Have you ever known someone who just refused to quit? No matter what obstacle they might face, no matter how gloomy the outlook for success, there are those who refuse to say “I give up”. I don’t know about you, but I admire those type of people.
When it comes to sharing Christ with others, Christians should be the masters of exhibiting the “I refuse to quit” attitude. You see, the level our commitment to share Christ with others, is directly related to our level of trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul explained this principle in great detail in our text for this posting.
Let’s take a few moments and study a “No-Quit Christian”…
THE SCRIPTURES:
2Tim1:8-12 (KJV)
8) Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9) Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
11) Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12) For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
THE STUDY:
In our text, the Apostle Paul is encouraging a young Pastor, Timothy, to be a faithful steward of the gospel message. Paul is explaining to Timothy why he (Timothy) needs to exhibit a “no-quit” attitude as he shares the gospel with others. (Rom 1:16), These same principles can be applied to each of our lives as we seek to share the message of salvation to others around us.
2Tim1:8-12 (KJV)
8) Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner:
Paul, is encouraging Timothy to take a stand for the Lord in spite of all the opposition and discouragements that he will face. Paul knew that our fleshly nature is bent toward “taking the easy way out” when it comes to our service for the Lord. It is far easier on us as sinful humans to deny our relationship with the Lord and those who are faithfully serving Him.
Just think of the Apostle Peter who so easily denied knowledge of the Lord during the trial and crucifixion of Christ. (Mark 14:66-72)
but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Being led by the teachings of Christ, Himself (Luke 9:23-26), Paul understood that anyone who takes a stand for the gospel by faithfully witnessing to others will, eventually, face abuse and mistreatment in this world. (2 Tim 3:12)
Following his denials of Christ, Peter made a purposeful choice to allow Christ and the gospel message to take preeminence in his life as well. (1 Peter 4:14) Even the OT prophet Isaiah, understood the need to be willing to suffer shame for the cause of the Lord (Isa 51:7).
How can we consistently face the world’s criticisms and still serve Christ… it is by the power and grace of the Lord. (2 Tim 4:17, 2 Cor 6:4-10)
9) Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
The Christ that we share with others is the same Christ that has graced us with His forgiveness and eternal salvation. We did not deserve our salvation, nor could we work to gain our salvation… it was given to us freely through the workings of the HS in our life. Paul is reminding Timothy, and all of us, of our obligation to serve Christ in appreciation for all He has done for us. (Roms 12:1)
10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
This same eternal plan of salvation that was made in eternity past, has now been clearly shown to mankind through the first coming of Christ.
This is the essence of the gospel message that we proclaim. It is an explanation of Christ’s work in defeating sin, and its result, that was wrought in the eternal counsels of God Almighty. By sharing the gospel, we are sharing the way in which mankind can be set free from the effects of sin. (Col 1:25-29, 1 John 1:1-4)
11) Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
Paul’s call to the ministry centered on this gospel message. He was appointed a preacher (one who proclaims the gospel message); an Apostle (one who was commissioned to be an ambassador to deliver the gospel message); and a teacher (one who explains the gospel message). Paul had a tremendous amount of responsibility placed upon his shoulders. All of which was fulfilled as he faithfully took the gospel message to the lost Gentile world. (Eph 3:4-7)
12) For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
What motivated Paul to continue to share the gospel in spite of many hindrances? Paul was very familiar with the Lord in whom he had placed his trust… he was well acquainted with the person and work of His Lord. (Isa 12:1-2, Phil 3:7-11, 1 Pet 4:1-9)
1. Paul knew of His person: His greatness, His love, His grace… the list goes on and on.
2. Paul also knew about His work: His forgiveness, His salvation, His security, His justice, etc etc.
Paul was convinced beyond any doubt that His Lord was able to store up all that Paul had done for Him unto “that day”. In other words, he was convinced that the Lord would remember, and reward, his faithfulness at the last judgment. (2 Tim 4:8, Matt 6:19-20, Jude 1:21-25)
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
For those who have trusted in Christ.
Paul was one of the most persecuted of all of Christ’s followers. He understood that by keeping his Lord, his Lord’s works, and his eternity with the Lord on his mind, he would be encouraged to continue faithful service for Christ. Let’s all be conscious of our Lord and His workings, as we serve Him with no shame nor fear. Let’s confidently look forward to our eternity with Him, it will make our service worth it all.
For those who have never trusted in Christ.
Being known as one of Christ’s followers may lead to mistreatment from this world, but it will result in a certain blessed eternity with the Lord. By coming to Christ, we are acknowledging both our need of a Savior and our realization that eternity is of far more importance than the temporal things of this world.
If you have any questions concerning the way of salvation please feel free to visit or call a Bible teaching church in your area. They will be happy to speak to you about the Lord Jesus and the salvation He graciously gives.
Or, if you would rather, feel welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I’ll be more than happy to answer any question you may have.
Also, if you look at my blog page “How To Have A Relationship With God”. On this page, you will find several blog entries explaining the way of salvation.
Please visit the “Settled In Heaven Ministries” homepage –
My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com
The following are other places you can find “Settled In Heaven” blog (updated once per month):
To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
No comments:
Post a Comment