2 Timothy - session 1
Paul was facing death in prison when he wrote this letter. He was "passing the torch" to his younger friend, Timothy. He was not only cheering on a dedicated Christian, he left a rallying cry of encouragement to all Believers.
Stir up the spirit that is in you . . . for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and self-control. (2 Tim. 1:6-7)
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/6/8/26685224/8810893.jpg?317)
It is possible that Timothy had trouble with timidity, especially as a young man facing older church leaders. This "call to arms" was a powerful legacy from Paul to his young successor.
Paul warned about quarreling about words. "It is of no value and only ruins those who listen" (2 Tim. 2:14). He also warned against Godlessness in the last days, with persecution against Christians. So much of this was happening in the Roman Empire at that time. Of course, it is still happening in parts of the world today.
Paul knew that Timothy was steeped in Scripture (which at that time consisted of the Mosaic Law, the Prophets, Psalms and Proverbs). Possibly the "Q", concerning the life of Jesus, later destroyed, but he had no idea that Scripture would include his letters. Paul wrote, "All Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16). Paul warned,
Paul warned about quarreling about words. "It is of no value and only ruins those who listen" (2 Tim. 2:14). He also warned against Godlessness in the last days, with persecution against Christians. So much of this was happening in the Roman Empire at that time. Of course, it is still happening in parts of the world today.
Paul knew that Timothy was steeped in Scripture (which at that time consisted of the Mosaic Law, the Prophets, Psalms and Proverbs). Possibly the "Q", concerning the life of Jesus, later destroyed, but he had no idea that Scripture would include his letters. Paul wrote, "All Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16). Paul warned,
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. But keep your head in all situations, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (1 Timothy 4:3-5)
How many martyrs of the Faith recall these words of Paul:
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
We are so blessed to have Paul's letters to encourage us! Next, we will look at Paul's letter to Titus, another trusted associate--of 15 years. It's very short, so do take the time to read it.
God bless!
God bless!