A Warning Sign on the Banks of Denial

“If we deny Him, He will also deny us” (2Tim 2:12).

The Nile is the longest river in the world. It runs through eleven countries. And just about every mile on the Nile is loaded with danger. Crocs. Hippos. Snakes. This might make for a fun ride at Disney World but an extended swim in the real Nile is ultimately fatal.

In the same way, a long swim in denial can also be killer. Specifically, when it comes to the longterm rejection of Jesus. (See what I did there?) In a letter to his young friend Timothy, the Apostle Paul warns, “If we deny Him, He will also deny us” (v12). By “Him” and “He,” the man from Tarsus is talking about Jesus. By “we” and “us,” he’s talking about you and me. 

Think of Paul’s words as a warning sign along the banks of denial. A lifetime of rejecting Jesus will make killer crocs seem like the least of your worries. Continually shoving away our Savior with a spiritual stiff arm eventually results in Him giving us the eternal Heisman. That’s because God will give us what us want. If we don’t want Him, He won’t force Himself into our lives. If we reject Jesus here in this life, it would be incredibly cruel for Him to drag us to heaven to spend eternity with Him. As the old saying goes, the gates of Hell are locked on the inside.

Paul sure knows a thing or two about being locked up. He’s writing to Timothy from behind bars (2Tim 1:8, 16; 2:9). Historians tell us he’s a prisoner inside Rome’s Mamertine Prison. It’s a tiny terrible dungeon that’s home to the empire’s Death Row. The apostle knows the clock is rapidly running out (2Tim 4:6-7). He pleads with his young friend to make one last visit before it’s too late (2Tim 4:9, 21).

Why is all that background important? Well, if we don’t know the original reason why the human authors wrote these individual documents we call the Bible, we won’t know how to apply them to our own lives. Otherwise, we’ll make the mistake of pulling stuff completely out of context and totally misuse it. Think of the label that reads “apply as directed.” When something is misapplied, it’s not going to work like it should. Scripture is no different.

One cool tidbit about 2 Timothy 2:11-13 is that these verses contain lyrics lifted from a first century worship song. The apostle’s inclusion of these words lets us know they contain God’s truth. It also makes me wonder if he has this song stuck in his head while he walks the Green Mile. Do you have go-to tunes that you sing, hum, or whistle when times are tough? Seems to be what the former Pharisee is doing here. Call it an ear worm from Jesus.

Paul cuts and pastes four lines of lyrics loaded with great theology. First we see that following Jesus is a matter of life THROUGH death (2Tim 2:11). Second, life with Christ doesn’t come with an easy button but it hold the ultimate in delayed gratification (2Tim 2:12a). Third, we see this warning sign on the banks of detail (v12b). Fourth, Jesus has the faith we need when we have none (2Tim 2:13). Anybody know Chris Tomlin? If so, see if you can get him to cover this tune on his next CD.

Let’s be honest, that third line carries scary stuff: “If we deny Him, He also will deny us” (v12). It SHOULD freak us out. It’s SUPPOSED TO! My rejection of Jesus guarantees His rejection of me!! Is Paul telling us that anytime my faith wobbles and I turn my back on Christ, I’ve booked my ride in a hand basket headed straight to Hell? Considering my rather sketchy track record when it comes to following Jesus, it’s something I need to look into.

The key seems to be the repeated use of “deny.” This is the Greek verb αρνεομαι, which means to refuse, reject, renounce, or repudiate. Think of these four “Rs” as tributaries of denial. We see this word used when we walk down the Hall of Faith in Hebrews and read Big Mo’s plaque. “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused (Gr. αρνεομαι) to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter” (Heb 11:24). He renounced his royal connection in order to lead God’s people to freedom.

Later in this same letter to Timothy, we read how lazy slacker who fails to provide for his own family “has denied (Gr. αρνεομαι) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1Tim 5:8). In other words, if someone so self-absorbed that he refuses to care for those God has put under his care, that’s proof he’s never tasted the grace of Jesus in the first place. He’s renounced his faith in a very practical way.

But is there a better place to check out rejection of Jesus than Peter’s denial of our Lord in the early morning hours of Good Friday? Each one of Jesus’ biblical biographers use αρνεομαι when describing the moments when the apostle called the Rock crumbled when questioned by a middle school girl (Mt 26:70, 72; Mk 14:68, 70; Lk 22:57; Jn 18:25, 27). He didn’t just do it once. Not just twice. He went for the triple crown of denial. The rooster crowed when Pete chickened out. 

In one of the most amazing examples of mercy you’ll find anywhere, we later see the resurrected Jesus lovingly restoring the fallen leader of the disciples. Who would have blamed Christ for taking Pete to the woodshed, chewing his apostolic tail, and personally kicking him to the eternal curb? But that’s exactly what did NOT happen. 

Strolling along the beach of the Sea of Galilee, the Lord restores a repentant Rocky (Jn 21:15-19). Matching the same number of denials, Jesus asks Peter if he truly loves Him. Three times the broken apostle says he truly does. Three times our Savior showers him with grace and puts Pete back in the game.

This means there is forgiveness for short term seasons of rejecting Jesus. I mean, if Christ can bring back a three-time denier like Peter, what kind of mercy is there for you and me? The risen Carpenter/Rabbi didn’t stop there. He transforms this cowardly three-time denier into the brave leader who will stare down the Sanhedrin! 

What have you said and done that makes you think you’re disqualified from His love? If you’re like me (hopefully you’re not but probably you are), there have been those times you’ve punked out during a conversation when people are trashing those goofy Jesus Freaks. Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt. Taken the t-shirt to Goodwill. Whatever you’ve done, I’m pretty sure you haven’t denied personally Christ in His physical presence three times in 15 minutes. 

If and when we reject Jesus, there’s just one thing left to do. Repent. Make a 180. Turn back to Him. He’s right behind you. He’s waiting for you. If or when you ever do deny Jesus, repent and ask for His forgiveness. It’s NEVER too late on this side of eternity to return to Him. Rejection. Repentance. Restoration. Do not pass “Go.” Do not collect $200. Do it now.

