2 Timothy 1:8-14 – Stand firm for the Gospel!

The word “therefore” in verse 8 made a reference to what was said in verse 7. Timothy was told that God had given him power and not a spirit of timidity. So in the light of that, he should stand tall and not be ashamed. Interestingly verses 8-13 consist of one long continuous sentence. But it contains a chain of thoughts linked together by a series of clauses. In this sentence, Paul gave reasons as to why Timothy should not be ashamed of the Gospel.

Firstly, it is because the Gospel is the power of God (verse 8). To share about what Christ has done to save mankind is to give testimony of the power of God. Therefore, Timothy need not be ashamed of the testimony of the Gospel. He also need not be ashamed of Paul, God’s representative, who was in prison for the testimony of the Gospel. In fact, Timothy should emulate his boldness and be fearless to testify of the Gospel. Paul called on him to share in the suffering for the sake of spreading this powerful message. Secondly, it is because the Gospel is God’s means of preservation. Verse 9 tells us that it is through the Gospel that God saves and calls us into a holy calling. The Gospel not only brings salvation but also ushers us into the process of sanctification. This Gospel not only saves us from guilt and condemnation but also draws us to live a set-apart life for God. Thirdly, it is because the Gospel is based on God’s eternal purpose. In verse 9, we learn that salvation has never been the result of man’s work. It is God’s grace granted through Christ Jesus. And God did not have this as an afterthought but before time began, He already had ordained it in eternity. Fourthly, it is because the Gospel is God’s presence. Through Christ’s appearing, God came to tabernacle among men. In His death, Christ aborted death, and in His resurrection, He brought immortality to light. Since through the Gospel, the life and immortality achieved through Christ are brought to light, proclaiming the Gospel should be a necessity. Hence, Paul said that he was made a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the Gospel.

For the sake of the Gospel, Paul went through great suffering. Yet he stoutly remained unshaken and unashamed because of his deep conviction and trust in Christ. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to suffer for the Gospel was something that Paul himself was more than prepared to experience. Paul had already committed his work and life to God. Thus he was fully assured that God could be relied upon to keep what he had committed to Him.

The two terms, the standard of sound words and the treasure or precious deposit, mentioned in verses 13 and 14 respectively are referring to the same thing. They both refer to the Gospel. The standard of sound words is the Gospel that Timothy heard from Paul. Hence, the teaching of Timothy should follow the model that was given by Paul. It must be retained in its pure form with faith and love, found in Christ Jesus. In verse 14, Paul used another word to refer to the Gospel. Here he was telling Timothy to guard the treasure, the Gospel. He was to guard it by the Holy Spirit Who dwells within him.

The call here is for us to be faithful to God because He is totally trustworthy and reliable. No matter what this life may lead us to, the faithful God to whom we have entrusted our lives will bring us through. The Holy Spirit who indwells us will be there to guide us to live unashamedly.