Heritage Bible Church

Our passage is a Gospel Ministry Primer. From what Paul wrote to Timothy, we can observe and apply principles which Paul practiced, which he wanted Timothy to follow, and which God intends for us to follow as well. 1 - Know Whom You Have Believed (12) 2 - Preach What You Have Received (13) 3 - Guard The Treasure Entrusted (14) 4 - Expect Some To Disappoint (15) 5 - Rejoice That Some Encourage (16-18)

3 Baffling Covenant Features to Illumine You Genesis 27:1-46 1. An Insidious Plan (1-29) 2. An Imprecatory Procedure (30-40) 3. An International Plot (41-46)

3 Facets Revealing A Godly Woman's Character 1 - Martha's Focus (Luke 10:38, 40-41) 2 - Mary's Faith (Luke 10:39, 42) 3 - Mary's Future (Matthew 26:6-13)

2 Components of Sovereignty Exhibited in Your Life Genesis 26:1-35 1. Man's Ostentation (1-11;18-23) 2. God's Orchestration (12-17;24-35) Reading for Next Week - Genesis 27

We know the Bible is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. We know it is meant to equip us for every good work. Those words will come up later in our study of 2 Timothy. If we're honest, we also understand how it can be a struggle to make the connection from the inspired and living and sharper-than-any-two edged-sword words on the page to our own lives. It's especially tough when you face opposition from those you try to serve, or when you pour your heart into some ministry and people are apathetic, or they become critical rather than thankful. It's also harder for the younger and less experienced when the sledding gets tough. All those factors were coming together and teaming up against Timothy during his labors in the church at Ephesus. Maybe you're weary. Maybe you have been or are now dealing with a physical illness. Maybe your plans failed to pan out. Maybe you were betrayed by someone. Maybe you have been sinned against in some other way. Maybe it's been a long time since you've seen someone turn to Christ or show real evidence of growing in Him. Maybe you've been bereaved, and getting over your grief and loss is like trying to let go of fly paper. Maybe it's all making you anxious. Maybe you're worried. If any of those things or other discouragements describe you today, this is the place to be and this passage is the one to apply. Maybe you need to be rekindled. 1 - Maybe You Are Needing A Reminder (6-7) 2 - Maybe You Are Ashamed (8) 3 - Maybe You Are Afraid Of Suffering (8) 4 - Maybe You Are Forgetting God's Power (9-11)

Habakkuk 1-3 1. Habakkuk's first complaint (1:1-4) 2. God's first response (1:5-11) 3. Habakkuk's second complaint (1:12-2:1) 4. God's second response (2:2-20) 5. Habakkuk's petition to and praise of God & Conclusion (3:1-19) Reading for Next Week - Genesis 26

Today we begin the final communication we have from the pen of Paul. We want to see it in its historical context so we can apply it to the fullest extent. Paul's and Timothy's relationship is a shining example of how we need to connect with one another. Unlike Paul's confident hope of release during his first imprisonment, this time he expected to be executed soon. He was in a cold cell (4:13), in chains (2:9), and with no hope of deliverance (4:6). He had been abandoned by virtually all those close to him for fear of persecution. He wrote to Timothy, urging him to hurry to Rome for one last visit (4:9, 21). We don't know if Timothy made it to Rome before Paul's execution. Paul wrote 2 Timothy, the last of his inspired letters, shortly before his martyrdom (c. A.D. 67). Out of his terrible circumstances with no hope for earthly deliverance, the Apostle Paul wrote this pithy and powerful letter to remind Timothy and us of what is most important for us to do as the Church, the bride of Christ. It begins with a brief recounting of the marvelous friendship and partnership between Paul and Timothy. True Gospel Partnership is 1 - Always Anchored In God's Purposes (1) 2 - Always Affectionate In Relationships (2) 3 - Always Thankful In Prayer (3) 4 - Always Longing For Fellowship (4) 5 - Always Appreciating Faithfulness (5)

Complete the historical inerrancy issue and review sufficiency crisis

3 Elements of Life that Reveal to You God's Sovereign Plan Genesis 25:1-34 1. Providence in Provision (1-11) 2. Purpose of Promise (12-18) 3. Progression of Progeny (19-34) Reading for Next Week - Habakkuk

4 Facets that Reveal if You Discriminate 1 - A Distinction of Conviction (1) 2 - A Depiction of Clothing (2-3) 3 - A Declaration of Condemnation (4-6a) 4 - A Determination of Contempt (6b-7)

5 Aspects to Illumine You on the Abrahamic Covenant Genesis 24:1-67 1. A New Matriarch (1-14) 2. A Nice Reception (15-27) 3. A Novel Approach (28-49) 4. A Nonchalant Response (50-61) 5. A New Union (61-67) Reading for Next Week - Genesis 25

