Christian Walk
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
Bee's Thoughts:
Paul asked us to reflect on the following people to learn from them:
"reliable men" - only then are they qualified to teach others
"soldier" - stay focus and not get distracted by the cares of this life, so he can please the one he serves
"athlete" - follow the rules and stay disciplined, so he can receive the crown
"farmer" - be hardworking, so he can reap the harvest
One thing that touches me is "if we are faithless, he will remain faithful" (v13). God has shown Himself faithful to me over and over again despite my faithlessness. Thank God for that.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reminder tonight that I should have the characteristics of a reliable person, a soldier, an athlete, and a hardworking farmer. Help me in my spiritual walk with You. Give me strength to go on no matter what.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
