2 Timothy 1:8-18 Confidence and Loyalty

2 Timothy 1:8-18 Confidence and Loyalty

When we talk about sharing the Gospel, there are two qualities which Paul emphasized in the life of Timothy as a leader. We need to have confidence in the Gospel and loyalty to Gospel.

CONFIDENCE

“So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.” (2 Timothy 1:8, HCSB)

This is similar to the passage in Romans when Paul emphasizes the fact that we should not be ashamed of the Gospel.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, HCSB)

We should not be ashamed about the Gospel and we should be ashamed of sharing the Gospel.

What is the Gospel which we should be sharing?

“He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:9–10, HCSB)

After sharing the essence of the Gospel, which is about the first appearing of Jesus Christ, Paul shares how he does this in his own life:

“For this gospel I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher,” (2 Timothy 1:11, HCSB)

Paul states THREE WAYS in which he shares the Gospel:

1. He is a herald – someone who announces the Gospel, in the same way that a person would announce to the parade that the king is coming.

2. He is an apostle – someone who is sent to someone to share the Gospel. We go to people to share the Gospel. This emphasizes the fact that we are called to build relationships and reach out to others.

3. He is a teacher – someone who shares what they know about Jesus. People come to learn from the person who teaches. While an apostle is called to GO, a teacher is there for people to COME.

WHY PAUL IS HAS CONFIDENCE:

“and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12, HCSB)

Suffering accompanies the Gospel. Even though Paul shares three ways he shares the Gospel, it includes suffering. True Gospel-sharing includes suffering. That can happen because we have confidence in God, Who can make the Gospel successful.

LOYALTY

1. Hold on. (2 Timothy 1:13, HCSB)

There is a teaching that reveals the faith and love that comes from Jesus Christ. There is a proper teaching that Christians must be loyal.

2. Guard. (2 Timothy 1:14, HCSB)

The Holy Spirit helps us to guard the Gospel. The Gospel is the good thing which is entrusted to us. The Holy Spirit prevents us from getting the Gospel destroyed.

3. Cooperate (2 Timothy 1:15–16, HCSB)

Paul as a leader feels that everyone has abandoned him. He describes two specific people who were disloyal to him as the leader of the church. These two men (Phygelus and Hermogenes) harmed Paul and the Gospel. Unlike these two Onesiphorus was faithful and cooperated with Paul in the Gospel.