1. Faith Is Victory

Many messages about faith stays with us and encourages us. In Hebrews 11 it is said "See the INVISIBLE, Choose the IMPERISHABLE, and do the IMPOSSIBLE". I needed the message then, and I still need it today. What was true with Moses centuries ago can be true for God's people today. But men and women of faith seem to be in short supply. Previously the Church (Men of God) was known for its good deeds. Says one wit "But today it's better known for its bad mortgages".

"For whatever is born of God over comes the world. And this is the victory that has over come the world. - OUR FAITH" (I John 5: 4). Faith doesn't depend on how we feel, or what we see, or what may happen. My songbook contains the following lines ‘nothing before nothing behind, the steps of faith falling on the seeming void and faith the rock beneath the rock is the Word of God’. If you want your life to be a real story of faith in action then stay with us to dig into the Word of God.

2. God Tests Our Faith: - A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted. What people think about faith is that faith is really a "warm fuzzy feeling" or perhaps just "faith in faith".  J.G. Spite told [us] faith is just like a toothbrush. Every one should have one and use it regularly. But it is not safe to use someone else's. We can't succeed in our personal lives by depending on somebody else's faith. God tests our faith for at least two reasons.

a. To show us whether our faith is real or counterfeit

b. To strengthen our faith for the tasks he has set before us

3. God Tested Gideon's Faith: God tested Gideon's faith by sifting his army of 32,000 volunteers until 300 men were left. Less than one percent of 32,000 ended up following Gideon to the battlefield. God told Gideon why He was decreasing the size of the army. God doesn't want the soldiers to boast that they won the victory over [the] Midianites. Victories won because of faith bring glory to God, because nobody can explain how this has happened. "If you can explain what's going on in your ministry then God didn't do it".  Many Christians are wasting their time by explaining their success in ministry rather than the Word of God. Once again I am saying, "If you can explain what's going on in your ministry then God didn't do it". This is what I learned as a Bible Teacher (A servant to the God and his Children). Too often we are like Uzzaiah who was "marvelously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted unto his destruction" (I Chronicles 26:15 - 16). People who live by faith know their weaknesses more and more as they depend upon God's strength. "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (II Cor 12: 10). For this reason we have to be faithful in every action (In our weaknesses and in our strengths). Please meditate upon the following self explanatory verses I Peter 1:7 "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of Gold that perisheth though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and Glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ".  Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven".  Psalm 23: 4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff (THE WORD OF GOD AND HIS AUTHORITY) they comfort me. So Turn your eyes and look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2)

4. Fearful Men Go Home (Judges 7:3): In telling the fearful soldiers to return home, Gideon was simply obeying the Law. "What man is there who is fearful and faint hearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart" Deuteronomy 20: 8. The trouble today is that fearful and trembling men insist upon remaining in the army. A decrease that sifts the ranks of Church of men who fears and trembles is great and a glorious gain. Fear and faith can't live together very long in the same heart. Either fear will conquer and faith will quit, or faith will conquer fear and we'll triumph. John Wesley said "Give me a hundred men who fear nothing but sin and love nothing but God and I will shake the gates of hell". If you want victory you will depend upon the word of God and whatever be the situation, whether dangerous, normal or joyful you will be faithful. In II Timothy 1:15, we see that every one left Apostle Paul when the Roman government started blaming him for disturbing the normal life of public. All the people deserted Apostle Paul. Only one person remained there, that was Onesiphorus. Onesiphorus came from a long distance in search of Apostle Paul who was in prison. It was a dangerous situation for Onesiphorus to meet Paul but he dared to do so. So God declares, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" Ephesians 6:12. This is the best time for churches to allow fearful men to go home. Since the remaining church will be small, but a great and glorious church for the God.

