2 Timothy 1:8-18

2 Timothy 1:8-18 … “Therefore” is a word that calls for review of what’s been said previously. Here, it refers to the power, self-discipline and love that God gives to those He calls to His service. In view of that, verse 8 says “do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord … but join with me.” This is the call of Scripture for believers to personally recognize what Christ has done in securing our salvation. He has abolished death and brought life and immortality through the Gospel (v.11). That knowledge ought to make a dramatic, life changing difference to us!

C.T. Studd was a great athlete in England in the 1880s with a promising future in sports and commerce who came to this conclusion: “If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” Based on that assessment, C.T. Studd devoted his life to taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to China and Africa, where his influence, even a century later, is still evident. Here’s where we should sing in our hearts: “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the Cross”!1 Knowledge of what Christ has done ought to make a difference in our lives and our sharing of the Gospel message. 2 Timothy 1:12 is another great verse that has been used as the basis for a wonderful and timeless hymn you may know … “I know Whom I have Believed.” As you read in 2 Timothy, you can feel the passion that Paul has for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that’s the passion we should feel as well.