Second Timothy
Second Timothy was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Lesson Six (Chapter 2 continued)
(THE CONDITIONS OF REIGNING)

Introduction:

All through the study of the "Five T's" the Word has hinted at information concerning suffering and reigning. Upon arriving at this passage God puts it right on the line and informs us if we want to reign in the future we had better plan on suffering now. The future is defined as the Millennium in (Lk. 19:12-27).
 

I. The Suffering

In America we have an opportunity to suffer for Christ easier than just about any other people in the world. Very little harm will come to most people for being a witness for the Lord. In fact it's so easy to live for Christ here it becomes somewhat of a mystery as to if anyone really suffers or not. However, the Bible does reveal some ways we can suffer. Jesus was our example in suffering (I Pet. 2:21). Listed are some ways we need to suffer as Jesus did.

 

A. Bearing The Reproach - (Heb. 13:12,13) In order to do this your spiritual geographic position must be outside the gate of the world (I Jn. 2:15).

B. Prayer - (Lk. 22:44)

Jesus prayed about:

[1]. Sin - that He must bear the wrath of (Mk. 14:33-37).

[2]. His Disciples - (Jn. 17:9) "Others" was the theme of Jesus life.

C. Giving - (Pet. 2:21-24) Many have said that tithing is not New Testament. They are absolutely correct, as this Old Testament standard is but a minimum that a New Testament Christian who has tasted the grace of God should do.

Higher Income Means Lower Giving - The Russell Sage Foundation several years ago published the results of a survey. In the United States, families with a net income of less than $3,000 a year gave more than 60% of all the money donated to charity; families whose income was less than $5,000 donated 82% of the total; families with an income between
$10,000 and $20,000 a year gave only 1.9% of their income!

According to an Internal Revenue Service analysis, Americans who itemize their deductions give less than 3% of their adjusted gross incomes to church and charity. 

II. The Reigning

Rewards will be passed out at the Judgment Seat of Christ as found typified in Luke 19 and described in I Cor. 3:11-15. It is here that the "fine linen which is the righteousness of the saints" (Rev. 19:8) will first show up. It is interesting to note that linen is made from flax. The flax is beaten (it suffers) to produce the linen. Do not confuse this robe, which is an earned one, with the robe of righteousness which Christ awards at salvation (Rom. 3:22).

 

A. The Consolation - (2 Cor. 1:5-14) Paul wasn't concerned about losing it all (Phil. 3:8), because he knew he had a consolation later. This consolation of rejoicing is defined as the Corinthians themselves in 92 Cor. 1:14). The same language is employed in (I Thess. 2:19). Paul invested his life in people and he was convinced that in so doing he was laying something up in Heaven (Matt. 6:19-21) for the future (2 Tim. 1:12).

B. The Crowns - A symbol of reigning is a crown. Perhaps that's why the New Testament Christian can earn crowns.

They are listed in the Word as:

[1]. Incorruptible Crown - (I Cor. 9:25-27)

[2]. Crown of Rejoicing - (I Thess. 2:19)

[3]. Crown of Righteousness - (2 Tim. 4:7,8)

[4]. Crown of Life - (James 1:12)

[5]. Crown of Glory - (I Pet. 5:4)

1. •The question "what good is a crown?" Can be answered in (Prov. 14:24). Notice (Prov. 15:6) - The truth of the verse is not always found in this life, so there must be some reference to the future.
   
   

III. The Denial

The text does not say that Christ will deny the unfaithful salvation. The context is about reigning. It is the reward that will be denied to the unfaithful (Luke 19:24; 1 Cor. 3:15; Rom. 8:17). (2 Tim. 2:13 clarifies the statement by assuring us that God will remain faithful (I Cor. 1:8).

 

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