"MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE"

 

"We love Him, because He first loved us." 

1 John 4:19

This amazingly beautiful song reminds us of Jesus' love for us.  Because of Jesus' love, He became our Redeemer and Savior to save us from the slavery of sin and its consequences (1 Tim. 1:15).  He redeemed us by His own blood and reconciled us back to God so that we might receive adoption as sons of God (Gal. 4:4).  He is the Savior who takes away our sins (Matt. 1:21).  He showed the depth of His love when He laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16).  Because of such deep love for us, He purchased our pardon on Calvary's tree (Lk. 23:33, 1 Pet. 2:24).  Because of His love, He wore a crown of thorns.   

"And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters),[a] and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him."'  (Mark 15:16-20)

Since He loves us, He has promised to be with us both in life and death.  Therefore, we must love Him by living for Him and dying to self.

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  (Gal. 2:20)

Since Jesus love us and died for us, we must manifest our love for Him every step of our way whether in life or death.

"As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death."  (Phi. 1:20)

Because He loves us, we have the hope of heaven.  He's now preparing for us mansions of glory in endless delight.

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."  (Jn. 14:1-3)

Because Jesus loves us, we have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us, mansions in heaven so bright (1 Pet. 1:3-4).  

And when we get to heaven, we will sing with the glittering crown on our brow.

"Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."  (Rev. 2:10)  

This beautiful song moves me deeply and compels me to love, and to praise my Lord, saying, 

"My Jesus, I Love Thee."

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;

For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,

And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;

And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,

I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;

I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

 

~Luci

BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH

"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."  

Revelation 2:10

The apostle John made a profound statement to the church at Smyrna in Revelation 2:10. John’s inspired words to the church at Smyrna must compel Christians to be faithful to God in whatever they do. Sadly, God’s faithful servants are a minority in the church today. We often forget that God commands us to serve Him heartily. God wants us to be faithful unto death to receive our crown of life. Our faithfulness to God demands strong personal commitment.        

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."  (Colossians 3:23) 

God wants us to be committed in word and deed (Colossians 1:17). Each Christian must set a goal and strive for personal commitment. Faithfulness to God demands a strong personal choice. Each Christian must choose to be faithful to be blessed by God. God blesses our faithfulness. God blessed the people of Joshua's day because of their faithfulness. Hear the words of Joshua 24:13-15, 

"I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant. Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." 

You see, these people understood the need for personal choice, for they responded by saying, 

"The Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!" (Joshua 24:24)   

Let us unite our voices with theirs and say, 

"Our God we will serve."

I.   WHY MUST WE BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH:

When we are baptized into Christ, we become Christians and begin walking in newness of life. We begin a new life in which we must resolve to set aside or put to death those things that were part of our old way of life, the old man of sin (Romans 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:22). As we start crucifying the old man of sin, living and pursuing our new life in Christ, we begin an intimate relationship with our Savior and Lord, walking and following His footsteps. Jesus expects this new man or new creation to be faithful unto death to obtain the reward He promised us, our crown of life (Revelation 2:10). But to be faithful unto death, we must consider some significant steps to Heaven.  

Our church friends teach that once one is saved, he can never be lost, no matter our sins. They ignore and reject God’s exhortation given in Revelation 2:10 to Christians about remaining faithful until the end of our journey here on earth. My question is, Why did Jesus, in His letter to the church at Smyrna, instruct those Christians to “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10)? Jesus said to those brethren that if they remained faithful, despite their circumstances, especially persecution, He would give them “the crown of life” (eternal life, synonymous with salvation). God will reward our faithfulness if we remain faithful unto death, even dying for our faith. So why “faithful unto death” if we are already saved and cannot be lost?

 

• Faithfulness to God demands complete obedience:

• Obey:

The Lord wants us to conform and surrender our lives to His will alone (Jas. 4:7). He likewise wants us to walk faithfully with Him, obeying His commands (1 John 1:7; Heb. 5:9; Matt. 7:21).

Jesus said, 

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) 

Jesus saves those who "obey" Him. The Hebrew writer wrote, 

"Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." (Hebrews 5:8-9) 

There is no salvation without obedience. Obedience compels people to believe, repent, confess Christ, and be baptized into Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 6:1-5). We are saved from our past sins and added to the church because of our obedience (Acts 2:47). Only those who obey God have the right to wear the name "Christian." (Acts 11:26)

• Faithfulness to God demands strong commitment and earnestness to put Him first in our hearts and lives:

• Prioritize:

 The Lord wants us to put Christ and His church first and above everything else in our lives (Col. 1:18; Matt. 6:33). He wants us to use the time God gives us to the best of our ability, for the days are evil. So we must be careful how we spend our God-given time here (Eph. 5:16).

God must be above everything else in our lives. It is not enough to obey the Gospel and become a Christian. It is just the beginning of our commitment to living a life devoted to serving God daily. To be His faithful followers, the Lord must be first in our hearts and lives. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) The Macedonians were an excellent example of faithfulness and devotion to God.   "They first gave themselves to the Lord." (2 Corinthians 8:5) God is satisfied only when He has "preeminence" in our hearts and lives.   Paul wrote, "And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18) Thus, Christians must forsake all and resolve to serve God faithfully. 

"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."  (Luke 14:33)

• Faithfulness demands an intense hunger and thirst for God’s Word:  

The Bible must be our "roadmap from earth to heaven." The Word of God is unique and powerful because it is God’s inspired Word.   

"And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by in­spiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:15-17) 

So, we must study God’s Word diligently, for it is our daily bread to nourish our souls to salvation. Jesus said, 

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) 

The Word of God tells us who God is and who we are. It stresses our responsibility toward God.  

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15) 

The right­eous delight in God's Law. 

"Blessed is the man Who walks not in the coun­sel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sin­ners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2) 

The Word of God tells us how to become a Christian, a faithful follower, and live holy and righteously for Him daily. Without feeding on God's Word daily, we won’t grow to maturity and make it to Heaven. Thus, we must study God’s Word daily and diligently to be approved by Him and receive our crown of life.  

• Teach:

The Lord wants us to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s Word (the Gospel) to show and teach others the way to Heaven (Mark 16:15). He wants us to grow in His Word to live a faithful life and show others how to live holy lives that would honor Him. He also wants us to grow in His Word to answer those who are not in Christ their questions concerning His Kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 3:15).

• Faithfulness to God demands strong self-discipline: 

"Discipline" is mostly forgotten and neglected in the church today. There is minimal church discipline and self-discipline among many followers of Christ. Self-discipline must be learned and practiced. Paul wrote, 

"For this is the will of God, your sanctifi­cation: that you should abstain from sexual im­morality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6) 

Christians must not walk “according to the flesh, but according to the spirit." (Romans 8:1) Paul spoke of self-discipline, saying, 

"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:27) 

Faithful and godly living demands discipline.

• Separate:

The Lord wants Christians to set themselves apart from the ways of the world (Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 2:11). He wants us to keep ourselves pure and live godly lives (1 Pet. 1:15-16; 1 John 2:15-17; Tit. 2:11-12).

• Faithfulness to God requires strong and devoted service to Him: 

• Serve:

The Lord wants us to look and think beyond ourselves (Phil. 2:3-4). He also wants us to seek opportunities to serve others from the heart and to do good to them (Gal. 5:13; Gal. 6:10). When we serve others with a loving heart, we also serve the Lord Himself (Col. 3:24; Rom. 12:10-11).

Christians must always be seeking opportuni­ties to serve. Often, these opportunities are right before our eyes. Paul declared, 

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10) 

Jesus served others and commanded us to follow His example of servitude. He said, 

"And the King will answer and say to them, Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40) 

We confess our faith and our service to our Lord with our actions. Our faith must have works of righteousness. Our faith, that is, our faithfulness, must be shown not just on Sunday morning but daily. Our service to Him demonstrates our faithfulness to God. James wrote, 

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."  (James 1:27)  

Each Christian must seek opportunities to serve God daily, remembering that even a "cup of cold water" given as an act of service or in the name of a disciple will have its reward (Matthew 10:42).

• Work:

Faithfulness to God demands hard work. The Lord wants us to be busy in His kingdom, remaining steadfast and bearing abundant fruit to His glory (1 Cor. 3:9).

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Cor. 15:58)

• Faithfulness to God demands constant and strong spiritual growth (maturity): 

• Grow:

The Lord wants us to increase and develop our knowledge, faith, and trust in Him (2 Pet. 1:5-11; 3:18). But to grow in these areas, we must first study His Word and pray daily (2 Tim. 2:15; Col. 4:2).

Peter declared,  

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."  (2 Peter 3:18) 

Christians must grow to be able to discern between good and evil. 

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:12-14) 

Spiri­tual growth must compel us to set our minds and hearts on things above this world. And though we still live in this world, Christ’s faithful followers must acknowledge that we are not of the world, for we must live for Christ alone. Jesus declared, 

“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." (John 18:36)

 

Matthew records God's plan for spiritual growth in Matthew 16:24. 

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." 

Thus, Christians must set their mind on things above, not the things of this earth (Colossians 3:1).

• Faithfulness to God demands Worship And Praise:

• Worship:

The Lord wants us to worship and praise Him from our hearts (John 4:24; Matt. 4:10; Heb. 13:15; Eph. 5:19), especially on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:25).

• Faithfulness to God demands Endurance:

• Endure: 

The Lord wants Christians to persevere through their difficult times. We must look to Him as our example for strength (2 Tim. 2:3; Heb. 12:1-3). He wants us also to press on and finish our race well to reach our eternal goal of Heaven (Phil. 3:14).

In Matthew, Jesus is quoted twice saying, 

“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matt. 10:22; 24:13) 

Mark recorded that same statement (Mk. 13:13). Jesus stressed the need to live a life of endurance to the end (being patient and faithful). Moreover,  Luke recorded Jesus saying, 

“By your patience possess your souls.” (Lk. 21:19) 

So, if saved followers of Jesus cannot be lost, why did Jesus stress so much the need for patient faithfulness to obtain eternal life?

James also had this same sentiment when he wrote along this line: 

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (Jas. 1:12)  

James’ message matches those stated above. James wrote to Christians when he referred to them as “My brethren” (1:1; 2:1; 3:1). The “man who endures temptation” is a brother or sister in Christ who endures faithfully to the end, without succumbing to whatever temptations the devil throws at them. We will receive the crown of life at the end of our lives if we endure faithfully.   That same primary thought is expressed in Jas. 1:25. Christians must continue to live by the Gospel of Christ and not be just hearers but doers of God’s Word to be blessed.  

“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

• Aim:

The Lord wants us to fix our eyes on the glorious reward of Heaven (Matt. 6:20; Col. 3:1-4). As we fix our eyes on our glorious reward of Heaven, we will find joy and hope, anticipating Jesus’ return to take us His children home with Him forever (Phil. 3:20-21; Tit. 2:13).

God commands us to “be faithful,” that is, true to Him, His Word, and His church, seeking and pleasing Him above all else!  

CONCLUSION:

The Book of Revelation was written during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Domitian. He persecuted the church for about 10 years after Nero. The church was under extreme distress because of the persecution they had to endure. The persecution included the slaughter of thousands of Christians, even the apostle John himself, who was exiled to the Island of Patmos. While John was on that island, he wrote, 

"I was in the spirit on the Lord's Day."  

John saw some marvelous visions or revelations he shared with the brethren who were being persecuted to give them the hope of eternal life.  

The church in Smyrna was a group of suffering Christians and was one of only two churches the Lord had nothing bad to say against. Some of these persecuted brethren suffered imprisonment and poverty. Domitian, the Roman Emperor of that time, had thousands of Christians killed because they confessed their faith in Jesus Christ.  

