A Call to Endure

Sermon Title: A Call to Endure

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-14

Occasion: The Lord’s Day

Date: February 16, 2025

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Ti 1:2.

Opening Prayer

Introduction

What does it take to remain faithful to Christ when the world is against us?

How do we endure hardship, rejection, and suffering without shrinking back in fear or compromise?

These are not just questions for the early church—they are questions for us today.

We live in a world that is increasingly hostile to the truth of the gospel.

Faithfulness to Christ comes with a cost, and the temptation to stay silent or avoid suffering is real.

So how do we endure?

Or maybe I can ask it this way:

What does it take to remain faithful to Christ in a world that opposes the gospel?

This is the question we must answer today.

The Christian life is not a path of ease—it is a call to endurance.

If Christ suffered, we must know that we that follow him will suffer.

Following Jesus comes with a cost.

We must know from the onset of following Jesus that….

Faithfulness invites opposition.

Obedience brings trials.

And standing for truth often means standing alone.

This is the reality Timothy faced.

As Paul writes to him in here in 2 Timothy, the weight of ministry is heavy.

Timothy’s mentor, Paul, is imprisoned.

Persecution is growing.

The temptation to shrink back is real.

Yet Paul does not tell Timothy to retreat—he calls him to endure.

That is the Title of the sermon because I believe it is the point of the text.

Sermon Title:

“A Call to Endure”

That same call to Timothy extends to us today.

In this passage, Paul gives us three essential truths that will equip us to Endure:

Fan into Flame the Gift of God (vv. 6-7) – We are not called to timidity, but to boldness empowered by the Spirit.

Do Not Be Ashamed, but Share in Suffering (vv. 8-12) – Suffering for the gospel is not a mark of failure, but of faithfulness.

Hold Fast and Guard the Gospel (vv. 13-14) – The truth of Christ is worth defending, no matter the cost.

So as we walk through this passage together, I want you to ask yourself this question:

Am I willing to endure for the sake of Christ?

By the end of this sermon, my prayer is that each of us will not only answer yes but will be strengthened to live it out—knowing that God has given us everything we need to endure faithfully to the end.

I. Fan into Flame the Gift of God (vv. 6-7)

2 Timothy 1:6–7 ESV

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

For This Reason: Why is Paul Saying This?

Paul begins with "For this reason"—but what reason?

He is pointing back to verse 5, where he reminded Timothy of his “sincere faith”, a faith that first dwelt in his grandmother and mother, and now Paul is sure that is “dwelling in him”.

Paul sees clear evidence of true faith in Timothy, and because God has given him this faith, He also equips him to live it out.

Paul is calling Timothy not to rely on himself, but to depend on Christ by exercising the gifts God has given him.

This is not a call to self-sufficiency but to faithfulness through God’s strength.

And this is a lesson for us all:

Faith is not just what we believe; it is what we live through the power of God’s Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Faith is to be “walked” out! It’s to be live out!

The call to endure is not about simply surviving hardship, but about walking faithfully in what Christ has entrusted to us and called us to, through the power of His Spirit.

What is the Gift of God?

Paul tells Timothy to fan into flame "the gift of God"—but what exactly is this gift?

The Greek word χάρισμα (charisma) refers to a Spirit-given ability for ministry.

It is a gift to be used…

English Standard Version Chapter 4

to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ

We all have been given gifts at our conversion, and some might include natural gifts by birth- but the point is that we must use these god-give gifts humbly for God’s glory and the building up of the Church.

Paul says it this way in Romans 12:4-8

Romans 12:4–8 ESV

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

This “gift of God” here could include Timothy’s preaching, teaching, leadership, and pastoral calling.

Some believe Paul may even be referring to the Holy Spirit Himself, the One who empowers Timothy for this work.

John Stott clarifies this for us:

“The gift was probably a special enduement or anointing of the Spirit which Timothy received … to equip him for the work to which he had been called.”

So, this gift is both the calling to ministry and the power of the Holy Spirit enabling him to fulfill it.

God does not merely call; He supplies the strength to fulfill that calling.

And this applies to every believer.

Every Christian has been given gifts by God to serve His kingdom.

But we are not left to use them in our own strength—we are given the Spirit to work in and through us for God’s glory.