So Rocky’s rejection is NOT what Paul is talking about here. The apostle writes about those who spend their entire lives declining God’s free gift of salvation. Jesus tells His Twelve, “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies (Gr. αρνεομαι) Me before men, I also will deny (Gr. αρνεομαι) before My Father who is in heaven” (Mt 10:32-33). Dr. Luke records a similar warning using very similar language (Lk 12:8-9). Can you imagine something more terrifying? I can’t deny Jesus my entire life and expect Him to vouch for me when I meet His Dad. 

Over and over and over, Jesus plants warning signs on the banks of denial. It’s His big close to the Sermon on the Mount. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven…And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness’” (Mt 7:21, 23). Check out the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-13). Now flip over to the Parable of Narrow Door (Lk 13:22-29).

And we don’t just read these warnings in the Gospels. Paul tells Titus to look out for anyone who’s all talk and no action when it comes to following Jesus (Titus 1:16). Christ’s best friend John wants us to keep our distance from liars “who denies (Gr. αρνεομαι) that Jesus is the Christ. No one who denies (Gr. αρνεομαι) the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also” (1Jn 2:22-23). And who better to listen to on the subject that Peter (2Pet 2:1).

Don’t make the mistake of thinking Jesus makes a single invitation of salvation to each one of us. Yes, it IS a limited time offer only because it’s limited to the time we spend above dirt. God pursues us our entire lives. Chases us. Hunts us down. The English poet Francis Thompson referred to our relentless Redeemer as the Hound of Heaven. 

It turns out God is the ultimate Seeker. King David wrote a song all about how there’s no escaping our Savior’s never-ending pursuit (Ps 139:1-8). Jesus says He won’t rest if just one runaway sheep from His flock of 100 is on the loose (Mt 18:12). And He doesn’t chase us down to hurt us. Or in the words of David, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Ps 23:6). We’re chased by grace in order to save us from ourselves.

Despite being relentlessly and lovingly pursued our entire lives, many of us make a career of rejecting Jesus. The result is not good. Not good at all. “If we deny Him, He will also deny us” (v12). Our lifetime of denial ultimately leads an eternity of His denial. Here’s the deal. We may think there’s always time left to turn back to Jesus. But the bottom line is we really don’t know how many ticks are left on our clock. Could be a decade. Could be a year. Could be a month. Could be a week. I think you get my point. 

That’s exactly what Paul is trying to get across. So he plants a warning sign on the banks of denial. And you thought killer crocs were the problem.

No Easy Button

“If we endure, we will reign with Him” (2Tim 2:12).

I don’t know about you, but always I’m looking for a shortcut. A quick fix. A short line at checkout. A cheat code. Something tells me we ALL are! That’s why we continually sucked in to get-rich-quick schemes on late night TV infomercials. We desperately want that magic pill that promises instant six-pack abs. Searching for a silver bullet. Praying for a fast pass at Disney World. Hoping for the easy button.

Well, if you’ve opened 2nd Timothy expecting to press the easy button, you’ll be sadly disappointed. Hey, if ANYBODY needed (or deserved!) a cheat code, it’s the Apostle Paul. The last few years have been gauntlet of pain and suffering for His Savior (2Cor 11:23-27). Check it out. Jail. Beatings. Near death experiences. Scourging. Caning. Stoning. Not one, not two, but THREE shipwrecks. Danger. Threats. Contracts on his life. Days with no sleep, no food, and no water. Freezing temps without a coat. Blistering heat with no AC. 

Let’s face it, a contestant on American Ninja Warrior has nothing on the spiritual obstacle course Paul has run. As he writes to his protege Timothy, he’s nearing the finish line (2Tim 4:6-7). He’s locked up on Death Row inside Rome’s brutal Mamertine Prison. Historians say this joint was nothing more than a hole in the ground where prisoners wait to die. 

As he counts down his final days, the apostle pleads with his young friend to make one last visit before it’s too late (2Tim 4:9, 21). Just in case Tim can’t make it in time, Paul scribbles down last minute instructions to keep the viral message of Jesus spreading throughout the world (2Tim 2:1-4:5). 

When we come to 2nd Timothy 2:11-13, it just looks different. That’s because it IS different. Most people who look into these things believe these are the lyrics to a first century worship tune. To this day, folks with drop a line from a song to make a point. Same thing going here. It points to the power of music. Paul makes the point that these particular lyrics are “trustworthy” (2Tim 2:11). That’s because when you combine a memorable melody with God’s truth, look out!

While we don’t have the sheet music, the words are raw and real. Think of it as blues. Like the rest of Scripture, this song describes who God is. In this case, it’s the Second Person of the Godhead, Christ Jesus (2Tim 2:10). First of all, we read that when we share in His substitutionary death for our sin, we will certainly share in His incredible resurrection life as well (2Tim 2:11). It’s a matter of life THROUGH death. In other words, hint number one that there’s no easy pass when it comes to following Jesus.

Just to make sure we’re paying attention, Paul doubles down on this idea of delayed gratification. “If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (v12). Hey, I’m all about the second part! But to get to the very cool reigning part, I must endure. There’s no traffic-free, four-lane bypass. I must drive the hard road with potholes galore.

Paul uses the Greek word the ESV translates as “endure” (Gr. ‘υπομενω) which basically means to remain behind under persecution or stay when others leave. It’s a compound verb that literally means “under (‘υπο-) living (-μενω).” It’s the picture of hang in there under pressure with relentless submission. The apostle only uses it a grand total of four times and two of them are here in this little letter. 

It’s refusing to flee. Standing your ground. Pressing on. Staying the course. Going the distance. Bearing up bravely. Folks watch life crashing down you and scratch their heads, “What in the world are you still doing here?” Call it the wonder of being under. It’s strength we only get from Jesus.

Let’s take a moment to describe what Paul is NOT talking about. These are NOT first world problems. It’s NOT losing the remote. It’s NOT the lack of wifi. It’s NOT too much milk in my macchiato. You do realize these are only inconveniences, right? Right?!? 

