2 Timothy series part 1

Curious mix that we see in the epistles - something written in a speicific time and place to specific people (or, in this case a specific person) but also with the subtext that it will be circulated and read by many.

Like one half of an intensely personal telephone conversation when you know that people will be listening in.

Doesn’t hold back, but is clearly thinking about who will be listening and paying attention

In prison, for the second time. Not uin a comfortable house arrest this time, but in chains, in a common prison, and isolated from his friends and supporters.

Almost certainly dictated, possibly uner very trying conditions

Starts with Timothy’s spiritual whakapapa - I have this faith from my ancestors, Timothy has it from his grandmother, from his mother, and throughout his whole young life

Paul establishes Timothy’s authority to follow him as a leader and Apostle in the Church

2 Timothy 1:3–6 NIV

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 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.

Do not be ashamed of Paul as a prisoner, nor of the gospel - hints at persecution, possibly post fire?

Double Sandwich construction vv. 6-14, vv8b-12

Cheese Sandwich

Hamburger - Double sandwich

Meat in the Centre? Grace

2 Timothy 1:9–10 NIV

9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Salad around it? Suffering

2 Timothy 1:8 NIV

8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

2 Timothy 1:11–12 NIV

11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Bun? - The power, gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit

2 Timothy 1:6–7 NIV

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 the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:13–14 NIV

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Burger without meat is pointless

Recognising our own need for grace.

Grace that was there before we were born

Grace that is revealed to us through Jesus

“The Elect” - will touch

Burger without bun won’t hold together

flame of the gift of God - Holy Spirit

sense that people are forsaking spiritual gifts - cf.

2 Timothy 3:5 NIV

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Power, love & self-discipline

Calls us to a holy life

Burger without salad is unhealthy

Plenty of people will tell you that giving your heart to Jesus means freedom from suffering - blessing and prosperity. There is no question that we are richly blessed through God’s love and grace. There is no question that we are given every good thing through the generosity of our loving Father. But there is also no question that the Way of the Cross is a way that will not shy away from suffering

Often we believe that we are suffering because we have displeased God.

Paul wasn’t suffering because he had displeased God. Paul was suffering because rich and greedy men had made a deathtrap from the world’s greatest city, and he was a convenient scapegoat.

Jesus didn’t suffer on the cross because he had displeased God. He went to the cross because his dying and rising was the only way to break through the midden of sin and selfishness and hardness of heart that had walled off God’s children from their loving Father.

We don’t suffer because we have displeased God. We suffer because we live in the reality of a beautiful world that is broken into treacherous and deadly shards.

Hope in the midst of suffering

Not suffering on its own - hemmed in by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit - we need both around us to help us through the darkest times in our lives

Paul is challenging - there’s a desperation

He’s also clear-sighted. His suffering has hugely affected him - he feels lost, abandoned and alone, but he also sees a way through. Not an escape from his own suffering - he sees that. That’s why he sets up Timothy with his whakapapa, establishes his authority. There is a clear sign here that Paul is inviting Timothy to take up his mantle, just as he invites us to take up the mantle of grace and faith and the anointing of God’s Spirit. But that mantle isno easy thing. Come quickly! Join me in my suffering! Grasp the nettle! Know the Hope of the gospel of grace. Not a hope to escap[e suffering, but the hope to come through suffering along the way of the cross into the fullness of life. Through blood and through fire into the goodness of God.

2 Timothy 1:13–14 NIV

Blood is the stuff of life, but also a symbol of pain and suffering - communion Lord you suffered for us. You invite us into your suffering and your life. May your blood pulse through our veins.

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