I endure all things for the sake of the elect - 2 Tim 2:8-10

Read passage 2:1-13

So here Paul is obviously writing to Timothy and he is exhorting him to pass on the truth to men who can teach others in v1,

he exhorts him to share in the suffeing which comes with the tesk of being a good soldier of Jesus Christ

Timothies job is then illustrated by jobs of a soldier, an athlete and a farmer.

and then we come verses 8-10 which is what I want us to briefly focus upon and especially verse 10.

Paul exhorts timothy to remember Jesus, who has risen from the dead and is the offspring of David as preached in Paul’s gospel,

and it is this gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul is suffering.

as we see in Paul was in prison, he had lost all things and not too long after this letter he lost his life for the sake of the gospel.

but though he is bound as a criminal, he holds on to the hope and assurance that the word of God is not bound as we see at the end of v9.

and it is because of this fact.

It is because Paul knows that God’s word is not bound that he says those amazing words in v10.

He says but the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

So because Paul knew that God would use His word in the salvation of His people, He would endure all things for the sake of the elect.

Surely this is what should fuel us as we go into this new week of ministry and as we seek to fulfil our calling for as long as God would have us here.

God’s word is not bound and God uses it in bringing His elect to salvation and therefore we too are to endure all things for their sakes.

whether its snarls from the pews, or opposition from state, whether its tiredness or a lack of time.

Whether it is misrepresentation or a seeming lack of fruit.

Whatever it may be may we like Paul endure all things for the sake of the elect.

May we be willing to give everthing and recieve what ever may come whether good or bad

so that the God’s elect can obtain salvation which is in Jesus Christ with eternal glory.

So that the lost sheep who don’t yet know they are sheep may be gathered into the flock of God

and those that have been found may be protected and pastored so that they are ready to meet their Good Shepherd on the day He calls them home.

and what’s to be our encouragement when discourgaments come from everyside?

We may be bound but the word of God is not bound.

I will just pray...