2 Timothy 2:8a

Timothy is urged by Paul to remember Jesus Christ. It may seem silly to think that a follower of Jesus Christ would forget Jesus Christ, but it does happen. Sometimes you'll find that there are some people who at one point seemed devoted to Jesus now have denied the faith. It is important to remember Jesus Christ because you can forget. More importantly, Jesus Christ is very important, so you shouldn't forget him. It is by Jesus that you are saved and it is Jesus who saves.

Describing Jesus, Paul says that Jesus was raised from the dead and is the offspring of David. This isn't a comprehensive list of facts about Jesus that Paul gives. However, I wonder why he only mentions these two things. Perhaps it's because these are important to remember when remembering Jesus Christ. He was raised from the dead, the death he died for those whom he saves. He conquered death and reigns victoriously. There are many different kings that different people follow who have conquered many different things. Some rulers conquer cities or nations or even whole civilizations. Some leaders fight for noble causes, defeating slavery or racism. None of them have conquered death, and the one who conquered death is the one to remember and the one to follow.

2 Timothy 2:3-7

Paul has provided these three illustrations to Timothy. There's an illustration about a soldier who does not concern himself with civilian affairs. The next illustration is about an athlete who must compete according to the rules. The last illustration is that of a hard-working farmer who deserves the first share of his crops. What do these illustrations mean? Why does Paul put these three things together? I'm not sure and I don't think Timothy understood it at first either. However, Paul tells Timothy to think these things over. You may not understand it, but Paul tells Timothy that the Lord will give understanding. This isn't only applicable for certain things, for Paul says that the understanding given by the Lord is in everything. We may sometimes understand something all of a sudden, and it's easy to attribute that to ourselves. However, is it not the Lord who we should seek for understanding? He is the one who will give understanding in everything.

2 Timothy 2:6

Paul provides an illustration of a farmer. A farmer is one who plants or prepares some sort of crop to yield fruit later. They must wait and tend their seed until it is ready for harvest. If they work hard and continue to take good care of their crop, they will most likely reap what they sow. The idea here that Paul specifies is that of a farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. It's as if Paul is saying that the farmer deserves a taste or share of the very first yield of the crop. The point is not to be lazy or take your hand off the plow. Instead, work hard and keep in mind the harvest that will come when the crop is ready.

2 Timothy 2:5

In addition to the idea of a soldier, Paul adds two other illustrations. Paul explains that an athlete must compete according to the rules. Athletes compete to win in some sort of competition. The athlete cannot win if does not adhere to the rules. Unfortunately, there are some who still try to cheat and get away with it. However, if they are caught, their medals or prizes can be taken away from them. In order to win fair and square, you must follow the given rules and guidelines. I am reminded of people who try to attain salvation their own way. This applies especially for those who simply follow something they just made up on their own. They just follow what they "feel" is correct. However, there are specific rules and guidelines that are already set and to ignore them would be disqualify yourself from the race. It is important to know and follow the proper guidelines. I don't mean to say that getting to heaven is following a set of rules. Salvation is found through Jesus Christ alone. What I mean to say is that, as Paul says here; to simply ignore what has already been predetermined or preset and to violate them would be to disqualify you altogether.

2 Timothy 2:3-4

Paul begins to talk about soldiers. Dealing and facing sufferings is to be done as a good soldier. To explain this, Paul describes how soldiers do not get caught up in civilian affairs. Instead, a soldier seeks to please the one who is in charge of him. Similarly, as Christians, we are to seek to please him who is in charge of us and who we have submitted ourselves to. As soldiers are not getting tangled up in civilian affairs and focusing on what they are instructed to do, Christians are to be less concerned with things of our "past civilian life" and more concerned with our current position and given instructions. I am reminded of Peter's description of Jesus in 1 Peter. Jesus continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. It's not the same, but it's just something that came to mind.

2 Timothy 2:2

Paul encourages Timothy to teach others. More specifically, Timothy is not just to teach them, but to entrust teaching to these men so that they can teach others. These men aren't just to be any men, but they should be faithful men. It is important to pass down teaching to the next generation. If teaching remains and is not passed down, it will not continue when those original people pass away. Teaching should be taught and passed along, ensuring that the men are faithful and will teach it as well. The teaching should also be that which Timothy has heard Paul teaching in the presence of many witnesses. Timothy certainly spent a lot of time with Paul and heard a lot of what Paul said and taught. Specifically, the teachings Timothy is to pass down are the teachings that have been mentioned in the presence of other witnesses. This means that other witnesses are present, so that the teaching has been screened by them. If Paul was teaching heresy, then the other witnesses would have cried foul. However, these would be the tried and tested teachings which are to be passed down. It is important to pass down important teachings, and it is important to ensure that the correct teachings are passed down. If false teachings are passed down, then it will spread and corrupt many people.

