It is of utmost importance that Timothy recognize how critical it is for him to step up boldly and confidently in carrying on the ministry after Paul.
After summarizing the truth concerning the Gospel, Paul goes on to address the responsibility of the believer to live out God's plans and purposes as His people. He states that placing faith in Jesus Christ identifies the believer with His death, burial, and resurrection. New life begins living in a personal relationship with Him, from the present through eternity. Paul then goes on to emphasize that to do so will require endurance. Timothy has endured difficulties in his ministry, and as he steps up, Paul knows the pressure will only intensify, so he would need to keep on enduring.
The Spirit inspired Paul to warn that those who deny Christ, as opposed to standing firm and being willing to suffer because of their identification with Him, will likewise be denied by Him. They deny Christ under pressure because they are not truly saved. The genuine believer, in contrast, will perserve.
This persevering may have a time when faith falters, stumbles, or hesitates in the face of suffering and pressure, but it will not fail. It will not free fall away from Christ in complete denial because it is God Himself who remains faithful to keep us from that fatal falling away. The believer will repent and turn back to Christ with their faith all the stronger.
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In the fall of 1969, Gil began a full-time teaching ministry as Senior Pastor of Indian Hills Community Church. He also earned his Ph.D. from the California Graduate School of Theology. The focus of Pastor Rugh’s ministry is systematic, verse-by-verse teaching of the Bible. As a...