Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel. (2 Timothy 2:8)
This is Paul’s last letter. He is in prison and preparing for his execution, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come” (2 Timothy 4:6). He sends this letter to his “child” Timothy and he gives him strict instructions. He says, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…”, “Share in sufferings…”, “avoid irreverent babble…”, “flee youthful passions…”, “preach the word…” but above all else Paul says, “Remember Jesus Christ…”! This is the most important instruction that Paul gives the young pastor.
There is but one essential message in all of history, it is the message of the cross. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most vital message in the world! Even as a Christian I need to hear that over and over again. State the obvious, hear the truth, listen again and again to the words of Cross. When I forget the cross I stumble and fall into temptation, condemnation, depression, and legalism. I fall short of the duty of my faith, to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, and mind.
The cross is important even to Christians who have already heard the gospel. I must live in the Gospel because it is the grace of God revealed to me. When I fail to live in the gospel I become prideful, depressed, or self-righteous. When I fail to remember Jesus Christ, I loose my focus. I start to store up earthly treasures and build up castles made of sand. Nothing will last except what I do for Christ. When I forget the cross I forget evangelism and service, worship and praise, grace and wrath.
Living in the gospel means running to the cross everyday and remembering Jesus Christ. Praising my savior, asking for forgiveness for sins (because it is mine in Christ) and seeking to share the gospel with others. There is no greater command than to remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.
Christ is not still dead, He is alive and well and reigning supreme. When I remember Christ I must remember Him risen from the dead. For if Christ is still in the grave then my sins have not been forgiven and I am doomed to hell still. I must remember Christ risen! I must focus my attention on the cross and the resurrection for it is only in the cross that I have salvation, grace, and strength, and it is only in the resurrection that I have justification and assurance of salvation. God has done all things for me through Jesus death and resurrection and has given me a multitude of blessings through His work…it is my duty then to remember Jesus, risen from the dead!
Do I want to overcome this sin in my life that is eating away at me, then Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead! Do I want to glorify God in my marriage, then remember Jesus Christ who died to give my marriage its deepest meaning. Do I want to serve my fellow man with sincerity, then remember Jesus’ service to me and His offer to all men.
Paul’s words are as necessary for me to hear and obey as they were for Timothy: Remember Jesus Christ, Raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel.
Pastor Dave Online 