Stimulus For Suffering

THEME: A willingness to suffer and endure hardship is one of the major themes of this letter that Paul wrote to Timothy. None of us like to suffer hardship. Having to endure pain and persecution is not high on our list of favorite things in life. We all have a natural aversion to these things; we seek to avoid them at all costs. That’s why like Timothy, we need to be coaxed and prodded to stand and suffer for the truth of the gospel. In this passage, there are FOUR THINGS we need to remember that will stimulate us and spur us on to stay faithful to Christ even when we have to suffer for Him. 

1. REMEMBER THE PATTERN OF GOD’S SON (v. 8)
2. REMEMBER THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD (v. 9)
3. REMEMBER THE PURPOSE OF GOD’S PLAN (v. 10)
4. REMEMBER THE PROMISE OF GOD’S REWARD (vv. 11-13)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. We are all motivated by memories. What is one inspirational memory that motivates the way you live your life?
2. Read Hebrews 12:1-4. What are some ways you have suffered because of your commitment to Christ? How does the memory of Christ’s suffering for you help you endure what you may have to suffer hardship for Him? 
3. Read Psalm 19:7-11. What are some truths these verses teach about the nature of God’s Word that encourage you to stay faithful to it and to share it with others?
4.  Read Romans 10:13-17 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14. How do you reconcile the two truths about God calling you to salvation and you calling upon God to be saved (i.e. God’s sovereignty v. man’s responsibility)? What is the means God has ordained to bring the elect to Christ?
5. How does the doctrine of election provide tremendous incentive to evangelize the lost? What is the error of those who are referred to as “hyper-calvinists”?
6. Based on your faithfulness to God, does the thought of God’s faithfulness in regards to your eternal reward comfort you or scare you (cf. 1 Cor. 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:10)? Why?
7. Thank God for sending His Son Jesus to suffer in your place. Ask Him to forgive you for seeking to avoid suffering for Him. Pray that He would help you to remember these four things and that they would spur you on to remain faithful to Christ even when you are called to suffer for Him.

“Paul assures this young pastor that…there is more than reason enough for him, and all Christians, to willingly suffer for Christ, and to put everything in this life on the line for Him. No sacrifice-mockery, alienation, rejection, desertion, imprisonment, or even death-is too high a price to pay. The importance and the reward of a faithful life and ministry, not to mention the honor and glory of the Lord we trust and serve, far outweigh any personal sacrifice that our trust and service may incite.”

John MacArthur, 2 Timothy, 54