ENDURE HARDNESS
By John C. Carpenter
The apostle Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote to Timothy, his beloved son in
the faith, Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ. 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. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman
that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember
that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer,
even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 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. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live
with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful:
he cannot deny himself. 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. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:1-15). In verse 3, the words endure hardness are translated from the Greek word kakopatheo,
which means to undergo hardship, be afflicted, to endure afflictions, or to suffer trouble. When the apostle Paul encouraged Timothy,
his beloved son in the faith, to endure hardship, what hardship was he talking about?
FOR WHICH CAUSE I ALSO SUFFER THESE THINGS
The
apostle Paul was a mighty apostle, teacher, and preacher of the gospel message; and suffered immensely as a result of his calling
and ministry. The apostle Paul knew that Timothy, his son in the faith, was also suffering from preaching the gospel. Paul wrote Timothy
hoping to encourage him that if he was going to preach the gospel, Timothy would experience suffering as well; and could not and should
not try to avoid any suffering that he experienced. In an effort to encourage Timothy, Paul wrote Timothy about his own suffering
that resulted from preaching the word of truth, the gospel message.
Paul suffered on nunerous occassions and in many ways. Let
us look at what Paul wrote Timothy about his own suffering. First, Paul referring to his calling to minister the gospel, wrote to
and instructed Timothy, Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of
the afflictions [Greek, sugkakopatheo, to suffer hardship in company with Christ, to be a partaker of afflictions in union with another,
or to suffer trouble] of the gospel [as I, Paul have] according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us [Paul and Timothy] withan holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before
the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought
life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that
he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day (2 Timothy 1:8-12). Paul not only verified that he was a
prisoner of Jesus Christ, who had saved him and called him to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles, but that he
had also suffered many afflictions as a consequence of his being a preacher of the gospel, an apostle of Christ, and a teacher called
to to minister unto the Gentiles.
In one example Paul described, his sufferering included chains: The Lord give mercy unto the
house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain [Greek, halusis, a fetter or manacle, or to be in bonds,
bound, or tied to] (2 Timothy 1:16). The chain, or bondage, Paul is referring to here is not only a possible reference to his imtimate,
personal, and obedient relationship to Jesus Christ or to his clear and solid calling to preach the gospel message of Christ and salvation
through faith in Him, but also to the physical, spiritual, and mental suffering Paul experienced as the result of preaching the gospel,
including physical and literal chains and imprisonment.
Later, Paul wrote Timothy, Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee
understanding in all things [concerniing the connections of preaching the gospel and suffering]. Remember that Jesus Christ of the
seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble [Greek, kakopatheo, which means to undergo
hardship, be afflicted, to endure afflictions, or to suffer trouble], as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word [of truth, the
gospel message] of God is not bound (2 Timothy 2:7-:9). Paul said that he had suffered hardship, trouble, and affliction to the extent
that he was treated as one who was an evil doer, and therefore put in jail. Paul survived his suffering at the hands of ministry simply
by enduring as best he could: Therefore I endure [Greek, hupomeno, which means to stay under or behind, to remain, to undergo or bear
trials, to have fortitude, to be patient, or to tarry behind] all things [everything, all of, all suffering I experience] for the
elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:10). Paul continued
to preach the gospel and endured his suffering so that the elect could obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. Again, referring
to his own sufferings, as well as Timothy's, Paul encouraged Timothy by writing, If we suffer [Greek, hupomeno, to stay under or behind,
to remain, to undergo, to bear trials, to have fortitude, to persevere, to abide, to be patient while suffering], we shall also reign
with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us (2 Timothy 2:12).
In an effort to encourage Timothy, Paul reminded Timothy that
their preaching the gospel and suffering for it would eventually bear the fruit of eternally reigning with Christ: it is a faithful
saying: For if we be dead [to our own will] with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer [in preaching the gospel message],
we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us (2 Timothy 2:12). Paul also reminded Timothy that suffering for
the sake of the gospel was meant to be, was inevitable and inescapable when he wrote, thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of
life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra;what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution (2 Timothy 3:10-12). But, Paul also exhorted to endure his own suffering because, as with Paul, God would deliver Timothy
out of all his own persecutions and afflictions. Paul mentioned not only the evil work but evil workers he had been subjected to while
ministering the gospel: Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known,
and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil
work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
Elsewhere in his
letter to the believing church in Corinth, the apostle Paul provides us with more detailed evidence of his suffering for the sake
of preaching the gospel. Paul wrote believers in Corinth, 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. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save
one. 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; injourneyings 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; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings
often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon
me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I
will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities [Greek, astheneia, feebleness of body or mind, malady, moral frailties, disease,
sickness, infirmities, or weakness] (2 Corinthians 11:23-30). It is certainly possible that no other human being suffered as much
as the apostle Paul for preaching the gospel, with the exception of Christ, of course; and Paul wanted Timothy to understand that
Timothy should also expect to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Suffering territory comes with gospel territory.
RIGHTLY DIVIDING
THE WORD OF TRUTH
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul instructed Timothy to Study to shew thyself approved [tested and found
to be acceptable] unto God, a workman [Greek ergates, meaning a toiler, labourer, worker] that needeth not to be ashamed [disgraced
and embarrased at suffering], rightly dividing [Greek orthotomeo, meaning to expound and understand correctly] the word [Greek logos,
meaning Christ and the gospel] of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Those who study the bible, including preachers, teachers, ministers,
and scholars often misinterpret several words within this verse, and, as a result, often misunderstand its contextual meaning regarding
suffering. For example, many often misinterpret the word study, the words rightly divide, and the words the word of truth. More often
than not, most interpretations that are characterized by error and misunderstanding are based on human thoughts and definitions applied
by the individual who does not understand the contextual meaning, and not on the new testamennt Greek or contextual definitions.
For
example, the word study is translated from the Greek word spoudazo, which means to use speed, to make an effort, or to be diligent.
In the context of verse 15, the word study does not refer to the Webster's New Collegiate dictionary definition of the application
of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge, as many think, but means to make a diligent effort. A similar usage of the
word study is found in Paul's letter to the church in Thessalonica: And that ye study [Greek philotimeomai, being eager or earnest
to do something, labour, strive] to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you (1
Thes 4:11). These two verses do not refer to academic study, but to making an effort, to labor diligently. As a matter of fact, strangely,
the scriptures even warn against excessive academic study, teaching, And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many
books there is no end; and much study [Hebrew lahag, intense mental application], is a weariness of the flesh (Ecclesiastes 12:12).
Within the context of our subject verses, the word study clearly means to make an effort or to strive for.
The words rightly
divide are translated from the Greek word orthotomeo, which means to make a straight cut, to dissect or expound correctly the divine
message, to be more keen, or to be sharper. In the context of our subject verse, to rightly divide means to expound correctly and
completely understand the contextual issue at hand.
Last, word of truth is translated from the Greek word logos, which means
something said, a message, a topic, an account, a tiding, utterance, or word, while the word truth is translated from the Greek wordaletheia, which means truth, truly, verity, or true as in not concealing. In our subject verses, what does the word of truth refer
to? Paul defined the word of truth for us in his letter to the saints in Ephesus: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before
the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption
of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein
he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches
of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according
to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together
in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,
being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to
the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ [and salvation through faith in Him]. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye
heard the word of truth, the gospel [Greek, euaggelion, a good message, to evangelize, to announce good news, to declare, or to preach
the gospel] of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:3-13).
James also wrote, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear [the word of truth, the gospel message], slow to
speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity
of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word [of truth, the gospel], which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers
of the word [of truth, the gospel], and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:19-22). Remember, it is not the scriptures
that are able to save your soul, but the gospel message through faith in Christ. Paul clearly teaches us the absolute necessity of
hearing and believing the gospel message: 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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith[of the Jew] to faith [of the Greek]: as it is written, The just [both Jew and Greek] shall live by faith (Romans 1:16-17).
As
James explains here, word does not refer to the scriptures, but specifically to the gospel message. Also, we know that it is not the
bible which is able to save your souls, but the gospel message of Christ and salvation through faith in Him. In his letter to the
church in Corinth, Paul is clearly referring to the preaching of the gospel, and not the bible, in his letter to the Corinthian church:But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers [of the gospel message] of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities,
in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering,
by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth [the gospel of your salvation], by the power of God, by the
armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (2 Corinthians 6:4-7). Again, Paul mentions his own suffering while ministering
and preaching the gospel. Paul later encourages Timothy regarding his suffering by writing, Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed
of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as if [one were considered to be] an evil doer,
even unto bonds [as a prisoner]; but the [gospel] word [message] of God is not bound [prevented from achieving God's purpose]. Therefore
I endure all things [pain, suffering, hardships, deprivations, etc.] for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation
which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:8-10).
The phrase Study to show yourself approved of God, a workman
that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth might be better translated as make a steady, earnest, energetic application
and effort to explain in careful detail and correctly understand the gospel and all of its requirements [which Paul is teaching can
and will certainly include affliction and suffering], an effort for which the laborer for Christ will not be ashamed, nor be considered
unacceptable to God the Father. In this particular context, Paul is exhorting Timothy to make the necessary effort to understand and
accept that preaching the gospel will result in various and extreme forms of suffering, as it had with Paul, and that this suffering
for Christ and the gospel message should not be considered shameful by any worker, nor is suffering for the sake of the gospel, unacceptable
to God. In fact, Paul teaches that those who suffer and endure hardship for the sake of Christ and the preaching the gospel are described
in the scriptures as good soldiers for Jesus Christ.
