What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 4:10? To this end we labor and strive Paul’s words picture sweat-drenched, purposeful effort. Ministry life is not casual; it is wholehearted commitment. • Colossians 1:28–29: “For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power…”—the same verbs Paul uses here. • 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds believers to be “steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord,” knowing that labor in Him is never wasted. • Galatians 6:9 encourages perseverance: “Let us not grow weary in doing good.” Because the gospel is true, believers willingly pour out energy, resources, and even comfort to see others come to Christ and grow in Him. because we have set our hope on the living God Our strenuous service springs from unshakable confidence in the One who can never die or fail. • Jeremiah 10:10 calls Him “the true God; He is the living God and eternal King,” contrasting idols that cannot speak or save. • 1 Timothy 6:17 urges us to place hope “in God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” • Hebrews 10:23 anchors hope to His unfailing promises: “He who promised is faithful.” A living Savior guarantees that present trials and labors have eternal payoff and that He will empower every step along the way (2 Corinthians 1:9–10). who is the Savior of everyone God’s saving purpose is universal in provision. • 1 Timothy 2:3–4 states that He “desires all men to be saved.” • John 3:16 proclaims that “God so loved the world” and offered His Son for all. • Titus 2:11 affirms, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” He preserves life, restrains evil, and invites every person to receive Christ. Yet the verse does not teach automatic universal salvation; rather, it highlights the breadth of God’s gracious offer and sustaining care. and especially of those who believe Salvation’s benefits become personal and eternal only through faith in Jesus. • John 1:12: “To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” • Ephesians 2:8–9 underscores salvation “by grace…through faith.” • Acts 4:12 declares that “there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Believers enjoy forgiveness, adoption, security (John 10:27–28), and the certain hope of resurrection glory (1 Peter 1:3–5), privileges not shared by the unbelieving world. summary Paul ties relentless ministry effort to a rock-solid hope in the living God. The Father has made salvation available to all, yet it is applied in its fullest, eternal sense only to those who place their trust in Christ. Knowing this, we gladly expend ourselves for the gospel, confident that our labor matters now and forever. |
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