2 TIMOTHY 2:8 – Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel.”
The whole of the Christian life is summed up in the first three words of today’s scripture–Remember Jesus Christ. I know this sounds simple because it is, but it is also truly the whole of the Christian life. It is like the exhortation given us in the opening verses of the twelfth chapter of the letter to the Hebrews – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2). Remembering Jesus Christ and looking to Jesus defines and directs our living the Christian life. And here are three ways such thinking and spiritually looking does so, though there are many more.
First remember Jesus Christ as our Savior. Such pondering produces a life of thanksgiving which is one of the evidences of the Spirit-filled life-And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:18-20). Learning to look upon Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our salvation keeps a heart tender and filled with gratitude.
Next, remember Jesus Christ as our Shepherd. In doing so, we will be taken to the place of comfort and contentment during life’s many trials and disappointments. Go often to the Shepherd’s Psalm and look upon Jesus by faith-The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake (Psalm 23:1-3).
Finally, remember Jesus Christ as our Coming King. Here is our hope. Here is our strength. Here is the way to drive away an anxious and troubled heart. His Words to His disciples are His Words to us-Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also (John 14:1-3).
Remember Jesus Christ. So simple! So profound! So life-changing! May the Lord help us to fix our eyes on Him more consistently each passing day!
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for giving me Your Son and may I live focused on Him always.”
QUOTE: “Remember Jesus Christ. This is the sum of all things; the definition of the Christian life.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim