Paul told Timothy that the word of God can’t be chained. Paul’s words are just as valid today as when they were written. Some people call the Bible the most dangerous book in the world. Yes, the Bible is dangerous to God’s enemies, and they know it! Throughout history, there have been attempts to silence God’s word by burning it, outlawing it, or other methods to stop God’s word from going forward.
When the communists took over China in 1949, they ordered foreign missionaries to leave, and the persecution began against believers throughout the nation. The goal of the communist was to stop the growth of God’s word and put out its flame. Persecution of the early church resulted in church growth, and the same thing happened in China. Since the early church, governments worldwide have persecuted the church, thinking they could stop God and found out differently. The Christian church continues to grow worldwide despite the opposition.
Chaining Believers Does Not Chain the Gospel
As the Apostle Paul proclaimed the word of God, there was ongoing spiritual opposition, both physical and spiritual. Although this was a difficult time for Paul, He discovered something about God’s word that was simple but profound. What was that? No one can stop God’s Word!
2 Timothy 2:9 And because I (Paul) preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. [1]
A friend’s daughter was smuggling Bibles, and when the police stopped their car, they were visible in the back seat. The officer looked inside the vehicle, but the Lord prevented him from seeing the Bibles, and soon they were on their way. Think of the impact of God’s word on the people who received those Bibles because of God’s intervention; His word will not be stopped.
Each Person is of Value
The Word of God can’t be chained, and the Lord works through believers to bring the good news to others. Sometimes, sharing the good news can bring about persecution, but the suffering is worth it if one person can be saved. When Paul was in prison, that did not stop him from telling those around him the good news of Jesus. Philippians 1:13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.[2]
Something about the Holy Spirit working inside us gives us the words and courage to tell others about Jesus. A friend reflected how God gave her winsome words when witnessing to a person in a store. That was the work of the Holy Spirit because God’s word would not be chained. As people, we can be his vessel to reach people with the good news of Jesus because each person on earth is of great value. Jesus died for our sins on the cross because of His great love for us and our value to Him.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/lead-faithfully
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (2 Ti 2:9–10). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Php 1:13). Tyndale House Publishers.