Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, March 12, 2023 2 Timothy 1:8-14
Living Not Ashamed: God’s All-Sufficient Grace

Introduction: The Holy Spirit can use shame in convicting us and leading us to confession. But there is another shame we should never have: we should not have shame in regard to our faith. Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed:

1. Standing Strong for the Truth: Do not be ashamed of the gospel. (1:8a)

   Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord...

   Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, what He has given to us, and what lies ahead of us, we should never be ashamed of the testimony about Him. It is good news worth sharing.

   Father, thank You that the gospel is true, and gives us hope! Please help us to share it with confidence.

2. Standing Strong Through the Test: Do not be ashamed of suffering for the gospel. (1:8b)

   ...but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God...

   From a prison cell Paul is being bold, and telling Timothy to be bold. The Bible tells us persecution for the gospel is inevitable, and it is a privilege to suffer for it. God will give us strength and courage in suffering.

   Father, thank You for the privilege of suffering for Jesus. Please empower us to be bold.

3. Standing Strong for All Time: The way to living not ashamed is by being rooted in grace. (1:9-14)

   ...Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

   God has given us all the grace we need all the way through:

   • Sovereign Grace (9a) ...who saved us and called us...because of his own purpose and grace... Our salvation and calling do not depend on anything in us, but on God’s sovereign grace.

   • Pre-existent Grace (9b) ...which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began...
     God gave us grace before the world began, so salvation has nothing to do with our works.

   • Visible Grace (10) ...which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior... Grace has been manifested through Christ in His incarnation and His work in our lives.

   • Commissioning Grace (11-12:a) ...I was appointed a preacher... which is why I suffer...
     Paul was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and it was all by God’s grace and power.

   • Sustaining Grace (12b) ...I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day...
     In all that Paul is doing, he is confident that God in His grace will keep him. He was totally convinced that God would keep him accomplishing his mission until it was completed.

   • Empowering Grace (13-14) ...in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit... God gives us all the power and grace we need; we have the power of His Word and the Spirit within us, so we can follow sound teaching and guard it.

     Lord Jesus, we are trusting in Your grace and committed to Your truth. Please lead us continually in Your faith and love, and empower us by Your Spirit.