2 Timothy 1:8-14

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.  Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

There is nothing more important than the Gospel.  God has blessed us beyond measure by forgiving our sin and giving us a reason to live.  Paul and Timothy had dedicated their lives to the Gospel and give us an example that is worthy of following.  It this passage we see Paul telling us what to do, why we should do it, and then showing us how to do it.

MANDATE: BE BRAVE FOR THE GOSPEL: There are consequences for sharing the Gospel in a fallen world. Depending on what part of the world; those consequences range from being made fun of to being decapitated.  Paul and Timothy lived in a world where becoming martyr was a clear and present danger.  In light of that, Paul wants Timothy to not be ashamed of him because he was in prison, or of Christ, and to not be afraid to stand up for the truth even in the face of suffering.  No matter what level of persecution we risk; we still need to heed this same warning to not be ashamed or afraid.  Many times, we back down from opportunities to share Christ because of shame or fear.  God calls us to be brave.

MOTIVE: BE A BELIEVER IN THE GOSPEL: The best antidote to fear is gratitude for the Gospel.  We have been saved because of God’s grace and not because of our own works.  We are not saved because we are brave but because God lovingly showed us His grace and mercy.  We were dead in our sins and through the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, we have been brought to life!  Our sins are forgiven forever, and we have the hope of heaven for eternity.  Christ will come again and make all the injustices we might face in the world because of our faithfulness right.  He has done all that needs to be done to give us eternal life.  He calls us to be His representatives on this earth to call others into this glorious relationship.  Remembering the Gospel and Christ’s love for us will help cast out fear.

MODEL: BE A BROADCASTER OF THE GOSPEL: Paul not only told Timothy what to do and why to do it but also showed him how to do it.  Paul was setting an example that Timothy could follow.  He was preaching the Word of God at great personal expense to the point of death.  No matter what situation or what danger Paul had to face, he would not back down, and he would not stop preaching the Gospel.  He faced kings and powerful people that had the authority to kill him, but he was not ashamed, and he was not afraid.  God calls us to be examples to the people around us.  We can tell people to look at Jesus, but the reality is that they are looking at us.  If we want to have an impact on the lives of people, we need to boldly call them to follow the example of following Christ that we are providing.

APPLICATION: Boldly and lovingly share the wonderful message of Jesus no matter what consequences we might face.  Remember the gracious sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf and the glorious return of Christ.  Set an example that is worthy of emulation.