Belief Over Doubt

I encourage all of us who know Jesus to place belief over doubt, to be faithful and serve God no matter what, in good times and bad.

Belief Over Doubt

"For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."

(2 Timothy 1:12)

"For this reason," refers to Paul's calling to be a preacher, apostle, and teacher. He served well, and he suffered. Why is there so much suffering for pastors in churches? I think part of the answer is our own sinfulness and weaknesses, then you also have people in your congregation that are at times very difficult, and most of all, there is an enemy who is powerful and hates the man of God preaching the Word of God and shepherding the Church of God.

But instead of wilting in the blazing heat of persecution and suffering, Paul thrives. You can feel the passion and determination in this one word: "nevertheless." He is not ashamed, he doesn't back up, or retreat but moves forward boldly in his ministry because he knows in Whom (Jesus) that he has believed, and he's persuaded–not hoping–that Jesus is able to keep all Paul had committed to Jesus until that Day of His return. He knows Jesus has won and wins, and so too he will win, no matter what the circumstances are, even as he awaits Nero's sword of punishment. Can you imagine the guards and even other believers marveling at Paul's peace, joy, and passion in the midst of imprisonment and suffering?

"While we know there are no apostles today who measure up to Paul, we want to maintain the idea that all believers are sent into the world to herald and teach the good news of salvation by God's grace alone in Christ alone. Through faith we share this same commissioning and this same message. We are to shine this gospel light in this dark world.

"We are most likely to suffer for the gospel when we proclaim it. While it is important to live out the gospel in deed, it is absolutely essential that we speak the gospel in word. And in the speaking of the good news, we should expect opposition. We do not go looking for suffering, but we should not be surprised by it when we give verbal witness.

"Paul says, 'That is why I suffer these things' (v. 12). Paul suffered because he spoke boldly, and he spoke boldly because he believed the gospel was worth it!"

(Platt, D., Akin, D. L., & Merida, T. (2013). Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (pp. 147–153). Holman Reference.)

I encourage all of us who know Jesus to place belief over doubt, to be faithful and serve God no matter what, when times are good or bad, when we get our way or not. God has a wonderful plan and destiny for you and me. I am grateful to Him and persuaded that He will see us through.

For those who have not embraced the Gospel of Jesus, I pray that even now you would repent and believe in Jesus and Him alone for salvation.

Thank you for reading the devotions this week based on Paul's letter to Timothy, specifically 2 Timothy 1:8-12. I appreciate all the prayers and financial support that you give to assist us in this Gospel ministry. If you would like to know more about our ministry and ways you can donate, please visit dfea.com.

Partner with us in spreading the Gospel!

Will you help fuel our efforts to spread the Gospel
and equip and empower other Christians to do the same?

Count me in! ▶

Podcast of the Week

Deepening Your Roots

Pastor Danny shares how we can best strengthen our foundation so as to be strong enough in our faith and life to endure trials and difficulties in a way that glorifies God and points those around us to Him.

Listen on your preferred platform: