2 Timothy 1:1-7 (NKJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, a beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Timothy’s Faith and Heritage
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up 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 fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
(Through the Bible Day by Day: A Devotional Commentary (7 Vols.)) OUTLINE OF THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
THE APOSTLE’S FAREWELL MESSAGE
SALUTATION (1:1, 2).
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- Thanksgiving for Timothy’s Faith (1:3-6).
- The Glory of the Gospel (1:7-14).
- (False Friends and True (1:15-18))
- “A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus” (2:1-13).
- “A Good Workman That Needeth Not To Be Ashamed (2:14-26).
- Grievous Times in the Last Days (3).
- The Triumphant Close of a Great Career (4:1-8).
- Personal Instructions (4:9-13).
- Final Experiences (4:14-18).
- Greetings to Friends (4:19-21).
CONCLUSION (4:22).
V1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,” Paul identifies himself and his commission as the introductory to his personal letter to Timothy. “According to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus” is the hope of every believer. A promise that helps comfort us every day in this evil world. These are the last words of the Apostle, for he had Nero’s capital punishment in a few months. The Greek word for “promise” is (G1860) ἐπαγγελία epangelía, which means an announcement of something good and assured of happening. See Luke 24:49 with Acts 2:33, and Romans 4:13 with Revelation 11:15. The “life” = eternal life.
V2 “To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul’s desire for Timothy was for God’s grace (receiving what we do not deserve), mercy (not receiving what we deserve) and peace (God’s peace that only believers have) and not only Timothy but for all believers as he writes this common greeting.
V3 “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day…” Pure conscience = blameless. Timothy is on Paul’s prayer list.
V4 “…greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy…” Paul misses his friend and beloved Christian brother. Seeking encouragement and prayers, he asks Timothy to come visit him. We need our Christian family. Paul is not joyless but asks for a special joy of Timothy to visit and pray with him. We, too, must be aware of our brothers and sisters. If we can do nothing else, we can pray.
V5 “…when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” See Acts 16:1 which references Lois and Eunice. Our memory can condemn us but our memory can encourage us when we think about God’s comfort and assistance. Personally I believe Paul is living what he wrote to the Philippians: Philippians 4:6-9 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
We should notice the importance of parental education and instruction regarding the Scriptures. As parents we are required by God to instruct our children to be responsible adults, to accept failure and success, to be kind, helpful, having a strong work ethic, etc. Also, is the importance of spiritual education namely to read and study the Bible together, to pray, to learn apologetics answering the big questions of life (Who am I, Why am I here, How am I supposed to live, believe, etc.), answering challenging questions from false teachers, skeptics, and useful idiots.
V6 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” Don’t forget your gift. How often we must be reminded, when discouraged or whatever, that we have been called and must remain faithful (2 Peter 1:10, Hebrews 5:14, and John 8:31). We need each other. See Romans 12:4-5, Hebrews 10:24-25, and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
V7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The Greek word for “fear” is (G1167) δειλία deilia, which means a fear of failure, etc. resulting in timidity or a fear of doing something. It is a fear that would hinder us for serving God. May God give every believer boldness. The “spirit” is our spirit, emotion, etc. The Greek word for “power” is (G1411) δύναμις dynamis, which means a strength to accomplish something. This is what God wants for us. He WILL provide the graces needed to accomplish what he wants us to do. The Greek word for “sound mind” is (G4995) σωφρονισμός sōphronismos, which means self control. It is used for us to counter our fears with determination to do what God wants to do. Compare Hebrews 4:16, 2 Corinthians 12:7, and 1 Peter 4:10.