Second Timothy
Second Timothy was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Lesson Five (Chapter 2 continued)
(THE HUSBANDMAN - PART 2)

Introduction:

According to our text God wants us to labour in our own vineyard. Based on (Isa. 5:1-4 & Lk. 13:6-9) your vineyard is your personal sphere of influence. Some people can look backwards and see fields strewn with rubble and victims of neglect in their lives. (Prov. 24:30,31) well characterizes this problem. There are always those who want to get in on the blessings of the labour of others. God allows that in a very limited way (Deut. 23:24,25; Matt. 12: 1-5). Perhaps God permits this so we can see the fruit of others, who are laboring and we will be encouraged to work ourselves. But, God wants you have your own vineyard to show some fruit.

There are several things that need to be done to guarantee a good vineyard. There is no better example than God Himself, the great Husbandman.

II. Rock Removal - (Isa. 5:2)

According to (Matt. 13:21), stones prevent roots from being established, which results in the plant withering and dying. According to (Rev. 22: 16) Jesus Christ is the root. These stones are further identified in (Rom. 14:12-26,21-23).
 

II. Plant Good Seed - (Deut. 22:9)

In a spiritual sense, the seed is none other than the Word of God (Matt. 13:20; 1 Peter 1:23).
 

III. Build A Fence - (Isa. 5:2; Mark 12:1)

The obvious reason for the fence was that it was a convenient way to use the rocks in the field. However, in Scripture there are other needs that can be met with a fence. One is to keep things out (Song of Sol. 2:15). The fox is sly and may subtly try to buy your field, if he can get it no other way (I Kings 21:1-3). Because Satan will do anything possible to destroy your influence and testimony, you need a fence around your life. God gave Israel a long list of rules to obey that would guarantee peace and prosperity. When broken, it always results in disaster. The rules were fence materials that kept the fox out. (Job 1:10) To break the rules is to break the fence down. No wonder God says "Love not the world neither the things that are in the world." (I Jn. 2:15)

IV. Cultivation -

According to (Prov. 24:31), the neglected vineyard is filled with thorns and nettles. These are defined in (Matt. 13:22) as "the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches." Weeds are a sure sign of neglect; that is, not much time is being spent in the vineyard. Cultivation not only eliminates undesirable plants but helps provide air and water for the good ones. There are lives in your sphere of influence that need constant cultivation. (Lk. 13:6-9)

V. Build A Tower - (Isa. 5:2)

The obvious reason for the tower was a place of observation. The watchman was to warn when enemies approached. The greatest enemy of our souls is sin. (Eze. 3:17-21) Your vineyard has constant enemies (Amos 4:9).

 

Worship in Barbershop

"I was in a barber shop," remarked former President Woodrow Wilson, when I became aware that a personality had entered the room. A man had come quietly in upon the same errand as myself, and sat in the chair next to me. Every word that he uttered showed a personal and vital interest in the man who was serving him; and before I got through, I was aware that I had attended an evangelistic service, because Mr. Moody was in the next chair. I purposely lingered in the room after he left, and noted the singular effect his visit had upon the barbers in that shop. They did not know his name, but they knew that something had elevated their thoughts. And I felt that I left that place as I should have left a place of worship."

 

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