June 29th, 2023
Have you ever been ashamed of Jesus? His gospel? Suffering in the name of Christ? This is what Timothy was facing in his life, while seeing the toll and cost that it takes to be a Christian in the midst of trials. Paul, being imprisoned and facing death for the preaching and teaching of the Gospel encourages Timothy (who was in some danger of shrinking back from his calling) not to be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Just what is involved in the testimony of our Lord that Timothy should not have shame in?
The testimony of our Lord is the Gospel of our God, which proclaims Jesus Christ as crucified and risen, with redemption and eternal life only through Him Who is King (1 Timothy 2:5-7) (1 Timothy 6:11-16) (John 18:33-38) (1 John 5:6-13).
It is important that one not be ashamed of the Lord and His gospel (Mark 8:34-38). Do not be ashamed to bear your testimony to the doctrines taught by the Lord Jesus, or to name the name of Christ (Psalm 40:9-10) (Psalm 119:41-48) (Romans 1:16-17) (1 Corinthians 1:18-25) (1 Peter 4:12-16). Notice, Paul’s declaration of his circumstance, he is His prisoner. The cause of Paul’s imprisonment was God Himself. Paul was God’s prisoner (Ephesians 3:1) (Philippians 1:12-18). This imprisonment, all its suffering, the very thing Timothy was showing timidity towards is what Paul wants Timothy to join in, share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God (2 Timothy 2:1-9).