DEVOTION – DAY 281

2 Timothy 1:7-8 “Power In The Gospel”

 

2 Timothy 1:7-8 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me as His prisoner.”

 

The apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter 2 Timothy. By this time, he was no longer under house arrest. The Emperor Nero had imprisoned Paul in a dungeon and he was probably in chains. Paul wanted to write to Timothy, his fellow missionary and whom he treated like his own son. Paul had left Timothy in Asia Minor to take charge of some of the churches he had planted there. He knew Timothy was a little timid so he wanted to encourage Timothy to be bold because the Holy Spirit would empower Timothy. Timothy could rely on the Holy Spirit to remove his timidity and give him a love for unbelievers, to reach them with the gospel message about Jesus Christ.

 

We know that many people are uncomfortable about sharing the gospel with their colleagues, friends and relatives. They fear offending the people they want to share the gospel with. This is because nobody likes to be told that they are sinners in need of a Savior. Like Timothy, many people are timid when it comes to sharing the gospel. But 2 Tim.1:7-8 tells us that we do not need to be worried or timid when we share the gospel. This is because the Holy Spirit will give us the power, love and passion for people lost in their sins and unbelief. We do not need to be shy or ashamed that the gospel will offend or divide people. There is power in the gospel message. As we share the gospel to others, the Holy Spirit will do His part to convict and change hardened hearts.

 

We were invited to a sales presentation. The presentation offered a free medical checkup. But at the end of a brief medical checkup, we had to sit with a sales promoter who would try to convince us to take up a health regime package offered by the medical facility. Whilst listening to the sales promoter giving us the information, we silently prayed for an opening to share the gospel with him. When it was time for questions, we turned the table on him by asking him what provisions he had made for his own health and future. This gave us an opportunity that led to the sharing of the gospel. We had the privilege to share with him the gospel tract and to lead him to say the sinner’s prayer. The Holy Spirit gives us power, love and self-discipline. We do our part and share the gospel and He will do His part to soften hearts to receive the gospel.   

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Spirit that empowers and embolden us to share the gospel with others. Please help us to have a passion for those who are lost in their sins and grant us opportunities to share the gospel with them. We ask this in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. What are your concerns and fears about sharing the gospel with others?
  2. How does this devotion encourage you to share the gospel with others?
  3. What are some personal experiences in sharing the gospel that you have had that you can share and encourage others to follow your examples?