2 Timothy 2:8-13

The Cause is above the Comfort

“I suffer trouble” = vs. 9

“The word of God is not bound”= vs. 9

“I endure all things”= vs. 10

For the elects sake”=vs. 10

Christianity in real life is not always comfortable! We live with people today who act on selfish motives and do so with biblical illiteracy. Biblical illiteracy is at a dangerous level. Far too many people only do what feels good or results in financial profit. THIS IS NOT WHAT GOD EXPECTS FROM HIS CHURCH!

It is obvious in scripture most memorable people suffered. Consider Joseph, Job, Jeremiah, Jesus our Lord, Jochbed mother of Moses, John the Baptist, Jerrubbabaal, Jacob and many others. All these suffered as Paul did. Paul said he counted it all joy that he might win Christ.

Knowing the history of Gods people gives us a glimpse into the spiritual realm of warfare and greater purpose. Any time we forget our activities, circumstances and reactions effect eternity we lose sight of the promise of eternally enjoying and respecting the Creators good will.

I. Above our Comfort

a. Jeremiah in stocks= not very comfortable

b. Paul in prison= not very comfortable

c. Three Hebrew boys in the furnace= not exactly comfortable

Most of us view discomfort as losing our nice home, new car, fashionable clothing or something of the like. Many missionaries know real discomfort in fighting disease, mad drug lords, deadly insects and much more.

II. Above our Casual Time

a. David was at home when he should have been in the battle. He spotted Bathsheba during this time.

Too often we spend our casual time looking at things we shouldn’t, listening to things we shouldn’t and doing things we shouldn’t do.

III. Above our Cause

a. Jonah’s cause was to preach judgement to the people of Nineveh and watch them suffer. God’s cause was to spare Nineveh.

The cause of Christ is the highest cause we can engage in. Our own glory and recognition is worth nothing in eternity with God. Our cause is vengence one day and wealth the next.

IV. Above our Cynicism (disbelief)

a. Pharaoh doubted the authority of the God of Israel (see Exodus ch. 4)

b. The Philistines doubted the God of the Israelites (see Judges)

c. The 850 false prophets doubted the God of Israel (see 1 Kings 18)

Many people today say the don’t believe though God shows His sovereignty in so many ways.