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
Way Maker
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