Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 2:9-10
Today, we read 2 Timothy 2:9-10 and we are reminded that Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel. In 2 Timothy 1:16, we were first made aware of Paul’s imprisonment when God had Paul share how Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains. In 2 Timothy 2:9, God has Paul clarify that he was in chains because Paul was being persecuted for preaching Christ as being risen from the dead and being the Savior of all creation. Even though Paul was in prison, God shared through Paul that His Word could never be imprisoned. Our Lord Jesus Christ will always be proclaimed among the nations as long as Christians are here on earth. God never wants us to be sidetracked by the tests and trials of this life, no matter how hard they might be. As Christians, God has us here on the earth to live for Him and also to proclaim Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. God’s desire is that everyone on this earth has an opportunity to receive His gift of eternal life through Christ (1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9). Because God desires everyone to be saved, God had Paul share, in 2 Timothy 2:10, that the reason he was willing to endure prison was for the sake of those who still needed a relationship with Christ as Lord. God wants us to endure the tests and trials of this life for that same reason, so others will have the opportunity to come to know Christ as we do.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about suffering in this life for the sake of the gospel?
2. How are you currently dying to your fears in order to share Christ and live completely for Him no matter what the cost?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!