In continuing Part IV of our sermon series: “Endure”, we see that Paul encouraged Timothy, his “son in the ministry,” to keep going. To Continue. In verses 1-7, Pastor Wallace shares with us the things that are needed for Timothy and you to continue on. They are: 1) The Pattern of a Godly Life (vv. 10-11); 2) The Price of a Godly Life (vv. 12-13); 3) The Perseverance of a Godly Life (vv. 14-15); and 4) The Provisions of a Godly Life (vv. 16-17). Simply stated, Timothy had to LIVE IN the Scriptures – live, move, and have his being in the Scripture. And more importantly, he had to LIVE OUT the Scripture – continue to walk and live in the truths of the Scripture. Why: Because the Word of God is profitable. A Christian who ignores the Word is like a fish that ignores the water. We will never continue and finish well without prioritizing God’s Word. Before we can ever continue, we have to make sure we have actually started! AMEN

Support the Show.

In today’s message, Paul is telling Timothy to receive strength, to be strengthened. The source of that strength is not in Timothy. He did not tell Timothy “be strong by believing in himself.” He did not say, “be strong for me.” He said: “be strong in the grace.” The source of strength is in Christ Jesus. Pastor Wallace challenges us to think about two critical questions: 1) Why do you need to be strong and 2) How can you be strong for yourself and others? These two questions are answered as Paul gives earthly examples in v. 2-7. There are so many life-storms that come, and we need to be strong! The first reason Timothy had to be strong was because he had to carry on the ministry. The second reason and the focus of today’s message is that Timothy had to suffer like a good soldier. Through different life pictures of a soldier, and athlete and a farmer, we can get an idea of how to be strengthened. We will be strengthened through serving and trusting in Jesus Christ, because of His grace to us. Amen.

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV)

Support the Show.

In today’s passage, Pastor Wallace teaches about the Apostle Paul’s charge to his son in the ministry, Timothy to spare nothing to protect the gospel message. Though hardship would come, Paul wanted Timothy to continue in those things he had learned. He challenges Timothy and us to endure in the faith, even to the point of death. Clearly, as believers we are in the midst of trying times. Notwithstanding, when we strive to live for Christ, finding hope in difficult times will give us the perseverance to move forward. Just as Paul encouraged Timothy, we too must press on and continue for the Lord. So, Paul encourages Timothy to “guard the good treasure.” The Good News for us today is that God offers His divine assistance enabling us to fulfill the responsibility He has given us. Praise God!

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 1:8-14 (NRSV)

Support the Show.