2 Timothy Chapter 2

2 Timothy 2


We are SOLDIERS of the MOST HIGH GOD. We do NOT belong here- "3Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them."

• We as Christians will suffer. It's inevitable. We will either be persecuted, verbally abused, physically abused, or what have you. Why? For two reasons, 

1. Jesus suffered for us so that we may have eternal life. Since our Lord was heavily persecuted and was intensely hated, so will we. We are made in His image. We are Christ followers and His message is both hated and adored. The message of love, repentance, and forgiveness hasn't changed. People will reject it, just as they did when they crucified Him because these people aren't yet ready to let go of their sinful lifestyles.
2. Satan knows that he has already lost the war, but he wants to take as many POW or kill as many of Christ's side to ensure that others don't hear about the good news. Satan, in his futile attempts to try to inflict damage on the winning side, is working hard to kill us all, whether you are saved or you aren't. He wants as many people to suffer with him. Why? Because he lacks joy. He is rage. He is jealous of God's glory AND he is jealous of us. YES! Satan is burning with envy because God loves us and hates him, because God wants the best for us, even though we all fall short of the Lord's glory. Amazing isn't it?

But We Are Soldiers! There is a spiritual warfare going on and I choose to be on the winning side, and      by the grace of God, we will win souls! Amen! Like Paul said to Timothy, "Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life," we do not belong in this world. We cannot "please the officer who [tried to] enlist" us, for he is Satan and we do not follow him. Thank God.

This is so beautiful to me: "9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.

10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.12 If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.13 If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is."

Be careful and take heed. We are the body of Christ. Let's keep it healthy and without fault.- 

• "16Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer..." 
• "22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."
• "23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth."

When you don't know the Lord, you sin. You sin because Satan is your master and you are a slave to sin.

• "26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants."