Suffering so Others May Be Saved

Faith in Action

The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ

Faith to Persevere

2 Timothy 2:1-13 The Message

Doing Your Best for God

2 1-7 So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!—to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It’s the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.
8-13 Fix this picture firmly in your mind: Jesus, descended from the line of David, raised from the dead. It’s what you’ve heard from me all along. It’s what I’m sitting in jail for right now—but God’s Word isn’t in jail! That’s why I stick it out here—so that everyone God calls will get in on the salvation of Christ in all its glory. This is a sure thing:

For Reflection

Maturing in your faith is not just about knowing scripture and believing and trusting in God. Maturing in your faith means acting upon it, never forgetting that your faith demands an evolution toward perfection. Paul shows that to grow in grace means that one pleads for justice, prays for God's intervention into lives for the salvation of all people, and prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

Pray

Pray that you will have the courage to follow Christ. Pray for the salvation of all peoples.  Pray so that the Holy Spirit will enter your soul and drive your life closer to the perfection shown in the life of Jesus.