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14 October 2014
” It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
If we suffer ( endure) we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we believe not ( are faithless) : he cannot deny himself. (2Tim.2:11-13)
Thank you immensely for allowing me access to your most valued privacy and time.
I thank God for you who has made the Resurrected Lord your Saviour and Lord. I salute you in Jesus’ Name.
Spirituality is the capacity to know , experience, and respond to God. As Christians , Christ must be LORD over all of life.
Can I please ask: How important is it to you that you have a Resurrected Lord as your Lord and Saviour?
Whatever the answer, it has eternal significance.
Please come with me as we share thoughts from our text – 2Tim 2:11-13.
It started with a faithful saying and my mind quickly reflected on 1Tim.1:15 .
” This is a faithful ( trustworthy) saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners: of whom I am chief”
I pray that the entire human race will hear and rightly respond.
The faithful saying is followed with the glorious promise:
“For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him”
In this context, ” to be dead with Christ” should be understood as when the believer faces challenges, persecutions, and endures for Christ’s sake . The verse ended with much assurance: ” we shall also live with him”, meaning we shall reign with Christ.
” But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” Matt. 24:13.
Those who faithfully adhere to Christ, irrespective of the challenges of faith are assured of reigning forever with Christ.
The tragic result of denying Christ:
” if we deny him, he also will deny us:”
” Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.( Matt. 10:32-33).
Denial could occur in various ways and forms – by character, by words, by actions and sometimes out right disobedience of the word of God.
It is high time we remind ourselves that God means what He says. He will keep his word. His promise of Glory and His pronouncement of judgement are sure. Some people will be saved and glorified, and others will be denied and condemned. It is our peril if we prove unfaithful to Him, the person will be forever miserable whom Christ disown at last.
” If we believe not yet he abideth faithful : he cannot deny himself”
If we are faithful to Christ , He will be faithful to us. If we are false to Him, He will be faithful to his threatenings. He cannot deny himself , cannot recede from any word that he has spoken, for He is yea and amen, the faithful witness.
If we deny Him out of fear, or shame, or for the sake of temporal advantage, He will deny and disown us, and will not deny Himself but continue to be faithful to himself and His word, when He threatens as well as when He promises.
” He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him” Jn.3:36.
If we want to develop godly character, then one of our main objective should be to honour our commitments. Psalm 55 describes a person who is moving closer to God as one who ” swears to his own hurt and does not change” . His word is his bond.
Friends, God is rewarding and will continue to reward faithfulness. Remain faithful. Don’t displease Him. You are of God.
Stay blessed.
Pastor Bassey Usungedo
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