The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 24 March 2020 – TOPIC: SUFFERING FOR PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL

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DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020
TOPIC: SUFFERING FOR PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL
READ: 2 TIMOTHY 1:8-18 (NKJV)

8. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
9. who has 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 to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
10. but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, [who] has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
11. to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12. For this reason 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 what I have committed to Him until that Day.
13. Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
14. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
15. This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
16. The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
17. but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found [me.]
18. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day — and you know very well how many ways he ministered [to me] at Ephesus.

THE MESSAGE:

Paul was encouraging Timothy his son not to be ashamed of witnessing for Christ nor of him, Paul, ‘a prisoner for Christ’s sake.’ He urged him to be ready to suffer for the same Gospel (verse 8). Paul informed Timothy that he (Paul) was appointed as an Apostle and Teacher to proclaim the Good News and was suffering for this reason. He said he was not afraid because he was sure the Lord would guard what He had entrusted to him till the end. He urged Timothy to hold firmly to the ‘sound words’ and keep to the good things entrusted to him through the power of the Holy Spirit (verses 12-14).

Witnessing for Christ is not an easy task. We witness both with our mouth and life and this is the main task Christ requires from us. Many that hear the Gospel do not believe it; some hate those that preach the word of God to them. This has brought suffering and even death to many proclaimers of the Word. Like Paul urged Timothy, preachers must be ready to suffer for the Gospel. Jesus urged us not to worry about what to say when we are dragged before people who antagonise us for preaching the Gospel. If such a case arises, let us hold fast and not slack our zeal. Jesus will never abandon those who proclaim His name to the world, no matter what happens (Matthew 28:20).

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please strengthen Your children proclaiming Your word throughout the world, especially missionaries.