2 Timothy

“But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).   The letters of 1st and 2nd Timothy are particularly moving to me as they give great insights into the relationship between the Apostle Paul and his young disciple Timothy. While most of the letters in the New Testament are written to an entire church (Romans, Galatians, etc.) the Timothy letters are written to an individual and as a…

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of …    (2 Tim. 3.14). Chapter 3 is part of a larger section (2.14-3.9) that deals with the false teaching faced by Timothy and the church he pastored. Paul instructed Timothy (and us) to “mark” (3.1) the terrible times in which he lives. He should not expect for things to be easy. The evidence for this, he tells Timothy, is to simply look around and take…

Paul’s teachings to the early church congregations are immortal, bearing the truth of Jesus Christ through the ages until His return. Knowing the obstacles and struggles young Timothy would face, Paul gives his greatest fatherly encouragement and appeal in 2 Timothy 2. Before his discourse about being a worker approved by God, Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of remembering what he has learned. 2 Tim. 2: 8-10 say, “Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was…

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Tim. 1:5-7 What is the first question a…

2 Tim. 2:8   Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel. At a recent meeting of pastors I attended the question was put forward: What is the greatest need in the Church today? There are many possible answers to that question: revival, spiritual maturity, understanding the message of grace, evangelism, character, or personal renewal. But there is one answer that trumps them all and affects all of these areas. The greatest need for the…