Sermon Snippet – Putting the Fun into Fundamentalism – Part IV
INTRODUCTION – We have been considering how fun it is to be an evangelical Christian. Our lives are not always fun-filled, of course, for we live in a sad, sin-cursed world. However, as we have studied the last three weeks, forgiveness, freedom from sin and freedom to serve, and joy are decidedly fundamental aspects of our faith and definitely fun. Joy leads us to the concept of enjoyment. I Timothy 6:17-21 includes the statement of fact that it is God “Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (verse17d). Let us learn to enjoy that which our Savior graciously grants us.
1. JESUS WANTS US TO ENJOY GOOD RELATIONSHIPS
Good relationships begin with a good relationship with God. We are not to “trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God” (verse 17c). Because He is “living,” He is available to us relationally. He also “quickeneth” (verse 13b) – gives spiritual life to – those who trust in Him – and this life is “eternal life” (verse 19c). The context (especially verses 12-16) makes it clear that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully able to save. A relationship with Him makes possible other enjoyable relationships. Psalm 133:1 rejoices, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Ephesians 4:1-3 is a New Testament exposition of this concept. Of course, each relationship is a challenge because two people are involved, and neither one is perfect. That truth is why we have the caveat of Romans 12:18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” The verses following this command reveal how hard it can be to have good relationships (verses 19-21), but we must try. Let us think of the enjoyable relationships that we have, cherish them, and thank Jesus for them. They are not givens in life.
2. JESUS WANTS US TO ENJOY GIVING
Back in I Timothy 6:18-19, we are told to be givers rather than clingers and misers. This principle holds for all aspects of our relationships; for if we are not interested in giving of ourselves, we will not enjoy the people in our lives. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35d). He not only said these words of truth but also demonstrated them in His teaching, His miracles, and His death on the Cross. He gave Himself, and the Bible employs this self-giving love as a model for our closest relationships (Ephesians 5:22-6:4). Jesus is the Giver; let us learn to give and to enjoy that giving.
3. JESUS WANTS US TO ENJOY WORK
Paul was writing to Timothy, a pastor. The Apostle wanted this young man to continue faithfully in the work of spreading the Gospel and to experience the enjoyment that comes from the satisfaction of a job well done (verse 20a). Work includes a paying position, but it is a much broader concept. Colossians 3:23 kindly commands, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Most work can be enjoyed to some extent. Even work that has no enjoyment at all (for example, officiating at funerals) has value and deserves to be done to the best of our ability. We should always enjoy the fact that we have the strength to labor, and we should remember that “the joy of the LORD is [our] strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Let us work “heartily,” with this “strength” that our Savior provides for us.
CONCLUSION – A major part of Christianity is appropriate enjoyment of that which God has given to us, and He has given to us “richly.” As we enjoy our eternal relationship with Jesus, let us also enjoy His gifts – good gifts all – and thus put the fun into fundamentalism.