Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-13
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel. v.8
Paul mentions two specific ways to remember Jesus: Remember Him as risen from the dead. And remember Him as the offspring of David. Why these two things about Jesus?
Romans 5:7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—
Because if He is risen from the dead He is alive and triumphant over death — including our death! “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” Romans 8:11
It means that no matter how serious the suffering becomes, the worst that it can do on this earth is kill us. but Jesus has taken the sting out of that enemy.
He is alive. And we will be alive. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” Matthew 10:28
But more than that, the resurrection of Jesus was not a random resurrection. It was the resurrection of the son of David. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David.” Why does Paul say that?
Because every Jewish person hearing it would know that it meant Jesus is the Messiah (anointed one) John 7:42 They would know it meant that this resurrection was the resurrection of an everlasting King. Listen to the words of the angel to Mary, Jesus’ mother:
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:31–33
So, remember Jesus, the one we serve. He is not just alive from the dead but He is alive as a King who will reign forever and of His kingdom there will be no end.
No matter what happens, we do not need to be afraid.