Daily Scripture Reading 2Timothy 1:1 - 2:7

The dominant thinking of many Christians in the 21st century is that we need to present the truth about Jesus in a manner that does not offend people. Thus, when speaking to evolutionists, they cautiously try to steer them in the direction of creation. When speaking to homosexuals, they either ignore the topic of marriage or very timidly try to make the case that the Bible teaches heterosexual marriage.

Paul did ministry with a very different mindset. When he traveled to a new city, he boldly proclaimed the truth, no matter how much he offended people. The result, as we see in the book of Acts, is that many people tried to kill Paul, and Paul was beaten and imprisoned numerous times.

Today, we will start reading through the book of 2Timothy. Paul encouraged Timothy to be bold, which is exactly how Paul lived his live, a fact which should cause us to examine our lives and whether we are willing to boldly proclaim the true gospel message.

2Tim. 1:1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,

2Tim. 1:2 ¶ To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

This letter was written to Timothy. During Paul’s first missionary journey, he preached in Derbe and Lystra, and made many disciples. During his second missionary journey, he revisited Derbe and Lystra, and at that point Timothy, a disciple from that area, began traveling with Paul. Acts 16 tells us that Timothy had a Greek father and a Jewish mother.

Notice the word “child”. Apparently, Paul led Timothy to the Lord.

2Tim. 1:3 ¶ I am grateful to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I unceasingly remember you in my prayers night and day,

2Tim. 1:4 longing to see you, having remembered your tears, so that I may be filled with joy,

2Tim. 1:5 being reminded of the unhypocritical faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it is in you as well.

Timothy’s mother and grandmother were believers also.

2Tim. 1:6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2Tim. 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-discipline.

Take note of the words “not” and “timidity”. Christians should not be timid. We should be bold and strong.

Many people in the 21st century deny the existence of God, and they dismiss the teaching that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Since those attitudes are very prevalent, many Christians are cautious in how they proclaim those truths.

However, since God did not give us a spirit of timidity, we should powerfully proclaim all truth. We should boldly declare that God exists. Jesus is God. Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus is the only way to heaven. Anyone who does not believe in Jesus will spend eternity in hell.

2Tim. 1:8 ¶ Therefore do not be ashamed of either the witness about our Lord or me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

Look at the command “join with me in suffering”. Many modern Christians avoid confrontation with those who do not believe in Jesus. We try to proclaim the gospel in a non-threatening way so as to avoid offending anyone. The net result of not causing offense is to protect ourselves from persecution and suffering.

However, Paul commanded Timothy to join him in suffering. Paul did not do ministry in a manner designed to avoid imprisonment or maltreatment. Instead, Paul boldly declared the truth about Jesus and gladly suffered any consequences that resulted from his boldness.

2Tim. 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

2Tim. 1:10 but now has been manifested by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

2Tim. 1:11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.

2Tim. 1:12 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.

Paul was in prison, but he was not ashamed of being in prison, because he knew he was in prison because he was doing what Jesus wanted him to do. He was boldly preaching the resurrection and Lordship of Christ.

2Tim. 1:13 Hold to the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

2Tim. 1:14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

2Tim. 1:15 ¶ You are aware of this: that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

2Tim. 1:16 The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,

2Tim. 1:17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me—

The book of Acts ends with Paul arriving in Rome as a prisoner. Since Onesiphorus searched for Paul in Rome, that means this letter to Timothy was written after the events recorded in the book of Acts.

2Tim. 1:18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.

2Tim. 2:1 ¶ You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2Tim. 2:2 And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Don’t miss the pattern that is espoused in this verse. Believers are to teach others, so that they can teach others. Another way to think about it is each generation is to teach the younger generation so that they can teach the generation that comes after them. In this way, Christians pass the truth about Jesus from generation to generation, century after century.

2Tim. 2:3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Here is another command to suffer hardship. Modern Christians conduct themselves in a manner designed to avoid persecution. We thank God for lives that are free of hardship.

Paul did not steer clear of persecution. He embraced and welcomed it, and encouraged Timothy to do the same.

2Tim. 2:4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

2Tim. 2:5 And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

2Tim. 2:6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

2Tim. 2:7 Understand what I say, for the Lord will give you insight in everything.

The dominant thinking of many Christians in the 21st century is that we need to present the truth about Jesus in a manner that does not offend people. We are reluctant to confront those who believe in evolution, same-sex marriage, or abortion. However, Paul boldly proclaimed the truth, and gladly accepted the persecution that resulted from his bold preaching.

To what extent do you soft-pedal Biblical truth in order to avoid offending people?

If Paul lived today and had a neighbor who believes in same sex marriage, what would Paul say to him?

If Paul lived today and had a conversation with a man who thought he was a woman, would Paul be polite, or would he boldly tell the man that he is a man?

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“Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com.”