- I. OLD LETTERS
- A. Old letters from loved ones bring up emotions.
- 1. Paul wrote letters to Timothy
- a. Paul was Timothy's "father" ("my son").
- b. They had traveled together.
- c. Timothy was young in age but put in charge of Ephesus.
- d. Christianity had been hurting the idol business and angered Ephesians.
- 2. Paul wrote letters from prison.
- a. Letters from prison or near one's death are pure.
- II. PAUL WROTE ADVICE TO TIMOTHY
- A. Be strong. (II Timothy 2)
- B. Don't be lazy, do your best, study. (II Timothy 2:15)
- 1. It's your responsibility.
- C. Flee youthful lusts, have self discipline, take responsibility, be sober, develop good traits when young. (II Timothy 2:22)
- D. II Timothy 2:24
- 1. Don't strive but be gentle and patient.
- 2. Qualities of a successful person
- III. PAUL'S FORMULA FOR SUCCESS (Jesus and Paul were in harmony.)
- A. A Goal
- 1. Not ashamed of the gospel, focused on the gospel (Romans 1)
- a. Philippians 3:1
- 1. Paul's background, or pedigree, was superb.
- 2. Paul said his pedigree was dung compared to the gospel and Christ.
- B. A Purpose
- 1. Recognition that the goal is valuable
- C. Priorities
- 1. First seek righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)
- 2. Be content. (Philippians 4:13)
- D. Confidence
- 1. He was able to do all through Christ ("I can do ...").
- 2. Be strong in Christ.
- 3. Your relationship with God
- 4. Trust is deserved when you have a connection with God.
- E. Sacrifices
- 1. Deny yourself and follow Christ. (Matthew 16:24)
- a. What is better than your soul?
- F. Faith, or Trust
- 1. Don't be anxious or worried. (Philippians 4)
- 2. II Timothy 1:11
- a. Paul suffered but was not ashamed.
- b. Even in prison, Paul trusted Christ.
- 3. II Timothy 4:6-8 - Paul's death letter
- a. Paul finished the course.
- Conclusion
- 1. Now be a role model.
- 2. The course costs you all you have.
- 3. Start the course.
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