Guarding the Gospel

3 Key Words: Calling, Character, & Convictions! 1. For all Deacons - I Timothy 3:8-16 (see 3:1 “likewise”) 2. For Jason Benson - I Timothy 4:12 I. 9 Ways to Guard the Gospel: 1. By strength in God’s grace - v. 1 2. By training God’s pastors - v. 2 3. By sufferings w/ God’s blessings - vv. 3-6 4. By understanding God’s calling - v. 7 5. By remembering God’s King - v. 8 6. By courage in God’s will - v. 9a 7. By confidence in God’s Word - v. 9b a. Paul - II Timothy 3:16-17 b. Peter - II Peter 1:16-21 1. By Understanding the conditions of salvation - vv. 11-13 (1) THIS IS A TRUSTWORTHY STATEMENT • IF WE DIED WITH HIM, then WE WILL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM • IF WE ENDURE, then WE WILL REIGN WITH HIM • IF WE DISOWN/DENY HIM, then HE WILL DISOWN US (Matthew 10:33) • IF WE ARE FAITHLESS, then HE WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL - FOR HE CANNOT DENY HIMSELF (God is not impacted by our lack of faith)