Embracing Faith and Hope in Christ's Return

 

Summary

In Paul's Second Epistle to Timothy, we find a profound declaration of faith and assurance. Paul, writing from prison, speaks to Timothy, a young minister struggling with dejection and fear for the future. Paul urges Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him and to hold fast to the Gospel. Despite his imprisonment and suffering, Paul is not ashamed because he knows whom he has believed and is convinced that God is able to keep what he has committed to Him against that day. This message is a call to embrace the Gospel fully, to understand it as a complete truth, and to live by it with confidence and hope.

Paul's message is not just about personal salvation but about the grand narrative of God's plan for the world. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the whole of Christian doctrine, including the anticipation of "that day"—the day of Christ's return. This day is the culmination of God's plan, the consummation of history, and the restoration of the universe to its original glory. It is a day of judgment and redemption, where the faithful will be glorified and reign with Christ.

The sermon challenges us to live with our eyes fixed on that day, to see beyond the immediate struggles and to find strength in the eternal promises of God. It is a reminder that the Christian faith is not just about personal comfort but about participating in God's grand design for the cosmos. The hope of that day gives us courage to face the present with boldness and assurance, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith in Adversity: Paul's confidence in the face of suffering is rooted in his knowledge of Christ. This faith is not based on circumstances but on the unchanging truth of the Gospel. It challenges us to find our security in Christ, regardless of our external situations. [02:53]

- The Importance of Doctrine: Understanding and holding fast to sound doctrine is crucial for overcoming dejection and fear. The Gospel is a complete truth that must be embraced in its entirety to experience its full power. [07:36]

- Living with Eternal Perspective: The anticipation of "that day" transforms our perspective on life. It encourages us to live not for the temporary but for the eternal, shaping our values and actions in light of God's ultimate plan. [14:25]

- The Consummation of God's Plan: The return of Christ is the fulfillment of God's purpose for the world. It is a day of judgment and restoration, where the faithful will be glorified and the universe will be renewed. This hope sustains us in the present. [39:03]

- The Call to Repentance and Faith: To partake in the glory of that day, we must repent and believe in Christ. This involves a humble acceptance of the Gospel and a commitment to live by its truth, trusting in God's promises. [52:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Paul's Assurance
- [00:28] - Paul's Imprisonment and Faith
- [01:37] - Timothy's Dejection and Encouragement
- [02:53] - The Core of the Gospel
- [04:56] - The Truth of the Gospel
- [06:52] - The Power of Sound Doctrine
- [08:24] - The Eternal Gospel
- [11:17] - The Significance of "That Day"
- [14:25] - The Early Christians' Perspective
- [18:11] - Historical Faith and Martyrdom
- [22:12] - The Futility of Worldly Hope
- [25:10] - The Consummation of God's Plan
- [30:59] - The Turning Point of History
- [39:03] - The Return of Christ
- [46:21] - The Final Judgment and Restoration
- [52:00] - The Call to Faith and Repentance

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 1:12 - "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."
2. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 - "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
3. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 - "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul express about his confidence in 2 Timothy 1:12, and how does this reflect his circumstances? [02:53]
2. How does Paul encourage Timothy to overcome his dejection and fear in 2 Timothy 1:6-7? [05:53]
3. In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, what does Paul say about his life and future hope? How does this relate to the concept of "that day"? [12:38]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's assurance in 2 Timothy 1:12 serve as a model for facing adversity in one's own life? [02:53]
2. What role does sound doctrine play in overcoming fear and dejection, according to Paul's advice to Timothy? [07:36]
3. How does the anticipation of "that day" influence the way early Christians, like Paul, lived their lives? [14:25]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity. How can Paul's confidence in Christ inspire you to find security in your faith during difficult times? [02:53]
2. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Christian doctrine, and how might this help you overcome fear or uncertainty in your life? [07:36]
3. How can you shift your focus from temporary struggles to the eternal promises of God? What practical changes can you make in your daily life to live with an eternal perspective? [14:25]
4. Consider the concept of "that day" and its significance in your life. How does this future hope impact your current values and actions? [39:03]
5. In what ways can you actively participate in God's grand design for the cosmos, beyond seeking personal comfort? [22:12]
6. How can you cultivate a spirit of repentance and faith in your daily walk with Christ, ensuring you are prepared for "that day"? [52:00]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to stir up the gift of God within you. What specific actions will you take this week to nurture and use this gift? [05:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Anchored in Christ, Not Circumstances
Paul's unwavering faith in the face of adversity is a testament to his deep-rooted belief in Christ. Despite being imprisoned, he remains unashamed and confident because his faith is not contingent on his circumstances but on the unchanging truth of the Gospel. This challenges us to find our security in Christ, regardless of our external situations. When we anchor our faith in the eternal promises of God, we can face any trial with courage and assurance. [02:53]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: What current challenge are you facing that you need to view through the lens of faith in Christ rather than your circumstances?


