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2Timothy 1:1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 

This letter is noted as the last to be written by Paul before he was executed.  Paul opens five other letters by identifying himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God  (2Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and 1Timothy).  Knowing that he is facing death, it is telling that he includes a reference to the promise of life in Christ Jesus in the opening of this last letter.  Paul is just as sure of life after death with the Lord as he was of his calling as an apostle.  Why wouldn’t he be?  He knew without a doubt that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord because he had visited God’s dwelling place.

2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 12:1–4 “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”

2Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Paul considered Timothy as a “dearly beloved son” because he was his spiritual father or mentor.  Luke tells us that Timothy was already a disciple of the Lord when Paul met him.

1 Timothy 1:2 “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith….”

Acts 16:1 & 3 “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek….Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.”

Most of Paul’s epistles also open with a blessing of grace and peace, but he included mercy in his letters to Timothy and Titus.  Grace is a reference to God’s influence on the heart and mercy includes a prayer for God’s compassion on these two young pastors.  I found an interesting quote by Spurgeon regarding a pastor’s need of mercy:  “Did you ever notice this one thing about Christian ministers, that they need even more mercy than other people? Although everybody needs mercy, ministers need it more than anybody else; and so we do, for if we are not faithful, we shall be greater sinners even than our hearers, and it needs much grace for us always to be faithful, and much mercy will be required to cover our shortcomings.”

The prayer for peace is a prayer for Timothy to prosper in his ministry and enjoy a fellowship relationship with the Lord.

Paul makes a distinction in the person of God the Father and His Son Jesus, our Savior and Lord.  Though distinct in person, the prayer is to One on behalf of Paul’s young disciple.  I think the CJB expresses it best:  “Grace, mercy and shalom from God the Father and the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.”

2Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 

Though in prison, Paul is more concerned about encouraging his young protégée than in focusing on his own circumstances.  He lets Timothy know that he is continually in Paul’s prayers.  His prayers are sincere and filled with thanks to God, the same God worshipped by his forefathers.  

This is a beautiful statement of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of Paul; he fully embraced God’s forgiveness.  This is a man who persecuted those in the early church until He met Jesus as His Lord and Savior on the road to Damascus, a man who stood by and witnessed with approval the murder of Stephen.  Paul’s past only motivated him to serve the Lord more diligently from a heart of gratitude and love.  His life was an example of the truth expressed in Luke.

Luke 7:41–43 “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.”

2Timothy 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 

2Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 

Paul’s desire was to once again see this young man who had so openly shown his love and devotion to his teacher when they had last parted.  Just to see him would bring him great joy as he was reminded of Timothy’s simple, sincere faith—a faith that was exampled before him by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.  Though he had the example of his grandmother and mom, Timothy did not “inherit” their faith; he had to make his own choice to believe.

Romans 10:9–10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

These verses in Timothy are dear to the heart of this mom and grandma.  I know that I have failed God in many ways in my life, but I have really tried to example a life of faith before my children and grandchildren.  I am so blessed to know that my children and grandchildren evidence that they are growing in their faith in the Lord.  My greatest prayer is that we/they will be bright lights of testimony to the love and faithfulness of God in this dark world.  

Paul recognized the importance of a spiritual heritage in one’s life, and I believe it is in evidence in our family heritage.

2Timothy 1:6 ¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 

Scripture teaches that every believer is given the earnest of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our eternal life to come as part of the family of God.

Ephesians 1:12–14 “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

In these verses Paul is referencing a gifting that Timothy received when Paul laid hands upon him.  This would seem to be an act of confirming God’s call and empowerment upon Timothy to become a minister of the gospel.  Paul and Barnabas were commissioned in the same way before embarking on their first missionary journey.

Acts 13:2–3 “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

To be called to become a pastor is a gifting of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:7–11 “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ….And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers….”

2Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

I think Paul wanted to remind Timothy of the power within Him.  We know from his first letter that Timothy was a young man being commissioned with great responsibility.

1 Timothy 4:12-16 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

The Holy Spirit is always exemplified in the life of the believer in power, love and self-control or self-discipline (from the Greek).  When we give in to fear, hate and/or just not caring, or lack of self-control, we are yielding to the flesh.  The Holy Spirit will always enable us to overcome in these areas if we will but keep our focus on the Lord Jesus and the truth of His word.  

