2 Timothy: “Not Ashamed” (II)

“To Timothy…” (1:1-18)

Neal Pollard

Paul begins this very personal correspondence, as already noted, in a way almost identical to his first epistle (1-2). He appeals to his authority, an apt reminder to young Timothy that this is more than fatherly advice. This is “from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2). It is the affectionate guidance to a “beloved child” (2). The words are draped in grace, mercy, and peace (2). The words, though filled with love, are sobering and constitute an older man, days numbered, who is fighting for the faith and faithfulness of a young Christian whose faith is under fire. To begin the letter, Paul focuses on the young man, Timothy.

He Acknowledges Timothy’s Tears (3-4). I don’t know about you, but Paul is the kind of man I want praying for me. I know prayer warriors today who tell me they pray for me, and who knows the benefits I reap from that. Paul was not only fervent and faithful in prayer, but he was thoughtful in prayer. Imagine someone so familiar with your life and who cares so much about you that they are mindful of your tears when they approach God’s throne for you. This had to touch Timothy’s heart. Beyond the praying, though, Paul’s mindfulness of Timothy’s sorrow made him long to see his spiritual son, and he tells him so.

He Commends Timothy’s Trust (5). Faith fueled Timothy’s service. It was indeed an inherited faith. There’s nothing wrong with such a faith, so long as we graduate from it to adopt our own faith. Timothy had righteous role models in his life, a godly grandmother and mother. Faith lived in them first, then was instilled in him. The tears testify to the kind of faith Paul sees it to be–a sincere faith. While Paul is paying a compliment, it is also a challenge. He would need to grow and deepen that faith in light of the trials ahead. Paul will mention faith seven more times after this greeting (1:13; 2:18,22; 3:8,10,15; 4:7). 

He Addresses Timothy’s Timidity (6-7). Building upon both their relationship and specific strengths in Timothy’s spiritual life, Paul challenges Timothy to be bold and courageous in his faith. He admonishes him to do something (“fan into flame the gift of God”) based on something God has done (“gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”). How could Timothy face and fight his fears? Utilize God’s power, garnered through prayer, Bible study, faith, and courageous conduct. Embrace God’s love, looking back at Calvary, looking at his present blessings, and looking ahead to the hope of heaven. Exercise self-control, overcoming the desire to give up or step back.

He Warns Against Timothy’s Temptation (8-12). Timothy must have been losing this battle, as Paul warns him not to be ashamed of the gospel (cf. Rom. 1:16) or of those, like Paul, who are fearlessly sharing it (8). Those next words must have left Timothy cold–“share in suffering for the gospel.” Nobody in their right mind wants to suffer. What would aid Timothy’s fight against the temptation to be ashamed? The power (8), provision (“saved us,”9, and “abolished death and brought life and immortality,” 10), privileges (“called us,” 9), and purpose (9) given by God would help Timothy conquer, if he embraced them. Paul also points to himself and his unswerving faith to inspire his protege. We often sing his words, don’t we? “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me” (12). This is why Paul wasn’t ashamed. His conviction killed his cowardice. His trust trumped his timidity. He wanted the same for young Timothy. 

He Provides Timothy’s Template (13-18). Tangibly, how could Timothy do this?  He had a fixed, objective pattern (13). What he mentions here, he will mention again in 2 Timothy 2:2. This pattern consisted of the things heard and seen from Paul, who got it from God. Second, had the Spirit of God within him (14). Third, he had negative examples to show him how not to behave (15). Finally, he had an incredibly positive example to imitate (16-18). Onesiphorus is undoubtedly an example for Timothy. Timothy was ashamed (8). Paul was not ashamed (12). Onesiphorus was not ashamed (16) in a place and circumstance where embarrassment and avoidance was powerfully tempting. While many have concluded from how Paul words this that Onesiphorus had recently died, this is at best conjecture. Lenski gives a series of compelling arguments against this belief (773). 

Along with God’s word, God’s worker is offered up for Timothy’s consideration. He stood with Paul, an unpopular decision for such a “notorious criminal.” He refreshed Paul, indicating provision of some sort (food, water, clothes?)(Mat. 25:34-40). He searched for Paul, indicating a willingness to go to trouble for Paul and tenaciously stick with the task until accomplished. He rendered service, which Timothy knew well though Paul does not elaborate on what it was. Only Luke is listed in addition to Onesiphorus as a friend indeed to an otherwise friendless, abandoned soldier of Christ. Paul wants Timothy added to that list. 

When the spiritual going gets tough, we are tempted to withdraw from the battlefield. Paul’s words are applicable to us, too. We need to grow our faith and we have the same resources this young man did. May our anthem be Paul’s, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.”

https://preacherpollard.com/2015/03/23/when-my-flame-flickers/: 2 Timothy: “Not Ashamed” (II)