"2 Timothy 2-4, 1 Peter 1-2"
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"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." ― Martin Luther King Jr.
Following Christ will lead the world to hate us (John 15:20). Though we may never sit in a prison cell for our faith, living for Jesus leaves us increasingly disconnected from today's dark world. So, how do we deal with these "times of challenge and controversy?" In this week's readings, we'll gain insight from Paul and Peter about how a disciple responds to suffering!
Suffer as Soldiers
On Monday (2 Tim. 2), Paul tells Timothy to "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:3). A soldier battles to please God (2 Tim. 2:4), competes according to the rules (2 Tim. 2:5), and works hard in the Lord's vineyard (2 Tim. 2:6). But we're not alone, since Paul also suffered for Christ with his imprisonment in Rome (2 Tim. 2:8-10). There's no shame in suffering, as long as you're "rightly handling the word of truth!" (2 Tim. 2:15).
What does a soldier for Christ do and not do in our battle for the cross?
Suffer for Scripture
Then on Tuesday (2 Tim. 3), Paul explains that "in the last days there will come times of difficulty" (2 Tim. 3:1). Many won't listen to God, but instead, they'll turn aside to pride, unholiness, and self-gratification (2 Tim. 3:2-5). So Timothy must hold on to Scripture since it's "breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
How does our expectation of suffering for the truth shape the way we live?
Suffer with Sobriety
On Wednesday (2 Tim. 4), Paul charges him to be "sober-minded" in his defense of the gospel, just like he is (2 Tim. 4:5-8). The message is powerful and active both "in season" and "out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2). And as he closes out this short letter, he urges caution about specific people who oppose his message (2 Tim. 4:15).
What do we say to those who reject "sound teaching?"
Suffer with Hope and Holiness
Then on Thursday, we move on to Peter's first letter to the "elect exiles of the Dispersion" (1 Peter 1:1). They're dealing with suffering too, and Peter offers a message of hope during their difficulty. They've been "born again to a living hope" to experience an "inheritance that is imperishable" awaiting in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). And because of this hope, God's people must be holy like he is (2 Peter 1:14-16).
How does starting with hope and holiness change what we do in response to suffering?
Suffer with Submission
And finally, on Friday (1 Peter 2), Peter tells them to "long for the pure spiritual milk" like newborns, that they may grow up and be saved (1 Peter 2:2). Believers serve the King as integral parts of God's building — living stones and royal priests (1 Peter 2:4-10)! While serving the King of kings, earthly rulers and authorities deserve respect and honor (1 Peter 2:13-17). Looking to Christ's sufferings, don't fight back out of anger, but trust in God to lead us to eternal life (1 Peter 2:21-24)!
Is it enough to suffer, or is there a kind of suffering we should avoid?
