SUFFERING CAN BE A TRAINING GROUND FOR CHRISTIAN MATURITY
2 Timothy 2:3: wants us to “therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 4:5: endure afflictions (could be: distresses, miseries, pains, sufferings, troubles, misfortunes, torments, woes, trials, tribulations, adversities, hardships.)
“5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
PAUL KNEW WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO ENDURE AFFLICTIONS
2 Corinthians 11:24-27: Of the Jews, five times received I forty stripes save one.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;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;27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
• Paul ENDURED all of this
• So he was encouraging his “son in the faith.”
• To ENDURE / STAND and finish the race
PAUL ENCOURAGED TIMOTHY TO ENDURE TO THE END
2 Tim 4:7-8: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8 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.
• PAUL ran and finished the race
• He was nearing the end of his life
• He had been faithful to his call
• He said these words to “encourage” Timothy (his son in the faith)
WE HAVE A CALLING TO REJOICE IN THE LORD
In Psalm 5, David starts by saying in vs. 1-2: Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
• This Psalm is called the MORNING PRAYER
• David wanted God not to hear his Words AND to consider His heart also
• Vs. 2: He calls on God to “LISTEN” unto the voice of my cry, MY KING AND GOD for unto thee I will pray
Psalm 5:11: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.”
Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
(be joyful, have joy, be happy)
Rejoice because Jesus is in us!
Psalm 97:12: 12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Psalm 100:1-2: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Give your heart to Jesus today by saying this prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Now, help me to live for you the rest of this life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen. ra