A Faithful Saying Series

A Faithful Saying

Text: 2 Timothy 2:11-13

There is an encouraging Bible passage found in 2 Timothy 2:11-13l, beginning with the sentence, 'This is a faithful saying.' Reading the verse, you will notice that this passage is indented. It is similar to the verses that we read in the book of Psalms. Some writers think that this passage was a hymn sung by the early Christians during their fellowship and worship.

A saying is any spoken expression of wisdom. A common saying comes from the wisdom of the world, spoken by the wise with a practical application on how one can find success in the pursuit of happiness.

On the other hand, a faithful saying (as used in this passage) is an expression of godly wisdom. It reveals much about our life with Christ in his kingdom. It is common knowledge for Christians during the first century of Christianity until now.

It is a faithful saying because it deserves strict attention and consideration. It contains comforting, encouraging, and edifying reminders to help us in our Christian walk on the narrow path to eternal Glory, a journey full of trials, persecutions, burdens, and hardships.

Today, I hope to encourage you with the wisdom of God imparted in this passage by considering the following meaningful themes:

How we began our life with Christ.

How do we continue our life with Christ?

Warning against those who deny him and become faithless.

I – HOW WE BEGAN OUR LIFE WITH CHRIST.

A. "FOR IF WE DIED WITH HIM..." (v 11a)\

This portion of the verse has reference to our obedience to the Gospel, in which we were crucified with Christ. (Romans 6:4)

It was a common conversation in the Bible to speak of converts having died with Christ.

1. We were dead in Christ. (Colossians. 2:20)

2. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ. (Colossians 3:3)

3. We have been crucified with Christ, who now lives in us. (Galatians 2:20) 

B. "WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM..." (v. 11b)

We are living with Christ now, in the newness of life.

1. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

2. We were made alive in Christ, having been forgiven of our sins. (Colossians 2:12-13)

3. We shall also live with him in the age to come. (Colossians 3:4)

II. HOW DO WE CONTINUE OUR LIFE WITH CHRIST?

A. WE NEED TO ENDURE. (v12a )

We all suffer hardships and difficulties whether we are Christians or not, but we can overcome them. We can endure trials, persecutions, and burdens because God gives us the strength by His grace in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)

I personally think that as teachers, we fall short in encouraging the flock to endure when we instruct them to bear difficulties and hardships as though these are commands that they need to obey with a hundred percent of their own strength. We fall short in laying out the principle, encouragement, and comfort of the Scriptures.

The commands of Jesus were written in our hearts to be obeyed with love. (John 14:15). 

We will endure because we live with Jesus Christ.

1. We have a way of escape in our hour of temptations.

a) God gives us a way of escape. (1 Corinthians 10:13-14)

b)  The Holy Spirit helps us. (Galatians 5:16)

c) Jesus will always be there for us as long as we live with him.

2. In our period of Trials

a) Count it joy, James said. (James 1:2-4)

b) The end-result of our trials is a transformation to maturity. These comforting words help us to endure. 

3. In our times of Persecution

a) Godly living leads to persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

b) No servant is greater than his master. (John 15:20)

c) Blessed are those who are persecuted in the name of Jesus. (Matthew 5:11)

d) Blessed are those who suffer in his name. (Acts 5:41)

If you do not want to be persecuted by unbelievers, be one with them, blend with them, do what they do. But of course, this is not a good thing to do. It would be a blessing to display our godliness. By our good example, we may influence them to the Glory of our God!

4. We need peace in our times of anxiety. 

a) Paul said: "Be anxious for nothing ." (Philippians 4:6-7)

b) Cast all your anxieties to Him. ( 1 Peter 5:7)

There is an opportunity to pray and be thankful.

He cares for you! Isn't that encouraging!

5. We can cast our burdens and troubles to God.

a) Cast all your burdens to God. (Psalm 55:22)

b) Jesus said: "my burden is light." ( Matthew 11:28-30)

c) Meditate on this passage, and you will feel the comfort and compassion of our Lord.