Suffering Connected with the Deposit
In his message, Stephen reflects on the significance of Paul's second letter to Timothy, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness amidst suffering. Paul, writing shortly before his martyrdom, encourages Timothy to remain strong in grace and to pass on the teachings he received. Stephen highlights the challenges faced by early Christians, including persecution and corruption within the church, drawing parallels to contemporary issues. He stresses the necessity of understanding the deposit of faith entrusted to believers, which requires both commitment to Christ and the responsibility to uphold the teachings of the Gospel. Suffering is presented as an integral part of the Christian experience, linked to the fellowship of Christ's suffering. Stephen urges believers to embrace a mindset prepared for suffering, recognizing that true glory follows endurance. He recounts historical examples of faithful Christians who faced persecution, underscoring the need for a mindset aligned with Christ's humility and willingness to suffer for righteousness. Ultimately, Stephen reassures that enduring faithfulness will lead to eternal rewards, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ as they await His return.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to Paul's letter to Timothy
- Encouragement to remain strong in faith
- Challenges faced by early Christians
- Understanding the deposit of faith
- The connection between suffering and faithfulness
- Historical examples of faithful Christians
- The importance of a mindset prepared for suffering
- Assurance of eternal rewards for faithfulness
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
