Day 355, December 21 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Timothy 1–4
Endure!
It is just a few more days till Christmas. All the parties, shopping, wrapping, baking, Christmas programs, travel, and family visits—how can we endure? It's a race against time, and we get so exhausted. Some of us might like to quit.
In a different vein of thinking, perhaps you have had to endure many hardships which are much more stressful than the holiday season. You have a much heavier load to carry than Christmas packages or holiday preparations. What will you do—quit or press on to victory? How can we endure hardships in this life's race?
When the Apostle Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, the course of Paul's life is almost finished. He communicates with his son in the faith, to encourage him to keep pressing on in his Christian ministry.
Fear weakens our resolve
Timothy is the pastor of the Ephesian church but has a timid nature and is persecuted. Paul encourages Timothy to use the gifts God has given him (fan the flame), endure hardships, and keep going. He further tells him, “… do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” (2Timothy 1:8, NIV).
Encouragement strengthens us
Paul made a long time investment in Timothy. He wants him to endure and to pass on the baton. He encourages him,
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (2Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-2, NIV).
Timothy is weak-willed, but Paul knows he needs to be strong for the battle waged against him for preaching the gospel.
Be a soldier in Christ's army
Paul instructs him, “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer” (2Timothy 2:1-4, NIV).
Do we want to please our commanding officer, Jesus Christ? Then we must be careful not to get too attached or involved in the things of this world. When we engage in battle, there mustn't be conflicts of interest.
Like soldiers, Christians should steel themselves for hardships. Troops need to be strong. They must endure strict discipline and training for obeying orders and engaging their adversaries. Soldiers must sometimes endure harsh weather and living conditions. They must fight battles with enemies. Sometimes they fight to the point of exhaustion. They may be injured or even killed.
The source of our power
Timothy needs to be strong but can't in his own strength. We may feel the same way. We may say, “I know I need to be strong, but I just don’t think I can do it!” Paul instructs Timothy to be empowered from the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and to get help from the Holy Spirit. Jesus will empower Timothy to withstand suffering.
If we are faithful to God, Jesus Christ will also empower us in the same way. All Christians should expect to engage in conflicts. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Timothy 3:12, NIV). We don't like that, but God be praised—the Holy Spirit will help us in our time of need.
Be Faithful
Some things in life can weaken our commitment to Christ.
- Developing lustful and other harmful behaviors
- Getting into arguments that have no value
- Becoming involved with godless chatter and gossiping
- Letting those who are discontented or deserters discourage us
- Personal malevolent behavior and dissention
Therefore, Paul instructs Timothy (and us by application)
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels (2Timothy 2:22-23, NIV).
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, (2Timothy 3:14-17, NIV).
Spiritual leaders need to preach and teach the Word of God. They need to keep reminding their people to be faithful, and endure the struggles and persecutions of this life.
Rewards are coming
Paul’s fight is about finished. He testifies,
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing, (2Timothy 4:7-8, NIV).Will we fight the good fight and finish our course? We Christians will be rewarded for our faithful endurance (2Timothy 2:12).
Discussion
How might Christians endure in times of persecution?
What weakens our commitment to Christ and what strengthens it?
How can we be a good soldier of Jesus Christ?
Focus Verses
2Timothy 2:3 (NIV) “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
2Timothy 2:12a (NIV)“If we endure, we will also reign with him.”
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A Look Ahead: After enduring hardships and suffering, where can we Find Rest? Join us in our Next Lesson to find the answer.
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