2nd Timothy

I’d never read 2 Timothy in light of Apostle Paul’s “deep conviction” that he was about to be put to death for his Christian Faith. This section on page 580-581 was the part that stuck out to me the most. They make the point that one of the main values of 2 Tim is that it shows us the way a Christian martyr should face death. Probably one of the main tragedies of the Western “Church” especially the American Church is that we’re probably not even aware of martyrs across the globe today. Unless we’re intentional about “thinking” about martyrs in other parts of the world, or world missions it’s probably not on our American Church radar which is a shame and tragedy. When they mentioned there have been more Christian martyrs during the past century and a half than the previous 18 centuries combined it really hit home. Paul gives us a proper attitude and posture if we are to face being martyred one day for our faith. Being martyred for your faith is not a church growth strategy, but one day it could happen to anyone who professes Christ, and is unashamed of the Gospel. It also puts into brand new  light the very popular scripture 2 Timothy 1:7-9, “For God did not give us the spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. 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…” When you read that scripture in light of the fact that this is how we should faith possible death for the gospel it reads in a whole new meaning. Salvation is a free gift, but it will always cost us our life and that may be in the literal sense if we are counted sheep as to the slaughter, but we are more than conquerors if we endure to the end. I hope I’ve never martyred for my faith, and I hope I have the strength of Apostle Paul and many others who have gone before us if that day should ever come. That I can have peace, joy, and love to live In Christ to the end.