Being Given a Great Entrustment II Timothy 2:1-26

The Pastoral Epistle of II Timothy is viewed as Paul’s last will and testament that offers comfort and it challenges a timid and faithful spiritual son (Timothy) to be courageous in view of Timothy’s ministry in Ephesus.  In this epistle, Paul encourages Timothy to be steadfast in the fulfillment of his Divinely appointed task, despite Paul’s bleak circumstances as a prisoner of Jesus Christ.  Paul warns Timothy in this lofty epistle that his preaching will be assailed or attacked because men will abandon the truth for ear itching words (II Timothy 4:3).

In addition, Paul’s own faith was tested by his being imprisoned (II Timothy 1:8).  In fact, virtually all Christians in Asia, the province of which Ephesus was the leading city, abandoned him (II Timothy 1:15).  It seems that only one man was not ashamed of Paul’s ministry and came to him in Rome (II Timothy 1:16-17).  In this epistle, Paul will offer his own example to guide Timothy, and God’s word to fortify Timothy, in view of mounting opposition from within and increasing pressure from without.

As believers, we are to endure suffering for the cause of Christ because it is a part of our calling as servants of Christ.  II Timothy 2:1-26 may be outlined as follows:  I. An Encouragement to suffer Hardships – II. Timothy 2:1-10; II. An Exhortation to Continual Faithfulness – II. Timothy 2:11-26.

1. An Encouragement to suffer Hardships – II. Timothy 2:1-10

Paul begins verse 1 with the expression, “Thou therefore,” to refer to the examples of steadfast believers in Chapter 1.  Paul instructed Timothy to be strengthened in the grace of Christ and to follow the worthy examples of those in Chapter 1 in fulfilling the ministry to which Timothy was called.  Timothy, a spiritual son of Paul, was advised by Paul to carry on the ministry and to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 1).  Timothy was encouraged to proclaim the gospel message because God’s grace will enable him to do so!

Having travelled with Paul, Timothy had heard Paul address the gospel message to various groups.  Paul had personally taught Timothy, and now Paul is encouraging Timothy to entrust what he had been taught to trustworthy men who will also be qualified to teach others (v. 2).  Those who had been taught the gospel were to “commit” (v. 2) it to, or deposit it with reliable men who would share it.  To illustrate the degree of faithfulness needed in enduring hardships in the ministry, Paul pointed out three examples of those noted for their diligence:  the soldier (vv. 3-4), the athlete (v. 5), and the farmer (v. 6).

In verses 3-4, Paul had observed the dedication of Roman soldiers in carrying out difficult missions.  Their sole attention was on military activities.  Paul exhorted Timothy to “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (v. 3) in acknowledging that the difficulties he was undergoing were merely part of the work of the Christian soldier.  A Roman soldier not only learned to endure suffering, but also concentrated on and prioritized his military life.  He was single-minded and self-disciplined (v. 4).  The word “entangleth” in verse 4 means woven.  He did not try to weave together active military service with the business affairs of everyday life.  A soldier’s sole priority is to please his commander; likewise, our spiritual objective should be to please our Spiritual Commander, Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:24).

In verse 5, Paul switched to the imagery of an athlete.  As the athlete “strive for masteries” or contend in the games, it was very essential that every contestant follow all the rules for each event. A spiritual athlete is required to have firm qualities of self-discipline, mental strength and endurance.  The penalty for disregarding the rules was disqualification.  There are various crowns that a believer may receive when he enters heaven (Phil. 4:1; I Thess. 2:19; II. Tim. 4:8; Jas. 1:12; I Peter 5:4; Rev. 2:10).  In order to attain these crowns, one must follow the rules as a faithful servant of God.  Paul wanted Timothy to run so as to win the crown (II Tim. 4:7-8).  He must exercise the strong qualities of being disciplined, mentally tough, and exercise self-control.

