The faith of your parents is a blessing, but you must also actively stir up your faith by remembering what God has done for you, in you, and is doing through you.

Fanning the flames of your faith does not begin with the actions you take; it starts with turning your attention to what God has done and is doing. 1 Timothy 1:3-7 calls you to three ways you can fan the flame of faith in your life.

As Paul writes these opening words of this final letter to the young pastor Timothy, he is not writing as a failure, in defeat, or even depressed by his circumstances. Paul writes with expectation and authority, knowing that his life is not his own and the kingdom of God is not dependent on his circumstances.

This is not an effort to put a positive spin on a bad situation. This is Paul writing and living according to God's perspective, not man's. To live faithfully and obediently to the Lord, you must live according to God's perspective, not man's.

Jacob’s family is not a model of healthy relationships. His parents are open about their partiality toward their children. The brothers have a very contentious relationship. Rebecca is willing to work against her husband’s wishes. And Isaac is willing to work against the will of God.

We see in this passage four people attempting to get their own way. Some want their will in opposition to God’s will. Others want what God has promised but according to their own way and their own timing. Only one will recognize that God alone is sovereign and unthwartable in His power.

I titled this sermon, “blessed assurance.” It might not be obvious what is assured or blessed in this passage. Today I want to look at the four people of Rebecca, Jacob, Esau, and Isaac. All four attempted to impose their will over the will of God. Only Isaac would come to understand that the will of God is assured no matter the efforts of man. And the sureness of God’s will is blessed assurance indeed.

This past weekend my family and I were in Athens, GA, because our son, Micah, performed with the Georgia All State Chorus on Saturday. The concert was wonderful, and we enjoyed worshiping with Watkinsville First Baptist on Sunday. I am very thankful for Greg Benfield, who is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Piedmont-Okefenokee Baptist Association. Greg filled the pulpit for me here at Central in Waycross so that I could be away.

Since I did not preach this past Sunday, the sermon this week is one out of the archives. In 2019 I preached a sermon series on families and began with a sermon from Colossians 3:18-19 titled Marriages that testify to Christ. I preached this on March 3, 2019. I hope that it will bless you today.

Being a pastor’s wife comes with some unique challenges. This week’s episode is a conversation with my wife, Dana Smith. Dana shares from her perspective the joys and struggles of being a pastor’s wife. With honesty about the struggles and wisdom for others, she talks candidly about her own life in the ministry married to a pastor. If you are a pastor’s wife, a pastor, or someone who cares deeply about the health and well-being of your pastor’s family, this episode is a must-listen.