2 Tim 2:9 For that [Gospel] I am suffering affliction {and} even wearing chains like a criminal. But the Word of God is not chained {or} imprisoned!
2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I [am ready to] persevere {and} stand my ground with patience {and} endure everything for the sake of the elect [God's chosen], so that they too may obtain [the] salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with [the reward of] eternal glory.
2 Tim 2:11 The saying is sure {and} worthy of confidence: If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
2 Tim 2:12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny {and} disown {and} reject Him, He will also deny {and} disown {and} reject us.
2 Tim 2:13 If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself.
2 Tim 2:14 Remind [the people] of these facts and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets {and} undermines the faith of the hearers.
When you consider "all" the early believers did endure; the suffering of Christ, and the faithfulness of God even when we are untrue, today's Christians would be considered very wimpy and limpy armed in many ways. My Mom was telling me she set up the nativity scene in her "elderly" apartment building community room with decorations, and two people wanted it out of there with the excuse that she was trying to push her religion on them. There are such petty things going on in churches and out of churches by people who delight themselves in controversy over words. Paul was ready to stand his ground, and he was ready to suffer. He knew what chains were like but he also knew the word of God was not limited, or chained. We are entering into an age where many will be unprepared to stand their ground; not willing to suffer, they will shrink back and look to the world to save them. The Heavens and earth shall pass away but the word of God and His faithfulness shall stand. God's word will not ever be chained.
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