Through the Bible - 2 Timothy

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ... I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Paul's final words from a Roman dungeon: a fearless charge to stand strong, preach the word, and love Christ's appearing in perilous times.

Paul's Last Letter from a Roman Dungeon

The four chapters before us in 2 Timothy are the last chapters Paul the Apostle wrote before his death, written somewhere around 67 or 68 A.D. while he was once again imprisoned in Rome. When we were in 1 Timothy a couple of weeks ago, Paul was free, having been released after his first Roman imprisonment in the early 60s. Now we come to the late 60s—and like the 1960s, it was an interesting time in the church. Persecution was beginning to arise in various areas, and just as we would feel in our flesh, there was a tinge of fear and timidity in the church.

Paul was writing to a young man who was very much timid and afraid, exhorting him to stand strong. Paul knew his death was very close. He had already gone before Caesar Nero twice to declare his case—remember that in Caesarea he said, "I appeal to Caesar," which was his right as a Roman citizen. The Jews were out to kill him, so he was brought to Rome. There he was first under house arrest, praying to be released so he could take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth, even as far as Spain. He was released for a time, but now he is back in chains, no longer under house arrest but in a dungeon, knowing he could at any moment be taken outside the city and beheaded for his faith.

Timothy, on the other hand, is free, very likely in Ephesus, far away to the east, waiting for word from Paul. And Paul writes this letter as a great exhortation—not just to Timothy, but to you and me—telling a young man to stand strong in the midst of a collapsing civilization. As we look around our nation and our world, we are living in a very similar situation.

An Apostle by the Will of God

Paul begins, "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ." It is interesting that he writes to Timothy, who knew him so well, by establishing his authority. I believe one reason is that by this time Paul recognized his letters were being widely read among the churches. Though this went to Timothy, many in the church would read it. He says he was an apostle "by the will of God"—not a self-promoted individual. In Galatians, likely his first letter, he made the same point: he was an apostle not by the will of man but by the will of God.

He writes "according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus." Underline that. You and I have received from Christ a promise of life—life here on earth that is more abundant, for Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief has come to steal, to kill, and to destroy, but I have come that you might have life, and that more abundantly." But more than that, Jesus came to give everlasting life. Then he greets Timothy: "grace, mercy, and peace." Most of Paul's letters begin with grace and peace, but his pastoral epistles—1 and 2 Timothy and Titus—also add mercy.

A Man of Prayer with a Pure Conscience

"I thank God whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience that without ceasing I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day." Paul often stood upon the fact that he had a clear conscience in his proclamation of the truth, even though his resume was gnarly—before his conversion he was a persecutor of the church. Yet God in His grace and mercy called him. When he said this at his trial in Israel, the chief priest struck him on the face, but it was still the truth. Even at the end of his life he could say, "I have served the Lord with a pure conscience."

He was first and foremost a man of prayer. Remember in Damascus, after he was blinded on the road, what did he do for three days? When God told Ananias to go pray for him, Ananias objected that this man persecuted the church. God's answer: "Behold, he prayeth." From the beginning of his ministry to the end, Paul was steadfast in prayer, and he often exhorted the church likewise—twice telling the Thessalonians to "pray without ceasing."

Stir Up the Gift—God Has Not Given Us Fear

Paul recalls "the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and thy mother Eunice." Timothy was raised with a knowledge of the one true God. His mother and grandmother were Jewish and his father a Gentile, so from a Jewish perspective he might be seen as a half-breed, but he was a completed Jew who knew Christ. Then comes Paul's first charge: "Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee, by the putting on of my hands." The word stir up is like rekindling a fire—taking a stick to the hot coals and breathing on them. This young man, now in his thirties, ministering in Ephesus, appointing elders and contending for the faith, still had something of timidity in him.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." If you are fearful tonight, it is not from God—He is not the one who imparts fear. The enemy comes in like a flood and brings fear with him. If you are living in anxiety, it may be an indication that you have not drawn near to the Lord, and you need to draw near in prayer and in His word, "anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving," that the peace of God which surpasses understanding may guard your heart. God has instead given us power—the same word, dunamis, used in Acts 1:8—the ability to do what God has called us to do. He has given us His love poured out by the Holy Spirit, as Romans 5 says, and a sound, sober mind to think clearly, creatively, and with integrity.

Be Not Ashamed of the Gospel

"Be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God." In Romans 1, Paul wrote that he was not ashamed of the gospel, "for it is the power of God unto salvation"—the same word, dunamis. There was opportunity for shame, because false teachers would come into Ephesus and Philippi and defame Paul, saying, "If Paul is so great, why is he in prison? Why are the Jews trying to kill him?" Paul says: don't be ashamed of the message or of me.

If anyone desires to live godly in Christ Jesus, this letter tells us they will suffer persecution. I believe there may come a day in our nation where we suffer shame and persecution for the message we bring; even little bits of it are beginning to come in. I read an article in Newsweek this week, praising the fact that we now have a president with brains, "one who keeps religion in the pews where it's supposed to be." What he was basically saying is that those of us who believe in God and in creation are stupid, imbecilic, unintellectual, and brainless. That mindset is feeding into our culture, and as it does, there will be a temptation to keep quiet among family and friends who think us foolish. But far be it from us to keep our mouths shut. God has not given us a spirit of fear; the enemy wants you afraid so you stay silent.

Saved and Called with a Holy Calling

God "hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace." God called us by His grace for a purpose. I picked up a book this week by K. Smith called Pleasing God, which Chuck recommended, and it begins with Revelation 4:11. You have been saved and called for a purpose—to be pleasing to God in everything you do or say. That completely changes our view of things. If your heart is to please the Lord, you will not care what your co-workers or unbelieving family members think. As Paul said in Philippians, "I lay everything else aside that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me."

This grace was given us in Christ "before the world began," but is "now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." When Jesus came, He shone a light upon the mystery the prophets looked forward to and the patriarchs hoped for. He unwrapped the gift: He abolished death and gave us life and immortality. To this Paul was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles—and the same is true for us: God has appointed us to go, preach, and teach.

Persuaded of the Promises of God

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: 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." Paul faced death not for murder or theft, but for faithfully preaching the gospel—and he was not ashamed, because he was persuaded of God's promises. Are you persuaded tonight? Paul told the Corinthians that all the promises of God are in Christ "yes, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God." Every promise from Genesis to Revelation will come to pass to bring Him glory.

He gives another charge: "Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me." Then he contrasts two responses to himself. Phygellus and Hermogenes turned away from him, but Onesiphorus "oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain," seeking Paul out diligently in Rome. Some turn away; others stand strong. Paul encourages Timothy to be one who stands strong.

Be Strong in Grace and Disciple Others

In chapter 2 Paul says, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." This is his third charge—be not ashamed, hold fast sound doctrine, and now be strong in grace. "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." This is our desire here at Calvary Chapel—to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. As the Lord raises up faithful men, faithful in serving, whether cleaning windows or handing out bulletins, we pray over them that the Lord would anoint them with the gift of teaching, as Paul did with Timothy.

So tonight we want to pray for one of our brothers, Mark Cato, one of our elders, who on Monday night will begin teaching courses one and two in our school of discipleship. As we see in this very passage, we will lay hands on him and pray. (The elders gathered, anointed Mark with oil, and prayed that God would empower him by His Holy Spirit, give him boldness, love, power, and a sound mind, fill his mouth with His word, and make him a teacher for His glory.) I remember back in June of '98, at a beach camp, the elders pulled me aside, sat me down, and prayed for me just like this. Before that, I had ten pages of notes and finished in five minutes; now I can't get through four sentences in forty-five minutes! God's good.

The Single-Minded Soldier and the Enduring Farmer

Chapter 2 gives us the characteristics of a faithful minister. First, the discipling teacher in verses 1 and 2. Second, in verses 3–5, the single-minded soldier: "Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life." A faithful minister recognizes that God has called him, given him the armor of Ephesians 6, and is his King, Master, and Captain who dispatches him wherever He wills. He is otherworldly minded, recognizing he is from another place.

Third, in verses 6–13, the enduring farmer: "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits." Paul says, "Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead... wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound." These are powerful words: "If we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." That is a heavy passage—if we deny Him, He will deny us. Yet even if we waver, God's word is true and He remains faithful.

The Diligent Workman: Study to Show Yourself Approved

Fourth is the diligent workman, beginning in verse 14: "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit." A teacher of the word should not get bogged down in weird sayings and unnecessary doctrines that profit nothing—we have even seen church splits over such things. Instead, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." I don't study and teach the word so you'll approve of me; I do it because that is what God has called me to, and I want to be approved unto Him. There are many crafting biblical messages today not for God's glory but for their own, seeking pats on the back—and they have their reward.

Pastor Mark tells the story of his first message as senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Guam: afterward a man said, "Your sermon could have made me puke." Mark says, "It probably wasn't that good." But I guarantee God was well pleased, because I know Mark's heart is to serve as unto the Lord. Nobody liked the message of Isaiah or Jeremiah, but God did—and that is all that matters. If you are faithfully and rightly dividing the word of truth, it is far better than the wisdom of man. I have told struggling teachers in our church: if you merely read the passage and then say, "Let's pray," you will have done better than standing for forty-five minutes saying something you don't understand. God's word is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. Charles Spurgeon said the word of God is like a lion—you don't need to defend a lion; you just open the cage and let it out.

