“God’s Word Cannot Be Chained!”

“God’s Word Cannot Be Chained!”(II Tim.2:8-13)
Paul tells Timothy that the risen Lord Jesus Christ was humanly descended from David. This is Paul’s gospel for which he was suffering and ready to die for – and for which he eventually died.
At the time of writing Paul was in chains, but as he told Timothy, “God’s word is not chained.”
This is Paul, a Jew who was zealous for his Jewish faith. A staunch Pharisee who studied under the best Rabbi of the time. Suddenly he made an about-turn to stand against his people.
It is not as if by testifying for Christ Paul opposed Judaism. Rather he saw in Christ the fulfilment of God. Those of the Messianic expectation who were spiritually blind not to see Jesus Christ as the Messaiah did not understand their Scriptures.
The people expected a Messaiah descend3d from Dsvid, but when they saw him they did not recognize him. Paul encountered him and believed him. And was ready to die for him.
There is gain after the pain of suffering for the sake of the gospel. But this gain is not in the form of earthly prosperity as is our reason for the labour today. In Paul’s own words: “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”
Yes, the goodnews is not chained. Whoever benefits from something good must lead others to be part of it.
Testifying for the Lord Jesus Christ is not milk and butter always. Indeed, “Here is a trustworthy saying: ‘If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.'”
Yes, God is faithful even when we are faithless. He cannot disown himself.
We are in a celebrative mood because Easter assured our life with Christ Jesus. But we must be ready to endure sufferings of sorts as we become evangelists to others “that they too may enjoy the salvation that is in Christ Jesus…”
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit give me the strength in times of suffering for the sake of the gospel. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang