Paul writes another letter to his protégé Timothy, spurring him on to continue in the faith and in the work Paul and the Lord have set before him. I hear the Lord spurring me on to continue in the faith and in the work He has set before me…
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace (8-9a).
Don't be ashamed. As our world changes and becomes more and more pluralistic and politically correct, I find myself tempted to become quieter about my faith.
Is this being ashamed? I don’t know. It may, it may not be.
The effect, however, is the same as if I were ashamed… the advance of the Gospel is stilled. This morning’s Word reminds me that without conversation and, of course action, the Gospel will not advance. Paul adds to this thought as he continues… God has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
God saved me (and us) for His purpose, which is to advance His name and fame throughout the earth. I cannot do that if I am quiet and inactive in my faith…
So God lands a combination punch this morning…
Lord, bring to my mind grace-filled words about You and Your Gospel. Unhinge my lips to speak of You in appropriate ways and so enter Your service and do Your bidding that Your purposes might be advanced through me today. All to Your glory. Amen and Amen.
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