Don’t be Ashamed of the Gospel (1:8)

1:8: Because he experienced God’s power, love, and self-control (1:7), Timothy should “not be ashamed” of Jesus or Paul. Why were some ashamed of Jesus? People didn’t want to be associated with Jesus because of his death (crucifixion was a form of capital punishment), superstitious teachings (resurrection, communion, divine nature), poverty, or Christianity’s political status. 

Some were also ashamed of Paul because of his close association with Christianity (apostle, missionary, evangelist, teacher, presently imprisoned). What about you? Are you ashamed of your Christian faith? Perhaps some of us aren’t ashamed of the Jesus or the gospel, but what about feeling embarrassed or shy about the gospel? 

Whether we’re ashamed, embarrassed, or shy about the gospel, I think this is still the primary question: “To what extent are we proclaiming the gospel?” Consider those in your social networks. Who has God sovereignly placed in our lives to hear the gospel? (cf. Romans 10:13-17)

According to Paul, living for the gospel could bring suffering, but we will persevere because of God’s power and grace (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9; recall 1:1-2). Don’t be ashamed. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t be shy. Live for the gospel. 

Pursue a Gospel-Centered Life (1:9-10)  

1:9-10: Following some of Stott’s observations (34-40), let’s look at 1:9-10 from a personal-redemptive perspective. First, God has chosen us in “Christ Jesus before the ages began” (1:9). Whether we interpret this from a Calvinist view (God chose us according to His free will) or Arminian view (God chose us in Christ to be holy), the main point is that God has a plan of salvation that has stretched back from eternity past.     

Second, Jesus has “abolished death and brought life…through the gospel” (1:11). While sin has brought death, Jesus has defeated and conquered sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). There is no longer death for those in Christ—for to "be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).     

Third, God has called us through the gospel (1:9-10). The gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16; cf. 10:14-17). Fourth, God has saved us by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (not saved by our good works: 1:9; Ephesians 2:8-9). 

Fifth, God has saved and called us for holiness (1:9; Ephesians 2:10). This holy calling is to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Sixth, Jesus has given us eternal life (immortality) through the gospel. Although this eternal life will be fully completed in the future it has already begun in our present life (abundant life: John 1:10). 

The theme for 1:8-18 is to live for the gospel. The truths of 1:9-10 are awe-inspiring, but we need to put them into practice or they will remain “stuck” in our heads. How can 1:9-10 spiritually transform us? Let me make three suggestions.

First, commit to experiencing the gospel (grace, love, forgiveness, spiritual intimacy) on a consistent basis. We need to proclaim the gospel to ourselves (Word, prayer, worship, baptism, communion). 

Second, commit to a lifestyle of gospel sharing. Who has God sovereignly placed in our lives to share the good news? Do you have a strategy for personal evangelism? 

Third, commit to developing gospel-like characteristics such as love, grace, forgiveness, justice, unity in the midst of diversity, humility, sacrificial living, and generous giving.  

Guard the Gospel (1:11-18)

1:11-12: God called and “appointed” Paul to be “a preacher, and apostle, and teacher” of the gospel (1:11). God commissioned Paul on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1-19; Galatians 1:1-17). Taking these three roles together (preacher, apostle, teacher), we can understand Paul’s passion for proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, and planting churches.   

Gospel. Disciples. Church Planting. These three ministry directives were the cause of Paul’s suffering, but he was not ashamed of being imprisoned because of his faith (belief) in God (1:12). There has been some discussion about what God had entrusted to Paul in 1:12. Was it the gospel itself or does it refer to something in regards to Paul’s ministry?   

We believe that Paul was referring to his ministry. According to 1:12, Paul testified that God will guard the souls of those who had been entrusted to Paul’s care (his ministry of proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, and planting churches). What an encouraging truth! Even though people will struggle with their faith (from time to time), God Himself will guard those He has entrusted us to shepherd. Amen!

