Consider What I Say: One Thing Leads to Another
Gospel Summary: The apostle Paul exhorted young Timothy to consider the Word of God carefully, remember the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and remain faithful even through suffering. This sermon calls believers to deeper devotion, stronger memory of God’s goodness, and holy living in the presence of a God who dwelleth in His people. Above all, it presents Christ as the risen Saviour whose gospel cannot be bound and whose salvation is offered to all who will trust Him.
The Core Message
1. Consider the Word of God with Purpose
The sermon opens with Paul’s charge to Timothy: “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” The emphasis is not merely on hearing Scripture, but on taking it to heart, thinking upon it, and allowing it to shape one’s life. A Christian will grow when he truly listens, remembers, and obeys the preaching of the Word.
2. Remember the Resurrection and the Unbound Gospel
Believers are reminded to keep their minds on Jesus Christ, “of the seed of David,” who “was raised from the dead.” Though Paul suffered “as an evil doer,” he testified that “the word of God is not bound.” Men may restrain the preacher, but they cannot restrain the power, truth, or reach of the gospel. Christ is risen, and His Word still brings life, hope, and salvation.
3. Look Upon the Lord’s Goodness and Respond with Faithful Living
The sermon urges believers to remember the great things God has done: saving the soul, sustaining the family, answering prayer, and providing daily mercies. If God has done so much, then His people ought to serve Him in truth with all their heart. Gratitude should lead to holiness, reverence, and joyful praise. The Lord who dwelleth within His people sees every step, so Christians should walk carefully before Him.
4. Endure Suffering and Hold Fast to the Faithful Saying
Paul’s words in verses 10–12 are presented as a faithful saying: if we are dead with Christ, we shall also live with Him; if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us. The sermon stresses steadfastness in trials and absolute confidence in God’s promises. The Lord has never failed one word of His good promise, and His people ought to put Him first in every area of life.
Scripture References (KJV)
2 Timothy 2:7 — “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.”
2 Timothy 2:8 — “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:”
2 Timothy 2:9 — “Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.”
2 Timothy 2:10 — “Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”
2 Timothy 2:11 — “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:”
2 Timothy 2:12 — “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”
1 Samuel 12:24 — “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”
Psalm 63:6-8 — “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 — “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
Hebrews 10:23 — “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
1 Kings 8:56 — “There hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.”
Application & Invitation
This message calls every believer to slow down, consider the Word of God, and order life around the risen Christ. Remember what the Lord has done for you, walk as one who is indwelt by the Spirit of God, and endure hardship with confidence in the promises of Scripture. If you have never been saved, turn from your sin and trust the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. He alone can save your soul, forgive your sin, and give you eternal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to “consider” God’s Word?
It means to give Scripture careful thought, to meditate upon it, and to obey what the Lord says. True hearing leads to remembrance and then to action.
Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ so important?
Because without the resurrection there is no living Saviour, no victorious gospel, and no hope of eternal life. Christ’s resurrection proves His power over sin, death, and the grave.
Can a saved person lose salvation if he suffers or is weak?
No true child of God is kept by his own strength, but by the faithfulness of God. Believers are called to endure, to walk humbly, and to trust the One who promised never to fail.