8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Paul here doesn't paint a very rosy picture of Christian Discipleship ... the gospel he has been preaching has got him into trouble ... to the point of being chained like a criminal although he is prepared to undergo that suffering for the sake of the Gospel why? so that the hearers may obtain salvation.
It is an amazing thought that through our study, through our faithfulness God can speak, can work in the lives of those listening ... mmm...It really has to be down to God tho. This stuff is certainly not light reading but when you do think about it is in serving Him that true freedom and purpose is found.
Awesome Privilege but equally the responsibility to take the job of preparing prayerfully and faithfully studying God's word as well as living it out is ours. "this is what you've called me to"
"Will you then, in the strength of the Holy Spirit, continually stir up the gift of God that is in you, to make Christ known to all people. By the help of God I will."
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