For the Sake of the Gospel

For the Sake of the Gospel

 

2 Timothy 1:9-18

 

The gospel is the good news about the kingdom achieved by the resurrection of Jesus, that is, the kingdom where death ends and life continues. It is a country ruled by God, not by an emperor. Because Paul is the one tasked with spreading this gospel, he is neither ashamed of the suffering inflicted by the power of the Roman emperor nor afraid of death. He advises Timothy to keep the gospel like himself. He then presents Onesiphorus and his family as an example, who were not ashamed of the gospel and helped him.

 

God has called us to save us and live a holy life (9-10). This was not accomplished by our actions or desires, but by the will and grace of God placed upon us in Christ Jesus before eternity. God's plan for us is not to be slaves to death, but to participate in this eternal life.

 

People who are not ashamed of the gospel are willing to share in the shame and suffering they experience because of the gospel. Phygelus and Hermogenes ignored Paul, but Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul and took good care of him. He is a person who has kept what the Lord has asked him to do. Let us not turn our backs on our brothers who are suffering because of the gospel, but let us extend our hands to them for the gospel.

 

Lord, please help us not to be ashamed of the gospel and to spread it joyfully even if there is shame and suffering.

주여, 복음을 부끄러워하지 말고, 수치와 고난이 있더라도 기쁘게 복음을 전할 수 있게 도와주소서!

 

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