Maintaining in Hardship

A Study on 2 Timothy 2:1-10

In these next few verse Paul is encouraging Timothy. He wants him to be mindful of who he picks as ambassadors of Christ when it comes to teaching others the gospel message for the unbelieving world and the body of Christ. He then reminds him that the gospel life is not an easy life. As a matter of fact it will be hard as evidences by the chains Paul is in at the time he is writing this letter. When these hardships come:

1. v.4 Hardship Can Distract Us
Don't let them distract you. Remain focused. Don't look to the world for relief, look to your King, Jesus. Don't look for answers to your hardship from the world around you. Jesus himself told his disciple that foxes have hole and birds have nests but the Son of man has no place to rest His head. As His followers we may be call to live in hardship for His purposes so don't let the trials of life cause you to lose focus. As followers of Jesus our life here on planet earth is about the kingdom of God and not about the kingdoms of man.

2. v.5 Hardship Can Cause Us to Compromise Our Integrity
When hardship comes, as you live for Jesus and him alone, and the world comes against you or the circumstances of life turn into storms, maintain your integrity to Jesus and his calling. Don't compromise in order to find relief from hardships. Don't soft peddle or compromise the gospel message and the doctrines attached to it. Don't cheat or take a bribe or offer a bribe in order to find relief. Paul probably could have easily bribed His way out of those chains in that society. Continue to follow Jesus. Remember what Jesus said to his disciples. If you love me then you'll obey me.

3. v.6 Hardship Can Make Us Greedy
 As you work hard in doing Gods will and material assets come your way just take what you need to meet your needs. Remember what the Lord taught about what our needs are, food and clothing. Don't let hardship and your desire to avoid hardship at all cost cause you to take more then you should. As a leader in the body of Christ don't give the enemy the opportunity, as far as it depends on you, to slander the name of Jesus and His kingdom because of money. Remember Jesus example. Remember the disciples example. Remember Paul's example and do like wise.

Paul continues to remind Timothy, as you see me endure hardship, see how I maintain for the sake of the gospel and the body of Christ. This is more important to me then my own personal comfort. Now go and do likewise.