2 Timothy 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus. To Timothy, a beloved son, grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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. Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy 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 that it is in you also.

Paul, chained and facing execution, hands the torch to a timid young man—and shows that the promise of life in Christ can carry us through any trouble.

The Last Letter of Paul

If you were with us last week, you know this is the last letter Paul wrote, which is significant. Of the 27 books of the New Testament, the apostle Paul penned 13 of them roughly 2,000 years ago, and this is the last of those letters. It is also the final installment in a series Bible scholars call the pastoral epistles—three letters Paul wrote to two individuals, Timothy and Titus. We studied 1 Timothy and Titus last year, and we round things out now with 2 Timothy.

The context is crucial. As I mentioned last week, Paul is in Rome awaiting a final trial—on trial because of his faith and profession of Christ. He is being treated as a criminal, though he had done nothing criminal other than preach Christ. At that moment, public sentiment against Christians ran high, due in large part to events a couple of years prior in Rome.

Nero and the Persecution of Christians

The emperor at that time was a lunatic. It's a good thing he didn't have the technological and social-media advancements we have today, but he was nuts. Historians attribute the great fire of Rome in AD 64 largely to Nero, who wanted to reorder and rebuild the city after his own image. But when the leader sets fire to the capital, people have a hard time with that—and in that day, they would simply take such a leader outside the city and put him to death.

To deal with this public-opinion problem, Nero scapegoated the Christians, this small sect of followers of Jesus of Nazareth, then seen as outsiders to Roman society. Public sentiment shifted against them. The leaders of that movement—men like the apostle Peter, who by this time had already been crucified in Rome, and the apostle Paul—were targeted. Paul had already been on track to stand trial before Nero, and now that trial had come. At least one hearing had already happened. Paul refers to it in this letter, saying that at his first defense, nobody stood with him—such was the fear among Christians that they had all basically fled.

Suffering in Chains

Paul writes this last letter to Timothy, whom he calls his son in the faith. In a big way it is a handing of the torch from the first-generation apostle to the next generation. If any movement is going to continue, the torch must be passed—and it is in the passing of the baton where things often get dropped and failure occurs. Paul is seeking to prevent that failure.

Church history holds that Paul was delivered into a notorious Roman prison called the Mamertine prison, a horrible place to be. We can't be certain that's where he was, but it is possible he spent his last days there before his execution. He was beheaded around the end of AD 66, so that is fast approaching at this point.

The text itself tells us Paul is suffering in prison. He tells Timothy, "do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord nor of me, his prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings of the gospel" (1:8), and again, "for this reason I also suffer" (1:12). He is not only suffering but suffering in chains:

The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain. (2 Timothy 1:16)

Here is a man of God persecuted, treated like a criminal in chains. Many who once identified him as their leader stepped away—"I don't want to be associated with this guy." But Onesiphorus deserves mercy because he was not ashamed of Paul's chains. The next verse shows Paul was in some obscure place, hard to find: "when he arrived in Rome, he searched for me earnestly and he found me" (1:17). And 2 Timothy 2:9 says, "for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of being bound; but the word of God is not bound." He is treated like a common criminal for preaching the gospel.

We Identify With Timothy, Not Just Paul

Paul knew his time was short. He was friends with Peter, and news of Peter's death in Rome had spread; Paul knew he was next in line. Some view this letter as Paul's last will and testament. In it he commissions Timothy to carry on the work Paul has done for the last 30 years—work Timothy has witnessed firsthand for at least the last half of it, seeing Paul both at the heights, preaching in Ephesus, Athens, and Corinth, and at the lows, beaten and imprisoned in Philippi, Ephesus, and Jerusalem.

If you've studied through Acts, you probably want to identify with Paul, the man of great boldness. But if we look honestly in the mirror, we probably identify more with Timothy. It becomes clear in 1 and 2 Timothy that, despite watching Paul's boldness, Timothy struggled with timidity and was susceptible to fear and shame in the face of opposition. So Paul's words of encouragement here are helpful—they have encouraged me over the years.

Paul calls Timothy to step up and fill big shoes: to remember the grace, mercy, and peace God has given him; to rely on the genuine faith in which his grandmother and mother raised him; to walk in the gifting of the Holy Spirit; to be filled with the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind; to not be ashamed or fearful; to not shy away from suffering for the gospel; and always to keep in mind the promise of life in Christ Jesus.

Persecution and the Promise of Life Beyond This Life

In this very book Paul makes the point that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. That was the reality first-century Christians faced. We have been privileged not to face that threat, though it is possible that could change. In other parts of the world, to stand up as a Christian means you will suffer persecution for the name of Christ. We are greatly blessed not to experience that, but the reality Paul and Timothy faced is the reality for many believers today.

