A Survey of II Timothy
Referring to our previous article, we discussed the fact that I & II Timothy and Titus are books called the “Pastoral Epistles,” and that Paul is writing these books from a Roman prison. Facing the prospect of being martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ, Paul exudes with confident assurance, for one of the great statements that he made is found in the latter part of II Timothy 1:12 when he said: “for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”
As members of the household of God, when facing perilous times, we can learn from this valiant apostle, for continual faith in Jesus Christ will help us to overcome any circumstance with joy unspeakable. Instead of Paul allowing his circumstance to cause him to be bitter, it made him better! In that Roman prison cell, Paul is writing to his son in the ministry, alerting him to the challenges of the ministry, imparting to him the wisdom and the encouragement needed in view of the fact of the oppositions and hardships that Timothy will face as he ministers in Ephesus. Paul will stress the significance of Timothy living godly among the people, so that his ministry might be an asset, and not a liability. Great importance is given as Paul exhorts Timothy “to preach the word in season and out of season” (II Timothy 4:2).
Timothy was to remain steadfast in dispensing God’s truth even when people “will not endure sound doctrine “(v.3). Timothy was well trained in the scriptures, having been taught by his mother Eunice and his grandmother, Lois, and further schooled by the Apostle himself. Now Timothy must use his spiritual arsenal to counteract the prevalence of false teachings. The theme of this wonderful pastoral manual is Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to remain strong and to be encouraged as he faces the assaults of the enemies to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of the key verses of this grand pastoral manual are found in II Timothy 2:3-4 and II Timothy 3:14-17, which read – “you therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2:3-4).
“But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are about to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. “All Scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (3:14-17). As we conclude this article, isn’t it wonderful to know that our continual faith in Jesus Christ, will safeguard us from becoming bitter when we face adverse circumstances of this life, having the blessed assurance that Jesus will be with us even in the midst of facing death itself.
May God truly prosper your ministry as you serve Him!
