2 Timothy: Guard The GospelSample

It’s always tempting to think of new and exciting ways to communicate the gospel. But while it’s helpful to think creatively about how we present the good news of Jesus Christ to unbelievers, we must be careful not to be creative with the message itself. The gospel is unchanging, and we mustn’t distort it. 

In Ephesus, false teachers are leading people away from the gospel by teaching that the resurrection of believers is purely spiritual and has already taken place (2:18). This would mean all the blessings and privileges of heaven should be experienced now – including freedom from suffering. Such a false gospel is very attractive – especially in a climate of increasing persecution for followers of Jesus. Paul therefore knows it will be tough for Timothy to continue to preach faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the only way of salvation. 

So Paul encourages him to guard the gospel carefully. Timothy must protect it and pass it on because it is true and brings life. But as well as guarding the message of the gospel, Timothy must also follow Paul’s ‘pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus’ (v. 13). And so must we. Belief in the gospel should influence our behaviour – it should result in a faith and love consistent with the message we teach. Our lives must show that followers of Jesus still experience suffering, but that faith in Jesus sustains us. Our lives must also show that the love we have received from God enables us to love others. This is important for us to remember as we share the gospel with our unbelieving friends, neighbours and colleagues. We must be uncompromising with the message – unashamed and clear that salvation is through Christ alone. We must show how the gospel message has changed our lives by living out faith and love. 

This may seem daunting, but we don’t need to rely on our own strength. We rely on the Holy Spirit to help us as we seek to share the good news of Jesus with our friends and neighbours.

Reflection

What parts of the gospel message are you tempted to compromise or miss out when you talk to unbelievers? How should your belief in the gospel be seen in the way you behave and share your faith with non-Christian friends or family?