12. READ: 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-13
[2 Timothy 2:1] [Paul speaking to the young preacher Timothy:] "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. [2] And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. [3] Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. [5] Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. [6] The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. [7] Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
[8] "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my Gospel, [9] for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's Word is not chained. [10] Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect [believers--God's chosen ones], that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
[11] "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; [12] if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; [13] if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself."
a. We should endure hardship like what?
b. For what did Paul suffer like a criminal?
c. Why did Paul endure everything?
