Hope, Trust, Retain, Guard

2 TIMOTHY 1

While Paul is in prison, awaiting death, he writes a very personal letter to a dear friend, Timothy. Naturally, this is the second such letter, and Paul wants to see his friend again before his imminent death. Being one of the last, if not THE last writing of Paul, it can be argued that what he discusses here is of supreme importance: what would the apostle write to a close pastor friend if he wanted to leave an impression on Timothy's future ministry? We often hear that answer to be “doctrine”, and while I agree, there is also an underlying aspect and mentality to maintain while upholding truth.

Paul begins by reminding Timothy of the promise of life in Christ Jesus. When we compare this to other passages describing our eternal hope, we conclude that our hope is in a promise from God, and who better to keep a promise than Him?

Sincere faith is something to strive for, and to cling to when it is understood. We are reminded that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had key roles in raising him in faith. Family plays such a key role in the raising of children; apparently that has always been the case. Paul spoke of false teaches in his previous letter, and when we see how society would like us to distort the family even today, these letters to Timothy should serve as a reminder to us to stand firm in Biblical truth.

Indeed, Paul urges him to be bold, not timid, based on the gift from God. If we need to be reminded of who we are and who God is, we read that He saved us, and we serve Him, for His purpose, and God is certainly not ashamed, nor should we be. God’s power should easily enable us to stand up for Him. His power is such that He abolished death, and gave us the gospel, through which we can have immortality, that is, life with Him.

Paul suffers, and yet is not ashamed. In the words of a great hymn, actually taken straight from the KJV (v. 12b): “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.”

So, if we put our trust in Him, and Him alone, then we ought to be able to do a couple simple (not necessarily easy) parts of the Christian life: RETAIN the standard of sound words (that is, the teaching that fits with or leads to godliness). GUARD this treasure, the gospel, that has been entrusted to us, just as it was to Timothy.

Good, strong advice for a young pastor, for any Christian, for that matter.