English
Scripture Summary
2 Timothy 1:8-12 NIV
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.
Reflection on the Scripture:
It’s common to hear people enthusiastically recommend a great restaurant, an excellent doctor, a skilled hairstylist, or a reliable mechanic—especially when there are free promotions. They eagerly share this news with friends and family, though missing out may not seem like a big deal. Successful businesses often thrive on word-of-mouth advertising.
However, the gospel is not like these recommendations. It’s about life and death—an urgent message concerning eternity. Everything in this world will eventually pass away, but the gospel is not optional or insignificant. Sharing the gospel is a responsibility because we cannot turn a blind eye to those who are spiritually perishing.
Yes, proclaiming the gospel may bring mockery, rejection, persecution, or even death. But we trust in the power of the Triune God, who “gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not” (Romans 4:17). We stand on His promise: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25–26).
Paul encouraged Timothy not to feel ashamed of suffering for the gospel, for “it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). The message of salvation is simple:
Acknowledge you are a sinner and understand that sin leads to death and separation from God (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
Believe Jesus Christ is God and the Redeemer who died on the cross, taking the penalty of sin on Himself. His blood covers human sin.
Believe Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, proving He is God and granting believers a new, transformed life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Understand salvation is entirely by grace—not through human effort or good deeds (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 3:23–24).
Accept that this new life belongs to God and is lived under the lordship of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9–10).
Worship God and grow in knowing the Triune God more deeply through this new life.
Believe that Jesus Christ will return, redeem our bodies, and unite us with Him forever (Romans 8:23).
Evangelism is a command from God for every believer (Matthew 28:20). God will certainly empower those who obey Him (2 Timothy 1:12) and bless those who faithfully fulfill this mission.
Do you believe this truth?
Do you share the gospel with others?
Are you willing to act to save lives, or will you turn away?
Who has God placed in your life to hear the gospel through you?
Response through Hymn:
Be thou my vision
https://youtu.be/Optrm7lF16s?si=nJaSdotuXrG6xgn5
我知道我所信的是谁
有个故事要传给万邦
I love to tell the tell the story