Sin and salvation Testimony Story Trusting God

Witnessing Without Fear: Truths From 2 Timothy 1:8-9

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Have you ever been embarrassed or afraid to share the Gospel with someone? 

It is a scary thought for many young Christian women, Rose!

God has called us to share the Good News with the lost. Yet, He doesn’t ask us to do it alone.

Paul wrote to Timothy from prison:

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord nor of me His prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace which He gave us in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (ESV)

Our Testimony

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“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord nor of me His prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” 2 Timothy 1:8a

Paul was imprisoned for teaching the truth, but he asked Timothy not to be ashamed of him or of the testimony of Christ. When we witness, we share the load with other Christians in this mission.

We are called to testify about our Lord. We don’t need to be afraid or ashamed to speak the Truth.

But, how do we do it? By His power!

God Saves 

 “but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us” 2 Timothy 1:8b (ESV)

When God saves us, He also gives us the power to endure hardships without being ashamed of the Gospel.

We may be ridiculed or dismissed. Some may be persecuted or threatened. Paul himself was imprisoned and beaten down, but he remained joyful and confident in Christ. When we face difficulty, we don’t need to fear because God’s power will always be ours. We are eternally saved and nothing that hinders our earthly body or mind can change that.

God has saved us and He is able to save those who oppose or ridicule us. 

God Calls

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“God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose.” 2 Timothy 1:9a (ESV)

If you have accepted salvation you have also accepted the holy calling of God to be set apart and follow Him.

He calls all Christians to share the Good News. It is His purpose to make the Gospel known to everyone and you are the messenger.

This doesn’t have to be scary or embarrassing, it is exciting! You get to participate in growing God’s Kingdom. 

God Gives

“not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace which He gave us in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:9b (ESV)

What does He give us, Rose? He gives us grace by His purpose. 

We can’t save ourselves or be ‘good enough’ on our own, we need to rely on Him.

We aren’t used by God because we are good people or because we do all the right things, but because He has a plan for us, to pour out His grace in our lives and to shine brightly to those around us.

Your works don’t save you, but they do prove that Jesus is working in your heart and that you love Him.

Go Therefore

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Jesus said, “if you love Me you will do as I have commanded you.” (John 14:15 ESV )

And His command to us was: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

Ask yourself, Rose, “In what ways do I obey this command?” and “How can I start obeying it better?”

Next time you have an opportunity to talk about Christ, remember that He gives you power and grace. Don’t give in to fear or shame. 

The Gospel is good news and it is meant to be shared!

Questions: What is one way you could reach out to an unbeliever this week?

What is most frightening about witnessing for you?

Action: Pray and ask Christ to help you face your fears and give you a kind, bold heart.

Comment below, Roses, and let’s uplift each other!

Gabriella

As daughter of the King, Gabriella hopes to encourage Rose’s who struggle with the same doubts that she faces. She has battled several mental and physical illnesses and has a deep heart for those who suffer from depression and hopelessness. 

She is an artist, aspiring children’s book author/illustrator, and poetic observer of life, God, and nature. You can find her on Instagram @gabriellascreations.

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