The Power to Suffer (for the Gospel)

 Joel 1-3; 2 Timothy 1 

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God…”

2 Timothy 1:7, 8

The price of testifying to the Gospel in Paul’s day was sometimes imprisonment and even death. In the western world, the protections given by the freedom of religion are still not enough to encourage many Christians to share the Gospel. 

Is it because we value the acceptance of our neighbors and society more than God’s acceptance of us?

What’s more powerful than the fear of man?

Paul reminded Timothy of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and love which transform how one views others and interacts with them. As Paul anticipated his final trial and possible martyrdom, his prayer for Timothy, his son in the Lord, was that he would stand firm in his faith and calling to live and share the Gospel until the end.

What would Paul’s challenge regarding the Gospel be to us?

“Lord Jesus, your courage to obey the Father to the end is my prayer in the strength of the Holy Spirit, for your glory.”