2 TIMOTHY 1:13-18 - REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE FAITH

2 TIMOTHY 1:13-18

REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE FAITH

2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Susie: Paul had instructed Timothy in the gospel message and Old Testament scripture as well. Paul was a faithful and loving mentor to his son in the faith Timothy.

Susan: Paul tells Timothy to be relentless and tenacious in his pursuit of the truth as found in the pages of scripture. Timothy should faithfully pass on to others the gospel he had learned at the feet of Paul.

Susie: The message of salvation through Jesus was to be shared in love and concern for those who would listen, demonstrating Jesus’s love to them with more than just words.

2 Timothy 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Susie: What did the Holy Ghost commit to Timothy?

Susan: The Holy Spirit had drawn Timothy into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus and had called him to not only share the gospel message but to protect and preserve its authenticity. He was to make the truth clear by his deeds as well as his words in order to combat the false teaching going on in Ephesus.

Susie: The Holy Spirit brings us to faith and an understanding of the Gospel, and it is the Spirit’s power that enables us to remain true to the word of God.

2 Timothy 1:15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Susie: Asia refers to the area of modern day Turkey rather than all of Asia Minor. Many had disassociated themselves from Paul due to fear of persecution. Phygellus and Hermogenes are mentioned nowhere else in scripture, but the implication is that Paul may have invested time in them to train them in ministry, but they had abandoned him as the others had.

2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

Susie: Onesiphorus must have lived in or near Ephesus because Paul later instructs Timothy to greet his household (2 Timothy 4:19).

Susan: Onesiphorus must have had business in Rome. While in Rome, he spent time and energy and possibly put himself in perilous circumstances to seek out Paul. It  was worth all of this to Onesiphorus to bring Paul encouragement and comfort.

Susie: Rather than avoiding Paul because he was imprisoned for the gospel, Onesiphorus ministered to him. Therefore, Paul prayed the Lord’s mercy upon him, perhaps for his protection from persecution because of his association with Paul.

2 Timothy 1:18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Susie: In “that day” refers to when believers stand before Jesus in judgement and receive rewards for those deeds done by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul was praying the Lord would reward Onesiphorus for his kindness in eternity if not in this world.

Susan: Rome was not the first time Onesiphorus ministered to the needs of Paul. Onesiphorus previously served in Ephesus as well.

QUESTIONS

1.        What is an important motivating factor in sharing our faith in Jesus?

2.        What was Timothy instructed to guard and how would he do this?

3.        Should all believers be guardians of the Gospel message and the word of God? Explain.

4.        Why were many of Paul’s co-laborers abandoning him?

5.        What man encouraged Paul? How did he do so?

6.        Has anyone ever gone out of his or her way to encourage you?

7.        List some ways you can encourage a brother or sister in Jesus.