Who is God like? V. 9 God works with the powerful word that cannot be chained. Even when Paul was in prison for preaching the word, the word of God he preached is freely and powerfully at work. When we spread the gospel, we may encounter embarrassing or difficult moments, but rely on the power of the spread word and be encouraged. No one can interfere with the word of God. V. 13 God is unchangingly faithful. He does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). He keeps his promise to those who trust in him. The faithfulness of God, who cannot disown himself, is the source of power for Paul and Timothy. Today the foundation of power for us to endure hardship with the gospel is God’s faithfulness.
What lesson is God teaching me? V. 1 God’s people should be strong with God’s grace alone. This grace in Christ could make us strong. Where do I seek strength and boldness? V. 2 The workers who want to spread the gospel need to be characterized with faithfulness. The gospel of God has been passed on to us through faithful people like these. In turn, how faithfully do we entrust this gospel to reliable men? Let us not block the flow of the gospel because of our laziness.
Please fill me with boldness to endure hardship for the gospel in my life.
