2 Timothy 2:8-15 (NRSV)
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Verse 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David-that is my gospel, Verse 9for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Verse 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Verse 11The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; Verse 12if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; Verse 13if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself.
Verse 14Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Verse 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.
Devotion
Today’s text is a grim reminder of the persecutions suffered by pioneering Christians in the first four centuries, which is still prevalent in many parts of the world today. Paul exhorts Timothy and the other followers not to fear proclaiming God’s word, no matter the circumstances, in defense of the faith and for the salvation of the faithful.
In our time, the gospel continues to meet with various forms of opposition, including some of the worst modes of persecution. In the so-called free countries, Christians are often intimidated by many forms of anti-Christian attitudes in society. Paul reminds us to be steadfast in proclaiming the good news to all since “the word of God is not chained.”
Prayer
O God, give us the courage, endurance and fervor to proclaim your good news even when we find ourselves in the most challenging circumstances. Amen.