Fan the Flame: The Picture of a Growing Fire

The phrase “fan into flame” comes from the Greek word ἀναζωπυρεῖν (anazopyrein)—a vivid term meaning to rekindle, to stir up, to breathe life into a fire that is growing weak.

Paul is not saying that Timothy’s faith or calling has died or that it is even weak, but he is warning that even a strong fire can grow weak if left unattended.

A Real-Life Example: Keeping the Fire Burning

Imagine lighting a campfire.

At first, the flames burn bright, but if you neglect it—if you don’t stir the embers or add fuel—the fire will weaken and eventually go out.

Fire requires tending.

It needs fuel.

It needs breath.

Likewise, the gifts God has given us must be exercised, practiced, and used.

If we neglect them—whether out of fear, laziness, or discouragement—they will fade into cold embers.

Maybe you once had a deep passion for sharing the gospel, but over time, fear of rejection has made you hesitant.

Maybe you were eager to serve in the church, but discouragement has made you retreat.

Maybe you have a gift of teaching, encouraging, or leading, but you’ve allowed insecurity to silence you.

Paul’s words remind us:

Don’t let the fire go out!

Stir it up!

Use what God has given you!

It’s actually prideful not to use our gifts.

You have to understand your god-given gift is not for you or about you.

It’s about God’s glory and for His blood-bought Church.

But when we step out in faith and use the gifts God has given us, He strengthens our trust in Him.

Through the exercise of these gifts, He causes us to grow, equipping us to stand firm even when trials come.

Isn’t that what we see in our culture today?

The first sign of spiritual drifting—of deconstruction—is often the neglect of our God-given gifts in service to Him and His Church.

Instead, we start using them for ourselves—our own success, our own comfort, our own glory. And in the process, our faith weakens.

I’ve seen it time and time again.

When people stop serving, stop using what God has given them for His kingdom, the fire within them begins to die out.

Until one day, it’s completely cold.

And here is a crucial truth:

As we exercise our gifts in obedience, Christ strengthens us.

A gift that is being fanned into flame fuels our endurance—not because we are strong, but because Christ works in us as we walk in obedience.

We endure by His power, not our own.

The Laying On of Hands: What Happened?

Paul reminds Timothy that this gift was given through the laying on of hands.

What does that mean?

This act of laying on of hands was a public recognition and confirmation of Timothy’s calling and gifting.

It wasn’t that Paul or the elders gave Timothy the gift themselves—God alone gives spiritual gifts—but the laying on of hands was the visible act of affirmation.

Paul refers to this in 1 Timothy 4:14

1 Timothy 4:14 ESV

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

This was a commissioning moment—a time when the church recognized and affirmed that Timothy was called, gifted, and equipped by God.

If you notice carefully in verse 6 Paul makes it personal, saying, “through the laying on of my hands.”

He had been one of the instruments God used to confirm Timothy’s gifting.

This was not about giving Timothy a gift, but about affirming the work God was already doing in him.

A Real-Life Example: Affirming a Call

That’s what we do here at RCS.

When a pastor is being ordained or a missionary being sent out here at RCS.

When Our elders and church lays hands on them, we are not giving them a gift or a calling but affirming what God has already placed in them.

But don’t miss this simple point for all of us:

Every believer has been gifted by God for service in the body of Christ.

The question is:

Are we using what God has given us?

Maybe you're thinking, I'm too...—fill in the blank—too weak, too scared, too incapable, too insecure. The list goes on.

Friend, let me tell you—join the club.

But here’s the good news:

We don’t use our gifts in our own strength. We serve in the power of God’s Spirit.

If I had to rely on my own strength, I would have quit preaching and pastoring a long time ago.

But the Spirit of God sustains, empowers, and strengthens us to endure.

The Need for the Spirit of God

Paul continues in verse 7, explaining why Timothy must not shrink back from his calling:

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Paul is clear: fear is not from God.

The word δειλία (deilia) means cowardice, timidity, or a lack of courage.

Timothy may have been naturally timid, or perhaps the challenges of ministry were making him hesitant.

Either way, Paul reminds him—and us—God does not give His people a spirit of fear.

Instead, He has given us a Spirit of power, love, and self-control.

These are all spirit-given, and empowered characteristics!

Power (δύναμις, dynamis) – The Holy Spirit enables and empowers believers to be bold in their gifting and fulfill thier ministry.

Ephesians 3:16 ESV

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

Romans 15:18-19 Paul says he accomplished his gospel ministry by the enablement of the Spirit in Him.

Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

I believe Paul is calling timothy here and us to be Bold in His power in our witness and testimony of our Lord, which we will see in a moment in verse 8!

Love (ἀγάπη, agape) – (Romans 5:5, the spirit pours the love of God into our hearts!) A sacrificial love that seeks the good of others. Spiritual gifts should always be used in love to serve others(1 Cor. 13:1-3).

Self-Control (σωφρονισμός, sophronismos) – A disciplined mind, the ability to stay steady under pressure.

We Endure Because of Christ, Not Ourselves

Without the Spirit, we do not have the strength to endure following Christ or endure the hardships of ministry.

If we try to serve Christ in our own strength, we will eventually burn out, become discouraged, or give up.

The challenges will be too great.

The weight of ministry and following Christ faithfully will crush us.

But God has not left us to ourselves.

The Holy Spirit—the very presence of Christ in us—enables us and empowers us to endure.

This is why Jesus sent His spirit and told His disciples:

“Apart from me, you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

This is also why the gospel must be at the center of everything we do.

If we are not resting in Christ, we will collapse under the burden of ministry.

If we are not abiding in His strength, we will serve in our own strength—and fail.

If we are not daily remembering the gospel, we will lose sight of why we serve in the first place.

Paul’s reminder to Timothy is a reminder to us all:

We are weak, but Christ is strong.

We must fan into flame the gifts He has given us, not in our own power, but in His.

Application: Stir It Up!

What gifts has God given you?

Are you actively using them, or have they grown dormant?

Are you relying on Christ’s strength, or are you trying to serve in your own?

Paul’s message is clear:

Don’t let the fire go out.

Stir it up.

Depend on Christ.

Walk in the power of the Spirit.

And as you do, your faith will be strengthened, and you will be equipped to endure for Christ.

Transition to Next Point:

Paul has made it clear—Timothy must stir up his gift and walk in the Spirit’s power.

But with that comes a challenge:

Standing boldly for the gospel will bring opposition.

If Timothy is going to walk in his calling and gifting, he must also be prepared to suffer for it.

That leads us to Paul’s next instruction:

II. Do Not Be Ashamed, but Share in Suffering (vv. 8-12).

2 Timothy 1:8–12 ESV

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

Shame is a powerful force.

It can paralyze faith, silence testimony, and turn soldiers of Christ into deserters.

The world mocks the gospel—it scorns the idea of a crucified Savior, ridicules the exclusivity of Christ, and belittles those who stand for truth.

Paul knew this well.

He writes to Timothy from a Roman prison, not for a crime, but for the gospel.

And yet, his concern is not for his own release, but for Timothy’s courage and the courage of the Church-our courage.

Paul is about to pass the torch, and he does not want fear to extinguish the flame.

2 Timothy 1:8 ESV

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

Timothy was facing intense pressure to shrink back.

The gospel was offensive to the Jews, foolishness to the Greeks (1 Cor. 1:23), and now increasingly dangerous under Roman persecution.

Even Paul's own imprisonment might have seemed like a cause for embarrassment—but Paul insists,

“I am Christ’s prisoner, not Rome’s.”(v. 8)

Verses 8-12 calls us to three great tasks (Sub-Points):

A. Do not be ashamed—The gospel is worth suffering for.

B. Remember God’s grace—The gospel is grounded in God’s eternal purpose.

C. Trust in Christ’s keeping power—The One who saves us will sustain us until the end.

Paul has just exhorted Timothy in the previous verses to fan into flame the gift of God and reminded him that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Now, Paul presses further:

Do not be ashamed of Christ.

Do not be ashamed of me, His prisoner.

Rather, embrace suffering for the gospel.

Timothy’s call is not one of ease, but endurance.

The gospel comes with a cross before a crown, suffering before glory.

A. Do Not Be Ashamed—The Gospel is Worth Suffering For (v. 8)

Paul begins with a clear command: “Do not be ashamed.”

