(2Ti 1:12) “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”  Notice Paul’s mindset. He is not focused upon this world, else he would have bemoaned his situation. But his mind was focused by his faith in God’s promises. Paul died to this life knowing he would be rewarded with a fair better life in eternity! Should you and I do the same?

(2Ti 1:11) “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (12)  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed:”  Man must hear the news of Jesus’ death plus His resurrection. The saved must have the heart to suffer as He has suffered to keep others from going to hell. What have you done?

(2Ti 1:10) “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”   Through the Lord Jesus one “may” see that “life” and “immorality” can be theirs through Jesus’ death, His burial, and then…….His Resurrection. Friend, you need spiritual life that is given as a gift through turning from the sins you have committed which Jesus bore on the cross. Ask God’s forgiveness and He will give you life and that – “everlasting”. It’s the only to heaven and the escape of hell!

 (2Ti 1:10) “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”  Your mind might scoff at the phrase, “hath abolished death”. Oh, but soul of faith I remind you that the Word of God is always, always true. The Child of God walks through “the valley of the shadow of death”. We do not die, but live – first our soul and spirit wake immediately in the presence of God and later our bodies will be changed as they are resurrected, once again to become our home!

(2Ti 1:9) “Who hath saved us, and called us with an 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, (10)  But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,…..”  God’s plan from eternity past was hid in the midst of Old Testament history, imagery, and prophecy. Man had gleaned bits and pieces, but the coming of God to earth in the person of Jesus brought the shadow to full daylight. Praise God for Jesus, the cross, and the resurrection!

(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.