Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION
8  Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from
the dead according to my gospel,  9  for which I suffer trouble as an
evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not
chained.  10  Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that
they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal
glory.

2 Timothy 2:8-10

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. Remembering
a) It is important to practise “remembering”
b) This is taught to Sunday School pupils by way of Bible Memory verses
c) It is good and important as servants of God to continue with this discipline

2. Vital things to remember
This was the “gospel” that Paul proclaimed faithfully.
a) It centered on the Lord Jesus Christ
b) He was the Christ… the Messiah Psalm 2:2
c) He was of the seed of David
i) He is therefore King
ii) He is the Anointed King Psalm 2:6
iii) He is the Son of God Psalm 2:7
d) He was raised from the dead
i) Triumphant over sin
ii) Victorious over Satan
iii) Overcoming Death

3. Suffering for the Lord

a) Many called Paul an “evildoer”
b) He was sent to jail and chained
4. How Paul coped with his suffering
a) He found endurance
b) He bore all his suffering for the sake of the elect
c) He hoped that his suffering for the Lord would point people to salvation
i) This salvation is found in Christ
ii) This salvation is of eternal glory

5. The word of God
a) He believed in the word of God
b) It was not chained
c) He was devoted to the teaching and preaching of God’s word

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY
Here are some questions we would do well to ask ourselves:
1. How much do we love the Lord’s word?
2. How are we committed to hiding the Lord’s word in our heart?
3. How willing are we to suffer:
a) For the Lord
b) For the sake of the Lord’s word
c) For the sake of the elect (“our brethren”)
Let us be inspired by the example of the Apostle Paul in his labour for the Lord Jesus!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan