Remember Jesus Christ

2 Timothy 2:8

“Remember Jesus Christ. He is from the family of David. After Jesus died, he was raised from death. This is the Good News that I tell people” (English Version for the Deaf).

The gospel proclaims the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. He was the Seed of David: Man. He is the risen Lord: God. Now He is a glorified Christ. NLT Repeat this: “Never forget that Jesus Christ was a man born into King David’s family and that he was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.” Why was this important for Paul to mention this verse?

False teachers were a problem in Ephesus. At the heart of false teaching was not correct in the view of Christ. In Timothy’s day many false teachers claimed that Christ was divine but not human—God but not man. These days we often hear that Jesus was human but not divine—man but not God. Either view destroys the good news that Jesus Christ has taken our sins on himself and has reconciled us to God. In this verse, Paul firmly states that Jesus is fully man, “born into King David’s family” and fully God, “raised from the dead.” This is an important doctrine for all Christians (QuickVerse Life Application Bible Notes). [Ref: Acts 20:29,30; 1Tim.1:3-11]

 This devotion really opened my eyes to realize that there are some people who want to destroy the good news about Jesus Christ. No wonder it is so important to study God’s Word and know where we stand in our belief in Christ. Jesus said, “If you continue in My Word, then you are my disciples.” This led me to remember the song, Blessed Redeemer.

Song: Blessed Redeemer Chorus:

Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!

Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree;

Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,

Blind and unheeding, dying for me!

(Lyrics: Avis Burgeson Christiansen, Sing His Praise)

1. Up Calvary’s mountain one dreadful morn,

Walked Christ my Savior weary and worn,

Facing for sinners death on the cross

That He might save them from endless loss. (Then Chorus)

2. “Father forgive them!” thus did He pray,

E’en while His life-blood flowed fast away;

Praying for sinners while in such woe,

No one but Jesus ever loved so. (Then Chorus)

3. O how I love Him, Savior and Friend,

How can my praises ever find end!

Thro’ years unnumbered (many) on heaven’s shore,

My tongue shall praise Him forevermore. (Then Chorus)

Think Over These Things

2 Timothy 2:7 “Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you the ability to understand everything” (NCV).  

Paul gave four illustrations: teacher, soldier, athlete and farmer. A teacher is upheld by discipleship. A soldier is upheld by the thought of final victory. An athlete is upheld by the vision of the crown. A hard working farmer is upheld by the hope of the harvest. Each submits to the discipline and the toil or work for the sake of the glory which shall be. It is so with the Christian. The Christian struggle is not without a goal; it is always going somewhere. The Christian can be certain that after the effort of the Christian life, there comes the joy of heaven; and the greater the struggle, the greater the joy (Part note from Barclay’s Commentaries).

Why is it important to be a strong Christian in all four of these illustrations? Paul gives reason from 2 Timothy 2:15 from Barclay’s translation: “Put out every effort to present to God as one who has stood the test, as a workman who has no need to be ashamed, as one who rightly handles the word of truth.”

What does Paul meant “as one who has stood the test?” There would always be “false teacher” who would try to convert the Christian to “another gospel” rather than the true gospel of Jesus Christ. False teacher would try to use so many words as to confuse them into their purpose of their teachings. Their goal is to draw them away from God and His Word (2Tim.2:15-18). To lose being a strong soldier is to get involved with “worldly needs.” To lose being a strong athlete is to forget the discipline and let it go. To lose being a hard-working farmer is to give up waiting for the harvest and go somewhere else, “looking for gold.” In another word, the Christian would “fail the test.”

God will give you the ability to understand where you are standing. The test would be how strong you are able to stand against things that tried to “pull you down.” Ephesians 6:10-18 gives a good illustration on how to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” and end with “Praying always.”

Song: Stand Up for Jesus

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross,

Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss;

From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,

Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed.

(Lyrcs: George Duffield, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord bless you as you stand up for Jesus!

Dorothy

A Hard Working Farmer

2 Timothy 2:6  
^“Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor” (NTL).

Paul has used the picture of the soldier and of the athlete, and now he uses the picture of the farmer. It is not the lazy farmer, but the farmer who works, who would be the first to receive the share of the fruits of the harvest. So what kind of character of a farmer which Paul would wish to see in the life of the Christian?

The farmer has learned to wait with patience so it is the same picture that the Christian has learned to wait with patience. A farmer knows that there are no such things as quick results. Often a Christian sows the good seed of the word into the hearts and minds of his hearers and sees no immediate result. A farmer watched with hope of a good harvest so does the Christian who watch and pray for a good harvest, whether win to soul or to watch a baby Christian to grow in grace.

The New Century Version quoted: “The farmer who works hard should be the first person to get some of the food that was grown.” Like farmers, we work extremely hard and are patient. We keep going despite of suffering because of the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with Him. (Notes from QVLAB)

The book of James tells us this: “Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. A farmer patiently waits for his valuable crop to grow from the earth and for it to receive the autumn and spring rains. You, too, must be patient. Do not give up hope, because the Lord is coming soon” (James 5:7-8 ncv). This makes me think of two songs.

Song: Work, for the Night Is Coming”

1. Work, for the night is coming,

Work thro’ the morning hours;

Work while the dew is sparkling,

Work ‘mid springing flowers;

Work when the day grows brighter,

Work in the glowing sun;

Work, for the night is coming,

When man’s work is done.

(Lyrics: Annie L. Coghill, Sing His Praise)

Song: We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes

We’ll work … till Jesus comes,

We’ll work … till Jesus comes,

We’ll work … till Jesus comes,

And we’ll be gathered home.

(Lyrics: Elizabeth Mills, Sing His Praise)

Let’s work until Jesus comes!

Dorothy

A Strong Athlete

2 Timothy 2:5 “Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize” (NLT).

Paul encouraged Timothy who was a minister for Christ to be like a strong athlete. What is an athlete? The athlete person who takes part in exercises that requires to have physical skill, endurance, and strength. Like athletes, they must train hard and follow the rules before they get into the games.

The King James Version quoted: “And if a man also strives for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” What interests me was the phrase, “strive for masteries.” The athlete is strong in discipline and self-denial. The picture is that of a professional athlete, a person who has dedicated his life—all that he is and has—to the contest. The Christian is not to be an amateur in life; he is to be professional. An amateur is a person who engages in something without experience or skill. It is like a person who takes part in something for pleasure. (Part from QVLAB notes)

When we “enter the Christian contest,” our official is the Lord Jesus Christ, the very Son of God Himself. How do we follow the Lord’s rules? Simply, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; study His Word, read your Bible and pray every day. Be filled with the Spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to help us to live for Christ and become more like Him. It takes disciplined and hard work to keep growing in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I like what Paul said from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I, myself might be disqualified” (NLT).

You may wonder, what does this really mean to me? When I studied this part of the verse about the athlete, this helps me to understand why I get up early in the morning to take time with Him and His word, “Manna.” After reading Paul’s epistle and the word, “discipline” takes on a new meaning for me. It just felt like “a growing pain,” but I felt good because I understood what it takes to follow our “Commander” who loves us and gave Himself for us. Oh, the song just reminds me to sing this.

Song: It Will Be Worth It All

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life’s trials will seem so small, When we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race, Till we see Christ.

(Lyrics: Esther Kerr Rusthoi, Sing His Praise)

May the Lord touch your heart today!

Dorothy

A Strong Soldier

2 Timothy 2:3 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (KJV).

Paul used a comparison with soldiers who discipline themselves and who were willing to sacrifice to work toward the goal that God has called a person to do. Like soldiers who have to give up the worldly security and endure severe discipline. Paul, himself knows what it is like to be a soldier of Jesus Christ. Paul knew that as Timothy preached and taught God’s Word, Timothy would face suffering, and Paul encourage Timothy to endure all things for Christ.

The New Living Translation would be better interpreted as Paul stated, “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army” (2Tim.2:3-4). The New Century Version stated, “Share in the troubles we have like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier wants to please the enlisting officer, so no one serving in the army wastes time with everyday matters.”

What would it take for a Deaf Christian believer to be a strong soldier of Jesus Christ? Here are the few selective answers from the QVLAB study notes that impressed me. A strong soldier endures, suffers, and shares hardship with all other soldiers. A strong soldier stands with the other soldiers and suffers the hardships of the struggle with them. A strong soldier sacrifices all that he is and has for Christ.

