2 Timothy

2 Timothy

 

WHEN IT'S TIME TO PASS THE TORCH​

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Paul is in prison. Again. But this time is different. This isn't house arrest like before. This is a cold, dark cell. Chained like a criminal. Abandoned by most of his friends. Facing imminent execution.

 

He knows he won't get out. His time is almost up. The end is near.

 

So he writes one last letter. To Timothy. His beloved son in the faith. His protégé. His successor.

 

This is Paul's final letter. His last words. His parting charge. And the tone is urgent, personal, emotional. Paul's not writing theological treatises anymore. He's passing the torch. Encouraging a young pastor. Preparing him for what's ahead. Warning him about hard times coming. Urging him to remain faithful.

 

Second Timothy is Paul's farewell. It's tender and tough. Grateful and urgent. Reflective and forward looking. Paul knows he's fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith. Now he's charging Timothy to do the same.

 

If you've ever felt alone in ministry, if you've been tempted to give up, if you're facing opposition and wondering if it's worth it, read 2 Timothy. Paul will encourage you, warn you, and charge you to remain faithful no matter what.

 

A note before we begin:

Second Timothy is four chapters of Paul's final instructions to his protégé. This summary covers the major themes, but the emotional weight of Paul's last letter and his urgent charge to Timothy deserve your full attention. After this overview, open your Bible and read all four chapters of 2 Timothy yourself. Let Paul's final words strengthen your resolve to remain faithful.

 

Encouragement to Be Faithful

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, writes to Timothy, his dear son. Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I'm reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I'm persuaded, now lives in you also.

 

Paul thanks God for Timothy. He remembers him constantly in prayers. He recalls Timothy's tears. He longs to see him. He's reminded of Timothy's sincere faith, which lived first in his grandmother and mother.

 

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us doesn't make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline.

 

Timothy needs to fan into flame his gift. The Spirit doesn't make us timid. He gives power, love, and self discipline.

 

So don't be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me His prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we've done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

 

Don't be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul. Join in suffering for the gospel. God saved us and called us to a holy life. Not because of what we've done, but because of His purpose and grace. Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light.

 

And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That's why I'm suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I've believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I've entrusted to Him until that day.

 

Paul's suffering for the gospel. But he's not ashamed. He knows whom he's believed. Christ is able to guard what Paul's entrusted to Him.

 

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you, guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

 

Keep the pattern of sound teaching. Guard the good deposit. With the help of the Holy Spirit.

 

You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

 

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and wasn't ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he'll find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

 

Many deserted Paul. But Onesiphorus wasn't ashamed of Paul's chains. He searched for Paul in Rome. He helped him.

 

The Appeal Renewed

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you've heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who'll also be qualified to teach others.

 

Timothy should be strong in grace. What he heard from Paul, entrust to reliable people who can teach others.

 

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete doesn't receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

 

Suffer like a good soldier. A soldier doesn't get entangled in civilian affairs. An athlete must compete according to the rules. A hardworking farmer receives a share of crops.

 

Reflect on what I'm saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

 

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I'm suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word isn't chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

 

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead. Paul's suffering, chained like a criminal. But God's word isn't chained. Paul endures everything for the elect.

 

Here is a trustworthy saying: if we died with Him, we'll also live with Him; if we endure, we'll also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He'll also disown us; if we're faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.

 

Approved Workmen

Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it's of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

 

Don't quarrel about words. It's worthless. Do your best to present yourself to God as approved. A worker who correctly handles the word of truth.

 

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Amongst them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who've departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

 

Avoid godless chatter. It leads to more ungodliness. False teaching spreads like gangrene. Some say the resurrection already happened. They destroy faith.

 

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: the Lord knows those who are His, and, everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.

 

God's foundation stands firm. The Lord knows those who are His. Everyone who confesses His name must turn from wickedness.

 

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

 

In a large house, some articles are for special purposes, some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves will be instruments for special purposes. Holy. Useful to the Master.

 

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they'll come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

 

Flee evil desires of youth. Pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace. Avoid foolish arguments. They produce quarrels. The Lord's servant must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Gently instruct opponents.

 

Terrible Times in the Last Days

But mark this: there'll be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

 

Terrible times are coming. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They'll have a form of godliness but deny its power. Have nothing to do with them.

 

They're the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They're men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they won't get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

 

False teachers worm their way into homes. Gain control over gullible people. Always learning but never able to know the truth. They oppose the truth. Depraved minds. But they won't get far. Their folly will be clear.

 

You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings, what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, whilst evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

 

Timothy knows about Paul's teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings. The Lord rescued Paul. Everyone who wants to live godly will be persecuted. Evildoers will go from bad to worse.

 

But as for you, continue in what you've learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you've known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Timothy should continue in what he's learned. From infancy he's known the Scriptures, which make him wise for salvation.

 

All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

All Scripture is God breathed. Useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, training in righteousness. So the servant of God is thoroughly equipped.

 

Paul's Charge to Timothy

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people won't put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they'll gather round them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They'll turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

 

Paul charges Timothy: preach the word. Be prepared always. Correct, rebuke, encourage with patience and instruction. The time will come when people won't tolerate sound doctrine. They'll gather teachers to say what they want to hear. They'll turn from truth to myths. But Timothy must keep his head. Endure hardship. Do the work of an evangelist. Discharge all duties of ministry.

 

For I'm already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I've fought the good fight, I've finished the race, I've kept the faith. Now there's in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.

 

Paul's time is near. He's fought the good fight. Finished the race. Kept the faith. The crown of righteousness awaits him. And all who have longed for Christ's appearing.

 

Personal Remarks

Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he's helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

 

Demas deserted Paul because he loved this world. Only Luke is with Paul. Timothy should bring Mark.

 

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

 

Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he's done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

 

At my first defence, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

At Paul's first defence, everyone deserted him. But the Lord stood with him. Gave him strength. The message was fully proclaimed. The Lord will rescue Paul and bring him safely to His heavenly kingdom.

 

Final Greetings

Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus ill in Miletus. Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

 

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

 

What This Means for You

Second Timothy is Paul's final letter, his farewell charge to Timothy. He's facing execution. He's fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith. Now he's passing the torch to Timothy, urging him to remain faithful no matter what.

 

Here's what 2 Timothy teaches you:

Fan into flame the gift of God. The Spirit gives power, love, and self discipline.

 

Don't be ashamed of the gospel. Join in suffering for it. Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light.

 

Guard the good deposit entrusted to you. With the help of the Holy Spirit.

 

Be strong in grace. Entrust what you've learned to reliable people who can teach others.

 

Suffer like a good soldier. Don't get entangled in civilian affairs.

 

Do your best to present yourself to God as approved. A worker who correctly handles the word of truth.

 

Flee evil desires. Pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace.

 

Terrible times are coming. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Have nothing to do with them.

 

Continue in what you've learned. All Scripture is God breathed and useful for equipping you.

 

Preach the word. Be prepared always. Correct, rebuke, encourage.

 

Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith. The crown of righteousness awaits.

 

Your Next Steps

Second Timothy challenges you to remain faithful, especially when times are hard and people desert you.

 

Are you fanning into flame your gift? Or letting it smoulder? The Spirit gives power, love, and self discipline. Use them.

 

Are you ashamed of the gospel? Don't be ashamed.

 

Are you guarding the good deposit? Sound doctrine. The pattern of sound teaching. Guard it with the Holy Spirit's help.

 

Are you entrusting what you've learned to reliable people? Pass it on.

 

Are you correctly handling the word of truth? Study it. Understand it. Teach it accurately.

 

Are you prepared to preach in season and out of season? Whether convenient or not? Be ready always.

 

Have you fought the good fight? Are you finishing the race? Are you keeping the faith? The crown awaits those who do.

 

Read It Yourself

This summary covers 2 Timothy's major themes, but the emotional weight of Paul's final letter deserves your full attention. This is Paul's farewell. His last words. His final charge. Second Timothy is only four chapters.

 

Don't just read about 2 Timothy. Read 2 Timothy. Open your Bible and read all four chapters. Let Paul's final words strengthen your resolve to remain faithful. Let his example inspire you to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.

 

Pass the Torch

That's what Paul's doing in 2 Timothy. He's passing the torch to Timothy. He's fought his fight. Finished his race. Kept his faith.

 

Now it's Timothy's turn. And yours.

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The Lord will stand with you. Give you strength. Rescue you from every evil attack. Bring you safely to His heavenly kingdom.

 

To Him be glory for ever and ever.

 

 

Scripture paraphrased and quoted from various translations for clarity.

© The Unknown Believer