2 Timothy: Guard The GospelSample

Followers of Jesus should be unashamed of the gospel and unashamed of each other. In a culture where believing and defending the gospel is considered foolish or even harmful, we may be tempted not to identify publicly with Jesus and his church, or not to declare the Bible to be the true and unchanging Word of God. How will you respond to this pressure?

Paul reminds us we need to be willing to face such suffering. And we can do so confident of God’s power to sustain and help us. The first-century believers faced the same temptation to distance themselves from Jesus and his followers, but Paul tells Timothy to be unashamed.

Firstly, Timothy must be unashamed of the gospel. Instead, he should be willing to suffer for it. As followers of Jesus, we should expect to suffer in some way because we follow a suffering saviour. To identify with Jesus and proclaim him as the only way of salvation makes us vulnerable to rejection, slander, humiliation, trouble in the workplace, legal action, material loss and shame. For many Christians around the world it means severe persecution: physical and emotional harm; withdrawal of human rights; banishment; bereavement; torture; imprisonment; even death. Suffering is never easy, but if we suffer for the gospel, God will empower us to be faithful and courageous.

Secondly, Timothy must be unashamed of Paul. Supporting Paul will hurt Timothy in some way. He may face discrimination, financial loss, or betrayal from fellow believers. It is always costly to identify with others who are suffering for the gospel. But Timothy must stand by Paul, and we too need to be willing to stand alongside Christians who face persecution because of their faithfulness to the gospel. We must not be ashamed of the gospel or of those who minister it faithfully, however great the personal cost.

Reflection

When are you tempted to be ashamed of the gospel? When is it costly for you to share Jesus as the only way of salvation? Ask God to empower you to be bold, unashamed and willing to suffer for Jesus. Pray that persecuted Christians around the world will be faithful despite their suffering. Consider how you can support those who are especially under pressure as they speak for Christ.