IF we endure...

The Bible describes what is required for God's servants who are set apart and useful for God's noble and honorable service. To these are promised the honor of reigning with Him forever. (Revelation 22:1-5 ). It would be smart for us to apply these values and requirements to our own life. Let's look at these conditions given in 2 Timothy 2:1-26. Starting in verse 1, Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to be strong and to work with men who are faithful, competent, reliable, and able to teach the gospel. In vs 4 he encourages Tim not to be half-hearted but to be like a soldier enlisted to serve the commander. In vs 5 Paul encourages him to be like an athlete who plays fair and yet competes to win. Finally in vs 6 Tim is told to be like a farmer who works hard to receive the fruitful reward of his labor. Paul shares that his suffering in prison with chains was because of his sharing the gospel and his imprisonment would not chain the gospel! He knew that it would provide salvation and eternal glory for himself and others. As our example, Paul was prepared to persevere and stand his ground (vs10). He instructed Tim to tell people to (1) vs 15-study the Word and be eager to present themself to God avoiding shame and error.2)vs16 avoid empty talk 3)vs21-Cleanse themself from corrupting influences. (4)vs22- Shun youthful lusts and pursue all that is good, virtuous, right living and conformity to the will of God.(5)vs22- aim at and pursue faith, love, peace in fellowship with all Christians who call upon the name of the Lord from a pure heart.(6)vs23Have nothing to do with unedifying controversial questions that foster strife and breed quarrels.(7)vs24-25-Finally, don't be argumentative, but be kind, mild tempered, a skilled teacher, willing to suffer wrongfully so that others may come to their senses out of the devil's grip into God's will for their life. This is our plumbline. Help me Lord to measure up and glorify You!!