2 Timothy 2:1

How are you to be strengthened? An athlete may strengthen his or her body by training. They may build their muscles or hone their skills. There may be tests to ensure that one can withhold against daunting odds. You might strengthen yourself mentally by growing in knowledge and wisdom, studying and testing yourself. How does Paul say we should be strengthened? Paul tells Timothy to be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Typical ways that people go about strengthening themselves requires a significant amount of effort on their part. The training and studying are different ways in which we try to strengthen ourselves. However, to be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus is not really a serious effort on our part. It's not like you have to put something in, like time and effort, to receive the strengthening. Grace is not something you receive by effort or work. Grace is undeserved, and yet it is what Timothy is instructed to be strengthened by. This kind of strengthening is completely opposite to the typical effort and works of all other kinds of strengthening. However, this is the way to be strengthened, even though it may seem weird. Perhaps some insight as to how this works is found in 2 Corinthians when Paul is talking about his thorn in the flesh. Somehow, Paul can boldly proclaim that when he is weak, that is when he is strong.

2 Timothy 1:17-18

Onesiphorus certainly helped out Paul. He was not ashamed of Paul or the fact that Paul was in prison. Not only was he not ashamed of Paul, but he earnestly searched for Paul when he arrived in Rome. He wasn't avoiding what others were ashamed of, but he was going after that which made others ashamed. He helped Paul and was one who has shown grace and mercy. Paul earlier asked for mercy for the house of Onesiphorus, and he now asks for mercy for Onesiphorus. In particular, mercy is asked for with regards to "that day". Paul appeals to the Lord to grant mercy to the one who has shown mercy. I was directed towards Matthew 18, where Jesus tells a story about an unmerciful servant. The servant is shown mercy. However, when he is given a chance, he does not show mercy to others. In the end he is punished. I am also reminded of James where James talks about judgment and mercy. If you have not shown mercy, you will receive judgment without mercy.

2 Timothy 1:15-16

Paul begins to tell Timothy about how those who are in Asia turned away from him. This is something that Timothy already knows, since Paul indicates that it is something Timothy is aware of. Paul names two of the people who turned away from him, Phygelus and Hermogenes. Not much is known about them, but Paul names these two in particular. In contrast to those who turned away from Paul, Onesiphorus often refreshed Paul. One thing in particular Paul notes about Onesiphorus is that Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul's chains. Some people were ashamed of Paul and therefore didn't associate themselves with Paul. Once again there's this issue with being ashamed. Paul tells Timothy to not be ashamed and he later describes how he is not ashamed. Another example of not being ashamed is shown in Onesiphorus, who is not ashamed of Paul's chains. Paul was in prison at the time. Paul is of course a follower of Jesus Christ, sharing the good news of the gospel. As a result, was persecuted by others, and thus, was thrown in prison. To help Paul or refresh him would probably endanger a person to being thrown into prison as well. Perhaps this is why Paul wishes God to grant mercy on Onesiphorus. Regardless of the probable danger, Onesiphorus still helped Paul. We should try to be like Onesiphorus, ready and able to do the right thing in the face of persecution. He probably was persecuted, but he helped Paul regardless.

2 Timothy 1:14

Apparently, Timothy has some sort of deposit that he is to guard. The word "deposit" makes me think of a bank account which you "deposit" money into. There is probably more to this word since the NASB translates it as treasure. Not only is it a treasure or a deposit, but it has been entrusted to him. This means that it was not his own, but was originally given to him or placed in his care. He was trusted to take care of the deposit or treasure. The deposit entrusted to him is the good news of salvation. Salvation was not originally his own and he was trusted to take care of it. It's not as if the good news of salvation needs special care, but it needs to be handled or used correctly. There are ways in which you could pervert or distort the gospel, which is an incorrect handling and delivering of the gospel. You could keep it to yourself and not tell others about it. It can be tempting to distort the gospel. It can be scary and intimidating to share the gospel. However, we shouldn't pervert the gospel and we should tell others about it. Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit and it is important that we do things by the Holy Spirit. In particular, the guarding of this good deposit is to be done by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

2 Timothy 1:13

Paul tells Timothy to follow his words. This is to be done in faith and love in Christ Jesus. I guess there is a way to follow the instructions wrongly. Therefore, it is important not only to do, but it is also important to do it in faith and love. But I wonder: why did he need to even say this? Wouldn't Timothy already know to follow Paul's words? He already knows what Paul has said and taught. Perhaps he forgot and needed a gentle reminder. Perhaps he was tempted to follow the words of someone else that were contrary to what Paul said. I guess it's easy for us to forget and to follow the words of those who are opposed to Jesus Christ. In light of that, it is important to remind ourselves and be reminded of what we so easily forget.

