"Do not be Ashamed"

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:8-9 ESV)

Paul wrote Timothy the second time from the harsh Mamertine prison in Rome. Paul knew the end was near and that this time, he would not be released from prison, but be beheaded.

Paul loved Timothy, and we can see that in 1:3-7, where Paul writes of Timothy, Timothy’s family, and Paul’s daily remembrance of them both: “I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Paul, knowing his execution was near, was commanding Timothy to take on the mantle of God’s ministry, a mantle we should all share with the same fervor as Paul. We are to be bold in Christ. Intimidating, yes, challenging, yes, and dangerous, yet again, yes. But as Paul told Timothy, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord.” Our testimony can bring suffering. Speaking the gospel has always given the enemy an opportunity to attack us, especially today, with the great power He has over this world. However, we are not alone in this battle; Christ has power over all things, including Satan, and God has “called us to a holy power.”

The enemy's minions will stand before you, but none has the power of Christ who dwells in us. We must be cautious, as the enemy's power in this society is strong and always has been. We only need look at the book of Acts to see what happens when one is not fully vested in Christ and confronts the demonic: “But the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.  And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.” (Acts 19:15-17)

These confrontations are dangerous and will test your faith, no doubt. Overcoming such a confrontation can take weeks, even when it was only a test of words. This is not a reason not to speak the gospel, for in our speaking, Christ empowers us through the gospel, and the Holy Spirit guides our words so that we may be a useful vessel spreading the gospel to the nations.

The love Paul had for Timothy is the same love Christ has for you. He knows you better than Paul knew Timothy, and He suffered and died for you even though you were a sinner not yet born. Salvation comes by way of grace alone,

through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Christ provides the grace and the ability to have faith, and you accept the good news of Jesus Christ. You change your mind about your sin in your repentance, and Christ gives you a new heart. A heart able to love with the love of Christ, have mercy as Christ had mercy on those around Him, and give the grace of Christ to others in their sins against you.

If you do not know Christ but are reading the messages of this ministry. Please accept Christ today for we are a mist and tomorrow we may be gone. If you have questions about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, contact us here at In Messiah Ministries today. We can show you the scripture that are written about salvation through Christ alone.

Grace and Peace!