Finish Line Faith, 5: Remember, the gospel is free, but not cheap
By Matt Proctor*
When Paul was arrested, many turned their backs on him, and perhaps even on Christianity. At one point, he says, “Everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me” (2 Timothy 1:15).
But thank the Lord, Paul at least had Onesiphorus, a man from Ephesus. Even when Paul was im prison, Onesiphorus did not turn his back on his friend. He traveled the 1,200 miles from Ephesus to Rome, and when he arrived in the great city, he tramped through the streets and alleys, government buildings and ghettoes, searching for Paul until he found him.
Understand: there was great risk in associating with an enemy of the Empire. Why would Onesiphorus make such a personal sacrifice? Because of the bond he shared with Paul in the gospel. He was comitted to Paul because he was committed to Jesus.
Throughout our world, many are making personal sacrifices because they are unwilling to let the gospel be compromised.
But the good news is that as God’s people, we don’t have to suffer in our own strength. In both 1:14 and 2:1, Paul reminds Timothy that the Spirit of Christ within him will give him the strength he needs.
At some point, you may be called on to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. Are you willing to pay the price?
I once heard a pastor share about visiting Washington, D.C. He stopped at a store to check out the souvenirs and picked up a little bronze replica of the World War II Memorial to the Marines who fought at Iwo Jima. The disinterested man behind the counter suddenly perked up, sensing a potential sale. “Cheap!” he said with a smile “Only ten dollars!”
My friend nodded, put the bronze replica back, and walked on, thinking to himself, No, not cheap. Not cheap at all.
In 36 days of fighting, the Marines sustained more than 25,000 casualties on Iwo Jima—including 7,000 fatalities. There was nothing cheap about it. As Americans, these men received their freedom at no cost, but to defend that freedom, they paid a great price.
Likewise, as Christians we receive the gospel at no cost, but to defend the gospel, we may have to pay a great price. The gospel is free, but it is not cheap.
Especially for Caregivers:
• Thank God today for those whose personal sacrifice resulted in your knowing the truth of the gospel.
• Thank God for how the sacrifice of Jesus gives you hope to carry on with your caregiving duties.
• Consider what sacrifice(s) you might make that would help spread the gospel even today.—M.T.
Read: 2 Timothy 1:13—2:2
Pray: I realize, Lord, that the life-giving freedom I have in Christ came to me at great sacrifice, and I thank you. Help me to see what sacrifices I can make that will extend this freedom to others.
* This devotion is adapted from a new book by Matt Proctor, president of Ozark Christian College (Joplin, Missouri) (c) 2024. Finish Line Faith is a 12-week study of 2 Timothy perfect for any group or Bible study, and this devotion gives only a taste of the down-to-earth encouragement it provides. Click here for information on ordering copies for yourself or your group.