Have you ever wondered why it is that you have gone through a particular trial for so long? Do things seem to fall apart when you think things cannot get worse? I have some encouragement for you in the transcript of the sermon titled,
GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU
Derek E. Eurales, Jr.
Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-5
Key Verse: 2 Tim. 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
See also: Romans 8:30; Hebrews 13:20-21
“1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:1-5 (KJV)
Learning
The Apostle Paul was writing to Timothy, whom he considered to be a son in the gospel. He knew his earthly ministry was ending and he wanted to share some encouragement with Timothy about the future challenges he would face. He challenged Timothy to be strong in the midst of adversity; to share what he has learned with faithful men, who would also teach others; to endure rough times as a good soldier.
There is also encouragement that those who engage in war should not have to be concerned with the things outside the realm of his service.
Romans 8:30 says, “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
God Chose You!
Hebrews 13:20-21 declares, “20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
God Chose You!
Applying
– Those who have work to do must stir themselves up and prepare for the things that are to come. Many times, people don’t recognize when they have done something great. They often start out with the intentions of doing something ordinary, but challenges they faced and overcame produced results of greatness – all because they showed up and stood firm. Most heroes will tell you that, in the heat of the moment of what we call their “heroism”, they were just doing what they knew to do.
– When you know the right way to do something, you don’t mind sharing it with others. The mere act of sharing what you know with another person can have lasting effects on others, because one never knows just how far his advice and encouragement will travel.
– Soldiers know a thing or two about enduring hardness. As believers, God has called and chosen us to endure hardness, to demonstrate God’s patience, to serve as an example of God’s way of doing things.
– Just as a Soldier focuses on the orders of his commander, so must Christians focus on pleasing God. Are you a Soldier for Christ?
Conclusion:
When things in your life seem to constantly go wrong and there is no clear explanation, it could be that God has chosen you to move into areas where others would fail; into places where others won’t go; to do things others fear doing; to bring God glory!
Author, speaker, musician DEREK E. EURALES, Jr., loves to share his faith, motivation, and music. His book, Principles of Christian Living, has become a “must read” for believers of all ages. To order your copy, click here.