Why?

Because the gospel is not a message of weakness, but of divine power.

The world may mock it, but we know as Christians is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16).

Paul warns Timothy not to be ashamed of two specific things:

The testimony about our Lord (v. 8a).

The word testimony (μαρτύριον) refers to the gospel itself—the message of a crucified King who conquered death.

To the world, this message is foolishness (1 Cor. 1:18). But to those being saved, it is the wisdom and power of God.

2. Paul, Christ’s prisoner (v. 8b).

Notice that Paul does not call himself a prisoner of Rome, but a prisoner of the Lord (cf. Eph. 4:1).

His chains are not a mark of failure, but a badge of faithfulness.

Calvin writes: "It is a great and distinguished honor which Christ confers upon us, that we should be His witnesses, though the world marks us with disgrace."

Instead of shrinking back, Paul invites Timothy into the suffering:

“But share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.” (v. 8c)

The Christian life is not an easy road, but it is the only road that leads to life (Matt. 7:14).

If we are to follow Christ this morning, you must know that following him means to pick up your own cross.

It means to suffering with him.

Christians in the 1st century truly felt the weight of this call to suffer for the sake of the good new of Christ.

Notice, we are not just to suffer- but suffer FOR the gospel by God’s power.

Illustration: The Firefighter’s Call

Imagine a firefighter ashamed to run into a burning building.

His job is to save lives.

If he lets fear stop him, people will perish.

So it is with the gospel.

The world is perishing, and we hold the only message that can save.

Take-Home Questions:

Do you hesitate to share the gospel because of fear or shame?

Are you willing to suffer for Christ, or are you trying to avoid hardship?

What will you endure for the gospels sake?

B. Remember God’s Grace—The Gospel is Grounded in God’s Eternal Purpose (vv. 9-12)

Paul now strengthens Timothy by reminding him of God’s eternal purpose in the gospel:

“[God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” (v. 9)

The gospel is not about human effort—it is about God’s sovereign grace.

God’s Work in the Gospel (v. 9)

He saved us.

We were not drowning in sin, needing a helping hand.

We were dead (Eph. 2:1), and He made us alive.

2. He called us to a holy calling.

This is not an invitation but an effectual call (Rom. 8:30).

Romans 8:30 ESV

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

1689 LBC Chapter 10 article 1 says it this way:

1. The Nature of Effectual Calling

“All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, He is pleased, in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by His Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God; taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and by His almighty power determining them to that which is good; and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ; yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace.”

God’s call creates what it commands—He doesn’t just summon, He transforms.

3. He did this before time began.

Before the first star was set in place, before Adam drew his first breath, God had already purposed to save a people in Christ.

This is pure grace—not based on works, but on His own purpose.

Christ’s Appearing and the Victory Over Death (vv. 10-11)

Paul moves from eternity past to history:

“[God’s grace] has now been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (v. 10)

Christ abolished death—not in the sense that believers never die, but that death has lost its power (1 Cor. 15:55). (Elaborate!)

He brought life and immortality to light—eternal life is no longer hidden in the shadows of the Old Testament, but fully revealed in Christ.

Paul’s Appointment to Proclaim the Gospel (v. 11)

“For which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.”

Paul describes three aspects of his ministry:

A preacher (κῆρυξ)—Paul was a herald of the King, proclaiming Christ’s victory over sin and death.

An apostle (ἀπόστολος)—He was directly sent by Christ, with the authority to establish churches and defend the truth.

A teacher (διδάσκαλος)—He was called to instruct and disciple the saints, ensuring the gospel was rightly understood and preserved.

C. Trust in Christ’s keeping power

Paul’s words ring out with unshakable conviction:

"Which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed!" (V.12)

From a worldly perspective, Paul had every reason to be ashamed.

He was in chains, imprisoned in Rome under the watchful eye of Nero, abandoned by many (2 Tim. 4:10, 16).

His mission seemed to be ending in disgrace.

And yet, Paul does not waver. He does not shrink back. Instead, he declares boldly, "But I am not ashamed!"

Why?

Because Paul’s confidence does not rest in his circumstances, but in the God he serves.

Suffering for Christ Is Inevitable

Paul begins v.11 and V.12 with a causal but powerful phrase, “For Which” διʼ ἣν αἰτίαν (“For this reason” or “Because of this”).

2 Timothy 1:11 ESV

for which BECAUSE OF THIS] I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,

2 Timothy 1:12 ESV

which [FOR THIS REASON] is why I suffer as I do.

He uses this same phrase in 2 Timothy 2:9-10

2 Timothy 2:9–10 ESV

for which [FOR THIS REASON] I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

He ties his suffering directly to his gospel ministry. (VV. 9-10)

This is not suffering because of failure, poor decisions, or wrongdoing—it is suffering for the cause of Christ.

This reinforces what Paul had already told Timothy:

“Share in suffering for the gospel” (2 Tim. 1:8)

“All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim. 3:12)

To follow Christ is to embrace suffering for the of the gospel.

Christ Himself declared, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20)

The world hates the message of the gospel because it exposes human sinfulness and pride.

Paul was suffering because he refused to compromise.

He would rather die in chains for Christ than live in freedom apart from Him.

He knew that the word of God was bound!

He knew the saving power of the gospel.

And he concluded and resolved in his heart - For this reason I will suffer!

John Calvin captures this well:

"It is therefore no new thing, if the doctrine of the Gospel be exposed to the hatred of men, and if those who preach it must endure many contests, for this is the way in which God tries our faith."

Not Ashamed—Because He Knows Whom He Has Believed

Paul does not simply endure suffering—he triumphs in it! His confidence is rooted in a deep, personal knowledge of Christ:

"For I know whom I have believed." (V.12)

Notice Paul does not say, "I know what I have believed," but "I know whom."

His faith is not just in a set of doctrines—it is in a Person.

He is not just holding to theological concepts—he is holding to Christ Himself.

This is where true perseverance comes from.

Mere intellectual knowledge of doctrine will not sustain you in suffering.

But knowing Christ—His character, His faithfulness, His love—that is what sustains the soul.

Charles Spurgeon put it this way:

"The joy of knowing Christ is so surpassing, that all other joys are eclipsed. The light of Christ is so bright that all other light is darkness in comparison."

Paul's intimate knowledge of Christ has produced unshakable trust.

The perfect tense for “I have believe” in the Greek πεπίστευκα means (“I have believed and still believe”) shows that Paul’s faith is deeply established.

Suffering has not stopped me from knowing Him.

It has actually deepened his knowing and resolved his knowing Christ.

That’s why he says to the Church at Philippi,

Philippians 3:7–9 ESV

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him….

This knowing Christ has brought great persuasion in pauls heart that Christ will keep him and the gospel safe unto glory.

That why He says in verse 12:

“I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” (v.12)

This is not wishful thinking—this is settled conviction.

What Is the Deposit That Christ Will Guard?

Paul’s words point to two things that he has has deeply established in his heart that Christ will guard:

1. Christ Will Guard Paul Himself—His Salvation and Calling

Paul is entrusting his very life to Christ.

Whether he lives or dies, whether he suffers or is delivered, he is safe in Christ's hands.

This is why he can later say with joy:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7)

Paul knows that Day is coming—the day when his faith will become sight, when he will receive the crown of righteousness from the hand of Christ (2 Tim. 4:8).

The Heidelberg Catechism beautifully expresses this truth:

"What is your only comfort in life and death?" "That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ."

Paul rests in this comforting certainty:

He belongs to Christ.

Christ will never let him go.

Romans 8:38–39 ESV

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Transition:

He is sure that Christ will keep him in the love of God.

2. Christ Will Guard the Gospel—The Message Entrusted to His Servants

But Paul is not only speaking of himself—he is speaking of the gospel itself.

Christ will preserve His truth through every generation.

Even though Paul is about to die, the gospel will not die with him.

It has been entrusted to faithful men, like Timothy, who will carry it forward (2 Tim. 2:2).

And ultimately, Christ Himself is its guardian.

This has proven true throughout history.

Governments have tried to silence the gospel—they have failed.

Persecutors have tried to eliminate the church—they have failed.

False teachers have tried to corrupt the truth—they have failed.

Why?

Because Christ is guarding what He has entrusted.

As John Calvin writes:

"Let us learn to rest satisfied with the protection of God alone, and to believe that, although the whole world should rise against us, he who has promised to be our guardian is superior to all."

A Call to Trust in Christ’s Keeping Power

This truth applies to every believer.

If you belong to Christ, your salvation is not in your hands—it is in His.

He will sustain you, sanctify you, and bring you safely to glory.

Jude exults in this truth:

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy.” (Jude 24)

This is amazing news weak and failing christian:

You are not your own keeper—Christ is!

You may feel weak—but He is able to guard you.

You may face trials—but He is able to sustain you.

You may fear the future—but He is able to bring you home.

You may feel like the gospel is slipping away -But Christ will guard it to glory!

Do you trust Him?

Will you rest in His keeping power, today?

Looking to That Day

Paul’s eyes were fixed on that Day—the day of Christ’s return, When the judge, Jesus, will judge the living and the dead by his appearing and his kingdom.

When all suffering will end, and faith will be sight.

That Day was not a day of fear for Paul—it was a day of hope.

That Day was not a day of loss—it was a day of gain (Phil. 1:21).

That Day was not the end—it was the beginning of eternal joy.

So it is for all who are in Christ.

As the hymn “we sang today “On That Day" reminds us:

On that day, we will see You, shining brighter than the sun… On that day, we will know You, as we lift our voice as one… ‘Til that day, we will praise You, for Your never-ending grace, And we will keep on singing on that glorious day.

Transition Between Points: From Suffering to Stewardship

Paul has made it clear—suffering for the gospel is not a mark of failure, but of faithfulness.

He has urged Timothy to cast aside shame, to embrace suffering for Christ, and to stand firm in the confidence that God Himself will guard both His servant and His gospel until that final Day.

But suffering is not the only charge given to Timothy.

The gospel is not only something to suffer for—it is something to steward.

If Christ Himself is guarding the truth, then we, as His people, must hold fast to it.

Having exhorted Timothy to endure suffering for the gospel, Paul now exhorts him to preserve, protect, and proclaim that very gospel.

Suffering and stewardship go hand in hand.

One without the other is incomplete.

The same gospel that is worth dying for is also worth holding fast to and guarding against corruption.

This brings us to Paul’s final charge: Hold Fast and Guard the Gospel (vv. 13-14).

III. Hold Fast and Guard the Gospel (vv. 13–14)

2 Timothy 1:13–14 ESV

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Paul’s final charge to Timothy in this section is to hold fast to the truth and guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit.

The gospel is not only to be believed but also preserved and defended.

Hold Fast to the Pattern of Sound Words (v. 13)

Paul commands Timothy:

2 Timothy 1:13 ESV

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me…

The key verb, “follow” (ἔχε), means more than just acknowledging or agreeing with doctrine—it means holding fast, adhering to it with unwavering loyalty.

This is not a passive acceptance but an active clinging to the truth of the gospel, shaping both belief and conduct according to it.

The phrase “pattern of sound words” (ὑποτύπωσιν ὑγιαινόντων λόγων) refers to a fixed, unchanging standard of doctrine—the apostolic teaching Timothy had received.

The word “sound” (ὑγιαινόντων) means healthy, whole, life-giving—in contrast to the false teachings that corrupt and destroy (cf. 2 Tim. 2:17).

Paul calls Timothy to preserve the purity of Christ’s message, not letting it be reshaped by pressure or human wisdom.

But this call is not merely an intellectual exercise.

Paul is not just instructing Timothy to uphold doctrinal precision but to live out the gospel he preaches.

John Calvin wisely warns:

"Doctrine is not an affair of the tongue but of the life; it is received only when it possesses the whole soul and finds a seat and resting place in the inmost affection of the heart."

Truth must not remain in the mind alone—it must shape the affections and transform daily living.

True faith is more than professing sound doctrine; it is clinging to Christ in faith and walking in His love.

That is why Paul further clarifies how Timothy is to hold fast: In Faith and in Love.(V. 13)

The Pastoral Epistles Appeal for a Spirit-Given Boldness that Will Endure Suffering: 1:6–14

Ellicott; cf. Bernard:

“In faith”—Trusting God’s promises, relying on His power, believing that the gospel is sufficient. (Similar to Paul’s words in 1 Tim.1:14)

“In love”—A heart that cherishes the truth and applies it with grace and humility.

