Encouragement in the Faith

2 Timothy 1

​In his final letter before his death, the Apostle Paul wanted to encourage and challenge young Timothy to remember what God had done and is still doing, remember his faith heritage, remember his calling, and remember the mission. Timothy, not only dealing with some health issue, seems to doubt his impact with the Gospel due to his age, but also with the difficulties in ministry and activities occurring all around him.

Like many believers, Timothy struggled with a spirit of fear. His timidity probably resulted from a variety of factors. Regardless, God’s Holy Spirit provides power, love, and sound judgment—the necessary spiritual resources for fulfilling ministry and employing spiritual gifts. Such divine resources are available to all—that is, power for the use of our gifts, love for those who benefit from them, and good discernment in the application of our gifts.

In all things, keep pressing on and continue the race before you and know our God is Supreme and He is Sovereign.

“God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 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. 6 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, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:3–7

Paul had a deep affection for this young Timothy who had served with him so faithfully in ministry. He remembers Timothy’s tears, perhaps shed during their last parting, and longs to see him so that sorrow can be replaced by joy.

In verse 6, we learn Timothy could not be passive about his spiritual gift and neither can we. God intends that we develop—keep fresh and vibrant—the gifts he provides for the benefit of others. We will be held accountable for failure to do so.

“Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:8–14 (ESV)

The strength of Paul’s faith made him proud to proclaim the gospel.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 (ESV)

Paul admonished Timothy to also be proud of the gospel and of his association with Paul, even though He was now in prison. Paul had committed everything—his life of service as well as his very salvation—to Christ, being fully persuaded that it was safe in his keeping. Paul urged Timothy to be loyal to the “right teaching,” that is, the correct doctrine, which Paul had taught him—a theme he would return to later.

“You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.” 2 Timothy 1:15–18 (ESV)

Dr. Harold Wilmington writes, “When Paul was rearrested, most of his friends from Asia, where the arrest probably took place, had deserted him. Onesiphorus, a happy exception, had been like a breath of fresh air, searching for and finding Paul in prison. Recalling how faithful Onesiphorus had been even in earlier days, Paul commended him to the Lord.”

Are you fearful and struggling with doubt? Are you ashamed of the Gospel? Where do you need the encouragement of someone like Paul? Are you finding truth and hope in the Word of God?
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Today, recognize the gospel’s value and do not treat it casually. With the empowerment of the Holy Spirit who lives in you as a follower of Jesus, guard the gospel, proclaim it faithfully and defend it against error and minister its truth to others for their spiritual development.

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