He’s also NOT talking about your coworkers grumbling about Christians or the removal of the nativity scene from the courthouse lawn. Here’s the deal. These are the realities of living in a post-Christian culture. We don’t need to endure this stuff. Quite your whining and pull up your big boy pants. Instead let’s be a blessing to our community, our state, our nation, and our world. Jesus calls us to shine His light and spread His salt. I don’t remember reading anything about boycotting amusement parks. I’m pretty sure that spreading hate has NOTHING to do with spreading the Gospel.

On the end of the spectrum, don’t fall for the lie that trusting in Jesus exempts believers from a hard life. As a matter of fact, just the opposite. Over and over, Christ warns His crew that following Him is not going to be a life full of rainbows, unicorns, and an endless supply of Skittles. “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (Jn 15:20). 

So many of us love latching onto God’s promises in Scripture. Why doesn’t anyone ever claim this one Jesus said to His closest followers? “In the world you will have tribulation” (Jn 16:33). Just because we don’t like it doesn’t make it any less true. Take a look around and see if the Lord’s promise hasn’t come true in spades. Of course it has. But don’t forget what He had to say right after that. “But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).

In one of their more embarrassing moments, the disciples get into a shouting match about who’s got the most game. This is another example of why the Bible could not be some sort of fabrication or heavy edited version of truth. If I’m one of the apostles in charge of what goes in and what goes out of the New Testament, this story gets left on the cutting room floor! Jesus drops the mic on their stupid argument by saying the place of greatness in God’s kingdom only goes to those who stick it out during the hard times and serve others (Lk 22:24-30).

John MacArthur writes that Jesus’ disciples who persevere prove their trust in Him is legit. Folks who punk out when times get hard have a phony faith. Our Savior says we’ll know for sure we’re His because we have faith to run the marathon of life (Mt 10:22; Mt 24:13).

But Christ doesn’t call us to some sort of weird masochism. His followers aren’t simply just to live out our lives here on Earth as easy targets and punching bags. It’s not pain and suffering just for the sake of more pain and suffering. Paul let's us know there's reign in the forecast. He encourages us to hang in there because “we will also reign with Him” (v12). Don’t give up. It will all be worth it. WAY worth it. God guarantees that our submission is followed by sovereignty. We suffer under the world now and we reign over it later.

Think of endurance and reigning like college classes. You have to take Endurance 101 as a prerequisite for Reigning 501. I have to get my undergrad from the School of Hard Knocks before pursuing my doctorate from the Kings College of Ruling and Reigning. In his letter to Roman believers, the apostle lets us know that we only experience ultimate glory with Jesus later if we’re willing to suffer with Him in the here and now (Rom 8:17). They go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other.

The phrase “reign with Him” is actually just one word in the original language: συμβασιλευω. It means to rule together with someone else, ascend to the throne together, or live together like royalty. It’s ultimately exercising the highest influence together. The verb comes from a root word meaning walking over something. After getting stepped on together because of Jesus, we eventually step over together with Jesus.

Here’s where it’s a good idea to read the end of the Book. SPOILER ALERT! Christ wins!! And because He wins, those who trust in Him do. After He wins, He reigns and we reign with Him. The resurrected Jesus pulls back the curtain of heaven for His buddy John. One of the things the apostle experiences is a magnificent new song about how our He died so that God’s people could take a seat next to the King of Kings (Rev 5:10).

You see, my relationship with Christ is WAY more than simply being rescued from the self-inflicted wound of my own sin! As if that’s not enough, Jesus invites us to join Him on the throne in His future eternal kingdom (Rev 3:21; 5:10; 20:4-5). What does that look like? I’m not exactly sure. We only know from the glimpses we get when God allows the writers of the NT a peak behind the eternal curtain. But you can be sure it’s worth it. WAY worth it.

While there’s no easy button when it comes to following Jesus, salvation is a completely different story. We can’t save ourselves through hard work. The bar is too high. We can’t meet God’s perfect standard of holiness and spotless obedience to His rules and regs. Only Christ did that. We trust in what He did for us that we could never do for ourselves. The Lord lived the perfect life I failed to live. He died the death for my sin I should have died. He rose to a new life I don’t deserve. Jesus did all the heavy lifting. He endured what I never could. I simply rest on His work on my behalf and keep my eyes locked on Him while run the race (Heb 12:1-2).

Until the end of God’s story, we endure. We hang in there. We keep our eyes focused on our Savior. There’s no fast pass for the Christian life. We want a microwave when Jesus calls us to the crock pot. There’s no easy button. And that’s a good thing...because there's reign in the forecast!

A Matter of Life through Death

“The saying is trustworthy, for: ‘If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him’” (2Tim 2:11).

How many times have you heard something is a matter of life and death? It happens in the movies when someone in grave danger pleads urgently for help. Somebody must come to the rescue because a life hangs in the balance. It’s simply life or death. It’s one or the other. It’s what engineers call a binary choice. Black or white. Up or down. On or off.

But what if it’s NOT an “either/or?” What if death was actually the way to life? That’s exactly Paul’s point here in his second letter to Timothy. “The saying is trustworthy, for: ‘If we have died with Him, we shall also with with Him” (v11). Here’s something you can take to the bank. Something you can always count on. Dying with Jesus ensures real life with Jesus.

It’s a matter of life through death. 

Paul should know. Certain death is a cold, cruel reality for the apostle as he writes to his buddy Tim. He’s locked up in the Mamertine Prison, Rome’s Death Row, and his time is rapidly running out (2Tim 1:16; 2:9; 4:6-7). Paul hopes his protege can get there before it’s too late (2Tim 4:9, 21). In the meantime, he crams everything he can in a short letter to give Tim instructions on carrying on the spread of the Good News once his life on earth is over (2Tim 2:1-4:5).

Paul wants Timothy to know he can bet the farm on what he’s about to read. “The saying is trustworthy” (v11). You can translate the original language here as “faithful the word.” It’s one of his go-to phrases in his letters to both young gun pastors, Tim and Titus (1Tim 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; Titus 3:8). Just so we’re clear, everything the Holy Spirit inspires every single word the apostle writes. He’s not trying to say the rest of his letters are shady and questionable. He IS pointing out that what you’re about to read is a big deal. It would be in all CAPS and bold if he could. Does he have your total attention? Sweet.

Notice how the next couple of verses appear different from the rest of Paul’s letter in your Bible. 

“If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him;

if we endure, we will also reign with Him;

if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

if we are faithless, He remains faithful” (2Tim 2:11-14).

Kinda looks like a poem, doesn’t it? That’s because Scholars believe there’s a pretty good chance these are lyrics from a first century praise song. It’s not the first time the apostle dips into song lyrics to make a point (Phil 2:1-11). This principle is so trustworthy that somebody has written a song about it!

What a powerful reminder about the importance of music when it comes to communicating God’s truth. For those of us involved in either composing worship songs or the planning of worship services, it’s top-shelf important to ensure the lyrics we use are in line with Scripture. At the same time, we should pay VERY close attention to the words we sing when we gather together. Do you believe what’s coming out of your mouth? Are you learning more about who Jesus is and what He’s done for you? For centuries, songwriters have been some of the most important teachers of our faith.

“If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure with Him, we will also reign with Him” (2Tim 2:11-12). These first two lines of the tune are a pair of paradoxes. (Wait, does that make four doxes? But I digress.) God’s Word is loaded with these statements that seem to contradict each other. In reality, they’re NOT really contradictions. They just appear to be mutually exclusive at first glance. Digging a little deeper, we see the beauty of eternal truth. The reason for the apparent contradiction is the stark difference between how our fallen world works and God’s original design for His universe. 

Jesus came to set things straight again. He came give us Gospel optics so we could see life as it was intended. It seems that He came to turn the world’s economy upside down. In actuality, Christ came to turn it rightside up. That’s because our sin has totally trashed paradise. So when we read words like Paul’s here in verses 11 and 12, they seem wacky. Death is the way to life? Patient submission is the way to sovereignty? What the WHAT?!? God is using the apostle give us the glasses of grace in order to see things His way.

Let’s drill down on the first line of the lyrics. “If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him” (v11). Just in case you’re wondering about just who “Him” is, we’re talking about Jesus. The secret decoder for “Him” is back just one verse where Paul writes about “salvation that is in Christ Jesus” (2Tim 2:10). Just another reminder that the Son of God is THE Hero of the Bible. From the opening pages of the Old Testament to the last words of the New. So it’s no surprise that “Him” is Jesus.

You might be surprised at the source of the first line of lyrics here in verse 11. Apparently the songwriter is passing along words originally written by…wait for it…the Apostle Paul! Check out what he wrote a few years back to the church in Rome: “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him” (Rom 6:8). 

Doug Bookman among others thinks the apostle wrote Romans around 56 AD and 2 Timothy in 66 or 67 AD. Over those ten years, was some first century worship leader in Rome so moved by what Paul wrote that he put it in a praise song for his church? While we can’t be sure of that, there’s no question these two verses share the same truth, nearly word for word.

But just what in the world is Paul saying when he writes, “If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him” (v11)? Don’t miss the fact that both ends of the idea connect us with Christ. The first phrase “died with Him” is actually just one compound Greek verb (Gr. συναποθνησκω). It literally means “together (συν-) separated (-απο-) in death (-θνησκω).” You only see it a grand total of three times in the NT.

Remember how Peter puffed out his chest the night before Jesus died? He wouldn’t leave the Lord hanging, even if it meant he would die too. “If I must die with you (Gr. συναποθνησκω), I will not deny you” (Mk 14:31). Yeah, that didn’t go so well, did it? Just a few hours later, a question from a middle school girl would crumble the one Christ called Rocky (Mk 14:66-68). History tells us the former fisherman would eventually die like His Savior, crucified upside down.

The other time we see it is when Paul tells believers in Corinth that his relationship with them is so tight that it would they would go so far as “to die together (Gr. συναποθνησκω) and to live together” (2Cor 7:3). The Corinthians may have been a hot mess but the apostle refused to turn his back on them.

Paul begins, “If we have died with Him” (v11). Wait. IF we died with Jesus? I don’t know about you, but they haven’t held my funeral yet. Don’t let the past tense of the verb throw us for a loop. Relax. We’re not walking around like Patrick Swayze in “Ghost,” hoping Whoopy Goldberg can help us warn our loved ones. You see, the grammar of Paul’s Greek tips us off that we actually died with Christ in the past on that bloody Friday outside Jerusalem. When we place our trust in our Lord, we died when He died. 

It’s a matter of life through death. 

The apostle makes the point that Jesus wasn’t alone at Golgotha that bloody Friday outside Jerusalem. Yeah, there certainly were a couple of crooks on crosses too. But that’s not all. Calvary was actually incredibly crowded that day. Everyone who ever places their faith in Christ was there too. That’s what Paul tells the folks in Galatia. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal 2:20). 

It’s a matter of life through death. 

Since we died with our crucified Savior, “we will also live with Him” (v11). We’re connected with Christ one more time, this time Paul’s talking about life. Not just existence. Not just survival. This is buckle-your-seat-belt-and-hang-on life with Jesus. The former Pharisee drops another compound word (Gr. συζαω) that means to live with, share life, or enjoy life. You can literally translate this “together (συ-) enjoying life (-ζαω).”

This is exactly the lavish life Jesus says He came to bring (Jn 10:10). He and Paul are describing life overflowing with God’s goodness. Following Christ isn’t just splashing around in the kiddie pool. It’s going down a breathtaking waterslide into the deep end! King David thanks God for His amazing grace this way. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Ps 23:5-6). An all-you-can-eat banquet. Oil running down your head. Cup overflowing. The good life is the God life. 

It’s a matter of life through death.

Let’s take a New York minute to review what real life with Jesus is NOT. This is NOT the so-called prosperity gospel. This is the phony belief that God wants you to have a multi-million dollar mansion, a couple of Beamers, and a private jet. According to its proponents, all you have to do is believe. This turns Almighty God into a divine vending machine spitting out blessings at your request. It places our focus on His gifts instead of the Ultimate Giver.

Real life with Jesus is better than that. WAY better than that! Life together with Christ is NOT about you. It’s a “me third” lifestyle. In other words, “God first, others second, me third.” If we’re living with the Lord, why would we expect it to be any different from His original mission. “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mt 20:28). Dying with Christ also means dying to self. Getting my eyes off the goofball in the mirror unlocks the abundant life with Jesus.

It’s a matter of life through death. 

There’s one more benefit of sharing death and life with Christ. It demonstrates to the world exactly Who should get the credit. According to Paul, we’re “always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. for we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (2Cor 4:10-11).

This death-with-Jesus-means-life-with-Jesus is a bunch of whacko crazy talk without the Gospel. He lived the perfect life of obedience to every one of His Dad’s commands and laws. I never came close. He died the death for my sin and disobedience that I should have died. He rose to a spectacular new life that I don’t deserve. I trust in what He has done for me that I could never do for myself. 

Trusting in Jesus’ substitutionary death means “we have died with Him” (v11). Trusting in His resurrection means “we will also live with Him” (v11). According to Paul, Christ takes our garbage and gives us His goodness (2Cor 5:21). Martin Luther liked to call this the Great Exchange. My garbage for God’s goodness is the most lopsided deal in the history of the universe. It’s what makes His grace so amazing!

It’s a matter of life through death. 

Enduring Election

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2Tim 2:10).

Attack ads on TV. Divisive political rhetoric. Zero talk of real issues. Must be an election year. So let’s just cut to the chase. I hate election years. Not dislike. I’m talking full on H-A-T-E. Yeah, I know. “Hate” is such an ugly word. But I’ve come to the conclusion that you can always tell when a politician is lying. Their lips are moving.

It seems like each election cycle gets worse. You come to the final choices for each party in just about every race and you go, “Really? These knuckleheads are the best we can do?” I participate in the election but I also must endure it. I’m Jay Jennings and I do NOT approve of this message!

If you feel the same way, Paul has some VERY good news for you. There’s another kind of election that we can all get behind. “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they may obtain salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (v10). The apostle is a campaign worker and he’s giving every ounce of his energy to the cause. But it’s not on behalf of any political candidate. He’s enduring it all so that those God chooses can fully realize a relationship with Jesus. This is one election I can really get excited about!

As unpleasant as an election year can be, it’s nothing compared to Paul’s situation. He finds himself locked up in a Roman prison (2Tim 1:8, 16; 2:9). Insert “crooked politician in prison” joke here. But this is really no laughing matter for the former Pharisee. He’s on Death Row (2Tim 4:6-7). He writes to his buddy Timothy for two simple reasons. One, he knows he must pass the baton of ministry to the young pastor (2Tim 2:1-4:8). Two, he desperately wants to see Tim one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21). 

The first word we see here in verse 10 is “therefore.” While we’re tempted to blow right by it without thinking, it’s an important connector between what the apostle has just said and what he’s about to tell us. As the old saying goes, “Anytime we see ‘therefore,’ we have to stop and ask, ‘What is it there for?’” 

The original language here (Gr. δια τουτο) actually pulls back the curtain of Paul’s motivation. So let’s back up a just a skosh. He’s devoted his life to preaching the Gospel (2Tim 2:8). It’s the whole reason he suffers in the slammer. But while he’s locked up, God’s Word is on the lam (2Tim 2:9). The apostle tells Tim his time behind bars is worth it because of what’s going on. We’re about to find out the reason for the election season.

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect” (v10). Paul uses the Greek verb `υπομενω here, which means to remain behind or stay when others leave. It’s the idea of refusing to flee. Standing your ground. Persevering. Bearing bravely and calmly. Folks look at your situation and wonder, “What in the world are you still doing here?”

Check out a handful of times NT writers use the word. Dr. Luke drops it when Joe and Mary head back to Nazareth and didn’t realize “the boy Jesus stayed behind (Gr. `υπομενω) in Jerusalem” (Lk 2:43). When troublemakers from Thessalonica found Paul in Berea, believers there smuggled the apostle out of town while “Silas and Timothy remained (Gr. `υπομενω) there” (Acts 17:14). In both cases, folks may be asking, “What in the world are you still doing here?”

But we get the ultimate model of endurance from our Savior. The author of Hebrews tells us that we should be “looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured (Gr. `υπομενω) the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured (Gr. `υπομενω) from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Heb 12:2-3). 

Christ not only endured the cross so that we would know the ultimate joy of a relationship with Him, but He endured so that we could endure! For those who can’t wrap their heads around the Gospel, they wonder why in the world did the Son of God die on a cross. They can’t figure out why in the world His followers often don’t flinch in times of trouble. Because that’s exactly what love looks like. “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures (Gr. `υπομενω) all things” (1Cor 13:7). We endure. It’s what He did. It’s what Paul did. It’s what we should do.

Specifically, Paul preserves through the total package “for the sake of the elect” (v10). The word the ESV translators give us for “elect” (Gr. εκλεκτος) describes something or someone selected or chosen. It’s the one picked out. When folks like Paul use this word, they’re NOT talking about politicians (Well, I guess they could be. If so, it’s just another crazy example of God’s miraculous grace!). In this case, the “elect” are the people God personally picks. The people He chooses. He casts His divine ballot in your favor.

The apostle Jesus nicknamed Rocky writes that God’s people “are a chosen (Gr. εκλεκτος) race” and that He picked us in order to tell others about Him (1Pet 2:9). Paul says that happens when “As God’s chosen people (Gr. εκλεκτος), holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience” (Col 3:12 NIV). When explaining the sequence of events for His incredible return to His posse, Jesus said He “will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect (Gr. εκλεκτος) from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Mt 24:31). Kinda makes an election night victory of balloons and confetti look rather mild, don’t you think?

