Not Bound
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! —2 Timothy 2:8-9
Again, notice how Paul always brings the proof of the gospel back to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection event is always his principal evidence—the defeat of physical death that gives humanity hope of spiritual life. In addition, Paul makes the connection that Jesus has to David's lineage, which reinforces the Messianic promise.
He repeatedly reinforces this because many were dismissing, abandoning, and canceling Paul. After all, he proclaimed Jesus Christ as the only King during a very tense time in the Roman empire.
You see, in July of 64 AD, while Paul was in prison in Rome, a massive fire broke out. It destroyed 10 of the city’s 14 districts. The fire lasted for more than six days. While how the fire started is still contested, rumors surged that Nero, the emperor at the time, had secretly started the fire so he could rebuild Rome to his own liking. Nero tried to stop the rise of these rumors but was unsuccessful. So he looked for people to blame. And since two of the districts untouched by the fire were disproportionally occupied by Christians, he shifted the blame to them. And of course, Paul, who was a leader of the Christian movement, and labeled for stirring up controversy, was surely taking some heat because of all this.
Given this, many began to disassociate with Paul. Propaganda was now branding him as a criminal, and these other issues were amplifying this false narrative. (You see, fake news is not a new idea.)
But Paul clarifies that he is no criminal, only a faithful messenger of the timeless and true gospel message. And he reminds Timothy that the message of Christ cannot be bound with chains, but instead, it's the message that breaks the chains of bondage—the bondage of sin and death.
So today, our call to action is to live in freedom as a people who have been freed. To do this, we have to stop succumbing to biased truth, fake news, and false messages. We have to remember that when messages have fragments of truth that they might be lies. This is because fragments of truth are dangerous, sometimes resulting in bondage to ideas that work to silence the gospel of freedom. We must daily reset our minds to the gospel's timeless truth, and not what we hear perpetuated by news media, social media, and corporate media. We have a better message, a gospel that frees all humanity from bondage.
ASK THIS: What is a lie that others project about you, that has you living in bondage? (Share it in the comments below)
DO THIS: Find a verse in God's Word that counters this lie. If you need direction ask for it in the comments below.
PRAY THIS: God, help me in my unbelief to believe your truth more than the narrative of lies.
PLAY THIS: Zach Williams. No Longer Slaves.
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Read through the Bible daily with Vince Miller.
Way helpful, Vince!
God bless you and the ministry to men.
Don
Either that I’m good, but not good enough or that I am like a Pharisee and do things to get noticed or accolades.
As long as I do and try my best, I’m good enough. Only His opinion of me is the one I need to care about.
Once upon a time I did most things to impress others. See previous statement. That is no longer the case, but I do need to keep my desires in check so I make sure I am doing things for the right reasons.
“ If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” John 15:18-19
Lies were also told of Jesus, but He overcame the world. I need to look to God for strength daily.
I finally had my tough talk with my writing partner. He had an image and doubt that I am an accomplished writer. I told him that’s why I brought you on! After this morning’s phone call, I laid out everything and he needs to decide to stay on board or go his own way. Either way, the show must go on. I feel through all of this stress the last month, that God was reaching out to me because I strayed off of my path/journey with him. I call them “Covid slips.” I also feel that God was wising me up to the industry I am about to enter and having the right IP protection in place.
Thank you Lord for opening me up and tearing me down so I can grow your way. I am also starting mens bible study tomorrow with my pastor.
Father help me not to believe the lie that I am illogical – but at the same time help me to guard my words and not be impulsive
It has been said that I am too bold and straight forward , not gentle when it comes to mentoring men.
Iron Sharpens Iron,
Also there are verses in 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 about not distorting the word of God.
Many people see me as a really good guy. But I know it is only Jesus who works through me that is good.
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. – Psalm 14:2-3
I was always put down as a child growing up so even today as an adult I still carry that burden with me, and I never feel as though I can do anything very well. And I end upnputting my self down alot.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
I just have to remind myself that God is with me and he will strengthen and help me every step of the way. With God by my side anything is possible.
I am weak.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (ESV)
While I am truly physically weak, when I stop relying on myself only, and rely on Jesus, anything is possible with this physical body.
Recently I have been accused of lying about something when I know I did not do that. The bondage is it is on my thoughts, even though I do not have the power to change that person’s mind. I know You created me new, Jesus. Help me have the awareness to think on that and not the attack.
That I am handicapped and helpless in the eyes of my family. But I know the truth from my saviour:
“The Spirit of the lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
Luke 4:18
Maybe that I just “can’t do it”. I feel so inadequate to do most things; but I have to find my niche.
I agree Matt. You seem like a very good man and I think you need to find your niche. You are clearly very intelligent and articulate. With you he is well pleased!
Thank You for your kind words Cory. Thank you for your friendship. With you He is well pleased!
I am not bound to the sins of our family lineage. But if Jesus has set me free, I am free indeed!
I know that my redeemer lives
That I don’t know how to lead.
You already have started to lead by your actions this morning. You are a child of God!!
Thanks John.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “ John 10:10
The Word and promises of Jesus are not bound!