Daily Fountain Devotional 24 March 2020 – Suffering for Proclaiming the Gospel
TOPIC:Â Suffering for Proclaiming the Gospel
SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 1:8-18
MESSAGE: Paul was encouraging Timothy his son not to be ashamed of witnessing for Christ nor of him, Paul, ‘a prisoner for Christ’s sake.’ He urged him to be ready to suffer for the same Gospel(v.8).
Paul informed Timothy that he (Paul) was appointed as an Apostle and Teacher to proclaim the Good News and was suffering for this reason. He said he was not afraid because he was sure the Lord would guard what He had entrusted to him till the end. He urged Timothy to hold firmly to the ‘sound words’ and keep to the good things entrusted to him through the power of the Holy Spirit(vs. 12-14).
Witnessing for Christ is not an easy task. We witness both with our mouth and life and this is the main task Christ requires from us. Many that hear the Gospel do not believe it;some hate those that preach the word of God to them. This has brought suffering and even death to many proclaimers of the Word. Like Paul urged Timothy, preachers must be ready to suffer for the Gospel.
Jesus urged us not to worry about what to say when we are dragged before people who antagonise us for preaching the Gospel. If such a case arises, let us hold fast and not slack our zeal. Jesus will never abandon those who proclaim His name to the world, no matter whathappens (Matt. 28:20).
PRAYER POINT:
Lord Jesus,please strengthen Your children proclaiming Your word throughout the world, especially missionaries