Embracing Suffering: Boldly Proclaiming the Gospel

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Your Calling as a Sent Person

Every follower of Jesus is called and empowered to be a sent person, carrying the redemptive message of the kingdom of God into the world. This calling is not reserved for a select few but is the immediate reality for all who know Christ, sealed and empowered by the Spirit. Wherever you find yourself today, you are exactly where God has placed you to declare who Jesus is, what He has done, and to invite others into His kingdom. The call is not to obsess over a narrow, mysterious “calling,” but to live out your faith boldly and faithfully in your current context, knowing you are part of God’s unfolding story of redemption. [11:50]

2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)
"who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,"

Reflection: Where has God placed you right now, and how can you intentionally live as a sent person—declaring and demonstrating the kingdom of God—today in your workplace, home, or community?

Day 2: Proclaim Your Alignment with Jesus and His People

To be unashamed of the gospel is not just an inward feeling but an outward, public declaration of loyalty and alignment with Jesus and those who hold fast to His truth. In a culture that often pressures us to soften or distance ourselves from the testimony of Christ, we are called to actively proclaim our connection to Him and to the community of faith, even when it is costly. This public alignment is a present action, a demonstration that we belong to Jesus and stand with His people, regardless of the world’s opinion or opposition. [14:17]

Romans 1:16 (ESV)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can publicly align yourself with Jesus and His people this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or costly?

Day 3: Embrace Suffering for the Sake of the Gospel

Suffering for the sake of Christ is not merely something to be endured but something to be embraced and shared in, for it carries with it a gift and a promise. When we suffer because we are living out our faith, we are joining Christ in His redemptive work and are promised a share in His resurrection. This suffering, whether it comes through opposition, loss, or sacrifice, is not wasted; it is transformed by God into something glorious, both now and in the kingdom to come. Embracing suffering for the gospel’s sake is a mark of true discipleship and a participation in the greater story of redemption. [28:38]

Philippians 3:8-11 (ESV)
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you experiencing resistance or suffering because of your faith, and how might you begin to embrace it as a participation in Christ’s redemptive work?

Day 4: Depend on the Power of God, Not Your Own Strength

The life of faith is not lived by gritting your teeth or mustering up your own strength, but by relying on the power of God that is given to you through His Spirit. When suffering or opposition feels overwhelming, you are invited to fix your eyes on Jesus, set your mind on things above, and remember that you are empowered by the very presence of God within you. This power enables you to endure, to embrace suffering, and to live faithfully—not for your own glory, but so that Christ is glorified through your life. [38:34]

2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV)
"for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,"

Reflection: When you feel weak or overwhelmed, what would it look like for you to intentionally depend on the Spirit’s power rather than your own abilities or resources?

Day 5: Seek the Honor of God’s Kingdom, Not the World’s Approval

The world’s honor system often shames suffering and elevates comfort, success, and acceptance, but in God’s kingdom, what is shameful here is often honorable there. When you choose to live by faith, publicly proclaiming the gospel and embracing the cost, you are storing up a story of honor that will be celebrated in eternity. Fix your eyes on Jesus and the values of His kingdom, and let your life be measured by His standards, not by the fleeting approval of this world. [51:43]

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to seek the world’s approval or comfort, and how can you shift your focus today to pursue the honor that comes from God’s kingdom?

Sermon Summary

Gathered together, we are reminded of the profound privilege and calling we have as followers of Jesus. Our faith is not a private matter, but a public confession—one that is both declared and demonstrated in the world around us. As we journey through 2 Timothy, we find ourselves in the midst of Paul’s final words to his beloved disciple, Timothy, who is struggling to shepherd a church in a culture that prizes comfort, materialism, and conformity over the radical truth of the gospel. Paul’s encouragement is not just for Timothy, but for all of us who find ourselves tempted to soften our faith to fit in, or to shrink back when the cost of following Jesus becomes high.

Paul reminds Timothy—and us—of our identity: we are people of faith, called and empowered by the Spirit of God. This calling is not reserved for a select few, but is the inheritance of every believer. We are sent into the world to proclaim and embody the redemptive work of Jesus, not by our own strength, but by the power, love, and self-control given to us by the Spirit. The “therefore” in Paul’s letter is a call to action: because of who we are in Christ, we must not be ashamed of the gospel or of those who faithfully proclaim it, even when it brings opposition or suffering.

