2 Timothy 1: 8-14: The glorious gospel.(click here for todays passage)

Paul had charged Timothy to be unashamed of the gospel (and of him, a prisoner because of it) and to be willing to suffer for it. Such courage can only be shown by virtue of ‘’the power of God’’ (8).

There now follows a wonderful statement of what God has done for us:

  • He saved us (9a);
  • He saved us for holiness (9b);
  • He saved us, but not by any good works of ours (9c);
  • He saved us according to His sovereign purpose (9d): ‘’We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it.’’ The Message.
  • He saved us in Jesus (10). Salvation is found in no-one other than Jesus (Acts 4:12). He is the essence and embodiment of God’s saving work. Sin brought death into the world, but in bearing our sin on the cross, Jesus has dealt the death blow to death. Like David, we can say that He cut off Goliath’s head with Goliath’s own sword (Hebrews 4:14). He used Satan’s own weapon against him. In His resurrection He demonstrates that He is triumphant, and all who trust in Him will share in this conquest. ‘’But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Saviour, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.’’ The Message.

This glorious news of salvation requires announcers (11), but communicating it comes at a price (12). However, Paul was not ashamed. He was certain of Jesus, and confident that the Lord would never let him down. ‘’It’s also the cause of all this trouble I’m in. But I have no regrets. I couldn’t be more sure of my ground – the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end.’’ The Message. You will no doubt notice the wonderful balance here between what Paul was called to do and what God would do. It remains true that ‘’without us He will not; without Him we cannot.’’

Prayer: May I never lose the wonder of Jesus. Keep me spiritually alive and fresh, and ever full of praise.