I am looking forward to finishing the message I began last week entitled: Equipped to Endure. The text for the message is from 2 Timothy 1: 7-10. Paul wrote this final letter to Timothy while awaiting his execution in a Roman Prison. He knew that his life would soon be over here upon this earth, but he wanted to encourage Timothy to remain steadfast in the faith. Timothy had faced much adversity for standing for Christ and preaching the gospel. This opposition would continue, but he had received all he needed to endure for the Lord.
As I studied and pondered this passage, I realized that we already have everything we need to endure for the Lord and be productive in our labor for Him. I know that we are indwelt with the Spirit the moment we are saved. At that moment, I was as saved as I am today. The Spirit continues to work in my life as I grow and mature spiritually, but I have been given what I need to be successful for the Lord.
I preached the first portion of this message last Sunday morning, dealing with Vv.7-8. (You can find the notes on the New Testament Page.) Tomorrow I plan to deal with Vv.9-10. This is the climax of the line of thought that Paul sought to share with Timothy. In Vv.9-10, Paul reveals the foundation upon which all he has just shared with Timothy rests. Paul turns his attention to the salvation of the believer and all that involves.
All that we do for Christ is built upon our salvation. Apart from a relationship with Christ, we cannot serve Him. Many today are deeply involved in religion, but they are accomplishing nothing of lasting value for the cause of Christ because they do not know Him as Lord and Savior.
Timothy faced many who were zealously religious. Some were deeply committed to the doctrines and philosophies of the day. These were easily swayed and discouraged. Timothy had received something far greater. He enjoyed a relationship with Christ. That relationship, and the power it affords, made all the difference in Timothy's life, and it will in ours as well.
Notice the powerful words that are preserved for us in Scripture:
2 Tim. 1:9-10
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:
As I considered the words of Paul, I realized the enormity of these words. Paul reveals several aspects of our salvation. He spoke of:
1. The Presence of Salvation - Who hath saved us.
2. The Peace of Salvation - and called us with a holy calling.
3. The Providence of Salvation - not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace.
4. The Person of Salvation - which was given us in Christ Jesus.
5. The Provision of Salvation - which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
6. The Preservation of Salvation (V.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:
When we take a moment to consider all we have received in Christ through salvation, how could we possibly not have the assurance of possessing all we need to serve Him? The world is difficult and adversity abounds, but the believer is in Christ, equipped of Him, and promised life eternal through the One who has already abolished death. That ought to challenge us to press on for the glory of God. Lean on the Lord and labor for Him, even in the face of adversity!
Preacher Chris
As I studied and pondered this passage, I realized that we already have everything we need to endure for the Lord and be productive in our labor for Him. I know that we are indwelt with the Spirit the moment we are saved. At that moment, I was as saved as I am today. The Spirit continues to work in my life as I grow and mature spiritually, but I have been given what I need to be successful for the Lord.
I preached the first portion of this message last Sunday morning, dealing with Vv.7-8. (You can find the notes on the New Testament Page.) Tomorrow I plan to deal with Vv.9-10. This is the climax of the line of thought that Paul sought to share with Timothy. In Vv.9-10, Paul reveals the foundation upon which all he has just shared with Timothy rests. Paul turns his attention to the salvation of the believer and all that involves.
All that we do for Christ is built upon our salvation. Apart from a relationship with Christ, we cannot serve Him. Many today are deeply involved in religion, but they are accomplishing nothing of lasting value for the cause of Christ because they do not know Him as Lord and Savior.
Timothy faced many who were zealously religious. Some were deeply committed to the doctrines and philosophies of the day. These were easily swayed and discouraged. Timothy had received something far greater. He enjoyed a relationship with Christ. That relationship, and the power it affords, made all the difference in Timothy's life, and it will in ours as well.
Notice the powerful words that are preserved for us in Scripture:
2 Tim. 1:9-10
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:
As I considered the words of Paul, I realized the enormity of these words. Paul reveals several aspects of our salvation. He spoke of:
1. The Presence of Salvation - Who hath saved us.
2. The Peace of Salvation - and called us with a holy calling.
3. The Providence of Salvation - not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace.
4. The Person of Salvation - which was given us in Christ Jesus.
5. The Provision of Salvation - which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
6. The Preservation of Salvation (V.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:
When we take a moment to consider all we have received in Christ through salvation, how could we possibly not have the assurance of possessing all we need to serve Him? The world is difficult and adversity abounds, but the believer is in Christ, equipped of Him, and promised life eternal through the One who has already abolished death. That ought to challenge us to press on for the glory of God. Lean on the Lord and labor for Him, even in the face of adversity!
Preacher Chris
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