It Starts Small

⁷ Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel, ⁹ for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound. ¹⁰ This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. ¹¹ This saying is trustworthy:

For if we died with him,
we will also live with him;
¹² if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
¹³ if we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:7-13

 Remember Jesus Christ

Jesus stands as your ultimate inspiration (v8-9). Reflecting on Jesus’ incredible example can ignite a fierce courage in Timothy to confront suffering head-on, undeterred and relentless. His profound suffering should light a fire in our hearts. His staggering sacrifice for us compels us to meet persecution with unyielding boldness. We must have a steadfast refusal to compromise. Jesus laid down His life for us, despite our unworthiness and all we had done to turn against Him. In response, we must commit ourselves wholeheartedly. We should give our lives for the One who has done everything for us.

But the word of God is not bound

No matter what trials may befall you, the foes of God can never extinguish the powerful spread of His Word. There are countless instances when God takes the ultimate sacrifice of His faithful saints. He turns these sacrifices into the very sparks that ignite revivals. In one stirring tale, a group of brave soldiers in a Roman legion embraced belief in the Almighty. The commander was consumed by orders. He led them to a frozen lake. The soldiers were stripped bare. They were condemned to perish in the biting cold. Yet, amidst the bleakness, they united in fervent prayer. They sang resounding hymns of praise to God. His presence enveloped them even in their darkest hour of persecution. Their devotion and joy were unwavering even in the face of immense suffering. This profound display transformed the commander. He joined their ranks and ultimately shared in their destiny on that icy expanse.

In a powerful and stirring example, a guard in a Muslim country received orders to torture his Christian prisoner. The profound love radiated from that prisoner. His unwavering forgiveness pierced through the darkness of the guard’s heart. This led him to become a believer. You should understand that the enemies of the cross are utterly powerless. They cannot halt the unstoppable spread of the gospel. This realization should ignite a fiery boldness within you to stand resolute in your faith.

so that they also may obtain salvation

Jesus is our ultimate inspiration! But He is far from the only reason Paul—and we—must endure in our mission. Another powerful force propelled Paul. He had an unwavering necessity to share the gospel. He ensured that every one of God’s chosen hears and believes. We must ignite that same fervor to reach out to the lost with the gospel’s life-changing message. Like Paul, do you too feel a burning “woe is me” if you fail to share the gospel?

In verses 11-13, we experience a profound death alongside Him. This occurs when we fully surrender our sins. We are “baptized” into His death. We must embrace death to truly live! When we let go of ourselves, we awaken to a vibrant life for Christ. But it doesn’t stop there; we are destined not just to live with Him, but to reign triumphantly beside Him! (1 Corinthians 6:3, Mark 8:38.)

God’s character remains steadfast and unchanging! No matter how many times we falter, God will never break His promises. Even in our darkest moments of sin, He stands beside us, unwavering. Deuteronomy 31:6 powerfully reminds us that God will never leave us or forsake us. However, verse 12 brings a sobering truth. If we publicly deny our belief in Christ, He will also feel the sting of shame on our behalf. Yet, there’s hope! Just look at Peter, whose example showcases God’s readiness to forgive. Let us also remember that true believers, inspired by love and grace, will earnestly repent, just as Peter did.

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Cross references on Meditation:

• Joshua 1:8
• Psalm 1:2
• Proverbs 4:20-22
• Psalms 119: 97

Discussion Questions

• How does God give us understanding?How can we increase our understanding?
• What was the reason Paul was willing to suffer so much?
• How can remembering Christ help encourage us to face suffering without giving up?
• What fact encouraged Paul even in the midst of his imprisonment?
• In verse 10, Paul says, “for this reason.” For what reason?
• What is Paul’s goal in all of this? Are you willing to face death in order to see the gospel spread?
• What does it mean to die with him?
• When can we reign with Him?
• What does it mean, “if we deny Him, He will deny us?”

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