Ashamed?
Read 2 Timothy 1:8-14.

1. Paul tells Timothy, "do not be ashamed" (1:8), and he adds, "I am not ashamed" (1:12). Why might some people think that Timothy and/or Paul should be ashamed? Why might some people today think that Christians should be ashamed?

* "God's way seems foolish to Jews because they want a sign from heaven to prove it is true. And it is foolish to the Greeks because they believe only what agrees with their own wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense." (1 Corinthians 1:22-23, NLT)

* Paul is not ashamed, and he tells Timothy not to be ashamed. In particular, Timothy should not be ashamed to testify about Jesus Christ, and he should not be ashamed of Paul being in prison (1:8a). On the contrary, he should join with Paul "in suffering for the gospel" (1:8b).

* Paul wrote elsewhere, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes …" (Romans 1:16a, NIV)

Why Suffer?

? Why is Paul not ashamed? Why is Paul willing to suffer? Because he is a servant of the gospel (1:12)! So is Timothy. So is every true Christian, though our roles may be different.

2. What do verses 9-10 tell us about "the gospel?" What has God done? What has God accomplished through Jesus Christ?

S _________________ us.
C _________________ us to a holy life.
A _________________ death.
R _________________ the way of everlasting life.

* God did not save and call us because of anything we have done (1:9). We do not deserve it, and it's impossible to earn it. Instead, God saved and called us because of his own purpose and grace. Salvation is a gift of God, and it is received through faith. God's plan of salvation was made before time began, but has been revealed in the coming of Christ (1:10).

* Paul is suffering because God appointed him to be a servant of the gospel. But it's worth it! Not only for Paul, but also for Timothy, and for all Christians.

3. According to verse 12, why is Paul not ashamed?

4. Paul has entrusted his life - everything he has - to God (1:12). How do you think this affects his attitude as he faces suffering and impending death? Why?

Worth Guarding
Read 2 Timothy 1:13-14.

The gospel was entrusted to Paul. Now it has been entrusted to Timothy. Paul tells Timothy to "guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit" (1:14).

5. In what ways must Timothy guard what was entrusted to him? In what ways must Christian leaders and teachers today guard what is entrusted to them?

Examples
Read 2 Timothy 1:15-18.

Paul offers bad examples and good examples. Many have deserted Paul (1:15). Perhaps they were ashamed of Paul and /or unwilling to suffer for the gospel. Maybe they were even ashamed to testify about Christ. They are bad examples.

* Onesiphorus is a good example. He was not ashamed of Paul (1:16). In fact, he made great efforts to find and minister to Paul (1:17). He demonstrated love, courage and faith.

Reflection/Application

† What do you think of "the gospel?" What do you think of Christians who believe it, live according to it, and share it with others? Do you think the gospel is foolishness, or the power of God for salvation? If you are seeking answers to these questions, continue to do so. Find out why intelligent, reasonable people believe the gospel. If you are being convinced of the gospel, do not delay in receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It's worth it!

† As a Christian, are you ashamed to testify about Jesus Christ? Are you willing to "suffer" for Christ and the gospel? Do you consider the gospel worth it? Prayerfully reflect on what Christ has done for you. Meditate on 2 Timothy 1:7-12, and identify specific ways that you can be used in the service of the gospel, beginning now.