Dave Gudgel - May 5, 2019
The Unspoken Fine Print - 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Most of us don’t read the fine print. For various reasons. Some of us can’t see it. Or we don’t want to be bothered so we just scroll through it all and click on “I agree.” Or, could it be that we’d rather not know what we’d rather not know? Especially if it touches on the unwanted?
The Apostle Paul could have done what many do. He could have painted the Christian life as an unbroken string of happiness and success. “Everyone hop aboard for the ride of a lifetime! Let the fun and games begin!” Many people—especially in America—assume that’s what God promises us. A happy, easy, carefree life.
We’ll see that’s not what Paul told Timothy, his protégé. He told him the truth. The fine print. He told him what he needed to know. And it’s what we need to know if we truly want to follow Jesus in such a time as this.
From Series: "Rock Solid"
This Week's Sermon: "Still Running Strong"
Finishing what we start isn’t easily done in a world that is filled with conflict, push back, boredom, and hardship in abundant measure. Comparatively speaking, starting a new project, a new book, a new job, a new relationship is easy. But keeping a commitment, a promise, a contract, a vow – for the duration of the pledge – is when things get tough.
Somewhere along the way we hit a wall, and the thought of abandoning the race begins a battle in our minds. The proof of how often we lose that battle can be seen in divorces, abandoned diets, job changes, and even half-read books.
Don’t you love the feeling when you finish something you started? And we love to see others finish what they start. Running strong to the very end. If ever someone displayed that kind of fortitude, especially when it came to matters of faith, it was the Apostle Paul. He finished strong. This Sunday we’ll see why, and hopefully gain insight into how we can do the same.
