We've all faced them, haven't we? Those moments when ...
- Mild frustration grows into seething anger
- Subtle temptation transforms into aggressive lust
- Low-grade sadness catapults into high-grade depression
Yes, we've all faced them.
Tipping points.
Those moments when one drink becomes one too many, when one glance becomes a gnawing obsession, when one feeling becomes an interpretation of reality.
Just like a roller-coaster ride, when a tipping point is reached, it seems as if there is no recovery. No going back.
And what's left in its wake is guilt, regrets, shame, and the sting of broken promises.
Does the gospel of Jesus offer any real hope and help for people like us? Is it possible to prepare now for the tipping points ahead?
Absolutely!
Centuries ago, as the apostle Paul (lying in a prison cell) wrote to his dear "son" in the faith, Timothy, he warned him about the tipping points ahead. And, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he equipped Timothy (and us) to meet them head-on.
So, from 2 Timothy, here are 3 key things than can make a big difference - admit the battle, wield the weapon, cherish the victory.
1. Admit the Battle
Throughout Paul's letter there are clear warnings that difficult times are coming, and that the wise man (and woman) will prepare well for them.
- Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2.3)
- Understand this ... in the last days there will come times of difficulty. (3.1)
- As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering .... (4.5)
Perhaps (unfortunately) you are like me. You think, "That will never happen again." Or, "That was just a fluke." Wrong!
One thing I have noticed in my own life (and it really didn't take any great powers of observation!) is this - times of temptation come regularly. That's right, tipping points are some of my most frequent companions.
You too?
So, let me ask you, what is your tipping point?
* Is it late at night, when you feel alone and unloved and begin to conclude that no one really cares?
* Is it as you wander through Facebook, wondering why everyone else seems happy and fulfilled, and you don't?
* Is it on your walk through your day, as you see couples seemingly enjoying intimacy, and you feel so alone?
* Is it early in the morning, as you lie in bed wondering if you can endure the challenges of the day ahead?
* Is it as you encounter media images - from athletic superstars to lingerie models to wealthy entrepreneurs - and despair of ever having a life that's meaningful?
* Is it as you wander through Facebook, wondering why everyone else seems happy and fulfilled, and you don't?
* Is it on your walk through your day, as you see couples seemingly enjoying intimacy, and you feel so alone?
* Is it early in the morning, as you lie in bed wondering if you can endure the challenges of the day ahead?
* Is it as you encounter media images - from athletic superstars to lingerie models to wealthy entrepreneurs - and despair of ever having a life that's meaningful?
2. Wield the Weapon
I often think that, in the moment of battle, I need a brand-new weapon. That's right, something uniquely suited for the occasion. A weapon, a strategy, a device that will rescue me, dramatically and decisively, from the tipping point of temptation. And ... I often despair that God has left me alone in the battle, and that nothing will work.
Are you as foolish as I am?!
In the midst of the battles raging around him and within him, Paul points Timothy to his sure weapon ...
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed ... All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (3. 14, 16-17)
How simply ... simple. No brand-new weapon is needed. No dramatic rescue is called for. Just the tried-and-true provision of God that has been used well in battles past, and will endure for any future standoff.
The Bible.
Paul's counsel to Timothy, as he faces his tipping points - read the Bible. The Word of God, breathed out by the Creator of all things, has been given for such a time as this.
Can I ask you - when times of temptation hit, do you turn to God's Word immediately, confidently, decisively?
As you think ahead to the battles before you, have you prepared now with key portions of God's Word that will equip you and strengthen you for the fight?
Is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, ready to be unsheathed and wielded with deadly accuracy when the battles looms large before you?
Paul's exhorts Timothy,
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2.15)
May I encourage you (and me) - prepare now for the tipping points ahead. Memorize key texts and passages that will nourish and equip you. Write out precious portions of God's Word, store them in an accessible place, so that they are ready to be unleashed when needed.
3. Cherish the Victory
Before a tipping point is reached, I often feel over-confident, blithely unaware, smugly naive. Nothing can shake me!
But after a tipping point, my emotions regularly experience a 180. From over-confident to despairing, from unaware to over-sensitive, from naive to condemned.
You too?
One of the key things Paul does for Timothy is to focus his eyes on the decisive victory of the gospel. He reminds him of a key truth - that though the battle rages, though everyday skirmishes may be won or lost, the ultimate battle has been won.
Linger on these words from the pen of our brother ...
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!
The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him ... if we are faithless, He remains faithful - for He cannot deny Himself. (2. 8-13)
The ultimate tipping point in your life has been met, and defeated, in the gospel. That's right - the only battle that could ever really destroy you, that could tip you and sink you, was entered into on your behalf by Jesus. And won!
What confidence for the temptations we face each day! Because of Jesus, they cannot destroy us, but are used by God to strengthen us. Because of the gospel, we are always "tipped" toward grace and redemption and forgiveness, even in our moments of utter failure.
Such is the power of the gospel!
When the battle rages, what do you cherish? Your bruised pride? Your shattered ego? Your dashed dreams?
Or do you self-consciously cherish Jesus and His victory in your life?
So, as you face the coming temptations, as the sins that so easily entangle you loom large and foreboding, remember and believe - Jesus came for such a time as this, and such a person as you.
You are always sick enough to be healed.
You are always weak enough to be saved.
You are always lost enough to be found.
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