Holding fast to doctrine without faith turns Christianity into empty rule-keeping, breeding legalism and hypocrisy.

Holding fast without love turns truth into a weapon, fostering arrogance and selfishness.

But when faith and love are anchored in Christ, doctrine becomes a source of life, shaping both heart and character for His glory.

This is why the apostle Paul says to the Church at Ephesus…

“[SPEAK] the truth in love, [and you will] grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” (Eph. 4:15)

Thus, Timothy—and every believer—is called to hold fast, follow, and guard the gospel with unwavering conviction and Christlike character.

Guard the Good Deposit (v. 14)

Paul intensifies the command:

2 Timothy 1:14 ESV

By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Timothy is not only to hold fast to the truth but also guard it.

The word “guard” (φυλάσσω) carries the idea of watching over something of great value, protecting it from loss or corruption.

The “good deposit” (τὴν καλὴν παραθήκην) refers to the gospel itself—entrusted to Timothy, just as it had been entrusted to Paul.

This is a sacred trust, and Timothy must defend it against false teaching (1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 2:14ff., 3:13–14).

He must not modify, dilute, or compromise it.

J.C. Ryle powerfully exhorts:

"Let us settle in our minds that eternal vigilance is the price of the gospel. Let us be very jealous for the whole truth, and be careful that we do not add to it, subtract from it, or distort it."

But how can Timothy carry out such a daunting task?

By the Power of the Holy Spirit

Paul does not tell Timothy to guard the gospel in his own strength.

Instead, he points him to the only power that can sustain him—the Holy Spirit:

2 Timothy 1:14 ESV

By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

This is the key, beloved!

Timothy is not alone in this charge, and neither are we.

Just as the Spirit gave Timothy the power to fan into flame his gift (v. 6), just as He emboldened him to suffer for the gospel (v. 8), so now He enables him to guard the truth.

The Spirit is not a distant helper—He dwells within us (ἐνοικοῦντος ἐν ἡμῖν).

He is the source of power, wisdom, and perseverance in the battle for truth.

This is why Paul’s entire appeal has come full circle.

Notice how Paul’s appeal to Timothy began with the Spirit’s power (v. 6–7) and ends with the Spirit’s enabling (v. 14).

Conclusion: Christ is Worth It!

This is the call for us today:

Do not be ashamed—Christ is worthy.

Let us look to Christ on this…

Hebrews 12:2 ESV

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Suffer with Christ—for He suffered for you.

Hold fast to the gospel—for it is your life.

Guard the truth—for Christ will keep it safe.

Paul knew what awaited him—his life was being poured out (2 Tim. 4:6). But he had no regrets, no shame, no fear. He could say with confidence:

2 Timothy 4:7–8 ESV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Do you have this confidence in Christ?

If you are not in Christ, He calls you today my dear friend to follow him.

But we must count the cost if we say Yes to following Jesus.

Matthew 16:24 ESV

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

There is no greater treasure, no greater joy, no greater life than following Jesus.

But what you heard today, is the abundant empowered, Spirit-enabled life Jesus call you to.

I pray that the song that we will close with will bless your and stregnthen you. It is called “Afflicted Saint to Christ Draw Near”.

It has been my anthem lately.

I want to read a couple verses and the chorus for you before we sing it in light of today’s sermon, saints…

Your faith is weak, your foes are strong

And if the conflict should be long

The Lord will make the tempter flee

That as your days your strength shall be

Should persecution rage and flame Still trust in your Redeemer's name In fiery trials, you shall see That as your days your strength shall be (so, sing)

When called to bear your weighty cross

Or sore affliction, pain, or loss

Or deep distress or poverty

Still as your days your strength shall be

Afflicted Saint, to Christ draw near

Your Savior’s gracious promise hear

His faithful word you can believe

That as your days your strength shall be

So, sing with joy, afflicted one

The battle’s fierce, but the victory’s won

God shall supply all that you need

Yes, as your days your strength shall be

And on that Day, when faith becomes sight, we will say with Paul:

“I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed.”

PRAY