We are living in a day of ruin and departure from those precious things that our God would have us to enjoy. But we can only enjoy them if we walk in the path God has marked out for us. In 2 Timothy 1, we have the spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind; three essentials to maintain us in this evil day. But in ver. 8 we are exhorted not to be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Faithfulness to the Lord's testimony may bring reproach, hatred and all the bitter feelings of which the flesh is capable; but when we know that we have been called with an holy calling, according to God's purpose and grace, given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, how great is the consolation and encouragement. All has now come to light in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; death is annulled, and incorruptibility has been brought to light in the Gospel. God's great victory is seen in the resurrection of Christ; and no one can overthrow that foundation on which God has laid a new order of things in association with Christ for evermore.
R. Duncanson.