" Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
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.
This is a faithful saying: for if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will also deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself, " 2 Timothy 2:8-13 ( NKJV )
INTRODUCTION
A. Some doubt that a " heavenly reward " awaits a faithful Christian.
1. The reason many do not endure trials and persecutions.
2. Let us know the truth about the "eternal glory" that awaits us, John 8:32
B. The approach in this lesson shall be as follows:
1. Imprisoned Because of the Gospel of Christ
2. Enduring Trials For The Sake of the Elect
3. That They May Obtain Salvation With Eternal Glory
4. God Is Ever Faithful Despite Our Doubts
DISCUSSION
A. Imprisoned Because of the Gospel of Christ
1. Paul, a former persecutor of Chrstians, was reaping what he sowed earlier, Acts 8:1,3
2. Jesus told Ananias about Saul in Acts 9:16 " I will show him how he must suffer for my Name."
3. In Acts 21:13, Paul said, " I am ready, not only to be imprisoned, but even to die in Jerusalem for the Lord Jesus."
4. " The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains," Acts 22:29
5. "When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him," Acts 28:16
6. " I appeal to you on the basis of love. I as Paul, an old man and now a prisoner of Christ Jesus," Philemon, verse 9
7. " Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners..." Hebrews 13:3
B. Enduring Trials For The Sake of the Elect
1. Endurance from the Greek " hupomone" means steadfastness, constancy, patience or perseverance
a. " to endure" means to withstand, to hold on; to suffer or undergo
b. " physical strength to keep on going" e.g. marathon, giving birth
c. used in exhausting mental situation/ stressful time
d.power to withstand something challenging, i.e. marathon
e. state of surviving; remaining alive; power to withstand hardship or stress
2. Jesus said " one who endures to the end will be saved," Matthew 10:22
3. Paul wrote " love endures all things," I Corinthians 13:7
4. Paul wrote " we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ," I Corinthians 9:12
5. There is a need for endurance to receive the promise, Hebrews 10:36
6. Endurance must have a perfect result, James 1:4
7. The best example of endurance was Job, James 5:11
C. That They May Obtain Salvation With Eternal Glory
1. Paul said that " our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us," Romans 8:18
2. " Despite fiery trials, Christians must rejoice as partakers of Christ's sufferings..."
3. " So that when His glory is revealed, they will also be glad with exceeding great joy," I Peter 4:12-14
4." The God of all grace has called you to His ETERNAL GLORY in Christ after you have suffered a little while," I Peter 5:10
5. "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an ETERNAL GLORY that far outweighs them all," 2 Corinthians 4:17
D. God Is Ever Faithful Despite Our Doubts
1. We can trust God and maintIn our faith in Him because He is faithful to keep His promises!
2. " Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is FAITHFUL," Hebrews 10:23
3. God has promised that " all thinga work together for good to those who love Him, " Romans 8:28
4. Jesus Himself promised His apostles, " Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the world," Matthew 28:20
5. The Holy Spirit is a Deposit guranteeing our inheritance..to the praise of His glory," Ephesians 1:14
6. Jesus said, " Where two or three are gathered together, there I am in the midst of you," Matthew 18:20
7. " Be strong and courageous..for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you," Deuteronomy 31:6
CONCLUSION
A. As endurance and faithfulness lead to " eternal glory" in heaven with God...
1. Let us " be faithful unto death and receive the crown of life," Revelation 2:10
2. John wrote about heaven in Revelation 21:1-4
a. God Himself will be with all the saints
b. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes
c. Death shall be no more mourning, crying or pain
d. Old things have passed away