Day 2: Embracing the Fullness of the Gospel
Understanding and holding fast to sound doctrine is crucial for overcoming dejection and fear. The Gospel is a complete truth that must be embraced in its entirety to experience its full power. Paul encourages Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him, emphasizing the importance of a robust understanding of Christian doctrine. This comprehensive grasp of the Gospel empowers us to live confidently and with hope, even in the face of uncertainty. [07:36]

Colossians 2:6-8 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the Gospel this week to strengthen your faith and overcome fear?


Day 3: Living with an Eternal Perspective
The anticipation of "that day" transforms our perspective on life. It encourages us to live not for the temporary but for the eternal, shaping our values and actions in light of God's ultimate plan. By fixing our eyes on the eternal promises of God, we find strength to face the present with boldness and assurance. This eternal perspective helps us prioritize what truly matters and align our lives with God's grand design for the cosmos. [14:25]

2 Peter 3:11-13 (ESV): "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."

Reflection: What is one way you can shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal values in your daily life?


Day 4: The Hope of Christ's Return
The return of Christ is the fulfillment of God's purpose for the world. It is a day of judgment and restoration, where the faithful will be glorified and the universe will be renewed. This hope sustains us in the present, providing a foundation for our faith and a source of courage in the face of life's challenges. By living with the hope of Christ's return, we are reminded of our ultimate destiny and the glorious future that awaits us in Him. [39:03]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?


Day 5: The Call to Repentance and Faith
To partake in the glory of that day, we must repent and believe in Christ. This involves a humble acceptance of the Gospel and a commitment to live by its truth, trusting in God's promises. Repentance is not just a one-time act but a continual turning towards God, aligning our lives with His will. By embracing this call, we participate in God's grand narrative and prepare ourselves for the day of Christ's return. [52:00]

Acts 3:19-21 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to turn back to God and align with His will today?

Quotes

"For the which cause I also suffer these things nevertheless I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." [00:16:43]

"The only way to conquer in this world, the only way to be master of life, is to believe the Christian message. There's no patent remedy here. I've got nothing that I can give you, I suppose, but if I were so disposed, I could do certain things to you." [00:57:24]

"Hold fast the form of sound Words which thou Hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us that's the gospel." [06:47:00]

"There's only one gospel it's what Paul calls in the next chapter my gospel there is no other this is an exclusive gospel we don't need a World Congress of faiths the Christian faith needs no help it needs no addition none of the other religion so-called have got anything to give us." [07:42:52]

"The glory of this gospel is that it's a complete her that's what amazes me and astounds me more and more the more I read it and study it as year passes here I am more amazed at this gospel tonight than I've ever been I'm more thrilled by it for the same reason." [08:42:52]

"Now then that brings us Isaiah to this last great element in the Christian doctrine in the Christian teaching what is it well it's he in two words that day that day I know whom I have believed and and persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." [11:06:16]

"The thing that explains the kind of life that was lived by the new Testament Christians and supremely by a men like this great Apostle the thing that explains it is their view of that day that was the thing that kept them going that was the thing that gave them their boldness." [13:23:39]

"The hope is the world that is to come that day and this is the big message well you see it's obvious isn't it while the things are improved in this world I say it's a good thing but you know you can pass all your acts of and have the most perfect legislation imaginable." [23:12:39]

"The message of the Bible from beginning to end is just this it's the unfolding of God's plan and purpose for this world and that is why I Rejoice to preach this gospel and stand before you as a great Optimist tonight in spite of all that's happening in the world." [26:06:39]

"God's got a plan and a purpose and he's putting it into practice and is going to finish it he's going to end it that's that day it's the end of History the trouble with all of us Christian people included is that we miss the wood because of the trees." [26:22:32]

"That end is as definite as was the beginning that end is as definite as was the form that end is as definite as was the birth of The Babe of Bethlehem his death his resurrection his Ascension that end that day historical it's a fact it's actual it will happen now this is the biblical message." [34:32:00]

"Now this is the biblical message so you've got a complete review of history and there is the Terminus there's the end after that you've got nothing but eternity and its Everlasting Glory time has ended time shall be no more and we will be in the Eternal age." [34:56:40]

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Transcript
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