Today is the final day in our series about perseverance!
We’re in 2 Timothy 2:1-13, where Paul is speaking to Timothy whom he considers a son. Paul is encouraging Timothy to take the message he has entrusted to him and share it with others who will continue to pass it along. The message is the gospel and all the teachings Paul was personally sowing into Timothy.
Paul give Timothy three examples to demonstrate perseverance and today, we can still see these as great examples to study:
-the solider
-the athlete
-the farmer
Here’s the takeaway:
-entrust these great truths to people who are able to pass them along to others
-be strong in Christ’s grace, even when your faith is faltering
-endure hardships like a solider, don’t get entangled in worldly affairs
-follow the Lord’s rules, as an athlete must do in order to win a game or contest
-work hard, like a farmer who tends his crops for the harvest
-one day you will live with Christ and reign with Him
-even when we are faithless, He remains faithful
We can’t talk about perseverance without looking at our perfect example, Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us to consider the great cloud of witnesses that we are surrounded by. This should help us to lay aside every weight and sin so that we may run with endurance the race set before us. And while we’re running, look to Jesus who for the JOY set before Him, endured the cross! Verse 3 says, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Jesus suffered the cross for us. He persevered through His life here on earth, fulfilling all that was written about Him in God’s perfect timing. When we are feeling weary in our race, we can remember this about Jesus and all he endured for us. We can also remember that we are not alone. Other believers are running right along beside us and we, as the body of Christ, all need each other. (1 Corinthians 12)
If you’ve enjoyed this series on perseverance, let me know by giving me a thumbsup in the comments.
Comments