2 Timothy

Growing in Christ

"He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45)

Overview of Old Testament or New Testament

Links to observations drawn from other books of the Bible

In the Pastoral Epistles, Paul shares with Timothy and Titus principles of caring for the newly emerging churches and choosing leadership for them.

 Introduction: Paul had worked with Timothy since his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3) and left Timothy to oversee the growing work in Ephesus. Paul now write his final and most personal letter to Timothy from his prison cell in Rome before his execution (2 Tim. 4:6). Paul calls Timothy to be faithful soldier of Jesus Christ, willing also to suffer for the Gospel (2:3). The letter was probably written about AD 67, one year before Emperor Nero, who had ordered the wide and severe persecution, himself died.

Practical and Pastoral Observations on 1 Timothy (please read each chapter slowly and meditatively before reading observations below):

2 Timothy 1

Paul's memory of Timothy: While in prison Paul frequently remembers Timothy in prayer (v.3). Paul remembers Timothy's tears in hardship or at parting (v.4), his sincere faith (v.5) and the gift of God given at ordination for use in serving the church (v.6).

God's call on Timothy's life: God's call is holy, from eternity, not based on our goodness but on His grace and for His purpose (v.9). Of this high calling we must not be ashamed nor afraid to suffer (v.8) and for it's fulfillment God gives power, love and discipline (v.7).

Confidence in Christ: Our calling is from Christ who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel (v.10). It is He who is able to guard and hold firm our salvation until the day it is fully revealed (v.12).

Guard the treasure, retain the standard: The standard given us in Christ is high. We guard Christ's gift, the treasure entrusted to us, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us (v.14) and to the high standard of which it is worthy (v.13). Sadly, not all are faithful (v.15). But there are shining examples such as Onesiphorus who served faithfully in Ephesus and then travelled to Rome to search for Paul in prison and care for his needs before execution (v.16-18).  

Personal Response: Christ's call, for which He makes us able, is worthy of suffering as part of our faithfulness to Him. I will draw inspiration from those who served faithfully in hardship; Onesiphorus, Wurmbrandt, Boureima and so many others.

My Prayer: Father, thank you for your high and holy calling in Christ Jesus. Thank you for equipping and enabling me to serve faithfully. Help me not be timid or ashamed but to serve with joy, confident in my Savior and Lord.