A strong soldier is loyal and committed to his commander-in-chief, Jesus Christ. A strong soldier focuses upon his commander and his words to carry the message of gospel to those around us. To me, it would take a strong soldier to keep up with the daily study or reading of God’s Word to feed our hungry soul and to share God’s Word with others. Keeping in touch with our Commander, Jesus Christ is the most important thing to do. This song might motivate the Deaf people in the Deaf Church.

Song: Onward Christian Soldier

Chorus:

Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus, Going on before.

1. Onward, Christian Soldiers! Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus, going on before;

Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe;

Forward into battle, See His banners go! (Chorus)

2. Like a mighty army, Moves the church of God;

Brothers, we are treading, Where the saints have trod;

We are not divided, All one body we,

One in hope and doctrine, One in Charity. (Chorus)

 (Lyrics: Sabine Baring-Gould, Sing His Praise)

Let's be a strong soldier for Jesus Christ, our Commander!

Dorothy

A Strong Teacher

2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (KJV).  

I am sharing two more translations: NCV: You should teach people whom you can trust the things you and many others have heard me say. Then they will be able to teach others. NLT: You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.

Paul encouraged Timothy to be a strong teacher and be able to teach others, also. A strong teacher receives the truth. Timothy had heard Paul preach and teach the truth. Now the question: How did Timothy know that the preaching and teaching of Paul were true? The answer: By the many witnesses who bore testimony to the same thing. Many proclaimed that the promises of Christ were true. When they trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, something happened to them.

What happened to them? They received a changed life, a transformation of life so dramatic that they became as new men and new creatures. They received a deep sense of God’s presence. They received the absolute assurance of salvation from sin, death, and judgment to come. They received the indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit. They received the assurance of living forever.

It is just simply stated that many witnesses confirmed just what Paul taught; there, Timothy could trust what Paul taught. And when he did, Timothy himself was converted. He experienced the truth of Christ and of salvation. The truth of God and of salvation is established forever. Christ Jesus, the very Son of God Himself, came to earth to reveal God and the way of salvation. Witness after witness down through the centuries confirms the truth. It is up to us to hear and receive it. A strong teacher will hear, receive, and pass on the truth to others. Then the person passes on the truth to others so that they in turn may teach others and pass the truth on down to future generations.

Today, we have the Bible because they passed it on to us since 2,000 years ago. The truth is to be committed to faithful believers. By faithful is meant a person who believes in Christ and in the Word of God and who is loyal, reliable, dependable and trustworthy.

The other scripture I also like to add, 2 Timothy 1:13 and 14 from NLT: “Hold on to the pattern of right teaching you learned from me. And remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.”

So let’s hold on to God’s Word that will help us to be “a strong teacher.”

Dorothy

Be Strong in Grace

2 Timothy 2:1 “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ” (KJV).

Grace, the source of strength is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was facing death and Paul knew where to find strength, it is found in our Lord Jesus. Timothy would soon have to take over Paul’s place. Soon Timothy would take the responsibility for spreading the gospel across the earth. Timothy was like a son to Paul and they were very close.

Paul was concerned about Timothy. Could Timothy stand up under the pressure? Could he handle all the problems and circumstances that would arise? There was only one hope for Timothy, just as there is only one hope for any of us. Timothy needed an unlimited strength, a strength that could drive him to conquer any circumstance and to work at any task until it was accomplished. That strength could come from only one source and that strength is the strength of God.

Grace means the undeserved favor and blessings of God. We do not deserve the favor and blessings of God, but God loves us. So God has provided the way for us to receive His favor and blessings—the greatest way possible—through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We can receive the blessings of God through the very Son of God Himself. And this includes the strength of God, strength to conquer and overcome all trials and to do the work that God called us to do.

Paul encouraged Timothy to be strong, but not strong in his own strength, but strong in the grace (favor) of Christ. Let us look up to Christ, no to ourselves or to other people. Let's put our trust completely in Christ, His power and His strength alone.Paul often quoted, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me” (Phil. 4:13).

Song: He Leadeth Me

1.He leadeth me! O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught (fully)!

Whatever I do, where ever I be,

Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me!

Chorus:

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me:

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

(Lyrics: Joseph Henry Gilmore, Sing His Praise)

Oh that grace of God that would never lose its power in us!

Dorothy