READ: 2 Timothy 2:8-13
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
KEY THOUGHT:
A good saving plan can make your future better… Sometimes, it’s necessary to do without now for the sake of the future. The apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering for a good cause. He was persecuted and bound in prison for preaching the gospel. In these few verses, Paul captures the essence of his perseverance for the sake of the gospel. His goal was to share a message of a sure saving plan – Jesus Christ, the only way to receive eternal life. He gives three keys to understanding how to persevere:
1) to die to self and live for Christ;
2) to suffer in this life with the hope of reigning with Christ in eternity;
3) to fully trust Christ and depend on His promises because He cannot be unfaithful.
Choosing any other way other than believing in Christ for salvation is a mistake. But the choice is yours to be saved or to perish. The only correct choice is to invest your life in the saving plan found in Christ and obtain the salvation which is found in Him alone.
CONSIDER:
- What are some reasons people deny Christ and the salvation that comes through Him?
- What does the resurrection prove about Christ and why is it a key element of a Christian’s belief in Christ for salvation?
- How does believing fully in Christ enable you to be a better witness?
APPLICATION:
Be a true believer by investing in the saving plan found in Jesus Christ!
