Overview
2 Timothy
In Paul's second and last letter to his beloved disciple Timothy, Paul urges Timothy to persevere in the faith. These are words all of us need to hear regularly and loudly. We are faced with so many distractions and pains along the way. We need something that will truly help us to endure till the end, rather than cheap, temporary gimmicks. We need to be reminded of who Jesus is and what he did for us on the cross and then be encouraged to persevere because of what lies ahead for us.
Last Words
Paul most likely wrote 2 Timothy during this second imprisonment in Rome after Acts 28. These are Paul’s last recorded words, a farewell discourse if you will. He found himself at the end of his life (2 Timothy 4:6-8) with many having abandoned him and some living far away (2 Timothy 1:15, 4:9-12). Therefore, he urges Timothy to Persevere! Paul says of himself in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!” I finished, now I want you to finish! I want you to persevere till the end. I know all the hurdles will face; persevere! I know all the distractions you will see; persevere! I know it won’t be easy; persevere! Keep going! It’s worth it! Don’t stop. Keep fighting. Fan into flame. Guard the gospel. Entrust to faithful men. Don’t get entangled. Work hard. Compete according to the rules. Cleanse yourselves. Endure hardship. Proclaim the gospel. Persevere!
Resources
Sermon Series
Click here to listen to Persevere, our sermon series through the book of 2 Timothy.
Bible Reading Plan
As we study Paul's last words recorded in 2 Timothy, our Bible reading plan will take us on a journey through all of Paul's letters. Paul wrote these letters so that they would be read to different churches in the first century, often as a result of having spent time with them and ministering the gospel to them. So, we'll also be reading various passages from Acts that give us the context of Paul's interaction with these people. In addition, we'll be reading through the Psalms. David is a wonderful Old Testament picture of an enduring faith, as he recognizes amidst persecution that "God is our refuge and strength" and "His love endures forever." Read these passages for encouragement, challenge, growth, conviction, and above all, that God might give us an endurance in the gospel.