~ The Christian Life
Described as Hard Work 4 Ways ~
The Apostle
Paul in his instructions to Timothy, his son in the Lord, had much to say about
the reality of being a Christian. Paul was not afraid to talk about the life of
a Christian being very difficult at times.
Hard Work for His Gospel
~ “Don't
be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message
along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the
power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had
nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long
before we knew anything about it” (2 Timothy 1:8-9, The Message).
Hard Work as His Soldier
~ “My
son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me —
the whole congregation saying Amen! — to reliable leaders who are competent to
teach others. When the going gets rough,
take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on
duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates
on carrying out orders” (2 Timothy 2:1-4, The Message).
Hard Work Can Be Misunderstood
~ “Fix
this picture firmly in your mind: Jesus, descended from the line of David,
raised from the dead. It's what you've heard from me all along. It's what I'm
sitting in jail for right now — but God's Word isn't in jail!” (2 Timothy 2:8-9, The Message).
Hard Work as His Witness
~ “You’re
going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for
solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food — catchy opinions that
tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But
you — keep your eye on what you're doing; accept
the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough
job as God's servant” (2 Timothy 4:3-5, The Message).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
