Not Ashamed of Suffering
2 Timothy • Sermon • Submitted
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· 8 viewsThe Christian does not need to be ashamed of suffering, for it it the means of receiving great rewards.
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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, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
Let’s pray.
There is a funny thing that we do in our Christian culture today. We love to have mugs, shirts, and wall art with Scriptures on it. My home and my office has some of these verses on it. We love to have a Scripture like Matt 11.28 while we drink our morning cup of coffee.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Now I love Matthew 11.28, as we all should.
Jesus teaches us that we don’t need to work for our salvation, but instead we are saved because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross! And so we gladly come to Jesus and find our rest in him!
While we love to have Matt 11.28 on our walls, we will rarely see Scripture like Luke 9:23 hanging in someone’s home.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Now there‘s a bit of tension between these two verses. Oh one hand, Jesus tells us that his yoke is easy and his burned is light, but then the same Jesus goes on to tell us to pick up your cross and follow him. On the surface these Scriptures seem to contradict themselves, and Christinas can easily grow disillusioned when the light burden of Jesus begins to feel more like a heavy burden of the cross.
But these Scriptures in no way contradict each other. While salvation is a free gift that is recieved by faith, following Jesus doesn’t come without a cost. And this cost is a cross. The cross was symbol of shame because was a tool of death for the worst of criminals. So often our cross… that is the suffering that we experience as a result of following Jesus, comes with the feeling of shame. But if we begin to feel ashamed we would do well to remember what Jesus continued to say,
For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Even though these words are not seen hanging on the walls of our home, or on our mugs full of coffee, we would do well to remember them constantly.
Timothy, was in need of this reminder. Timothy, the young pastor who Paul was writing to, was feeling the increasing pressures of ministry.
The challenges that he faced included false teachers who were disturbing the faith, mocking voices of those who denied the gospel as it grew in unpopularity, and even his father in the faith, Paul, was in prison and was about to be executed for preaching the gospel. Even though the gospel is a message of good news of Christ’s victory, it may have felt more like defeat at this moment for the young pastor.
Timothy was at a crossroad. Would Timothy pick up his cross and endure hardship for the sake of the gospel, or would he forsake his calling?
This is the theme of 2 Timothy; To endure with Christ through suffering. Timothy, and the rest of us for that matter, must not let pull out the weeds from the soil lest the gospel gets choked out, and we must remove the gravel from around us so that the gospel does not get scorched by the sun. We need the gospel to be pressed deeply in our heart so that we will endure with Christ through every suffering.
With Timothy’s increasing pressures and his tendency to be afraid in mind, Paul writes,
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,
The entirety of this morning’s text, and this sermon for that matter, can be summarized in this verse. There are three parts in this verse that will be further developed in v 9-18 and even into chapter 2. They are;
Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord
Do not be ashamed me (that’s Paul) his prisoner
Share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God
Let’s unpack these one at a time.
First, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord. Or in other words.
1. Do not be ashamed of the gospel.
1. Do not be ashamed of the gospel.
And Paul recites the testimony of Jesus, in v 9 and 10. Listen to how Paul puts it starting back in v 8
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, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
In these verses, Paul gives us compelling reasons to not be ashamed of the gospel.
Let’s take them one at at time staring in v 9
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,
Paul says that the gospel starts with God’s activity. But God acted on our behalf. Paul tells us that God saved us and called us to a holy calling.
There are two parts to this one phrase. First, we see that God saved us from something and second, we see that he calls us to something.
First what did he save us from? God has saved us from the power so sin, and death. So we are no longer condemned sinners who need to fear God’s wrath! We are saved church! We have been rescued and delivered!
But so often when we think about the gospel, we stop right there. We stop only thinking about what we have been saved from, but we forget what we have been called to. Paul says we have been saved by God… but he also says we are saved for God…
God not only saved us from sin, but he also called us to a holy calling. Holy, simply means to be set apart from the rest for God’s special purposes. This means we have been set apart from the world to serve God. In other words, we are saved to do good works!
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
God has saved from from sin, and has set us apart to be holy… and now that we are set apart, God has good works for us to do! This is the holy calling that Paul has in mind.
But make no mistake, we were not given a holy calling because of anything that we have done. Rather, God rescued us from our sin, SO THAT we can serve him. While we have been set apart to do good works for God, our good works in no way caused God to save us or set us apart. Listen again to how Paul says it:
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,
We didn’t cause God to save us. God saved us because he saw fit to do so because of his own purpose and grace. And then Paul underscores how little contributed to God’s grace when he says “which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began”
So, before God created anything, before God created the heavens and the earth, before God separated the sky from the sea, before he caused land to come out of the waters, before God filled his heavens with the sun the moon and all the stars, and before he inhabited the world with fish, birds, and animals, yes even before he created Adam and Eve, God called you and me to himself according to his own purpose and grace.
