Scripture
And because I preach the Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the Word of God cannot be chained.

Observation
Paul encourages Timothy to be strong and to teach to others the things Paul has taught him.

We must endure suffering like Paul, investing our lives in the ministry in the same ways that soldiers, athletes and farmers give their all.

The Good News is that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Even though Paul is in chains the message cannot be chained and Paul will endure anything to dring salvation and eternal glory to those God has chosen. If we die with Christ we will rise with him, if we suffer for him we will reign with him, for he is faithful.

Application
To follow Jesus means that we have to dedicate our whole life for Him. We must be like a soldier who gives up civilian affairs or an athlete who trains single-mindedly for the prize.

Too many of us want to have a foot in heaven and a foot in the world- just enough of the gospel to save us from hell without giving up too much of what we like.

This is foolishness. The path of discipleship starts with two crosses- Christ's and our own. We must die to every desire or ambition that would lead us away from Him.

That doesn't mean we give up every pleasure in this life. It does mean that everything has to be surrendered to Christ. Some things he will give back to us, often with a bonus. I have found over the years that when God asks me to give something over to Him it is always to replace it with something better.

Prayer
Lord Jesus you gave everything up for me. Grant me the grace to give everything up for you. Amen.