SCRIPTURE: 2 TIMOTHY 1
INTRODUCTION:
Paul was still in prison at Rome when he wrote this letter to Timothy. Paul knew that he had a slim chance to get our of prison and that he would be facing death. So he wrote this letter to encourage Timothy to continue his missionary work, to be faithful and true to Christian doctrines and to lead the church away from false teachings. In his final words, he reminded him of his loneliness and his strong love for his brothers and sisters in Christ. This letter was his last words to Timothy telling him to stand courageously for the truth empowered by the Holy Spirit.
BIBLE VERSES:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” ( 2 Timothy 1:7)
“And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because 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 1:11-12)
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
ENCOURAGEMENT TO BE FAITHFUL (vs. 3-18)
Paul used prayer to encourage Timothy in his ministry. He knew Timothy was timid so he told him that God gives the spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. He advised him not to be ashamed to testify the gospel nor ashamed of him who was in chain. He gave a brief summary of the Good News. God loves us, choose us, and sent Christ to die for us. We can have eternal life through faith in Him because he broke the power of death with His resurrection. His grace offers us salvation so that we can be saved. What we must do is to believe in Him and accept his offer.
Paul was in prison. But he was not ashamed to suffer for Christ because he believed and was convinced that God is able to guard what He had entrusted to him.
Paul mentioned two men – Phygelus and Hermogenes who had deserted him and opposed his ministry. He also commented Onesiphorus, who refreshed him and was not ashamed of his chains. In fact, he searched for him until he had found him.
THOUGHTS:
Prayer is an effective means to remember believers in Christ who are separated. It provides a source of encouragement to each other. We should pray consistently for one another especially for those who are doing God’s work.
The Christian influence of Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois resulted in Timothy’s dedication to the Lord’s work. Whatever our role is – as parents, spouse, children, brothers or sisters, we should let them see Christ’s love in us so that we can bring them to Christ and serve Him faithfully.
Timothy had received spiritual gift when Paul and the elders laid their hands on him to set him apart for ministry. God also gives each believer gifts to use. Let us use our gifts to build up the body of Christ.
Paul mentioned three characters of an effective Christian leader: Love, power and self-discipline. All these are by-products of the Holy Spirit that lives in us.