What [do] we have to do after going home?

a. We have to come to His mercy seat by kneeling down (Ephesians 3:14), to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. "That he would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man". (Ephesians 3:16)

b. Our delight should be in the Law of the Lord and we should meditate his law day and night. (Psalm 1:3) By doing so we are taking the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)

Whatever Satan thinks about you and whatever his accusation may be don't lend your ear to Satan. He is a liar and a deceiver. The moment you give your ear to him you are in a great danger. Because Satan attacks you with the Word of God. Has God said so? He deceived Eve like this and even in his encounter with Jesus, he takes verses from the Bible. So be careful when you are reading the word of God.

6. God Encourages our Faith Judges 7:9-15: God told Gideon three times that He would give Israel victory (6:14,16,7:7), and also reassured him by giving him three special signs: Fire from rock (6:19-21), the wet fleece (6:36-38),  and [the] dry fleece (6:39-40). After all this divine help, Gideon should have been strong in faith, but such was not the case. How grateful we should be, for God understands us and doesn't condemn us for our doubts and fears! He keeps giving us wisdom and doesn't scold us when we keep asking (James 1:5). Our great High priest in heaven sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrew 4:14-16) and gives us more grace. (James 4:6) God remembers that we are only dust (Psalm 103:14) and flesh (Psalm 78:39)

God encouraged Gideon's faith in two ways. God gave him another promise (v9). The Lord told Gideon for the fourth time that he had delivered the Midianite host in his hand (Note the [past] tense of the verb). Although the battle must be fought, Israel had already won! The 300 men could confidently attack the enemy host for they knew that the victory was to Israel. Some people have the idea that confident courageous faith is a kind of religious arrogance, but in fact it's just opposite to the truth. A Christian who believes God's promises and sees him doing great things will be humbled to know that the God of the universe cares for them and is on their side. They claim no merit in their faith or honor for their victories. All the glory goes to the Lord since He did it all. It's the unbelieving child of God who grieves the Lord and makes him a liar. (I John 5:10). God says it - I believe it - that settles it!

7. God Gave Gideon Another Sign: It took courage for Gideon and his servant to move into the enemy's territory, and get close enough to the Midianite's camp to overhear the conversation of two soldiers. God had given one of the soldiers a dream, and that dream told Gideon that God would deliver the Midianites into his hand. The Lord had already told Gideon on this fact, but now Gideon heard it from the lips of the enemy!

a. In [the] Bible God Spoke to Believers: - He spoke through the dreams of Jacob (Gen. 28,31) Joseph (Gen. 37), Solomon (I Kings 3) Daniel (Dan 7) and Joseph the husband of Mary (Matthew 1:20 - 21, 2:13-22)

b. In [the] Bible God Spoke to Unbelievers: -He also spoke to unbelievers this way, including Abimelech (Gen. 20) Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2,4) Joseph's fellow prisoners (Gen. 40) Pharaoh (Genesis 41) and to the Pilate's wife (Matthew 27:19)

Conclusion: However we must not conclude from these examples that this is the normal method for God to communicate with people or that we should seek His guidance in our dreams today. Dreams can be deceptive (Jeremiah 23:32; Eze 10:2) and apart from divine instruction we cannot know the correct interpretation. The best way to get God's guidance is through the Word of God, Prayer and sensitive to the Spirit as we watch circumstances. So from now on if any one says that "yesterday I had a dream", ask them how much it taught them the Word of God. If not there is a chance that they are storytellers. Ask them to read the Word of God and ask them what they read for that day. In your case do the same? Stop telling, "yesterday I had a dream". Instead of that tell "I read this portion from my Bible [and] I understand this much"

We had very nice topics during these days. We completed about Gideon and Onesiphorus, now we are going to meditate about Tychicus. We found about him in the following verses

I Timothy 4:12: "And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus "

Ephesians 6:21-22: " But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your heart. "

(a) Tychicus spent some time with Paul in jail:  Apostle Paul was in Jail for almost a period of two years. In this time many beloved brethren visited Paul. Paul said the following regarding his imprisonment "But I would ye should understand brethren that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather UNTO THE FURTHERANCE OF GOSPEL" (Philippians 1:12)

What do you think about the persecution of Churches in INDIA TODAY? Sure we lost several beloved brethren these days, and little children  - including the beautiful kids "TIMOTHY" and "MICHAEL". I hope you realize who these two kids are. They are Perfect Soldiers of the "KING OF KINGS". First one is the SON OF GRAHAM STAINS and another is the SON OF P. P. JOB.

