2 Timothy 2:8-13: ‘’Remember Jesus Christ…’’

If you are going to suffer, and be single-minded, like a soldier (3, 4) remember Jesus Christ.

If you’re going to live right like a disciplined athlete (5), remember Jesus Christ.

If you’re going to work hard like a farmer (6), remember Jesus Christ.

If you’re going to be able to bear mistreatment for the sake of the gospel (8b), remember Jesus Christ.

If you want to be willing, like Paul, to pay any price that the elect might be saved (10), remember Jesus Christ.

Remember who Jesus is, and all that He is, and everything He has done, and it will help you to keep going (11-13) when times are hardest. It will keep you from disowning Him under pressure. (But whatever you and I do, the Lord will ‘’remain faithful’’. He cannot be untrue to Himself.)

Remember Him not as you think of a dead hero. Remember Him as the One who died and rose again (8). He’s still around! He’s the Christ who beat death, and in Him we overcome too (11, 12). ‘’…God’s word is not chained.’’ (9). No opposition, however severe, can prevent God’s Word from prevailing: ‘’…but God’s Word isn’t in jail!’’ The Message. And remember that Jesus is the living ‘’Word’’ (John 1). He is active in the world He made and He is unstoppable. He is not manacled by anyone or anything.

Remember Him as the fulfilment of prophecy (8b: ‘’…descended from David.’’) and let your heart be encouraged.

‘’Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’’ Hebrews 12:3.

‘’When the road is rough and steep, keep your eyes upon Jesus.’’

Even when the road is somewhat easier, this is still the way to live: ‘’Looking unto Jesus…’’

‘’Fix this picture firmly in your mind: Jesus, descended from the line of David, raised from the dead.’’ The Message. He faced the worst and He came through it. So will you – in Him.