“The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him.” 2 Timothy 2:11-12
We need trustworthy sayings. The uncertainty of life, fog of present circumstances, and unknown futures throw us onto the firm foundation of the Word. Here, we find the solid rock of truth, and all other ground is sinking sand.
What do you do with pain? How do you cope with suffering? Whether it is mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, or some hideous combination, every Christian has to deal with suffering. No believer is immune. Saints are called to “share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3). When passing through the floodwaters, you need trustworthy sayings.
Here, Paul points suffering saints to their union with Jesus Christ. We are “in Christ Jesus,” strengthened by the grace that is “in Christ Jesus.” (2:10, 2) He says here in verses 11-12 that death is the way to life, and endurance the path to victory. Christians began their journey to heaven by dying to self (Mark 8:34). Pilgrims die daily. We die to sinful passions, worldly thoughts, warped affections, selfish motives, addictive pleasures, and the security of control over others. Only through painful death to sin do we enjoy the life of unquenchable joy! Sin is an enslaver of the worst kind. Satan is our accuser, and he would keep us bound. But the Word of God is not bound! You are not bound! You have died, crucified with Christ, and the life you now live is in union with Him! Your life is now hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3). Have you died to self? Have you yielded to the Lord? He uses your earthly suffering to loosen your grasp on this world and adhere your grip to His Word. “If we have died with him, we will also live with him.”
Furthermore, your earthly pilgrimage is Christ’s school of endurance. This is a life-long race where every step is taken in faith, strengthened by the grace that is in Christ. When you begin to taste the floodwaters, when the bitter cup is handed to you, when the pain becomes unbearable, you need endurance. O, Christian, hear this word of promise: “if we endure, we will also reign with him.” Can you hear the hope of this promise? Jesus Himself looked through the pain and isolation of the cross to the joy set before him, and because He was obedient unto death, your Conquering Savior was given a name above every name, and is now seated at the right hand of the majesty on high!
Your elders want to be your encouragers. When you are in need of endurance, we are here and want to lift you up. We want to point you to these glorious promises of Christ. We want you to truly live, to endure, and enjoy the unending reign with Christ. When we all sit together on the mount of God, enjoying the beauty of the Lamb, we want to look back on our earthy pilgrimage and know that we encouraged each other to press on to the life, joy and reign set before us.
Press on,
Chris |
