2 Timothy: Guard The GospelSample

What are you most passionate about?

Paul is passionate about God’s glory. He wants every part of his life to draw attention to God’s goodness and grace. He doesn’t take credit for his success in ministry or endurance in suffering; he wants God to receive all the glory.

People are unfaithful. Paul has experienced opposition to his ministry and he’s been deserted by his friends. But God is always faithful. Paul can testify to God’s faithfulness during his first trial. As he faced his accusers, no-one stood by him, but God strengthened him to preach the gospel. Facing a hostile crowd and an unjust death sentence, Paul proclaimed that Jesus died and rose again, and that salvation is found in him alone. Many Gentiles heard the gospel because Paul was bold and unashamed. This strength to endure his trial and preach boldly did not come from himself: Jesus stood by Paul’s side. While he was on earth, Jesus also faced a hostile crowd and an unjust death sentence so he could offer salvation to Jews and Gentiles. Now he strengthened Paul to declare the good news of salvation.

Paul knows it was the Lord who kept him from being put to death immediately after this first trial, and he knows God will save him from eternal death (v. 18). This doesn’t mean he won’t experience physical death – his execution is imminent. But his future rescue and glory are certain. God will complete his work of salvation and bring him to his heavenly kingdom. Paul’s response to this deliverance is to give glory to God.

We may not face the same trials Paul endured, but we have been delivered from the consequences of our sin – eternal death and separation from Christ. We can share Paul’s confidence that God will complete the work he has begun in us and bring us safely to glory. As we reflect on our rescue from death and future glory, our response should also be, ‘To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen’ (v. 18).

Reflection

Spend some time praising God for his salvation. Ask him to give you a greater passion for his glory to be known. Pray for opportunities to draw attention to his glory this week.