Review: “Be strengthened”
1:7 Spirit of power
1:8 Suffer...by the power of God
1:12 He is able to guard
2:1 Be strengthened (empowered)
2:13 He cannot deny himself
3:5 Denying its power
3:7 Never able to arrive at the truth
3:15 Scriptures...able to make you wise or salvation
4:17 The Lord stood by me and strengthened me
Question: How will you pass on the legacy of sincere faith to the generation behind you?
- Good Soldier
● Not entangled/woven in civilian pursuits
● Purpose: please the one who enlisted him
- Athlete
● Competes according to the rules
● Purpose: a crown
- Farmer
● Hard work
● Purpose: share in harvest
Discuss this statement: “We willingly suffer for the things that we value most.”
Remembering has been a theme as we look back on those in our heritage of faith.
Remember Jesus Christ
● Risen from the dead-- He is victorious in suffering
● Offspring of David-- He is sovereign over everything
We share in suffering with Jesus (but also his purpose, power, and promise)
● Purpose:
“This is why I am suffering” (2:9)
“For the sake of the elect, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus...” (2:10)
● Power:
“But the word of God is not bound!” (2:9)
● Promise:
“If we have died with him, we will also live with him; If we endure, we will also reign with him...” (2:11-13)