In Paul’s time, to be “ashamed” was not merely an inward feeling, but an outward distancing—a refusal to publicly align with someone or something when it became costly. Paul urges Timothy to actively and publicly align himself with Jesus and with those who hold fast to the truth, even when the world calls it foolish or shameful. This alignment will inevitably bring suffering, but Paul reframes suffering not as something to merely endure, but to embrace. When we suffer for the sake of Christ, we share in his sufferings and, ultimately, in the power of his resurrection. Our suffering, embraced for the gospel, becomes a means of deeper dependence on Christ and a participation in the redemptive story God is writing.

We are called to live with our eyes fixed on Jesus, our minds set on things above, and our hearts anchored in the honor system of God’s kingdom, not the fleeting approval of this world. The suffering we face for the sake of Christ is not wasted; it is transformed into glory and honor in the kingdom to come. Let us, then, be a people who proclaim the gospel boldly, embrace the cost of discipleship, and trust that God is at work in our suffering, bringing about resurrection and redemption.

Key Takeaways

1. Our faith is meant to be publicly proclaimed and demonstrated, not hidden or softened to fit cultural expectations. To be “unashamed” of the gospel is to actively align ourselves with Jesus and his people, even when it costs us comfort, reputation, or acceptance. This public alignment is a present, active response to the reality of who we are in Christ. [14:17]
2. Suffering for the sake of Christ is not merely something to be endured, but something to be embraced. When we share in Christ’s sufferings, we are drawn into deeper dependence on him and are promised a share in his resurrection. Embracing suffering for the gospel transforms it from a burden into a means of experiencing God’s power and presence. [28:38]
3. The honor system of God’s kingdom is radically different from that of the world. What the world calls shameful—suffering, sacrifice, public association with the gospel—God calls honorable. Our lives should be oriented toward the honor that comes from God, not the fleeting approval of people, knowing that our faithfulness will be celebrated in eternity. [34:58]
4. Community is essential for holding fast to the truth. Aligning ourselves with others who are faithful to the gospel helps guard us from drifting into compromise or error. When we distance ourselves from those who hold to the truth, we become more susceptible to adopting the values and beliefs of the surrounding culture. [22:53]
5. The power to endure and embrace suffering does not come from our own strength, but from the Spirit of God who dwells within us. We are empowered to live by faith, to proclaim the gospel, and to persevere through hardship—not as isolated individuals, but as those who participate with God in his redemptive work. Our faithfulness is both a gift from God and a means by which he is glorified. [38:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - The Context of 2 Timothy
[04:45] - Paul’s Relationship with Timothy
[08:30] - The Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control
[11:50] - The Significance of “Therefore”
[14:17] - What It Means to Be Unashamed
[18:40] - Public Alignment with the Gospel
[22:53] - The Importance of Community
[25:30] - Sharing in Suffering
[28:38] - The Gift Within Suffering
[33:10] - Dependence on Christ in Hardship
[34:58] - Resurrection and Redemption in Suffering
[38:34] - Enduring by the Power of God
[42:38] - Paul’s Resume of Suffering
[45:49] - The Realities of Suffering in Ministry
[48:47] - Timothy’s Struggles and Our Own
[51:43] - Living for the Honor of God’s Kingdom
[55:32] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Timothy 1:7-9 (ESV) — > 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
> 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
> 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.

Philippians 3:8-11 (ESV) — > 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
> 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
> 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
> 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Observation Questions

According to 2 Timothy 1:7-8, what kind of spirit has God given us, and what does Paul urge Timothy not to do as a result?
In the sermon, what does it mean to be “ashamed” in Paul’s context, and how is it different from how we usually use the word today? [14:17]
What does Paul say is the result of sharing in Christ’s sufferings, according to Philippians 3:10-11?
In the sermon, what are some of the specific challenges Timothy faced as a pastor in Ephesus? [45:49]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul connect being unashamed of the gospel with public alignment and action, rather than just inward feelings? How might this challenge our own approach to faith? [14:17]
What does it look like to “embrace” suffering for the gospel, rather than just endure it? Why does Paul see value in this kind of suffering? [28:38]
How does the “honor system” of God’s kingdom differ from the world’s, especially when it comes to suffering and sacrifice? [48:47]
Why is community so important for holding fast to the truth, according to Paul and the sermon? What happens when we distance ourselves from others who are faithful to the gospel? [22:53]

