Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. (2 Timothy 1:8-9)

Willing To Suffer

Paul’s letter to Timothy was filled with emotion as the faithful apostle knew his time of death was near. He had so many things to say to his brethren, and there was still much work to be done. Timothy was his son in the faith. Paul used his letter to encourage Timothy to keep on fighting the good fight of sharing the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. The early church faced a great persecution that would last for nearly two centuries. Paul was in prison because of his faith in Jesus Christ. The conversion of Saul of Tarsus marked a turning point for the early church, providing an example of someone who was shown the long-suffering of God and given the mercies of God’s love.

As valiant as Paul fought to spread the gospel, the world would have its way to kill him. The Jews sought diligently to have him killed, and the Roman government carried this out. Many of the saints were persecuted by the government, false religions, and the immoral character of the world, leading Paul to remind the early saints that living a godly life would bring persecution. Timothy needed to hear Paul remind him that the world of darkness does not easily accept the teachings of Jesus Christ. The evangelist must not be ashamed of Paul’s example of suffering for Christ because the testimony of the Lord is truth, and no man should be ashamed of the truth. Paul had suffered greatly in his ministry. It was very likely that Timothy and other Christians would also suffer as Paul did.

Jesus came to earth knowing He would suffer and be killed. He told the eleven that if the world hated Him, the world would hate them. Being a follower of Jesus Christ does not come without cost. If a man desires to follow Jesus, it requires bearing a cross. Serving God must come before father and mother, husband and wife, and son and daughter. Nothing comes before Christ. The testimony of the Lord will separate family and friends and make one an enemy of the world. Timothy must not be ashamed to support the prisoner named Paul. The apostle needed the encouragement of those who would stand faithfully with him for the gospel’s sake. To serve Christ may bring suffering.

There are many who want to serve the Lord but are unwilling to pay the price set forth by the King of kings. Living the Christian life is not suffering to show a self-imposed piety or false humility. The reality is that the teachings of righteousness always stand against the ways of the world filled with unrighteousness. Living a godly life will put one at odds with the way of the world. Each Christian has a holy calling according to the grace of God to live apart from the world. The heart of the Christian must be staunch enough to stand firmly against how the world thinks, how the world acts, and the lifestyles of a wicked world. This must be seen in the workplace, in the community, and as citizens of the nation. Every Christian stands as a beacon of righteous light in a dark world.

What Paul wants Timothy to remember is that suffering for Christ is living for Christ. Can anyone do any less in our world of religious division, immorality, and moral decadence? It takes courage to stand against the wiles of the devil, but stand we must. There can be no quarter given, and there is no surrender. Suffering for Christ will bring greater rewards than facing the wrath of God. Do not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Share in the sufferings of the word of God. Anyone who puts his hand to the plow and looks back cannot be a disciple of Christ. Living the Christian life requires faith and the willingness to stand against the world – and stand we must.