2 Timothy 1 reminds me of a phone call with my friend Charlie, on his deathbed. His sister held the phone to his ear as he lay comatose. I knew for sure these were the final words I would say to him. We became men together, navigating through our teens and twenties. What do you say when you know the end is near? Today’s lesson is about the power of encouragement. This was the final letter written by the apostle Paul. It was written from prison in Rome, shortly before he was executed. He addressed it to “Timothy, my dear son”. He speaks optimistically, trusting in “the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus”. His normal greeting does not change, “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord”. Ministry happens when we are able to receive, and then pass along these gifts to others. I love that Paul opens with thanksgiving. Our joy seems to be directly proportional to the number of times we say “thank you”. We can hear the love. “I thank God… night and day… I constantly remember you in my prayers”. Paul was chained up, alone, in miserable conditions; yet in the darkness, he prays for the young pastor. He adds, “I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy”. Paul is not asking to be rescued, his desire is to comfort and encourage Timothy. There are some today caught in hopeless bondage, searching for this peace.
When dear friends reminisce, there is often a grounding effect because they know us so well. That includes knowing where we began. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and… now lives in you”. Paul inspires his young companion, “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you”. Deep love allows us to see the embers of excellence hidden within. Sometimes their confidence in us can fortify our faith. He continues, “For the Spirit… does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”. Selfishness is our natural state. God’s Spirit enables us to recognize and exhort others. Paul knows the struggles that Timothy will face; “do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord”. Paul’s challenge is simple, “join with me in suffering for the gospel”. His words calmly whisper, “I know you can do this”.
The rest of the chapter focuses on the plan of redemption, reminding Timothy they are both part of a bigger plan. Paul explains, “He has saved us… not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace”. Spiritual perfection is unattainable through our good works. Restoration is a gift; it is available to everyone that believes the promise has “been revealed through the appearing of our Savior”. He says this plan was conceived “before the beginning of time”. Does that mean God knew we would fall before the world was created? Some say that makes God cruel. I say God made a way out of despair into new life despite our failure. “Jesus… destroyed death and has brought life and immortality… through the gospel”. He gives each of us free-will to choose which path we will take. Paul was “appointed… an apostle and a teacher”. What was it that enabled him to endure through torture and persecution? “I know Whom I have believed”. And, “I am convinced that He is able”. If you want to be miserable, put your faith in unreliable dispensers of doom. Paul spurs Timothy to keep his focus on the Savior “as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus”. Knowing that pride can derail anyone, Paul says faith in Christ is the key to humility; “guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us”. Finally, Paul recalls those that helped him, and those that abandoned him in his time of need. Notice he dwells on the one that “refreshed me… searched hard for me until he found me”. My friend, I pray for a great reunion on the other side by faith in Christ. Love always.