In the past months, I have been greatly challenged and encouraged by Paul’s second letter to Timothy. As I endeavor to apply these truths in my own life I also greatly desire to impart these truths to the Tobo disciples and see them embody it. In 2 Timothy 1:8-2:7 Paul is encouraging Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel, but to stand strong in it, to guard it, protect it, and to proclaim it. He didn’t want Timothy to be like Phygelus and Hermogenes who were ashamed of Paul and the gospel that he preached and thus deserted him in one of his greatest times of need (while he was in prison). Paul told Timothy to be like Onesiphorus, who shared in Paul’s suffering for the sake of the gospel. Paul was encouraging Timothy to stay the course, to continue to participate in spreading the gospel and making disciples, even if times got tough or if he was threatened with prison or even if he didn’t have some of the nicer comforts of life.
My very loose paraphrase of what he was saying would go something like this, “Don’t give up! And don’t be ashamed of what you believe! What we believe is the only truth, and if we who believe turn tail and run because of a little discomfort, then there is no hope for the world. We are soldiers of Jesus Christ, ambassadors for his kingdom, and witnesses of God’s grace displayed through Jesus Christ. Be strengthened in this grace and share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ!” This timeless plea applies to us even today. We who believe in Jesus Christ are Christians. Our life is Jesus Christ, our Father is God Almighty, our hope is heaven, and our ministry is reconciliation. May we, like Paul, not be ashamed of what we believe before our unbelieving acquaintances; may we be convinced and proclaim to all an unashamed belief in the gospel of Jesus!
Thank you for your continued partnership in spreading the gospel,
His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp
No comments:
Post a Comment