2 Timothy

How we handle suffering in this world allows believers and non believers to see the trust that we have in our triune Godhead. May our  trials reflect the hope and trust we have in Jesus.

God wants us to be like little children, trusting in Him alone, with exuberant hope while we await  His return.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live our lives above reproach, remaining blameless in our conduct and reputation, living in a manner"worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27).

And even when we sometimes fall short, which we will, we need to remember that Jesus has already become the offering that atones for sin on our behalf, and He is the One who purifies our hearts and lives. Our own righteousness cannot save us, but in Christ, our blameless lives are a testimony to the grace and mercy of the One who has made our hearts new. First5 

Here’s the deal: Heaviness (in our world and in our spirit) does take a toll. 

This Sabbath Moment is dedicated to the child within us: because like it or not, our childhood stays with us forever, regardless of our age. And I hope that we do, at times, continue to behave childlike. (Jesus seemed to think it was a good thing--something about entering the Kingdom of Heaven and all that.)

Childlike behavior may even help one stay pure at heart, and to live life simply. And simplicity is always a wonderful thing. It just may be that we're not childlike enough. SabbathMoments 

2 Timothy

Paul was well aware that hardships and conflict are a part of Christian ministry. One of the essential characteristics of a faithful servant of Christ is endurance in the midst of difficulties. To encourage Timothy in this virtue, the apostle reminds him that Jesus Christ is “of the seed of David” and “was raised from the dead” (2:8). Mention of the seed of David links Christ with the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:11–16), which states that a Son of David will rule on his throne forever. Furthermore, Christ has been resurrected; He is alive. The promise of ruling and reigning with Him (2:11–13) is set before Timothy as a motive for faithful endurance in ministry. A special crown will be given to those who faithfully serve the Lord and wait for His return (4:8). The NKJV Study Bible

2 Timothy

2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,

2:11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

2:11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. The New King James Version

2 Samuel 7:12 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.

Raised from the dead refers to the resurrection —the foundation of the Christian faith. 

Jesus descends from the royal lineage of David—Israel’s greatest king. Therefore, Jesus was the legitimate successor to David’s throne. Isaiah 11:1 describes the Messiah as the branch of Jesse, the father of King David—which is connected to the prophecies about the Servant of the Lord who would suffer on behalf of God’s people.

Religious leaders of the first century believed the Messiah (the branch of Jesse) would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David. This belief was based on 1 Samuel 17:12, which notes that David’s father, Jesse, was from Bethlehem, as well as Micah 5:2, which notes that the ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem. In their genealogies, Matthew and Luke trace Jesus’ lineage to David, and even refer to Joseph as a “son of David”. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, people called him “Son of David” in acknowledgment of His royal lineage.

Paul is suggesting that we identify with Christ’s suffering and exaltation. Paul acknowledges his present sufferings while anticipating future blessings. Believers unite with Christ in His death and His resurrection. In this context, death may imply martyrdom since it represented a genuine possibility for persecuted believers.

The crown of righteousness is the reward for finishing the race. In Greek games, victorious athletes were awarded a crown of laurel branches. This honor is in direct juxtaposition to the feelings of shame that Phygelus and Hermogenes likely have because of their affiliation with Paul. Faithlife Study Bible

Timothy is commanded to remember Christ’s resurrection. The seed of David emphasizes Jesus’ humanity and the fact that He would fulfill all the promises God had given to David. Raised from the dead emphasizes that our Savior lives today seated at the right hand of God the Father.

Paul understood the eternal potential of a lifetime of faithful service to Christ. Jesus would return with rewards for those who stick it out over the long haul. The crown of righteousness is a special reward given to those who serve God faithfully on this earth. There will be as many crowns as there are runners who finish the race well. All who have loved His appearing are those believers in Christ who have lived faithfully in the hope of His return. The NKJV Study Bible

1 Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

2 Timothy 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

2 Timothy 1:12 For this reason 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 what I have committed to Him until that Day.