chapel 2 Timothy 1

The Letter Part 1

New Living Translation Chapter 1

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

The letter is from who? Who is Paul? By the will of God to be an apostle of Jesus.

He is writing to who? He considers him his dear son, not biologically, but spiritually. Paul was there when Timothy committed his life to Christ and Paul was his mentor as Timothy accompanied him on his missionary journeys.

New Living Translation Chapter 1

3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

The God he serves with a clear conscience? He was a Christian killer, but Jesus saved him from that life and gave him a new one with real purpose.

What do we see from Paul here? Paul knows that his life is coming to an end, it permeates this letter, and here we see Paul’s desire to see his son in the faith one last time before he is murdered.

New Living Translation Chapter 1

5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

timothy has a real faith, how does Paul know this? Is faith a private or public thing? It should be evidenced, Assisi, preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words. Didn’t actually say this, but did say, “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” Regardless, the intention is the same.

Fan into flame? Fire, fan, stoke, an existing flame to make it more intense.

The gift God gave him? His preaching, his faith,

What is Timothy’s problem according to Paul? He is afraid and timid. Paul tells him that through the power of the Holy Spirit he can have power, be loving, and have self-discipline.

Power to preach, power to be bold and confident, to not fear.

Be loving, why is this here? It is the most loving thing you can do, to share what God has done through Jesus Christ for us. We are sinners, separated, destined for eternity separated, and yet God, because of His great love extended mercy and grace, He sent Jesus to live the life we couldn’t live, and die the death we deserve so we can be forgiven and have life by placing our faith in Jesus.

This gives our lives true satisfaction, true meaning, true purpose, and gives us love to share this great news with others.