FILLING
Read 2 Timothy 2:11-13.
For the last few days (even weeks) we have been looking at how a life in Christ requires hard work and discipline to grow. It requires slowing down enough to reflect on God’s Word. And it requires continually remembering the gospel – the work of Christ for our salvation and growth. I was reminded in a conversation with a friend yesterday that perhaps one of the reasons for remembering the gospel is that it reminds us of our mission in this world. It is so easy to get caught up in other things that we lose sight of our purpose. As we saw yesterday, getting caught up in the real mission of God can make life difficult, perhaps not as difficult as Paul’s life, but nonetheless difficult.
In today’s reading, this may be the reason Paul recites what has been understood to be a first century hymn because it is written in a way that helps one remember. The truths contained in this hymn are meant to encourage one who is suffering for the sake of the gospel. Rather than go through each statement, now is your chance to slow down and reflect. Take some time to fill your mind with these truths. Stop living in the present only, and set your mind on the eternal.
For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself.
To consider: Write down what each of these statements means to you. How does it encourage you? Are you going through something in your life whereby knowing these truths is helpful?
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Question for Home Groups
Discuss how each of these statements might be an encouragement to someone who is suffering. Why do you think the statement regarding denying Him is given? How does it make you feel?