2 Timothy: Guard The GospelSample

If we are to persevere in gospel ministry, we need to remember Jesus. This might seem obvious but it’s easy to be distracted from focusing on Jesus – either by the busyness of serving in our churches, or by the pressures of life, or by the discouragements we face as we share the gospel with friends and family.

We need to remember Jesus is the promised King – the one who descended from David’s line and who will reign forever. He is the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies of a messiah who would rescue and redeem God’s people. His resurrection from the dead is the basis for our faith and our hope of eternal life. The gospel is only good news because Jesus is alive!

Paul is suffering in chains as a criminal because he teaches that Jesus is the risen Saviour. But while Paul is in chains, the gospel is not. It is continuing to spread and save people from slavery to sin. Paul knows his imprisonment is advancing the gospel as other believers have courage to proclaim Jesus more fearlessly (Phil. 1:12–14). He has in mind the eternal glory of all those who will hear the gospel and be saved because of his suffering. He is willing to endure harsh treatment in a Roman prison, and ultimately execution, for their sake.

He is imitating, in a far lesser way, the example of Jesus. Jesus suffered harsh, unjust treatment and, ultimately, death to save those God has chosen. Our salvation could only be achieved at the cost of Jesus’ own life. Those who follow him should expect to share his suffering in some way. But these verses give us three great encouragements:

1. Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead – so our salvation is certain.
2. His word cannot be chained – so we can be confident it will continue to spread and bear fruit, despite any restraints placed on us as we seek to share it.
3. There is future eternal glory – so we can endure temporary suffering.

Reflection

Take some time to reflect on how Jesus’ resurrection changes your present life and your eternal future. Ask God to help you endure temporary trials by giving you an eternal perspective. Give thanks that God’s Word is not chained today and is able to save people from slavery to sin.