Jesus was addressing people on the treadmill of a horrible belief system of trying to work hard enough to achieve righteous standing before God: Matthew 11:28–30: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." The rabbis of the Pharisees (who dominated the teaching in the synagogues) taught that each one had to carry his own burden, metaphorically described as being in a yoke like an ox. Jesus instead offers His version of a yoke. Believe in me, accept My teaching that a person is saved by means of simple trust in Me. After our Resurrection celebration where we focused on Jesus' power over death and the atonement for our sins which He accomplished on the cross, I want to add a crucial final layer to the invitation to believe in Him. I want to help you make sure you have final and eternal rest for your soul. 1 - Be Afraid (1-7) 2 - Don't Miss Out (8-11)

You will live after death. You will live forever after death. But will it be in the presence of God, blessed forever, or will it be separated from Him and tormented forever? When you grasp what is in our portion of God's word for today and you put your faith in the proper place, you will have honored Christ's resurrection properly. We won't do complete justice to this passage today, but you will learn something very significant by tracing one key word through this passage: Believe. 1 - The Purpose: For You To Believe (15) 2 - The Question: Do You Believe This? (21-27) 3 - The Intended Result: Believe In Him! (40-48)

Heritage Bible Church's Good Friday service - April 3, 2026

5 Aspects to Illumine You on the Abrahamic Covenant Genesis 24:1-67 1. A New Matriarch (1-14) 2. A Nice Reception (15-27) 3. A Novel Approach (28-49) 4. A Nonchalant Response (50-61) 5. A New Union (61-67)

Our concluding passage in 1 Timothy actually talks about something more valuable than anything money can buy. The dominant idea is Life That Money Can't Buy. There are two commands that frame this passage: Instruct (command) and Guard. 1 - Instruct/Command (17-19) a - Not to be conceited b - Not to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches c - But on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy d - To do good e - To be rich in good works f - To be generous and ready to share g - Storing Up for themselves the treasures of a good foundation for the future h - So that they may take hold of that which is life indeed 2 - Guard (20-21)

2 Contrasting Realities for You to Grasp Regarding Death 1. Death of a Dream 22 2. Death of One's Delight 23 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 24

There are clear statements in the Bible that tell you what God's will is. + God's will is that you be saved, by repenting and putting your faith in Jesus Christ, who died for your sins. + God's will is that you be sanctified, that is, that you be growing in practical holiness. + God's will is that you be filled with the Holy Spirit, that is, that you make the choices to let the Spirit be in control of your talk, your actions, and your worship. + God's will is that you submit to the authorities He places over you. + God's will is that you be prayerful and thankful. + God's will is that you suffer for doing right. If you do those things, you will do well and God will be honored. There are two more things I want to say in summary regarding God's will. At least one is likely to surprise you. Scripture indicates that there is a specific course God will guide you on through your life. In His sovereign providence, He assures that His will is accomplished. Three passages suffice to paint the picture. + Acts 20:24 + Hebrews 12:1-2 + 2 Timothy 4:7-8 The Bible does not command you to go on a search to find God's will. Instead, it commands you to do the will of God. Why? Because God doesn't give you advance notice of the specific things He intends for you to do. He gives you thorough and comprehensive plans for the kind of person He wants you to be. The way you discover the race set before us is by being the kind of person God wants you want to be. Fixing our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2) is the link to our passage for today. 1 - Act Like Who You Are (11-12) a - Flee (Run!) b - Follow (Pursue!) c - Fight (Battle!) d - Fasten (Hold Tightly!) 2 - Keep The Commandment (13-16)

False teachers don't worship God because of who He is and what He did in sending His Son to die in order to save us. They use God and His word for what they can get for themselves. And they proclaim a false gospel that is about how to receive the earthly benefits of salvation rather than how to be saved. It's true, there are wonderful benefits of salvation, but they are secondary to the matter of being reconciled to God. To introduce our passage for today is simple. We just need to read the sentence that comes before it. 1 Timothy 6:3-5: If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. A false teacher is like the shepherd who loves the wool and the meat, but not the sheep. The last phrase in verse five tees us up for what is before us today. Do You Want Great Gain? 1 - Heed The Call To Contentment (6-8) 2 - Heed The Warning About Wandering (9-10)

2 Contrasting Realities for You to Grasp Regarding Death 1. Death of a Dream 22 2. Death of One's Delight 23 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 22 & 23

4 Responses Revealing Your Spiritual Maturity 1 - An Effective Introduction (19) 2 - The Effect of Anger (20-21) 3 - The Effect of Hearing (22-25) 4 - The Effect of Speech (26-27) a - What Are You Thinking? (26) b - What Are You Doing? (27)

