Why Press On

Thesis: The Christian life is hard, many times harder than the non-Christian life -- perseverance can be more than difficult. Believers may wonder why they should continue pressing on in the faith. In today's text, Paul tells Timothy why the Christian endures.

If knowing Christ will bring persecution, what is the Christian motivation to follow him? :

1. THE PERSON OF CHRIST (v.8)

   • "remember" is command - all about Christ
   • He was tempted, tried, ridiculed, killed
     for us and secured our eternal victory
   • He conquered death, raising from grave
   • Credited us with his sinless life
   • He is sovereign and will not allow
     unbearable temptations
   • Always lives to intercede for us

2. THE POWER OF THE WORD (v.9)

   • Despite worldly constraints, the Word is
     never bound and will always accomplish
     its purpose
   • Use as refuge and salvation

3. THE GOSPEL PURPOSE (v.10)

   • Trials give us opportunity to witness,
     example, ambassador the gospel message.
   • God uses means of his people to advance
     kingdom and reach his elect.

4. THE PROMISE OF THE FAITHFUL (v.11-13)

   • dying with Christ = living with him
     symbolized by baptism
   • endurance = reigning with him
     co-heirs with Christ
   • Christ-deniers = hell-bound
   • Christ is always, never-endingly faithful,
     never forsaking his own.