For The Gospel

"And I know I'm weak,

I know I'm unworthy

To call upon your name.

But because of grace, 

Because of your mercy

I stand here unashamed."

- Unashamed by Starfield

2 Timothy is a book about persevering through all the persecution and sufferings that come with living for Christ and living for the gospel. He opens this letter by questioning if we are ashamed or not of this living gospel. There are plenty of trials that come with speaking the truth; it causes controversy, it causes conflict, it may not be what people want to hear, but it is the truth that we believe in. Are you ashamed? Are you scared?

⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

We have power on our side, and we are strengthened by the one who defeated death and the grave. Don't be ashamed of our God, but instead join in with the suffering for the gospel, because God will carry us through it.

I was watching the third episode of "The Bible" series with my family last night, and it was just constant examples of those who suffered for the gospel. We are to dedicate our lives to the Lord, he has given us everything. From the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3, not willing to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar because they were devoted to God, were through in the a burning furnace, but due to God's grace and seeing their perseverance, they were guarded and walked out without being burnt. Similarly, Daniel was caught praying when there was a law saying no one can pray to anyone else but the king for 30 days (Daniel 6). He was punished by being thrown into the Lion's Den, but again due to God's love and sovereignty, he was spared and the lions hadn't devoured him.

God loves us so much and watches over each and every breathing moment. He has saved us from a life of eternal punishment in hell, and it was all because of his grace and mercy. There is nothing we could have done to earn it, and we all could any moment be rejected and be rightfully bound for hell, but our God saves, loves and keeps us, guarding those who follow him. Do not be ashamed, and persevere for the gospel.

verse of the day: 2 Timothy 1:14

¹⁴ Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.