Strength to Endure

Sermon Title: Strength to Endure

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Occasion: The Lord’s Day

Date: March 2, 2025

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Ti 1:2.

Opening Prayer

Introduction: Keep Your Eyes on the Shore

In 1952, a woman named Florence Chadwick attempted to swim the 26-mile stretch between Catalina Island and the California coast.

She had already become the first woman to swim the English Channel, so this was nothing new for her.

But on that day, the waters were freezing, the fog was thick, and to make matters worse, sharks were circling below.

For 15 hours, she pushed forward. But exhaustion set in.

The fog was so dense that she couldn’t see the shore.

She lost heart, gave up, and asked to be pulled into the boat.

Only after she got in did she realize—she was less than a mile away from the shore.

Later, she said these words: "All I could see was the fog. I think if I could have seen the shore, I would have made it."

And isn’t that the case for us?

We go through trials, struggles, and seasons where life feels overwhelming.

The suffering is real, the pain is deep, and the road seems endless.

And if we’re not careful, we begin to lose sight of the goal.

This is exactly why Paul writes to Timothy in our passage this morning- to remind him, and us, that we must keep going, endure, and not lose heart.

That’s why I’ve titled today’s sermon: "Strength to Endure”

Transition:

So, how do we endure? Paul gives us four truths that will help us endure in the Christian life.. The first one is this:

1. Be Strengthened – Relying on God’s Grace (vv. 1-2)

Paul begins this passage with a direct and personal charge to Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:1 ESV

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,

Timothy was facing opposition, discouragement, and the weight of ministry, but Paul does not tell him to dig deeper into his own resources or to muster up inner strength.

Instead, he points him to grace—the unmerited, sustaining, and empowering grace that is found in Christ alone.

This is a passive imperative in Greek, meaning that Timothy is not the one producing this strength, but rather, he is receiving it from God.

This is not a call to self-reliance but to God-reliance.

The Source of Strength: Grace in Christ

The Christian life begins in grace, continues in grace, and will be completed in grace.

The same grace that saves us (Eph. 2:8-9) is the grace that sustains us.

This is why Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9:

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

God’s strength is not given to the strong but to the weak who recognize their need.

Charles Spurgeon once said,

“When God enables you to stand, you stand indeed, but you stand in His strength, not your own.”

Ephesians 6:10, says it this way,

Ephesians 6:10 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

This means that endurance is not about trying harder but about trusting deeper.

A. A Legacy of Strength through Grace (v. 2)

Paul then moves from receiving strength to entrusting strength:

2 Timothy 2:2 ESV

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Paul gives Timothy a multi-generational vision.

Strength from grace is not just for our survival but for the sake of others.

Timothy is to take what he has received and pass it on to faithful men who will continue the work.

This is discipleship—not just growing in knowledge, but multiplying faithfulness.

The word “entrust” is the same word used for committing something valuable to another’s care.

Timothy has received the gospel—the most precious treasure—and he must not keep it to himself but invest it into others who will carry it forward.

A Call to Discipleship: Who Are You Pouring Into?

Paul’s words here challenge us:

Who has discipled you?

Who has poured into your spiritual life?

Who are you discipling?

Who are you intentionally investing in so that they may grow in grace?

This is not just a call for pastors and elders—it is a call for every believer.

We are all entrusted with the gospel, and we must be faithful stewards of what we have received.

Illustration: The Difference Between a Reservoir and a River

A reservoir holds water but does not let it flow; a river receives and passes it on.

God calls us not to be reservoirs but rivers—constantly receiving His grace and passing it on to others.

Transition to the Next Point

But receiving strength is only the beginning.

Paul knows that to endure in the Christian life, Timothy will need not only strength but also steadfastness—a willingness to suffer for the mission of Christ.

That brings us to our second point: Be Steadfast – Suffering for Christ’s Mission.

