Let Election and Evangelism Energize Your Endurance

2 Timothy 2:10

2 Timothy 2:10

Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

What gets you out of bed every morning? On those days when you feel especially sluggish and particularly lazy, what makes you get up and start the day anyway? On days when you feel like giving up, what energizes your endurance? The apostle Paul makes it clear what energized him day in and day out.

Our verse for today says, “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” What energized the apostle Paul? Our verse today reveals two things that energized the endurance of the apostle Paul. And two things that ought to energize us as well. Let’s look at the first.

Firstly, we see that Paul’s endurance is energized by the power of God’s Word. Notice that our verse begins with the word therefore. Let’s look at verses 8-10 to see how they connect. Paul says, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the Word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” Do you see what Paul is saying here? Paul’s response of “enduring everything for the sake of the elect” is built upon the premise of the boundless power of God’s Word. If God’s Word was a mere compilation of insightful and interesting moral methods and principles, Paul would have no reason to endure for the sake of elect. If God’s Word was not living and active, containing the message of the gospel that is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16), Paul couldn’t endure everything for the sake of the elect. Paul’s endurance is energized by the boundless, limitless, and awesome power of God’s Word.

Additionally, and secondly, Paul’s endurance is energized by the promise of salvation for the elect. Notice what Paul says, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect. Without getting into the nitty-gritty of the doctrine of election, over which there is unfortunately much controversy, one thing is clear in this verse. Paul’s ability to endure is enhanced and energized by the truth and promise that God has chosen men and women to be adopted as sons and daughters into the family of God. This also means that contrary to the practice of some who subscribe to the Reformed view of the doctrine of election, election ought to make us more, not less passionate and zealous in our efforts to reach the lost with the gospel of Christ. The Scriptural truth that God has sovereignly elected some to believe and hope in Christ does not in any way negate our responsibility to engage in evangelism and ministry. On the contrary, it stirs and helps sustain our efforts. The promise of election is what necessitates the practice of evangelism. The truth of God’s election assures us that our evangelistic efforts are not in vain, compels and catalyzes us to endure in the difficult work of everyday faithfulness to the gospel and to God. The doctrine of election ought to energize our ability to endure!

The promise of election is what necessitates the practice of evangelism.

So, are you energized by reflection upon the power of God’s Word? Does the certainty of election cause in your life a prioritization of evangelism? Does a burden for the lost stir up in you a determination to keep on zealously and passionately following Jesus? In a culture that idolizes comfort and convenience, it can be very easy to neglect pondering the lost, pursuing the lost, and preaching to the lost. How often do we think about those around us who don’t know Jesus (pondering)? Do we go throughout our days heartbroken over those who don’t have a saving relationship with Jesus? How often do we make an effort to initiate a conversation or interaction with an unbeliever (pursue)? Do our schedules allow for times of intentional time spent with unbelievers? And when was the last time we took an unbeliever through the wonders of the gospel (preach)? When was the last time we explained to someone the greatness of our sin but the much surpassing greatness of our Savior?

It is important to note that evangelism is also a command given to every Christian (Matt 28:18-20). It is not an optional add-on for extroverts, “super-saints”, or pastors, but a mandate given to the ordinary Christian. Yes, it may come easier and more naturally to some, but it must come in some form and fashion to all. Does this mean that all of us need to drop what we’re doing and become street preachers? Or go on regular evangelistic expeditions? Probably not! It does mean, however, that all of us, according to our various gifting and context, need to be factoring evangelism into the equation of our regular Christian responsibility and discipline. We can also be encouraged by this reality: we don’t elect souls to salvation, God does. We just proclaim the truth of salvation, not apply it. So after we’ve prayed and presented the gospel we leave the results up to God. We plant and He waters. We faithfully preach, and He sovereignly saves.

We also should consider that as much as evangelism is a command it also is meant to be a joy. Our verse for today shows us that it ought to be a practice that sends energetic waves through our spines. And I can personally attest to the fact that nothing beats the thrill of post-evangelism. The thought that God can use us to be a means of grace that causes someone to obtain the salvation and hope that is in Christ Jesus has a special ability to energize our endurance and power our perseverance in the race of this life.

So today’s takeaway? We must let the power of God’s Word, the promise of election, and the practice of evangelism energize our spiritual endurance. Romans 10:14-17 says, How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us?” So faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Truly, how beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the gospel! Today, let’s pray that God will cause election and evangelism to energize us to endure. Let’s pray for hearts that are on fire for the lost and for lives that are spent being poured out for the sake of the salvation of many. For truly, we must endure in order that the elect may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus! Help us to do so Lord we pray! Amen!