John Stott’s “Jesus Christ”: Lesson 10

John Stott’s “Jesus Christ”: Lesson 10

I. Introduction

a) First lesson of the New Year and we’re talking about suffering – what is that all about?
o Makes sense if you think about it – we know we are probably going to face some kind of suffering during the year ahead it’s something we need to think about so that we can deal with it appropriately

b) Book of II Timothy – set up the frame of reference
o II Timothy written by Paul to Timothy during his imprisonment in Rome; many scholars believe this was Paul’s last epistle
o Unlike I Timothy, this letter is addressing personal conduct and behavior
o What do you think Timothy was feeling after receiving this letter from Paul – the last letter you will probably receive from a man who was like a father to you???
• Sadness
• Anger – at Paul’s captors
• Eagerness to see him

II. II Timothy 1:8-14

a) V. 8-10: What has Christ done independent of human action or intervention?
• Saved us (v. 9)
• Called us (before time began) (v. 9)
• Revealed the gospel to us (v. 10)
• Abolished death (v. 10)
• Brought us life (v. 10)

b) Paul mentions being able to suffer for the gospel (v. 8 & 12) and he exhorts Timothy not to be ashamed; what are the instances we might be ashamed of being identified with Christ?
• Peer pressure
• Losing something / someone
• Fear; afraid to speak
• Lack of confidence
• Answer: I Peter 3:15 - “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

c) How do we address our fear?
• “Mistreatment from others is a glorious platform on which we can put the gospel on display.” – Pastor Tullian
• What does this mean???
• “A man’s contentment is never proven on good days.” – Burk Parsons
• Key: It is in our tribulations, when our fellow man expects us to act as he/she does, that we have the opportunity to display our faith – humility, confidence, peace

d) What does Paul encourage Timothy to continue to do?
• V. 13 – hold fast; remain faithful
• V. 14 – keep the truth; profess what has been entrusted to us

III. II Timothy 2:8-13

a) Paul again addresses suffering – why do we need to suffer?
• Paul says he suffers for the “elect” (v. 10)
• The spread of the gospel and God's glory are worth suffering for

b) Paul mentions a “faithful” or “trustworthy” saying in v. 11-13. What hopes are contained in these verses?
• We will live
• We will endure
• We will reign
• We will be saved in spite of ourselves

c) What do you notice in v. 13?
• If we are faithless, he remains faithful
• He cannot deny Himself
• We are His; He is never-changing

d) What caution is contained in v. 12?
• “If we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
• Luke 13:23-29 – “Lord, Lord open the door for us”
i. Double name suggests intimacy
ii. They think they truly know Him
• Jesus' response: “I do not know you, where are you from”
i. He doesn’t even know where they are from (not literally, but a lack of knowing them intimately)

IV. Wrap-up

a) Do we take God’s grace for granted???
• R. C. Sproul – “We have become accustomed to the mercy and the long-suffering of God. Amazing grace is no longer amazing to us.”

b) What is the good news?
• We can see in v. 9, 10, 13 of II Tim 1 – “in Christ Jesus”
• We can see in v. 11 , 12 of II Tim 2 – “with Him”
• Isaiah 40:31 – “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
• Whatever battles we will face in 2011, we can take comfort that “in Christ Jesus” and “with Him” we will make it through the sufferings and bring Him the glory.