Structure in 2 Timothy 1 – Part 7

The next structural marker is in 2 Timothy 1:8.  The sentence starts with “therefore”.  Most of us know that when we see “therefore” what follows is a result of what went before, the cause is before, and the effect is after.

The effect is telling.  It may give us more insight into who Timothy is and with what he is facing in his ministry in Ephesus.  Paul contrasts being ashamed with suffering.  That is a strong statement, hard choice, be ashamed or suffer.

Not all of us are there yet.  Some of us will be soon.  The pressure of the world is against Christ and His followers.  Revelation 12:17 tells us that the enemy is at war with us as does 1 Peter 5:8.  We are in a war whether we realize it or not.

The message we have been given is offensive to those who are perishing.  There is continual pressure to soften what the gospel, what God says.  When we do not, we are vilified and called haters by those who hate.  We are accused of fearing those who are “different” by those who fear we may be right.

Paul reminds Timothy, and by extension us, here that we have to stay on message even in the face of libel, slander, persecution, and suffering.

This is not an easy assignment.  But it is ours.

Posts in this series:
The Influence of Structure
Structure in 2 Timothy 1
Structure in 2 Timothy 1 – Part 2
Structure in 2 Timothy 1 – Part 3
Structure in 2 Timothy 1 – Part 4
Structure in 2 Timothy 1 – Part 5
Structure in 2 Timothy 1 – Part 6