REMEMBER AND ENDURE

1 Timothy 2:8-13

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 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. 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; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful for he cannot deny himself. 1 Timothy 2:8-13 ESV

We just read that Paul has written to Timothy, His son in the gospel, to inform him that he needs to entrust God's Word to faithful men who will teach others. Timothy is to endure hardship as a soldier of Christ, and is required to remind people he entrusts the gospel to this faithful saying found in verses 8-13. Remember Jesus. Because Jesus lives as One "raised from the dead," he remains a sure sign that "the word of God is not chained." If we die with Him, we shall also live with Him.

If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. What Paul is saying to Timothy is the fact that this faithful saying is guaranteed to happen, and it is something you can bank on. If God is unfaithful, that means He denies Himself and scripture declares that He cannot deny Himself, because faithful is who He is.

God cannot act contrary to His Word nor His nature. It is impossible for God to deny Himself. Faithfulness in God will never fail, even though we at times as humans fail to exercise our faith in God. People of God, we are given an assurance today that even when we are unfaithful, God is faithful and cannot sway from it because He is "faithful". Yes, our God is eternally faithful in who He is, what He does, and what He says.

Whether or not we choose to put our faith in Him, God changes not. If and when we are faithless, God is still faithful. Every Christian is called to be a spiritual believer. Every Christian is expected to walk in spirit and truth, so that our lives are honoring to the Lord. None of these things are easy, but God has promised to reward all who suffer for His name's sake. Let us not be found wanting in our Christian Walk, for if we deny Him, He will deny us.

We will be saved but denied our promised reward. Let us take this severe warning to heart, live our lives to His praise and glory, and be prepared to suffer for the love of our Savior, Who bought us with His precious blood!!!

Father, thank You for this day and that we have been saved by grace through faith in Christ. Lord, let Your abundant blessings be my friends' and family's portion today. Lord, we want to serve as a faithful soldier running the race that is set before us and patiently enduring all the hardships that may come our way. Lord, thank You that Your grace is sufficient in every area of life. Lord, help us we pray; to live according to Your will so we may stand before Your throne and hear You say: "Well done, good and faithful servant" for Your praise and glory. Lord, use my friends to encourage everyone today of Your unending love and faithfulness.

Father, we love You. Amen.