SET FREE, and UNSHACKLED

FROM DEATH TO LIFE 2 Timothy 2:1–13 You then, my son,be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering,like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1-3) Paul is in prison and it feels like everyone has left him there to rot. Read (2 Timothy 1:15). "Everyone in the province of Asia": This refers to the western region of modern-day Turkey (where Paul previously ministered heavily, including cities like Ephesus). While it likely doesn't mean every single individual, it indicates a widespread, sweeping abandonment of Paul in his time of imprisonment. Remember His imprisonment would end in his execution, this makes his words to Timothy endearing: “You then, my son, be strong” (2:1). He told Timothy of three guys, The soldier, The athlete and the farmer. The soldie needs to be focused and disciplined with a goal to “please his commanding officer” (v. 4). The athlete must run the race by “the rules” (v. 5). And the farmer “should receive the first a share of the crops” (v. 6). AS Paul was facing likely the toughest time in his life, he wanted Timothy to understand, the life that Paul choose was not an easy one, he wanted Timothy to know that following the ways of the gospel was tough (1:8) but in the end it would be worth it all. Friends, as we face difficulties today, God will help us endure whatever stands in the way of what He has called to do in service to Him. In our years of service, one will face many obsticals and shackles that will try and hinder you or bring you down. God promises to be with you, through the storm, HE offers patience and the strength required to keep moving despite the trials and challenges that “tied us up” as I look back over the years it amazes me, the many times, I see where my God carried us and helped us carry on. The apostle Paul was a great examplee, He never quit. His rugged resistance to the obstacles he faced along the way in his servise to God in the days of the early church hads been a great encouragement to me, in my life journey. Paul faced Despite fatigue, hunger, sleeplessness, and beatings, while continuing to preach the gospel and write letters of encouragement to the churches he worked with and giving much needed encouragement and instructions to his fellow believers. Paul while in prison wrote his last letter to his spiritual son Timothy, as he was awaiting execution. He noted that the good news could not be “chained” as he himself was (2 Timothy 2:9). “Therefore,” Paul said, “I endure everything” to give others the chance to hear and accept the truth about Jesus Christ (v. 10). Many times I have to remind myself that God can and will help me endure any kind of difficulty that is allowed to come my way in serving Him. I know, physical limitations llike illnesses, injuries, and many trials take time and attention, but God’s power is more powerful than these things. For His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Let’s give God the glory when He works through us to do things we cannot do on our own. With God all things are possible as we do them according to His will. Dear God,Help me lay down my pride and self will, my goal and desires are to please you and bring glory to your name. For it is in your name I pray AMEN