Using II Timothy 1:6-12
For Courage to Confess
When I am timid, afraid, or tempted to be ashamed of Jesus.
II Timothy 1:6-12, NIV
Commentary
Questions
“6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”
We live in a very secular world.
We are often mocked for our Christian faith.
Satan would have us be timid witnesses to Jesus Christ.
“I’d like to suggest there are plenty of reasons why you might be tempted to feel ashamed of your Christian hope. In a world that values science and facts and evidence, you confess that you believe something you can’t see! Among a culture that doesn’t seem to value the past much, you study manuscripts that are thousands of years old—and then you rely on them for your everyday life! In an age where anything goes and people are praised for coming up with their own truth, their own morals, as long as they don’t hurt anyone, you speak about “ten commandments” that apply to every human being—supposedly from the top of Mount Sinai! In a world that praised broad-mindedness, your faith in the invisible God forces you to become extremely narrow minded! Our civilization hates the word “sin,” but the main message you bring to this world, as a representative of Jesus, is that Jesus’ entire purpose was to pay for everyone’s sin, and that with a bloody sacrifice. Most people only dream of avoiding death and living forever, as if it were a pipe-dream, but you not only say it’s a possibility, it’s an absolutely sure reality through Jesus—complete with a physical resurrection from the grave and a glorious life with the angels in heaven.”
Quoted from Pastor Ebert’s Sermon. Used with his permission.
- What are the external things that are making you timid about talking about Jesus?
- What internal things are making you timid about talking about Jesus?
- What words of St. Paul in II Tim 1:6-12 give you strength as you consider the situation before you as a possible opportunity to talk about Jesus?
- How has God appointed you to be a herald and a proclaimer of His Grace in Jesus?
- What confidence do you have as you proclaim God’s Word by your words and actions in your life?
*From the writings of Rev. Alan Siggelkow. Please cite if including this resource elsewhere. Sparked by a Christmas Day sermon by Pastor Kurt Ebert at Christ Alone Ev. Lutheran Church, Mequon/Thiensville, Wisconsin on July 4, 2021. Quotes and PowerPoint used with his permission.
The above exercise has greater benefit when working with a Christian therapist, your pastor, or a fellow Christian. Interaction and accountability with another person who can provide understanding and encouragement is reinforced in therapy sessions.
