2 Timothy (2020)

Paul directs young Timothy not to start a new spiritual fire but to kindle afresh the fire he already has. It hasn't gone out; it merely needs to be stoked back up to a roaring blaze. It doesn't need something new, just more of what fed the fire in the first place. He needs to return to the basics of his faith. A little more time in the Word, in prayer, in fellowship with God's people will go a long way in rekindling smoldering embers.

What would be worth enduring shame for? Paul encourages Timothy to join him as a shameless messenger of the good news that saves. The testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes and is, therefor, a worthwhile reason to gladly endure suffering and shame to share this good news. The Gospel is worth it!

in Paul's final letter, he has a final charge for Timothy - to look after the great treasure of the Gospel which Paul entrusted to him. Ben Foust describes how we are carry on this same great legacy today.

In Paul's final letter to Timothy, he explains how to transmit the legacy of the Gospel through the passing on of the Gospel message to individuals, from life to life. Jim Leffel explains how we can carry on this disciple-making process today.

Although imprisoned, Paul expressed great confidence in his mission. Jim Leffel discusses how we can remain confident in the calling we have received from God, despite the circumstances.

After comparing the mature believer to a farmer, soldier, and athlete, Paul finishes his description with a 4th metaphor: the common laborer who skillfully uses God's Word. Jim Leffel describes how we can be approved workmen today.

Timothy is charged with arguing well with fellow Christians who are falling for false doctrine. \r\nWhy should we ever argue? There are good reasons to argue, not over words, but for the sake of righteousness, when it is for the sake of someone's genuine good. Useful arguing is for the sake of God's priorities. \r\nWhen should we argue? Christians often do not address problems that matter or vigorously argue over problems that don't matter. Instead, God's way is to choose, in love, what battles are important enough in which to engage. Are you arguing in order to rescue this person from a snare?\r\nHow then should we argue? A Christian should not be quarrelsome, but instead, be kind to all, skillful in teaching and be patient when wronged. Humbleness is the key to arguing well.

Paul charges Timothy to confront false teachings in the church. Paul tells him the false teachers are on a path divergent from Timothy's path. The false teachers' path is based on lies and will not lead to fulfilling God's purpose, but Timothy is on a true and better path that, though it includes suffering and persecution, will accomplish God's purpose. \r\nPaul calls Timothy to do three things: To realize, to avoid and to continue. \r\nTimothy must realize the trajectory of the world. Because people are fallen and have rejected God, the world will only go from bad to worse. The world is full of people who are lovers of self rather than God. \r\nTimothy must avoid the influence of the way of the world. Do not be captivated by the worldly allure of living for self. It is a powerful current that must be resisted. \r\nInstead, continue in the better way, the way Timothy had been taught since youth, the way of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the antidote to the life built on self.

Paul exhorts Timothy to let the Word of God be his foundation and not let anyone budge him away from it. It is the avenue in which people can be saved. The Word is truth from God. It is revelation from God, not human speculation. It is useful for transforming, over time, new believers into capable workers for God. Paul sums up his main point as, "Go, preach the Word!"

Knowing the end of his life is near, Paul charges Timothy to fulfill his ministry with restraint and endurance. He exhorts him to run his race, fight the good fight, and receive the crown of righteousness when he has fulfilled his ministry. Even though his life was about to end, Paul filled his message to Timothy with encouragement to finish well as he had done.

As Paul is facing the end of his life in prison, he recounts those who have faithfully stuck by him in ministry and those who regretfully, have abandoned or rejected him and the ministry. In spite of the betrayals, Paul remains committed to being invested in people despite the risks and personal costs. He was able to do so because, "The Lord stood with (him) and strengthened (him)..." The love of Jesus sustained him in his effort to love people who sometimes grievously let him down. \r\n\r\nSome keys to his ability to keep loving others were his commitment to live without bitterness, his understanding of the fallenness of human nature, and his staying close to Jesus.