God’s Saving Word: Encouragement
Introduction
2 Timothy 1:1-18: Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy consists largely of personal advice. The main theme is endurance, and Timothy is encouraged to keep on witnessing faithfully to Jesus Christ and to do his duty as a teacher and evangelist, all in the face of suffering and opposition. Timothy’s grandmother and mother are commended for their faith and the faith that they instilled in Timothy.
Scripture Reading
1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, sent to proclaim the promised life which we have in union with Christ Jesus—
2 To Timothy, my dear son:
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
Thanksgiving and Encouragement
3 I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day. 4 I remember your tears, and I want to see you very much, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also. 6 For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.
8 Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ’s sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it. 9 He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but now it has been revealed to us through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has ended the power of death and through the gospel has revealed immortal life.
11 God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News, 12 and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.[a] 13 Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow, and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus. 14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, keep the good things that have been entrusted to you.
15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia, including Phygelus and Hermogenes, has deserted me. 16 May the Lord show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he cheered me up many times. He was not ashamed that I am in prison, 17 but as soon as he arrived in Rome, he started looking for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant him his mercy on that Day! And you know very well how much he did for me in Ephesus.
Today’s Key Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.
Reflect
In the provinces where Paul and Timothy were preaching, the Roman authorities were arresting people who worshiped Jesus. Some Roman emperors insisted on being worshiped by their subjects. Titles these emperors gave themselves included “son of god,” “lord,” and “savior.” Most Jews and followers of Christ would have refused to participate in this kind of idolatry, making them targets for arrest. Timothy is instructed not to be ashamed of witnessing for the Lord (verse 8). How would Paul’s advice have impacted Timothy’s ministry? Have you ever found it difficult to witness to your faith? If so, what was the circumstance?
Pray
Lord God, empower me to share the light of Jesus Christ and your salvation with others and not to be ashamed of witnessing for you. By your Holy Spirit, fill me with power, love, and self-control. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
2 Timothy 2:1-26: Timothy is encouraged to be a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus.