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The Scriptorium

Not Ashamed

Why would we ever be ashamed of the Gospel? 2 Timothy 1

The Pastoral Epistles: 2 Timothy 1 (7)

Pray Psalm 71.1-3.

In You, O LORD, I put my trust;
Let me never be put to shame.
Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape;
Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
Be my strong refuge,
To which I may resort continually;
You have given the commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.

Review 2 Timothy 1.

Reflect.

1. How does the idea of being ashamed show up in this chapter?

2. Why is this an important message for us today?

Meditate.
Paul mentions the idea of being ashamed at several places in this chapter (vv. 8, 12, 16). The temptation to be ashamed of the Gospel is always with us. We must be mindful of this, and remember that we have not been given a spirit of fear, but the Spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind (v. 7). Focus on the good and sound words of apostolic teaching, and let the Spirit empower you for consistent and effective witness for the Lord. This is what Paul did, and it’s what he counsels young Timothy to do as well.

We must hold fast to the sound doctrine of Christian orthodoxy (vv. 13, 14). Only the truth will set us free from fear and equip us for every good work (Jn. 8.32; 2 Tim. 3.15-17). Jesus is the embodiment and epitome, both of the sound words of Christian instruction and the good works those words should engender in us (vv. 8-11). We must pursue our lives within the life and immortality He has granted us through the Gospel (v. 10).

Some people may turn away from us as we stand firm in our faith, and call them to consider Jesus. But our Christian friends will refresh our souls and strengthen us in our times of trial, and we must be prepared to do the same for them. Only thus will we together overcome the temptation to be ashamed of the Gospel.

Reflect.
1. What would you say is the key to overcoming the temptation to be ashamed of the Gospel?

2. What is the role of “sound words” in preparing us to resist the temptation to be ashamed?

3. How can Christians help and encourage one another not to be ashamed of the Gospel?

If then he is mighty in calling us, and good, in that he has done it of grace and not of debt, we ought not to fear. For he who, when we should have perished, saved us, though enemies, by grace, will he not much more co-operate with us, when he sees us working? John Chrysostom (344-407), Homilies on 2 Timothy 2

Today, Lord, give me an opportunity to talk to someone about Jesus, and make me bold, and unashamed as I…

Pray Psalm 71.

We might be tempted to be ashamed of the Gospel sometimes. But this psalm can firm up our hearts as we recall the greatness of God, His work on our behalf, and the vows and commitments we have made to Him, and call on Him to sustain us in the present.

Sing Psalm 71.
Psalm 71 (Solid Rock: My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less)
In You, O Lord, I refuge claim; O let me never be ashamed. 
In righteousness deliver me; incline Your ear and hear my plea. 
Refrain v. 3
A Rock of habitation be; command Your Word to rescue me;  
My Rock and Fortress ever be! 

From wicked hands redeem me, Lord, from all who wrest and break Your Word. 
My hope, my confidence from youth, my praise forever reaches You. 
Refrain

While many see in me a sign, I shelter in Your strength will find. 
Lord, fill my mouth with endless praise and with Your glory all my days. 
Refrain

Lord, cast me not with age away; as strength decreases, with me stay. 
My enemies against me speak; they lie in wait my soul to seek. 
Refrain

O God be not too far from me; my ever-present Helper be! 
Consume and shame my enemies; let them reproached and humbled be. 
Refrain

But as for me my voice I raise to sing in hope and constant praise! 
With saving grace my voice will swell Your never-ending grace to tell. 
Refrain

O Lord, I praise Your righteousness Who me from youth have taught and blessed. 
Forsake me not when I am old, ‘til I Your mercies all have told! 
Refrain

Your righteous deeds are great and true. O God, there is no one like You! 
Though many troubles I have seen, You will revive my soul again! 
Refrain

Increase my greatness, comfort me, and unto You shall praises be. 
Your truth I will exalt full well, O Holy One of Israel! 
Refrain

My lips with joy and praises ring; to You, Redeemer, praise I bring! 
I praise Your goodness all day long; Lord, humble all who do me wrong. 
Refrain

T. M. Moore

The lessons in this week’s study of the Pastoral Epistles, and all the studies in this series, are available as a free download by 
clicking here.

The Fall Term at 
The Ailbe Seminary is now open for registrations. Men, visit our website and watch this brief video, then choose one of three available courses to study from September to December. All courses are free of charge, and we’ll provide a Reader to work with you through your studies.

Whatever our calling in life, we are sent to bring the joy of Christ to the people around us. Our book, Joy to Your World!, can show you how to fill your Personal Mission Field with more of the Presence, promise, and power of Christ and His Kingdom. Order your copy, as a supplement to our study of 1 Timothy, by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

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