Suffering for the Gospel’s Sake

“Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the Gospel according to the power of God.” [1]

“Do not be ashamed of our Lord.” The Lord Jesus is the One who came down from His glory and lived among us even as a defenseless baby. As a baby, He depended on His father, Joseph, to rescue Him from a king’s plot to kill Him. He suffered pain and rejection throughout His earthly life. Some people did not want to look at Him. He was despised, not esteemed, by people. He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for us. He took our punishment so that we could enjoy peace. The wounds that He received were so that we could experience healing. [2]

“Do not be ashamed of me the Lord’s prisoner.” Paul asks Timothy to abstain from shame in regards to his imprisonment. He calls him instead to join in suffering by the power of God. Our suffering for the Gospel’s sake glorifies Jesus Christ.

“God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” [3]

Before time on earth began, God knew the human race would betray Him, so it was no surprise to Him when it first happened, and no surprise to Him that it keeps happening. But then, there’s grace; God’s grace!

“[God’s purpose and grace] has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. [4]

We would not have known about God’s grace had not our Savior came to earth. Jesus was the most unselfish man that ever lived. He died as a lamb to the slaughter for our sin, and afterwards, resurrected, and after that, breathed the Holy Spirit on those who forsook Him during His suffering. What amazing grace!

“To this Gospel I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason 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 what I have committed to Him until that Day.” [5]

Christ brought Paul into the ministry of grace by calling him to preach, model and teach the Gospel to the pagan people of the world. He suffered many setbacks and hurts, but he did not give up on the ministry of the Gospel because he knew that Jesus had laid up a crown of life for him. This is true for all who serve the Gospel.

[1] 2 Timothy 1:8
[2] Isaiah 53:2-5
[3] 2 Timothy 1:9
[4] 2 Timothy 1:10
[5] 2 Timothy 1:11-12