20 Days in 2 Timothy

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.

2 Timothy 1:8-12

What keeps you from having spiritual conversations with your friends? Is it a fear of discomfort, awkward silences, or a permanent change in your relationship that can’t be walked back? Here’s the good news: if any of these things ring true in your life, you are not alone. There is a tension in knowing that you hold something precious and wanting to share it with the world, and the reality that if you do you will sometimes face rejection. The great evangelists of history have felt those very same fears, and here, in Paul’s letter to his young protege, we even get the sense that Timothy, a hero of the faith, felt this way at times.

How does Paul respond? Does he shame Timothy for a lack of faith and courage or mock him for weakness? Of course not. Paul loves Timothy, and he understands what it is to carry the message of the Gospel in uncertain times. But in the face of pressure, Paul also challenges Timothy instead of letting him shrink back in fear, and he does so with two distinct commands.

1. Do not be ashamed.
2. Share in the suffering of the Gospel.

Paul doesn't just instruct Timothy to preach the Gospel; he says to also share in its suffering. Why? Because Timothy wasn’t alone, and to keep the Good News of Jesus confined to his heart or mouth out of fear of shame would be an inherently selfish act with potential eternal consequences for the people of Ephesus.

If you replace " Ephesus” with your city, school, or office, you will begin to understand the urgency with which Paul encouraged Timothy.

However, Paul understands that associating with Jesus will bring suffering. Our Lord was murdered on the cross. Paul himself is writing from jail at the time. Still, Paul urges Timothy, “Yes, your Lord was murdered, and your mentor is in jail, but don’t be ashamed of us—join us in the suffering.”

Have we committed ourselves to the same? Or have we bought into the lie that we can have a comfortable and easy life while following Jesus all the same? Take Paul at his word: walking with Jesus will bring hardship, and yet, wouldn’t you trade all of the comforts of the world if it meant the eternal redemption of your friends and family?

So, if we are willing, how do we join in the suffering?

By the power of God. He who saved you and called you has given you the divine power to step into a purpose. In verses 9 and 10, Paul reminds Timothy of what God has done—not because he thinks that Timothy forgot, but because we all need reminding of God’s faithfulness when we face the pressure to bail on our mission to spread the Good News.

After all, this a mission to which God Almighty has called us. Look at verse 11, where Paul recognizes that he was anointed as three things:

• A herald—he tells the good news.
• An apostle—an emissary from another kingdom.
• A teacher—he helps explain the Gospel and answer questions.

Paul understood that following Jesus meant that there would be work to do for the Glory of God. All of us have been given different gifts and abilities to carry out what Paul called in his letter to the Ephesians: “Good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We have each been saved by the power of God and equipped for the work of God. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it because it’s for Him, for Jesus.

He is the one we know, the one we love, and the one we run after. He loves us, and He knows us, and He is worth suffering for. Remember what He has done, and in return, herald His message to a dying world.

Jesus has entrusted us with His Word, so don't be ashamed.