Suffering With Christ

Key Passage: 2 Timothy 1:8

Devotional:

2 Timothy 1:8 states, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.” Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison, awaiting his execution. By all earthly standards, his life seemed anything but abundant. Yet, he urged Timothy not to shrink back but to share in his suffering for the Gospel. Not to avoid it. Not to fear it. But to embrace it as part of following Christ.

This is not suffering as the world understands it. Everyone faces hardship—illness, loss, and pain. But the suffering Paul speaks of is different. It is the suffering that comes from boldly proclaiming Christ. It is the suffering of the believer in North Korea imprisoned for owning a Bible, the pastor in India beaten for preaching the gospel, the Christian in the Middle East who has lost family and livelihood for following Jesus. Around the world, believers are suffering—not for their own mistakes or misfortunes—but because they refuse to deny Christ. We also see it in the West, though it looks different. It is the business owner sued for refusing to compromise biblical convictions, the Christian ridiculed for rejecting progressive thinking, and it is the family member rejected for upholding the standards of their faith. The pressure to conform is real, and standing firm comes with a cost.

Yet, suffering is not only for those who believe. It also weighs on those who have never heard. Over 4 billion people remain unreached, living and dying without knowing the name of Jesus. If we believe Jesus is the only way to eternal life (John 14:6), then this lostness should burden us. And if preaching the gospel requires suffering—through rejection, sacrifice, or even persecution— then we should be willing.

The thief deceives us into thinking an abundant life is one about us and our own comfort. But Jesus offers something greater. True life is found in knowing Christ so deeply that even suffering becomes a privilege. Paul knew this, which is why he could sit in prison, awaiting death, and still declare, “I am not ashamed” (See 2 Timothy 1:12.). He had already gained everything in Christ— what else was there to lose?

If we have truly experienced the life Christ gives, then we cannot help but proclaim Him. Even if it costs us. Even if it hurts. Because He is worth it. And so are those who have yet to hear.

Application Question: In what ways are you tempted to avoid suffering for Christ? How can you stand firm in truth, trusting that God will use it for His glory?

Further Reading: Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:13-15; 2 Timothy 1:8-12

Written by Jaclyn Mains