Shun Profane Babblings That Lead to Ungodliness

"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." It pains me to say it, but as I look at many churches in our nation today, their messages lead people away from godliness, and many have bought in while thinking everything is fine. Some will stand before God saying, "Lord, we prophesied in your name," and He will say, "Depart from me, I never knew you, ye that work iniquity." Their word "will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus." Paul names them by name. I have gotten in trouble for naming false teachers, but Paul did the very same. The health, wealth, and prosperity teaching of Joel Osteen and others is not the word of God; it leads to greed, gluttony, and all manner of sin while covered over with spiritual terms.

These two "concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." Just as Isaiah said the leaders of Israel caused the people to err, false teachers shipwreck the faith of some. There is a large group in the church today—among the emergent church—that denies the resurrection, and a large group called preterists who say there is no second coming, that it all already happened. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." The word of God is a sure foundation; the wise man builds on the rock, and though the storm beats upon the house, it will not fall.

The Sanctified Vessel and the Gentle Servant

Fifth is the sanctified vessel: "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth... If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." How many of you want to be useful to the Lord? Then depart from those who are dishonorable, for "bad company corrupts good morals." As Jesus said, there are tares among the wheat, not identified until the end. So check yourselves to see that you be in the faith. "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Paul often gives the put-offs and the put-ons—put off lying and speak truth, stop stealing and give. "Foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes."

Sixth, the gentle servant, from verse 24: "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient." Anyone who teaches the word must be patient and long-suffering, because people don't always grasp it immediately. Even Paul saw this—he told the Philippians that if they thought otherwise, "God shall reveal even this unto you." If you teach children, you need patience more than ability. "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance." Don't cut people off, thinking they will never listen; keep giving them the word, for the person you think will never be saved may be teaching children's ministry ten years from now. God is able to recover them out of the snare of the devil.

Perilous Times in the Last Days

These characteristics are so needed because, chapter 3 verse 1, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." Are we living in the last days? I believe we are. You can make a biblical case that the last days began when Jesus ascended into heaven, and we have lived in them ever since. The church has not always gone through perilous times, but such times come during this period. Paul gives us a list: "Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Throughout the last two thousand years the church has seen times like this and said, "The Lord is coming," and it has been true. We could see the same. These are the people "which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins... Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." Stay away, because they ruin the faith of others. "As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses"—the magicians in Pharaoh's court who could duplicate the plagues but never remove them—"so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." But "they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all."

The Holy Scriptures and the Charge to Preach

"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience... what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me." Then comes a promise: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Anyone preaching that Christians won't experience trials is not preaching the truth. "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."

"Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned... and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." Then one of the favorites of this church: "All scripture 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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." The word perfect means mature. If you want to be mature in Christ, you must study the word and sit under good teaching.

Then the great charge of chapter 4: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

I Have Fought the Good Fight

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." I hope every one of us, when we come near the day of our death, can say the very same thing. No other faith gives this kind of assurance. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Every person who loves and looks forward to the coming of Christ will receive that crown.

He closes by asking Timothy to come quickly, for "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world"—one who fell by the wayside in apostasy. "Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry." Then it is touching what he asks: "The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments." Come, for I am lonely—my spirit needs refreshing. Bring the cloak, for I am cold—my body needs comfort. Bring the parchments, for my mind needs quickening. Paul was human like you and me, and these are not wicked requests; God promises to care even for these needs.

"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works." That is heavy—imagine hearing that. I pray the Lord rewards me according to His grace, not my works. "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me... and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."

Delivered into His Heavenly Kingdom

Shortly after this letter, Paul was taken from his cell and martyred. God did not deliver him from death—but notice he was not anticipating that kind of deliverance. "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom." His eyes were not on this earth but on the prize in heaven. He knew God would deliver him from the evil workers and bring him into His kingdom.

Consider that these were Paul's last words. Do you see fear in his voice? Do you see anxiety as he stands at the hour of his death? No—we see confidence and boldness in Christ. The ability to stand strong even at the day of your death comes only from the knowledge of the one true God. Oh, that God would strengthen us as we live in perilous times in the last days. I look forward to His soon return, and I hope we are alive to see it. But if not, we will each stand before the Lord in our own personal rapture—and oh, that we could say at that time, "I've fought the good fight, I've run the race." He could come back at any moment. I hope you can say it. It is my desire that at any time I can say, "I've fought the good fight; I'm ready to go."

Closing Prayer

Father, I thank You for this passage of scripture. I thank You for the testimony of the apostle Paul—one who had good doctrine, a great manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, and patience, who endured persecutions and afflictions and knew that You were his deliverance in everything. God, I ask that You would cause us to hold fast to these words, especially as we face perilous times, and as we possibly move into a time where we may suffer some form of persecution in our own nation. I pray for my brothers and sisters, Lord, that we would be thoroughly equipped unto every good work, and that in these last days we would do the work of evangelists, sharing the truth even though people may think it the goofiest thing they've ever heard. I pray that we would be strong in the gospel. For we ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.