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"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; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!" 2 Timothy 1:8-10

Is there the need for such an exhortation? Almighty God, who knows the treachery of the human heart, knows that there IS the need. So, let us ask ourselves: “Am I ashamed? That is, do I fear the consequences for proclaiming the Gospel of the Grace of God, and taking God at His Word?” Well, do you?

As the “minister of the circumcision” (Romans 15:8 , and Galatians 2:7-9 ), sent “only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24 ), Christ, said, “Whosoever shall be ashamed of ME and MY WORDS...of him also will the Son of man be ashamed.” (Romans 15:8 ; Matthew 15:24 ; Mark 8:38 ). Were these words of warning necessary? Let’s see, “Among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the syna­gogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:42-43 . So, YES, would be the “A” answer!

Some years later the Apostle Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for IT IS the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 . Because he was fearless he suffered much, as can be readily learned from the Book of Acts and the Epistles of that period.

In the last of his writings, the Apostle Paul wrote to his son in The Faith, Timothy, “Be not thou 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.” 2 Timothy 1:8 .

From the fourth chapter of Ephesians we know that the LORD Jesus Christ, gave gifts for the edifying of the Body of Christ. These gifts are men. They, like the Apostle Paul, are stewards. A ministry has been committed unto them. “It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 .

In writing to Timothy, with reference to “the testimony of our LORD,” which was the precious deposit committed to his trust, Paul wrote, “The things which thou hast heard of me among many wit­nesses, the same commit thou to faith­ful men who shall be able to teach oth­ers.” 2 Timothy 2:2 . At the close of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept The Faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 . This is “The Faith of God’s elect” Titus 1:1 , the “ONE Faith” Ephesians 4:5 , “The Faith of Jesus Christ” Galatians 2:16 , which members of the Body of Christ have been given, and need to, and should, en­deavor to keep and guard.

A fearful man makes a poor guard. The guard, if he recognizes and then knows the value of that which he guards, will die to protect his trust. Ephesians 1:15-23 ; Colossians 1:9-10 . He must be courageous, and endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ and seek only to "please Him who hath called him to be a sol­dier” Seeking to be "approved unto God" he will not fear, for "the fear of man bringeth a snare.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4 ; 2 Timothy 2:15 ; Proverbs 29:25 .

It is God’s will that His Word be prop­erly presented. However, this is ONLY possible as we "study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” Remember, "THE THINGS THAT DIFFER" must be distinguished! Failure, at this juncture, right here, will re­sult in the edge of the two-edged sword being perceived as dull! Never think, Child of God, that the plans of God will be frustrated by YOU. God Forbid! YOU will be moved OUT of the way, and a Child of God who HAS studied to show himself approved of God, will be put in your place to get the job done! HE or SHE will receive the reward, and YOU won’t. Ya folla? See 2 Timothy 2:15 ; Philip­pians 1:10; Hebrews 4:12 .

We should therefore join the "preach­er, Apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles" in seeking God’s approval in the desire "to make all men see what is the dis­pensation of the Mystery, the Mystery among the Gentiles.” 2 Timothy 1:11 ; Ephesians 3:9 ; Colossians 1:27 .

Is courage required? You Betcha! Listen to what Paul says, “This thou knowest that all they which were in Asia be turned away from me.” “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world...” “Only Luke is with me” 2 Timothy 1:15 ; 2 Timothy 4:10-11 .

But, remember, that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. “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.” “For unto you it given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” 2 Timothy 1:7-8 ; Philippians 1:29 .

Is your heart’s desire expressed in these words of inspiration, “that I may know HIM, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings?” Philippians 3:10 . Well, is it?

"Be Not Thou Therefore Ashamed” 2 Timothy 1:8

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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 . BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20 )