So Paul tells Timothy: as you step into this ministry, keep in mind the reality of the promise of life beyond this life. Paul says here that it is the gospel that brings to light life and immortality. It is important to keep that life and immortality in mind when you walk through the trials of this life.

Five Commissions to Timothy

In chapters one through four, Paul makes five commissioning statements. First, in 2 Timothy 1:13–14: "Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me... That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit." The Spirit will empower you, Timothy, but you must step forward and guard the doctrine committed to you—doctrine you watched me preach, write, and likely memorized.

Second, in 2 Timothy 2:2: "the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." This is a crucial verse showing the transference of doctrine. Paul is generation one, Timothy generation two; faithful men are generation three, who teach others, generation four. The fact that we sit here 2,000 years later testifies that Paul and Timothy did that work well. There have been those who sound off about the death of the church, but the church will not die, because Jesus said, "upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against her."

Third, in 2 Timothy 2:14–16: as you commit these things to faithful individuals, "remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit... Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, but shun profane and idle babblings." Don't get spread off into peripheral, secondary issues; guard the sincere word and rightly divide the word of truth.

Fourth, in 2 Timothy 4:1–2: "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." Every generation needs this exhortation to clearly articulate the word of God, having rightly divided it. This century—2018, in the United States, North America, Western Europe, throughout the world—is no different. There is a need for Christians who have rightly divided the word of truth, understand what it says and means, and can articulate it for others. It's a challenge; it takes work. Be diligent.

Fifth, in 2 Timothy 4:5: "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

Where Paul's Heart Was Set

When we piece these five commissions together, they show us exactly where Paul's heart and mind were as he faced imminent execution. He knew the time was short—"the time of my departure is at hand" (4:6). And in that dreadful situation, suffering in chains, his heart and mind were centered on Timothy and on the work of the ministry: guard the doctrine, deliver it to faithful men, charge them to be diligent, and fulfill the ministry of preaching and evangelism.

So many things could have filled and distracted his mind—he was in terrible, dire straits. Yet his heart was centered on the gospel and the ministry of the church. At the very least, that is inspiring. His mindset is captured in 2 Timothy 1:12: "For this reason 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 what I have committed to Him until that day."

It might not be a bad thing to put a star next to that verse and commit it to memory. Some of you still remember songs from the 1980s word for word—if you can do that, you can remember this. Notice: Paul does not say "I know what I have believed," but "I know whom I have believed." He has entrusted himself to Christ, and he knows Christ is faithful and able to keep what he has committed to Him until that day.

We Can Face Any Trouble With the Promise of Life

Our final point last week becomes our first point this week, because it's still applicable. We can face any trouble if we have the promise of life in Christ Jesus. Paul is an absolute testimony to that truth. He has experienced imprisonment, beatings, shipwreck, and false accusation, and now awaits execution as a martyr. Yet in the midst of it he still has joy and gratitude. That is only possible when one has the promise of life in Christ Jesus.

Where do you get that promise? The simple answer is the most translated verse of the Bible, John 3:16—you'll see it in the end zone again this football season:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Available Only by Grace and Mercy

Paul's greeting in verse 2 leads to our second point: the promise of life is available only by the grace and mercy of God in Christ. That is important to note because when Jesus spoke John 3:16, He was speaking with Nicodemus, one of the most religious men of the day, a learned scholar of the Jewish Scriptures who no doubt believed himself righteous by his good works—a shoe-in for the kingdom by his religiosity. Jesus said to him, "unless you are born again, you will not see the kingdom of God." This befuddled him. Jesus walked him through it and explained that eternal life comes by the grace and mercy of God, not by the hard work or religious efforts of man. This is central to the Christian faith: we are justified by grace through faith alone.

God demonstrated His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died in our place. What is grace? Unmerited, undeserved favor, given as a gift—not because of anything you've done, but in spite of the many things you've done. That's mercy. The dictionary defines mercy as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

We must make clear to anyone we speak with that all humanity is worthy of wrath because of sin. Through one man, sin entered the world and spread to all, and the wages of sin is death. Sin is breaking God's law. If you broke it unaware, it's a trespass; if you broke it knowing you shouldn't, it's a transgression. Every one of us is guilty and worthy of punishment. Yet He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him—by grace and mercy. Because of this, Paul could say, "I am not ashamed." It is one thing to say with our words that we believe in Christ; it is quite another to entrust yourself to Him and act with full assurance according to that faith. That is what Paul was doing at the end of his life.

