people. "Inasmuch as you did it to the least of these... The poor, disadvantaged and tedious, must all be loved. Don't imagine you are reconciled to Christ if you are alienated from a fellow church member.

3. A life of holiness (vs 9)
Seldom do we hear other believers referred to as holy, anymore.

4. Guard and love orthodoxy (vs 12-14)
The ancient church fathers said that martyrdom can't hurt your soul, but false teaching can!
We must love the truth. Paul uses wedding language here: guard it, hold it, cherish it.

5. A life without hypocrisy (vs 5)
Hypocrite was an actor. Behind the mask, he could be anything. We don't necessarily parade our piety today, as Pharisees did, but we don't come out from behind the mask, either.
Your pastor is the real deal. You will accept him gratefully, or stay behind the mask and try to deflect or push him away, as his preaching convicts you.