2 Timothy is a handbook for young ministers of the Gospel.

2 Timothy 1:8

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 1:9

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

2 Timothy 1:10-11

But has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 1:12

For this reason, I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

More Muslims are coming to Jesus Christ than at any other time in history.

Acts 14:19b

They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

Acts 14:20a

However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose and went into the city.

Increased anointing brings increased spiritual warfare.

Increased revival brings increased persecution.

1. STAND STRONG FOR JESUS CHRIST

2 Timothy 1:8

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 1:8b (NIV)

Join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God.

2 Timothy 1:8 (NLT)

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me either, even though I am in prison for Him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 

Mark 8:38

For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of Him the Son of Man will also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. 

Jeremiah 20:9a

Then I said, “I will not make mention of His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones.

Life Application Bible – Don’t be ashamed to testify of your personal faith in Jesus Christ.

I’M A BELIEVER! 

2. STEP INTO THE GLORY OF GOD

2 Timothy 1:8b

Share with me in the sufferings for the Gospel according to the power of God.

Power – Dunamis – Miracle working, supernatural power of God.

The Holy Spirit will give us everything we need to remain faithful in the midst of persecution.

When we choose to remain faithful during persecution, we will see the power of God displayed.

1 Peter 4:14

If you are reproached (insulted or reviled) for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 

Daniel 3:25

“Look!” he answered, “I see four men, loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” 

Daniel 6:22a

My God sent His angel and shut the lion’s mouths, so they have not hurt me. 

Acts 7:55

But he full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Yousef – Here I stand, and this is what I have decided: I will never bow to anyone other than my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! You can threaten me, you can torture me, and you can kill me. But I will never convert!

3. LIVE FREE IN THE LIGHT OF ETERNITY

2 Timothy 1:9

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 

2 Timothy 1:10

But has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.

Jesus has abolished death – rendered it ineffective.

For the believer in Jesus Christ, death has lost its sting.

Gordan Fee – Be steadfast, rekindle your gift, take part in the suffering; for we are already among those who have overcome death through Christ.

We live in the light of eternity!

2 Timothy 1:12

For this reason, I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

I TRUST IN HIM!

I ENTRUST MYSELF FULLY AND COMPLETELY TO HIM!

 

Discussion Questions

1. Do you believe increased persecution is coming to the Body of Christ in America?

2. Does the thought of persecution bring fear and anxiety?

3. How does the apostle Paul help Timothy face coming persecution?

4. Do you believe the Holy Spirit will give you everything you need to endure and overcome whatever you face in life? Have you experienced His comforting, encouraging Presence?

5. What would it mean for you to live free in the light of eternity?