2. Be Steadfast – Suffering for Christ’s Mission (vv. 3-7)

After calling Timothy to be strengthened by grace, Paul immediately shifts to the reality of suffering in the Christian life.

Strength in Christ is not for comfort but for endurance.

It is the fuel that enables believers to press on when hardships come.

Paul does not present suffering as an unfortunate possibility but as an expected reality for those who follow Christ.

2 Timothy 2:3 ESV

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Timothy is not to avoid suffering, resent suffering, or be surprised by suffering.

Instead, he is to share in it—to willingly embrace hardship as part of the calling.

A. The Mindset of a Soldier (v. 4)

Paul uses the first of three illustrations here: a soldier.

The Christian life is warfare, and every believer is enlisted in the Lord’s army.

But notice Paul’s emphasis—what makes a good soldier?

2 Timothy 2:4 ESV

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

A soldier has a singular focus: to please his commanding officer.

He does not get caught up in distractions.

He does not entangle himself in affairs that pull him away from his mission.

The call to follow Christ is not one of divided loyalty, but total devotion.

Application: What Are You Entangled In?

Paul warns that distractions can derail faithfulness.

The question is not whether you are busy, but whether you are busy with things that matter for eternity.

Are you entangled in worldly desires, anxieties, or comforts that keep you from being effective for Christ?

Are you unsure? Check your calendar, and it will tell you.

Illustration:

A soldier on active duty does not run a side business or take long vacations.

He is focused on the mission.

Likewise, Christians are called to live with an undivided heart for Christ’s kingdom.

B. The Discipline of an Athlete (v. 5)

Paul then shifts to another metaphor:

2 Timothy 2:5 ESV

An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon.

It requires discipline, endurance, and obedience.

Just as an athlete must train and follow the rules of competition, so must believers live according to God’s commands.

There are no shortcuts to holiness.

Growth in grace requires steady perseverance.

“Long obedience in the same direction”- Eugene Peterson has said.

But this is a warning from Paul to each of us.

The warning is that there is a right way to run the race—and a wrong way.

If an athlete ignores the rules, no matter how fast or strong he is, he will be disqualified.

A Real-Life Example of Disqualification

One of the most heartbreaking examples of disqualification in sports history happened in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Sprinter Ben Johnson won the gold medal in the 100-meter dash, breaking the world record.

The world celebrated his victory—until just days later, he was stripped of his medal after testing positive for steroids.

In a moment, his glory was gone.

He had the talent, the speed, and the victory—but because he did not compete according to the rules, he was disqualified.

Spiritual Application: Running the Race Right

Many people claim to be Christians but attempt to live the Christian life on their own terms.

They ignore God’s commands, take spiritual shortcuts, or justify sin, thinking they can still "win the race."

But Paul warns us—just as an athlete must compete rightly, so must believers walk in obedience to God’s Word.

Are you running this race with integrity, in obedience to Christ?

Are you training yourself in godliness, or are you trying to take shortcuts in your spiritual life?

Have you considered the weight of hearing Christ say, “Depart from me, I never knew you” (Matt. 7:23)?

We do not run this race to be seen by others, to impress, or to earn salvation.

We run to please Christ and to finish well, knowing that the prize is not an earthly medal but the eternal crown—hearing our Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The Hard Work of a Farmer (v. 6-7)

Paul’s third illustration is that of a hardworking farmer:

2 Timothy 2:6 ESV

It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

Farming is not glamorous—it is laborious, patient, and often unseen.

Unlike a soldier or athlete, a farmer does not have moments of public glory.

His work is slow, steady, and requires faith in the unseen harvest.

The Christian life is much like farming—it requires daily faithfulness, unseen labor, and trust that God will bring the harvest in His time.

Application: Are You Faithful in the Ordinary?

Do you labor in faith, even when you do not see immediate results?

Are you consistent in the small, everyday acts of obedience?

Illustration:

Farmers do not plant seeds and expect a harvest the next morning.

