Trustworthy

Introduction

Faithfulness inspires us. We love stories of heroism and courage—the kind that make us think of heroes and the sacrifices they’ve made. But what if we heard the same heroic story every single Sunday? What if every Sunday we were reminded of the same act of courage? Eventually, the story might lose its impact. We might tire of it and wait for something more exciting to be spoken.

In a sense, every Sunday the same story is told. Every Sunday we are reminded of Jesus—his life, his death, his resurrection. And sometimes it is hard to be inspired and motivated by that story. Sometimes we hear of his heroism and courage, yet we find ourselves waiting for something more exciting to be spoken.

It is easy for us to lose sight of what is important. Maybe we can identify with Timothy. The cares of living press down on us. Strong opposition from false teachers, from our culture, from our own doubts surrounds us. Discouragement comes. We feel that our effort isn’t resulting in the results we hoped for. All of this was pushing on Timothy, and while he had not given up, he was feeling the pressure. He wasn’t ashamed of Paul or of the gospel, but he was tired and weary and still dealing with battles longer than he wanted. We’ve been there. We know what that feels like. We know how when we come here, sometimes the story of Jesus doesn’t inspire. It isn’t that we don’t know how inspiring the story is—we just get tired and weary.

This lesson and our assembly today is for you. Our purpose isn’t to retell the story so that you feel more inspired, nor is it to infuse some enthusiasm into your weary soul. Our purpose is to encourage us to see one aspect of God’s nature that is absolutely true. If we can catch a glimpse of this one aspect today, then perhaps we can find courage to meet our world tomorrow. Will you open your minds and hearts for that possibility?

The Text

As Paul has throughout this letter, he again reminds Timothy to remember something. This time Timothy is to remember that Jesus has been raised from the dead and that he is truly the Messiah. In 1:3, Paul remembers Timothy in prayer. In 1:5, Paul reminds Timothy about his faith and his heritage. In 1:6, Paul reminds Timothy about the specialness of his gift. In 2:2, Timothy is to remember Paul’s message. Now in 2:8, Timothy is to remember the core of the gospel—the resurrection. This is the point of the gospel message. Hope springs from knowing that death doesn’t have the final word.

Such a message has resulted in Paul being imprisoned, but the chains cannot stop the gospel. Paul may be treated like a criminal, just as the two who were crucified on either side of Jesus, but the gospel cannot be chained. Paul’s suffering allows others to know the salvation that is found only in Jesus.

Verses 11–13 contain a trustworthy saying from Paul. We have seen such sayings in the first letter, but this is the first one in the second letter. The saying doesn’t pose much problem until we get to verse 13, and then debate takes place about what Paul is trying to say. This is one of those areas where it would be helpful to have a brief conversation with Paul about what he intended. But since that isn’t going to happen, let’s look briefly at what Paul’s intent has been throughout the letter.

The overall intent of the letter up to this point, and it will continue throughout the letter, is this: stay strong. Don’t give in to the weariness. This message has come through over and over again. So let’s look at the trustworthy saying through the lens of this overall message.

Verse 11 says, “If we died with him, we will also live with him.” When did we die with Christ? At our baptism. Paul has used this language to talk about our salvation previously in Romans 6:1–4. Our death assures our life. When we died to self, we came to live in God’s grace.

Verse 12 says, “If we endure, we will also reign with him.” Persevere. Don’t give up. It carries the idea of enduring hardship and suffering—both of which Timothy is experiencing. The kingdom to come will be worth it all.

Verse 12 also says, “If we disown him, he will also disown us.” Turn away from Christ and he will turn away from you. This carries the idea of complete renouncing of who Jesus is. This is not like Peter, who denied Jesus and then returned, but like someone who denounces Jesus and never reclaims his relationship with God.

Verse 13 says, “If we are faithless, he will remain faithful for he cannot disown himself.” This faithlessness carries the idea of one who is uncertain, one who is having difficulty living up to the profession of faith. The word “faithless” carries the idea of disobedience or lack of commitment—which is what Timothy is struggling with.

It seems that Paul, having already warned Timothy about disowning Christ, is trying to be encouraging. It isn’t that Paul is trying to let Timothy off the hook about struggling, but weary people don’t need to hear more of the message “get with it.” Even in his weariness, God is still faithful. God’s nature isn’t dependent upon man’s enthusiasm.

Application

What is Paul trying to say? Our weariness doesn’t weary God. Our struggle to stay committed and obedient is met with God’s faithfulness while we regain our bearings. God remains true to his promises even when our spirit gives way. Paul isn’t trying to bring guilt. The letter is intended to encourage and to support Timothy. And the message comes through.

And it is a message that we all need to hear sometimes. Even as we struggle to keep our commitment firm and to remain obedient and motivated, God is faithful. We haven’t denied Jesus and we don’t want to. We just get tired and weary and struggle with remaining focused. God is faithful. He will not turn away. This isn’t license to do what we want as we struggle, but to remind us that God’s nature and character are not dependent on us.

God is faithful. God is committed to us. He doesn’t struggle. He doesn’t lose focus. And it is this God who patiently waits for us to find our stride again, who waits for us to understand our motivation. What is our motivation? The story that so often sounds so familiar that it doesn’t inspire. It is the only story God has. It is the story of Jesus who came to earth, who lived among sinful people, who showed us how to live and love and stay focused. He was so committed to us that he died on a cross, and he rose up from the grave to tell us that salvation is ours. Praise God for his wonderful plan!

Are you weary? Are you tired? God waits for you. He hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t turned away from you. He cannot disown himself. If you died with him, he abides in you and you abide in him. He cannot cut off his arm. He cannot reject his body. He loves you.

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