Portraits of Endurance

Scott Risley

2 Timothy 2:3-7

Paul, writing to Timothy from a Roman prison, calls him to endure hardship with him. He gives three portraits of endurance. He reflects upon the devotion of the soldier, the discipline of the athlete, and the diligence of the farmer. They each willingly suffer and sacrifice in order to attain the goal of their efforts.

Six Ways to Lead a Tough Church

James Rochford

1 Timothy 4:1-16

Paul gives Timothy six ways to lead a tough church undergoing attack by false teachers who promote doctrines of demons. Timothy is directed: to stay well-fed by the Word, to work hard, to become what he wants to see, to lead with his Bible, to exploit the spiritual gift in him, and to trust that God will use him. God is not a harsh task-master. He will work on one area needing improvement at a time. What is one area you need to grow in?

Setting the Right Example

Chris Hearty

1 Timothy 4:12-16

Paul exhorts Timothy to be an example to the church he was leading in his speech, conduct, love, faithfulness and purity. His congregation would have a hard time looking down on him if they need to look up to his example. By conscientiously striving under grace to set an example, Timothy would cause both himself and his hearers to grow and prosper spiritually. What about your life is worth imitating by others?

Helping Kids Deal with Adversity

Scott Risley

1 Timothy 4:12-16

While it's tempting to to protect our kids from adversity and trouble, it's our job as parents to help them learn how to handle life's challenges. As we seek to help them step through adversity, rather than avoid it, we will help them become stronger children, and they will be well prepared for the challenges of adult life.

Facing Social Pressure

James Rochford

1 Peter 3:18-4:6

Noah no doubt faced intense social pressure as he labored in faith for decades to build a barge in the middle of the desert. Then the rains came. Then God baptized the ungodly into the flood waters and baptized Noah and his family into the ark. Peter encourages believers to surprise the ungodly by resisting the desires of the flesh and live for the will of God instead.

Spiritual Lifestyle in a Rugged World

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 4:12-19

Peter offers six things to do or not do when encountering suffering as a Christian. Firstly, do not be surprised! Jesus told us the world first hated Him and will hate us as well. Secondly, keep on rejoicing. We can rejoice because suffering teaches us many valuable lessons. Thirdly, do not bring on unnecessary suffering by sinning. Fourthly, do not be ashamed because you bear the name of the One who was not ashamed to go to the cross for us. Fifthly, entrust your soul to a faithful Creator because surely the One who created you will also take care of you in all circumstances. Finally, continue in doing what is right even in the face of difficulties.

Lion Awareness

Ben Foust

1 Peter 5:8-11

One of the essential attitudes for enduring what Peter calls the "fiery ordeal"--suffering in the name of Christ--is an awareness of God's enemy, Satan. Peter describes him as a lion, prowling around, looking for someone to devour. Peter says the keys to defeating him are knowing your enemy, being on the alert, and resisting him.

Run with Endurance

Patrice McCormac

Hebrews 12:1-3

The book of Hebrews describes the life of a Christian as being that of "running the race." While God has a meaningful race for everyone to run, entry into the race depends on us receiving God's gift of forgiveness. This passage calls us to run the race with endurance, only possible if we drop "excess baggage" that will sap our strength, including sin and an over-dependence and love of distractions.

Readiness to Suffer

Ben Foust

1 Peter 4:1-17

Peter seeks to encourage a group of Christians who are undergoing a "fiery ordeal"--persecution for their decision to follow Christ. Peter acknowledges that the will of God may involve suffering, but it will bring us to the purpose that God has created us for--helping reconcile the world to God--and should not be resisted or come as a surprise. We can embrace it with joy, knowing it will refine us and our faith.