2 Timothy 1:12b

Paul's hope is also in the Lord's ability to guard what has been entrusted. We have been entrusted with so much and what we do with what we have been entrusted with matters. If we use it for God, we must also believe that our efforts are not in vain. I am in no way implying that we work for our salvation. However, as the Lord has been so graciously been teaching me, we should believe that what has been entrusted is guarded and not merely let loose and overlooked. What I mean is that when you come to your end, are you wholeheartedly staking your faith on him and his promises with regards to you. Or, are you going to second-guess yourself and thus proving him to not really be Lord of your life.

2 Timothy 1:12

Even though he suffers, he is not ashamed. It's not as if he's suffering for something and is ashamed. For example, if you were being punished for being bad at school and you were sent to detention as a result, you might be ashamed. Your suffering is a result of something bad that you did and you may regret your actions. Suffering itself certainly isn't enjoyable. However, Paul isn't ashamed for the suffering he receives. Earlier he instructs Timothy to not be ashamed and here he explains why he isn't ashamed. He knows whom he believes. Some may cause him to doubt, but he knows and he is not ashamed for his belief and the actions he does as a result of his belief.

2 Timothy 1:11-12

So Jesus abolished death and brought to light life and immortality through the gospel. This gospel is that which Paul was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher. This wasn't the job Paul originally signed up for. If you recall, he was on his way to persecute Christians before his life was changed. Timothy was called to share in suffering, and Paul's appointing to preach and teach the gospel is the reason for Paul's suffering. Those who are like Paul and are called to such a holy calling are also those who suffer for it. It's not as if it's a terrible job; it is a great job to be called by God to a holy calling. However, as it did to Paul, it will bring suffering.

2 Timothy 1:9d

We read about what God did by sending his son, Jesus Christ, down onto this earth to save us. That happened about 2000 years ago, but what does Paul mean here by saying that God did this before the ages began? God is certainly capable of that, but how does that make sense in light of what happened? Well, as confusing as that is, Paul explains that it is now manifested through the appearing of our savior, Jesus Christ. That great saving work may have only appeared at a certain time, but perhaps what Paul means is that it was active or planned way back since the beginning.

2 Timothy 1:9-10

I was away this weekend, but this is what I wrote for yesterday:

God is the one who saves us, but it is given to us through Christ Jesus. Jesus was sent by the father down to the earth, living the perfect life we couldn’t and died in our place. He did it so that we could be saved. Without Jesus, we have no chance to be saved. Paul describes Jesus as abolishing death and bringing life through the gospel. So God’s plan is executed through Jesus who brings these things to light through the gospel.

2 Timothy 1:9c

We are not saved because of what we do. No amount of good works can save you. Fortunately, God saved us, and we are not saved based upon anything we do. Why did he save us? It is because of grace. Reading Ephesians, we read that it is by grace that we have been saved. We clearly don't deserve to be saved, so it is by grace. It is also because of his purpose that he saved us. God certainly has plans and purpose, and part of that is fulfilled through saving us. Once again, it's not like we're deserving of being saved. However, by saving us, God is glorified. Sure, we benefit as well and for that we're forever grateful. But ultimately, he is God and we are not, and he deserves all praise.

2 Timothy 1:9b

Not only did God save us, but he called us to a holy calling. Many people have different callings. They have different purposes and different goals. Some may seem nobler than others and some may seem worthwhile. However, God calls us to a holy calling. The world may look down on it or may put you down, but his calling is a holy calling. Your life and your calling are not like the calling of others. It is from God and for God. It is different and is better, even when it doesn't seem so great. He saved us and called us. I think of how I often squander my time away. I putter around aimlessly wasting my time without a purpose or cause. However, God directs me and gives me a holy calling. He is good.

2 Timothy 1:9

What did God do? He saved us and called us to a holy calling. He saved us. Are you ashamed of the testimony of the Lord? Are you perhaps afraid of the suffering you are to share in? You have been saved and you are saved. Often times life is difficult and can throw many ups and downs. How easy it is to forget God and what he has done for us and how great he is. It's interesting how all the troubles of life simply pass away in light of God. He saved us, and here Paul is reminding Timothy of this great fact.

