Communities have Common Values

Photo by Patrick McDonald

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:8

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,

Insights: Last week we looked at five teaching attributes we need to have in order to be good teachers in God’s kingdom.  This week we begin to see what we are actually to pass on to the next generation.  We start off today with Paul telling Timothy what he valued or in what he believed.  Verse eight tells us Paul valued Jesus and not just a dead Jesus, but One who had come back from the dead.  He also felt the necessity to point out this Jesus was not just some man, but was the fulfillment of the Old Testament as He was the descendant of David.  Jesus was the good news with which Paul was proclaiming as the gospel.  Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah who would save the people from their sins.  This Jesus is who Paul valued.  We at FBC Bowling Green also have values which we have elaborate explanations as to what we mean when we say the following singular words, but with which we do not have time to explain in this blog post.  We have six actual values and three aspirational values.  We at FBC Bowling Green value family, preaching, worship, fellowship tradition and world mission.  Our three aspirational values are evangelism, prayer and obedience.  All nine of these values can be centrally affixed to Paul’s words to Timothy in today’s verse.  If we live Christ Jesus, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, then we will be a church that does hold fast to our nine stated values.  If we actually live our lives out of these values, then we will be a stronger and a more healthy body of believers who are willing to impact the world for Jesus.  Beloved, let us daily live our lives based on our values and not just our whims of fancy.  Let us be intentional about life and not drift through it without purpose.  May our lives honor the Lord God. 

Questions:

 1. What personal values do you hold to in you life?

 2. In terms of corporate values, how well are you following the values FBCBG has set before you?

Prayer: Father, we have stated values and actual values in our lives.  Forgive me when my actions do not line up with my stated values of belief.  Transform me to authentically live out the values You have instilled into my life.  My by obedience to these values bring You glory and praise.  Amen.

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