It's a good thing the book of 2 Timothy is already in the Bible because it would never make it to print today. Consider its message: "Join with me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God" (2 Timothy 1:8). There's simply no market for it.

Sure the "power of God" part ain't half bad. That'll sell books. But, as anyone who's looked at the Christian bestseller list will tell you, the power of God is for making your smile bigger, your destiny brighter, and for achieving Your Best Life Now. It's not for suffering, right?

Sure, suffering was O.K. for those Christians in the early church and for a few unlucky people who live in unseen corners of Africa today. But we're more civilized now. Isn't it time we put this barbaric concept of "suffering for the gospel" to bed?

Well, do so at your own risk. The apostle Paul's odd invitation to the young pastor, Timothy, was neither sadistic nor meaningless. It was wise. Paul knew that suffering for the gospel would lead to a more glorious and lasting reward than could be gained from fleeing it. He knew the road to glory goes through the cross, not around it. 

What do you mean, "suffer"?

But what does it mean to join in suffering for the gospel? Does it mean we have to earn our salvation? No. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Does it mean our suffering somehow adds to Jesus' work of dying on the cross for us? No. His sacrifice was sufficient (Hebrews 10:10-12). Does it mean we have to walk around full of gloom and doom, wearing a really ugly shade of brown, carrying a wooden spoon so we can whack ourselves on the head any time we get close to thinking a happy thought? Not a chance. What does it mean then?

Suffering for the gospel simply means to faithfully speak out and live out the gospel message, and then to endure whatever persecution that may come.

Faithfully speaking the gospel will bring persecution: "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal" (2 Timothy 2:8).  "Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord . . . of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am" (2 Timothy 1:8, 11-12). We forget sometimes that the gospel is scandalous. We are sinners hopelessly separated from God. Our only hope is through the bloody, messy sacrifice of Jesus on a cross. Speak the truth about sin -- and about Jesus being the only answer to it -- and the bees will buzz. 

Likewise, godly living will bring suffering: "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). And yet, Paul urges Timothy to do this very thing, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith , love and peace" (2 Timothy 3:12). Why does living to please God bring persecution? Because it's confrontational. People feel the sting of their own sins when they're exposed by your righteous living. They realize that God is the standard, not Homer Simpson.

Why Bother?

Common sense tells us we should avoid pain. Why not just keep quiet when your co-worker tells you how arrogant you are for saying that Jesus is the only way to God? Two reasons.

First, there is great reward for suffering for Christ and the gospel: "If we died with Him (Jesus) we will also live with Him; if we endure we will also reign with Him" (2 Timothy 2:11-12). "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 

Second, our angry co-worker's eternal destiny may depend on our willingness to speak for Christ: "Those who oppose him (the person speaking for Bible truth) he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil" (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

Faithfully speaking and living for Christ will cost you. You will face persecution. You may face "your worst life now." But your best life will be revealed when Christ appears and says "well done my good and faithful servant." Come, let's join with Paul and with Jesus in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.