2 Timothy 1:11

 2 Timothy 1:11 says, Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  Paul said he was appointed, or called as we would say, to be an apostle, or preacher and teacher to the gentiles.  We are called to be a witness to everyone we encounter, even if we aren’t called to be a preacher or teacher.  

Verse twelve adds, For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.  Paul said he was suffering physically at the hands of the lost people he was witnessing to because of his faith in Christ and witnessing for Him, which is the opposite of what many preachers proclaim today.  Some Christians seem to think that God allowed early Christians to suffer for their faith but that He wants Christians today to be materially successful and happy.  Paul said He was not ashamed of being a Christian because of what was happening to Him, yet we sometimes seem to be ashamed of being a Christian simply because the people of the world might think we are strange.  Paul said he felt this way because he knew in Whom he had believed, Jesus Christ, and was persuaded that He was able to keep that which he had committed to him until the day of his death or until the return of Christ.  We should have that same faith today, knowing that we are forever saved by our faith in Jesus Christ and that should be what is the most important fact in our lives, no matter what is happening to us in the world. 

Verse thirteen continues, Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  Paul asked Timothy to hold fast to the gospel, which he had heard from Paul.  Timothy was to do this in faith and love in Jesus Christ as he proclaimed the gospel to the world.  As followers of Christ, we must reach out to the lost people of the world today with the gospel out of our faith in and love for Jesus Christ.  

Verse fourteen concludes, That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.  Paul told Timothy to keep the truth of the gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit, Who dwelt in Him.  This is the same way that we are to hold fast to our relationship with God today, through the power of the Holt Spirit, Who indwells all Christians from the time they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.  The Holy Spirit does not come later and only to certain believers, but He indwells all believers from the time they accept God’s gift of salvation.