We Must Strive to Win

If we want to be successful and win in this race we are running then we must strive for it. To strive means we are to work together as that many membered body against the adversary (Satan) to achieve victory!

2 Timothy 2:1-19

2:1-2 the word must be taught to as many as will hear the truth. This is accomplished by those willing to plant seed and work for our Father.

2:3 hardness G 2553; to undergo hardship, suffer trouble. When you are working for our Father, Satan will try and come against you. Be strong and stand against those attacks as a soldier for God! (Compare: Luke 10:17-18).

2:4 to be a soldier of God is to war against the evil of this world; it is not to get caught up in things that take our attention away from working for God.

2:5 we must strive according to the laws of the land and the laws of God!2:6-7 those that work for God in the field (earth) are given the first fruits. God blesses us with wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

2:8-9 the gospel of Jesus Christ defeating death and the devil was taught by Paul. That same gospel is why Paul was imprisoned.

2:10 this isn’t something that is gone easily; we are talking of eternal salvation!

2:11 in baptism we are lowered into the water (to symbolize the death) and then raised (to symbolize the resurrection).

2:12 teaching truth will bring on some criticism, but who cares! Live for Him and don’t be denied entrance into heaven.

2:13 Gods word will come to pass exactly as it is written regardless if we believe or not.

2:14 our job is to plant seeds not to argue about the word. If people don’t have eyes to see or ears to hear move on. The Lord will make the seeds you planted grow at the right time.

2:15 when we study we become a worker God can use!

2:16 profane G 952; wicked, heathenish. Don’t listen to nonsense; it will only lead to confusion and you turning from God.

2:17-18 we must rightly divide the word of truth. Doing this will lead us to understanding.

2:19 this seal is the same as the one talked of in Revelation 7. It is the seal of God in the minds of those that believe; and allows us to absorb truth. Stay on the ROCK which is Christ and your foundation will always be strong enough to support you.

Philippians 1:25-30

1:25-26 Paul was getting up there in years but knew God was not finished with him yet.

1:27 we should not be divided as a Christian body. We should all be as one fighting that good fight for God. Remember our fight is spiritual, so put on that gospel armor (compare: Ephesians 6).

1:28 don’t be frightened by the enemy! You have eternal life and they hell if they don’t change their ways.

1:29 all little hardship is nothing compared to our reward!

1:30 Paul had his priorities straight; he didn’t care what anyone would or could try to do to him.  

Philippians 4:4-13

4:4-5 we have a lot to rejoice about. There will be hardship but nothing is to be with God on our sides.

4:6 careful G 3309; anxious. Don’t worry or be anxious; talk to God and let Him know what is going on.

4:7-8 these things come from God. Think on these things and thank God for them.

4:9-11 when you are blessed of God you can take the good with the bad.

4:12-13 we must learn to be content in our situation; and remember that we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us!

Hebrews 10:30-39

10:30 God will take care of you and punish the evil doers (compare: Deuteronomy 32:35-36).

10:31-32 Satan will fight you every second because he wants you to serve him. Who are you going to serve, Satan or God?

10:33-34 Paul was in prison still accomplishing the work God had for him.

10:35:-36 have patience to wait on God and claim the rewards He has for you.

10:37-39 don’t draw back! Strive to win the race and finish the work God has for you.