Paul's Sufferings Not in Vain (2 Tim. 1:11-12)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 7-19-02

 

My Worship Time                                          Focus:  Paul’s Sufferings Not in Vain

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  2Timothy 1:11-12

 

            Message of the verse:  “11  for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.12  For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”

In this verse Paul shows a lot of confidence, however the confidence is not in himself but in the Lord Jesus Christ whom he serves, and even suffers for.  “Paul had deposited his soul in the care and keeping of the Savior, and Paul was sure that Jesus Christ would faithfully guard that deposit.” 

Paul gives his identity in verse eleven and for this reason he has also suffered for the cause of Jesus Christ.  He was not ashamed of suffering because he knew that his suffering would not be in vain, for he suffered for the One who suffered for him.  Paul knew the Lord Jesus Christ as well as anyone on earth has ever known Him who is in a human body.  “  Philippians 3:10  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;” Yes Paul knew the Lord Jesus Christ and for this very reason he had such a great confidence in Him and could write about it when he was so close to his death.  Paul says he trust Him “until that day.”  The day that he is referring to is the Bema seat of Christ, where all believers will be judged on how they have fulfilled their ministry that has been entrusted to them by the Lord.

            Spiritual meaning for my life:  Paul spoke and wrote like a man who had a great confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ.  He knew who was leading his life and who was in control of every detail of his life.  I know that I do not have this same confidence in the Lord, but I would like to have much more that I do have.  I know the way to know Him better is to continue to read and study His Book, and to memorize and meditate on His Word. 

The Word of God was very inspiring to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  “5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.  6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 5:20, 21 & 1Timothy 6:6-8

 

Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, we shall be content.