FBC Daily Devotions

Read 2 Timothy 1:11.

A herald in Paul’s day was known by the Greeks to be one who proclaims the words of a king – a sort of town crier. Paul, being a herald of God, proclaimed the words of God, namely, the gospel of Jesus Christ.  His primary audience was those who had never heard of the Jesus Christ (a.k.a. the Gentiles). Did he suffer for it? Absolutely! His ministry led him to unfamiliar cities, unfamiliar people, and unfamiliar experiences. There was perhaps no greater reason for his suffering than the proclamation of the gospel and the threat it had on those in authority, be it religious or civil. Paul’s suffering was self-inflicted, but it was God-inspired. He obeyed faithfully and courageously the call of God to proclaim Christ, and he suffered for it.

The proclamation of the gospel in this day and country rarely sees the kind of suffering experienced by Paul. We live in a religiously free society. We live in a democratic society. It was much different in Paul’s day. The gospel threatened the religious and civil authorities to the point that they had to do something to stop Paul. Paul suffered for it with a martyr’s death. In contrast, the suffering we face for the proclamation of the gospel today seems more related to insult than threat. The gospel message is perceived as intolerant, bigoted, judgmental, and condescending. The exclusivity of Christ has become perhaps the greatest point of contention in the proclamation of the gospel today. It has led many proclaiming Christians to suffer ridicule and rejection for believing in such a narrow religion.  

We have no control over how an individual will respond to the gospel message. There is nothing we can do about the exclusivity of Christ. If someone struggles with that truth, we may only pray that God will bring the conviction of faith into their hearts. Suffering for the sake of the message is simply going to have to be an acceptable part of proclaiming the gospel. That said, if we are going to suffer for the gospel, let it be the gospel itself and not us – let it be the message, not the messenger.  

Two weeks ago, Craig said that when we share Christ with others, it is to be motivated by love. If you want to damage a relationship, there’s not much more condemning than the message of Christ without a concern for the other person. When a person shares the gospel out of sincere love for the individual, I have never seen it lead to rejection. Have you? I say this because many people are afraid to share Christ because they fear rejection or they are afraid they might turn the person off to Christ. I suggest that if a person is sharing Christ out of sincere love, that person will know it and receive it as such. They may not agree with the message, but one rarely ever has to fear rejection or worry they may turn off the person. I have just never seen it, ever. So, go on and share the gospel with others with genuine love. If they are offended by the gospel, then so be it. Chances are they are offended by the gospel with our without your sharing, so you had nothing to lose by sharing. I really doubt their thoughts about Christ were worsened by a loving act of sharing.

To consider: When it comes to proclaiming Christ, what are you afraid of? Really consider if the fear is legitimate. Are you doing anything that might lead an unbeliever to reject you, and consequently the message? Pray that as you step out boldly to share Christ, the individual will see your heart of love and even better, accept the message.

Look over your notes from the past week. What one or two things did God impress upon you this week?

Read 2 Timothy 1:9-10.

As Paul often does in his writings, he diverges for a moment at the mere mention of the gospel in verse 8. The gospel is so important to Paul that he cannot help but sing its praises. Verses 9 and 10 are full of gospel truth:

• -We are saved by the gospel (that is, the work of Christ).
• -We are saved to live a holy life.
• -We are saved by His will and initiative (nothing we’ve done to deserve it).
• -We were saved even before the beginning of time (again, nothing deserved).
• -Christ destroyed death.
• -Christ brought life and immortality into view.

Personal Thoughts: In reading this diverging thought of Paul’s, I am tremendously impressed by his appreciation of the gospel. It is the most important thing in his life, and therefore, he is willing to go to great, great lengths to make the gospel known to the world. God has done such a work in his life that Paul cannot contain himself. He MUST tell the world even if it means suffering and dying for it. O that I might have that same understanding and appreciation for the gospel. It seems to me that before I will be willing to walk through any fears and suffer for my faith, I will first need to truly grasp the miracle of the gospel in my life. It is no wonder that Paul on numerous occasions prays for the churches to lay hold of the love of God because if they can, it will help them push through their self-made obstacles (e.g. timidity, fear) and live boldly and confidently for Him.