Who among us can receive any credit for what God has done? Before there was time, God had a plan.
Paul continued,
10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
So while God’s plan of salvation existed before time began, God stepped into time and space through Jesus Christ, who died and rose again so that we could have life and immortality! And he did all of this while we were still sinners! God had every reason to be ashamed of us, for all of our sin and rebellion. But instead of leaving us to die, he has rescued us from the grave.
This is good news that is worth rejoicing in! This is good news that is worth repeating and remembering! This is good news that is worth sharing and proclaiming boldly to all so that others might receive God’s free gift of eternal life!
Why would anyone be ashamed of the gospel?
The gospel isn’t bad news of our certain death. It’s not even about news about how we need to be better in order to receive salvation. The gospel is good news for sinners. So why would we be ashamed about the gospel?
The Gospel isn’t bad news of Jesus’ defeat. The disciples felt ashamed when Jesus went to the cross, but on the third day he rose again having defeated sin and the grave! After that, they had no reason to feel ashamed, and we should’t be ashamed either!
So why would anyone be ashamed of the gospel?
Well, we might be ashamed of the gospel when others don’t believe what we do. While the gospel is good news to all people, not all people will receive the gospel as good news. To some, the gospel is seen as an offense, to others, it is foolish. Some see the gospel as being a threat to their power, and their freedom, and others simply hate the gospel because they love their sin.
You know, it’s easy to not be ashamed of the gospel when you are in a Bible study with fellow Christinas. It’s easy not to be ashamed of the gospel when you stand in the pulpit in front of a congregation of believers. But what about when we are at a neighborhood BBQ, or in our work place, or among our peers, or at a family vacation. Even though the gospel is good news of Christ’s victory for sinners, we often feel ashamed about the gospel because not everyone will receive it as good news.
But the gospel was never given us in order make us popular or accepted by those who are in love with the world. The gospel has always been an offense.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
The world loves wisdom and power. But God has never worked through what men believe is wise or powerful. Those who watched Noah build the ark thought of him as a fool. At least they did until the flood came. So too, Joshua and his soldiers looked ridiculous and weak marching around Jericho. But the on the seventh day, it was Jericho and not Joshua who would feel the shame of defeat. And Gideon, weak Gideon, was hardly armed for battle. But this is because the victory belonged to the Lord.
So when Jesus died on the cross, all saw him as a curse and a fool. But we who believe see the cross and recognize that in it we have the clearest demonstration of God’s wisdom and power.
Church, do not be ashamed of the gospel… even though the world thinks it is foolish, we know that it is not.
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
or again in in Romans 1
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Do not be ashamed in the gospel, but instead go ahead and proclaim the good news as far and wide as you can get it! The gospel is good news, and it is news needs to be shared. Paul was one who knew the importance of getting the good news out as far as he could. And he certainly paid the price for doing so.
After recounting the gospel, Paul continued;
11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
This brings us to our next point, remember from v 8
2. Do not be ashamed of Jesus’ prisoner.
2. Do not be ashamed of Jesus’ prisoner.
Let’s consider the implications of what this means
So, after Paul recalled the gospel in v 9-10, he said;
11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
Did you see why Paul suffered as he did?
It’s not just because he preached and taught the gospel. Paul suffered, because God appointed Paul to be a preacher and apostle and teacher.
Did you notice in v 8, Paul called himself the Lord’s prisoner. I want us to notice this; Paul is in a Roman prison cell. This means he is a prisoner of Rome. But this isn’t how Paul views his imprisonment. Paul sees himself as Jesus’ prisoner. Even though Paul suffered at the hands of those who hated the gospel, Paul knew why he was in prison. He was there because Jesus had put him there. This was Pauls holy calling that he recieved from God.
And God appointed Paul to be a preacher and apostle and teacher because the gospel always needs a preacher and teacher. Consider what the gospel is. The gospel is good news. Earlier Paul called it the testimony about our Lord. In order for news to be what it is, it must be announced! In order for a testimony to be what it is, it must be declared! Not being ashamed of the gospel and not being ashamed of Christ’s prisoners are two sides of the same coin.
And while Paul was the Lord’s prisoner here, he is far from being the only one who would suffer for the name of Jesus. Remember when Peter and the other apostles were beaten and regularly imprisoned for preaching the gospel. What was their response to their suffering?