1:13-14: Paul challenges Timothy to “follow the pattern of the sounds words” (1:13). Paul’s preaching and teaching was a pattern, an example, a model for Timothy to imitate, practice, and follow. This is another example of Paul discipling Timothy! 

In addition, Timothy’s preaching and teaching need to include “the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” So, the pattern includes “how” we are to preach and teach others. We preach and teach in faith (having the strong conviction that it’s true: Hebrews 11:1) and love (having humility, pastoral concern, patience). 

Paul also exhorts Timothy to “guard the good deposit entrusted” to him (1:14). The good deposit is the gospel (and perhaps doctrinal teaching). Paul challenged Timothy to protect the gospel from false teachers. Another way to guard the gospel (and doctrine) is to train others to teach it accurately. To what extent have we equipped people for sharing the gospel? How are we intentionally teaching theology at our churches? 

The Holy Spirit “who dwells within us” will also help us to “guard” the gospel. The Spirit reveals knowledge of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-13), teaches us truth ((John 14:26), guides us in truth (John 16:13), and testifies (to our spirit) that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). Taken together, the Spirit guards and protects the gospel by revealing and testifying to our spirit that its true and transforming.    

1:15-18: Paul is confined in chains in a Roman prison. It’s probably cold as well. His location is not easy to ascertain. And “all who are in Asia turned away” from Paul. What a stunning statement! Even if Paul was given to slight exaggeration here, the bottom line is this: A vast majority of his “so-called” friends had deserted him (perhaps they were ashamed of him being a prisoner: 1:8). We don’t know who Phygelus and Hermogenes are except that Paul thought it important enough to point out their (negative) examples. 

On the other hand, Onesiphorus was a man full of grace. Paul shared several points about Onesiphorus. First, Onesiphorus served with Paul in Ephesus (1:18). Second, Onesiphorus wasn’t ashamed of Paul being a prisoner (1:16). Third, Onesiphorus actively searched for Paul in Rome (1:17). Fourth, Onesiphorus refreshed Paul numerous times (1:16). Fifth, some believe that Onesiphorus had already died because Paul was hoping for his household to receive mercy (1:15, 1:18; cf. 4:19).  

One final point of interpretation needs to be addressed. Even if Onesiphorus was dead (and not all commentators are in agreement) this isn’t an example of the Bible providing warrant for praying for the dead. Knight cautions against this: “Paul’s wish is not addressed directly to God, as prayer is, but is rather a statement of what Paul hopes will be the case for Onesiphorus” (386). 

1. Have you ever been ashamed, embarrassed, or reserved about the gospel? Share.

2. Transformed disciples live for the gospel. How does 1:8-11 encourage us to live for the gospel?

3. What’s the significance of Paul exhorting Timothy to “follow [his] pattern of the sound words?” (1:13) 

How does this support the idea of living for the gospel? How does this truth apply to us in the context of transformed discipleship relationships?

4. What’s the “good deposit entrusted” to Timothy and how does the Spirit play a role? (1:14)

5. Onesiphorus’ actions are contrasted with Phygelus and Hermogenes (1:15-18). Identify some key factors that may contribute to these divergent paths. 

6. Action: Make a commitment to live for the gospel (three practical suggestions). First, commit to experiencing the gospel (grace, love, forgiveness, spiritual intimacy) on a consistent basis. Second, commit to a lifestyle of PRISM for gospel sharing:

Prayer: Pray for the salvation, stronger relationship, open doors, spiritual movement in their life

Relationships: Deepen your friendship; build trust, listen, vulnerability, accountability

Invitations: Ask them to do activities (cooking, cars, exercise, movies, shopping, eating, church)

Spiritual conversations: Learn what they think about God, Jesus, Scripture, salvation, etc.  

Movement: Give thanks to God for moving in their lives; reevaluate PRISM as you move forward

Third, commit to developing gospel-like characteristics such as love, grace, forgiveness, justice, unity in the midst of diversity, humility, sacrifice for others, etc.