Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, March 26, 2023 2 Timothy 2:1-9
Remember Jesus!

Introduction: Paul is laying down a challenge to Timothy and to all of us who are called to live the Christian life:

1. Be Strong. (2:1)

   You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus...

   Paul is saying literally, “Keep on being strengthened.” Because of the work of Jesus there is an endless supply of grace to do what He has called us to do. We work, and at the same time we totally depend on God and His strengthening grace: that is the Christian life.

   Lord, thank You for Your continuing grace! Please help us work hard and trust You for Your fruit.

2. Teach Others. (2:2)

   ...and what you have heard from me... entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

   God teaches us not just for our own benefit, but so that we may teach others also.

   Lord, thank You for our teachers. Please enable us to pass on what we have learned to others, also.

3. Share in Suffering. (2:3-7)

   Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops...

   We serve a suffering Savior who was abandoned, beaten, and crucified, and who bore the wrath of God because of our sins. Expect suffering. Expect hardship. Don’t be discouraged when it happens. We are not to be distracted by things that would interfere with our pleasing the captain of our salvation.

   Paul uses the analogy of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer, all of which remind us of the sacrifice and hard work that is the Christian life. Christ is worth it.

   Lord, thank You for suffering for us. Please remind us to be ready to endure hardship in serving You.

4. Remember Jesus. (2:8-9)

   Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David....

   To remember Jesus, you need first to know Jesus. If you’re here today and you don’t know Jesus, ask Him to come into Your heart. Ask Him to save You.

   This church stands on the foundation of Jesus Christ our Lord. We share in common a risen Savior. Look to the past and see Jesus, that He did it all. Look to the future and know that Jesus is the One who is going to do it all. Church, remember Jesus.

   Lord Jesus, thank You for Your victory for us! Thank You for Your coming glory! Please help us to keep on remembering You and keep on working for Your great purposes.