2 Timothy: Session 2

What does it mean to be faithful? Does it simply mean to be full of faith… or does it mean something else?

Webster defines faithful as firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty. In other words, committed to the cause, willing to go the distance, resolved in what direction to go.

As we dive into the meat of this letter, Paul opens with an encouragement to Timothy to be… faithful - to stay the course.

Again, Timothy is walking through some very difficult times.

Internally, they are continuing to face false teachers within the church. These false teachers were slowing, if not all together stopping, the advancement of God’s kingdom in Ephesus.

Externally, Timothy was facing the strong likelihood of severe persecution. Nero was aggressively persecuting the church and many believers had suffered greatly.

Lastly, Timothy was struggling emotionally. Why? Because his mentor, Paul, was imprisoned for his faith and awaiting execution. Timothy was looking to lose someone who had invested greatly in his life and ministry.

That’s a lot to handle! That’s a a lot of difficult water to navigate through! These things had the potential to discourage Timothy in moving ahead in ministry.

Such is why Paul encourages Timothy not to look back… but to look forward to what the Lord has in store. Paul encourages Timothy to stay the course… to remain faithful.

Have you ever been there? Have you ever been in a place where it felt like no matter what direction you went, you would face hardship?

Discouragement is a POWERFUL weapon of the enemy as it can impact a person on many levels.

Emotionally, discouragement can cause a person to be down… to lose joy and to lose hope.

Physically, discouragement can drain away our strength through worry, stress, anxiety, fear, etc.

Mentally, discouragement can decrease our creativity, it can affect the way we view and approach problem solving, and it can negatively impact our overall outlook on things.

Spiritually, discouragement moves a person to forget faith. The emphasis is placed on how the person feels instead of focusing on how big and powerful our God is.

When we get down… it effects our whole self. Timothy, evidently, was in need of some encouragement. But if we look closely, Paul was in this place too. 2 Timothy 1:4 reads, “Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”

We’re not exactly sure what “tears” Paul is referring to, but Paul longed to see Timothy that he might be “filled with joy.”

Perhaps, in knowing Timothy was in need of encouragement, that joy would come from being there for his friend. Perhaps Paul desired to be present in support and that’s what would bring him joy. Whatever the case, Paul LONGED to be with Timothy.

In the giving of his encouragement, Paul speaks of things past, of things present, and of things future. He reminds Timothy of where he comes from, of what’s taking place right now, and the truth of what lies ahead tomorrow.

Things Past: Paul Reminds Timothy of Legacy.

Look at verse 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.”

Paul reminds Timothy of a legacy of faith that was observable within two generations before him. Paul speaks of two women in Timothy’s heritage that had an impact on his… FAITH.

First, Paul brings up Timothy’s grandma, Lois. She was a devout Jew and the mother of Eunice. Next, Paul brings up Timothy’s mother, Eunice. Both of these ladies are noted by Paul for what? SINCERE FAITH. Paul gives credit to both Lois and Eunice for the Faith he sees in Timothy (Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 3:15).

This is legacy. This is Spiritual heritage. This is the truth regarding Timothy’s past and upbringing. Paul, in a sense, was reminding Timothy of who he was!

Timothy would have experienced the benefits and blessings that came with the faith of his grandmother and mother. He saw first-hand how their faithfulness carried them through difficult circumstances.

Paul is testifying… reminding Timothy… of what faith can do. THEN… he connects that faith to Timothy. he said at the end of the verse “I am persuaded, (this faith) now lives in you also!”

Consider this… how many have a parent or grandparent that you would love to live up to? Or maybe it’s parents or grandparents?

Maybe there strength inspired you. Maybe their wit and humor brought you joy. Maybe their work ethic or perseverance encouraged you. Maybe their kindness and compassion inspired you. Maybe… their faith and their walk with God… impacted you.

Regardless, what an encouragement it must have been for Timothy to hear that the sincere faith that was observed in his mom and grandma could be seen also in him!

Things Present: Paul Tells Timothy of Current Reality

Here we look at verses 3 and 6.

This is how Paul opens this section of the letter. Verse 3 reads, “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.”

After reminding Timothy of his legacy, Paul says this in verse 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.”

So what is Paul telling Timothy… what things are or should be happening in his day that moment?

Paul is CONSTANTLY praying for Timothy. We believe in the power of prayer and we know that God answers prayer!

When genuine prayer is expressed, we can expect genuine answers from God. Why include the word genuine here? Because too often, prayer is not genuine and the offer is more of a pleasantry to close or switch direction in a conversation. “I’m praying for you” becomes a routine, disingenuous response.

Timothy, although separated from Paul. remained connected to Paul through prayer. Paul was going to battle in the spiritual realm on Timothy’s behalf. Timothy was on the front lines of ministry… but Paul was serving in the supply line through prayer.

Secondly, Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” that was with him. Paul told Timothy not to allow that spark to go out, but rather let it grow within him.

“fan into flame” is an active phrase meaning this was not something Timothy could wish into existence, it was something he had to pursue. Fanning into flame is feeding the flame the necessary air needed for it to grow. We are unsure of the “gift” Paul speaks of - some say it is faith, some say it is the Spirit, others say it was the gift of ministry, but how does a person fan such a gift into flame? We pursue the Lord. We position ourselves for the Spirit to blow life giving breath to the spark within.

Consider this, when Peter walked on water, the storm could have discouraged him from stepping out. Yet, so long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, the storm could not touch him.

Encouragement for Timothy was going to come by way of keeping his eyes on Jesus. Don’t look at the internal struggle. Don’t look at the external struggle. Don’t look at the situation Paul was in. KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS. ALLOW THE SPIRIT TO POUR HIS FIRE YOU!

Things Future: Paul says Follow the Right Spirit

This last Scripture is used often out of context and it is important we understand what Paul was conveying to Timothy in this moment. Timothy was reminded of his legacy, is being prayed for and his spiritual flame relit, now Paul shows him the way forward will not be by fear, but by another Spirit.

2 Timothy 1:7 reads, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Other translations would say God does not give us a spirit of fear and ends by saying the spirit He gives is one of a sound mind.

Fear was not the way forward. Fear or timidity would not get the job done. In fact, these things would only heap on the discouragement and keep Timothy out of the call God had placed upon him. The fear Paul is referring to here is fear of teaching/preaching the true gospel message.

Often times people will use this verse when speaking of facing fears in general, but Paul is speaking of a specific fear - a fear that would push a believer into being silent regarding their faith. The enemy was using internal and external struggles to influence this young pastor and Paul called out this wrong spirit.

This is NOT a condemning word from Paul, but is a word regarding future ministry. Don’t be timid. Don’t be afraid. If these feelings begin to rise up, consider the source. THEY ARE NOT FEELINGS FROM GOD.

Rather, the Spirit God HAS given us is power, love, and self discipline (or a sound mind).

This is a strong encouragement for every believer today!

When the pressures of this world rise up, so must our faith rise up. When the dangers and threats to our faith become more intense, so should our pursuit of God’s Spirit intensify.

The ONLY way the enemy wins is if our faith gives way to fear. Paul did not lose his race when he was arrested and put into prison. He was victorious over fear because of His faith in Jesus Christ!

Fear may not have visible bars but it is one of the hardest prisons for people to break free from. The enemy wants to contain you - your witness and testimony - in a prison of fear. God’s Spirit, on the other hand, wants to fill you with power, love and soundness of mind. Which path will you choose?

Wrap Up

Paul is working to build up Timothy as he is facing the very real struggles of his day. God is wanting to build you up as you face the very real struggles of our current day.

First, I hope you understand that we are praying for you. I want to see you fan into flame the gifts God has given you. Do not become timid in your walk with God but come alive through faith and His Spirit!

STAY FAITHFUL! Remain on course, and keep your eyes on Jesus.

God has given us new life - new life this world can NEVER take away. Be encouraged and follow here the Sprit is leading you to go.