October 9, 2022 Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-13
Dear Friends in Christ,
Have you ever been invited to a prison? In this profession you get to go to a lot of places you never imagined. I have been to a county jail, a juvenile detention center, and a minimum-security prison. As they say, “it is not a good feeling when those doors clank behind you.” It helps to understand the freedom taken away.
Paul invites Timothy to Rome, but this is no vacation. There will be no visiting of interesting sites or a day excursion to the Mediterranean. Paul is in prison. Why invite Timothy? All he could do was minister to a weakened, doomed old man. He was also risking guilt by association which could mean his own imprisonment or execution. Yet, Paul makes a compelling argument.
In our text this morning Paul issues us the same invitation. How eager will be to join him?
“HOW CAN WE ANSWER THE CALL TO SUFFER FOR THE GOSPEL?”
The first thing Timothy needs, and you and I need is strengthening. “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (v. 1) Paul uses three analogies to help Timothy understand his pastoral task: the Christian is like a combat soldier, a competing athlete, and a hardworking farmer.
Can you relate to any or all three? I believe most of us can. A soldier follows commands, despite the suffering involved. We follow God’s Word even though it could involve mental, physical, or emotional pain. As an athlete we have had to work for the win, we had to compete to be crowned the victor. When I ran suicides on the gym floor I wasn’t celebrating inside, I was sucking air. But that burning sensation in my lungs put me in shape for the fourth quarter. No sucking air just stamina to win the game. As a Christian the only way to receive the crown is to be in the arena competing. Sitting on the sidelines is not an option. Believe me I try, and the Lord just keeps pulling me in. He could use my witness. He can use your witness. For the farmer, his hard work would give him a first claim on the best crops. The Lord gives us the best as the seed is planted in our heart. The word of faith grows and prospers and allows us to share the best crop with others.
I love what Paul does here for Timothy, he tells him to remember. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (vs. 8-10)
Paul is not just under house arrest, he is in a dark, dank, smelly dungeon. But it is a good comparison that the living and active Word cannot be imprisoned or chained – it accomplishes God’s desires. He is enduring for the elect, that is the Christians. We all need each other so that we can answer the call to suffer for the gospel.
Is any of this a picture of what motivates you to stand up for Jesus and His Word? All of it should. I know this is what happens in my brain when confronted with those who want to bash the name of Jesus or His teachings. I am strengthened by Him. My athletic training helps me endure. I remember Jesus and what his Word can accomplish and then I do it for the other Christians in my life. I want the boys to see what Christian involvement looks like. I want to strengthen our marriage as Toni and I stand together. I want the Lord to use my situations to encourage the situations of you brothers and sisters in the pews. You do the same for me. I am strengthened by your witness.
Paul was in chains not for what he believed but for what he preached. The world will not slight you or hate you for what you believe – as long as you keep it to yourself. We pray for the strength to share this wonderful message with the world.
Contrary to legal understanding, God’s justice is not fairness or giving one what he deserves. We deserve condemnation for those times we don’t open our mouths, or we allow the Word of God to be defamed. A fair God would give us what we deserve. Punishment and imprisonment forever. Thank the Lord that His justice justifies us sinners. He deems us righteous, on account of the person and work of Christ.
The temptation is to lose heart in these last days and believe the maxim, “justice delayed is justice denied.” In God’s case, this is a lie. Though the appearance of God’s Kingdom and his justice may seem delayed, “he will give justice.” Indeed, He already has. His justice, His righteousness, has already been passed on to you through your Baptism. His Kingdom comes to you this morning as you participate in the feast of His Kingdom. Do not lose heart, dear saints. It is not fun in the sun every day here. Let us endure suffering for the Gospel because it is God’s way of bringing others to glory. Remember Jesus. He is true to His promises.
Amen.