1:8
Timothy is told not to be ashamed of the gospel nor of Paul being a prisoner. Note what is going on here. We know we should not be ashamed of the gospel, but this will also often be tied in with a person. Pressure will be put on us to be ashamed, we need to recognise this, and the attack may sometimes be associated first with a person, a pastor or preacher. Instead of being ashamed, Timothy is urged to share in the suffering for the gospel, and to do so "by the power of God".
1:9
Why should we suffer for the gospel? Because we have been saved and we have been called to a holy calling. We have been rescued from our sin and are destined for eternal life, a share in God's kingdom. And we have been called to the most important, the most significant life possible. God has called us to be involved in His great plan of salvation for the world.
We have this calling not because of our works, but because of His purpose and grace. When we feel weak or discouraged the natural reaction is to focus on ourselves and this tends to lead to us being even more downhearted. Here we see that Paul puts the focus on God. We are called according to His purpose and are qualified by His grace. This is what we should focus on.
This grace and purpose was given to us in Christ "before the ages began", before time began! It is not a recent innovation of God's.
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