Post by Aaron on Apr 23, 2016 18:47:03 GMT
2 Timothy 1: Rejected but Not Ashamed
Shame means being revealed to others as weak and inadequate. Rejection is always cause for shame unless we are quite sure of both our ideas and our approach. We are prone to believe what others say about us, especially if they are more successful or in authority. We often need support from our own friends to maintain our dignity even in the face of unjust charges.
It is remarkable but true that when Paul was imprisoned, the church in Rome did not come to Paul's defense. Only one believer came looking for him. The rest probably held back from fear or considered the imprisonment something shameful. But although he has been rejected, Paul tells us he is not ashamed.
Warming Up to God
When have non-Christian friends or pressures from the world caused you to feel ashamed of the gospel?
Read 2 Timothy 1
Discovering the Word
What information are we given about the relationship between Paul and Timothy (vv. 2-6)?
What is Paul's situation (vv. 1, 8, 11-12, 15-16)?
Find the references to shame (vv. 12, 16). Why would shame be a response to Paul's imprisonment?
How did Paul reject shame in this situation (vv. 3, 8-12)?
Applying the Word
Imprisonment can take many forms beyond the literal example here, such as chronic disease, financial collapse, abuse, or anything that severely restricts your freedom and separates you from people. How can we apply Paul's example of resisting the shame that arises from such situations?
Consider Timothy's situation: his mentor has been disgraced; many of his associates have deserted the ministry; many of his church's members are drifting from the faith or cowed by the threat of persecution. How have you struggled or are you struggling with similar situations?
How do you believe God is calling you to testify about him in your own situation?
Responding in Prayer
With your call to witness in mind, pray through what the text affirms about God in verses 8-12. As you pray, think especially about how you might be ashamed of sharing your faith, and ask for God's help.
Shame means being revealed to others as weak and inadequate. Rejection is always cause for shame unless we are quite sure of both our ideas and our approach. We are prone to believe what others say about us, especially if they are more successful or in authority. We often need support from our own friends to maintain our dignity even in the face of unjust charges.
It is remarkable but true that when Paul was imprisoned, the church in Rome did not come to Paul's defense. Only one believer came looking for him. The rest probably held back from fear or considered the imprisonment something shameful. But although he has been rejected, Paul tells us he is not ashamed.
Warming Up to God
When have non-Christian friends or pressures from the world caused you to feel ashamed of the gospel?
Read 2 Timothy 1
Discovering the Word
What information are we given about the relationship between Paul and Timothy (vv. 2-6)?
What is Paul's situation (vv. 1, 8, 11-12, 15-16)?
Find the references to shame (vv. 12, 16). Why would shame be a response to Paul's imprisonment?
How did Paul reject shame in this situation (vv. 3, 8-12)?
Applying the Word
Imprisonment can take many forms beyond the literal example here, such as chronic disease, financial collapse, abuse, or anything that severely restricts your freedom and separates you from people. How can we apply Paul's example of resisting the shame that arises from such situations?
Consider Timothy's situation: his mentor has been disgraced; many of his associates have deserted the ministry; many of his church's members are drifting from the faith or cowed by the threat of persecution. How have you struggled or are you struggling with similar situations?
How do you believe God is calling you to testify about him in your own situation?
Responding in Prayer
With your call to witness in mind, pray through what the text affirms about God in verses 8-12. As you pray, think especially about how you might be ashamed of sharing your faith, and ask for God's help.
