Day 6: He Remains Faithful
Read 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Memory verse: 2 Tim 2:11-12a – The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
If we endure, we will also reign with him;
Context: How does remembering Jesus sustain Paul?
Remembering Jesus helps Paul put everything he’s doing in perspective. He knows who he’s doing it for, he knows the reason for doing it, and he knows the end goal of doing it. The glory of Jesus, the splendour of Jesus, the authority of Jesus, the salvation in Jesus, the faithfulness of Jesus – the overall magnitude of the person of Jesus Christ keeps Paul going to see how the Word is without chains and will allow the elect to share in eternal glory with Him.
Content: Break down the “trustworthy saying” into its four couplets.
We die with Him, then we will live with Him – we only experience everlasting life, as we’re willing to crucify self.
We endure, then we reign – the win isn’t in until the end, the big win is reigning with Jesus for all eternity; that happens as long as we keep on keeping on through tremendous challenge and opposition in the here and now.
We deny Him, He will deny us – there’s the contrast with the previous promise. If we turn our backs on Jesus and refuse to acknowledge Him, then we can expect Him to do the same.
We are faithless, He remains faithful – our conduct and actions won’t change His consistent character. Indeed, our lack of faith will only highlight His commitment to faithfulness.
Concept: How do these couplets balance warning and comfort?
The couplets have a remarkable effect of putting things into perspective. The prizes should be magnificent to us – getting to live like Him, getting to rule with Him – these are glorious and should provide enough of a motivation for us to get on with dying and enduring. The alternative will bring its own consequences, and it’s important that we’re aware of this because the outline is black and white. We’ll either be dying and enduring to be living and reigning, or we’ll be denying and being faithless, with the outcome being rejection from Jesus, who remains faithful. There’s no grey area. There’s no room for shades of interpretation. The way it’s conveyed in the couplets leaves those stark options open to us for everyday living.
Conclusions: Where do you need endurance right now?
The commitment to die to self and live by the life of Christ is the key area I need to focus on. The pressure from within and without to compromise this area is strong and prominent. I know, however, that this is the very area in which God is most glorified when I submit to the instruction.
Next Up – 2 Timothy – Day 7: How to Deal with Falsehood
Read 2 Timothy 2:14-26
Memory verse: 2 Tim 2:22
Context: What false ideas are troubling Timothy’s church?
Content: Contrast an “approved worker” with those who “quarrel about words.”
Concept: Explain “vessel for honourable use” in plain language.
Conclusions: Identify one “foolish controversy” you should avoid.
When under pressure, keeping our eyes on Jesus can help us endure until the end. That’s another reason to get the Word In so we can get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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