The Lord spoke through John, urging these brethren to "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10)

The Lord knew the works and tribulations of the church in Smyrna. He knew they were suffering and enduring saints. Our Lord knows our fears, infirmities, and the trials we face because He experienced the same thing at the hands of Satan. He had been there! (Hebrews 4:15)

The Lord tells them to "be faithful unto death." And He will give them "a crown of life."

We must acknowledge that though this letter was written to them, we can still apply those same principles to our lives. What will happen if we aren't faithful unto death? There will not be a crown of life for us!

In Roman culture, this crown of life, the Stephanos Crown of Life, represented the Crown of Victory. They understood what He meant. The Lord wants us to not only be suffering saints but enduring saints. He gave these brethren hope and gives us that same hope today. He declared that those who overcome shall not be hurt by the second death. Suffering saints who endure win! Those suffering and enduring saints who overcome until the end will not gain just a crown but will go to Heaven forever.

How do we endure? By having our sins washed away. God washes away sin from our metaphysical body. He adds us to His church, and we become Christians. When Christians are faithful unto death, we overcome and receive a crown of life. Thus, we must continue being steadfast and faithful unto death. It is the only road to victory! Faithfulness to God is not just showing up and warming a pew on Sunday. Faithfulness is obedient faith that dies to sin and walks in newness of life. Since we are baptized into Jesus’ death, we must repent of sins and die to sins. Our dead body of sin must be buried. We are buried in water baptism so that our souls can come in contact with the blood of Jesus. God requires obedience to save us from the death of sin.  

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”  (Romans 6:1-4)

In Peter’s second letter, he gives the same instruction. By the way, Peter is writing to Christians, “those who have obtained like precious faith with us…” (2 Pet. 1:1). He instructs these Christians, saying, 

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election (their eternal salvation) sure….” 

He goes on to say, 

“For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:10-11)  

The phrase “for so” means “as a result of.”  You see, the diligent faithfulness of these Christians would result in their being given a home in Heaven.  

Someone might ask, 

What of John, writing about a brother in Christ committing a sin “leading to death” (1 Jn. 5:16)? 

Do you remember what John stated earlier? He stated, 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn. 1:9)  

Here, the word “if” is conditional.  

What if a Christian, having sinned, does not confess his sins?  

Paul declared, 

“For the wages of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:23).

Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, has also warned us to be sober and vigilant, 

“Because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8)  

 

But how can the devil “devour” a saved Christian if that Christian cannot be lost once he is saved?  

The warning is that a Christian can lose his/her salvation if they do not remain diligently faithful. That is why Jesus stressed to be  “faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10)  

In Hebrews 12:1, we are admonished to run our race of faith with endurance. God expects us to run this race to the end (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Baptism is the beginning of a life lived in faithfulness or loyalty. We know and believe that God is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). We also believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 20:30, 31). We believe that salvation from sin is available to men by the power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16).

Because of the preaching of the Gospel, we believe our faithfulness must become the most vital and abiding pursuit of our lives. We must love God above any person or thing.   Consider the words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna: 

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) 

The context of this statement shows that our faithfulness is a matter of life or death.  

Therefore, each Christian must resolve to remain faithful to God until death despite persecution and death. We must also examine our faith and evaluate everything we have been taught, every aspect of our lives to be approved by God. We must believe that God has prepared a home for the faithful and that a crown awaits those who finish the race well. Faithfulness to God is vital to running the race set before us to the end. God provides the strength to endure, get up, and keep running. Because of God’s love and sacrifice, we can live in faithfulness to Him despite Satan’s most horrifying taunts or enticing allurements, and we must if we want to receive our crown and go to Heaven.

The crown of life makes it all worth it! 

May we remain faithful to the very end, keeping our focus on the crown of life and Heaven. May we always remember that this world is not our home and that we are just passing through. May we set our minds on things above (Col. 3:2). May we keep our eyes upon Heaven, for one day, all who are in Christ will be glorified with Him for all eternity!

~Luci

BE STRONG IN THE GRACE OF GOD

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  

2 Timothy 2:1

I have been enjoying my quiet time studying the Scriptures and making home improvements around my house.  Although I am supposed to take a break, especially from social media, the Lord is still using me for His glory.  One door closes, but another one opens.  I have been teaching a group of Spanish sisters from El Salvador for over a month.  They asked me to teach them some fundamental truths about the home, the family, and the role of women.  I love their receptive and humble hearts!  I am teaching in Spanish and translating my studies.  And though Spanish is my native language, it is still challenging since I’ve been writing and speaking English more than Spanish.  However, I am thrilled that the Lord is using me to spread the Gospel among my people.  

I have been reading and studying 2nd Timothy.  It is such an encouraging message.  I would like to write down my thoughts and consider them a personal letter.  Paul begins this letter by reminding Timothy to reflect on the sincere faith taught by his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, from a very young age. Timothy’s genuine faith is evident to Paul.  Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy to encourage him to be strong in the Grace of God and continue steadfastly amid apostasy and godlessness. He urges Timothy to continue to hold on to ‘the faith’ and to be bold and prepared to teach the Word of God in all circumstances. 

In my previous study, “Run With Endurance,” I covered the 1st chapter of 2 Timothy  (2 Timothy 1:8-18).  In this  1st chapter,  Paul speaks about our faith in difficult times. Paul instructs Timothy to have stronger faith and endure as a servant of God. He urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel during fearful and challenging times.  He reminds Timothy of the Grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:2). He compels him to be strong in that same Grace found in Christ when we obey the Gospel and are baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts  2:38; Romans:3-6).  God’s Grace motivates us to do what He wants us to do (1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 4:15). The more we understand God’s Grace, the more we will be grateful to Him for His Grace (2 Corinthians 4:15). The more we will commit to God’s Grace, and become stronger and mature as Christians (1 Peter 3:18).

This study will consider chapter two, verses 1-13.  Paul and Timothy were facing difficult times.  He appealed to Timothy to be strengthened by God’s Grace and to pass to others what he had heard and was taught from Paul so that they might teach others also.  The good news of the Gospel must never stop, for we must continue teaching it to others.  God’s Grace gives us the strength to continue and be steadfast.

I.   APPEAL FOR LOYALTY TO PAUL AND THE GOSPEL:

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.  8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.”  (2 Timothy 2:1-13)

Jesus commissioned Paul to preach the Gospel (Galatians 1:11-12).  Now, Paul is urging Timothy to teach faithful men the pattern of sound doctrine he had learned from him so that they could stand firm and hold on to them by word (1 Cor. 11:2; 1 Tim. 3:2-7; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:15).  They were supposed to teach others that same sound doctrine (Matthew 28:20; 1 Timothy 1:7; 2 Timothy 2:15).  

• Be Strong in the Grace of God Found In Jesus:

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”  ( 2 Timothy 2:1-2)

In the first two verses of chapter 2, Paul encourages Timothy to be strengthened by the Grace that is in Christ Jesus. God’s Grace will give Timothy what he needs to hear to be strong. To be strong in the Grace of God means to hold on to and pass it on to others who will also teach others.  The Gospel, the Grace of God, must never end with ourselves, for we must share it with others who, in return, must teach others.  However, to be strong in the Grace of God, we must be good soldiers, athletes, and farmers.    

• A Good Soldier:

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” (2 Timothy 2:3-4) 

Paul wants us to consider the good qualities of a good soldier. He asks Timothy to join him in his suffering. He likewise reminds Timothy that Christ’s good soldiers should expect suffering (Acts 14:22; 1 Corinthians 9:7; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29; 1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:9;  2 Timothy 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:8-13; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Paul wants Christians to share in suffering as good soldiers of Christ.  

“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him.”

All Christians are involved in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20).  The devil will definitely attack anyone who wants to preach or teach the Gospel of Christ.  Paul wants to make Timothy aware that no one serving as a good soldier gets entangled in life’s affairs.  Good soldiers never lose their focus:  

1. Their primary focus is to be faithful teachers of God’s Word (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). 
2. Be pleasing to their commanding officer in all things (Romans 12:1-2).

Good soldiers of Christ grow and strengthen their faith and will not allow it, under any circumstances, to grow weak or waver (Eph. 4:11-16; 2 Thess. 1:3).  They are well aware that they must take on every virtue and grace to reflect God and Christ's character (Gal. 5:22; 2 Pet. 1:5-7).  God's armor provides truth, righteousness, readiness, etc. (Eph. 6:14-17).  The Word of God, vigilant prayer, study, and application in our lives fortify our souls and will prepare us to fight against Satan and his attacks (1 Tim. 4:16; Matt. 26:41).  When we heed God's words, we will overcome Satan and be victorious in Christ (Eph. 6:13).  

A good soldier on the battlefield must be focused and maintain his focus.  

1. A soldier never entangles himself with other things, for he must be focused on doing exactly what his commanding officer says.  
2. He knows distraction will keep him from pleasing the one who enlisted him.  
3. He is single-minded, for he must be focused. 
4. He refuses to be distracted by the affairs of everyday life.  
5. Do you get distracted by the affairs of everyday life? 
6. Do you let social media distract you? 
7. Do you let current events distract you?  
8. Do you let politics distract you? 
9. Do you let cultural problems distract you? 
10. Do you let your job distract you? 
11. Do you let your hobbies distract you? 
12. Do you let technology distract you? 
13. What distracts you from focusing on what God is calling you to do?  

We cannot please the Lord when we are distracted or lacking focus!

• A Good Athlete: 

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5).

After giving us a metaphor about the soldier, Paul now gives the metaphor of an athlete (1 Corinthians 9:24).  Athletes must compete by the rules to win.  They cannot change the rules (Matthew 7:21-23; Mark 7:1-9).  To receive our victor’s crown, Christians must play by the rules God has set out  (2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

So, what are the rules that Paul is talking about?  Paul stresses the need to join in the suffering (2 Timothy 1:8, 2:3).  The rule for an athlete in this race is to take up his cross and follow Jesus, not avoid difficulties.  The rule to follow Jesus is to suffer with Him (Matthew 16:24). The rule of our race is to die to ourselves instead of saving our lives.  

• The Hardworking Farmer:

“It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”  (2 Timothy 2:6-7)

Our third metaphor is the hard-working farmer. 

1. The farmer must work hard (1 Corinthians 9:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:8).  
2. The farmer is expected to eat from the food he’s worked so hard to produce (1 Corinthians 9:12-18).
3. There is no reward without hard work. 
4. There is no harvest if the farmer fails to work hard.  
5. The hardworking farmer gets his reward.  
6. He enjoys the reward of his hard work. 

In verse 7, Paul wants Timothy and us to consider these examples, metaphors that give us insight and understanding. He wants us to apply them in our lives (Acts 17:11; 1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:5).

• Remember Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection:

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. “  (2 Timothy 2:8-10)

The central and most important theme of the doctrine of Christ, the Gospel, is Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 1:3-4). Paul urged Timothy to remember this important truth so that he might have the heart to face any suffering that came his way (Revelation 2:10).

We are strengthened from a spiritual perspective.  Look at verses 8-9.

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” 

Paul begins verse 8 with “Remember Jesus Christ” to remind Timothy of the most important thing he must preach.  Indeed, this phrase contains tremendous and fundamental truths. First, Jesus was raised from the dead.  This is the central point of the Gospel – the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our faith is in vain if Christ has not been raised from the dead.  In Paul’s days, many were attacking the truth about the resurrection of Christ.   To say that Jesus rose from the dead meant that He died.  And we know that He died as a ransom for all.  

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”  (1 John 2:2)

Notice that Paul says the gospel is “my gospel” (2 Timothy 2:8). He personally shared the good news of Jesus's death and resurrection with Timothy.  

1. The Gospel became a part of Paul’s life (Romans 2:16; Romans 16:25;  Galatians 1:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:14).  
2. And though Paul suffered for preaching the Gospel, ending up in chains, he was aware that the Word of God could not be chained or bound (Acts 4:19-20, 9:16, 26:29, 28:31; Ephesians 3:1, 6:20; Colossians 4:3; 2 Timothy 1:8, 2 Timothy 4:17;  Philemon 1:13-14). 

