Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 2:11-13
As we close out this week in 2 Timothy 2:11-13, through Paul, God proclaims an incredibly trustworthy statement. First, God reminds Timothy (and us) that if we have truly died with Christ, then we will also live with Him. We find this same Truth in Romans 6:8 and again in 1 Thessalonians 5:10. God never wants us to doubt that if we have surrendered our lives to Christ as Lord, the day will come when we will live together with our Lord forever. Second, God lets us know that if we endure the tests and trials of this life, that one day we will reign with our Lord Jesus Christ forever (also noted in Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:29, Romans 5:17, Romans 8:17). Third, God gives the warning that anyone who denies Christ this side of heaven, that Christ will also deny that person before His Father and even before the angels in heaven (also shared by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 10:33, Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26, Luke 12:9). The last thing God shares through Paul is that even if we are faithless at times, God is always faithful. God cannot be anything but faithful because that is who He is. Even if all humanity were to choose not to believe in God, that would never change who God is, for He is Faithful and True (Romans 3:3, 1 Corinthians 1:9). God cannot deny Himself (Titus 1:2 and Hebrews 6:18), which is good news indeed.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about living with Him, not denying Him and about His nature never changing?
2. How are you living now so that you are prepared to reign with your Lord one day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!