THEY DIED UNTO THE FURTHERANCE OF GOSPEL. The persecutions for the local Churches are for the FURTHERANCE OF GOSPEL. They were called to the Heaven because, "GOD ONLY PLUCKS OUT OF THIS WORLD THOSE HE CAN NO LONGER LOVE AT A DISTANCE"

Whether it is a persecution or death it is UNTO THE FURTHERANCE OF GOSPEL. We will see from various references from the Bible that there are some people like Timothy and Sister Phoebe (Romans 16 helped him to pass the Romans Gospel to the Roman Church). Onesiphorus came a long way to refresh Apostle Paul. Here we will see Tychicus who spent most of the time with Paul in jail. What a comfort Paul would have got through Tychicus. He is a FINE COMPANION TO PAUL IN JAIL. What did you do in the last five days? Did you open your mouth and confess that Jesus is your Savior? The day is very near. Try to win souls. Jesus is coming soon.

Tychicus a messenger (II Timothy 4:12): Greetings to you all in the most precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who pours the Holy Spirit abundantly on us, and who is also a Comforter and a Teacher to us. Our reading portion is II Timothy 4:12, which says, "I sent Tychicus Unto Ephesus".  We have already seen how Tychicus was faithful in his job as a co-worker in the furtherance of Gospel by staying with Paul in jail at Rome. In here we can also see how he extended his love as a mediator between the Ephesians Church and Apostle Paul and as a replacement of Timothy at Ephesus. All these topics will be covered under the question "Why did Paul send Tychicus to Ephesus?" The answer to this question is, "He (Tychicus) will tell you every thing so that you also may know, how I am and what I am doing" (Ephesians 6: last verses).

Yes! Now Tychicus was going to Ephesus as a messenger. Tychicus was coming down to Ephesus from Rome. In this we will see how he resembles the work of Holy Spirit in our lives.

Remaining part is postponed to the next week.

Holy Spirit came to this earth once for all on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2). The chief purpose of Holy Spirit is to comfort us (John 14:6). Jesus said that He will ask the Father, (John 14:6), that he shall give the Holy Spirit to us forever (John 14:16). This is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17). Holy Spirit lives with us (John 14:17). Holy Spirit is in us (john 14:17). The second purpose is "He (Holy Spirit) will teach you all things and remind you of every thing I have said to you" (John 14:26).  Jesus said, "I have much more to say to you, more than you can hear. But when he, the Holy Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak of His own. He will speak what he hears and tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you" (John 16). Before going to the further study on Tychicus I want to share something regarding practical life.

First let me talk to sincere Bible students.

Thank you so much for your interest in the Word of God. [The] Bible is very interesting to read and at the same time it is very difficult to understand. God gives Holy Spirit to teach us, so whenever you sit down to read the Word of God, you should be very careful. If you are not careful, then Satan will enter. Since the first attack of Satan is through the Word of God only (John: 3). If you allow Satan you no more know the will of God, if you don't know the will of God, you won't walk in the spirit. So, my dear brother, allow [the] Holy Spirit to teach you. May God bless you in this.

[The] Apostle Paul Sent Tychicus to Ephesus: In our last issue we saw how the Holy Spirit teaches the Word of God. We have to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, other wise we won't know the will of God. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16). After we learn we have to pass on this word to others faithfully. For the same reason Apostle Paul Sent Tychicus to Ephesus (II Timothy 4:12).

Tychicus was a faithful minister in the Lord (Ephesians 6:21). As a faithful minister Tychicus has to pass on every affair, which is happening at Rome. He should not fail in this. If he fails it will disturb a lot of people's hearts. Tychicus never failed in his duty.

We also as His faithful servants should pass on God's Word as it is written in the Bible. The Holy Sprit will teach you all things (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit will speak nothing of his own, but whatever he shall hear that shall he speak and show the things that are to come. (John 16:13). We should not add or delete anything while delivering the message.

