II Timothy 2: 7-18

  Paul encourages Timothy.. and us.. to "Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."  That is a powerful statement!  As we read and meditate on the Word of God, let us ask Him.. and trust Him to give us "understanding in everything." 

Paul's next statement is.. "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.. " 

Remember that Jesus is "a descendant of David".  Why is that important? Because He is the fulfillment of God's promise of One Who will sit on the throne forever.  " He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.... He has inherited a more excellent name.. "  God said, "Thou art My Son, Today I have begotten Thee."  And to the Son, He says, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His Kingdom." ( Hebrews 1)

Paul says that his gospel message is worth suffering hardship for.. "even to imprisonment as a criminal".  He could endure this "for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory."  What are we willing to suffer? Are we willing to endure anything if it meant that others would be saved?

Here is Paul's focused message.. the message that governed his life and that he wanted Timothy to gain understanding of and to meditate on: 

"For if we died 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; for He cannot deny Himself."

Paul tells Timothy to remind us of these things. We are to focus on Jesus, and not on words or worldly and empty chatter.. it is all about Truth.. of which we all need to "..be diligent to present [ourselves] approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." 

Father in heaven, You alone are holy and sovereign, the Lord of heaven and earth, and the only Wise God.  It is by Your grace that we come to receive mercy and forgiveness for our sins and failures. It is to You that we come and pray for understanding and comprehension of the Truth.  It is to You that we bow in humility, asking for help to live fully surrendered and focused on Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.  We have died.. in Him.  We have life.. in Him. We pray that we will endure to the end of this life and reign with Him for eternity! We pray that we will be strong in Your grace so that we will never deny Him, that we will be faithful to Him, and that we will have joy in fellowship with You always. Thank You for Your all-sufficient grace and perfect love. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.