1 - Consider the God of Comfort - The Master of Mercy (1-2) 2 - Hover on the God of Holiness - Reckon with the Wrath of God (2) 3 - Contemplate God's Calling - Ponder God's Plan (3-4) 4 - Gaze on the Glory of God (5-31) a - Meditate on the Minuteness of Man (6-8) b - Weigh-in the Wearability of the Word (8) c - Proclaim the Praise and Power of God (9-10) d - Recognize God will Come with Reward and Recompense (10) e - See God as the Shepherd (11) f - Consider God the Creator (12, 21-22, 26, 28) g - Wonder at God's Wisdom (13-14) h - Know the Nothingness of Nations (15-17) i - Understand the Uniqueness of God (18-20) j - Settle on the Sovereignty of God (21-26) k - Gel on the Justice of God (27) l - Engrain the Eternality of God (28) m - Plug-in to the Power of God (29-31)

3 Aspects of Relationships to Consider in Your Walk of Faith 1. The Promised Son 1-8 2. The Persecuted Son 9-21 3. The Partnered Servants 22-34 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 22 & 23

I reject the idea that is taught by many, which says that it is somehow less spiritually profitable to study in order to preach or teach well, in comparison to Scripture reading and study which is not for sharing with anyone. I came to my conclusion that God's word is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and I should long for it like a newborn longs for pure milk. Always. Not sometimes more than others. To say that "devotional" reading is somehow more spiritual than the deepest study of Scripture is absurd. The corollary to this conviction about the everyday practicality of Scripture is the theme of our passage for this morning. You live according to what you truly believe. Another way to say it is the other way around: One can tell what you believe by the way you live. I tried out a few titles for this: Behaving As You Believe, Doing According To Doctrine, Living Like You Love God. I settled on a title that emphasizes your personal application in the form of how to statements. 1 - How To Recognize Supervisors (1-2) 2 - How To Recognize Sound Words (3) 3 - How To Recognize Shirkers (4-5)

1 Timothy 5:22-25: Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed. 1 - Be Careful (22a) 2 - Be Pure (22b) 3 - Be Wise (23) 4 - Be Humble (24-25)

3 Aspects of Relationships to Consider in Your Walk of Faith 1. The Promised Son 1-8 2. The Persecuted Son 9-21 3. The Partnered Servants 22-34 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 22 & 23

These pithy instructions from the Apostle Paul to Timothy and to us are built around four commands which help us individually and every church collectively, to develop and maintain God-honoring leadership by godly elders and pastors. We'll see these four commands, and save three more for next Lord's Day. 1 - Consider Worthy (17-18, review) 2 - Do Not Receive (19) 3 - Rebuke (20) 4 - Maintain (21)

3 Unexpected Interactions to Guide Your Spiritual Growth 1. Unexpected Conversations 18:16-33 2. Unexpected Receptions 19:1-11 3. Unexpected Reactions 19:12-38 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 21

In the flow of 1 Timothy, we just completed the section in which Paul instructed Timothy about dealing with a special group among the flock in the church, widows. The next section deals with another special group, elders. Both groups must be honored. Honor is shown by providing for them, and honor is due them because of their spiritual maturity and leadership. As we said with widows, the idea of honor is both an attitude of respect and a commitment to financial support. The word translated elder(s) simply means older man. You have to discern from the context whether it speaks merely of relative age, or if it is being used for the ones who occupy the office of elder - overseer - shepherd in the Church. 1 - Elders Who Rule (17) 2 - Discursus On The Body Of Christ 3 - Elders Who Rule Well (17) 4 - The Oxen Among Us (18)

3 Unexpected Interactions to Guide Your Spiritual Growth 1. Unexpected Conversations 18:16-33 2. Unexpected Receptions 19:1-11 3. Unexpected Reactions 19:12-38 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 21

4 Responses Revealing Your Spiritual Maturity 1 - An Effective Introduction (19) 2 - The Effect of Anger (20-21) 3 - The Effect of Hearing (22-25) a - A Biblical Response (22) b - An Unbiblical Reflection (23-24) c - A Blessed Result (25) 4 - The Effect of Speech (26-27)

3 Unexpected Interactions to Guide Your Spiritual Growth 1. Unexpected Conversations 18:16-33 2. Unexpected Receptions 19:1-11 3. Unexpected Reactions 19:12-38 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 21

Before Paul tells Timothy how to deal with the ministry to widows in the Church, he gives him a general instruction. Remember, Timothy was young. He was thrust into the situation of needing to minister to a congregation that was mostly older than he was. 1 - Be Nice To Everyone (1-2) 2 - Take Care Of Your Family (3-6) 3 - This Is Very Important (7-8) 4 - Sometimes The Church Is The Family (9-16)

3 Unexpected Interactions to Guide Your Spiritual Growth 1. Unexpected Conversations 18:16-33 2. Unexpected Receptions 19:1-11 3. Unexpected Reactions 19:12-38 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 21