Paul was willing to endure hardship for the elect's sake, that is, the church (2 Corinthians 1:6; Ephesians 3:13;  1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 3:10;  2 Timothy 4:5;  1 Peter 1:2). He was willing to endure to save others. Salvation is only in Christ (Acts 4:12; Romans 6:3-6). Those baptized into Christ have entered into a relationship with the Father and the Son, a relationship that will have eternal consequences.

Jesus is the ultimate example of hardship and suffering. 

1. Our Lord and Savior was willing to suffer shame, pain, rejection, and death. 
2. However, He received the reward of His work and suffering.  
3. He was raised from the dead and exalted to God’s right hand.  
4. Paul followed the same path.  
5. He suffered, for he was bound in chains like a criminal. 
6. He competed and ran by the rules. 
7. However, he had a single focus. 
8. He endured everything for the good of those who are the elect. 
9. He sacrificed himself and suffered so that others might also obtain salvation in Jesus with eternal glory. 

Paul wants Timothy to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and example and how He suffered so that others might obtain salvation and eternal glory.  A good soldier follows Jesus and Paul’s example of hardship and suffering.  

So Paul declares in verse 10, 

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”  

We can see Paul’s heart here.  He was more concerned about others than himself.  This is another reason we need to be strong.  We must endure so that others may hear the Gospel and be saved.  Salvation is the outcome of the Gospel.  God wants to send the Gospel out to the world so that people will hear it and obey it to be saved.  Notice that there is more than just salvation – there is eternal glory.  We receive eternal glory on top of our salvation.  So not only will we be raised from the dead but also be given an indescribable glory.  This is truly the Grace of God!

• Some Fundamental Truths:

Christians have four fundamental truths for the hope we have for our salvation.

“The saying is trustworthy, for:  If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.”  (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

In 2 Timothy 2:11-13, Paul encourages Timothy to endure hardship by reminding him of his hope for salvation. This hope is a “trustworthy saying” worthy of his full attention (1 Timothy 1:15).  

1. Christians have died with Christ by crucifying themselves with Christ (Romans 6:6, 6:8, Philippians 3:10). 
2. They have died and have been buried with  Christ in the waters of baptism (Romans 6:4-5).  
3. Their old self was crucified with Him so they would no longer be enslaved to sin (Romans 6:6).
4. They now live with Christ and reign with Him as Christ rose from the grave (John 11:25; Romans 5:17; Romans 6:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 1 John 5:11).
5. If we endure as Christians and suffer as Christ did (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 4:13), we will reign with Him. 
6. If we lose our life, we will reign with Him.  
7. However, if we aren’t willing to confess Christ through obedient living, He will deny us (Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:9; 1 Timothy 5:8;  2 Peter 2:1; Jude 4).  
8. If we disown Jesus, He will disown us.  
9. If we don’t stand up for Him, He will not stand up for us. 
10. If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for he cannot deny Himself. God remains faithful. 
11. Sadly, many Christians fall away and choose not to follow Jesus anymore. However, Jesus will remain faithfully committed to His church (Acts 20:28).

These must have been encouraging words to Timothy!   God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity.  So we must not be ashamed; instead, we must get up and get back in there. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  Let the Grace of God strengthen us in Christ Jesus. God cannot deny Himself, for He is merciful, compassionate, loving, and forgiving. God wants Christians to endure as good soldiers to receive their great reward.  

CONCLUSION:

How many of us consider ourselves strong people, in general?  What does it mean to be strong?  Someone strong is someone who can overcome adversity, challenges, and hardship.  Someone strong does not avoid difficulty but goes through it to the end.  How many of us want to be stronger?  This is exactly what Paul calls on Timothy to become in 2 Timothy chapter 2.  In my previous study, at the end of chapter 1, Paul expressed how everyone in the province of Asia deserted him, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.  He then commended Onesiphorus, who searched hard to find Paul in Rome.  Remember that Paul was locked up in prison during a time of intense persecution of Christians. Yet, Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains and often refreshed him.

In 2 Timothy 2:1, Paul turned his attention back to Timothy.  Notice what Paul told him.   

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  

Notice how Paul starts this chapter.  “You then.”  Paul is calling Timothy to pay careful attention.  Paul was always concerned about the church's future and Timothy's well-being.  He called him “my son,” showing his deep affection for Timothy, his beloved disciple.  He urged Timothy to be strong in the Grace of God.  He wanted Timothy to be strengthened.  The source of that strength was not in Timothy.  Why?  Paul did not ask Timothy to “be strong by believing in yourself.”  He did not say, “be strong for me, son.”  He said, “Be strong in the grace.”  The source of our strength is in God’s Grace.  The source of that Grace is in Christ Jesus.  So, why does Timothy need to be strong?  How can he be strong?  Paul answered these two questions in verses 2-7 of our context.  He used earthly and spiritual examples in verses 8-13 of 2 Timothy 2.

In verse 2, Paul states, 

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also”  

This is one of the reasons why Timothy had to be strong.  He had to carry on God’s Message, the Gospel and was commanded to lead the church in the presence of many witnesses.  Paul charged  Timothy with the task of passing on the teachings of the Gospel to faithful men who were qualified to teach.  I am sure it was hard to find faithful men to teach since, apparently, many had deserted Paul.  These faithful men had to be blameless, without reproach, men who were not living in sin but striving to lead holy lives. 

It takes a lot of strength to disciple people.  It takes strength to carry on the Gospel Message.  Timothy had to study to show himself as one approved, even when it seemed that those he was teaching weren’t getting it.  Perhaps sometimes, only 3 people would show up.  Many get discouraged when nobody shows up for a Bible class.  But thank God for their faithfulness.  Thank God for those preachers and teachers who are always faithful in preparing and leading a Bible study.  In doing this, they are passing on the Gospel Message to others.  And though the work is not easy, they can draw strength from the Grace of God that is in Christ Jesus!