If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book. (Revelation 22:18). The outcome of what Tychicus did faithfully without adulterating the word was that their hearts were comforted. "He might comfort your hearts" (Ephesians 6:22): When the Holy Spirit comes he will testify of Jesus (John 15:26).

a. When a person listens to the testimony he will be reproved by the world of sin, because they didn't believe in him. (This is for the people who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior).
b. Of righteousness (for you and me who have accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior)
c. Of Judgment (to the person Satan) John 16:8-11.

In the same way we have the Word of God in our hands, which is complete. It is now in your hand and in your own language, meditate upon the Word of God day and night (Psalm 1:3). Now deliver the Word of God unto all men, which was a great commission of God unto men. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). When a person listens to the Word of God he will be judged as I mentioned in the previous paragraph. We have already seen about the judgment in this world, in the very beginning, when we meditated on the passage John 15:1-8. We will see some more, later when we get opportunity and it's the same with point c.

Now we will consider first, the judgment unto the sinner in this world. This is a judgment to the sinner when a person listens to the Word of God. Please turn with me to Ephesians 1:13 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise". If he obeys the Word of God after all the arguments mentioned in Romans chapters 1,2,3, God declares a person as justified. This is not a process but an act, which happens in a moment.

When a person rejects the Word of God, he is kept for the eternal destruction. So, now the Lord God is standing at the door of your heart. If you open your heart you will be saved and you will have eternal life, otherwise you will be in Hell's fire forever and ever. Today is the day of salvation.

I shall send Tychicus unto thee (Titus 3:12). Now Apostle Paul wants to see "Titus". Titus is an elderly believer who is a witness unto Jesus Christ and the Gospel. He had the whole responsibility of preaching the Gospel with holiness and good works.

Yes, Paul had a choice among so many people around him to send unto Titus. But two people were highlighted, one is Artemas and another is Tychicus. Paul wants to send one of them. Paul wants Titus to be replaced for a short time, but replacing Titus is not a simple job since the Assembly was much attached to him. Titus established a Divine Order in the Church. (Titus 1:3). The importance of divine order in the Church careless as to the order of God's house. The importance of this order is solemnly empathetic in that tests by which true believers and deacons may be known are repeated (I Timothy 3:7, Titus 1:6-9)

Sometimes God will want to replace someone in local Churches or in an organization for a short while or forever, are you ready to be replaced?  In order to be replaced you have to equip yourself with the Word of GOD. If you so equip with the word of God, you will surely learn obedience. If you are not obedient in character that means you are not a faithful Bible Student. Come out of your slogging condition, express out what you feel to your friends in the church and in the assembly. Purify yourself. Consecrate today, tomorrow is yours. (This is the challenge we will face, as in the life of Joshua). He called you to be holy, and he commanded us in I Peter 1:16 "Because it is written be ye holy, for I am holy". The time of glorification is very near for somebody. So it is time for you to replace them at this young age. God is asking "Whom Shall I send and who will go for us?

My Personal Testimony: When I was 15 years old I just came from school to my house. My mom came to me and asked me to give a message for the evening Bible Study. I was stunned and was in a great tension. I can't reject it and I can't prepare a message in one and half-hours. Even then I said "OK". My mom didn't question me as to what I want to preach (I Like Teaching) or what the topic was. She simply stayed in the kitchen. The time came, and at 6:15 the meeting started. I was praying, "Please God! send some one". The Bible study started at 6:30, first we sang some songs and after that I stood on the pulpit and asked Joshi to come and translate for me. He was in 8th Class at that time. I opened the Bible and read Isaiah chapter 6. The message went on till 7:35 as a flow, on the topic "Since God is holy we have to be holy" with beautiful examples from the life of Uzzaiah, Joshua, Daniel and Rachel. Now Joshi completed his basic degree and is perusing his Master of Divinity in Serampore Bible College. I am with you guys. Let me be here forever, as you're faithful servant. I believe that we replaced nicely the place of elders of assembly at Sriharipuram Visakhapatnam for that meeting. Please pray for both of us (Joshi & Timothy).

