Introduction:     Chapter 2 deals with the life that is worth living.  It not only speaks of this life, but lists characteristics and qualities of a life that is worth living. You will notice, first of all:

I.          THE STRUGGLE THAT GIVES LIFE PURPOSE (V.1)

In verse 1 Paul speaks of the struggles that he faced in his life, love and labor for the Lord.  As you examine the contents of his letters you get the idea that these struggles were simply a part of life, and they gave life purpose and validity.  Paul reminds us that we, too, face struggles; and, in fact, reminds us that:

A.        There Are Struggles To Be Endured

You will remember that everywhere Paul served the Lord there was great conflict. The very chains he wore and the cell he occupied were testimony to the intensity of the struggle he had for the saints. As Christians we, too, are called to share in the pain of caring. To be a Christian is to be committed to demonstrate care, concern and compassion to others and for others, (Gal.6:2) "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." As members of the same family we are burden-bearers, burden-carers, and burden-sharers.  We are in the ministry of helping others, and it often calls to endure struggles.  Secondly, Paul mentions that:

B.         There Are Struggles To Be Expected

We are called, as believers, to know Him in the power of His resurrection, and in the fellowship of His sufferings. These are vital times, vexing times; yet, victorious times. It is these times of struggle that God uses to “conform us into the image of His son.” The second characteristic of the life worth living is:

II.         THE STRENGTH THAT GIVES LIFE POWER (V.2)

In verse 2 Paul speaks of the strength that we find in the midst of the struggles that we face. The emphasis is not individual, but congregational. He speaks on behalf of the fellowship of the entire church; thus, reminding us that there is strength in the collective body of believers. This strength gives our life power by doing two things.  First, there is:

A.        The Tie That Binds Our Hearts (v.2a)

One of the most beautiful aspects of belonging to a local body is the fact that there is a tie that binds our hearts together. We have been saved by the same grace, we are standing on the same ground, we are striving for the same goal; and, we are serving the same God.

·        We have a lot of things in common. 

The word "comforted" means, "to call to one's side." It is the same word used to describe the Holy Spirit as the 'Paraclete,' or Comforter.  He has been called alongside to help us. As fellow believers we are called to the side of each other. We are here to help, strengthen, encourage and comfort one another.  However, the second desire Paul expresses is that we be,

·        "...knit together in love..."

The phrase means to be "united or joined inseparably." You have heard someone say of close companions, 'They are joined together at the hip.'  That is idea of being 'knit together.'

We ought to come to the house of God, be fed from the Word of God, feel the Spirit of God and love the people of God with the love of God.  That is the tie that ought to bind our hearts together.  The next truth that is amplified is:

B.         The Truth That Blesses Our Hearts (v.2b)

Where there is charity, there will be unity. And, where there is unity there will be conformity.  When our hearts are bound by the tie of love, our hearts will be blessed by the truth of the Lord. One of the major problems in our society, as well as our churches, is that people's minds are filled with religious knowledge. They know much of religious ritual, religious rhetoric and religious routine. Many feel that it really doesn't matter what you believe just as long as you believe something. There are those who say that it is fine to believe in Jesus, but just add a little more to it.  (Illus: it was the Lord Jesus Himself who said that there is only one way to achieve, only one truth to believe; and, only one life to receive. It is Christ and Christ alone.) Paul reminds these believers of this truth by teaching them not only to knit their hearts together in love; but, to have a deep settled conviction as to the claims of scripture.  That is the strength that gives the life worth living power. Finally, Paul, in verse 3, mentions the third aspect of the life worth living by speaking of:

III.       THE SECRET THAT GIVES LIFE PEACE (V.3)

Perhaps you have found yourself asking the question, "Is there more to life than what I have found" or "Is there a secret to a life worth living?" This verse outlines the secret that gives peace to a life worth living.  It is outlined it in two ways; first, is:

A.        The Wealth That Is Reserved For Us

God has a storehouse that is laid up for us. He possesses all of the spiritual resources that we will ever need. That resource is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The ultimate need of humanity is Jesus Christ. Jesus is what we need and in Him we find everything else that we need. He is the storehouse of treasure that is laid up for every child of God. We need not look any further than Him.  This not only speaks of the wealth that is reserved for us; but:

B.         The Worth That Is Revealed To Us

As a result of uncovering this treasure we find, "wisdom and knowledge." (Illus:"Next to not knowing is where to find out!") When we come to Jesus we find out. When we come to Him, and as we grow in Him, we begin to discover the answers to life's toughest questions. Why?  Because, "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." We begin to discover how we should grow, what we should know, and where we should go.  Life is without purpose, power or peace outside of Christ. He is the missing piece to the puzzle of man's life. (Illus: "According to the will of the father; whoever gets the son, gets it all!")

Conclusion:       Friend, according to the will of the Father, the day that we were saved, when we got Jesus, we got it all!  He is all we need, because He meets our every need.  If you know Jesus, then you have a life worth living!