2 Tim. 4:1-4 I’LL TAKE THE OLD PATHS

Intro: Ill. Jer. 6:16. Ill. We need the old paths, because only those paths handed down by God will get the job done for Jesus. We live in a dangerous time, a time when men have chosen to leave the old paths behind and walk in ways of their own invention. Many “mainstream denominations” have walked away from the path of godliness and sound doctrine, and have headed down the path of worldliness and manmade doctrine. (Ill. The statement by Jimmy Carter!) It is obvious that some “Baptists” are willing to abandon the old paths as well. Let me stand forth tonight and say that I am not! We still believe and preach the same doctrines handed down to us by the Apostles. I don’t know what you want to do, but I’ll take the old paths! (Ill. How we got what we have – 2 Tim. 2:2). Listen in a Paul gives Timothy some timely advise about walking in the old paths.

I. v. 1-2 A CHARGE TO GOD’S MEN

A. A Military Command – An order, not an option!

B. A Day of Reckoning – (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:12.) The prospect of judgment calls for faithfulness toward God, fearlessness before men and it encourages us to go on for the glory of God!

B. The Charge:

1. Preach the Word – (Ill. A Herald declaring the words of a king!) (Ill. Stick to the book!)

2. Be Ready and Urgent – Use every opportunity and always press for a decision.

3. Reprove – (Conviction) - Sin must be pointed out! (Ill. Not popular, but right)

4. Rebuke – (Warning) - Men need to know sin’s outcome (Ill. Not popular, but right!)

5. Exhort – (Appeal) - Encouragement and pointing out a biblical solution.

6. Long-suffering – (Patience) – People may not respond immediately, but keep preaching.

7. Doctrine – (Feeding) – All real preaching is explanation and application of Bible doctrine. (People need to be taught!)

II. v.3 A CHALLENGE TO GOD’S MESSAGE

A. They Refuse God’s Word – (Ill. Some Disciples – Jn. 6:66) (Ill. Some want a carnival!)

B. They Gather Teachers – People who will say what they want to hear. (Ill. Crowds are not always a sign of God’s blessings!)

C. They Have Wrong Desires – They do not want the truth! They get what they want instead of what they need.

D. These Days Are Our Days – Ill. People are more religious than ever, but they do not know Jesus! – 2 Tim. 3:1-7.

III. v.4 A CHANGE FROM GOD’S METHODS

A. A Conscious Choice – (They shall turn) Many simply do not want the truth!

B. A Faulty Replacement – (Ill. Nothing can save but Jesus – John 14:6!)

C. Ill. What people will believe and still reject the truth of the Word of God! Ill. It is truly stupid!

Conc: Tonight, let’s make a vow before Almighty God that we will always walk in the old paths. Forget what other churches are doing, we need to keep ourselves in the center of God’s plan, always doing His will His way!