Afraid to Share

Scripture – 2 Timothy 1:8-12: ⁸So 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, ⁹who 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, ¹⁰but 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. ¹¹And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. ¹²That 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.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This certainly pokes a button in me that I would rather ignore. If I’m in my “preacher” role, I talk quite openly and clearly about Christ and who He is for us. At the same time, when I’m in personal conversations with friends, family, the mechanics at my local gas station, etc…….I hesitate to bring His name up. Am I ashamed to speak of Him? I mean, the fact is, knowing Jesus Christ has radically changed my life in all kinds of ways. What stops me from sharing that freely and clearly?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will answer that last question.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me insight and the courage to look honestly within myself. I see so many people who have no idea what they’re missing by not knowing you. Yet, outside of preaching times, I stop way short of sharing that. You really are everything to me. Teach me how to let that truth out in natural, honest ways.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.