Another reason Timothy needed to be strong is in verse 3 of 2 Timothy 2.  

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”  

One thing I know for sure is that there will be suffering along the way.  Paul used the metaphor of a good soldier of Christ to indicate that we are in a war.  Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:12).  Satan is real. Evil is real!  These are the forces behind this world’s suffering.  However, our Lord Jesus is fighting against it all, not with worldly weapons, but with His Word, His Gospel Message.  

Jesus calls us to be His soldiers.  Not just ordinary soldiers but good soldiers.  Good soldiers who patiently endure.  Jesus, our Lord, has given us words of encouragement – that we suffer together for the cause of Christ.  When we suffer for Christ, we all share the same suffering.  Even Christ Himself suffered.  There will always be suffering until Jesus comes again, so even if we escape with Christ, we will still not escape from suffering.  Only Christ can give us strength and hope through all of our sufferings.  Suffering for His cause is a different kind of suffering from the world.  Let us join with Christ in suffering for His cause.  Let us join Paul and Timothy in suffering and all our brothers and sisters as good soldiers of Christ Jesus.

In 2 Timothy 2:4-6, Paul uses 3 metaphors:  the good soldier, the athlete, and the hardworking farmer, to teach Timothy and us about perseverance and how to be strengthened by the Grace of God. The metaphor is intended to help us not allow anything to hinder our faith and service to God.  Sin, greed, and unbelief can cause us to fall away. Notice verse 4, 

“No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” 

Paul may have been chained to a Roman soldier while in prison and would have noticed his discipline and obedience to commands.  You see, a Roman soldier was not allowed to get involved in running a business or a farm during his active service.  Why?  Because getting involved would affect his ability to be a good soldier and carry out his commands.   Instead, a good soldier knows his main objective is to please his commanding officer.  To Timothy, that meant he must give his whole time and effort to leading the church and not forsake his duty with other distractions that would take his focus off his primary goal. The good soldier makes every effort to please his commanding officer, and our Commanding Officer is Christ himself.

Through the example of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer, we can see how we may be strengthened by the Grace that is in Jesus Christ.  Notice that all of these activities require effort or endeavor.  Strength does not come passively but comes to us as we faithfully serve the Lord.  We become stronger by the Grace of God as we invest time and work. Jesus gives us the strength to make the effort.  Remember that Jesus is the source of our strength.  So, what is the Grace of God in our three examples (the soldier, the athlete, and the hardworking farmer)?  

1. For the soldier, it is the pleasure of pleasing his commanding officer.  
2. For the athlete, it is the victor’s crown.  
3. For the farmer, it is the crops.  

These are the reasons they each persevere through their trials, as their goal or main focus is to obtain the reward from the Lord.  They are strengthened because they know that their efforts are not in vain.  We will be strengthened through serving and trusting Jesus Christ through His grace.  

The Grace of God opens the eyes of our minds to God’s glorious Truth so that we might be continually strengthened by the increase in knowledge and understanding of His words.  Thus, we must often reflect on the Word of God and study the Bible to receive strength and insight. 

Without the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. No resurrection means sin won over Christ and continues to win over all. If Jesus was not raised but remained dead, then we remain dead. So, the power of sin remains. The power of sin is death (1 Corinthians 15:56). If Jesus was not raised, then His death accomplished nothing! Jesus' resurrection validated His death's work in forgiving our sins.  Notice Paul’s words to the Romans.  

“That is why his faith was ‘counted to him as righteousness.’ 23 But the words ‘it was counted to him’ were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” (Romans 4:24–25).  

Jesus was raised for our justification! If Jesus rose, the power of death is broken, and final victory is assured.

Jesus is King, the heir to King David’s throne.  Because of His resurrection, He has ascended and become our Eternal King.  The Gospel is the resurrection, the Messiah, which means good news.  This is the Gospel given to Paul to preach, then delivered to Timothy to pass on, and given to us to continue to pass on.  This is the reason Timothy needed strength: because of the Gospel Message.  We need strength because of the Gospel Message.  Why?  Because it is the Gospel that caused Paul to be put into prison.  Sadly, today, many hate the Gospel.  In some countries, many are thrown in jail for sharing the Gospel Message.

Though Paul was chained, the Gospel Message was not chained.  The Gospel cannot be stopped, for it must go out to reach the darkest corners of this earth.  That is why we need to be strong.  God sends us to dark places to bring the light of the Gospel to others.  It is amazing that though Paul was in chains in prison, his guards became his captive audience! These guards were chained to Paul through the Gospel.  The Gospel was spread in prison because of Paul’s persecution.  Those even up in Caesar’s palace heard the Gospel.  God can cause persecution to spread the Gospel!  

From a spiritual perspective, we also see how we are strengthened. Paul quotes a poem in verses 11-13 of 2 Timothy.

“The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” 

Paul commends these verses or poem as trustworthy saying.  We must rely on these words and believe in them.  We can be strengthened by dying, repenting daily of our sins, enduring suffering, and remaining faithful to Him.  Once again, we are strengthened by the Grace that is in Christ Jesus.  What is His Grace to us?  It is life, glory, and His faithfulness.  In God, we can trust.  We can trust His great and glorious promises since God is faithful and does not change.  God’s Grace is the firm foundation, the unbreakable bedrock of our strength.  

