Strengthened by Graceਨਮੂਨਾ

Do Not Be Ashamed

We were saved by the gospel and for the gospel. We do not want to be ashamed!

The temptation to be ashamed of the gospel and of Jesus’ name, apostles, and other followers was as strong (or stronger) in Paul’s day as it is in ours. Jesus was a criminal in the eyes of the Roman government. He was executed on the cross, a form of capital punishment. Timothy knew what happened to Jesus and witnessed the persecution Paul went through as an apostle of Jesus. Paul needed to address the doubts and questions that might have been going through Timothy’s mind. It is hard to comprehend this unless we see it in today’s terms. Imagine knowing someone who has been tried, convicted in a court of law, sentenced to death, and executed. Now, another close companion of yours and of the man who was executed is also in prison, on death row, and awaiting his execution. You could be next in line.

What conflicting thoughts or emotions might be running through your mind?

Do you wonder if you’re on the right path or if your beliefs are really worth living and dying for?

Paul uses firm words with Timothy (2 Tm. 8-10 ESV). He does not want Timothy to lose his focus on Christ and forget his true affection. Paul does not want him to be swayed by man’s opinion, cultural influences, or societal values. We are not to be merely resigned to the gospel; we are to rejoice in the gospel. Paul asks Timothy to share in suffering for the gospel, not in his own power, but in the power God has given him in Christ.

Paul lived a life unashamed of the gospel, not in his own strength, but by the power of God. He was not afraid of identifying with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. In his letter to Timothy, he mentions the words “not ashamed” three times in nine verses. Paul’s commitment to Christ and to the gospel is absolute. He is bound and chained in prison for the gospel, following the path of suffering the Lord laid before Him. He does not describe himself as a prisoner of Rome but as a prisoner of the Lord!

How does Paul’s life and words impact you? Are you willing to ask the Lord to grant you the power to suffer for the gospel? If not, will you confess your fears and reservations?