Text: 2 Timothy 1:8-14
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. It is hard being a Christian in a world that is constantly challenging belief systems and morality. It must have been very difficult for Timothy to teach and preach during the rise of false teachers in the region.
It was Paul who further explained—in the same letter—that, "the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:3-5 AMP).
Paul addressed this letter to Timothy in the mid 60s A.D. Yet these words still ring true today. We are living in the time of church hopping, pastor swapping, money grabbing, and position getting. In looking at Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, we find that the early church also dealt with these issues. Christian pastors that speak truth are finding it hard to fill pews for no one is listening. Churches are being told to ‘get with the times’ in order to attract new members. It is true that the unacceptable is now being accepted. We hear terms like ‘speak your truth’ and ‘live your life’ as our society becomes self-centric as opposed to God-centric.
It was Paul who further explained—in the same letter—that, "the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:3-5 AMP).
Paul addressed this letter to Timothy in the mid 60s A.D. Yet these words still ring true today. We are living in the time of church hopping, pastor swapping, money grabbing, and position getting. In looking at Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, we find that the early church also dealt with these issues. Christian pastors that speak truth are finding it hard to fill pews for no one is listening. Churches are being told to ‘get with the times’ in order to attract new members. It is true that the unacceptable is now being accepted. We hear terms like ‘speak your truth’ and ‘live your life’ as our society becomes self-centric as opposed to God-centric.
There is a squelching of the gospel as a Godless society screams out like the people who chanted for Barabbas over Jesus.
When given the choice who will you choose, Barabbas or Jesus? The criminal or the Christ?
“Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul knew the work Timothy has been called to was a difficult one. The ministry can be a very lonely place. But what encouragement Paul gave to Timothy—Hold Fast!
May we hold fast and keep God’s Word.
Prayer
Father, I am not ashamed. I choose you over everything else. As I share the gospel with others, help me not to be discouraged. Amen!
When given the choice who will you choose, Barabbas or Jesus? The criminal or the Christ?
“Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul knew the work Timothy has been called to was a difficult one. The ministry can be a very lonely place. But what encouragement Paul gave to Timothy—Hold Fast!
May we hold fast and keep God’s Word.
Prayer
Father, I am not ashamed. I choose you over everything else. As I share the gospel with others, help me not to be discouraged. Amen!