2 Timothy 1:8

Since we have been given this spirit that is not of fear, we are not to be ashamed. Specifically, we are not to be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord. In addition, Paul tells Timothy to also not be ashamed of him. Perhaps there was reason to be ashamed of Paul. Paul was running around telling people about Jesus. There were certainly opponents to Paul and what he was saying. It wasn't necessarily the most popular message and Paul wasn't the most popular person. However, Timothy shouldn't be ashamed of Paul either. Siding with Jesus and siding with Paul will result in suffering. It was tempting to be ashamed of them, but Paul doesn't say that the alternative is to be proud of the testimony of the Lord and be proud of Paul. Instead, Paul tells Timothy that instead of being ashamed, he is to share in suffering. To not be ashamed is to share in suffering; it is to not be afraid of the suffering that is to come by boldly proclaiming the testimony of Jesus Christ. This suffering that will come is not just any suffering. You can't randomly stub your toe while you're casually walking around comfortably at home and call that the suffering that Paul is talking about. He specifies it by saying that the suffering is for the gospel. This is the suffering Paul tells Timothy to share in. How is he to share in this suffering? He is to share in the suffering for the gospel by the power of God. How will you receive this suffering and how will you endure it? It is by the power of God that Timothy is told to share in this suffering.

2 Timothy 1:7

I remember that this verse was the theme verse for UWCCF one year. We are not to cower away in fear because that's not the spirit God placed in us. Rather, there are three aspects of which we are to be based upon the spirit given to us by God. The first is power, and God certainly is powerful. Not only is he powerful, but we are powerful because of the power he gives us. We are not to be afraid because we are weak. In fact, it is in 2 Corinthians that he explains that when he is weak, then he is strong. The spirit he has given us is of love. We are certainly to be loving. This may even be explained as a distinguishing factor for disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ as explained in the gospel according to John. Lastly, the spirit given to us by God is of self-control. With all this power and love, there is also room to get out of hand. The spirit given by God is not one that is out of control and goes crazy. Instead, there is control and as believers we are to be self-controlled. Having this inside us and given by God, we are to go and do something about it and fan into flame God's gift to us, which is what Paul encourages Timothy in.

2 Timothy 1:6

Paul is reminding Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. Timothy has received a gift of God and it is like perhaps a small spark or ember. If you fan it, giving it more oxygen, it can slowly turn into a giant flame. What seemed like a dying light can be fueled and encouraged to grow into something big. This gift, which was given to Timothy by God, is to be nurtured and grown the same way you would fan an ember into flame. We may have gifts given to us by God and we need to do the same thing. Sometimes we forget things like this, which is why Paul is reminding Timothy right now. Grow it, pay attention to it, and use it; otherwise, it becomes useless.

2 Timothy 1:4-5

Paul really wants to see Timothy. The thing is that, he knows that seeing Timothy will bring him joy. Paul goes on to tell his beloved child (not biological) about what he recalls about Timothy. For example, he is reminded of Timothy's sincere faith. This faith was also present in his mother and his grandmother. Fortunately for Timothy, he had a mother and a grandmother of sincere faith. I guess this sort of thing is taught or rubs off on kids, so Timothy has benefited in this way. We don't choose our parents, but it's nice to have parents who pour into you good qualities like sincere faith. We don't all have mothers like Timothy's mother, but we should still honor our parents as the bible instructs. But if we do have a mother and a grandmother like Timothy did, what a blessing that is. It doesn't say anything about Timothy's father, so perhaps he wasn't of great influence for his sincere faith. Either way, it is something that Paul is reminded about Timothy, and it is a good thing.

2 Timothy 1:3

Paul often talks about thanksgiving after the greeting section of his letters. While he is reminded of Timothy in his prayers, Paul thanks God. This is similar to how Paul was thankful to God for the believers at the church in Corinth in the beginning of 1 Corinthians. Paul refers to his ancestors or forefathers. His thankfulness or his serving is also what those before him have done. I guess this downplays himself and his actions, showing that there were men before him who tread a similar path. He also slips in "with a clear conscience", as if to further reassure himself or others about his own actions.

2 Timothy 1:2

This was Paul's second letter to Timothy. Here, he calls Timothy his beloved child. Timothy wasn't Paul's biological child, but Paul certainly acted like a father to this young man. We are all one family in Christ and there certainly are people who we treat as sons and there are people who we treat as fathers. For Paul and Timothy, this certainly was a close relationship and Paul now writes this letter as possibly last words to his dear Timothy. Paul also includes typical greetings at the beginning of this letter. He mentions grace, mercy and peace to Timothy in this brief introduction.

2 Timothy 1:1

This letter starts as a typical letter from Paul normally does. He is the author and he states his apostleship. He is an apostle of Christ Jesus and this is by the will of God. As he was on his way to persecute Christians, everyone knew full well his intent and what he had planned to do. However, he was met by Jesus and the things that he now does are not by his own will, but by the will of God. These things that he does are in line with the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus. There is a promise and this promise of life is only fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy

The next book is 2 Timothy. This is Paul's second letter to Timothy, who is his true child in the faith. He has much to say to Timothy and this letter seems more intimate than his last letter. At the time he writes this letter, he is in prison with little hope of release. He also hopes for Timothy to continue his ministry and Paul continues to encourage Timothy.