SCRIPTURE: 2 TIMOTHY 1
INTRODUCTION:
Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy while he was still being imprisoned in Rome. He thought that he would soon die so he wanted to encourage Timothy with more instructions on how to lead a church and warned him to stay away from false teachers. He was passing him the torch of leadership, reminding him of what was the true Christian teachings and encouraging him in faith. He reminded Timothy of the qualities necessary for a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, to be disciplined and ready to endure suffering by keeping his eyes and mind focused on Christ. Paul challenged Timothy to hold to sound doctrine, reject error and avoid godless chatter, handle the word of truth correctly and keep his life pure. He told Timothy to be prepared for unfaithful people by remembering his example, understanding the real source of the opposition and finding strength and power in the Word of God. He charged Timothy to preach the Word and fulfill his ministry until the end.
MEMORY VERSE:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self -discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)
ENCOURAGEMENT TO BE FAITHFUL (vs. 3-18)
- Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you. (v. 6)
- Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord. (v. 8)
- Join with me in suffering for the gospel. (v. 8)_
- Keep what you heard from me as the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus. (v. 13)
- Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (v. 13-14)
The gospel has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearance of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (vs. (v. 9-10) Paul was suffering because of the gospel but he was not ashamed because he knew whom he had believed and was convinced that God is able to guard what he had entrusted to the Lord for that day.
Paul mentioned two persons that had deserted him – Phygelus and Hermogenes. He also acknowledged the household of Onesiphorus who refreshed him and was not ashamed of Paul’s chains. He also searched Paul when he was in Rome and helped Paul in many ways in Ephesus.
THOUGHTS:
Paul had considered Timothy as his friend, his fellow traveler, his son in the faith, and a strong leader in the Christian church. Although they were separated from each other, their prayers provided a source of mutual encouragement. We too, should pray consistently for each other, especially for those who are doing God’s work.
Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were early Christian converts. They had communicated their strong Christian faith to Timothy even though his father was not a believer. Family is a fertile field to plant seeds of the Good News. If you become a parent, be sure to share your faith with your descendants.
During the time of his ordination, Timothy had received special gifts of the Spirit to enable him to serve the church. Timothy needed the courage and self-discipline to hang on to the truth and to use the gifts he had already received. The Holy Spirit will give him the power to step out in faith and proclaim the Good News. When you use the gifts God has given you, you will find that God will also give you the power you need.
In the time of mounting persecution, Timothy might be afraid to continue preaching the Good News. Paul told Timothy to expect suffering. But Paul promised Timothy that God would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer. In times of persecution, it is difficult to share our faith in Christ to others. But we can call on the Holy Spirit to give us courage.