2 Timothy 2:8-10 “God’s Word is Not Bound”

“God’s Word is Not Bound” March 12, 2017

Many of God’s choicest servants were imprisoned by the enemies of God

• Joseph was imprisoned because he was falsely accused ()

• Jeremiah ()

• John the Baptist ()

• Paul was imprisoned numerous times

I. Suffer for Christ’s Sake as an Evildoer –

A. Paul cast out a demon –

1. Of a slave girl

2. She could no longer work as a fortune teller

B. Fake news

1. Paul falsely accused of taking a Gentile into the Temple –

2. Imprisoned in Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Rome –

3. Now a third time – 67AD. Because of Nero’s blaming Christians for the fire in Rome?

II. Why Persecution?

A. Men love darkness rather than light –

1. Evil hates light –

2. They resist anyone who questions their behavior and pierces their conscience –

3. Those who come to Christ desire to confess their sin and know forgiveness and cleansing –

B. Tribulation is to be expected

1. Jesus promised tribulation () But had overcome the tribulation

2. Paul said we enter the kingdom through tribulation – ;

C. Remember those in prison –

III. The Cost of the Ministry of the Gospel

A. Paul’s willingness to endure all things to minister the Gospel –

1. God uses tribulation for the cause of the Gospel –

2. Do not lose heart –

B. God’s Word Governs History – ; ;

1. The growth of the church is described as the “word of the Lord grows” (; ; )

2. God’s Word always triumphs ()

C. Jesus was imprisoned –

1. In Caiaphas’ house ( and )

2. And in the tomb – ;

God’s Word breaks every imprisonment and accomplishes God’s purpose

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