◄ What Does 2 Timothy 1:12 Mean? ►

In writing to Timothy, a beloved son in the faith, Paul explains in the opening words of this epistle that he is suffering deeply because of the gospel of Christ. But far from complaining, he is reminding Timothy that all who live godly lives in defence of the gospel of Christ, will suffer in this world. But the glory of the gospel and the eternal truths that it contains far outweigh the pain of persecution in this world, and so Paul confesses: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ," for he knows that it is the power of God that brings salvation to ALL who believe.

Paul met the Lord Jesus at the point of his salvation, just as every sinner who comes to Christ meets and trusts in Him as Saviour when they are born from above. And over the years, Paul grew to love and trust His precious Saviour passionately and intimately. And although Paul's heart cry throughout his life was: "That I may know Him MORE," he proved in every circumstance of life that God's grace was sufficient to meet all his needs, according to His riches in glory, and so Paul was able to confess: "I know Whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day."

When Paul uttered these words, he was suffering for Christ. But his suffering only caused his faith to grow stronger, as he set his mind on the sure and blessed hope of Christ and of eternity to come.

The truth of the gospel of Christ and the reality of his Saviour was so tangible to Paul, that nothing could separate him from the love of God and the many precious promises that are given to all believers. Paul had confidence in the faithfulness of Christ to finish the good work that had been started in his own life, knowing that a day is coming when Christ will return for His Church, to complete His good work in us.

Let us unashamedly draw ever closer to our faithful God in confident assurance that He will indeed carry to completion all we have entrusted to Him on the day that Christ returns for His Church, for ALL His promises to us are 'yes' and 'amen' in Christ.

Loving Lord, I love and trust You. Thank You for the riches of Your eternal grace and for all that You are holding for me in heaven. May I never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, and may I face the suffering of this world in Your strength. In Jesus' name, AMEN.