Four Truths

12.10.11

2 Timothy 1.11-13 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 remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. NIV

It is thought that this is an ancient chorus that believers in the first century sang when they were together. It states four simple, yet profound truths:

First, if we died with Him (maybe referencing those in Christ who had already passed) we will also live with Him. There is a hope and a future for those in Christ: they will live with Him. Life in Christ is everlasting, never-ending, and eternal.

Second, if we endure, we will also reign with Him. The Christian life is not about this life but is preparation for the next life where those who hang in there with Jesus will be given immense responsibility to serve the King as rulers of His Kingdom.

Third, if we disown Him, He will also disown us. Who we really are will be proved by our affection for Him. If we choose others or other things above Him, He will choose others and other things above us.

And fourth, if we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot disown Himself. One thing God cannot do is disown Himself. Oh! God can do anything! No, He can’t. He cannot un-become Himself. God is immutable (unchanging) and will always and irrevocably be Himself; He cannot be otherwise.

There are many who think God can do anything. He can’t – He cannot sin. He cannot be bribed. He cannot be mocked. He cannot do anything ungodly. Can He make a rock so big He cannot pick it up? No, He can’t. Material things are the least of God’s concerns. His faithfulness to Himself is immovable and unshakable. And it is vastly important that we remember what God can and cannot do for then we have the true understanding of Who He is and where we stand with Him.

When we are faithless – in those moments of doubt and fear – He is faithful. That’s important to know and embrace for if we lose it for some reason, it’s great for our rebound to know He’s never lost it…nor will He ever lose it – He is God. When our world implodes it’s important to know that God’s never does. It’s important to know and important for our faith.

It’s ironic to me that Paul made all of these statements from prison where he was awaiting execution for his faith. If anyone had reason for doubt, it was Paul. But as he said these things to his young protégé, Paul was building on his own faith and teaching Timothy to do the same. Believer, here are four truths you must never forget – embrace them and live your life in Christ in their light, no matter what you are going through…