“You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me. … May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.”
Timothy 1:15-16
Have you ever been tempted to fade back into the shadows rather than identify yourself with God and His people? A moment comes when you could reveal that you are a believer in Jesus, or you could keep quiet and avoid conflict altogether. You fear being categorized as one of those “narrow-minded Christians.”
Our culture today has publicized an ugly caricature of a “true Christian” that we must contend with. Some—while claiming to be Christians—have misrepresented Jesus and His gospel by their words and actions. I certainly want to avoid being identified with a warped version of a believer.
In an effort to evade that misunderstanding, let’s not shrink back. Instead, step forward to proclaim the true gospel (and not a misrepresentation of it). Men like Paul, Timothy, and Onesiphorus show us how the gospel colors our words and actions so that we’re motivated not by fear or by a desire to preserve our own reputation. Rather, we’re compelled by the love of our Savior who did not turn away or shrink back from identifying with us.
Our culture today has publicized an ugly caricature of a “true Christian” that we must contend with. Some—while claiming to be Christians—have misrepresented Jesus and His gospel by their words and actions. I certainly want to avoid being identified with a warped version of a believer.
In an effort to evade that misunderstanding, let’s not shrink back. Instead, step forward to proclaim the true gospel (and not a misrepresentation of it). Men like Paul, Timothy, and Onesiphorus show us how the gospel colors our words and actions so that we’re motivated not by fear or by a desire to preserve our own reputation. Rather, we’re compelled by the love of our Savior who did not turn away or shrink back from identifying with us.
Scripture Focus
2 Timothy 1:15-18
Insight
Lord, let Your light in us shine before the world so that people can hear our words, see our actions, and be drawn to You. Amen.
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 55-56
- Psalm 98
- Acts 21