The shame about it is election in the Bible is just about as controversial as a political election. Relax. We’re not going into some drawn-out discussion of predestination here. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to election and God. We don’t so much choose God as He chooses us! Unlike too many of our political decisions, God is NOT faced with choosing between the lesser of two evils. He doesn’t cast a vote against anyone. He always votes FOR! And He votes FOR YOU because He LOVES YOU!!

Paul reveals to Timothy the entire reason he does it all is so that those God chooses “also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus” (v10). In other words, this election has nothing to do with fundraising. It has EVERYTHING to do with exploring all that God has obtained for you in and through His Son Jesus. Forget those empty campaign promises (the ones elected sure have!). This is a whole lot better than two chickens in every pot, building a wall, or making somebody other than you pay more taxes.

Few people who follow Jesus never really dive into the deep end of the pool of grace. It’s our own fault that we fail to enjoy the full benefits package of a relationship with the Lord. Our Savior came to bring us an abundant and overflowing life (Jn 10:10). As Dr. Phil likes to say, “How’s that working out for you?” Like Paul, God uses you and me to help the elect find out they’re God’s elect. That also includes unpacking what the life of a disciple looks like. This is one open enrollment meeting that won’t put you to sleep! Getting our hands on salvation means unlocking the full benefits of a relationship with Jesus.

Paul tells Tim how God’s selection of His people is done “with eternal glory” (v10).  In other words, this election isn’t about four more years. There’s no reelection campaign. This is one office with NO term limits. Once God selects you as His, you’re His for all eternity! And it’s going to be glorious!!

Now THAT’S a Candidate I can get behind! How about you? Once I’ve placed my trust in Who Jesus is and what He’s done for me, it’s time to campaign on His behalf. Because Christ endured so much for you and me, we should be willing to endure in order to share His message with others. He elected us. He personally picked us. He chose us to alert the elect! I don’t know about you, but that’s WAY better than suffering through another election season on Earth.

Grace Escapes

“for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” (2Tim 2:9)

I’ve always been a sucker for anything involving Harry Houdini. And why not? The Great Houdini is the greatest escape artist of all-time. He was famous for his not-so-humblebrag, “No prison can hold me. No hand or leg irons or steel locks can shackle me. No ropes or chains can keep me from my freedom.”

Well, as they say, it’s not bragging if you can back it up. The magician would do just that  through a series of stunts where he would challenge local cops to lock him up. Handcuffs? No big deal. Shackles? Piece of cake. Jail? Please. You guessed it. He got out. Every. Single. Time.

A couple of thousand years before the Great Houdini, a man named Paul makes a similarly bold statement. He writes to his good friend Timothy that while he might be behind bars, nothing was stopping the message Jesus gave him. The Good News may be the reason “for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” (v9). Paul won’t make it out alive. But the Gospel gets away. 

Grace escapes. Every. Single. Time.

Unlike the Great Houdini, the apostle is not drumming up media attention or trying to sell tickets. He’s locked up in the first centuries worst slammer, the nefarious Mamertine Prison. Call it Caesar’s SuperMax. Forget all you’ve heard about joints like Alcatraz, Devil’s Island, and even Abu Ghraib. This particular big house was actually very small. A two-cell dungeon where Rome sent those condemned to die. 

Paul is on Death Row and knows it (2Tim 4:6-7). As the clock ticks down to his inevitable execution, the apostle furiously writes to his protege Tim for two reasons. First, drop everything and try and see him before his death (2Tim 4:9, 21). Two, encourage the young pastor to keep telling everyone who will listen about the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth, Christ Jesus. While Paul knows he’s probably not seeing the outside again, he has complete confidence that the Gospel is getting out.

Grace escapes. Every. Single. Time.

The apostle knows exactly why he’s walking the Green Mile. In the previous verse, he says it’s all because of “my Gospel” (2Tim 2:8). Paul finishes the thought in here in verse nine, that’s the whole reason “for which I am suffering” (v9). This is probably a good time to have a very honest discussion about what it means to follow Jesus. Despite what some people like to believe, placing your trust in Christ doesn’t lead to a life of rainbows, unicorns, and a lifetime supply of Skittles. 

The author describes his situation with the Greek word κακοπαθεο. It means to endure pain and affliction or undergo terrible hardship or incredible distress. It’s a compound word meaning to suffer painfully and intensely as the result of evil. Paul is not simply inconvenienced. It’s not like latte didn’t have enough foam. He’s suffering real physical and mental anguish. The term carries the idea of endurance and perseverance. You don’t it enjoy it but also don’t run away. Jesus’ little brother James tells us that God uses these trials to actually grow our faith and make us more like our Savior (James 1:2-3, 12).

Jesus Himself guaranteed His own disciples there was big trouble ahead for each of them in this world (Jn 16:33). Since the world rejected the Son of God, why should His followers expect anything different (Jn 15:18-20). Our Savior goes so far as to say we’re on the receiving end of God’s blessing each time we’re on the business end of persecution. Discrimination for following Jesus on this side of eternity means heavenly reward on the other side (Mt 5:10-12).

Don’t let the proponents of the prosperity gospel fool you. Trusting in God won’t lead to a life full of sweet rides, designer duds, and private jets. Take it from our man Paul. The dude knows what it means to suffer for his faith (2Cor 11:23-28). I’m guessing the prosperity gospel might be a little hard for him to swallow while he was floating in the open ocean for a day and a half after a shipwreck. 

The Good News isn’t a some supernatural get-rich-quick scheme. Oh, don’t get me wrong. There is spectacular blessing when you believe in Jesus. But it won’t be easy. It won’t be comfortable. It comes with some level of pain. Some level of discomfort. Blessing, yes. Pain free, no. Paul’s good friend Peter writes that Christ leaves us an example to follow of the right way to suffer (1Pet 2:21). But the former Pharisee wants us to know “these hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepare for us” (2Cor 4:17 The Message).