Application Questions

The sermon says our faith is meant to be public, not hidden or softened to fit in. In what areas of your life do you feel tempted to “soften” your faith to avoid discomfort or rejection? What would it look like to be unashamed in those situations? [14:17]
Paul encourages Timothy to “embrace” suffering for the gospel. Can you think of a time when following Jesus cost you something—comfort, reputation, or acceptance? How did you respond, and what might it look like to embrace that cost rather than just endure it? [28:38]
The sermon talks about the world’s honor system versus God’s. Are there ways you’ve been seeking the approval of people over the honor that comes from God? What is one step you could take this week to reorient your heart toward God’s honor system? [48:47]
Community is described as essential for holding fast to the truth. Are you currently connected to others who encourage you to stay faithful to the gospel? If not, what is one practical step you could take to build or strengthen those relationships? [22:53]
The power to endure and embrace suffering comes from the Spirit, not our own strength. When you face hardship or opposition for your faith, what helps you remember and rely on God’s power instead of your own? Is there a specific practice (prayer, Scripture, community) that helps you? [38:34]
The sermon mentions that suffering for Christ is not wasted but transformed into glory and honor in God’s kingdom. How does this perspective change the way you view current or past hardships in your life? [34:58]
Think about a specific area where you feel timid or anxious about living out your faith. What is one small, concrete action you could take this week to step forward in faith, trusting God’s Spirit to empower you? [55:32]

Sermon Clips

We both with our words declaring and with our actions demonstrating, we declare and demonstrate the kingdom of God, the values of the kingdom of God, the gospel, the beauty of the gospel. And we bring that to people and we share that with them. That's what we're called to do. [00:20:59] (17 seconds) #DeclareKingdomValues

When you say you're going to endure something, it means something's coming at you and you need to get through it. You with me? But when you say share in something, the connotation of that is not an enduring but an embracing, isn't it? It's sort of saying embrace what this thing is that's coming your way. [00:27:30] (17 seconds) #EmbraceNotEndure

What Paul is saying is that in our suffering, when our suffering is caused by the journey of faith that we're living out, then that suffering is more than just a thing to survive or endure. It has within it a gift waiting to be experienced. There is a benefit to this suffering, is what Paul is suggesting here. [00:28:03] (25 seconds) #SufferingAsGift

To know Christ, I will experience the loss of all things. But look what he says. Watch this. He says, For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish in order that I might gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. [00:29:43] (24 seconds) #GainChristAboveAll

When I suffer for Jesus, Paul says, then I share in a measure of his resurrection in a way that I otherwise cannot share in. When I suffer for the sake of Christ, maybe in this lifetime, sometimes in this lifetime, and definitively without question, when I leave, is God going to take all of the suffering, all of the pain, all of the cost of engaging in the work that he's called us to engage in, and he's going to resurrect it and make it new? [00:35:21] (34 seconds) #ShareInResurrection

When you are suffering and it feels overwhelming, fix your eyes back on Jesus. Set your mind on things above. Remind yourself of what kingdom you're a part of. Remind yourself of the stark contrast between what is honor in his kingdom versus what is honor in ours. And then live in that kingdom now instead of in this kingdom now. [00:40:36] (23 seconds) #FixEyesOnKingdom

Not by our own strength, but by the power of God. And not by some power of God that we need to see come in some pixie dust and make us all sorts of things. The power of God that resides within us is him, his spirit. And he's with us when? All the time. All the time. [00:41:36] (18 seconds) #GodsPowerWithin

We want to live lives where the shame that might come our way, or the suffering that might come our way, because we're living by faith here, is always measured by the values of God's kingdom, so that we keep our eyes fixed in a place that says, listen, I'm going to choose, like Paul, to share in a proclamation of the testimony of Jesus, and of the others who follow him, not being ashamed, and I'm going to do that in such a public and constant way in my life, that it's probably going to cost me much more than I have to give, maybe everything, and when it does, I'm not just going to endure that suffering, I'm going to embrace it, because I know that I'm sharing in something that in a kingdom yet to come will be tied to a redemptive story and honor like I can't begin to imagine, and I'm no longer after the honor this world offers, I'm after the honor I will receive for the sake of my king, that I can bring it to him as a gift in the world yet to come. [00:53:46] (66 seconds) #EmbraceSufferingForKingdom

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, keep your mind set on things above, chase after the kingdom of redemption here, and let what comes come when you are publicly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus and those who follow him, associating with that, even if it costs you greatly, and it might, in fact, often will, because someday we will share in the great, greater, as Paul said, resurrection. [00:54:55] (34 seconds) #EyesOnJesusKingdomFirst

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