QT 5/27/2024 2 Time 2:8-10, Getting serious about our mission

2 Timothy 2:8–10 (ESV) — 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.

 

NOTE: I'm not sure that I could say "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, …." I have endured suffering in the past, but not what Paul has endured, and definitely not with his attitude. Paul knew that the only thing that truly counts in this life is salvation in Jesus. Everything else paled in significance. Another verse, which echoes Paul sentiment is in his second letter to the Corinthians:

 

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (ESV) — 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

 

Paul had the right priorities. He knew the importance of his ministry of reconciliation versus the religion (law) or the politics of the day.

 

2 Corinthians 3:9–10 (ESV) — 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it.

 

We have that glory in our hearts right now if we have put our faith in Jesus.

 

2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (ESV) — 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

 

We are the ambassadors of a new and better way. There is no political system that can offer the hope of the gospel. This must be our priority above all things.

 

2 Corinthians 5:20–21 (ESV) — 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

 

God has given us the responsibility of taking this message to our family, friends, neighbors, and those who come in contact with us. How serious are we?

 

PONDER:

1. Few of us go to prison for our faith, but most of us deserve prison for our lack of faith. Are we shrinking back or going forward?
2. When was the last time we shared the gospel or identified with the savior? [Walking with God daily is not going to church weekly.]

 

PRAYER: Father, wake us up to the task before us. We have a high calling. We are ambassadors to the King of Kings and God over all. Peter calls us a kingdom of priests. And yet what are we doing? Give us courage, boldness, and opportunities to share our faith in our communities.