2 Tim., Pt. 4 (A Trustworthy Saying)
 
“A Trustworthy Saying” 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Pt 4 By Pastor Dan Kennedy © October 18, 2015 www.pastorkennedy.com Many notable businesses have posters on the walls of their company motivating their employees to “Aim Higher”, “Achieve Greater Goals”, “Work Safely”, and “Be Successful” in any number of ways. As Christians whenever we find a noteworthy saying based on Scriptural truth, we may tend to keep it so its words can give us wise council to strengthen us in our walk of faith before God. God’s Directives in the Old Testament: Remember the Great Commandment When God brought His People out of Egyptian slavery, He told the Israelites to prepare themselves and arm their hearts and minds with encouragement from His Word before they entered the Promised Land. They were to strengthen their resolve in the Lord lest being brought into great abundance they might forget the Lord and His Commandments (Deut. 6:12). Deuteronomy 6:4–9 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates…. Remembering these commitments to their God could keep them following the Truth and to not be tempted to believe deceptive spiritual lies leading to worship and participation in abominable pagan practices – bringing the Judgment of God on their Nation, instead of blessing! Christians too, bring the Scripture into their homes to encourage the depth of their Spiritual walk. How many of us have Scripture verses or statements of Bible related encouragement throughout our house? Today we are looking at 2 Timothy 2:11-13, studying a “Trustworthy Saying” given to us as believers in Christ today. It encompasses four aspects of faith, which are pertinent to followers of Jesus Christ. “A Trustworthy Saying” - Four Certainties in the Christian Life • Death & Life • Enduring & Reigning • Disowning & Disowning • Faithlessness & Faithfulness 2 Timothy 2:11-13 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: “If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” 1. Death & Life “Death with Him” = “Life with Him” We do not often speak of the Christian Life being one which includes death, while we are yet alive…but this “living-death” is imperative if we desire to be victorious over the world, our flesh and the devil. If we died with Him, we will also live with Him…. The Christian Life is an unusual life. Jesus Christ died for us. Those who believe in Jesus Christ should choose to die with Him. The Apostle Paul put it like this: 2 Corinthians 4:8–10 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. How can we effectively die when we are still alive? There are many decisions that we make every day. We have many, many thoughts that cross our mind prompting us in our decision-making. We continually choose between all these thoughts in walking life’s pathways. We set aside the thoughts that we do not like and we accept and act upon the thoughts that we believe to be best, most enjoyable, or which have the best potential outcome for us. To die to something is to reject the thoughts that are not healthy for our Christian life – that God, through His Word or by His Spirit in our conscience, has warned us against. For Instance, we are all prone to Pride, Covetousness, Immorality and Anger. • Pride: We can live in pride, and suffer the outcomes of a proud heart, or “die” to our pride and benefit from the attribute of humility. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6-8; 3:13; Phil. 2:3-5) • Covetousness: If we covet what we do not have, we can destroy what we do have by grasping for the “greener grass on the other side of the fence”, or we can choose not to covet, saving ourselves from potentially serious consequences (Ex. 20:17; Phil. 4:11-13; Heb. 13:5). • Immorality and Abusive Behavior: When we are tempted to entertain lustful thoughts, or participate in abusive habits, then we can either choose to resist and die to these strong urgings, blocking them out of our mind and heart, by the Power of Christ and His Spirit, or we will be captured and bound by the tentacles of their dark web, and in time, reap a “living death” which will be of far greater destruction (James 1:13-16; Col. 3:3-10; Eph. 5:3-12). Anger: We can become angry, and choose to sin in our anger, hate in our anger, lash out in our anger, and choose unforgiveness and bitterness in our anger. Or, we can choose to die to those negative bursts of emotions, which are screaming to captivate our thoughts and cause us to say and do things we would most certainly regret (Eph. 4:26-27; 31-32; 1 Thess. 5:15-18; Phil. 4:5; Heb. 12:14-15). We could list all of the “thou shalt not’s” of the 10 Commandments here…because our flesh is prone to them all! • Trial and Suffering: The aspect of Trial and Suffering is also a means that God often uses in our lives to draw us closer to Him, to refine and purify us. We struggle under trial – we often chafe under trial, but those whom God loves, He rebukes and chastens as Children, and refines each of His Own as gold is refined in the fire. James 1:12 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 1 Peter 1:3-9 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. What happens if we do not “die” to the carnal cravings of our flesh, or yield to God’s Hand in the refinement of testing and sorrow in trial? • If we do not die to the natural inclinations of our carnal self, or submit to the refinement of trials by fire – then we reap the consequences of living in compatibility with our flesh…and associating with others living lives of bitterness or debasement before God. “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33). • If we die to our natural, carnal self, we will reap the benefit of a life that is pleasing to God. Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2  but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4  The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6  for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. The power to “die” to those things dishonorable to God is always through the Authority of Jesus and the power of the indwelling and transforming Holy Spirit. Again, What do we “Die” to? • We die to the “efficacy” of our own “good” works (Eph. 2:8-9) – the effectiveness of our: o good deeds, o good attitudes and o good participation in religious worship… if we are of the opinion that these will benefit our Salvation and make us more acceptable before a holy God. We are not made righteous and justified before God through our own good works (Titus 3:4-7). Good deeds follow the work of God’s Grace in our Salvation. Good works do not redeem us from sin. We are “saved” by God’s Grace through Faith in His Work through Jesus’ death, for my sins, on the Cross. After having accepted Jesus’ Sacrifice for our sins: • We die to our own Prideful, Self-centered ways. o The pride of our personal successes and accomplishments, lifting ourselves up and flaunting our achievements instead of glorifying and being thankful to God (Gal. 5:26; James 4:16). • We die to the driving desires of our covetous, carnal flesh (1 John 2:15-17). o The lust of our flesh – our insatiable carnal longings and desires (Rom. 13:11-14; Gal. 5:16-17; 24-25; Eph. 2:1-3). o The lust of our eyes (Exodus 20:17; Matt. 5:27-28) 2 Tim. 2:11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him… In the Christian life we are told to follow Jesus, because as a servant we are not above our Master. Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus Luke 9:23 23 And he (Jesus) said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Daily Death to Self – “I die every day” – the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31. Baptism – a Symbolic and Spiritual Picture of Death and Resurrection with Christ Let’s have a quick review of the multiple aspects of Baptism, leading to the symbolism of “Dying with Christ”: • Why does the New Testament teach Baptism? o Jesus Himself Exampled, Taught and Commissioned Baptism Jesus is our example and He chose to be baptized, to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus made baptism part of His earthly ministry, for those who were repentant of their sin and believed on Him (John 3:22, 23; 4:1-30. Jesus’ Great Commission to His disciples instructs all of Christ’s disciples, as we are going into the world, to make disciples and baptize them in Christ’s Name (Matt. 28:19,2 0). Jesus’ disciples followed Christ’s instructions by baptizing those who believe in Christ (Acts 2:37, 38, 40, 41; Acts 8:4, 5, 12, 26-38; 16:13-15; 29–34; 18:8; 22:12-16). Who was the only one noted in the New Testament who was not baptized? The repentant thief on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43). If we had been living when Christ was teaching and we wanted to follow Him, He would have encouraged us to be baptized upon our confession of faith! o There are spiritual dimensions in baptism that picture profound truths in the Christian life. Baptism can be part of a Public Profession of our faith in Jesus Christ. (Rom. 20:9, 10) Being cleansed and washed from the guilt and condemnation of our sin, before God (1 Cor. 6:9-*11). New Birth and Regeneration by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:3-6). The New Covenant Relationship that all Redeemed believers in Christ have, no matter what his or her human status is in life (Galatians 3:23-29; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). Dying to self and living to God. Baptism is an Outward Portrayal of Our Inward Dying to Self and Living to God Romans 6:3-11 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were Óburied therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set freeÓ from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Colossians 2:12-15 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling Óthe record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Notice the profoundness of this principle found in baptism: death to the old fleshly life, resurrection to the New Life in Christ. The Resurrection that Baptism also represents gives us the hope of one day appearing with Jesus Christ in Glory! Colossians 3:1-4 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, Óseated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is yourÓ life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Romans 6:8 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:10 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. The Reality of a Seed’s Natural Death and New Life: The Harvest Principle Whenever a seed is planted in the ground, it must die to itself and be transformed, or it will never give birth to new life and the abundance of that potential harvest (John 12:24). This is a principle of “new birth” in the Christian life. John 12:23–26 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Death & LIfe 2 Tim. 2:11 Here is a trustworthy saying: “If we died with Him, we will also live with Him.” 2. Enduring & Reigning 2 Timothy 2:12 12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him. It is very interesting that Enduring and Reigning follows Dying and Living. If we consider Dying and Rising carefully, we will find that dying to the carnality of ourselves is the very best thing we could ever do. When we live totally for ourselves we tend to destroy everyone and everything most precious around us…including our own life. So, in actuality, living a life pleasing to God is the best way to live our human life and truly succeed with satisfying fulfillment. This doesn’t mean life will be easy. In fact, the mention of “enduring” underlines the reality that a life honorable to God will be subject to the attacks of those immersed in a worldly lifestyle around us (Rom. 1:29-31), and the assaults of the enemy of our souls who confronts us as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8-11). Jesus’ Promise to His Faithful Disciples Luke 22:28–30 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. God’s Children who Suffer with Christ, being conformed to His Death, are also Heirs to be Glorified together with Christ Philippians 3:10–11 (NKJV) 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Romans 8:17 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Hebrews 10:36 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Revelation 20:4 4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 3. Disowning & Disowning 2 Timothy 2:12b If we disown Him, He will also disown us; Matthew 10:33 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Luke 12:8–9 8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. False Prophets and Teachers 2 Peter 2:1 2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 1 John 2:23 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Mark 8:38 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Matthew 7:21–23 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ The Wise and Foolish Virgins Matthew 25:10–12 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Some are Last who will be First, and some are First who will be Last! Luke 13:23–30 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” 4. Faithlessness & Faithfulness 2 Timothy 2:13 13 if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown himself. The Illustration of God’s Faithfulness to a Chosen but sometimes, Faithless Nation Romans 3:1–4 3 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Numbers 23:19 19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Titus 1:1–2 1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began. “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24–25 Four Certainties in the Christian Life – “A Trustworthy Saying” • Death & Life • Enduring & Reigning • Disowning & Disowning • Faithlessness & Faithfulness 2 Timothy 2:11-13 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: “If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” http://www.pastorkennedy.comshapeimage_2_link_0