Paul knows as he writes this final epistle that his days on earth ore quickly drawing to a close. About to relinquish his heavy burdens, the godly apostle seeks to challenge and strengthen his somewhat timid but faithful associate, Timothy, in his difficult ministry in Ephesus. ln spite of Paul’s bleak circumstances, this is o letter of encouragement that urges Timothy on to steadfastness in the fulfillment of his divinely appointed task. Paul calls Timothy a "good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2:3), and it is clear from the sharp imperatives that this letter is really a combat manual for use in the spiritual warfare: "stir up" ('l :6); "Do not be ashamed" (cf. 1:8, 12-13); "shore with me in the sufferings" (1 :8); "Hold fast...sound words" (1 :13); "That good thing...keep" (1 :14); "be strong" (2:1); "endure hardship" (2:3); "Be diligent to present yourself approved" (2:15); "Flee...pursue" (2:22); "avoid" (2:23); "You...must beware" ( 4 :l5). Central to everything in Second Timothy is the sure foundation of the Word of God. Paul focuses on the need to persevere in present testing (1-2) and to endure in future testing (3-4).
Persevere in Present testing (J-2): After his salutation to his "beloved son" (1:1-2), Paul expresses his thanksgiving for Timothy's "genuine faith" (l: 3-5). He then encourages Timothy to stand firm in the power of the gospel and to overcome any fear in the face of opposition. At personal risk, Onesiphorus boldly sought out Paul in Rome, but most of the Asian Christians failed to stand behind Paul at the time of his arrest. Timothy must remain faithful and not fear possible persecution. Paul then exhorts his spiritual son to reproduce in the lives of others what he has received in Christ (four generations are mentioned in2:2). He is responsible to work hard and discipline himself like a teacher, a soldier, a farmer, a workman, a vessel, and a servant, following the example of Paul’s perseverance (2: l-13). In his dealings with others, Timothy must not become entangled in false speculation, foolish quarrels, or youthful lusts, which would hamper his effectiveness. As he pursues "righteousness, faith, love, peace" (2:22), he must know how to graciously overcome error.
Endure in Future testing (3-4): Paul anticipates o time of growing apostasy and wickedness when men and women will be increasingly susceptible to empty religiosity and false teaching (3: l -9). Arrogance and godlessness will breed further deception and persecution, but Timothy must not waiver in using the Scripture to combat doctrinal error and moral evil (3:I0-l7). The Scriptures are inspired ("God-breathed") and with them Timothy is equipped to carry out the ministry to which he was called. Paul’s final exhortation to Timothy (4: l -5) is a classic summary of the task of the man of God to proclaim the gospel in spite of opposing circumstances. This very personal letter closes with an update of Paul’s situation in Rome along with certain requests (4:6-22). Paul longs to see Timothy before the end, and he also needs certain articles, especially “the parchments” (probably portions of the Old Testament Scriptures).
Second Timothy:
by Rob Morgan
Mar 5, 2013
Second Timothy:
Paul knows as he writes this final epistle that his days on earth ore quickly drawing to a close. About to relinquish his heavy burdens, the godly apostle seeks to challenge and strengthen his somewhat timid but faithful associate, Timothy, in his difficult ministry in Ephesus. ln spite of Paul’s bleak circumstances, this is o letter of encouragement that urges Timothy on to steadfastness in the fulfillment of his divinely appointed task. Paul calls Timothy a "good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2:3), and it is clear from the sharp imperatives that this letter is really a combat manual for use in the spiritual warfare: "stir up" ('l :6); "Do not be ashamed" (cf. 1:8, 12-13); "shore with me in the sufferings" (1 :8); "Hold fast...sound words" (1 :13); "That good thing...keep" (1 :14); "be strong" (2:1); "endure hardship" (2:3); "Be diligent to present yourself approved" (2:15); "Flee...pursue" (2:22); "avoid" (2:23); "You...must beware" ( 4 :l5). Central to everything in Second Timothy is the sure foundation of the Word of God. Paul focuses on the need to persevere in present testing (1-2) and to endure in future testing (3-4).
Persevere in Present testing (J-2): After his salutation to his "beloved son" (1:1-2), Paul expresses his thanksgiving for Timothy's "genuine faith" (l: 3-5). He then encourages Timothy to stand firm in the power of the gospel and to overcome any fear in the face of opposition. At personal risk, Onesiphorus boldly sought out Paul in Rome, but most of the Asian Christians failed to stand behind Paul at the time of his arrest. Timothy must remain faithful and not fear possible persecution. Paul then exhorts his spiritual son to reproduce in the lives of others what he has received in Christ (four generations are mentioned in2:2). He is responsible to work hard and discipline himself like a teacher, a soldier, a farmer, a workman, a vessel, and a servant, following the example of Paul’s perseverance (2: l-13). In his dealings with others, Timothy must not become entangled in false speculation, foolish quarrels, or youthful lusts, which would hamper his effectiveness. As he pursues "righteousness, faith, love, peace" (2:22), he must know how to graciously overcome error.
Endure in Future testing (3-4): Paul anticipates o time of growing apostasy and wickedness when men and women will be increasingly susceptible to empty religiosity and false teaching (3: l -9). Arrogance and godlessness will breed further deception and persecution, but Timothy must not waiver in using the Scripture to combat doctrinal error and moral evil (3:I0-l7). The Scriptures are inspired ("God-breathed") and with them Timothy is equipped to carry out the ministry to which he was called. Paul’s final exhortation to Timothy (4: l -5) is a classic summary of the task of the man of God to proclaim the gospel in spite of opposing circumstances. This very personal letter closes with an update of Paul’s situation in Rome along with certain requests (4:6-22). Paul longs to see Timothy before the end, and he also needs certain articles, especially “the parchments” (probably portions of the Old Testament Scriptures).