Endure Hardness
2 Tim 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Be strong, not referring to physical strength. Men sometimes work out to be strong in flesh, this is not the strength that Paul wants for Timothy. This strength will not help in ministry. We need to be strong in His Holy Spirit through the grace that is in Jesus.
2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Paul was facing death; earlier he spoke of holding fast to sound doctrine.
2 Tim 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
Hold onto these things, the word of truth, the testimonies and share them, teach them to faithful men, so that they will be able to teach others also. Share the good news, make disciples, so that they will make disciples. This is the way the church is built. Jesus Christ is the foundation and all fit together on this foundation.
1 Cor 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
1 Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
True strength is inward. Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Soldiers fight battles, the problem with enduring hardness is that we sometimes become hard. We need to keep soft hearts as we battle in the spirit. Look to Jesus for strength.
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
2 Tim 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
A soldier is under command and he must submit in obedience. He is trained to submit for the good of the army. The army of God submits to God as commander, Jesus as the head of the church under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Satan has an army too, whose purpose is to destroy you and the work of God. Our obedience to God keeps us, for in ourselves we have no power to defeat our spiritual opponent. We war in the Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God, against principalities and powers of darkness.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
2 Tim 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
In the Olympic games, the players must abide by the rules, or they will be disqualified. They strive for a crown or a gold medal. They want to train to endure and surpass their opponents.
1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Paul uses an allegory of an athlete running a race, we are amidst many other people who are running, but maybe they are running after the wrong goals. Only the one who runs the course well wins the prize. Salvation and eternal life is our prize, and that one at a tme.
1 Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
An athlete must train hard to be the best. They may receive a corruptible crown; but we receive an incorruptible crown.
1 Cor 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
We keep our behavior under the Lord's control, our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. If our life is corrupt our preaching is of no value, and we are in danger of missing God's salvation. More of Jesus, less of us. Allow no darkness for what fellowship has darkness with light?
Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Are you a disciple who has given up all for the high calling in Christ Jesus? Or are you setting your affections on worldly things and fleshly comforts? Keep your eyes on Jesus. Look to him, hear his voice and follow. We are in spiritual warfare and must remain strong in faith.
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
2 Tim 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
The farmer also receives food to eat from his labor. The end result of a farm is to have an abundant crop and to enjoy part of it, and share or sell the rest. So do we share what we have received, having been blessed by the word and Spirit of God. This verse is also used to show that a Pastor/teacher is worthy of being supported from his efforts. But, the purpose of ministry is not for financial gain, but to train others for ministry.
2 Tim 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Consider these examples to share the gospel and to endure as a soldier of the cross, focused and committed; an athlete, trained and prepared to run to win the race; and a farmer, who patiently sows the seed, cares for it and reaps a harvest for his benefit and for the kingdom of God.
2 Tim 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Speaking of seeds, we are to remember that Jesus, the promised seed of David was raised from the dead according to the power of God, as spoken in the gospel.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
1 Cor 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1 Cor 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1 Cor 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
2 Tim 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Paul was in prison because he preached the gospel truth. Satan had entered Nero, the head of the world's most powerful country, the Romans. The word was not bound, the preaching of Paul had even found converts in the Kings palace.
Phil 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
Phil 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
Phil 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
He endured persecution to bring the good news to the elect, those who would receive Christ Jesus. Some would come with false messages, appearing as angels of light. They were phonies, whereas Paul had proved himself through enduring afflictions in preaching the gospel.
2 Cor 11:18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
2 Cor 11:19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
2 Cor 11:20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
2 Cor 11:21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
2 Cor 11:22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
2 Cor 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2 Cor 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Cor 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2 Cor 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
2 Cor 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
2 Cor 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
2 Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Rom 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Tim 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. This should cause us to consider our ways.
2 Tim 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
We are rewarded for service with crowns, but most importantly our faith is rewarded with eternal life with Christ Jesus. If we suffer in this life, we shall reign with him in the eternal life. If some do not believe? That does not change the fact that he IS and always will be God. We go to our reward, for he is faithful who has promised.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Endure hardships and keep your attention on the will of God. Do the work of an ambassador, a soldier of Christ, without looking back, for your reward is ahead of you.
Study diligently
2 Tim 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
No striving over words of man's thoughts and knowledge, there is no usefulness in vain words. To subvert, to overthrow, corrupt, confound, pervert the hearers.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Do diligence, presenting yourself to God that you please Him, a laborer that is not ashamed, not speaking error, but truth. Rightly dividing the word of truth; cutting it straight. To cut it straight you must study and allow God's Spirit to guide you into all truth.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
2 Tim 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Stay away from those who speak ungodly, common words and speak of vain and useless things; for they will continue with more of the same. Sounds like most of the Internet chatrooms.
2 Tim 2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
Their words will eat away as a spiritual gangrene, causing damage. Two men are mentioned as examples. How would you like being referred to in this way?
2 Tim 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Error, not speaking truth. There is a religion who considers themselves servants of Jehovah, who say that Jesus returned invisibly in 1914 and is now reigning in heaven. This is an example of doctrinal error, a gangrene to the soul.
2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
We are sealed with the Holy Spirit, the mark of the ownership of God. Being a member of a group or church does not assure our salvation. You may argue doctrine, teach error or truth, but truth requires the presence of God's Holy Spirit. The seal of God's spirit is the evidence. of our salvation.
2 Cor 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
2 Cor 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
2 Tim 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2 Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
We are responsible to keep our vessels, our hearts clean. We are to flee from words that discourage, words that are not true. We are not to fill our minds with unholy thoughts and visions. The condition of the vessel that others see is our responsibility. The heart that trusts in Jesus is pure in God's eyes. So walk in pureness, shun profane words and thoughts, so that others may be discipled.
2 Tim 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Our responisibility; put off the old man, he is nailed to the cross with our sin, and put on the new man and walk with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Rom 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
2 Tim 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
Questions are good, but not questions meant to stir up strife and confusion. Avoid them, one way is to answer with a question that points to good things.
2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
We are to be as the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ. He answered the needs of the people, he spoke truth even to those who tested him.
2 Tim 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Keep your cool, do not be easily provoked, easily angered. Some are opposing themselves with negative thoughts and words. What are these things? Talk of suicide, cuttings, lusts, crude words. Give them the true way in love, perhaps God's Spirit will convict them and change their hearts.
2 Tim 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
They may not know that they are in the devil's bondage. How do we know if the devil is involved? What is the fruit of the devil? He is a liar, a thief, he seeks to kill and to destroy. These are negative, not good things. God is good. Think on good things, even if all the world chooses evil, do good.
John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Think about Jesus, he is all of these good things. We are to speak good words that build up. Be diligent to study the word to correctly speak the truth of God. Error that removes hope is as an evil disease to the soul. Not only speak truth but keep yourself from sin. So that others will not be turned away from the hope that is within you.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
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