2 Timothy 1

Bible Study with Pastor Terry Gray

When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, it was during a period of time when it was extremely hard to be a Christian. It was illegal to preach the Word, and anyone who stood for Christ would be killed.

2 Timothy was the last thing that Paul ever wrote. Paul was facing persecution for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, and he decided to use his last moment on Earth to write to his dearest friend Timothy. Because Paul was facing death, there is a sense of urgency in the tone of his writing. Also, in terms of writing style, compared to Romans, this letter is not as organized (likely due to the sense of urgency to get his last message out as quickly as possible).

2 Timothy 1:1-7

While composing this letter, Paul knew young Timothy was going to be left behind in very dark times. There was nothing Paul could physically do to comfort Timothy, but he never stopped praying for or encouraging Timothy (2 Timothy 1:3). Paul's encouragements would bring comfort and strength to Timothy and in turn helps Timothy to remain strong in his faith. Similarly, we may find that sometimes there is nothing we can physically do to help others. But, there is never really "nothing" we can do. We can always PRAY. As Pastor Gray said, "There is something about encouraging prayers that fuel the flame."

From Paul's tone, we can also sense that Timothy may be timid about his mission to evangelize due to the cruel persecutions of Christians. However, Paul reminded him to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6).

As Christians, we are here to spread the Good News to all people, all over the world. We have been warned by Jesus that standing with and for Him is not an easy task, but we should not be discouraged or afraid. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)."

It may be disheartening to see the suffering of Paul, but he wrote, "Of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am... because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that Jesus is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day" (2 Timothy 1:11-12)."

For me, this is a very powerful encouragement, because when things get tough, and I'm reminded of the sovereignty of who I have chose to trust, all doubts and fears clear away. Jesus has died for our sins and have made us righteous through Him. Our only mission left during whatever time we have left on this Earth, in this mortal body, is to spread that Good News and share it with all that we love. And if enemies of Jesus threaten us for our loyalty to Lord Jesus, what have we to fear, really? Jesus has conquered death and promises eternal life!

Fighting for Jesus may be difficult, but it will never be as difficult as the sufferings Jesus took on for the world when the world crucified Him. And fighting for Jesus may be difficult, but it is worth every second that we get to spend with Jesus.




2 Timothy 1:8-12


The Good News is a Gospel worth suffering for!


Paul never backed down in being an active Christian because he believed the Gospel is worth dying for.


Why?


1. Through the Gospel, people are saved


2. Through the Gospel, people receive a holy calling and become transformed


3. Through the Gospel, people come to understand God and His Grace


4. Through the Gospel, people understand life after death. The Gospel shines light on immortality