Paul mentions the word “ashamed” three times in these few verses today. I always try to pay attention when something is mentioned repeatedly, so what is the Word trying to tell us today? Don’t be ashamed of following Jesus today, either afraid of what folks outside the church may think or what folks inside the church may think. Follow Jesus. And don’t be ashamed of each other. As Christians, let’s stick together and show loyalty and support to one another.

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Good morning! It’s a delight to be with you on this beautiful Monday morning as we continue our journey rooted in Christ together. Today, we’ll be concluding our study of 2nd Timothy chapter one, focusing on verses eight through 18. I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore God’s Word with you.

Let’s dive into 2nd Timothy chapter one, beginning with verse eight and concluding with verse 18:

“8. 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, relying on the power of God. 9. 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. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10. but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 15. You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16. May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.”

In these verses, Paul emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel or of those who suffer for it. He encourages Timothy to stand firm in his faith, relying on the power of God to endure any hardships that may come his way. Paul’s own example serves as a testament to this, as he willingly embraces suffering for the sake of the gospel without shame.

Paul reminds Timothy that the gospel is not something to be hidden or ashamed of but to be boldly proclaimed and defended. He urges Timothy to hold fast to sound teaching and to guard the truth entrusted to him, knowing that the Holy Spirit empowers and guides him in this endeavor.

Furthermore, Paul highlights the loyalty and support of Onesiphorus, who stood by him in his time of need without hesitation or shame. This serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of standing by our fellow believers, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Paul’s words resonate with timeless relevance, urging us to stand firm in our faith and boldly proclaim the gospel without shame. As we navigate the challenges of life, may we draw strength from God’s power and the support of our fellow believers, knowing that we are not alone in our journey of faith.

Thank you for joining me in this study, and I look forward to our continued exploration of God’s Word together. Have a blessed day, and I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow. Take care!