It may be Inauguration Day, but it’s also gospel/Bible study day! IIn Paul’s second letter to Timothy, chapter one, he says this:

8 So
do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his
prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of
God, 9 who

has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we
have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was
given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but
it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ
Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to
light through the gospel
. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That
is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know
whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I
have entrusted to him for that day.

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.



There are a few things to observe about “gospel” in this text:

First, when Paul says he is suffering for the gospel he probably means he is suffering for preaching the gospel or suffering because of his desire to keep on preaching the gospel.

Second, God is the Savior (not the gospel) and that salvation entails a calling to a life of holiness. We benefit from God’s saving work, not because we have done something, but because of God’s grace.

Third, Jesus has destroyed death and brought immortality and life into existence through the gospel. That gospel, then, is God’s saving work that destroys death and empowers us to new life.

Fourth, Paul is entrusted with this gospel and he is called to preserve it.

More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad