Are you sure?

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, ⁹ for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 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. 2 Timothy 2:8-13

Ministry can sometimes be a thankless job. You work hard with minimal pay. No one really thinks about your employment benefits or needs, unless you tell them. But when you do, they accuse you of not being content. Sometimes they accuse you of not being spiritual or having little faith. You're always running around helping people with their problems, but sometimes no one is willing to help you with yours. You get criticized or blamed for no reason at all. So you try to explain. But in the end they say you are just being defensive. You suffer when people lose their faith or follow after idols, yet they think you are just a meddler, instead of minding your own business. To be honest, ministry can sometimes be very discouraging. So why endure? First of all, it's because you know for sure that salvation through Jesus will not be hindered by personal circumstances (vv.8-10). Second, you know for sure that salvation through Jesus will not be hindered by personal weaknesses (vv.11-13). In other words, you know for sure that salvation through faith in Jesus is really sure! So only those who are sure can actually endure in the ministry. Regardless of one's personal circumstances or weaknesses, salvation through faith in Jesus is a guarantee. When you believe this with all your heart, you can face whatever trials or sufferings that may come your way because of your calling to serve Christ. People need to hear, and those who hear and believe the good news about Jesus will surely be saved. If and when you are sure about this truth, nothing else matters. Remember, only those who are sure can endure.

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