OUR COURAGE FROM THE GOSPEL 2 Timothy 1:8-12
Pastor Dennis Bone
6-12-16
Last week, as I’m sure you all know, Muhammed Ali died. Self-proclaimed as “the greatest” his persona certainly didn’t lack confidence, which some might call arrogance; and his celebrity moved from great boxer to outspoken draft dodger to a beloved hero around the world. Much has been said recently about Ali’s courage: his courage in the boxing ring, his courage as a conscientious objector to the war; and his courage during his 30 + year bout with Parkinson’s. For many people he is a “profile in courage” yet for us as Christians it should cause us to consider the biblical definition of courage and what truly makes a person courageous from God’s perspective.
In culture where ESPN, the largest and most popular sports network, gives the courage of the year award to a man who becomes a woman, you have to wonder about the world’s definition of courage, and what courage really is and what it really means. Biblical courage is not just about being counter culture based on personal feelings or even convictions; and it’s certainly not about being self-indulgent, or celebrating sin and calling it bravery. Rather, true courage is standing in the truth, with the truth and for the truth of God’s Word, which may at times be counter-culture, but never because of self or sin, but always because of Christ and His gospel.
It’s this type of courage that Paul is talking to Timothy about, and encouraging the church to demonstrate in 2 Timothy, chapter 1. We began looking at chapter 1 last week and will continue this morning with verses 8 – 12, as we consider this theme: “Our courage from the gospel.” So let’s begin by hearing the text: 2 Timothy 1:8 – 12:
So do not be ashamed to testify about the Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
Paul draws courage and receives courage from the gospel. Paul is reflecting on how God has saved us from our sin through Jesus Christ and called us to live for Him. And although in the Christian life we may suffer for the gospel and face difficult trials as Christians, we have been given a spirit of power and courage to press on and not be ashamed of Christ or His gospel, because God has secured our future and guards our faith through the sure and blessed promises of Christ, our God and Savior. It’s the glory and power and grace of the gospel that gives us courage. It equips us to stand up for our faith in Christ; it encourages us when we suffer for it; it supports us when we get tired and discouraged as Christians; and it’s the truth of the gospel that motivates us to accept God’s providence in our lives.
This is what Paul is focusing on in his life; and in these verses he is teaching us to do the same. So the first point we see is that our courage is demonstrated through the power of the gospel.
It’s been said that the greatest test of courage is to bear defeat or suffering without losing heart. In verse 8 Paul says: “So do not be ashamed to testify about the Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” Paul’s point is: Don’t view my suffering or what may be your suffering, as something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, as if it makes the gospel less true. We hear people say, “If you believe in God He will make you prosperous and healthy,” and some think that any kind of suffering is a sign of weakness. This was the view in Paul’s day, thus it caused people to question the truth of the gospel. The Scriptures teach us that quite the opposite is true, and Paul calls us to stand firm in the truth of the gospel and to not view suffering as weakness.
Our courage to stand firm and to hold fast to our convictions about Christ and the gospel comes from the power of the gospel itself. In this verse Paul explains what biblical courage is and what it means, by first reminding us that we are not to be ashamed of Christ or His sufferings for us. Paul says, “Don’t be ashamed to testify about the Lord.” We testify about the glory of the cross; and that through the suffering of Christ on the cross we have been saved, and there is nothing in that message that we should be ashamed about. But as Peter reminds us in I Peter 2, Christ’s suffering for us has called us to suffer for Him. His unjust suffering is an example of what we as Christians may experience as well. So second, biblical courage means that we are not ashamed of Christ’s people who suffer for Him.
Paul says, “Do not be ashamed of me.” He often refers to himself as a “prisoner of the Lord” reminding us that he is suffering for the gospel; and that he is not the only one who is called to suffer. We are all called to be willing and prepared to suffer for the gospel.
He says, “But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” What is Paul saying? Should we all join him in jail so we can demonstrate more courage? No, but he is defining for us what true courage is, and as such makes a third point. Biblical courage means that we are not ashamed to suffer for Christ’s gospel, thus we proclaim its power and live in its power. We don’t back up or back down from our convictions even if it may cause suffering. As Paul says in Romans 1: “I am not ashamed of the gospel for it’s the power of God for salvation.” This power that saved us is the power that will give us the courage to stand firm in its truth; and join Paul and other believers throughout all the generations of God’s church in declaring it, no matter what may come our way.
So first our courage is demonstrated through the power of the gospel; and then second, our courage is motivated by the purpose of the gospel. In verse 9 Paul reflects on the purpose of the gospel, and why God’s purpose and plan for us through the gospel should motivate us and move us to be courageous. He writes in verse 9: “God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace, has given us this grace in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” This is a wonderful and amazing statement regarding God’s eternal grace on our behalf before time, or history began as we know it. It’s this great doctrinal truth that is the reason we act courageously for the gospel. The truth of the gospel is rooted and grounded in God’s eternal purpose.
Biblical doctrine is designed to motivate us to live holy and be courageous as Christians. Paul motivates us with this same purpose of the gospel in Ephesians 1, when he tells us that God chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy, through Jesus Christ.
And then in history He accomplished our salvation, by the appearing of His Son Jesus Christ in accordance with His own purpose and grace. Paul uses this same language in Ephesians as he does here in 2 Timothy when he says: “In Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of His grace . . . which He has made know to us according to His good pleasure, which He has purposed in Christ.” So as we reflect on God’s purpose through the gospel we first see that our courage does not come from our own self-confidence or our own works. Courage is not self-generated, but like our faith it’s a product of God’s grace. It’s not first of all how brave or strong we are; it’s about how great and powerful God is.
Second, our courage comes from God’s plan for us, revealed in Jesus Christ’s gracious work for us through the gospel. We don’t lift ourselves up, or shine the light on our “greatness” but instead we exalt Christ and His greatness in us. As Paul writes in Galatians 2: “I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now life in this body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” So you see, this is our motivation; this is where we get courage and grow in courage through our lives. And it’s this spiritual and present truth in our lives that teaches us a third truth: our courage to accept suffering for the sake of the gospel prepares us for future glory. The purpose of the gospel is to prepare us for something better than this life; and our courage in this life testifies to this truth, and suffering prepares us for it.
Paul says in verse 10 that Christ appeared as our Savior to destroy death and to bring life and immortality to light through the gospel. The purpose of the gospel is to free us from the power of death, as well as the pain of suffering, and give us spiritual and resurrection life.
This is why Paul proclaimed and taught the gospel – verse 11 – and this is what motivated him to have courage when this truth was challenged and when he suffered personally because of it. It’s this same motivation that should give us courage as well in the face of suffering for this same gospel, as Paul tells us in Romans 8: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” To suffer for the gospel is not easy, we don’t ask for it nor do we really want it, but when it comes we can be courageous in it and through it, because we know it has a purpose and is a part of God’s gracious plan and promises to us in our Savior Jesus Christ.
This brings us to the third main point this morning: Our courage is grounded in the promises of the gospel. As the great hymn says: “We are standing on the promises of God.” In the context of this passage, Paul teaches us that God protects our sure hope in His gospel based upon His sure and certain promises to us in His Son – verse 12 – “That is why I am suffering as I am (it’s for the gospel). Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” This then is the basis for another hymn that we often sing –“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – which encourages us to worship God and to find courage in His promises to us. Specifically, in the context of suffering for the gospel, what does this verse teach us?
First, we are convinced of the gospel based upon God’s perfect plan, not our imperfect knowledge. We trust in a God who is sovereign and who has told us that He works out all things for good to them who love Him according to His purpose. Does God tell us this just to make us feel better when bad things happen or we suffer? It could and should help.
But more importantly, it reminds us that we have limited knowledge in the present; we don’t see the bigger picture or the divine picture in the midst of suffering unless we look to God, and listen to His Word. For after Paul tells us in Romans 8 that God works all things out for good, he spends the rest of the chapter pointing out the reason for this, by talking about Gods foreknowledge and predestination and our justification in Christ and the promise of glorification, so that we can be convinced that nothing that happens in this world or out of this world can ever separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. It’s this eternal promise of God to us, through the gospel, that gives us courage in the present circumstances of life.
Second, Paul teaches us that we persevere in the gospel based upon God’s certain promises, not our uncertain experiences. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we do know that God’s promises never fail. As the hymn says: “I know not what of good or ill may be reserved for me, of weary ways or golden days, before his face I see. But I know whom I have believed.” We don’t trust in the uncertainty of life but we trust in the certainty of God’s Word. As Paul states in Philippians 1: “Being confident of this, that God who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Thus we persevere in the promises of the gospel regardless of where the circumstances of God’s providence takes us. We find courage in Him and His gospel not our experiences – good or bad.
And then third, we rejoice in the gospel based upon God’s unlimited resources given to those who love Him. You remember from the beginning of the church, when the apostles were persecuted and arrested for preaching the gospel, they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering for the name of Christ.
God gives those who love His Son and His gospel the courage to not only persevere but to rejoice as well, because we know what God has given us: salvation; and we know what God has prepared for us: glory. When our courage comes from the gospel we can stand firm in times of trouble and suffering; and we can be steadfast and unrelenting in our Christian faith.
Many would say that Muhammed Ali demonstrated courage when he willingly gave up three years of his career and a lot of money for his personal beliefs and convictions, which had nothing to do with Christ or the gospel. I wonder how many Christians would be willing to do the same for something far more important and something absolutely true.
©You’re welcome to recycle these resources for your church free of charge. However, if you find them useful, please consider making a donation to the ministry of GCC.