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Rejoicing seems like an odd response to suffering, that is until you remember Jesus’ words about suffering
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
There is a direct relationship between suffering and preaching… and when I say preaching, I’m not just talking about pulpit preaching. I’m talking about dinner table preaching, and market place preaching… I’m talking about any and all kinds of gospel proclamation… Consider the repeated relationship with preaching and suffering;
Where there is faithful preaching, there will be suffering, and when there is suffering, preaching will increase!
So do not be ashamed when Christians suffer for Jesus, because suffering is a part of preaching! And more than this, those us suffer for the sake of the gospel are not ashamed of their suffering.
11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
Paul was not ashamed of his suffering,
Because he knew why he suffered- that was to preach the gospel so that others could hear the gospel and be saved for God’s glory
And because he knew who he suffered for - that is the Jesus Christ
Paul said that he was convinced that Jesus is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to him.
This means that it was impossible for Paul to fail. Why? Because Jesus is going to guard what has been entrusted to him…
Paul is saying that if he dies, the gospel will not die with him because Jesus is able to guard the gospel until the end.
When the world sees death, it sees defeat, but this is not so for the Christian! Persecution, and even death for the Paul and every other Christian is the the victory to their race!
Paul put it this way,
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
Pauls death was his gain! And for us, if we die with Christ, death will be our gain as well! We are going to be reciting this every single week, but let us hear it again;
11 The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
Death in Christ leads to eternal life with Christ!
What does Paul have to be ashamed of in his suffering? Why would Timothy be ashamed of Paul’s chains? Pauls suffering is a sign of Paul’s faithfulness to the Lord!
When it comes to loss for the sake of the gospel, there is no such thing as defeat! The loss of job, being rejected by friends, being hated by family, even being killed for the sake of the gospel is our gain! Persecution is our blessing.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
This is a promise for us… those who are persecuted for Christ’s sake will receive a reward. And this is where Paul is pointing us towards as he closes out the chapter and this will be the theme into chapter 2. So let’s look v 8 again and the final point
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,
3. Share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
3. Share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
Christians will suffer. It’s not a matter of if we suffer, but when. And to be clear, we aren’t talking about human suffering in the general sense. We are talking about Christinas who suffer for the sake of the gospel. While suffering never pleasant, Paul gives us three encouragements for us to take with us into our suffering.
First of all, suffering for the gospel is not an uncharted path. Paul told Timothy,
13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
There are many who have suffered for the sake of the gospel who have gone before us.
But this is a warning to us as well as an encouragement. So hear the warning. If we are ashamed of the gospel, and do not want to suffered for the sake of the gospel, we might be tempted to try to find another way to remain faithful while avoiding suffering. Such a path does not exist.
We must not follow in the footsteps of those who departed from pattern of sound words that the apostles taught. If we modify the gospel to fit the appetite of sinful men, the gospel will lose all of its power and we will lose our reward.
Paul urges Timothy and us to follow the pattern of sound words that we have heard from him and in doing so we will share in the suffering for the sake of the gospel.
Remember the gospel is good news. It is the testimony of God. And in order for a testimony to be what it is, it must be declared. For good news to be news at all, it must be proclaimed. So in your gospel proclamation, be faithful to the sound words of Paul.
The second encouragement for those who suffer for the gospel is this; We do not work alone or suffer alone.
14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
In other words, share in suffering by the power of God
If we are going to be found faithful, we need God’s help.
Paul was not faithful to the Lord because he was strong or bold. He was not faithful because he had wisdom or knowledge. He was faithful and unashamed because of the help of the Holy Spirit.
Listen to him in Philippians
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Do you see Paul’s need for prayer and for the Spirit of God?
And again
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
If we are not a praying people, then we will not be faithful people. We need help in our trials, and we have help fo our trials, so do not neglect asking for God’s help.
And finally, there is a great reward for those who are faithful through their suffering.
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
This chapter closes with the two examples.
One of what it looks like to be ashamed of the gospel - and it looks like being ashamed of God’s prisoner.
and the second, what it looks like to not be ashamed.
We are to emulate the second example, that of Onesiphorus,
He sought Paul, and refreshed him in prison.
Bookended with the report of what he did, Paul says, “May the Lord grant him and his household mercy on the final day of judgment
And the Lord will certainly give him his reward, for he said,
42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
Oh that we would all be found faithful on that day as Onesiphorus was… that we would all labor hard while we look forward to our future reward. Not because we have been saved by works, but because we have been saved for good works, as God has called us to a holy calling.
Do not be ashamed of your suffering, for we have a great reward waiting for us!
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
Let us not lose heart in our time of suffering. For we have an eternal weight of glory that will ought-weigh our light and momentary affliction. So let us ask the Lord grace, and mercy as we endure, and may be share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.