| Paul’s letter to Timothy was known as his last letter as he was awaiting his death. It is full of conviction and challenge to his young disciple. Paul’s words in verses 8-12 are one complete thought, and he begins, “Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me His prisoner…” Paul was held in a Roman prison, but he called himself a prisoner of Christ. It is important for us to note the honor and shame culture of the Romans at this time. Paul’s life and ministry, along with the fact that he was suffering in chains was culturally shameful. The cross that Jesus was crucified on was an instrument of shame. There was a deep cultural shame associated with anyone who believed in this “Savior”. Anyone who was associated with Christ or with Paul was voluntarily entering into shame, persecution, imprisonment, and even potentially death. So, Timothy may have been tempted to be ashamed. Paul is urging Timothy to not give in to the shame culture and compromise the message. The culture also believed that all tangible matter was detestable. The idea of the resurrection would have been far more shameful than death on the cross! Plato’s philosophy was that humans are divine sparks trapped within prisons of fleshy matter, and death is a liberation. Therefore, to the Greek mind, a reunion of mind with the body was absurd. Paul encouraged Timothy to preach the “disgraceful” cross and the “absurd” resurrection without shame. Paul shows Timothy how to have the strength to push through the persecution in verses 9-10. He implores Timothy to not lean into his own strength to suffer, but redirects his attention to the power of the gospel. There is nothing “enough” in us to suffer well. The Spirit of God in us is the only “enough” that will sustain us. Jesus “abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”. When Paul wanted to encourage Timothy, he didn’t attempt to persuade him by appeals to feelings, but by reminding him of the Truth. When we speak the gospel, we should expect opposition. We do not go looking for suffering, but we should not be surprised by it when we give verbal witness of Christ’s saving grace. Paul spoke boldly because he believed the gospel was worth it! Paul finishes this thought with “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”. Before Paul charges Timothy with this responsibility, he reminds him that God Himself is the ultimate guardian of the gospel. Paul focuses on “who” He has believed. Paul’s confidence isn’t in a concept. It is in a person…Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God! Faith isn’t knowing what God is going to do next. It’s knowing Him well enough to trust Him with whatever comes next. Questions to Consider: - What are some things that might make you hesitant or embarrassed to talk about Jesus?
- Why is our relationship with Jesus more important than simply knowing facts about Christianity?
- What does it mean to trust God with our future?
- Where might God be asking you to be courageous about your faith?
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