Week 50f--2 Timothy

In college, I had to read all the letters of Paul for New Testament Survey. When we got to 2 Timothy and I realized that Paul had died after writing this letter (ok, duh, he lived 2,000 years ago, of course he died, but you know what I mean) I actually cried. So now here I am, 18 years later, looking at Paul’s last letter, teary eyed. Ok, let’s read it. There’s good stuff in here.

Paul begins by thanking God for his “son” Timothy, and reminding him that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (1:7, KJV). Paul is in jail--again. He is going to die--soon. But he is not ashamed of the gospel, nor is he afraid, for he knows God, and he is secure in his salvation.

Again, Paul urges Timothy to be strong in his faith, keep his eyes on Christ, and to continue sharing the gospel. Paul, probably because he is staring death in the face, says this: “For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him...” (2:11-12).

The AWANA name comes from this letter, from 2 Timothy 2:15, for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. Once again, Paul warns Timothy agains those who speak empty words. Timothy knows the truth; he must continue to speak it in the face of opposition. Paul pretty much guarantees that Timothy will face hard times (he echoes what Jesus said in John 16:33). But the importance of knowing the scripture well comes into play here: the Scriptures will give Timothy wisdom, for “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (3:16-17). Again, Paul charges Timothy to speak the truth about Jesus.

Paul knows the end is near. He has “fought the good fight,” he has “kept the faith” (4:7). He begs for Timothy to come to him, for everyone else, except for the good doctor Luke, has left him. Whatever happens, Paul knows that God is with him; the Lord “will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom (4:18).

One last time, Paul ends a letter with a blessing of “Grace be with you.” I walk away from 2 Timothy in search of tissues, feeling a little silly but knowing that Paul has laid a mighty challenge as my feet as well. Will I fight the good fight? Will I keep the faith? How well will I finish the course?

The challenge of a new year lies ahead, my friends. How will we begin?

Grace be with you.