Pastor Dennis Bone
6-12-16
Last week, as I’m sure you all know, Muhammed Ali died. Self-proclaimed as “the greatest” his persona certainly didn’t lack confidence, which some might call arrogance; and his celebrity moved from great boxer to outspoken draft dodger to a beloved hero around the world. Much has been said recently about Ali’s courage: his courage in the boxing ring, his courage as a conscientious objector to the war; and his courage during his 30 + year bout with Parkinson’s. For many people he is a “profile in courage” yet for us as Christians it should cause us to consider the biblical definition of courage and what truly makes a person courageous from God’s perspective.
In culture where ESPN, the largest and most popular sports network, gives the courage of the year award to a man who becomes a woman, you have to wonder about the world’s definition of courage, and what courage really is and what it really means. Biblical courage is not just about being counter culture based on personal feelings or even convictions; and it’s certainly not about being self-indulgent, or celebrating sin and calling it bravery. Rather, true courage is standing in the truth, with the truth and for the truth of God’s Word, which may at times be counter-culture, but never because of self or sin, but always because of Christ and His gospel.
It’s this type of courage that Paul is talking to Timothy about, and encouraging the church to demonstrate in 2 Timothy, chapter 1. We began looking at chapter 1 last week and will continue this morning with verses 8 – 12, as we consider this theme: “Our courage from the gospel.” So let’s begin by hearing the text: 2 Timothy 1:8 – 12:
So do not be ashamed to testify about the Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
Paul draws courage and receives courage from the gospel. Paul is reflecting on how God has saved us from our sin through Jesus Christ and called us to live for Him. And although in the Christian life we may suffer for the gospel and face difficult trials as Christians, we have been given a spirit of power and courage to press on and not be ashamed of Christ or His gospel, because God has secured our future and guards our faith through the sure and blessed promises of Christ, our God and Savior. It’s the glory and power and grace of the gospel that gives us courage. It equips us to stand up for our faith in Christ; it encourages us when we suffer for it; it supports us when we get tired and discouraged as Christians; and it’s the truth of the gospel that motivates us to accept God’s providence in our lives.
This is what Paul is focusing on in his life; and in these verses he is teaching us to do the same. So the first point we see is that our courage is demonstrated through the power of the gospel.
It’s been said that the greatest test of courage is to bear defeat or suffering without losing heart. In verse 8 Paul says: “So do not be ashamed to testify about the Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” Paul’s point is: Don’t view my suffering or what may be your suffering, as something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, as if it makes the gospel less true. We hear people say, “If you believe in God He will make you prosperous and healthy,” and some think that any kind of suffering is a sign of weakness. This was the view in Paul’s day, thus it caused people to question the truth of the gospel. The Scriptures teach us that quite the opposite is true, and Paul calls us to stand firm in the truth of the gospel and to not view suffering as weakness.
Our courage to stand firm and to hold fast to our convictions about Christ and the gospel comes from the power of the gospel itself. In this verse Paul explains what biblical courage is and what it means, by first reminding us that we are not to be ashamed of Christ or His sufferings for us. Paul says, “Don’t be ashamed to testify about the Lord.” We testify about the glory of the cross; and that through the suffering of Christ on the cross we have been saved, and there is nothing in that message that we should be ashamed about. But as Peter reminds us in I Peter 2, Christ’s suffering for us has called us to suffer for Him. His unjust suffering is an example of what we as Christians may experience as well. So second, biblical courage means that we are not ashamed of Christ’s people who suffer for Him.
Paul says, “Do not be ashamed of me.” He often refers to himself as a “prisoner of the Lord” reminding us that he is suffering for the gospel; and that he is not the only one who is called to suffer. We are all called to be willing and prepared to suffer for the gospel.
He says, “But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” What is Paul saying? Should we all join him in jail so we can demonstrate more courage? No, but he is defining for us what true courage is, and as such makes a third point. Biblical courage means that we are not ashamed to suffer for Christ’s gospel, thus we proclaim its power and live in its power. We don’t back up or back down from our convictions even if it may cause suffering. As Paul says in Romans 1: “I am not ashamed of the gospel for it’s the power of God for salvation.” This power that saved us is the power that will give us the courage to stand firm in its truth; and join Paul and other believers throughout all the generations of God’s church in declaring it, no matter what may come our way.
So first our courage is demonstrated through the power of the gospel; and then second, our courage is motivated by the purpose of the gospel. In verse 9 Paul reflects on the purpose of the gospel, and why God’s purpose and plan for us through the gospel should motivate us and move us to be courageous. He writes in verse 9: “God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace, has given us this grace in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” This is a wonderful and amazing statement regarding God’s eternal grace on our behalf before time, or history began as we know it. It’s this great doctrinal truth that is the reason we act courageously for the gospel. The truth of the gospel is rooted and grounded in God’s eternal purpose.
