We Must Not Mind A Little Suffering For The Lords Sake

Paul reminds Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God that he has been given - to remember that he has not been spirit of fear but of power and love and sound judgment. And because of this, Paul exhorts Timothy with a very challenging command: Share in suffering. Instead of being ashamed of gospel suffering, Paul tells Timothy to do the work of gospel proclamation and share in the suffering that accompanies it. Paul grounds this exhortation in the gospel itself. The grace of God, given before time began, has now been made manifest in Christ. But more specifically, in Christ who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light! If Christ has abolished even death, then what suffering could we fear to share in?! We love the phrase, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power.” But do you love the phrase and practice this the way Paul meant it to Timothy – as an invitation and motivation to share in suffering?