Have Faith Ministries

 
2 Timothy 1:1-4 - Wed. PMIf you only had a short time to live and you wanted to send a letter to your Christian child:

1. What would you say to encourage them?

2. What would you write that would Challenge them to live God and Never Retreat from the Lord's Work?

The apostle Paul wrote such a letter to a man that was not his physical son, but was in fact his spiritual son, by way of discipleship. This letter is known as 2 Timothy.

Time of writing - 66 AD

Persecution under Nero had begun in 64 AD

Many churches were struggling to stand firm against the worldly opposition and some of the most brutal torture of Christians ever. Paul knew, during this time of persecution that Churches and their leaders would struggle to stay true to God and His Word. Paul also knew that his time on earth and opportunity to impact the world for Christ was coming to an end.

2 Timothy is Paul's final charge to his dear son in the Lord - Timothy. Timothy is still leading the church in Ephesus and Paul challenges him to:

1. Stand firm in faith and doctrine
2. Fight and guard God's truths
3. Study and accurately deliver God's Word

In general, 2Timothy is a challenge to all Christians to find strength in the Lord as we faithfully serve Him.

v.1, Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

Paul was not saved to live for himself. Read - 2Cor. 5:15. Paul was God's apostle, Jesus' apostle. The word apostle means messenger, sent one. Paul is saying, I am Jesus' sent one.

v. 2, To Timothy (one who honors God),

a beloved son:

2Tim. 1:13, Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

2Tim. 2:2, And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Phil. 2:19, But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20, For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

A traditional greeting is seen in "Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." Explain the importance of these three blessings from God.

Paul's Prayer of Thanks:

v. 3, "I thank God, (for) you in my prayers" is the main thought in the opening of Paul's letter to Timothy. What does this tell us about Paul's esteem for Timothy? Paul is thankful for what the Lord has done and continues to do through this faithful and proven servant Timothy. We all have dear Christian friends that we are thankful for, but we need to make sure we give God the glory and remember that thanks goes to God for what He's done through these dear friend.

Concerning the God Paul thanks "whom I serve with a pure conscience." Paul is writing this letter from a Roman prison cell, more than likely he's in a dungeon. Yet he knows he's serving God with a clear conscience because he's done nothing wrong. In fact, Paul has done right from God's perspective and yet that landed him in prison.

Why is Paul in prison? Had he committed an unrighteous act? No! Paul was in prison because of his service to the Lord. There was nothing to be ashamed about. His conscience was Clear.

v. 3, "as my forefathers did," as the OT saints served the Lord. Paul followed the example of faithful OT saints:

Heb. 11: 24 "By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin"

Heb. 11:36, "Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37, They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented"

Paul's continuous prayer:

"as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day"

What does this say about Paul's concern for Timothy? Paul knew the importance of praying for other Christians that are in battle (see Eph. 6:18-19). Paul cared about Timothy personally and he cared about Timothy's ministry and walk with God.

v. 4, "greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy"

Paul was confined, but his heart longs to be with Timothy. "Mindful of Timothy's tears" perhaps that were shed at their last parting. These men were close dear friends. We've all probably had Christian friends like this. The ones you don't like saying good bye to and the ones you can't wait to see again. Think about Paul and Timothy's relationship. Is wasn't just a fluff relationship. No, there relationship was built upon the things that really matter for eternity. Timothy wanted Paul's input into his own life and Paul knew he had the responsibility to guide and correct Timothy. This is real godly friendship. So much of what some Christians have today is nothing but worldly friendship with little to no impact or concern for God's will and purpose in that friendship.

It's hard to imagine what Timothy was going through as Paul sent Timothy out to do the Lord's work. I'm sure Timothy would miss having his teacher right be his side to tell him what to do next and how to do it. That's what first and second Timothy are about. They fill in the gaps of guidance in Paul's absence.

v. 5, "when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you,"

Remember, this goes back to Paul's constant prayer and thanksgiving for Timothy. Genuine faith means without hypocrisy, real, sincere. WYSIWUG (what you see is what you get). Concerning this faith, Paul commends two faithful women that had a great spiritual impact on Timothy.

v. 5..."which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also."

What an important reminder of the influence Mothers and Grandmothers have on their children and children's children. No Christian should ever say, "I have no one I can influence for Christ." Just look around and start influencing your own family for Christ FIRST. Then when you've had a good start with your family start looking for those outside of your family to influence.

2:15, "and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

In every way and at every opportunity teach your children God's Word starting when they are very young. God may choose to do incredible things with that early Scripture preparation. That preparation may also be the very thing that brings a wayward Adult back to God. I think of John Newton who wrote "Amazing Grace". He grew up being taught the Scriptures by his faithful Christian mother. When he became an adult, he walked far away from the things of God and became hated even by sinful pagan men. Then slowly but surely those verses that John Newton's mother had taught him as a child began to challenge and convict his empty and selfish life style.

Application to discuss and apply:

The importance of Prayer
The importance of Genuine faith
The importance of a mother's spiritual care