There aren't very many passages which contain 10 imperatives in six verses, so I think it's wise to handle it in one sermon in order to get the fullest impact. 1 Timothy 4:10-16: For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. 11 Prescribe and teach these things. 12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. Introduction - How We Labor And Strive (10) 1 - Prescribe (11) 2 - Teach (11) 3 - Let No One (12) 4 - Show Yourself (12) 5 - Give Attention (13) 6 - Do Not Neglect (14) 7 - Take Pains (15) 8 - Be Absorbed (15) 9 - Pay Close Attention (16) 10 - Persevere (16)

After Paul was released from Rome and as he made his way back toward Jerusalem, Paul dropped off Timothy to be the primary teaching pastor in Ephesus for a season. We learn why he did that, by eavesdropping on this letter. 1 Timothy 1:3: As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines. This book, one of the three so-called Pastoral Epistles, is addressed to a local church and regional pastor-teacher, but it is included in the New Testament canon for the edification of us all. Everything Paul asked of Timothy and Titus was to be passed on to their congregations, and by extension, to us. The verses in our cross hairs today contain two commands, surrounded by supporting reasons and encouragements. 1 - Be A Good Servant (6) 2 - Point Out The Right Things (6) 3 - Consume The Best Things (6) 4 - Reject Distractions (7) 5 - Discipline Yourself (7) 6 - Here's Why (8-9)

Today, without diminishing any of my appreciation for what God is doing among us and through us, I want to help us collectively grow in maturity. Many among us quietly and sacrificially and joyfully fulfill many responsibilities and step up when they hear of a need they can meet. But I am concerned when I see professing Christians in general in our nation who treat the Church, the body of Christ, like a hobby or a social club or a source of entertainment, and not as the priority God designs it to be. I'm all the more concerned when I see that attitude in people I know and serve. So in the same mindset as Jesus wrote to the Church near the end of the first century, I want to commend those who are commendable, and I want to nudge those who need a wake-up call, to consider how to better honor the Lord.

Luke 2:1-20: . . .When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Doesn't it make you wonder what was in her mind when "Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." About nine months earlier, Mary said to her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist: "My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." We don't know if Mary lived long enough to read the book of Titus. It's possible. If she did, I'm sure she smiled and understood better than ever all those magnificent things she pondered in her heart when her firstborn Son arrived to the praises of a host of heavenly angels to be her Savior. Many love to celebrate the birth of a baby, but don't comprehend the full significance of it. For that reason I commend this passage to you. Think of it in conjunction with your holiday celebration, and you can't miss the point. Titus 3:4-7 explains what Mary meant by " . . . and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." He Saved Us! 1 - Not by our works 2 - But according to His mercy 3 - By regeneration and the Holy Spirit 4 - That we might be made heirs

4 Features of Triumph Confirming Your Eternal Praise 1 - The Victory of Illumination (1-2) 2 - The Victory of Multiplication (3) 3 - The Victory of Devastation (4-5) 4 - The Victory of Domination (6-7)

Africa Report 2025 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 18:16-19:38

Nahum is the sequel to the book of Jonah. Assyria, whose capital was Nineveh, was exceptionally bloodthirsty and evil. The repentance there under Jonah was unprecedented and never repeated anywhere. God used Nahum to predict the total destruction of the city which returned to wickedness: Nahum 1:1 (LSB): "The oracle of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite." From the few things Nahum writes which allow us to zero in on the timing, it appears it was only 20 to 50 years from Nahum's prophecy until the total destruction of Nineveh. There's nothing complicated in Nahum, just the sober and straightforward word from God that He was going to judge the evil nation Assyria and her capital Nineveh for idolatry and cruelty. The repentance of the Ninevites was genuine–Jesus Himself said so. But alas, as majestic as was the glory of God's grace showered upon Nineveh in the days of Jonah, genuine faith in the true God waned in the following generations. Old patterns resurfaced. Assyria crumbled from within because they spurned God and forfeited His blessings. It's interesting that God didn't tell Jonah what was ultimately going to happen to Nineveh. God knew all about it, but it wasn't Jonah's place to know. Remember that! Living by faith does not come with details about what's going to happen. You need to seek God's wisdom, make your choices, and trust Him to work through them. God does not owe you explanations. The opening line in the trailer to the movie sequel to Jonah would be "Nahum: God's Vengeance" if not "Nineveh: The Sequel." 1 - Wrath Is Poured Out Like Fire (Ch 1) 2 - Behold, I Am Against You (Ch 2) 3 - Your Wound Is Incurable (Ch 3)

4 Marital Features to Build Your Marriage Around 1. Bad Decisions 16:1-16 2. Laughter & Pain 17:15-27 3. Blessings & Regrets 18:1-15 4. Treachery & Grace 20:1-17 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 18:16-20:17