Last week we examined Paul’s first epistle (letter) to Timothy. In writing the book of 2 Timothy (around A.D. 64), Paul found himself in a new set of circumstances. He was nearing the end of his ministry and his life, and Timothy was heavy on his heart. In this letter, Paul passes the baton of leadership on to Timothy, reminding him of crucial matters of ministry and urging him to make every effort to come quickly.
Like 1 Timothy, this second epistle focuses on responsibilities in leadership and has one unifying theme: responsibility to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul exhorts and instructs Timothy, his “beloved son” (1:2), throughout the book.
Structure of 2 Timothy
Paul begins by thanking God for Timothy and letting him know how much he longs to see him (1:3-4). He speaks of Timothy’s “sincere faith,” a legacy from his mother and grandmother (1:5). He urges Timothy to “kindle afresh the gift of God“ within him, to stand firm in the power of the gospel, and to overcome fear, even in the face of suffering (1:6-18). Paul models himself as an example of a guardian of the gospel and exhorts Timothy not to be ashamed.
“For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” (1:12-14)
In Chapter 2, Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in his faith and to reproduce in the lives of others what he has received in Christ. Paul essentially instructs Timothy to “entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others“ (2:2). (Does this sound familiar? Timothy has been one, is called to make one, and to do so for the One.)
Paul warns Timothy that he may suffer hardship for Christ (2:3), but encourages him to work hard and discipline himself like a solider, athlete, and farmer (2:3-6). Paul uses himself as an example of persevering under hardship (2:1-13). He also instructs Timothy to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2:15) before warning Timothy not to give in to foolish and ignorant speculations and quarrels (2:23). Instead, he urges Timothy to flee from lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace (2:22).
Paul opens chapter 3 warning Timothy about the last days, anticipating a time of increasing wickedness when men and women will be susceptible to empty religiosity and false teaching (3:1-9). Arrogance and godlessness will breed further deception and persecution, but Paul instructs Timothy not to waver in using Scripture to combat unsound doctrine and moral failure (3:10-17). He stresses the important of God’s Word very succinctly in 3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.“
Paul’s final exhortation to Timothy is a summary of his responsibility (indeed, the task of any godly man or woman) to proclaim the gospel in spite of opposing circumstances (4:1-5). Paul’s charge to Timothy is followed by the revelation of his own situation — he knows his time on earth is coming to a close and makes a powerful statement: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (4:7). He pleads with Timothy to come quickly before winter (4:9, 21), to bring Mark along (4:11), and to bring his cloak, books and parchments (4:13). He warns Timothy about Alexander, gives praise to God for standing with him when others had deserted him, and asks Timothy to greet the saints (4:14-19). He ends by bestowing a blessing on Timothy: “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you” (4:22).
Instructions to Timothy
Paul gives several instructions to Timothy throughout the course of the book. Here is a sampling of the ones that most closely relate to the book’s theme of responsibility to the Gospel.
* Kindle afresh the gift of God (1:6)
* Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord (1:8)
* Join in suffering for the gospel (1:8)
* Retain the standard of sound words (1:13)
* Guard the treasure entrusted to you (1:14)
* Be strong in the grace of Christ (2:1)
* Suffer hardship (for the gospel) (2:9)
* Handle accurately the word of truth (2:15)
* Be diligent to present yourself approved (2:15)
* Avoid worldly and empty chatter (2:16)
* Flee lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace (2:22)
* Continue in the things you have learned (3:14)
* Preach the word (4:2)
* Be ready in season and out of season (4:2)
* Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with patience (4:2)
* Be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry (4:5)
Food for Thought
Am I entrusting what I have learned to faithful men and women? (or, Am I being One, making One, for One?)
Am I meeting my responsibility to the gospel (handling it accurately, retaining the standard of sound words, guarding it, preaching the word)?
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