Episode #197. Today we’ll read 2 Timothy chapter 1 together: Paul instructs Timothy – and us – to be thankful, not to be ashamed of the Gospel, and to be loyal to the faith.
Transcript
Joy: You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #197. Today we’ll read 2 Timothy chapter 1 together. Paul instructs Timothy – and us – to be thankful, not to be ashamed of the Gospel, and to be loyal to the faith.
Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast. I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together. Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should. It’s just easier to do it with a friend. So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud. I’m so glad you’re here!
Welcome
We start a new book today and this one is a little special. Paul wrote this letter in 66-67 AD. He was imprisoned again under Emperor Nero and it was likely his final letter. Unlike his first prison sentence when he lived in a rented house, this time Paul was chained in a cold dungeon like a common criminal. He even intimates in the fourth chapter that his work here is done, and his life is coming to an end.
Paul ached to see Timothy again and asks him to come. Of course, Paul being Paul, he has final instructions for Timothy as a young pastor. He is also very concerned for the churches under the severe and cruel persecution of Nero.
It feels like it takes a tremendous amount of energy for Paul to write this letter. And yet, the Holy Spirit speaks passionately through Paul, leaving us with some of his most memorable verses. It leaves me just a little sad, to think of this incredibly intelligent, unstoppable, and faithful man being just a short time away from his beheading. It doesn’t seem right.
But it leaves us with a soberness about following Christ. The crowns and rewards will be received in heaven, not here. There are joys in serving to be sure. But we are also called to endure suffering. Paul was a tremendous example for us in that. I’m looking forward to sharing your thoughts as we read this little letter together. You can find me at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
2 Timothy Chapter 1
Greeting
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the sake of the promise of life in Christ Jesus:
To Timothy, my dearly loved son.
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Thanksgiving
I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.
Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. He 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 before time began. This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher, and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.
Be Loyal to the Faith
Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. You know that all those in the province of Asia have deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me. May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from him on that day. You know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.
Closing Thoughts
2 Timothy 1:7 is one of the most empowering verses in the entire Bible. When we are afraid, when we are paralyzed to make our next right move, this verse reminds us who God is and who we are in Him. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. I don’t have to be afraid. Whenever that spirit of fear rears its ugly head, I can resist it. I am filled with God’s power, His love, and clear thinking. This is somehow incredibly affirming and empowering to me.
Did you notice just before that verse that Paul challenges Timothy to rekindle the gift God gave him? Did you – like me – wonder where it went? We have to rekindle our gifts, our commitments, our drive sometimes too, don’t we? It can fade if we don’t constantly rekindle. I think that’s one of the reasons it’s so important to be in the Word every day. It gives us constant reminders of His love, His gifts, and His power. We need those things every day.
Verse 9 gives me such a sense of purpose and value. He 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 before time began. Wow! Let’s pray.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we know whom we have believed. Allow it to resonate with us day and night. You have abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through Your gospel. Help us to remember that always. Grant us determination to never be ashamed. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Thank you for joining me here today. I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here. In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort. Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us. If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you right here tomorrow. Be well!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Show Notes
- Awesome Video of Solomon’s Temple
- These will help! Overview videos of all books of the Bible
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Bible Study Resources
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