Unchained Gospel by Pastor Scott

Unchained Gospel

Second Timothy 2 – Guard the Good Deposit Enduring Hardship

This is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of being chained like a criminal.

But God’s word is not chained. Therefore, I endure everything…

The gospel of grace is worthy of being guarded, but there are times in our lives we feel bound or burdened to the point of giving up. How do we fulfill the calling of Scripture to endure hardship as soldiers of Christ Jesus?

Paul expounds on this teaching of endurance from 2 Timothy 2:1 and illustrates it in the example of Jesus.

“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus… (2:1)

“Remembering Jesus Christ raised from the dead… (2:8a)

We endure hardship when we follow in the example of Jesus!

In 2 Timothy 2:8-13 we discover two essentials (verse 8) of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

• Raised from the dead – gospel resurrection – “I am the resurrection and the life” -Jesus (John 11:25)
• Royal Messiah descended from David – gospel reign – “You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One” -Jesus (Matthew 27:64)

This gospel teaching is followed by two enduring claims in the example of Jesus” resurrection & royalty.

• Dying to live – “If we die with Him, we will also live with Him” – 2 Timothy 2:9 & 11
  1. Example of Jesus: mocked as a criminal, crucified & rose – Luke 23-24
  2. Example of Paul: “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” – Phil. 1:12-14 & 21
  3. Example of Christ followers: “In the same way…dead to sin but alive to God” – Rom. 6:8-11

• Dedicated to reign – “If we endure, we will also reign with Him” – 2 Timothy 2:10-13
  1. Example of Jesus: “He will reign on David’s throne” – Isa. 9:7; endured to reign – Heb. 12:2-3
  2. Example of Paul – “Therefore I endure…” – “God working in you to will & work” – Phil. 2:12-13
  3. Example of Christ followers – “If we endure, we will also reign” – remain in Him – John 15

As we accept the call to identify with the death and dedication of Jesus, we will stand strong in His grace, and we will see that the word and work of God is unchained!  Paul was chained & confined “but God’s word is not chained” (2:9) so he could “endure everything” to fulfill the work that God called him to continue.
Read and reflect on the “trustworthy saying” (poem or hymn of the early Church), in 2 Timothy 2:11-13.

Are you experiencing hardship? Are you having trouble enduring in faith for the gospel?

While we can feel bound or burdened by the trials of this world remember the promise of Jesus to His followers in John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
God’s Word and His work are not bound; His plans & precepts are unchained because He is the enduring & faithful, unstoppable God! “He will remain faithful” – 2 Timothy 2:13b

 

Guard the good deposit of the gospel, entrusting and equipping the next generation:

 “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Endure hardship… continue in what you have learned and have become convinced.”

2 Timothy 1:14, 2:3 & 3:14

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord as you endure in faith.