Today: an exhortation to consider Paul’s encouragement and exhortations to Timothy as his son in the faith, a younger brother, his disciple, or mentee. He is short and direct in his stroke to Timothy, but building him up in confidence in calling and purpose. May we be encouraged and built up as Timothy by such direct exhortation. And, may we learn to “disciple” and train one another as Paul did with modeling and example, and sincerely sharing truth, reproof, and encouragement with one another.
[2Timothy 1:6-8 NASB95] 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with [me] in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
Paul encourages him that he is gifted, and not to sit on his gifts, but to stir them up and kindle them. The picture is even as a fire burned down to coals can be stirred from embers to ignite flame and fire again, so can we be stirred to on-fire for Him. Timothy had a problem with being timid in his youth and seeming lack of experience. Paul tells him to get over it, realizing that that timidity is not from God, but the power of love and discipline to do and to be in Him is. He further deals with his timidity tying it to shame or fear that will hinder standing in the testimony of Jesus. If we believe He is Lord and the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, we must not let being ashamed of what may seem foolish to others, or ashamed of being identified with Him or with other believers, hold us back. Finally, Paul shores up his constant instruction to be willing to suffer,… for and in the power of God. Wow!
[2Timothy 2:1-3 NASB95] 1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with [me,] as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
The apostle encourages Timothy to be strong. Not, in himself. But in the grace that is in Jesus. What He asks of us, He gives grace to accomplish. Timothy is not to just to set and savor the knowledge of the Lord he has learned from Paul, or relax in knowledge of what he has seen the apostle model. No! He is to find others that will be faithful and train them in the same way. God does not need, nor is he looking for, gifted men. He is looking for, and will use, faithful men who will, like Paul, train timid Timothy(s), who will then turn around and train, by modeling and encouragement, others who will do likewise then with others. And… once again Paul’s instruction to be willing to suffer.
[2Timothy 3:10-17 NASB95] 10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, [and] sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium [and] at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil men and impostors will proceed [from bad] to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, [them,] 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. [2Timothy 4:1-5 NASB95] 1 I solemnly charge [you] in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but [wanting] to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Paul holds up to Timothy’s memory what Timothy has seen him model in character, teaching behavior, and, of course, suffering. He is reminding his young brother and mentee that Godly men/people will suffer. But, the truth matters and is worth it. There are many liars and deceivers in the world. You, knowing the truth, have a charge to stand in it, and train others to as well. One that knows the truth has a responsibility to handle it well, and share it accurately. Many are easily duped, so hold up the standard of truth. Again, it will be costly and hardship is par for the course, but doing the work results in fulfilling His purpose in you.
Here are a few Biblical Principles to keep in mind. You can track these from Genesis to Revelation.
Suffering and Glory go hand in hand
Humility and Exaltation go hand in hand
Obedience to what He has spoken to you, and seeing the fulfillment of His purpose in you go hand in hand.
Selah.