They labor with faith, trusting that God will bring the fruit in due season.

Likewise, believers must trust that their labor in Christ is never in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).

Transition to the Next Point

Paul has given Timothy three pictures of faithfulness:

The soldier who remains focused, the athlete who runs with discipline, and the farmer who labors with patience.

These examples show that suffering is not wasted—it is part of God’s training for endurance.

These deep truths behind these examples is why the apostle pens verse 7.

2 Timothy 2:7 ESV

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

As we ponder on these things, the Lord will give us the understanding, and help us carry out this kind of sacrificial life for Christ.

But Paul does not leave Timothy here..

He now directs his attention to the greatest reason to endure: the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

That brings us to our third point: Be Secure – Resting in Christ’s Victory.

3. Be Sure – Trusting in Christ’s Victory (vv. 8-10)

After urging Timothy to be strengthened by grace and to endure suffering with steadfastness, Paul now turns his focus to the ultimate foundation of our faith—the victory of Jesus Christ.

In the midst of trials, suffering, and hardship, Paul anchors Timothy’s confidence in the person and work of Christ.

2 Timothy 2:8 ESV

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel,

Paul does not tell Timothy to look within himself for strength.

He does not tell him to rely on human effort or resolve.

Instead, he commands him to remember Jesus Christ.

In the heat of battle, in the weariness of ministry, in the trials of life—our sure foundation is found in Christ alone.

The Resurrection: The Anchor of Our Confidence (v. 8a)

Paul reminds Timothy that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.

This is the cornerstone of our faith.

Christ’s resurrection is not just a doctrine; it is the source of our hope, endurance, and certainty.

If Christ is risen, then sin is defeated.

If Christ is risen, then death has lost its sting.

If Christ is risen, then suffering is not the final word.

No matter what trials Timothy faces, the victory of Christ is secure.

Illustration: Confidence in Christ’s Victory

I’ll never forget Portugal’s win against France in the Euro 2016 final.

Watching it live, I was on the edge of my seat. Every attack from France, every missed chance, every minute that passed without a goal had my heart racing.

And when the game went into extra time, I was biting my nails, nervous, wondering if Portugal would pull through.

But now, when I watch that same game, it’s completely different.

No stress, no anxiety—because I already know how it ends.

I know Éder is going to score that beautiful goal, I know Portugal is going to lift the trophy, and I know the victory is secured.

This is what the resurrection of Christ means for us, christians.

In the middle of life’s struggles, suffering, and uncertainty, it can feel like extra time—stressful, exhausting, and full of unknowns.

But because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, we already know how the story ends.

No matter how hard things get, we don’t have to live in fear, because the final score is settled—Christ has won, and in Him, so have we.

A. The Kingship of Christ: God’s Faithful Plan (v. 8b)

Paul then calls Timothy to remember that Jesus is the offspring of David.

This is a crucial detail—it means that Jesus is the promised Messianic King. He is not just the suffering Savior; He is the victorious, reigning Lord.

Christ’s victory is not an accident; it is the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.

God was faithful to His promise to send the Messiah, and He will be faithful to His promises to His people.

Timothy needed to remember that Christ is ruling and reigning, even when suffering seemed overwhelming.

Illustration:

Think of a person drowning in bills, deadlines, and family struggles, feeling like everything is out of control.

But when they step back and remember that God is still sovereign, that Christ reigns over all, they find peace knowing their life is in His hands.

Likewise, when believers remember that Christ is King, we can face our trials with trust instead of fear.

B. The Power of the Gospel: The Unstoppable Word (v. 9-10)

Paul then points to his own suffering as an example:

2 Timothy 2:9 ESV

for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!

Paul is in prison, shackled like a criminal.

But while he is bound, the gospel is not.

The enemies of Christ may imprison the messenger, but they cannot stop the message.

This was a vital reminder for Timothy, who faced opposition, persecution, and hardship. The same is true today:

The gospel has outlasted emperors, governments, and persecution.

The gospel cannot be silenced, even in the darkest times.

Paul willingly endures suffering so that others may obtain salvation in Christ (v. 10).

He sees beyond his present hardship and fixes his eyes on the eternal glory to come.

Illustration:

A powerful example of this truth is John Bunyan, who was imprisoned in 1660 for preaching the gospel without a license.

The authorities sought to silence him, believing that by locking him away, they could halt his ministry.

Yet, rather than suppress the gospel, his imprisonment only expanded its reach.

Though bound in a cell, Bunyan’s pen was not shackled.

It was in prison that he wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, an allegory of the Christian life that has since been translated into over 200 languages and remains one of the most widely read Christian books of all time.

Like Paul, Bunyan was bound, but the Word of God was not.

His suffering did not hinder the gospel—it furthered it.

What Bunyans enemies meant for harm, God used for good, ensuring that his message would travel far beyond what he could have accomplished through his preaching alone.

History repeatedly confirms this reality: persecution does not extinguish the gospel; it spreads it.

No prison, no government, and no suffering can silence the truth of Christ.

The Word of God is not bound!

Application: Do You Rest in Christ’s Victory?

Do you trust that the gospel is advancing, even when it seems like darkness is prevailing?

The Word Cannot be Bound!

Transition to the Next Point

Paul has reminded Timothy that his strength comes from Christ’s grace, his endurance is modeled by faithful perseverance, and his confidence is found in Christ’s victory.

But now, Paul turns to one final encouragement—he points Timothy to the unbreakable faithfulness of God.

That brings us to our final point:

Be Strengthened

Be Steadfast

Be Sure

But one final and most important encouragement…

Be Secure – Trusting in God’s Promises.

4. Be Secure – Resting in God’s Faithfulness (vv. 11-13)

Paul now brings his exhortation to a climactic truth—our security is ultimately found in the faithfulness of God.

As Timothy faces hardships, opposition, and the weight of ministry, he needs an anchor for his soul.

Paul gives him exactly that: the unwavering, unchanging faithfulness of God and the believers glorious and comforting union with Christ.

2 Timothy 2:11–13 ESV

The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will 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 introduces this passage with a phrase he often uses to emphasize foundational gospel truths: "The saying is trustworthy."

What follows is likely an early Christian hymn or creed—a poetic declaration of the believer’s union with Christ and the faithfulness of God.

A. Secure in Christ’s Life: Union with Him (v. 11)

The first line gives the believer confidence in the face of suffering:

2 Timothy 2:11 ESV

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

This is the reality of our union with Christ.

Paul is not merely speaking of physical death—he is speaking of dying to sin, dying to self, and being united with Christ in His death.

This union also means that as Christ was raised, so too are we raised to newness of life in Him.

Many scholars believe that early Christians recited this hymn at their baptism as a powerful declaration of their union with Christ.

It was more than just words—it was a bold confession, a reminder that to follow Christ meant identifying with Him in both His death and resurrection.

This was no small commitment.

For many, baptism marked the beginning of a life of suffering for the sake of the gospel.

Yet, as they stepped into the waters, they clung to this truth:

"If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him."

This hymn strengthened their faith, encouraged their hearts, and prepared early christians, and suffering christians today, to endure whatever trials lay ahead.

Paul sheds great light on this Creed/Hymn and our union with Christ in Romans 6.

Romans 6:3–11 ESV

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

So what Paul is saying here is extremely comforting to enduring christians.

Its also greatly empowering to enduring christians.

He is saying here that our union with Christ not only frees us from the penalty of sin and guarantees our future freedom from its presence, but it also breaks sin’s power over us now, enabling us to live for God, to suffer for the gospel, through His resurrection power.

Paul tells us that because we are united with Him in death, we are also united with Him in resurrection life.