BE THOU PARTAKER OF THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE GOSPEL
In order to best
understand what Paul was attempting to convey to Timothy, it is essential to examine the context of Paul's letter. In the verses just
before our subject verses, Paul explained to Timothy that there is a price, in fact, many extreme prices, to be paid for preaching
the gospel message of Christ and salvation through having faith in Him, and that Paul had often personally experienced an high price
himself. Paul told Timothy that preaching the gospel requires enduring hardship (2 Tim 2:2), is in essence a war (2 Tim 2:4), involves
striving (2 Tim 2:5), involves labor (2 Tim 2:6), involves suffering trouble (2 Tim 2:9), involves enduring all things (2 Tim 2:10),
involves suffering (2 Tim 2:12), results in periodic unbelief (2 Tim 2:13), and, lastly, not striving or arguing about words (2 Tim
2:14). Most of the time, preaching the gospel will cost us much pain and suffering, as the scriptures clearly teach, and as Paul clearly
testifies to.
Obviously, Paul knew that Timothy had been suffering for preaching the gospel. Paul attempted to encourage Timothy
in several ways, but, first, by reminding him that Paul was praying for him. Paul also told Timothy that he knew that Timothy had
true and honest faith. Paul wrote, I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have
remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with
joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned [sincere and without hypocrisy] faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother
Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift
of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands (2 Timothy 1; 3-6). Paul knew that Timothy was often fearful [for good reasons]
during the execution of his ministry, and he hoped to strengthen Timothy with these words: God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner:
but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God (2 Timothy 1:7-8).
Paul explicitly reminded
Timothy that it was God the Father Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according
to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Timothy 1:9), and instructed Timothy toHold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which
was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Paul deeply desired to encourage Timothy
in his ministry of preaching the gospel, and the hardships and suffering Paul knew Timothy was having, and would have in the future.
In his letter to his beloved spiritual son in the faith of Christ, Timothy, Paul wrote, Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace
that is in Christ Jesus. 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. Thou therefore endure hardness [Greek, kakopatheo, to undergo hardship, be afflicted, endure affliction,
or suffer trouble], as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-3). It becomes clear here that Paul is referring to the affliction
and suffering resulting from preaching the word of truth, the gospel message of God.
Paul added these encouraging instructions
- If we suffer [and Paul knew that suffering accompanied preaching the gospel], we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also
will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 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. Study [make an effort] to
shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [correctly and accurately understanding
that those who preach the gospel message] the word of truth [will eventually encounter suffering]. But shun profane and vain babblings:
for they will increase unto more ungodliness (2 Timothy 2:12-16); ...And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from
iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).
Paul gave Timothy more specific, and personal, instructions when he wrote Timothy, Flee also youthful
lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned
questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt
to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging
of the truth (2 Timothy 2:22-25). Again, because of its importance, Paul reminded Timothy of the inevitability of suffering while
preaching the word of truth, the gospel message. Paul wrote, But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering,
charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but
out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:10-12).But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them (2 Timothy
3:14).
Paul also reminded Timothy of the certain value of the scriptures, implying that Timothy could profit from knowing them
well: ...from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is
in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Paul begins to
conclude his instructions and encouragement to Timothy with these words: I charge [Greek, diamarturomai, to attest to or protest earnestly,
to be a witness unto] thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing
and his kingdom; Preach the word [of truth, the gospel message]; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with
all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Watch [Greek, nepho, to abstain from wine, to keep sober, or to be discreet yet
perceptive] thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof [to carry out fully] of thy ministry (2
Timothy 4:5). Paul encouraged Timothy to fulfill his role as an evangelist, to carry out fully his preaching of the gospel, and to
be longsuffering as he did do.
Again, referring to the suffering associated with the preaching of the gospel message [the word
of truth], and not the bible, Paul wrote the Corinthian church, But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers [of the gospel
message] of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours,
in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the
word of truth [the gospel], by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (2 Corinthians 6:4-7).
Paul wanted Timothy to endure hardness [suffering], as a good soldier of Jesus Christ and to study [make an effort] to shew thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [correctly understanding] the word of truth [the suffering
involved in the gospel message]. According to Paul, if we desire to be a good soldier for Jesus Christ, the believer will and must
endure suffering, an attitude that is not only shameless, but approved by and pleasing to God the Father.
THE REWARDS OF SUFFERING
FOR PREACHING THE GOSPEL
The scriptures teach us that there is great reward, in fact many great rewards, for suffering as a good
soldier for Christ. Let us mention some of these rewards. Paul specifically told Timothy, Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony
of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hathsaved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given
us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Timothy 1:8-9).
