Through God’s grace, we have become witnesses

One of my favorite things I get to do as a pastor is write. From the time I was in elementary school until now I have always enjoyed writing. There are times as a pastor where I can open the Bible and preach. However, I love spending time just writing my thoughts and with excitement and anticipation, I begin to see my thoughts become a journey on the page.

Many people write, knowing what their direction and theme may be. I like to write from a point of inspiration, yet I am not fully aware of where my thoughts will take me. It never gets old for me. I love opening the Living Word of God and along with a pen and a piece of paper, anticipating what the final composition will be.

Today, the biblical inspiration comes from 2 Timothy 2:1-2. The Apostle Paul writes, “Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”

Here, Paul is writing to Timothy and he writes about two types of listeners, yet he only mentions one. There are those who listen and then there are those who hear the Word, and they are reliable and trustworthy enough to pass truths onto others. The latter is what James 1:22 speaks of when he says, “Be hearers and doers of the Word.”

Paul’s words to Timothy are, “Be strong through the grace that God gives you in Jesus Christ.” Paul continues to remind Timothy that he has heard Paul teach these things and what Paul has taught has been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Those reliable sources continue to teach to other trustworthy people.

Here is the exciting thing! We have become those people who are witnesses of God’s grace and goodness. We are also overcomers by the shed blood of Jesus Christ and the word of our testimony. We have been redeemed by Jesus.

Paul continues with the powerful story in 2 Timothy 2:8-9; “Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.”

The stories continue. Broken lives like yours and mine are still being restored. It does not matter what shackles we have bound ourselves with. The Word of God cannot be chained. It was for freedom that Christ has set us free. We can be strong through God’s grace and Jesus calls us to go to him, every one of us who are tired and burdened and Jesus Christ himself will give rest for our souls. Paul finishes the second chapter of 2 Timothy with this trustworthy saying that trustworthy people are still passing to others today.

2 Timothy 2:11-13, “This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.”

The Lord is a God of wonders. We have been made whole and all of us can speak of our experience of the lovingkindness of Jesus.

Blessings to you and yours. Have a great week!

Dave Truncone is the pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Van Buren. He is married to Heidi and they have two daughters, Hannah and Abigail. They live in Van Buren.