Remain Bold in the Gospel

Bible Verse 2nd Timothy 2:3-4

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

Commentary:

Paul had written 2nd Timothy from a Roman prison, where he was captive for a second time in his life. This second imprisonment was the result of Nero's persecution of Christians following the great fire of Rome. This takes place approximately five or six years after Paul's first imprisonment which we read about in the book of Acts. However at that time his custody was more of a house arrest where he was allowed visitors and the basic comforts of life.

This time Paul is in a cold, dark Roman cell. Paul knows the end is close at hand with his execution eminent. Because of Nero's actions all of Paul's close friends have abandoned him for fear of being caught up in the persecution. Paul in his letter is urging Timothy to come quickly while there is still time. In addition he has taken the opportunity for one last chance to strengthen Timothy, his son in the faith.

Paul wrote this letter to help Timothy understand as a follower of Christ we are at enmity with the world and the prince of this world, who is Satan. Therefore persecution and trials because of our faith will come as part of our Christian walk. However we are to remain strong in the Lord and not let the world make us ashamed of the Gospel of Christ which brings Salvation unto all men. This strength comes from the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives as we study and grow in God's word and prayer.

Lord Himself Shall Descend With a Shout

1st Thessalonians 4:12-18

But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren concerning them which are asleep that you sorrow not even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

We Shall Put On Immortality

1st Corinthians 15:51-54

Behold I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written Death is swallowed up in victory.

Stand Fast in the Lord, Eternity Awaits

Philippians 3:20-4:1

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Therefore my brethren dearly beloved and longed for my joy and crown so stand fast in the Lord my dearly beloved.

Do Not Be Troubled, Jesus Will Return

John 14:1-3

Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there you may be also.

Jesus Will Return with Power and Great Glory

Matthew 24:30-33

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye when ye shall see all these things know that it is near even at the doors.

The Tribulation Begins with a Covenant

Daniel 9:27

(The beginning of the Tribulation period) Then he (the anti-christ) shall confirm a covenant with many for one week (seven years); But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.

The Blessings of the Lord

Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.

The Glories of Eternity Await Us

Hebrews 10:34

When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity.

We Press for the Goal of Knowing Christ

Philippians 3:12-16

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

We Will Serve the Lord

Joshua 24:15

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Jesus Our High Priest and Perfect Substitute

Hebrews 2:17

Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.