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Jesus Christ, risen

2 Timothy 2:8-13 (JDV)

2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my excellent message,
2 Timothy 2:9 for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound.
2 Timothy 2:10 This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain rescue,1 which is in Christ Jesus, with permanent glory.
2 Timothy 2:11 This saying is trustworthy: You see, if we died with him, we will also live with him;
2 Timothy 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;
2 Timothy 2:13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, because he cannot deny himself.

Jesus Christ, risen

Paul was encouraging Timothy to stay faithful to his calling and the missions work. He had used three examples of perseverance in the previous text: soldier, athlete, farmer.

In today’s text he points to the untimate example: Jesus Christ, risen.

Paul himself was undergoing suffering for the elect. He was following Christ’s example. The reason he could confidently face hardship and imprisonment for the excellent message is that the message is about Jesus Christ — once suffered, now risen.

Lord, thank you for the hope your message gives those of us who may have to suffer for you today.