Suffering for the Gospel

2 Timothy 1:1-18

Key Verse 1:8

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,

This passage shows us:

- The promise of life given to mankind

- The call to suffer for the sake of the gospel for it alone results in bearing fruit that lasts forever

Read v. 1. What does "the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus" refer to? (1Timothy 2:5-6; 4:9-10; 6:12-16; John 1:12-13; 3:16; Romans 10:9-13)

** This promise refers to the promise of God to save all who believe in Jesus and receive him as the Lord and Savior, into His presence for eternal life in the eternal kingdom of God. For this purpose, God put eternal life in Jesus Christ, His Son, so that whoever believes in the Son, accepts him, and abides in Him, shall NOT perish but have eternal life.

2. Read vs. 2-7. What does "the gift of God" refer to? (14; Acts 2:38; 10:45; John 4:10; Revelation 22:17) Why does God give it to his children? (Luke 4:10) What does it mean to "fan into flame"?

** It refers to the Holy Spirit given to those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God. This gift is often called "living water" or “another Counselor” (John 14:16). 

** God gives the Holy Spirit to equip his children to preach the gospel and save souls. 

Note: The Holy Spirit is the enabler who causes things to happen the way God wills to happen. The Bible comes with many examples where the Holy Spirit causes things to happen the way God intends them to happen. 

Examples - In Genesis 1:2, he turned that which is chaotic into that which is orderly and harmonious. In Exodus 31:3 He gave Bezalel skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. God gave Jesus the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel. Jesus gave His apostles the Holy Spirit to preach the good news. 

[The relationship between God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit is seen symbolically in Genesis 24 describing the relationship among Abraham (symbolic of the Father), Isaac (symbolic of Jesus Christ), and Abraham’s chief servant, Eliezer (symbolic of the Holy Spirit). In Genesis 24 Abraham sent out the servant Eliezer to fetch a bride for his son Isaac. Likewise, the Holy Spirit works to woo the Bride for Jesus, the Son, the groom. Believers are called to live as the Lord’s servants to witness to the people of the world (which is like Paddan Aram) about Jesus Christ the son, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit in prayer.] 

** The expression "fan into flame" is a metaphor for conditioning a believer for the Holy Spirit to work fully in and through a servant. Conditions that are necessary for the Holy Spirit to work in full force include a servant needing to operate with sincere faith in the Lord and right motive and purpose, walking with a pure heart, conducting himself or herself in a godly manner, being free of components that grieve the Holy Spirit, quench or put out the Spirit's fire, such as a spirit of timidity, fear of men, anxiety, doubt or hidden sin problems.    

3. Read vs. 8-12. Why should a believer not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of a gospel servant such as the Apostle Paul, but rather join in suffering for the gospel? (Colossians 1:24; Romans 1:5,16; 2 Corinthians 4:12; 1 John 3:16)

** It is to save souls and thereby build the body (or family, if you will) of Jesus Christ. [Note: the expression "what I have entrusted to him for that day" refers to what the Lord will bring about on the day of Jesus' second coming based on what gospel workers are serving (such as preaching, teaching, serving, etc. to save souls) while in the body.]

4. Read vs. 13-18. How many deserted Paul? Yet, how was Onesiphorus different? What is Paul's prayer for him on that day? 

** Everyone in the province of Asia

** vs. 16-17

** V. 18

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** Write a reflection testimony on the consequences of the life of a man or woman who either suffers for or is ashamed of the gospel.  

2012 Summer West Coast Bible Conference, Study 1

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