By Nancy Williams
Paul was a man who knew God. He was changed by his encounter with Jesus which shaped his life forever. Part of what made Paul extraordinary was that his love of God compelled him to love others well. One of those Paul loved well was Timothy, a young man he discipled to hold to the truth of Jesus’ teaching. While Paul was in prison waiting to be executed for preaching the gospel that Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection was the only way, he wrote 2 Timothy to encourage Timothy to remain faithful to the gospel. Here was Paul in chains, nowhere to go, limited time on earth, no job to support a ministry and his concerns were not on his situation, circumstances, or lack of funds, but was on the need to encourage others to remain faithful to Jesus. How often do we allow our situations, circumstances, the idea that there is always tomorrow, or lack of funds to hinder us from sharing the gospel or encouraging others to remain steadfast in their faith?
2 Timothy 2:8-10 “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.”
What a great reminder “But the word of God is not bound!” The gospel is not bound by man’s limits, Satan’s schemes, or even government denial. The gospel still has the power to change lives. Do you believe that? Do you live as Paul lived, taking every opportunity to share the gospel? As followers of Christ we need to know it, share it, and teach it to ourselves and those around us. We need to endure the blank stares, the hostility to the gospel but never give up on sharing it for it is the only thing that has the power to change a life.
But the word of God is not bound - It discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
But the word of God is not bound – It is used to equip us for every good work
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
But the word of God is not bound – It saves
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
But the word of God is not bound – It guides
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
But the word of God is not bound – It causes us to be wise
Matthew 7:24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
But the word of God is not bound – It sanctifies
John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
But the word of God is not bound – It helps us to not sin
Psalm 119:11 “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
But the word of God is not bound – It last forever
Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
But the word of God is not bound – It teaches and admonishes
Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
But the word of God is not bound – It is Jesus
John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Because the word of God is not bound, we can share it freely remembering that the word will do the work it was intended to do.