At approximately the same time that the apostle Peter wrote his last epistle (2 Peter), the apostle Paul penned his as well – now known as the book of 2 Timothy.
We find Paul arrested and imprisoned in Rome again, now awaiting imminent execution. And just as it happened when Jesus was arrested, many lukewarm believers abandoned Paul’s side in his final hours as well.
Yet Christ’s greatest warrior that he is, Paul soldiers on, writing his last letter to his faithful disciple and co-worker in the Gospel, Timothy, encouraging him to continue to fight the good fight of faith:
Timothy, I thank God for you – the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again…And I will be filled with joy… 2 Tim. 1:3, 4. NLT
I remember your genuine faith…and I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God has given you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
…With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. 2 Tim. 1:5 – 10. NLT
Jehovah has placed those gifts within each one of us – to assist us in advancing His kingdom, by leading others to salvation through Christ. It is our most precious duty as children of God. So, what do we need to bring to the table?
Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me – a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 2 Tim. 1:13, 14. NLT
So, you, my son, be strong [constantly strengthened] and empowered in the grace that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. The things [the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry] which you have heard me teach in the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliable and faithful men who will also be capable and qualified to teach others. 2 Tim. 2:1-2. AMP
Paul is telling us to preserve God’s word in its purity and continue to ask the Holy Spirit for deeper revelation of that word, so that we may both perceive it and share it with others with the utmost clarity, so that the hearers can go and do likewise.
Our task is a godly and sacrificial one that supersedes the opposition within the world:
Endure suffering along with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them…Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Tim. 2:3, 4 & 7. NLT
The apostle then tells Timothy that regardless of one’s personal circumstances and / or appearances, the power of the word of God will always accomplish His will:
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal.
But the word of God cannot be chained. So, I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Tim. 2:8 – 10. NLT
We have the power of Jehovah God in us, to overcome anything that the world hurls our way. God, through Christ, strengthens us with a guarantee that we were spiritually reborn when we accepted Christ as out Savior. Our heavenly calling is to proliferate that Gospel assurance, amid worldly resistance and joyfully claim our eternal reward.
There is no hope for those who deny the Son of God. Yet, we rest in peace, in God’s acceptance, because of our faith in Christ. So, within that same heavenly calling that we have, is the urgency to share the ‘why’ of our serenity with as many of the unsaved as we can, by living out Christ’s example:
If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.
Remind everyone about these things and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. 2 Tim. 2:11 – 14. NLT
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 2 Tim. 2:15, 16. NLT
What else can we do?
…God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.”
In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used on special occasions, and the cheap ones for everyday use.
If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 2 Tim. 2:19-21. NLT
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Tim. 2:22 NLT
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
Then they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Tim. 2:24 – 26. NLT
Paul is saying that we need to be intimately familiar with the accurate meanings of Jehovah’s word (through the Holy Spirit), so that we are always prepared to engage in conversation rich in the Gospel salvation for the ears of the hearer.
With that as our prime focus, we can rise above the petty and meaningless drivel that passes itself off as viable discourse in this world. To do that, the Gospel must come from the mouths of those who have separated themselves spiritually from the ways of that same sphere.
Finally, we must bring the Good News with gentleness instead of violence, peacefully disarming resistance with love…
We are beacons of light for Christ, uncovering the darkness. This task will grow increasing vital as time passes – when scoffers and deniers turn increasingly to the base desires of their flesh:
…in the last days there will be difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.
They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Tim. 3:1 – 5. NLT
Looks a lot like the ‘last days’ are our ‘present days,’ yes? Nevertheless, we must soldier on in faith because the ‘cold new world’ will be increasingly hostile towards the followers of Jesus:
Yes…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and imposters will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 2 Tim. 3:12, 13. NLT
Yet, we must still be walking clarions of the Gospel, giving the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to illuminate its gift of eternal life:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Tim. 3:16 NLT
Paul then gives Timothy the urgency of his charge as his final commission:
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom. Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 2 Tim. 4:1 – 4. NLT
Jehovah wants all His children to be soldiering to the end, gathering souls for their salvation while there are still people out their willing to receive the Good News.
That is the greatest show of love that we can make towards others – presenting them with the opportunity to receive endless love…
Now, near the very end of his breath, Paul pours out his exemplary life for His Christ, with no regrets. How many of us can make the same claim?
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.
And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. NLT
Inspiring to be sure.
Epilogue
Church tradition tells us that after the apostles Peter and Paul finished their final letters, the Roman emperor Nero had them executed. We will examine Peter’s final epistle next time.
We can be everlastingly grateful that Jehovah sent these two powerful soldiers to deliver the Gospel with such clarity, conviction, and boldness – in defiance even of the devil himself.
Goodnight and God bless.