2 Timothy 1:8-12
There are some wonderful truths in these verses. Paul was a prisoner in Rome and there was a possibility Timothy could be tempted to back off and go about his work without openly preaching, lest he too would become a prisoner of Rome. Paul must have been a prisoner for about seven years at this time. Then in verse 9 we are saved and called with a holy calling not according to our works, but God’s grace. We cannot earn our way to Heaven. It is Christ’s death alone. In verse 11 Christ abolished death and brought life and immortality to our vision through the Gospel. That means for me this world is finished and I live forever even though I may die a natural death. Then I will be absent from the body and present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 If this is true you will be led along with the gentle hope of life after death. This letter to Timothy is sort of a so called Swan song as he would soon appear one last time and be beheaded by the wicked emperor Nero. In verse 12 Paul said, ” Though I suffer these things I am not ashamed.” Then we have this great statement, ” I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” I join with Paul even if I am not suffering like he did. How do you feel about this?
