Verses 1-2
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Grow strong yourself, learn the Word, and teach other godly people to teach the Word to even more people.
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You will be most effective by delegating. Once you know the teachings of the Word, share them with others, so the Word can spread further.
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Verses 3-7
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Don't quit when things get hard. Like a soldier in battle, stay focused on the kingdom, and don't get distracted with empty things of this world.
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Like an athlete, be disciplined and follow the rules of the Word (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
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Like a farmer, work hard and be patient for the fruits of your labor (James 5:7-8).
Verses 8-10
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Remember that no matter what you have to go through, God's Word will continue to spread and accomplish its purpose.
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Don't be discouraged if you seem slowed down by persecutions or complications of life.
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Endure everything for the sake of others.
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Remember that life isn't about you. Keep your mind focused on the purpose of helping others to come to Christ.
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If you are focused on helping others, you will be able to move past your own griefs and hardships.
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Verses 11-13
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Verses 11-12a. And when things are hard, remember this:
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If you are killed for your faith, you will live with Christ in His kingdom.
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If you endure hardships patiently, you will reign with Christ.
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There is a future reward for everything we suffer, so don't give up!
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Verses 12b-13. God will never stop being faithful, so there is no reason to deny Him.
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If you do deny Him, it's on you. You always have that choice. You can lose your salvation if you choose (2 Peter 2:20-22, Hebrews 6:4-6).
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God is faithful to you, and He always provides what you need to keep your faith. So keep your faith!
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Verses 14-19
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To keep your faith, stay focused on what the Word says (nothing more), and teach others to do the same (1 Timothy 4:16).
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If you and your community ever lose sight of Christ and the basics of the gospel, and you turn to useless teachings, it can destroy your faith!
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Some people will lose their faith, due to false teachings. But remember that those who truly belong to Christ, in the end, are those who stay saved until the end (Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:22-23).
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If you are His own, continue to turn away from sin! Everyone who is truly saved will be repenting!
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In summary, always focus on the Word and on continuing to turn away from sin!
Verses 20-23
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You will be useful to Christ if you turn away from sin and pursue doing what is right.
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Make sure that you are pursuing right-living (obedience to God) with others who are after the same thing. You need support from other believers to succeed in this.
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Verses 24-26
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Be able to gently and clearly explain the Word without arguing. Why?
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You must be able to correct those who disagree with the Word. When doing this, pray that they will not be hardened.
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Repentance is an act of the will that God allows in those who are not hardened. Those who oppose the Word are in a dangerous spot (captives of the devil), so pray that God will still allow them to repent, as some people cannot anymore.
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Also remember that people can only change through a work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, so pray for God to work!
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