2 TIMOTHY 1

GOD’S SPIRIT PROVIDES POWER, LOVE, + SELF CONTROL 

When Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, he is imprisoned and awaiting trial. Knowing the possibility of the execution that awaited him, Paul’s letter contains meaningful emotion and urgency for sharing the gospel.

Paul greets Timothy and reminds him that he considers him like a beloved child. Although Paul does not have children of his own, he sees his mentoring relationship with Timothy as fatherly love. Paul reflects on the faithfulness of Timothy’s family, including his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, who Paul met when he first met Timothy (Acts 16). These women instilled faithfulness and righteousness in Timothy, and Paul instructs him to guard what has been entrusted to him.

In the face of potential fear and opposition, Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him of the spiritual strength available through God—a spirit of power, love, and self-control. Because Paul has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned, many of his friends and followers have forgotten or abandoned him. Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel or ashamed of Paul himself.

Following in Jesus's suffering, Paul encourages believers to endure suffering as a holy calling. They are to do this not out of their own ambitions, but to glorify God and fulfill His purposes. Remembering the hope of the gospel, Paul shares that Jesus abolished death and suffering.

Paul advises Timothy on interpreting Scripture, encouraging him to focus on the patterns and themes within the text. This instruction underscores the importance of understanding the cohesive message of Scripture, looking for recurring themes and overarching principles rather than isolated verses.

2 Timothy 1:7 - for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.