Worth Dying For

“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He 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, but 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.” (2 Timothy 1:8-10)

Paul was the Lord’s prisoner. In other words, he was in prison for his faith in Jesus. Was it worth it? Wouldn’t we expect Paul to express regret for his faith? Wouldn’t we expect him to say, “Timothy, don’t go down the path I’ve gone. It’s only going to get you into trouble…”?

Paul didn’t. On the contrary, Paul encouraged Timothy to suffer for the gospel just like he had. It sounds odd, doesn’t it? “Come and join me in suffering for Jesus!” According to Paul, Jesus is worth dying for. 

Why? Because Paul knew everything that Jesus had done for him. In a few short phrases, Paul lists many of the remarkable things that God has done for us: 1) God saved us. 2) God called us to a holy life by giving us faith in Jesus. 3) God gave us his grace even before the beginning of time. 4) God took on human flesh and came into the world when Jesus was born. 5) God destroyed death by Jesus’ death on the cross. 6) God brought eternal life to all who believe in him by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. None of this is because of anything we have done. All of this is because of God’s own purpose and grace.

With his death on the cross, Jesus proclaimed that you are worth dying for. Isn’t that amazing? Do you know what that leads us to say? “Jesus, you are worth dying for. Jesus you are worth suffering for.” Is it worth it to be the Lord’s prisoner? Yes! Is it worth it to even give up your life for your faith? Yes!

Because death isn’t the end. Not for a Christian! Jesus “has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” That’s worth dying for!

Dear Jesus, too often we are not willing to sacrifice comforts or convenience for you. Please forgive us for our sins. May your willingness to die for us lead us to be willing to suffer for you. Amen.

Pastor Nathan