Daily Devotions
2 Timothy
"Therefore do not be ashamed..."
Text: 2 Timothy 1:8
THE THINGS THAT MAY TRIGGER FEAR
There were many things that could have caused Timothy to feel so fearful. Three may be highlighted.
1. Fear of suffering.
2. Fear of enemies who were strongly opposed to the Gospel.
3. Fear of death.
A PROACTIVE APPROACH OFFERED
The apostle Paul offered a proactive approach to deal with the problem of fear. The following text must be read with the previous text in mind.
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings
for the gospel according to the power of God.”
2 Timothy 1:8
1. “Therefore”
a) Paul had in mind what God has given (2 Timothy 1:7).
b) Therefore we may count on these gifts to enable us to be courageous and not cowardly.
2. “Do not be ashamed”
a) Fear sometimes makes people so afraid they virtually distance themselves.
b) They may even feel “ashamed”.
i) To be identified with the Lord.
ii) To be identified with the apostle Paul.
3. Why should we feel ashamed of close identification?
a) With the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ who gave His life for us.
b) With those who have faithfully and lovingly cared for us.
i) Paul had lovingly cared for Timothy as his beloved son.
ii) Why should Timothy be ashamed to be openly identified with Paul?
4. “Share with me in the sufferings for the gospel”
a) This was an open appeal to Timothy.
b) One way of overcoming fear is to actually learn how to enter into the sufferings associated with the gospel.
5. “According to the power of God”
We need never succumb to fear as long as we have the power of God made available to us! This power is part and parcel of God’s gifts to all who have faith in the Lord and walk with Him in love!