Daily Devotions
2 Timothy
"For which I suffer trouble as an evildoer..."
Text: 2 Timothy 2:9
SUFFERING FOR THE LORD
The apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. He wrote openly about his suffering to the churches he founded. In all of them he displayed a very strong and courageous spirit. He wanted Timothy to have a strong heart and mind especially when his young protege sometimes displayed timidity.
“For which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains;
but the word of God is not chained.”
2 Timothy 2:9
1. Early intimations about suffering
The Lord disclosed that Paul would suffer for the sake of the gospel (Acts 9:16).
a) He was a chosen vessel.
b) He would suffer for the Lord.
2. Record of Paul’s suffering
a) This was recorded in the Book of Acts.
i) He was stoned in Lystra (Acts 14:19).
ii) He was beaten and imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:23-24).
b) Paul detailed his suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33.
3. The charges made against Paul
a) He was regarded as an evildoer.
b) He was put in chains.
A POWERFUL ATTITUDE ADOPTED
The apostle Paul was not fazed by what he had to endure for the sake of the Lord. Here is a summary of the powerful attitude adopted amidst suffering:-
1. Suffering is to be accepted as part and parcel of faith in the Lord (Philippians 1:29).
a) To believe in the Lord.
b) To suffer for His sake.
2. Walking worthy of the Lord should be the focus and not suffering
a) Devoutly, justly and blamelessly (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
b) Enduring suffering well (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5).