Category Archives: missions

mission: model a transformed community

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

  Titus 2.  God’s grace has appeared to all people, and has brought salvation (11).  It has appeared in the person of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness … Continue reading →

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mission: facilitate order

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Titus 1:5-16.  The Cretans were not known for their honesty and trustworthiness.  They were likely to fall for false teachings, and Paul warned Titus that the island had “many who are insubordinate,  empty talkers and deceivers” (10).  Titus was tasked … Continue reading →

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mission: do not go quietly

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 4:9-22.  Paul’s final words written to Timothy are not the words of someone resigned to rest upon his accomplishments.  He knows that he will soon die for his faith, but he will not go quietly. Many of his … Continue reading →

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mission: continue in what you have learned

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 3:10-4:8.  Paul knew that he was “already being poured out as a drink offering” and it was time for him to depart this life (4:6).  He expected to be raised to life again, and to get his reward … Continue reading →

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mission: be devoted to discipling

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 2.  False teaching had infested Ephesus, so Paul warned Timothy to avoid its “irreverent babble” because it would “lead people into more and more ungodliness” (16).  He instructed Timothy not to debate these teachers, because their “foolish, ignorant … Continue reading →

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mission: do not be ashamed

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 1:8-18.  Most of the leaders in the churches of Asia Minor had already stopped visiting Paul – apparently ashamed that he was still imprisoned.  In this section, Paul explains why Timothy should not join them, in deserting him … Continue reading →

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mission: manage the ministry

Posted on May 29, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Timothy 5:1-6:2.  As a missionary, tasked with the role of developing the churches in Ephesus, Timothy had the responsibility to see to it that the various ministries were staffed.  Paul gives him instructions on how to honor those who … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes, the glory will be obtained

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5.  Paul had just assured the Thessalonian believers that Christ had not come yet – that there remained a “strong delusion” to come that would produce an apostate church.  He now tells them that they are among the … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes, a crown of boasting

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13.  Satan had hindered Paul from personally visiting the Thessalonians by means of some affliction (2:18; 3:3, 7). So, Paul sent another member of his team – Timothy – to find out if the gospel was taking root … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes through sharing the gospel

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16.  When Christ comes into the lives of people in a community he comes through sharing the gospel. Believers who are called to spread the gospel are willing to suffer whatever it takes to share the truth of … Continue reading →

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