Romans 8:16–17 ESV

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

If we share in His suffering, we will share in His glory.

If we lose everything for His sake, we gain eternity with Him.

Illustration:

A seed must be buried in the ground before it can bear fruit.

Likewise, when we die to ourselves in Christ, we will experience the fullness of life in Him.

B. Secure in Christ’s Reign: Perseverance in Faith (v. 12a)

Paul continues:

2 Timothy 2:12 ESV

if we endure, we will also reign with him;

This speaks to the reality of perseverance.

The Christian life is a call to endurance, not comfort.

The road of faithfulness is often paved with trials, but Paul reminds Timothy that enduring for Christ is not in vain—it leads to reigning with Christ.

This echoes Peter’s words:

1 Peter 4:12–13 ESV

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

And Jesus Promise:

"The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne" (Rev. 3:21).

Suffering now leads to glory later.

The trials of today are shaping us for the reign of tomorrow.

Illustration:

A soldier who faithfully endures the hardships of battle will one day share in the victory and the rewards of his king.

So too, the believer who perseveres in faith will share in Christ’s reign.

C. Secure in Christ’s Justice: A Warning Against Denial (v. 12b)

Paul then issues a sober warning:

2 Timothy 2:12 ESV

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

This is a clear echo of Jesus’ words:

Matthew 10:33 ESV

but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

This is not referring to momentary weakness, like Peter’s denial, which was met with repentance and restoration.

Rather, this speaks of a willful, persistent rejection of Christ. Those who ultimately turn away from Him will face His just judgment.

This is a warning to Timothy—and to all believers—not to shrink back in fear or abandon the faith under pressure.

It is a call to boldness and faithfulness.

Illustration:

A man who abandons his citizenship and pledges loyalty to a foreign king and nation should not expect the privileges of his former homeland.

Likewise, those who reject Christ will not share in His kingdom.

D. Secure in Christ’s Faithfulness: The Anchor of Our Hope (v. 13)

Paul concludes with one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture:

2 Timothy 2:13 ESV

if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

This is the bedrock of our security.

Even when we stumble, when our faith wavers, when we struggle in weakness—God remains faithful.

Why?

Because His character does not change. His promises do not fail. He is always true to His word.

Our faithfulness may falter, but His never does.

Our feelings may fluctuate, but His love remains steadfast.

Our commitment may waver, but His covenant stands firm.

This does not encourage complacency but gives us confidence.

Our salvation does not rest on our ability to hold onto God—it rests on His unshakable grip on us.

Illustration:

A child crossing a busy street may feel like he is holding his father’s hand, but in reality, it is the father’s grip that keeps him safe.

So it is with God—our security is not in our weak hold on Him, but in His strong hold on us.

Application: Are You Resting in God’s Faithfulness?

Are you trusting in Christ’s promise of life, even when trials come?

Are you persevering in faith, knowing that endurance leads to eternal glory?

Do you take seriously the warning against denying Christ, standing firm even in opposition?

Do you rest in the assurance that God is faithful, even when you struggle?

Transition to the Conclusion

Paul has given Timothy four vital commands:

Be strengthened in grace, be steadfast in suffering, be sure of Christ’s victory, and be secure in God’s faithfulness.

Now, as we close, let’s remember—our calling is not to rely on our strength but to rest in the One who is always faithful.

Conclusion: Keep Your Eyes on the Shore

Let’s go back to the story of Florence Chadwick.

She gave up—not because she wasn’t strong enough, but because she couldn’t see the shore.

Two months later, she tried again. Same freezing waters, same thick fog. But this time, she finished the swim.

When reporters asked her how she did it, she said,

"I kept a mental picture of the shore in my mind the entire time."

Church, that is what endurance is all about.

Keeping your eyes on the eternal shore of Heaven.

Keeping your eyes on Jesus.

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

So be strengthened, be steadfast, be sure, and be secure in Christ.

PRAY