Persecution, Hardship, and A Spirit of Power

Today's full reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-18

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:7-10 NIV)

Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy and the church at Ephesus during his imprisonment after his fourth missionary journey. This time he was not under house arrest as before, but under the reign of Roman Emperor Nero, he was chained in a dungeon like a common criminal. It was likely his harsh imprisonment that motivated Paul to write to Timothy and the church at Ephesus one more time. He was obviously concerned for their perseverance in the face of persecution.

Imagine being a member of the church at Ephesus and hearing that Paul was imprisoned by Roman Emperor Nero (whose reputation was quickly spreading for being a ruthless persecutor of the church by torturing Christians). How would that impact the way you share your faith? Would you claim Paul as your brother and risk unjustly incriminating yourself? Would you be willing to join in Paul's suffering for the gospel? For that matter, are you willing to join in Christ's sufferings?

Today, as an act of worship, I pray you will lean on the power that Christ gives us through the presence and working of the Holy Spirit living in us. This power is necessary for us to stand firm in Christ when faced with persecution.

It is this power that he refers to in 2 Timothy 1:7 saying, "God did not give us a spirit of timidity (or fear), but a spirit of power." Recall with me the words of Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses."