Day 639: Nothing to be ashamed of - 2 Timothy 1 vs 7 - 12

7 God gave us a spirit, not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, 9 but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling,  10-11 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 Saviour 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. 12 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. (The Greek can also mean what I have entrusted to him.) 2 Timothy 1:7-12 (English Standard Version)

While becoming a follower of Christ will change our life in many ways, we are still people who live in a broken world. We can get sick, feel pain, and experience doubts and fears when danger threatens. One danger we might face is a real threat of persecution for being a Christian. What do Paul's words in vs 8 suggest that such fear can lead to?

Fear can cause us to be ashamed of being a Christian, and embarrassed to identify with other Christians. Think of the rugged fisherman Peter who denied being one of Jesus' followers. (That was before the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost to indwell the Church, and the result is what we see in vs 7.) A little later in this chapter Paul speaks of someone named Onesiphorus and says: “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and wasn't ashamed of my chains. When he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me.” (2 Timothy 1:16-17) Onesiphorus wasn’t embarrassed of the Christian message, and he wasn't afraid of being arrested for visiting a Christian prisoner.

So, in vs 9, Paul urges Timothy to be willing to face any suffering preaching the gospel might bring upon him. He reminds Timothy of what the gospel is all about, and what it resulted in for those who believed it and put their hope in Jesus Christ. (vs 10-11) What does he say there about the gospel that should help those of us who may feel too weak, even too unworthy, to be a Christian; and what does he remind Timothy of what the gospel has brought to our lives?

The gospel message declares that God's love and care for us doesn't depend on our goodness or efforts, but on His grace. God purposed in His heart before time began that He would have a people of His own. And what the gospel message has done is to make it known to those people that Jesus Christ has made immortality a reality. The power of death has been shattered and the grave is not our final destiny. Jesus said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and  believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He  does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24) This was why Paul was prepared to go through suffering and wasn't afraid even to be put to death for preaching the gospel. What were his grounds for such confidence? (vs 12)

He believed in the absolute reliability and trustworthiness of God. Not only was God able to keep Paul faithful in preaching the gospel, He was also able to guard Paul until journey's end, and then bring him to heaven. In another letter Paul put it like this: “This letter is from Paul, a servant owned by God, a missionary of Jesus Christ. I've been sent to those God has chosen for Himself to teach them the truth that leads to holiness. This truth gives hope of life that lasts forever which God promised before the world began, and God cannot lie. He made this known at the right time through His Word.” (Titus 1:1-3) So let us never be ashamed of this message from God, nor be embarrassed to be known as a Christian. And let us not give in to fear if persecution comes our way. We have eternal life, we will be with our God and Saviour forever.