As I've been working through 2 Timothy in preparation for our new sermon series, it has been abundantly clear that life and ministry for Paul was not straight forward. At the time he wrote he was at the end of his life, in chains and being abandoned by other believers.
In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul gives a candid account of his experiences,
"Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move.
I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.
I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches."
Through it all Paul never loses his focus. It has always been to remain faithful to the gospel of the Lord Jesus and our of concern for God's people.
At the moment we face much that is uncertain and in the face of it all the Apostle Paul is a great encouragement.
Firstly, he helps us focus on what is important. His suffering is for the gospel, so that people will come to know and be saved by the Lord Jesus.
Second, he gives us context. Who of us can say they've been through what he has for the sake of Jesus? Our challenges can be put in some perspective!
Third, his example gives us hope. As we will see on Sunday, it is not just about our own strength to guard the gospel but also God's power to work in us.
'I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.' 2 Timothy 1:12
Finally, Paul's life gives us confidence that God's work will prevail even during difficulty. Churches were planted, people came to faith and the next generation of leaders were raised up to continue the work.
We're privileged to see the same at City on a Hill. Even through a difficult season there is much for us to be joyful and hopeful about in God and what he is doing in and through our church.
Below is a bit of a video update of some these things that are happening at church. Please take the time to watch it and be praying that we will continue to multiply and mature followers of Jesus here in Wellington and beyond.
Grace & peace,
Andrew