By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
CONFIDENCE
2 Timothy 1:3–14
According to tradition Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy from an underground chamber in Rome’s Mamertine prison. Based on the end of 2 Timothy, it seems Paul had already received a court hearing (4:16–18) and expected to be executed soon (4:6–8). As Paul neared the end of his life on earth he wrote his son in the faith to bolster his confidence in the Lord and the gospel. He wanted Timothy to finish strong.
Heritage (3–5)
Paul expressed his love for Timothy by thanking God for him and by interceding for him. Even with the end of his life in sight Paul was not finished yet. He wanted to finish strong. He had important work to do — praying for his disciple, Timothy. Perhaps you are confined to your home and can no longer get out and go as you once did. Never forget that praying for others is important work.
Timothy not only had a mentor but he also had a godly mother and grandmother. Timothy, like these ladies, possessed a sincere faith. A genuine faith makes a difference in how you live. External transformation is the evidence of an internal regeneration.
These women taught the Scriptures to Timothy from his infancy (2 Tim. 3:15). After coming to faith in Christ their understanding of Scripture was Christ-centered. They came to understand the Scriptures “are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (3:15).
Gifted (6–7)
Paul knew the fire of Timothy’s charisma (the gift of God’s grace that enabled the younger man to serve as the apostle’s representative) was burning low. Ephesus was not an easy place to serve the Lord. In his first letter Paul instructed Timothy to remain in Ephesus. Apparently, Timothy desired an easier place to serve.
Paul reminded him to rekindle into a living flame the divine gift of ordination. The flame had not gone out but it was burning slowly and had to be agitated to white heat. The times were serious. Paul was about to step into eternity. Timothy must carry on the gospel mission faithfully. The gift of the Holy Spirit must not be quenched.
Paul encouraged Timothy to fight his tendency toward fearfulness. The Holy Spirit is not the Spirit of fear but of power, love and sound judgment. Paul’s advice to Timothy applies also to us.
Avail yourself of this unlimited, never-failing power and you will proclaim God’s truth. Avail yourself of this never-ending love and you will comfort God’s children. Avail yourself of sound judgment and you will wage battle against cowardice.
If a person fears Satan’s persecuting power more than he trusts God’s ability and readiness to help he has lost his mental balance.
Unashamed (8–12)
When we are not ashamed to proclaim the gospel and we fulfill our responsibility to guard the unchanging gospel, we should expect to suffer for the gospel. Paul exhorted Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel. We are bold about that which we are passionate about. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus the more passionate about Him we become.
Paul also exhorted Timothy to suffer for the gospel. We too should be willing to suffer for the gospel by the power of God because the gospel is worth it.
The gospel is worth it because God saves, sanctifies and glorifies sinners by His grace not according to their works. The gospel is the only remedy for humanity’s sinful condition.
Loyal (1:13–14)
We are to be guardians of the gospel. Empowered by the Holy Spirit we follow the pattern of sound teaching. We’re not called to be creative; we’re called to be faithful. We are to preserve, protect and proclaim the one true gospel that saves sinners.
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