Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
8 “So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And do not be ashamed of me, either, even though I am in prison for Christ. With the strength GOD gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:8
In this time of mounting persecution, Timothy may have been afraid to continue preaching the Good News. His fears were based on fact, because believers were being arrested and executed. Paul told Timothy to expect suffering – Timothy, like Paul, would be jailed for preaching the Good News. But Paul promised Timothy that GOD would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer. – “I want you to know that our brother Timothy is now out of jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you.” Hebrews 13:23 – Even when there is no persecution, it can be difficult to share our faith in Christ. Fortunately, like Paul and Timothy, we can call on the Holy Spirit to give us courage. We do not have be ashamed to testify.
9 “It is GOD who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. HE did this not because we deserve it, but because that was HIS plan long before the world began – to show HIS love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus. 10 And now HE has made all of this plain to us by the coming of Christ Jesus, our Savior, who broke the power of death and showed us the way to everlasting life through the Good News. 11 And GOD chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.” – 2 Timothy 1:9-11 – In these verses, Paul gave a brief summary of the Good News. GOD loves us, chose us, and sent Christ – HIS Son – to die for us. We can have eternal life through faith in Him, because He broke the power of death with His resurrection. We do not deserve to be saved, but GOD offers us salvation anyway. What we must do is believe in Him and accept His offer.
12 “And that is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him, until the day of His return.” – 2 Timothy 1:12 – Paul was in prison, but that did not stop his ministry. He carried it on through those like Timothy. Paul had lost all his material possessions, but he would never lose his faith. He trusted GOD to use him regardless of his circumstances. If your situation looks bleak, give your concerns to Christ. He will guard your faith and safely guard all you have entrusted to Him until the day of His return.
The phrase “guard what I have entrusted to Him” could mean: 1) Paul knew that GOD would guard the souls of those converted through his preaching; 2) Paul trusted GOD to guard his own soul until Christ’s second coming; and/or 3) Paul was confident that, though he was in prison and facing death, GOD would carry out the Good News ministry through others such as Timothy. – Paul may have expressed his confidence to encourage Timothy, who was undoubtedly discouraged by the problems he encountered in Ephesus and in his daily life, and he was fearful of persecution. Even in prison, Paul knew that GOD was still in control. No matter what setbacks or problems we experience, we can trust fully in our GOD and Father. HE loves us, He cares for us, He protects us – and nothing will ever change that.
Father GOD, you have spoken to my heart – I am grateful – for I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that YOU are able to guard that which I have entrusted to YOU, until the day of YOUR return.
Thank YOU, LORD – we are convinced that nothing can ever separate us from YOUR love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell cannot keep YOUR love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of GOD that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39) HALLELUJAH, Praise GOD, and Thank You Jesus!!
Photo: “Her” (Fredericksburg, Texas)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
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