Second Timothy 1:8-12

According to the New International Version for the Bible, Second Timothy 1:8-12.

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, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our savior Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel  I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Commentary

So Paul continues to encourage Timothy, urging him not to be ashamed of what he has been called to do - which is preach the gospel. Paul did not want Timothy to be timid or fearful of what might happen. Instead, he wanted him to push forward, without regard to the result, even if it meant persecution.

Paul didn't want Timothy to be ashamed of him either. There may have been a concern that people might take Timothy less seriously if they knew his chief mentor was in prison. The thing that Timothy needed to remember was that Paul was in prison for doing what was right. He was really a prisoner of Christ and not Rome.

It was more important that Timothy seize the power granted him by the Spirit and join Paul in suffering for the gospel. Timothy had to make a choice. He could trust God or cower in fear.  

Paul then lists some very important reasons for Timothy's perseverance. Paul reminds him that it was God that saved them. It was God that called them to a holy life. What's more, it was not because of anything meritorious that they had done. Rather, it was because of God's divine plan conceived before creation; one that would offer salvation to all humanity. It was a plan revealed through the saving work of Jesus; a plan that would destroy the powers of sin and death forever.

How could Timothy shrink away from that? He couldn't and neither could Paul. Paul said frankly that this was why he was in prison. God had called him to preach and spread the word and God's calling had landed him with a death sentence. But he would not be deterred by this. He refused to be ashamed, but instead, chose to stand firm. Why? Because he knew that what he believed was the truth, that Jesus Christ is the only hope for a dying world. It was for this reason that Paul knew God would take care of him, even in suffering and death. Paul wanted Timothy to embrace this attitude.

Questions

1) Paul urged Timothy not to be ashamed of Jesus or his calling or Paul and that situation. Why would shame be an issue here?
2) What would people think if they knew your best friend was in prison?
3) Have you ever suffered for your faith?
4) Suppose a church elder is falsely accused of something at work because of his moral stand on an issue and gets fired simply because his accusers thought his attitude was hateful or bigoted. What should our response be to this elder? Is this persecution for your faith?

5) Why did Paul invite Timothy to join him in suffering?
6) Paul explains that God saved us to fulfill his purposes. We receive his grace and so we serve. Nothing we did brought us this salvation, but we still have to deal with the bad times and hang on to our hope of salvation. Why can't the Christian life be pain free? Why is it sometimes so difficult to be a Christian? Or is it? (John 16:33)
7) In verse 12 Paul says he knows what he believes and for that reason he's willing to trust God with the outcome. What are you willing to entrust to God's care?