The Gospel and Suffering

Advancing the Gospel even in Suffering
2 Timothy 2:1-13
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.”

As Paul was writing his final letter to Timothy, he was writing when the church faced severe persecution and opposition. Nero had already descended into madness and brutality.  He would become known for his cruelty and his persecution of Christians, whom he would use as human torches in his gardens to provide light for his parties.  It was a time when Christians would face intense persecution throughout the Roman Empire.  Paul himself likely became a victim of Nero’s persecution and hatred of Christians.  

In light of the intensity of the persecution facing Christians, Paul writes to Timothy to encourage him to remain faithful to the task regardless of the opposition he will face. To encourage Timothy, he reminds Timothy of the centrality of the resurrection.  For Paul, the resurrection was central to the gospel and our faith.  It was the defining event that served to authenticate the message of Christ.  When writing to the church at Corinth, Paul clarifies that the gospel's validity hinges upon the resurrection.  If the resurrection did not occur, then the gospel is a myth, and Christianity is false.  However,  in the resurrection, we have the proof that Christ was God and his message and ministry was from God.  In the resurrection, we find the bedrock upon which our faith is built.  Thus, Paul reminds Timothy to always keep his focus on the resurrection.  The statement “Remember the resurrection” is an imperative with the idea of “keep on remembering.”  In other words, always keep the resurrection at the center of his life and ministry.  Paul could face the certainty of his death because he knew that death was not the end; it was the doorway through which we gained access to the presence of Christ, which “is very much better” (Phil. 1:21-23).  

By keeping the resurrection of Christ the focal point of his life, Timothy would have a perspective that enabled him to face the same threat of persecution that Paul faced.  Because Paul looked at life through the lens of eternity, he recognized that hardship and suffering were not a hindrance but an opportunity for his suffering to become the channel by which he could reach people with the gospel of Christ.  For Paul, the reward and meaning of life were found in the salvation of others.  He looked at life from the context of eternity.  This is what gave him confidence even in the face of his suffering.  Paul recognized that the gospel would be advanced even in persecution, and God would build His kingdom.  

This is a lesson we need to remember today.  In a postmodern world where people marginalize the church, the gospel will continue to advance.  No matter how much opposition we may face because of our faith, the gospel will continue to go forth, and the church will continue to expand.  Suffering for Christ is not a hindrance to the ministry and advancement of his kingdom.  Paul understood the reality of suffering, for he faced external opposition, persecution, and internal struggles.  Suffering was Paul’s constant companion.  However, Paul did not see his suffering as a barrier but a tool to advance the gospel.  His purpose was to preach the gospel so that others “obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.”  Suffering does not hinder our ministry; instead, it is the springboard that enhances and propels our ministry.  When we face adversity and struggles in life, we have the assurance that God is working through our suffering to lead people to Christ. Therefore, like Paul, we can rejoice amid our struggles. When we face trials and difficulties in life, instead of becoming discouraged, we look for opportunities to proclaim our hope in Christ. Then, we can rejoice no matter what our circumstances are.