In verse 6, Paul now points out the diligent labor of a farmer.  In the analogy of the hardworking farmer, emphasis is on hard labor and reward.  A diligent farmer will reap the first share of the crops.  The illustrations of a soldier, athlete and farmer all have in common that through being single-minded, disciplined and hardworking that success is achievable.

In verse 7, Paul appealed to Timothy to reflect on what I am saying, assured that with meditation and contemplation, the Lord would grant Timothy the insight into the wisdom of Paul’s instructions.  As an ultimate example of one who endured suffering, Paul referred to Christ in verse 8, saying: “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel.”  The gospel demanded that Jesus die for sin (Mark 10:45).  It should be remembered that Christ was a descendant of David, the Messianic Ruler of mankind who gave His life for our redemption.  Christ, the seed of David, was also raised from the dead.  The reference to Jesus’ identity and resurrection relates to a central portion of Paul’s gospel.

In verse 9, Paul’s bold stand in defense of the truth was the reason he suffered persecution.  Paul was viewed as an “evil doer” or common criminal.
The “bonds” were fetters that restricted physical movement.  The opposition of the religious community had led to his imprisonment, but this did not hinder him from spreading the gospel.   In verse 10, Paul testified that he had endured multiple trials in order to share the good news of salvation with others.

1. An Exhortation to Continual Faithfulness – II. Timothy 2:11-13

In verses 11-13, Paul is utilizing his great trust-worthy sayings.  These sayings may have been any early hymn, or confession of faith.  It emphasizes the believers’ oneness with Christ: when He died, we died with Him as members of His body; we rose with Him; if we endure, we will reign with Him, refers to the believer’s identification with Christ; if we disown Him, He will also disown us, speaks of the possibility of apostasy (I Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 10:38-39; II John 9) and the Lord’s ultimate rejection of those who professed Christ only temporarily (Matthew 10:33).

If we are faithless, He will remain faithful.  Our unbelief will not nullify or cancel the faithfulness of God!  Paul reminded Timothy to continue declaring the instruction of this letter.  Timothy was instructed by Paul to keep reminding the believers of the instructions of this letter.  The saints at Ephesus were solemnly charged in the presence of God to shun quarreling about the word.  Such quarrels are of no value, but actually ruins those who listen (v. 14).  Timothy was admonished by Paul to be zealous in his efforts to present God’s word in an unashamed manner; thus, Timothy was to “cut straight” the teaching of God’s word.  He as not to mishandle God’s word (v. 15).

In verses 16-18, Timothy was to avoid godless chatter (empty profane utterances).  Such godless chatter only advances ungodliness like gangrene.  Paul warns that false doctrine” eats like gangrene,” and that the only remedy is the “healthy doctrine” (soundness) of the word of God.  Paul cited two – Hymenaeus and Philetus – who were guilty of wandering from the truth regarding the essential doctrine of the resurrection (vv. 17-18).   Paul made known that these two false teachers destroyed the faith of some.  However, the defection of these two false teachers, must not shake Timothy’s assurance.  The solid foundation of God stands firm.  The seal that Paul referred to, was a mark of authentication and ownership.  The Lord knoweth them that are His.  As believers, we are to separate from evil and be separated to Christ (v. 19).

In verses 20-21, a believer is pictured as a vessel.  If the vessel is to be usable, it must be clean.  Paul was admonishing Timothy to have nothing to do with false teachers.  By not doing so, he would be a vessel of honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work.  In verses 22-23, Timothy was to flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue godly virtues: righteousness, faith, love and peace.  Timothy must refuse to get caught up in foolish and asinine arguments.

In verses 24-26, false teaching will always be divisive; however, the Lord’s servant should not be a fighter but a promoter of unity by being kind to everyone and apt to teach those who are willing to learn.  The Lord’s servant must treat even his opponents with gentle instruction characterized by “meekness” in the hope that God will grant them repentance in leading them to a knowledge of the truth.  As brethren fall into false teaching, we must treat them with gentleness and love in the hope that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

May God Bless!