INTRODUCTION
This is the last Epistle of the great Apostle, who was apparently awaiting sentence. He had already had audience with Caesar, and escaped, 2Ti_4:16-17; but there could be no doubt as to the ultimate issue. When Paul indited these words he was imprisoned in the Mamertine dungeon, exposed to the chill ague of its damp walls, reeking with pestilence and recalling the miseries of generations of condemned criminals. There was one desire for the fulfillmen t of which he yearned. He longed to see once more the dear friend of earlier years, whom he had led into this life of stern suffering, and whose spirit seems to have been somewhat overwhelmed by its severity. It was this that led Paul to dispatch this second letter, filled with advice and exhortation in case Timothy could not come, but specially full of desire that he should come before winter set in and traveling became difficult, 2Ti_4:9; 2Ti_4:21. There is no trace of despondency in this noble swan song. Though Paul had lost all things, he had gained Christ. “Glorious Apostle! Would that every leader’s voice could burst, as he falls, into such a trumpet-sound, thrilling the young hearts that pant in the good fight and must never despair of final victory!”
OUTLINE OF THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
THE APOSTLE’S FAREWELL MESSAGE
SALUTATION
Thanksgiving for Timothy’s Faith
The Glory of the Gospel
1. Why was Paul so desirous of seeing Timothy once more?
GREETING
Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed) by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
GUARD THE DEPOSIT ENTRUSTED TO YOU
I thank God, whom I worship and serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,
and as I recall your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
I remember your sincere and unqualified faith [the surrendering of your entire self to God in Christ with confident trust in His power, wisdom and goodness, a faith] which first lived in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am confident that it is in you as well.
That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire–the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible],
for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life–a life set apart–a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit–we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],
but now [that extraordinary purpose and grace] has been fully disclosed and realized by us through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who [through His incarnation and earthly ministry] abolished death [making it null and void] and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher [of this good news regarding salvation].
Comments by
F.B.Meyer
on
2 Timothy 1:1-11
“STIR UP THE GIFT WHICH IS IN THEE”
Lonely and facing death the Apostle fell back on the bedrock of the will of God. If it were the divine plan that he should finish his life-work in that miserable plight, he was content that it should be so. But he longs to see his beloved son in the faith once more. He desires to stir up the dead coal of his ardor, in which there was fire and heat, but not enough flame.
Apparently the young evangelist was becoming daunted by the gathering difficulties of the time and so Paul sets himself to encourage him. With this purpose in view he adduces his own example, 2Ti_1:3, his fervent affection, 2Ti_1:4, the memory of the sainted dead, 2Ti_1:5, the solemn vows by which Timothy had bound himself at his ordination, 2Ti_1:6, the divine donation of grace and power and love, 2Ti_1:8, the eternal purpose which had received its fruition in the advent of Jesus, 2Ti_1:9, the clear light which His resurrection had thrown on death and the hereafter, 2Ti_1:10. Surely such a chain of arguments must have proved irresistible! God’s soldiers must be brave and unflinching in meeting the opposition of the world. When once we realize that the stores which reside in God are at the disposal of our faith, we, too, shall be invulnerable and irresistible.
Choose a Sermon on 2nd Timothy
2nd Timothy Series
by
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