In our last visit we began to consider God’s antidote to the debilitating feelings of being ashamed - ashamed to stand up and testify about our Lord, or to stand along side of a brother or sister who is being attacked for taking a stand for God.
Paul tried encouraging Timothy, who evidenced timidity and a feeling of being ashamed, by declaring his own confidence in the Lord. He often suffered for taking a stand and testifying about the Lord.
After reiterating his own call into ministry he declares in 2 Timothy 1:12, “I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”
This was not the words of a self made braggart. He had learned to trust the promises of God and to rely on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Now he was encouraging Timothy to “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” He is the one who gives us power, love and a sound mind.
Paul admits freely that many in the province of Asia deserted him when the opposition got too hot. But not everyone. He points to Onesiphorus who “often refreshed (him) and was not ashamed of (his) chains.” When visiting Rome he searched hard for Paul until he found him. By associating with Paul he put his own life in danger. But that didn’t dissuade him. He knew Paul needed help and encouragement while facing execution.
Paul realized Timothy needed encouragement to not be ashamed of the good news of Jesus Christ.
