April 21
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IF WE ENDURE, WE WILL REIGN WITH CHRIST
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11 The statement 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 2:8-12
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In this letter, Paul reminds the believers of Christ’s resurrection. Paul explains why he suffer the hardship of being imprisoned and treated as a criminal even though he was doing the work of the Lord Jesus Christ: to bring the gospel and the word of God to as many people as possible. In verse 9, he proclaims that even though he is imprisoned, the word of God isn’t. It is interesting how he talks about the word as never captured. It is almost like saying that because the truth sets us free, it will never bring us into captivity. What brings slavery in our lives? Isn’t it our human cravings and desires? Isn’t the word of God the one that frees us from all sins and all our bondages?
In verse 10, Paul explains the reason why he endures all things. He does it so that those who are chosen by Christ, may be able to receive the salvation he offers. Endurance is a must in a believer’s life. Without it, he cannot grow. James 1:3 says that the testing of our faith produces endurance. The New Living Translation phrases the same verse as: For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. The ensuing verse says that when endurance is fully developed, one will be perfect in contentment, needing nothing. Without endurance, we won’t be able to mature and grow our faith.
In verse 11, Paul reiterates the resurrection promise. If we died with Christ, we will also live with him. In other words, when believers accepted Jesus, they die to their old selves, and are resurrected and reborn in the new nature in Christ. In verse12, Paul reminds the believers again that if they endure, they will also reign with him, but if we deny Christ, He will also reject us. But in verse 13, it shows us the faithfulness of Christ: if we are faithless, he remains faithful.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for Christians to grow in endurance?