That you may know our affairs: Tychicus has to travel along to Ephesus to deliver the letter. This is what the work of [the] Holy Spirit is. "The helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in my name. He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I Said to you" (John 14: 26)

Our chief purpose in this world is to teach the word of God. "Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. And Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen" (Matthew 28:20). In this Paul encourages Timothy, "Therefore I remind you to stir up the word of God which is in you through laying of my hands", for this reason our Grandparents and parents have to teach us the Word of God. If they fail to teach, it means that they are handed over their children unto the hands of Satan (I Timothy 1:20). If you teach your child, the Word of God he won't go astray when he grows up (Proverbs). When you learn and grow, you will have to learn to rightly divide the Word of God. (II Timothy). If you know how to divide the Word of God, then you are a blessed person in this word. Every attack of Satan can be overcome. Apostle Paul has great concern on Tychicus. Tychicus has to hand over his letter to Ephesus. In the letter of Ephesus, [the] Apostle Paul has spoken about 12 different topics on Holy Spirit. Paul knows that Tychicus can handle these questions (raised by Ephesians) efficiently.

"The Least UNDERSTOOD PERSON IN THE PERSON". Be careful when you read about Holy Spirit. Many Local churches are deviating from the Word of God; they come up with the modern names. I believe that nearly 70% of the local assemblies don't have the proper understanding of [the] Holy Spirit (70 % is not calculated, it is just my guessing).

About Prophesy: PURSUE LOVE, and desire spiritual Gifts, but especially that you Prophesy. He who prophesies speaks edification and comfort to men (I Corinthians 14:1,3).

One more point On Prophesy,

"But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed and so stalling down on his face, He will worship God and report that God is truly among you" (I Corinthians 14:24,25)

So my beloved Bible Teachers, be ready to face the Church, family, neighbors and the world. Consecrate today, tomorrow is yours. "Sanctify yourself, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." (Joshua 3:5). If you don't give importance to the Word of God, you will wither away. "If any one does not abide in me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered, and they gather them into the fire. And they are burned" (John 15:6). Do you know the meaning of this verse? This is not going to happen in future. But at present. Today the men will pluck you out! Be aware. I want you to be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does, he shall prosper (Psalm 1:3)

You can know the affairs of God by doing Psalm 1:2. The result will be Psalm 1:3

Paul says three significant things about this great soldier (Tychichus ) of Christ

1. He was a beloved brother, a man who had believed in Jesus Christ and demonstrated it by loving others deeply. He treated others as brothers, loving and helping them as he could. Therefore others counted him as dear to their heart- as a beloved brother.

"I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35.

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal 6:10)

2. He was a faithful minister, a man called and gifted by Christ to preach the Gospel and minister to the needs of God's dear people of the world with the glorious news that living forever was now possible. And note he was faithful. There was no slack or slumber, not routineness or slothfulness or complacency or neglect, no questioning or weakening; he didn't not fail in his ministry. He was a faithful minister - faithful in the lord. He knows where his strength came from, and the drew his strength from the Lord day by day.

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work " ( John 9:4)

"For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen or heard" ( Acts 4:20 )

3. He was a friend of believers, a messenger of encouragement, Paul was in prison. The believers of Ephesus were concerned about Paul's welfare, and Paul was concerned that they know he was doing well through the strength of the Lord. But how was Paul going to communicate with the church was so far away? The answer lay in a dear, dear friend and fellow minister Tychichus.

Note this Tychichus had his own ministry. He could have been out preaching, witnessing and ministering on his own. Remember he was a worldwide minister, having given his life to world evangelism and missions. Yet he was given his time and energy to helping Paul and serving in Paul's ministry. He is seen giving up a separate ministry in order to serve as a dear friend and fellow minister with Paul. Apparently he was the ideal minister and messenger of encouragement

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man of his own things. But every man also on the things of others" Ph 2:3-4

May God bless you richly and abundantly! Regards, G. J. Thimothy