To consider: Have you laid hold of your new life in Christ? Do you realize what He has done for you? We have been saved from the wrath of God and the eternal depths of hell. Believe it! God has given us the greatest gift of all in Christ Jesus. While we were yet His enemies, He still delivered us. As applicable, what is stopping you from giving Him your all with gratitude? Take some time right now to really meditate on just how much Christ has done for us. Review the truths above, and pray that God would help you appreciate His gift more and more.

Read 2 Timothy 1:8.

It is one thing to be timid – lacking self-confidence (v. 7) – but another thing to lack confidence in God. Paul tells Timothy that because God can work through him, he need not be ashamed. What does it mean to be ashamed? Looking up the word in Webster’s, I found:

Ashamed: (1) feeling shame, distressed, or embarrassed by feelings of guilt, foolishness, or disgrace; (2) unwilling or restrained because of fear of shame, ridicule, or disapproval.  

If Timothy’s gift was evangelism, it is likely he (like many of us) struggled with the fear of ridicule or disapproval. As followers of Christ, we have every reason to be bold and confident whenever we share Christ or are affiliated with His name in some way. It is okay to lack self-confidence, but it is not okay to lack God-confidence.

Why do we sometimes lack confidence in God? Perhaps it has less to do with confidence in God and more to do with not wanting to experience the suffering that may accompany our testimonies of Christ (whether it be in word or deed). This would explain why Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed but rather “join me in suffering for the gospel.” There is no question that walking and talking Christ will at some point bring a certain amount of rejection and ridicule for us. (I doubt it will result in imprisonment in this country, however.) As Pastor Craig noted in his message, though, suffering is a mark of obedient faith. God’s best work is done through suffering. Our greatest growth occurs in suffering. Suffering enables us to appreciate the life to come later.

To consider: Have you ever been ashamed to be associated with Christ? If so, when? Have you ever overcome fear and testified of Christ (whether in word or deed) and as a result suffered in some way? How did the experience affect your faith? Pray today that God would help you overcome fear, accept the possibility of suffering, and share Christ with someone as He brings opportunity.

Read 2 Timothy 1:7.

Timothy was apparently a timid man that needed to be exhorted not to be controlled by his timidity, but instead by the One who was really behind the gift. In contrast to timidity, Timothy is told to use his gift with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

On Sunday, Pastor Craig shared that our gifts are infused or embedded with God’s power. If we were to rely solely on our own strength and power, one might understand a timid approach to serving. But as it is, God’s power works when we are obedient and faithful to use our gifts in the service of His kingdom. Remember, they are spiritual gifts, not human gifts. As such, the power is not bound by our physical limitations, but freed through the miraculous power of God through the Holy Spirit.

Craig also shared that the use of our gifts is to be balanced with love. They are to be motivated by love for God and others (note 1Cor. 13 where this chapter on love is written in the context of spiritual gifts). Whenever we serve, as Craig reminded us, it is always to be about God and others first, and not a means of self-promotion. (I am reminded of this personally when it comes to the Music Ministry and playing our respective instruments.)

And lastly, gifts are to be used with self-control or discipline. In other words, we are to make wise use of our gifts. We must exercise sensitivity and wisdom. One is not to merely do the work of God, but one must know how to effectively use it. We will not, for example, teach a 5 year old about the hypostatic union of Christ. Likewise, we will not park on the fundamentals with someone who is able to understand and grow in the deeper matters of faith (i.e. “milk” vs. “meat”, cf. Heb. 5:13). A certain amount of self-control and sensitivity is needed when sharing our gifts with others.

To consider:

Have you ever been timid or lacked confidence with the use of your gifts? Actually a lack of self-confidence is not always a bad thing because it means we need to rely on God more. The greater question is whether we will exercise faith and use our gifts despite a lack of self-confidence. Thank God that He is the One doing the work through weak vessels!

How about your motivation to serve? Consider how you are serving others in the Family of God. Is it because of your love for God and those you serve that you are doing the work?

And when it comes to serving with wisdom and sensitivity, is the way you serve appropriate for the recipient of your services?