"So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the
sake of the Good News." ~1:8
"That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return" ~1:12
"So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." ~2:10
"Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" ~3:12
As an American following Christ requires very little, if any, suffering. Yes there are things I have given up and worldly pleasures that I don't take part in because I trust that a life in Christ provides much more joy but I can't say I have ever actually suffered because of my faith. My community group at church is currently reading the book "Radical" by David Platt. This book talks a lot about suffering for the sake of being a Christian and how several Christians in other countries risk their lives to read their Bibles and participate in secret church services where they have to meet in hiding so that they don't die. I am currently writing about 2 Timothy in a coffee shop enjoying a cup of French Vanilla coffee and laughing at the table of 8 year old girls practicing cheers next to me...hardly suffering. The book posed the question "would we as American Christians still be willing to follow Christ if we were persecuted for it daily and if we risked our lives and the lives of our families for doing so?" I would like to say that I love Jesus enough that I would continue to follow him in the presence of suffering and even death but would I really? Definitely a heart check.
Paul encourages Timothy to continue preaching the gospel by telling him that preaching is a spiritual gift that God gave him and that he has instilled in him a spirit of power, love and self discipline and not one of fear and timidity. He is saying that he doesn't need to be afraid or ashamed of the gospel because he has the power of the Holy Spirit with him.
"I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." ~1:6-7
Paul also discusses discipleship with Timothy and how it is important to teach the gospel to others so that they in turn can continue to share. A friend was talking recently about how discipleship is the root of how the gospel is spread. Jesus spent all of his time with 12 men teaching them how to go to all nations and share the love of Christ. He poured himself into 12 followers who he equipped and empowered to go out and share to others who would then share with others.
"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them onto others" ~2:2
My favorite verses in 2 Timothy are these:
"Of we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is" ~2:11-13
God is never going to be who he isn't and therefore, cannot be unfaithful to us. He keeps his promises and will continue to be with us even when we stray away from Him. Paul fully grasped that God cannot deny who He is and was willing to suffer for the opportunity to tell others of the faithful God he served. I think when we really get to know Christ and his love for us then there will be no way we can deny him or be ashamed of Him.
So that is all for 2 Timothy! Stay tuned next week for Hebrews!
Kenlyn
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