Immerse: Messiah - Flipbook - Page 264
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IMMERSE
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MESSIAH
1:12–2:13
That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it,
for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard
what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a
pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through
the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—
even Phygelus and Hermogenes.
May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family
because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me
because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere
until he found me. May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of
Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in
Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed
by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy
people who will be able to pass them on to others.
Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot
please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize
unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first
to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord
will help you understand all these things.
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was
raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I
preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure
anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those
God has chosen.
This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.