Peter also reminds us, For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience
toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?
but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps (1 Peter 2:19-21). If Christ suffered, the believer
should also expect to suffer, for as the scriptures teach, The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord (Matthew
10:24). What Christ has experienced, the believer in Christ should also expect to experience. Later, Peter adds, Be sober, be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called
us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1
Peter 5:8-10). Suffering will also result in our spiritual maturity, strengthening by God, as well as entrance into eternal glory.
Writing
to the Corinthian believers, Paul explained that suffering and affliction in this world result in the believer in Christ experiencing
an eternity of glory: For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to
the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our
light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at
the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which
are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).
Despite our suffering, we can and should expect to have great joy. For example,
Paul wrote the church in Corinth, Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality (2
Corinthians 8:1-2).
The believer in Christ should also glory in his or her tribulations because tribulations and suffering result
in hope, as well as the the love of God being shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote the church in Rome, Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace
wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation
worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad
in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly (Romans
5:2-6).
Our suffering will also result in spiritual maturity. To the twelve tribes, James wrote, My brethren, count it all joy
when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect
work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:1-4).
Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, mentioned several
reasons that Timothy should endure any hardness, persecution, and suffering resulting from Timothy's preaching the gospel. Paul mentioned
some rewards that Timothy had already received from God. Paul wrote, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and
of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker
of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according
to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made
manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through
the gospel (2 Timothy 1:7-10). Paul was encouraging Timothy to not fear in preaching the gospel, because God had not given him a spirit
of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Paul further encouraged Timothy to not be ashamed of providing testimony of
the Lord, and to be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the supernatural power of God. Paul also reminded Timothy
that God hath saved him, called him with a holy calling, according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus
before the world began. Finally, Paul also reminded Timothy that Christ had abolished death for all believers, and had brought immortality
to reality through the preaching of the gospel message, which Paul implied that Timothy should fearlessly and faithfully perform.
Furthermore,
Paul wrote Timothy, Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also
suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that
which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which
is in Christ Jesus. That good thing [being called to preach the gospel message] which was committed unto thee keep [continue to perform] by
the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us (2 Timothy 1:11-14). Paul was making the point that because he had been called by God to be a
preacher, apostle, and teacher, he had suffered many things, but was not ashamed of preaching the gospel because he was convinced
that God was able to sustain him in his sufferings for the gospel sake. Paul instructed Timothy to hold fast the form of sound words,
instructions, and points that Paul had spoken to Timothy with faith and love towards others. Paul, without doubt, told Timothy to
remain committed to the thing God had called him to do, which was, to preach the gospel message.
Finally, the apostle Peter teaches
us about the greatest reward for the suffering we shall experience: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be,
ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen,
ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of
your faith, even the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:6-9). We must remember what the sciptures teach us - that trials, tribulations,
and suffering will eventually result in the salvation of other's souls, as well as ours.
ENDURE ALL THINGS FOR THE ELECT'S SAKE
In
his second letter to Timothy, Paul, the mighty apostle and teacher, clearly understood that Timothy was suffering in many ways. In
order to encourage Timothy, Paul defiinitely wanted to get Timothy's attention. Paul forcefully instructed Timothy, Consider what
I say; and [may] the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the
dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds [imprisonment]; but the word [of truth, the
gospel message] of God is not bound [Greek, deo, to bind literally or figuratively, to be in bonds, knitted together, to be tied up
and restrained in a negative sense]. 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 (2 Timothy 2:7-10).
Paul also referred to the most compelling reason Timothy should
faithfully and fearlessly continue to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to continue to fight the good fight. Paul reminded Timothy,I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2
Timothy 4:7-8). Paul exhorted Tmiothy to continue to preach the gospel in spite of his sufferiing, and to continue to fight the good
fight, as Paul had. Paul also reminded Timothy that he would also earn a crown of righteousnes that would be given him by the Lord
and righteous judge.
Paul wrote Timothy this often misinterpreted and misunderstood verse: Study [make an effort, strive for]to shew thyself approved [tried and found acceptable] unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed [Greek, anepaischuntos, not
ashamed, or not disgraced or irreprehensible], rightly [correctly and fully] dividing [understanding that suffering should be expected
when one preaches] the word of truth [the gospel message] (2 Timothy 2:15). Finally, the mighty apostle Paul directed and encouraged
Timothy to endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. These instructions should apply to all believers in Christ. AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
"Draw nigh to God,
and he will draw
nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye
sinners; and purify
your hearts, ye
double minded. Be afflicted,
and
mourn, and weep:
let your laughter be turned to mourning,
and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the
sight of the Lord,
and
he shall
lift you up
(James 4:8-10).
I looked on MY right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou ART my refuge AND my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought
very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the
righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully
with me
(Psalms 142:4-7).
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I
will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded:
they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that
contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy
right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee
(Isaiah 41:10-13).