Thus, we must carry out His commands to please our Commanding Officer as good soldiers.  Let us forget what is behind: our sins and accomplishments, and we must keep pressing on like good athletes who run with endurance to the goal line to win the prize for which our God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus, our Lord.  Let us do the humble work of a farmer, sowing seeds, watering the plants, preparing Bible studies, sharing the good news of the Gospel, and praying for everyone so that God will grant us an abundant harvest.  Let us join with Paul and Timothy in suffering for the sake of the church and the Gospel so that all who come to believe may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

May we be strengthened by the Grace of God to make every effort to persevere in all of life’s difficulties and trials and in every good work. May we be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus. May we never be discouraged when life does not go our way.  May we allow God’s Grace to test us and grow our faith.  May we bring God’s Grace to others to be saved.  May we persevere to the end to receive the crown of life that is awaiting us  (James 1:12).  May we do the humble work of a farmer, sowing seed, watering the plants, preparing Bible studies, sharing the good news of the Gospel, praying for everyone, so that God will grant us an abundant harvest.  And finally, may we join with Paul and Timothy in suffering for the sake of the church and the Gospel so that all who come to believe may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Luci

RUN WITH ENDURANCE!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or faint hearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood… 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. “  

Hebrews 12:1-13

I was hacked by a clever, vile, and hateful hacker on Facebook.  The hacker overcame all available security and changed my password and email address.  It is unclear how he found unrestricted access to my Facebook account.  Once this evil hacker had access to my account, he changed my profile picture for an offensive, racist, and obnoxious one, intending to imply that Christians are vile racists so that Facebook might be justified in shutting down my account.  That allowed Facebook to shut down my account for almost two days.  I've been treated as a criminal and attacked unjustly because of my faith in Christ. I am stunned that there is so much hate and evil in the hearts of such people.  They hate the Bible and all things sacred but, ultimately, their own God.  They are God-haters whose only purpose is to declare war on all faithful Christians. 

“An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.”  (Proverbs 29:27)

One thing that is clear to me is that we Christians are surrounded by God-hating and Bible-hating people whose primary purpose is to tear us apart.  These God-haters are against everything sacred and holy and are determined to declare war on us.  Of course, they are Satan’s ministers.  They look for opportunities to attack the Bible and Christ and to ridicule Christians.  Such men are shameless!  They are determined to drive a stake into the heart of God and Christians.  However, I am not ashamed of my Lord and His Gospel. I am a soldier in the Lord’s Army!  My Lord Jesus will help me be faithful to the fight of my faith until my race is finished.  I will never surrender to the Enemy!  I will not compromise my faith and devotion to my Lord, not for my friends, family, foes, or brethren.  I am a soldier, marching heavenward, claiming victory as I walk the narrow way.  Here I stand for my Lord!  Will you stand with me?

 I.    NOT ASHAMED!

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.  15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”  (2 Timothy 1:8-18)

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to encourage and strengthen his faith because of what he was enduring. Suffering and hardship can indeed shake our faith.  Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy knew he was praying for him and his sincere faith.  Paul encouraged Timothy to use his God-given gifts and not be ashamed of Jesus or of him because he was in prison.  Our Lord wants us to stand faithful even amid nasty opposition.  All who want to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.  And though we will be persecuted for proclaiming the Gospel and our faithfulness, God expects us to teach the Gospel even when it is not convenient or favorable.  

Usually, we serve God and teach others the Gospel when all is well and safe.  

1. We must be willing to preach and teach the Gospel to others, even when it is difficult. 
2. We must not bend to cultural or governmental pressure to keep us from teaching the good news of Jesus. 
3. We must keep going when the times are difficult. I believe this is what has happened to Timothy.  And though Timothy did not give up, he stepped back because the times were difficult.
4. We must never be ashamed of our Lord Jesus and the Gospel, no matter our circumstances!

Consider why we must not be ashamed but rather stand faithfully and unashamed of Jesus.  

• Who Saved Us:   (2 Timothy 1:9-10)

"Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

We must acknowledge until our last breath what our Lord did for us.  We’re ashamed of Jesus when we forget and do not appreciate what He did for us.  Jesus saved us and called us to a holy calling because of His own purpose and Grace before time began. God’s purpose was to save and show us His Grace before the world's creation.  God’s purpose for us is life and immortality.  So, how can we be ashamed of our Lord and what He did for us? How can we be ashamed of our Deliverer? How can we be ashamed of our hope? How can we be ashamed of the abundant life He has brought to us?

• Know Whom You Have Believed:   (2 Timothy 1:11-12)

"For which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me."

 

Paul acknowledges that he suffered because of the Gospel Message, which he was appointed to preach and teach.  However, Paul is not ashamed despite suffering from preaching the Gospel.  How was Paul not ashamed even though he was suffering and in prison? He was not ashamed because he knew whom he had believed in and was persuaded that the Lord would guard what had been entrusted to him until that day. Paul acknowledged whom he believed in, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul was willing to suffer for the Gospel.  He endured the shame because he knew whom he had believed and was convinced of the vindication he would receive on that day. Paul was not afraid of public opinion because he knew whom he believed in.  And so must we!

• Hold On To What You Have:   (2 Timothy 1:13-14)

"Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."

We must hold on to what we have. What is it that we must hold on to?  Sound teaching or doctrine in the faith and love in Christ Jesus. Holding on to sound teaching will lead us to a life of faith and love. Thus, we must guard that sound teaching through the inspired Word of God that lives in us.  We are never alone when we hold on to sound faith in Jesus.  We’re given a treasure that we must hold on to and guard.  God will help our efforts and our devoted service to Him.  He will support us, and that is all we need.  So we must not be ashamed and give up!   Verses 13-14 are similar to what Paul told the Christians in Philippi.

“Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12–13)

God is working in us as we are working for Him.  Thus, I am not ashamed because I know God is with me.  He is upholding and supporting me while I suffer shame for His sake.  So, I am determined to hold on to Him and not give up proclaiming His Gospel Message!  

• Failing To Hold On:   (2 Timothy 1:15)

"You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes."

In verse 15, Paul warns us. The warning is disheartening and crushing. Listen to Paul’s words: “You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me.”  Sadly, many were ashamed of Paul and the testimony of our Lord.  

• Everyone in Asia had deserted him. 
• Everyone bailed out when things got ugly and difficult.  
• Everyone left him.  
• Our faithfulness and devoted service to God will make others turn away from us.  
• Many will be ashamed of us and our faithfulness.  
• They will turn away or desert us.  
• They will turn their backs on us when the shame is cast on us.  

However, we must not allow it to shake us, for we must know who we believe and serve.  The hurt stings even stronger when it comes from brethren of the same precious faith.  This was precisely what Paul experienced.  The brethren deserted Paul and refused to stand firm with him because they were ashamed of him and the Gospel.  Sadly, many will be ashamed and fall back when it gets hard!

