Has "I Deserve, I'm Entitled" invaded the Church?

 

2 Timothy 3:10-15

If you are a church planner, a member of a church staff, or a pastor of a new church, the following Scripture is not recommended reading for church growth, in our culture of “wanting without doing.”  Never in my life have I seen more of this, ignorant people being used by evil people to create fear, anger, and hate for others; like we are seeing under this administration’s in power. That same culture has also invaded our homes and churches; a culture of “I deserve, I’m entitled,” and it is the opposite of being a servant in the kingdom of God.  If you have been taken captive by a belief of, “I deserve, I’m entitled,” or that the answer to the problems is more government, then you are ignorant of the teaching of “The Manufacturer’s handbook on living life on planet earth.” 

In this letter to Timothy, Paul is addressing a man he loves like a son, but more than that he is a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  Timothy is a faithful man who has the ability to teach others, and he also is a follower of the teaching, conduct, and faith of Paul.  Timothy has learned patience, love, and steadfastness from watching a man who saw himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ.  A man who said and meant, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)  If you need more information on the character of Paul, read Philippians 3:7-11.  That is Timothy’s model, and Paul reminds Timothy of what took place at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, and in all of these places Paul was persecuted and endured physical suffering.

I have seen many a program come and go in the Baptist church, most were cultivated in the minds of men.  But I’ve never tried this one: Sign up today for our new program on how to be persecuted, and have the heart attitude of Paul; “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  That’s going to be a very short list, if you are the one at the sign-up table, you will not need to stay long, and you will not need helpers.  But listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying in 2 Timothy 3:12 & 13,“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

Paul is telling both Timothy and us, that being a true follower of Christ, not an impostor, will cost you in all areas of this life, but it is worth the price.  Listen to these words of encouragement: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice