OUR DUTY TO THE GOSPEL
And 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. 13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
15You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. 2 Timothy 1:11-18
- Our duty to communicate, herald, the gospel.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
- Our duty to suffer for the gospel.
The authentic gospel is not popular because it tells people that they are in need of salvation. People do not want to admit their guilt and shame.
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3
- Our duty to guard the gospel.
The gospel is the treasure of the ages deposited with the church for safe keeping. It is not to be lost or damaged or altered for it is the only means of salvation for all of mankind.
Some have been unfaithful and turned from it but Paul commands Timothy to stand strong. Paul also commands us, in imitation of his life and example to stand firm in the understanding and teaching of the gospel.
The Gospel “is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote to prevent us from dying, but which causes that we should live for ever in Jesus Christ.” Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35 – c. 107): Letter to the Ephesians
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