Paul describes his current suffering to Tim as being “bound with chains a criminal” (v9). Let’s just say he’s wearing the latest in prison jewelry. For whatever reason, Roman authorities have him in some form of restraints. New Testament writers use “chains” (Gr. δεσμος) when talking about imprisonment or restriction in general and handcuffs or any sort of stocks specifically. It’s something binding or physically impeding you from doing what you want. The apostle mentions it not once, but three times in this short letter (2Tim 1:8, 16; 2:9). You can almost hear the clinking of the heavy iron chain while he writes these words. He’s not going anywhere. We could call this is a chain letter. But we won’t.

While Paul knows for sure his days are numbered, he’s also certain the Gospel is nowhere near done. He might be literally wearing a ball and chain. “But the word of God is not bound!” (v9). Sportscaster Dan Patrick drops a catchphrase when describing an athlete who’s red hot, “You can’t stop him. You can only hope to contain him.” The apostle wants us to know God’s Word not only can’t be stopped, but it can’t be contained! 

Grace escapes. Every. Single. Time.

You stand a better chance of keeping King Kong in captivity than holding back the Gospel. Yeah, neither one’s gonna happen. Just look what went down the last time they tossed Paul in the pokey. “What has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ” (Phil 1:13-14). The apostle formerly known as Saul saw firsthand how the very public killing of Stephen only served to cause the message of Jesus to go viral (Acts 8:1).

Grace escapes. Every. Single. Time.

God’s number one spokesman may be in custody but God’s Word is on the loose! The Gospel is on the lam. You can’t stop it. You can’t even hope to contain it. It’s like what the resurrected Jesus tells His best friend John. When God’s throws a door open, there’s absolutely no one who can shut it (Rev 3:8). In other words, if Almighty God wants something out, it stays out. The Gospel is a perfect example.

Grace escapes. Every. Single. Time.

Which brings us back to Harry Houdini. He did manage to extricate himself from every single set of handcuffs, every pair of leg irons, and every prison cell. Do you know what did him in? An unexpected punch in the gut ruptured his appendix and killed him. The Great Houdini couldn’t escape death. 

But God’s Word can’t be stopped. No grave can hold Jesus. No jail can hold His Word. 

Grace escapes. Every. Single. Time.

THE Hero of THE Story

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my Gospel” (2Tim 2:8).

I don’t watch the original “Rocky” and pull for Apollo Creed. Lex Luthor may be Superman’s archenemy, but the Man of Steel always gets top billing. If you’re cheering for Mr. Potter to stick it to George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” you’ve got serious issues. In the great stories of our culture, you always pull for the hero.

In a letter to his sidekick Timothy, the Apostle Paul reminds him that when it comes to the grand story of God as told in His Word, there’s only one Hero. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my Gospel” (v8).

Paul wants Tim to never forget that the whole thing points to Jesus, the Radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth. He’s God’s Anointed One. The One who walked out of the graveyard after being dead for three days. The Descendant that God personally promised King David would one day be King forever. He’s the Point of Paul’s viral message about God. 

Never forget that Jesus is THE Hero of THE Story.

That’s a pretty big deal if you know what’s going on Paul’s story as he writes. He’s behind bars (2Tim 1:8, 16; 2:9). That’s certainly not the first time the apostle been locked up for telling people about Jesus. But this incarceration is different. He’s on Death Row in Rome’s Mamertine Prison (2Tim 4:6-7). This joint is so tough it makes Shawshank look like Club Med.

Despite his desperate situation, it hasn’t changed anything about the apostle’s trust in who Jesus and what He has done. If anything, Paul’s grip on Christ is even tighter. He knows that no matter what happens to him on this side of eternity, Jesus ultimately wins. And when Jesus wins, those who follow Him do too. If you have any doubts about the Lord’s final victory, you might want to flip to the back of the Book. While Revelation might be a little hard to understand in some places and downright weird in others, one thing is sure. Jesus wins. Remember, He’s THE Hero of THE Story.

That’s important for every person who trusts in Jesus to realize. Sure, a few of us may live some pretty sweet lives here on Earth. But most face of us face all sorts of pain, suffering, disease, disappointment, abandonment, and shame. Take it from our man Paul. He’s not exactly living large unless you’re talking about shipwrecks, jail, beatings, and a contract on his life (2Cor 11:23-28). But despite walking the Green Mile, he continues walking with Jesus. He trusts in the THE Hero of THE Story. It’s a great reminder that we can too.

The apostle hopes Tim will keep the main thing the main thing. Rather, the Main One the Main One. “Remember Jesus Christ” (v8).  He uses a Greek verb here (Gr. μνεμονευο) that means to recall or keep something specific in mind. In other words, think about it and keep thinking about. It’s actually from a couple of words that mean to stay right there and chew on this. 

But it’s more than just keeping something on the front burner of your brain. It’s doing something about it. When you first see μνεμονευο, you may want to ask Pat Sajak if you can buy a vowel (Well, at least a Greek vowel). Instead Paul wants folks to not just remember but respond. Keep recalling Christ. Keep reacting to what He’s done for you.

We see that when we check out a couple of other times we see this word in the NT. Jesus tells His posse to recall and respond to what He’s told them. “Remember (Gr. μνεμονευο) the word I have said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (Jn 15:20). Recall His instructions. React accordingly.

When Paul tells the Galatians about his big meet-up at the home office in Jerusalem, the leaders of the early church just put a couple of things on his to-do list. One of them, “they asked us to remember (Gr. μνεμονευο) the poor, the very thing I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10). Recall their instructions about those living in poverty. React accordingly and do something about it.

As we go through life, recall Jesus and react accordingly. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way. When we run the grueling marathon race of life, we must keep our eyes on Christ the entire time, “looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2). When I don’t know what else to do, I just take a long look at the Lord. When I remember how incredibly good He is to me, how merciful He is to me, how much He’s forgiven me, how gracious He is to me, I can’t sit still. I’ve gotta do something! I recall the Gospel and react accordingly. Always remember Jesus is THE Hero of THE Story. Always remember Jesus is the Hero of YOUR Story and MY Story.

