Thursday, August 13, 2015
2 Timothy 2:11-13 This is a faithful saying: 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; He cannot deny Himself.
A FAITHFUL SAYING (4)
Paul's final "faithful saying" to Timothy focuses on the end goal of the Christian. This isn't surprising since Paul likely penned these words shortly before his own death. After all the busyness and clutter of the world fades away, life is really very simple. Jesus died for us, so that we can live with Him. Is there a more faithful saying or thought worth believing in the entire world?
But with that promise also comes an equally strong warning. Just as true as it is that those who believe in Jesus will live with Him, so it is true that those who deny Jesus will have no part with Him. This sharp dichotomy points us to the very core of the Bible -- Law and Gospel. The Law and the Gospel are two utterly contrasting messages yet both important for all people to heed. Therefore, as Paul organized his final thoughts to Timothy, there's no surprise at all that they focus on the Law and the Gospel in their simplest, most basic understanding. Believe in Christ and you have life. Deny Christ and you have nothing.
With a final twist, Paul reminds us why these faithful sayings are indeed faithful: They come from God. In the midst of our unfaithfulness because of sin, God remains our unchangeable anchor of faithfulness. Even when we so often turn to every possible avenue for help except God, He faithfully continues to call us through His abiding and effective Word. The message of Law and Gospel is a faithful saying, pay attention to it!