The Peace That Surpasses Understanding

The evidence of that faith is peace. Paul writes, "grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord" (1:2). He is in a literal pit—a prison, a dungeon—and an emotional and mental pit, yet he evidences the peace of God. It is the same peace he described in Philippians 4:6–7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

How could Paul have peace facing terrible distress? He was not anxious, because he was able to bring his prayers and petitions to the Lord and entrust himself to God. I have seen some of you walk through distressing situations and experience this peace. How is it beyond understanding? Because in the midst of it you say, "I don't know how I have peace, but I have peace," and others watching ask how you can possibly walk through this with peace. It is not a peace of yourself; it is the peace from God.

The Joy of a Pure Conscience

So much peace did Paul have that he could write, "I thank God" (1:3). Lean over and underline those words in your neighbor's Bible. He is suffering, chained, awaiting execution for no crime other than faithfully following Jesus—and he can say, "I thank God." In other letters Paul told us to give thanks in all things. How? By the peace of God that surpasses understanding. "I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience."

Though Paul experienced outward trial, he had inward peace—no inward turmoil or conflict. This peace from God produces the joy of a pure conscience. To be in distressing circumstances and yet have peace—what a joy that is. And Paul adds, "without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day." Paul was given to persistent, continuous prayer. If he told you he would pray for you, you could be certain he would. We've all perhaps told someone "I'll pray for you" and then forgotten—a pastoral landmine. But Paul, in chains where everything around him would motivate a pity party, says, "I thank God continually for you, Timothy."

The Community of the Saints Increases Our Joy

Paul writes, "greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy." He longed to be back in fellowship with Timothy. The only person with Paul at this moment, he tells us in chapter four, is Luke, the faithful physician—very likely the one dictating this letter. Paul also asks Timothy to bring Mark, an interesting story we'll come to in chapter four. Even facing opposition, Paul desires communion with brothers and sisters, which brings us to point four: the community of the saints increases our joy.

I've witnessed many times coming into situations of loss—a brother or sister, a spouse, a child, perhaps the most difficult. The one thing that seems to increase the family's joy is the gathering of the body of Christ. This is why I keep urging you to plug in and connect with others through our connect groups. Jesus came to give life, and that more abundantly, and that abundance is not lived independently of the body of Christ. God created us to live life in connection with Him and with one another, and without that connection we are not fully experiencing this abundant life.

Genuine Faith Must Be Passed On

Paul continues in verse 5: "I thank God 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 that it is in you also." There is at least a tip of the hat to Paul's humility here. Though Paul greatly influenced Timothy, he does not chalk up Timothy's genuine faith to his own influence; he credits the faith found first in Timothy's grandmother and mother.

This gives us point five: genuine faith must be passed on to others. This is an important truth for parents, grandparents, and future parents: the faith you have is contagious and is to be handed down. I am grateful for the genuine faith of my parents, who forced me to go to church when I was younger—not always as I wanted. In my dad I saw integrity and honesty that come from the Lord; in my mom, an exuberance of faith that as a child was sometimes embarrassing—but genuine. Hands down, the greatest gift you can give your children or grandchildren is a genuine faith.

A genuine faith differs from mere faith in this way: it knows not only what you believe, but why you believe it and how to make that faith a reality in your life. We can hand down to others a list of things to believe, knowing when to nod at the right places. But the importance is why we believe and how we live it out daily. As I said, it's one thing to say "I believe in Jesus" and quite another to entrust yourself to Him and act with full assurance according to that trust.

What Compels Us to Trust Christ

Why would someone entrust themselves to Christ in this way? When a person begins to comprehend what Christ has done on their behalf, it compels them. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "the love of Christ compels us." And the greatest demonstration of that love is His body broken for us and His blood shed for us.

So every seventh week here we partake of communion, which is what we will do today. We distribute the bread, representing the body of Jesus broken for us, and the cup, representing His blood shed for us. We are encouraged in Scripture to do this regularly so we are reminded of what He has done—and in that reminder, may we once again affirm our trust in Him.

Closing Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your grace. We thank You for the goodness of Your mercy. We thank You for the joy that Your peace gives to us. We thank You for the rejoicing that the body of Christ brings to us. All of this is possible because Your body was broken for us and Your blood was shed for us. So God, as we worship You now in song, and as we take and hold these elements, would You remind us—even in the physical act of holding and seeing these things—of Your great grace toward us. And when we partake of them together in a moment, remind us again of the greatness of the love You have shed abroad in our hearts. In Jesus' name. Amen.