Suffer hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus 2 Tim 2:3
This appeal was made to Timothy to suffer hardship with me (Paul). In chapter 1vs8, Paul had said to Timothy, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.” ‘Join with me’, Paul said, and now, ‘suffer hardship with me.’ The recurrent call or invitation to Timothy seems to indicate perhaps a reluctance on his part. Perhaps Timothy was still undecided to go full length in his desire to serve the purposes of God in the gospel. The Gospel is first the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ which becomes the totality of the Christian’s life. It is more than an activity. It is the sum of all that ultimately witnesses Christ to others in the world. It is the life and testimony of the believer because of what Christ did for him or her. It is living out the life of Christ before others. It is testifying of Christ in deed and word. But why should such a life attract suffering? I thought that living the life of Christ would be attractive to those who observe it. But Paul quickly interrupts such thought by declaring to Timothy, “Indeed all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” 2 Tim 3:12. The Gospel is not just a message, it is confronting ungodliness with godliness. It is shining the light in the midst of darkness. But the Bible says men love darkness more than light because their deeds are evil. This is the reason they will not tolerate godliness or the gospel. They do not want their deeds to be exposed. They do not want to be seen as they truly are. Therefore, they will persecute the godly. They will not bear with the gospel because it is truth, righteousness, godliness and therefore light.
This is what Paul appealed to Timothy to participate in. Suffering for the gospel could happen in the workplace, or in the community or in the task of evangelizing others. Until one has decided to join in suffering for the gospel, he will compromise and not be able to stand for truth, righteousness and godliness. Until one has resolved to join in suffering, even the task of evangelism will not be easy or even possible. It is those who by the grace of the Lord have resolved to join in this league of sufferers for the gospel that will be able to stand when they are persecuted or deprived their rights and privileges. Men like the three Hebrew children who withstood the king and defied the fiery furnace of fire; Daniel who was not moved by the threats of lions and Joseph who was falsely accused, was thrown into prison but finally was raised by God to become the succor for many nations in the time of famine. Consider the end of these dear saints and many others lest you become weary and distrust of the way of the Lord.
Will you respond to the appeal? Will you take your place with others in suffering for the gospel? May you receive the grace to so. Amen