Reference

2 Timothy 2:1-14

MESSAGE SUMMARY 

2 Timothy is a farewell discourse from Paul to Timothy. It is one of his last recorded letters before his execution.


The relationship between Paul and Timothy is like a teacher and a student, a mentor and a protege, a father and a son. Timothy is assigned by Paul to remain at the city of Ephesus. 2 Timothy is Paul’s letter to Timothy to ask him to see him one last time.

Paul acknowledges the difficulty that Timothy is facing at Ephesus

  • False teaching (2:16-18)
  • Godlessness (3:1-9)
  • People turning away from the truth (4:3-4)

Paul affirms (and encourages) Timothy that it will not get any easier any time soon:

  • Share in suffering for the gospel (1:8)
  • Share in suffering as a good soldier (2:3)
  • Die with Christ, endure with Him (2:11-12)
  • Follow my persecutions and sufferings (3:10)
  • All who follow Christ will be persecuted (3:12)
  • Endure suffering, do the work, fulfill the ministry (4:5)

These sayings apply to the modern church as well:

The mark of a Christian is suffering, and hardwork, not comfort.

  • One of the dangers of Christians living in the pandemic is comfort. But is a comfortable Christian really a Christian?

Paul exhorts the church to:
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. There are three marks of a good soldier (2:3-6):

  • Focused soldier
  • Obedient athlete
  • Diligent farmer

We do this by the power of God:

  • Recall the starting point of our faith (1:5)
  • Rekindle the gift of God (1:5-6)
  • Reconnect to the spirit of power and love and self-control (5:7)

The promise is:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him.
If we endure, we will also reign with him. (2:11-12)

MUSIC CREDIT

The Lord Our God
Words and Music by Kristian Stanfill and Jason Ingram

Way Maker
Words and Music by Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu

Goodness of God
Words & Music by  Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson

Christ be Magnified
Words and Music by Cody Carnes, Cory Asbury and Ethan Hulse