2 Timothy 1:8–9 (ESV) — 8 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, 9 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,
NOTE: In Paul's day,
the fire in Rome had resulted in intense scrutiny of church leaders (like
Paul), and their friends. A day may come and certainly seems close, when people
will call us out for our faith. This is not the time to retreat or hide or try to
save our lives by being quiet. Dozeman writes:
"Jesus warned that at His second coming He will be ashamed of (i.e., refuse to own as His disciples) those who draw back from following Him out of fear of human opinion (Mk. 8:38 par Lk. 9:26). On the other hand, the author of Hebrews stated that God is “not ashamed” to be called the God of the OT saints (He. 11:16), and Christ “is not ashamed to call [those who suffer for Him] brethren” (2:11)"(Dozeman, T. B. (1979–1988). Shame; Ashamed. In G. W. Bromiley (Ed.), The International Standard Bible
Encyclopedia, Revised (Vol. 4, p. 448). Wm. B. Eerdmans.)
This is a serious
time and we need to be prepared to defend the gospel and our faith. Paul was
within weeks of dying -- he knew the cost of identifying with Christ, but still
he warns Timothy, his son in the Lord, not to deny our faith. This time of suffering
feels like it is coming soon. Already, we are so restricted in what we can say
or share in the work environment. At some point, it will spill into our
personal lives as well. We can't withdraw. We must stand up for truth no matter
the cost. We must make up our minds what to say.
PRAYER: Father, help
me to think through the questions I may be asked. Help me to be prepared to
answer, seasoned with salt, gentle, and with respect. By your grace, may I not
shrink back.
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