Biblical doctrine is designed to motivate us to live holy and be courageous as Christians. Paul motivates us with this same purpose of the gospel in Ephesians 1, when he tells us that God chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy, through Jesus Christ.
And then in history He accomplished our salvation, by the appearing of His Son Jesus Christ in accordance with His own purpose and grace. Paul uses this same language in Ephesians as he does here in 2 Timothy when he says: “In Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of His grace . . . which He has made know to us according to His good pleasure, which He has purposed in Christ.” So as we reflect on God’s purpose through the gospel we first see that our courage does not come from our own self-confidence or our own works. Courage is not self-generated, but like our faith it’s a product of God’s grace. It’s not first of all how brave or strong we are; it’s about how great and powerful God is.
Second, our courage comes from God’s plan for us, revealed in Jesus Christ’s gracious work for us through the gospel. We don’t lift ourselves up, or shine the light on our “greatness” but instead we exalt Christ and His greatness in us. As Paul writes in Galatians 2: “I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now life in this body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” So you see, this is our motivation; this is where we get courage and grow in courage through our lives. And it’s this spiritual and present truth in our lives that teaches us a third truth: our courage to accept suffering for the sake of the gospel prepares us for future glory. The purpose of the gospel is to prepare us for something better than this life; and our courage in this life testifies to this truth, and suffering prepares us for it.
Paul says in verse 10 that Christ appeared as our Savior to destroy death and to bring life and immortality to light through the gospel. The purpose of the gospel is to free us from the power of death, as well as the pain of suffering, and give us spiritual and resurrection life.
This is why Paul proclaimed and taught the gospel – verse 11 – and this is what motivated him to have courage when this truth was challenged and when he suffered personally because of it. It’s this same motivation that should give us courage as well in the face of suffering for this same gospel, as Paul tells us in Romans 8: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” To suffer for the gospel is not easy, we don’t ask for it nor do we really want it, but when it comes we can be courageous in it and through it, because we know it has a purpose and is a part of God’s gracious plan and promises to us in our Savior Jesus Christ.
This brings us to the third main point this morning: Our courage is grounded in the promises of the gospel. As the great hymn says: “We are standing on the promises of God.” In the context of this passage, Paul teaches us that God protects our sure hope in His gospel based upon His sure and certain promises to us in His Son – verse 12 – “That is why I am suffering as I am (it’s for the gospel). Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” This then is the basis for another hymn that we often sing –“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – which encourages us to worship God and to find courage in His promises to us. Specifically, in the context of suffering for the gospel, what does this verse teach us?
First, we are convinced of the gospel based upon God’s perfect plan, not our imperfect knowledge. We trust in a God who is sovereign and who has told us that He works out all things for good to them who love Him according to His purpose. Does God tell us this just to make us feel better when bad things happen or we suffer? It could and should help.
But more importantly, it reminds us that we have limited knowledge in the present; we don’t see the bigger picture or the divine picture in the midst of suffering unless we look to God, and listen to His Word. For after Paul tells us in Romans 8 that God works all things out for good, he spends the rest of the chapter pointing out the reason for this, by talking about Gods foreknowledge and predestination and our justification in Christ and the promise of glorification, so that we can be convinced that nothing that happens in this world or out of this world can ever separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. It’s this eternal promise of God to us, through the gospel, that gives us courage in the present circumstances of life.
Second, Paul teaches us that we persevere in the gospel based upon God’s certain promises, not our uncertain experiences. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we do know that God’s promises never fail. As the hymn says: “I know not what of good or ill may be reserved for me, of weary ways or golden days, before his face I see. But I know whom I have believed.” We don’t trust in the uncertainty of life but we trust in the certainty of God’s Word. As Paul states in Philippians 1: “Being confident of this, that God who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Thus we persevere in the promises of the gospel regardless of where the circumstances of God’s providence takes us. We find courage in Him and His gospel not our experiences – good or bad.
And then third, we rejoice in the gospel based upon God’s unlimited resources given to those who love Him. You remember from the beginning of the church, when the apostles were persecuted and arrested for preaching the gospel, they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering for the name of Christ.
God gives those who love His Son and His gospel the courage to not only persevere but to rejoice as well, because we know what God has given us: salvation; and we know what God has prepared for us: glory. When our courage comes from the gospel we can stand firm in times of trouble and suffering; and we can be steadfast and unrelenting in our Christian faith.
Many would say that Muhammed Ali demonstrated courage when he willingly gave up three years of his career and a lot of money for his personal beliefs and convictions, which had nothing to do with Christ or the gospel. I wonder how many Christians would be willing to do the same for something far more important and something absolutely true.
©You’re welcome to recycle these resources for your church free of charge. However, if you find them useful, please consider making a donation to the ministry of GCC.