1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

1 John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword….”

Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Peter didn’t begin to sink when he stepped out into the water until he took his eyes off Jesus.  

Matthew 14:28–31 “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

When we allow circumstances to interfere with our focus on the Lord, we show a lack of faith.  The Lord was clear that if we have but little faith, we can accomplish great things for Him.

Matthew 17:20 “And Jesus said unto them…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Luke 17:6 “And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”

My heart cries out with the disciples and the father whose child was possessed of an evil spirit.

Luke 17:5 “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.”

Mark 9:23–24 “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

2Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 

2Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 

Timothy’s reputation was very much connected to Paul’s.  As we continue to read in this chapter, Paul makes note of who have chose to sever their connection with him evidently because of his imprisonment.  They didn’t want to take the chance of persecution because of their connection with Paul.  Tradition indicates that Nero reigned at this time, and his hatred of Christians is part of the historical record.  By turning away from Paul they were also showing a lack of faith in the Lord.  It is when we are in the fires of life’s trials that our faith is revealed to be genuine or not.

Paul encourages Timothy to stay strong and unashamed of his testimony for the Lord and his support for Paul.  He wants Timothy to be ready to suffer for the gospel if necessary and trust that God will empower him through the Holy Spirit to endure and overcome.

Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

God saves us and calls us according to His own purpose and grace, not because of anything we have done to earn such privilege.  

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Paul also reminds Timothy that God’s plan and provision of grace for each believer was provided for in Christ Jesus before the creation of the world.

Ephesians 1:3–4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world….”

2Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 

I think Paul is saying that it is through the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, that God revealed His plan to redeem mankind from sin and provide the gift of life and immortality to those who would believe the gospel message.  Obviously, this body of flesh will die unless we are privileged to be translated to immortality in the rapture.  But every man and woman of faith can look forward to a wonderful life in the presence of God.

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures….” 

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth….”

1 Corinthians 15:51–53 “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

2Timothy 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 

Paul then goes on to declare that he was appointed (by God is implied) to be a preacher of the gospel, an official ambassador of the gospel with the empowerment to perform miracles (from the Greek for “apostle”), and a teacher of the Gentiles.  God specifically singled out Paul to take the gospel to the Gentiles and teach them the truth of God’s word.  Paul had been one of the religious elite, a Pharisee; and he was well versed in the word of God.  He had received personal instruction from the Lord Jesus as to how those scriptures pointed to Him and given enlightenment regarding other mysteries of God that were being revealed for the first time. 

Galatians 1:11–12 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 3:1–7 “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.”

Romans 16:25–26 “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith….”

It was important for the Gentiles to be well grounded in the truth of God’s word and their understanding of the gospel since they would become the primary body of believers known as the church that would represent God before the world during the coming years in which the Jews would continue to reject Jesus as the Messiah.  The day is coming, however, when the Jewish people will recognize Jesus as their Messiah and King and will call for His return to deliver them and establish His Kingdom from David’s throne in Jerusalem.

Matthew 23:37–39 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

Zechariah 12:9–10 “And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”

Zechariah 13:9 “And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”  

Revelation 20:4–6 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

2Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 

Paul declares to Timothy and to all believers that we should not be ashamed to suffer persecution because of our faith.  We should never allow the world to make us feel ashamed for boldly declaring our faith in Jesus Christ and in the truth of His word.  Why?  Because we know WHOM we have believed.  Our faith is in the Creator, the self-existent eternal God who came in flesh as a man to redeem us from sin and give us eternal life in His presence!

Like Paul, I am persuaded—convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt—that Jesus is able to keep my faith secure until He comes to give me my inheritance as guaranteed by the Holy Spirit within me.  I know I gave these verses earlier, but they are so important I am going to repeat them.

Ephesians 1:12–14 “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

“earnest” = a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest

I am also reminded of some other favorite scriptures regarding the security of my faith.

John 10:27–30 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.”

2Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 

2Timothy 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 

I really like the wording of the CJB for these verses:  “Follow the pattern of the sound teachings you have heard from me, with trust and the love which is yours in the Messiah Yeshua.  Keep safe the great treasure that has been entrusted to you, with the help of the Ruach Hakodesh who lives in us.”

Knowing that he won’t be around much longer to encourage and counsel Timothy, Paul urges him to remember everything he has taught him and to keep his faith and love rooted in Christ Jesus.  He should recognize that God’s word is a great treasure and that he has been entrusted to share that truth through the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Though all believers haven’t been called to be pastors, scripture is clear that every believer should treasure the truth of God’s word and should be ready to share that truth with others and exercise discernment regarding those that will try to manipulate it for their own purposes.

1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear….”

Hebrews 5:12–14 “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

2Timothy 1:15 ¶ This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 

As this chapter comes to a close, Paul declares how many (professing Christians are implied) have turned away from him, specifically naming Phygellus and Hermogenes.

It’s interesting that Phygellus means fugitive and Hermogenes finds its root in connection with Hermes, the god of the underworld known for his cunning.  Both are identified as apostates in Easton’s Dictionary.  I always think of the words of John in light of such turncoats.

1 John 2:18–19 “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

2Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: 

2Timothy 1:17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. 

2Timothy 1:18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. 

On a positive note, Paul asks for mercy for the house of Onesiphorus, a faithful servant who ministered to Paul while he was in Ephesus.  This man was evidently bold in his faith and faithful in ministering to Paul when he was in Rome.  He made a point to find Paul and encourage him. Interesting to note is that in contrast to the previous two men, the name of Onesiphorus refers to one who brings profit.  

Some commentators believe (and the wording seems to indicate) that Onesiphorus was dead and that Paul was praying for mercy for his family in light of their loss and in regard for his service to Paul.

By the way, Paul did not hesitate to call out publicly those who could do harm to the church.

2Timothy 2:1 ¶ Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

This chapter begins with Paul again encouraging Timothy to be strong.  Important to note is that he is not speaking of strength in body but in spirit through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  The “grace” that is ours in Christ Jesus is a reference to his influence at work in us through the Holy Spirit.  He does not, however, force our cooperation.  We are most effective in serving God when we are yielded to the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Romans 6:13 “…but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

2Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 

Paul made a point that he taught Timothy in the presence of many witnesses.  His message wasn’t secret or limited to only a few.   God’s truth is to be declared to everyone.  Paul was commissioning Timothy to share all that he had been taught with “faithful men,” men who could be depended upon to share that truth with others.  The expectation is that these men would also choose to teach others who would teach others, etc.  

I liked David Guzik’s comment on what it means to be faithful:  “Being faithful means that you aren't in the ministry to be served, but to serve.”

It is interesting to me that so many of the cults claim to have new revelation from God that can only be learned through becoming a part of their organization.  The gospel message is addressed to “whosoever will.”

Acts 2:21 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

1 John 4:15 “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.”

2Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 

“Hardness” is a reference to enduring affliction and persecution.  Paul often compares living the Christian life to participating in competition or warfare.  To be a “good” soldier is to be valuable in serving God as empowered by the Holy Spirit that indwells every believer in Jesus Christ.

Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Jesus declared that we must be willing to suffer and die for Him if we want to gain eternal life.

Matthew 10:38–39 “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”

John 12:25 “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”

2Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 

2Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 

2Timothy 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 

In these verses Paul gives three examples of the type of commitment that is necessary to live a victorious Christian life.

A soldier has to leave family and other concerns of the world behind when he goes to war; he has to focus his full attention on the task at hand to gain the respect of his commander.  I am reminded of the words of Jesus.

Matthew 10:37–38 “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”

An athlete has to train hard and focus on disciplining his body to compete according to the rules if he wants to be victorious.  If he doesn’t follow the rules, he will be disqualified.

A farmer has to invest a lot of hard work in preparing and working the land if he wants to enjoy a bountiful harvest.

The Christian is constantly at war against the flesh and the attack of the enemy and his legions.

Ephesians 6:11–12 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

The Christian needs to exercise self-discipline and live according to the rules that God has established in His word if we expect to receive the victor’s crown.

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

1 Corinthians 9:25 “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

It’s always amazing to me that people expect God to accept them into heaven according to what they believe is right rather than according to the standard established in His word—by accepting Jesus through faith as your Lord and Savior.

John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

If we believers expect to reap the fruit of our labors, we must be willing to work hard and persevere in the process in submission to the Lord.

John 4:34–36 “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”

John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

David Guzik made an important point concerning pastors that really applies to every believer who wants to share the truth of God’s word with others.  We can’t feed others until we have eaten ourselves.

2Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 

Paul wants Timothy to take the time to carefully think about what he is saying.  It is when we take the time to exercise our ability to think and meditate on the truth that we gain more understanding about that truth.

Scriptural meditation is being redefined by many in the professing church today.  The psalmist declares that it is to our benefit to meditate on God’s word.

Psalms 1:1–2 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

Psalms 119:15 “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.”

Psalms 119:47–48 “And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.”

Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Psalms 49:3 “My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”

I used several verses to show that the mind is actively engaged in the process of scriptural meditation.  In no instance is the brain being emptied and/or a mantra being employed to achieve some kind of mystical experience.  Meditating on the word of God results in godly living.  The person who meditates on God’s word will show respect for the truth it declares.  When we choose to meditate in God’s word, we learn to delight in His commandments because we know they are meant to protect us.  For the Lord to delight in the meditation of our heart, there must be thoughts there that please Him—not an emptiness or the sound of vain repetitions.  Scriptural meditation will result in our speaking wisdom and gaining understanding.

2Timothy 2:8 ¶ Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 

2Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 

2Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 

I really like the CJB translation of these verses:  “Remember Yeshua the Messiah, who was raised from the dead, who was a descendant of David. This is the Good News I proclaim, and for which I am suffering to the point of being bound in chains — but the Word of God is not bound in chains!”

Paul was very proud of his heritage as a Jew and he was looking forward to Jesus establishing Himself as the King of kings on the throne of David in Jerusalem.  It must have amazed him (as it does me) to contemplate the fact that Jesus was both fully man and fully God.  

He reiterates that he is in prison because of his testimony of the gospel—the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ to provide salvation for the sinner.  He calls it “my gospel” because it declares the salvation that so dramatically changed his life.  Though he is suffering in the bondage of chains because of his testimony, he rejoices that the truth of the word of God can’t be bound and will continue to be declared through faithful servants like Timothy to the salvation of many and the glory of God.  It is this truth that helps him to endure suffering as he contemplates the salvation of all that have been known and set apart by God to inherit eternal glory as part of the family of God through the testimony of the obedient servants who would follow in his footsteps.

Romans 8:29–30 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

I think it is important to note that Paul’s emphasis is on the resurrection of Jesus.  As he stated in his letter to the Corinthians, without the resurrection we are in a miserable state.

1 Corinthians 15:14–19 “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ…And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

2Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 

2Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 

2Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 

“faithful saying” = trustworthy

Paul is saying that it is our relationship with Jesus that determines our eternal future.  If we die in fellowship with Jesus, we will enjoy eternal life with Him.  If we endure and persevere in fellowship with Jesus, we will be allowed to reign with Him.  When?  During the millennium.

Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

Jesus declared that true faith is evidenced by endurance and perseverance, and the Apostle John reiterated that same truth.

Matthew 10:22 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”

1 John 2:19 “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

Sadly, there will be many that profess to be believers, but they will be identified as unbelievers, as those who have made a false profession of their faith.

Matthew 7:22–23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Jesus clearly taught that if we deny or reject Him as our Lord and Savior, He will reject us as part of His family before the Father.

Matthew 10:33 “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”

In verse 13 the Greek for “believe not” equates unbelief with disobedience.   Paul is saying that no matter what our response is to the Lord, He will be faithful to the truth of His word.  His character will not allow Him to contradict or renounce Himself.

Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I change not….”

1 Peter 1:25 “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.”

2Timothy 2:14 ¶ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 

I like the NLT translation of this verse:  “Remind everyone of these things, and command them in God’s name to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.”

I like this strategy.  No matter how people might try to twist the truth of God’s word towards their own objectives, just keep repeating the truth of God’s word and let it speak for itself.  Arguing often results in confusing those who are witness to it.  God’s word is living and powerful and will accomplish God’s intended purpose.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

I like this quote from David Guzik:  “If we take the focus off the message of God, and put the focus on human opinions and endless debates, it will result in the ruin of the hearers.”

2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

In this verse Paul instructs Timothy to be a diligent student of God’s word.  When we study and are able to share His truth correctly with others, God is pleased with us.  When we share the truth of God’s word, we can stand before Him blameless and confident.

I think it is important to note that our focus should be on pleasing God—not men.

I enjoy studying the word of God and am very privileged to have the time and tools to facilitate such study.  I pray constantly for the Lord’s guidance in the process because I tremble at misrepresenting Him, but I am thrilled at having the opportunity to share my journey with others.  Obviously, I still have much to learn and always try to be careful in declaring my conclusions as just that—my conclusions, subject to change upon further revelation from the Holy Spirit.  I will say, however, that I know that I have made many correct conclusions.  God knows my heart and that I work very hard at considering context and comparing scripture with scripture.  I continually pray for Him to correct me where I am wrong.

2Timothy 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 

2Timothy 2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 

2Timothy 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 

Paul continues instructing Timothy by telling him to avoid irreverent and fruitless discussions; they inevitably lead to ungodliness.  These are the types of discussions that can cause a believer to resort to anger and/or misrepresenting Jesus.  False teaching tends to spread quickly like an ulcer or gangrene, and we should try to avoid giving it any type of platform.  Paul then gives examples of individuals who employ such methods.  He identifies Hymenaeus and Philetus as false teachers and then identifies the specific heresy they are promoting.  That heresy appears to have destroyed the faith of some people.  This brings to mind the parable of the sower and the seed that tries to take root but is unable to grow because it fell on stony ground.

Matthew 13:20–21 “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”

I agree with the following quote from Ray Stedman:  “We can be confident that those who really are Christians will ultimately see the error that is involved, and leave it. That is where our faith can rest.”  I think this truth becomes clearer in the following verses.

Note again that Paul publicly names false teachers and identifies the lie they are promoting; in this instance it was that the resurrection had already occurred.  Obviously, this is not talking about the resurrection of Jesus, but the resurrection of believers to eternal life.  It was someone teaching that very heresy that upset the believers in Thessalonica and prompted Paul’s letters to that body of believers.

Some commentators conclude that the false teaching was that baptism represented our spiritual resurrection and there was no further expectation for the future.

2Timothy 2:19 ¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 

I like the NIV translation of this verse:  “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 solid foundation stands firm” is the same as saying that the truth of His word will stand forever. (cf 1Peter 1:25 quoted above)  That word declares two truths:

• The Lord knows those who have faith in Him.

• Those who believe Him will choose to obey Him.

John 10:27–28 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

John 14:21 “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

James 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

The mention of a seal is an exclamation point on this truth; the Greek states that the seal is to “protect from misappropriation” and to serve as a “mark of genuineness.”

2Timothy 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 

2Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 

Scripture often refers to people as vessels or instruments for the Lord’s use.

Jeremiah 18:4–6 “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.”

Jeremiah 22:28 “Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure?”

Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel….” (speaking of Saul)

To purge oneself speaks of maintaining cleanliness.  I think the context is clearly comparing people of faith and obedience to vessels of honor that are set apart for the master’s use in doing good.  In context, Paul is probably declaring those who rightly divide the word of truth as vessels of honor and the false teachers as those of dishonor.  In that context we know that it is the truth of the word of God that cleanses us.

Ephesians 5:25–26 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word….”

2Timothy 2:22 ¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 

Paul goes on to encourage cleanliness and purity by instructing Timothy to flee the fleshly lusts that provide such great temptation, especially in our youth.  Instead, he should pursue and do that which is righteous and aligns with God’s word.  He should persevere in his faith.  His life should characterize love, kindness and unity with fellow believers.

The only way we have to judge purity of heart is by observing one’s character and how he acts in relationship to others.  Obviously, only God knows what is in one’s heart; and we should always choose to err on the side of love. 

2Timothy 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 

Again, Paul emphasizes the importance of avoiding participating in foolish and stupid arguments that can yield no spiritual benefit and can only cause fighting.

2Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 

2Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 

2Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 

As a servant of the Lord, we must strive to emulate His example.  We should strive to be kind to everyone—even to those who would try to provoke us.  We (especially pastors) should be ready to teach God’s word and be patient and meek in the process.  Our hope should always be focused on the possibility that God will convict men of their sin and lead them to saving faith.  That will deliver them from the power of Satan and from the captivity of sin that has caused them to follow his will.

“they may recover themselves” – God is working a work in their lives, but they are participating in the process. 

As long as we are in sin, we are subject to the power of Satan over us.

1 John 3:7–8 “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”