Paul refers to our Savior here as “Jesus Christ” (v8). You do realize that Christ is NOT His last name, don’t you? He’s not the Son of Joe and Mary Christ of Nazareth. Christ is His title. It means the Anointed One and is equivalent to the OT term Messiah. In other words, Father God has anointed His Son Jesus to be the Hero He’s promised to rescue His chosen people for the past a few thousand years. 

It’s all part of being THE Hero of the ENTIRE Story. For instance, did you know Jesus gets a mention VERY early in the opening pages of Genesis? After Adam sat passively while his wife fell for the lies of a satanic snake and sin entered God’s perfect creation (Gen 3:1-7), our Heavenly Father warns the serpent that a Hero is coming to crush his head (Gen 3:15). That Someone is Jesus.

That releases a tsunami of predictions, prophecies, and promises about the Messiah that washes the pages of the OT. Smart folks who study this sort of thing say there a literally hundreds of them. Here’s just a few. He’ll be a member of Abraham’s family (Gen 12:3; 22:18). His mom would be a virgin. (Is 7:14). Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Heir to King David’s throne (2Sam 7:12-13). Suffer and die for our rebellion (Is 53). That’s just the tip of the messianic iceberg.

What’s the big deal? It means the Messiah is THE Hero of the Old Testament. So if Jesus is the Messiah, He’s THE Hero of the OT! Sure, there are cool stories about some crazy characters. Folks like Noah, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, David, and Jeremiah. And guess what. They all were jacked up sinners in desperate need of a Savior just like you and me.

The Jewish people had seriously high hopes for the Messiah’s arrival. He would not only fulfill all the prophets predicted but they expected a whole lot more. Specifically, He would punch their Roman oppressors in the throat and lead Israel back to glory. Or so they thought. There was only one problem. God had other ideas.

The Heavenly Father would send His Son to rule and reign, but first He would come this first time to serve and suffer. Specifically, die on a cross in our place. However Jesus wouldn’t stay dead. Or as Paul wants Tim to never forget, Christ was “risen from the dead” (v8). As cool as sending the Roman army running away like little school girls might be, walking out of your own tomb three days after your funeral has that beat by a long shot. You do that kind of thing when you’re THE Hero of THE Story.

Flash back before His crucifixion. Several different times, the Lord tells His crew that it was going to go down this way. For instance, after their crazy mountaintop encounter with Moses and Elijah, Jesus instructs His inner circle not to say a word about what happened “until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” (Mt 17:9).

As you might imagine, Christ’s miraculous resurrection is a game changer for His followers. Seeing the risen Jesus transformed the disciples from freaked out cowards into fearless messengers of the Gospel. It’s the consistent center of the message believers spread around the Mediterranean Rim in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:3; 2:24, 31-32; 3:14; 4:10, 33; 5:30; 9:3-8; 10:40-41; 13:30, 34, 37; 17:3, 18, 31; 22:6-10; 25:19; 26:12-18, 23).

Paul reminds Tim to rewind to the Old Testament again when he refers to Jesus as “the offspring of David” (v8). He’s the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to David. “I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish His kingdom…and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever” (2Sam 7:12, 13). The Gospel writers refer to Jesus as the “son of David” a grand total 13 times. That’s Bible talk for THE Hero of THE Story.

Jesus as the ultimate Hero of God’s story “as preached in my Gospel,” according to the apostle. Throughout all of Paul’s letters, he makes it clear He’s put his trust in the promised Messiah. THE Hero of the OT. Risen from the dead. THE Hero of the NT. Descendant of David. THE Hero of the ENTIRE BIBLE!

Did you know that Jesus goes out of His way to say that very same thing? He makes it clear that He’s the point of Scripture (Jn 5:39). He goes so far as to say that when Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, the Big Mo was writing about the coming Christ (Jn 5:46). Jesus is THE Hero of THE STORY.

After His resurrection, Jesus caught up with a couple of dudes headed home to Emmaus. He led this pair on what may be the greatest Bible study EVER. “Beginning with Moses and the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself” (Lk 24:27). Jesus is THE HERO of THE STORY.

So what’s all this mean? First and foremost, it’s NOT about me. And I’ve got bad news. It’s not about you either. It’s also not about Moses. Not about David. Not about Isaiah. Not about Peter. Not about Paul. It’s about the Messiah. It’s about Jesus. 

Jesus is THE Hero of THE Story.

It means that because Jesus is risen, we will rise (2Cor 4:14). We have absolutely no reason to fear our inevitable date with death. Our Heavenly Dad gives us eternal life when we believe in His Son’s perfect life, substitutionary death, and victorious resurrection (Jn 3:16). If you can’t trust Placing the One who marched right out of the cemetery, who can you trust? 

The Risen One is THE Hero of THE Story.

It means that because Jesus is a direct descendant of King David, we can be sure God is the ultimate Promise Keeper (Dt 7:9). He never lies. Ever (Num 23:19). If He says it, He will do it (Rom 4:21). Even when my faith wobbles like a Weeble (and I know it will!), I can be sure that Jesus is rock sold (2Tim 2:13). And as the Son of David, Christ is the true source of mercy and healing (Mt 15:22; 20:30).

The Son of David is THE Hero of THE Story.

It means that Jesus is the point of the Good News. Our Savior said He’s the one and only way to eternal life (Jn 14:6). The apostle Christ called Rocky told the religious police that they not only murdered the Messiah but that He’s also the exclusive source of salvation (Acts 4:12). Any other alleged good news offers no good news at all.

The Jesus of the Gospel is THE Hero of THE Story.

While you and I aren’t the point of God’s great story, Jesus invites us to be a part of it. He may have wrapped up the writing of the Bible, but He’s far from done. When we trust in Christ, we become part of His story. Think about that for a moment. We’re now included in the same grand narrative with names like Noah, Nehemiah, and our man Paul. Rocky may have an endless movie franchise. Superman may be the Man of Steel. George Bailey may be the favorite son of Bedford Falls. But Jesus is THE Hero of MY Story.

Remember, Jesus is THE Hero of THE Story.