• Mercy To Those Who Hold On:   (2 Timothy 1:16-18)

"May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”

In verses 16-18, we notice that there was one who did not shrink back and was not ashamed of Paul’s chains. His name was Onesiphorus.  This man refreshed and encouraged Paul while he was in prison.  He went out of his way, searching all over Rome to find Paul so that he could refresh and encourage Paul.  God gives mercy to those who are not ashamed of Him and His sound teaching. Mercy will be given to those holding onto God's treasure, the Gospel.  God is with us!  Listen to Jesus’ words in the book of Revelation.

"Then he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But the cowards, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.'" (Revelation 21:6-8)

Those who hold on, are not ashamed, and do not shrink back will inherit the spring of the water of life. The Lord will be their God, and they will be His children forever. However, listen to what will happen in verse 8 to those whose share is not with the Lord but with the second death.  Are you surprised? The cowards and faithless will have their share with the second death. 

• Mercy is not given to the cowards and faithless. 
• Mercy is not given to those who bend under pressure. 
• Mercy is not given to those who waver because of public opinion and persecution. 
• Mercy is not given to those ashamed of our Lord and His Gospel. 

Listen to Jesus’ words.

"Then he said to them all, 'If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and the holy angels.'"  (Luke 9:23-26)

Why would so many strive to save their lives and be unwilling to lose their lives for Jesus, our Lord and Savior?  Because they are ashamed of Him and His words.  Jesus will be ashamed of them when He comes in glory.  This ought to shake us to our core!

CONCLUSION:

In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus spoke of how the faithful will be treated.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  11 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'"

Jesus said we would be blessed when hated (Luke 6:22-23).  

"Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets."

Sadly, the faithful of God are looked at as troublemakers (Acts 17:1-6).   As we study the New Testament, the mistreatment of the saints is apparent (Acts 6:8-14; Acts 7:51-60; Romans 3:8; I Thessalonians 3:1-5; I Peter 3:16-17; John 3:13, etc.).  Jesus could not hide his disgust toward the hard-hearted (Mark 3:1-6 and John 2:13-17).  When the godly and righteous of God are filled with the Word of God, they will be hated and persecuted (Jeremiah 6:11 and Jeremiah 15:16-17; cf. Acts 18:5-6). 

When we recognize what God has done for us through His beloved Son, we will not be ashamed because we know who we have believed.  

• We are not ashamed because we know God will do just as He promised.  
• We are not ashamed because we know God will vindicate us for our faith and faithfulness to Him. 
• He will not be ashamed of us at the end of our journey.  

Thus, we must hold on to the treasure we have: God’s sound teaching, which He has given to us. Such sound teaching has the power to transform our lives of sin with faith and love. God will show mercy to those who are not ashamed of Him and His words. However, those who are ashamed of Him, the cowards, will have their part in the lake of fire, the second death. They will not partake of the glorious kingdom of God. Jesus will be ashamed of us.  

• If we deny Jesus, He will deny us.  
• If we disown Him, He will disown us.  
• If we do not stand up for Him, He will not stand up for us. 
• If we renounce Him, He will renounce us.  

Knowing this, let us not give up, quit, and stop pressing forward.  It is sad that many stopped walking faithfully with God when life became difficult!  

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is our ultimate example. He is our visible proof of future glory, for He endured hardship and suffering.  Jesus was willing to suffer shame, pain, rejection, and death. Because of His work and suffering, He received the reward and was raised from the dead and exalted to God’s right hand.  Paul also walked the narrow path of faith.  Paul suffered for the Gospel, even to the point of being bound in chains like a criminal.  However, he endured everything for the sake of Jesus. Like Jesus, he endured for us.  He endured everything so that others might receive salvation found in Jesus.  

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10)

Paul wanted Timothy and us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering so that we might obtain salvation and eternal glory. Like Jesus, Paul sacrificed himself, being in chains and suffering, so that others might obtain salvation and eternal glory. That is what a good soldier, an athlete, and a farmer do. They fight, compete, and work hard. We must also follow the same model. 

When we die with Jesus and give our lives to Him, we will live with Him. Paul knew in whom he believed.  He endured because he was convinced he would reign with Him on that final day (2 Timothy 1:12).  Like Paul if we endure, we will also reign with Him.  Therefore, do not be ashamed and give up.  Do not let go of the treasure that you have. But instead, be willing to suffer even shame. Be willing to give your life to your Lord. We must be willing to lose our lives to reign with our Lord. If we endure until the end, God will put us on His throne.  What an amazing promise!  

Lastly, if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.  And though we might fall, fail, become weak in our faith, and let God down, God will remain faithful and keep His promises.  Even when we falter, God remains faithful.  Even when we seem to be sinking because we have stepped out of the boat, striving to have the faith to walk on water, God remains faithful.  He will pull us out of that water.  Even when we falter like Peter, God remains faithful and calls us back to Him to feed His sheep.  Our God will be faithful to us when we get back up and follow Him.  

Therefore, since we have these encouraging words, let us get back on track and keep fighting!  God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity. Let us not be ashamed but rather hold on to the treasure, the deposit given to us.  From a sincere heart, let us suffer together because it is not too late to be a good soldier, compete as an athlete, and be a hardworking farmer.  Remember Jesus’ example and follow Him. Be strengthened by the Grace that is in Christ Jesus. God’s plan for us is not for our lives to be comfortable or avoid hardship. God's plan for us is to endure as good and brave soldiers to receive our great reward.

May we die with Jesus and give our lives completely to Him so that we may remain faithful to Him as He is always faithful to us.  May we never be ashamed of Jesus but rather hold on to the treasure, the deposit given to us.  May we follow Jesus' example and be strengthened by the Grace that is in Him.  May we endure as good and brave soldiers for the Lord that we may receive our reward.  May we be willing to suffer shame for His sake and the sake of so many souls

Luci