Page 77 - Pastoral Epistles student textbook

What does Paul mean when he says, “join me in suffering?”
[Life Application Bible] In this time of mounting persecution, Timothy may
have been afraid to continue preaching the gospel. His fears were because
believers were being arrested and executed. Paul told Timothy to expect
persecution – Timothy, like Paul, was later arrested for preaching the
gospel.
Hebrews 13:23. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he
arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

Paul promised Timothy that God would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was
time to suffer.
Even when there is no persecution, sharing our faith in Christ can be difficult. Fortunately, we, like
Paul and Timothy, can rely on the Holy Spirit to give us courage. Don’t be ashamed to testify about
your personal faith in Jesus.

Paul is making the point, when you serve Christ, be prepared to suffer for the gospel.
When was the last time you suffered because of your faith in Jesus?

There are four things to understand about suffering.

1. We must accept the privilege of persecution.
Jesus sent out the disciples, warning that they would be persecuted because of
the gospel.
Matthew 10:16-17. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as
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shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed
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over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.
2. We must be ready to suffer the shame of the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:18. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are
perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The Romans probably imported the practice of crucifying live victims from the Persians.
The cross in the first century world was a detestable horror. It was a symbol of death, not a
symbol of life. Roman citizens, except in rare situations, were exempt from it. It was
reserved for slaves, robbers, assassins, or rebellious provincials. Sometimes the Romans
would crucify thousands in mass executions, leaving their bodies to rot as a warning to
others not to rebel against Rome.
Today, in America, we have seeker churches that are trying to market the gospel by making the
message more acceptable to unbelievers. They seldom talk about sin and judgment, because those
aren’t popular topics among their target audiences. They talk about how Jesus can help you reach your
full potential, or how He can give you a happier family life. But the gospel isn’t about helping you fulfill

your dreams for happiness and success. The testimony of our Lord is a testimony of a crucified Savior.
He died on a cross to rescue sinners from the awful eternal judgment that we deserve. While that
message may not be what people want to hear, that is our only message.

3. We must be willing to suffer because the Lord and the gospel are worth
suffering for.

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