Page 71 - Pastoral Epistles I & 2 Timothy, Titus

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 that 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.
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Matthew 10:16-17. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be
as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the
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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.
If you’re going to choose hardship or suffering, at least choose to suffer for a worthy cause. At death, we lose
everything we have. But what could be more worthy than the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior?

4. The strength to suffer comes from the power of God.
2 Corinthians 12:9. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that
Christ’s power may rest on me.

Why do you think the cross is an offense?
Should we soften our message to win people to Christ?

2 Timothy 1:9. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have
done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the
beginning of time.

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