Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:8-10

One thing we need to remember is nobody will stop God’s plans! No matter what they tried to do to the Apostle Paul or they try to do to us, to prohibit the gospel from spreading, it can’t be stopped, “The Word of God is not bound or chained” We need to remember this everytime we preach The Word it is not in vain, the Word of God is powerful , a two edged sword that pierces the heart, its the supernatural Word of God and can’t be stopped (Hebrews 4:12)

The Apostle Paul is reminding them what is the gospel message, Jesus Christ, God incarnate, the fulfillment of the Messiah, David’s Throne, died on the cross for our sins. And then Christ rose again on the 3rd day defeating sin and death forever, giving us eternal life. I would like to address verse 8 as people who reject Paul will say “Paul is creating his own gospel” This is just awkward translating from the Greek to English, as you look at the other translations, Paul is saying “This is the gospel that I preach”, which is about Jesus Christ and not himself. 

Preaching the gospel will have a cost as Paul tells us “for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer” When you preach the Word of God, the world will tell you you are homophobic, you are transphobic, you are racist, you are every file thing in the world, because the world hates Jesus Christ of the Bible. Being a true disciple of Christ will have a cost!

But as the Apostle Paul states “But the Word of God is not bound or chained” Nobody can stop the gospel message, every since Christ rose from the dead, the world has been trying to cover up the resurrection, they have been trying to eliminate any knowledge of Christ, however the world was already defeated at the cross, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)

So preach the Word of God in and out of season, preach even when there are consequences, preach even when it seems nobody is listening, because the Word of God will never be made void, the gospel will never be chained, Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen Indeed, Amen!

And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 2 Timothy 2:5-7

Just recently I saw a Church is adding Thursday evening services to accommodate parents who have children involved with sports on the weekend. This is obviously a controversial issue, however the point I bring up is sports is a heavily involved activity. Nobody can really say “I’m going to dabble in sports” , probably because they wouldn’t be very good. It would also demonstrate they dont have any dedication or love for their team also. Athletes who are successful, typically train all year round, continue to work with their teammates to improve chemistry and readiness. So why am I rambling on about sports?

Well the Apostle Paul says this “if anyone competes in athletics , he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules”. Previously the Apostle Paul compared our calling in Christ to being a Soldier of Christ in The Lord’s Army. Today Paul is comparing our calling in Christ to being a successful athlete. So lets dive into what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach us with this analogy.

Again as I said previously, a successful athlete will train continually, will spend alot of time practicing and preparing for the big game. They will spend alot of time with their coaches , taking advice and getting mentored. Their coaches will analyze the players’ performances and advise ways they can continue to improve to get better. This should reflect our calling with Jesus! 

We shouldn’t take our calling as a Christian as casual or just something to do on the weekends, this is a higher calling that we are continually trying to improve upon to gain our crown of glory. Now I can hear the lukewarm people, “this is legalism” , no this is the Word of God here by the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “He is not crowned unless he competes”

The Apostle Paul also compares our calling to a farmer, who is continually working on the fields expecting a harvest crop to come, this again should reflect our calling as Christians. We should be continually working the fields (evangelism) planting seeds (the Word of God) and waiting for a harvest to come (new converts) Of course the Holy Spirit transforms people, but we need to labor for Christ, we are called to be the salt and light (Matthew 5) as the body of Christ.  A farmer who is lazy will produce no crops and no harvest, if we want to see God working in our ministry, we must work for God!

I understand these are spiritual applications, but as the Apostle Paul says here “The Lord will give you understanding of these things” Don’t take your calling in Christ lightly, consider the cost, run the race, plant the spiritual seeds of the Kingdom, Amen!

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. 2 Timothy 1:13-18

To get some context of the scriptures we are reading today, the Apostle Paul is imprisoned again here in his second letter to Timothy. However this time, Paul knows and doesn’t expect to make it out alive this time. The Apostle Paul knows his time here on Earth is coming to an end, therefor he’s trying to warn his fellow brothers and sisters of the persecution coming, but also he wants to make sure they hold to the faith in Jesus Christ, that he taught them.

So understanding the urgency, it brings to life the words here from the Apostle Paul “hold fast the form or pattern of sounds words of words you heard from me or sound teaching” Meaning don’t abandon your faith when the persecution comes. Keep or hold on to the true teachings of Christ given by the Apostle under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Don’t abandon your faith when hard times come, because they are coming! We see this alot in todays Churches, many people have abandoned the true gospel of Christ to conform to the ways of the world. Many people have abandoned the Word of God so they can adhere to the agendas of this world, because they never truly had faith to begin with

You might say, I’m not able to endure persecution or the harsh treatment of this world. Remember what the Apostle Paul says here “that good thing that was entrusted to you or guard the treasure entrusted into you” Notice how precious the Word of God is, and it was entrusted to you. Most of the world hates the Word of God because it brings life, hold on to these promises and revelations like precious gold. Just as if you would protect your money and valuables, you should protect and secure the Word of God that was given to you. 

“Keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, this is why you can endure the persecution, this is why you can comprehend the Word of God, because the Living God is living inside of You! The same Holy Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead is living inside of you (Romans 8:11) You are not alone or defeated, you are equipped to endure your calling in Christ 

But many people have abandoned the Apostle Paul in his times of need, just as many people will abandon us, however hold fast to the gospel, hold fast to the Holy Spirit living inside of you, hold fast to our Lord Jesus Christ who will never leave or forsake us, hold fast to our Heavenly Father who has called you by name before the foundations of the world, Amen