Most of II Timothy is an exhortation to faithful proclamation of the gospel in challenging circumstances. “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message, be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching” (II Timothy 4:1-2). The urgency in that is hard to miss.

Yet although the message is inescapably verbal – how could it not be, with terms like ‘proclaim,’ ‘rebuke,’ and ‘convince’ – there are also important relational and exemplary aspects to it. “What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well” (2:2). In that brief line no less than four generations of discipleship are listed: Paul, teaching Timothy, teaching faithful people, teaching others. The gospel advances through the relationship between these various people, as each Christian generation seeks to make disciples who make disciples.

And “Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2:3). Nobody is eager for hard times, yet it remains true that your message is more persuasive when I can see that you still believe it in the midst of disaster, pain, and persecution. That is, if you preach a health-and-wealth gospel, and I can see that you’re healthy and rich, I might sign right up because I hope I’ll quickly get some health and wealth, too. But hard times show up, sooner or later, for everyone. When the hard times hit me, I’ll get discouraged and unpersuaded pretty fast, and I’ll quit.

But suppose, instead, you preach the sustaining grace of Jesus in the midst of suffering. And suppose that I can see the example of how his grace is sustaining you in the midst of your own “share of suffering.” That’s what I need: a gospel that’s strong enough to help me on the good days and the bad days, during celebrations and sorrows. That’s a message that will have staying power during my own struggles.

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Help us to proclaim your gospel to this needy world, O Lord. Give us diligence in speaking your word, with fervor and urgency. Give us compassion and relationship, to teach the message from generation to generation. And give us faithfulness in the midst of hard times; give us your sustaining presence; so that all the world can see that your grace is sufficient in all our suffering.