(2 Tim 1:8b) “…..be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  (9)  Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”  The Lord did not look down through time and say, “Now, there is a righteous person, trying their best to do right.” No, He said, “There is a sinner in need of a Savior.” So, He determined to die in your place, bearing the punishment for your choices. He saved you for His Own purpose – so live for Him. He poured out His “grace”, unmerited favor, so walk humbly before Him and all others.

(2 Tim 1:8b) “…..be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  (9)  Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,….”  It is important to let the Scriptures speak to and apply to your own life. Despite our failures as followers of Christ, the Lord still has a purpose for your life. His grace (favor you don’t deserve) upon you will allow you to fulfill that service – “if” and only “if” you will let Him. Yield your heart to Him.

(2 Tim 1:8b) “…..be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  (9)  Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling…..”  Not only did the Lord Jesus saved your soul (brother/sister), but He also commissioned you (calling) with a “holy” (sacred) responsibility. Lovingly, caringly, speak to the hearts of the lost. Encourage and uplift the hearts of the saved. Do this for His glory, and you will fulfill your “holy calling”.

(2 Tim 1:8b) “…..be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  (9)  Who hath saved us,…..”  Do we really need more motivation than this to be willing to bear whatever comes to us in this life? Are our hearts too hard; do we love Him so little; are we so ungrateful as to treat Jesus’ sufferings in our place as something owed to us – or, in some way – not enough? “Lord, give us hearts of gratefulness. Help us to love you in a sacrificial way worthy of You!”  

(2Ti 1:8) “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”  Isn’t our thinking skewed? “Afflictions”, persecutions – we desire the Lord to keep us from “any kind” of troubles, much less persecution! We act like people unto whom He owes something, not the other way around. God help us to get our thinking straight.

 (2 Ti 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  Living in a sin-prone body, living in a sinful world, has naturally resulted in our thinking being distorted. Fear is the result of wrong thinking. It is only through the renewing of our minds through the guidance of He Who is living within us (the Holy Spirit), seeking through searching God’s Word to bring our thinking in-line with His, that we can live in peace rather than fear.

(2 Ti 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  One cannot read the epistles, nor the Gospel of John, without understanding the Holy Spirit inside us prompts us to love others. You see, He does two things for us. He constantly reminds us of how much the Father and Son love us, but also asks that we allow Him to love those He died for……..through us! 

 (2 Ti 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  As a saved person, I have received in the Holy Spirit the Spirit of “power”; not the power to do as I will, but as I ought. It is the power to stand for what is right, to say what is right, and to do what is right. It is also the power to resist what is wrong! Therefore, (Pro 3:5) “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  

 (2 Ti 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  Fear of death, which binds men in this life (Heb 2:15) has no hold of me! The power of the Spirit of God will deliver me from Satan’s hold upon my heart (love) and this world’s influence upon my thoughts (sound mind)! Praise His Name for His unspeakable gift (2 Cor 9:15)!