Beginning a Biblical Legacy

Introduction:

When we think of a legacy, we often think towards something profound we want pass on to our children that identifies us uniquely.  For instance, maybe we want our children to be a renowned doctor or scientist or engineer.  Or maybe a great writer whose books are identified on the NY Best seller’s list.  To some it might be the passing on a trade or family business that we want kept alive.  But in any case, what is common to most of these is that we somehow want our kids to carry on that which we feel most passionate about, ultimately making a lasting mark on their generation.

Similarly, the apostle Paul, in writing to his young protege Timothy, is writing from the perspective of one who is about to die and is passionate about passing on to him a most valuable trust, of which Timothy is responsible to use, preserve, and pass on to qualified, trained, faithful men who will do the same.  This trust will make a profound mark not only on their generation, but every generation to follow if used, preserved and passed on properly.  This trust, is of course, The Faith, or The Gospel, and this process of, using, preserving and passing it on, is carefully described throughout 2 Timothy, and is specified in the key verse found in chapter 2, verse 2.

2 Timothy 2:2 ESV

2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

This word entrust is used 47 times in the NT, and in 46 of those cases, it refers to the Gospel.  The Gospel is our sacred trust!  All throughout this short letter, Paul unfolds for us how not only Timothy, but all of us, as faithful men, are to preserve this trust and pass it on.  What will become most evident, is that the best way to preserve this trust, is to proclaim its contents, faithfully and accurately.

Text: 2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1 ESV

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 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, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 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, 9 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, 10 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, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 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. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

Main Idea: We are called to embrace an unashamed faith, empowered by the Spirit, and to boldly share the gospel in our lives.

Background:

Paul is imprisoned and on “death-row” in Rome, and his execution is immanent.  After surviving his first imprisonment in Rome (where he wrote his four prison epistles, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon), he was released and it is believed that he was involved in a fourth missionary journey, which ultimately ended back at Rome.  During his initial hearing, all his companions deserted him except for Luke and Onesiphorus (possibly the runaway slave he spoke of in Philemon).  But instead of being angry and bitter, he uses the opportunity to express his hope and confidence in the Gospel to which he was entrusted, and now willingly and excitedly passes the baton onto to Timothy and others.

One more reason Paul wrote this last epistle, was to request that Timothy visit him, and to bring with him a few important personal items. We begin with…

I. Remember Your Calling (1:1-7)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

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

3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.

4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

6 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,

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

You could emphasize how Paul reminds Timothy of his spiritual heritage and the gift of God within him. Encourage believers to recognize and nurture their unique callings, using Paul’s example as inspiration. Highlight that God equips us with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, helping us overcome fear. This is not from ourselves but from Christ who dwells in us, empowering us to live courageously unashamed of our faith.

II. Rely on Christ's Power (1:8-12)

8 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,

9 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,

10 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,

11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,

12 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.

Perhaps focus on Paul's invitation to Timothy to join in suffering for the gospel. Stress that standing for Christ often involves opposition and sacrifice. Encourage congregants to rely on the Holy Spirit's power, knowing that our confidence is grounded in the one who defeated death. Christ enables us to remain steadfast, strengthening our unwavering commitment to the gospel despite challenges.

III. Retain Sound Doctrine (1:13-18)

13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

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

15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,

17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me—

18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

Maybe illustrate how Paul directs Timothy to follow the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Suggest that believers guard this treasure by the Holy Spirit. This exemplifies faithfulness in times of trial and fellowship with one another in the mission. Christ’s enduring love compels us to maintain truth and fellowship despite adversity, remaining unashamed as we support and build each other up.