An Unashamed Witness

GOLDEN TEXT: “For God Math not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” —II Timothy 1:7

II TIMOTHY 1:6-14

THE word “witness” in the New Testament is usually a translation of a Greek word meaning martyr. When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy he was in prison at Rome, expecting to be executed because of his faithfulness in bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel. Many brethren had deserted him in his hour of great trial when they could have been a great comfort to him.

In this letter Paul urges Timothy to visit him, before the winter, if possible. (ch. 4:21) This, doubtless, would be taking a risk, for one who went to Rome and manifested his friendship for the condemned Paul would surely be held in suspicion by the Roman authorities. This might well have been the motive which caused many of the brethren to desert Paul.

So we can see that Timothy would need courage. But Paul knew that he had courage—not necessarily by nature, but, as the Golden Text states, because the Lord had given him the spirit of love and of power. Ile also had given Timothy the spirit of a sound mind, a mind that reasoned in God’s way, which was to he willing at any time to lay down his life in the cause of the Gospel, and especially for his brethren in Christ.

If Timothy had any fear, it was not of God, but of self, and of the great Adversary, who goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (I Pet. 5:8) Timothy was a faithful soldier of the cross, willing to endure hardness in carrying the banner of the Gospel of Christ. Paul knew this, and his letter was simply exhorting Timothy to continue his faithfulness, regardless of the cost.

And the cost of being a faithful witness for Jesus and for the Word of God is life itself. This does not imply that one will suddenly be put to death. The thought is, rather, that being an ambassador for Christ is a lifework—a work to which we are to devote all that we have, and until we have finished our course in death. For some, as with the Apostle Paul, it leads to a martyr’s death. But regardless of how the end may come, those who are faithful unto death will receive a crown of life, and will live and reign with Christ a thousand years.—Rev. 2:10; 24:4,6

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God,” wrote Paul. (vs. 8) Not all faithful witnesses suffer to the same degree. Paul was certainly suffering much, and Timothy could share in that suffering by manifesting his friendship for him, especially when he would visit him in his prison home. But Paul knew that the power of God would enable Timothy to endure whatever hardships might be involved in his faithful service, for God gives to all his people the spirit of power, the strength necessary for their every time of need.

Paul was glad to affirm that he also was a sufferer for the sake of the Gospel, and was not ashamed of the Gospel. He knew that the Gospel was the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. (Rom. 1:16) He was confident that the Lord would continue with him: “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”; the day, that is, of Christ’s appearing.—vs. 12

Verse 10 presents an interesting truth concerning the divine plan of salvation. It speaks of the first advent of Jesus, and of the fact that he had abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Jesus’ own death on the cross was for the purpose of redeeming mankind from death. It is through the work of redemption that death is abolished.

Thus Jesus brought the hope of life for all of Adam’s children to light. This was the Gospel, the glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10) During Christ’s second visit mankind will be restored to human life, and given the opportunity to live forever.

But Jesus also brought immortality to light. It is the hope of immortality that is offered to those of his followers who strive earnestly and patiently for it. (Roan. 2:7) This shows clearly that man by nature is not immortal. Immortality is a quality which was bestowed upon Jesus when he was raised from the dead, and it is likewise bestowed upon all his faithful followers when they are raised from the dead.

QUESTIONS

Where was Paul when he wrote his second letter to Timothy?

What bearing does this have on some of the statements in our lesson?

How much does it cost a Christian to be a faithful witness for Christ?

How did Jesus bring life and immortality to light?

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