16 December

Bible in 365 Days

2 Timothy 1-4

2 Timothy 1

The second letter to Timothy was written from prison. Paul, conscious of the evil existing in the Church, forecast the terrible days that were coming. He was conscious also of the grave responsibility resting on Timothy. He introduced his letter by a revelation of his affection for Timothy, and his thankfulness for him.

His first appeal had to do with Timothy himself. He charged him to "stir up the gift'' he had already received, and not to be "ashamed . . . of the testimony." The qualities of the gift were described as consisting in capacity for oversight, and government in the Church. This must not be exercised in a spirit of cowardice. The kindling to a flame of such a gift would not make the pathway easy. A twofold incentive was revealed in the greatness of the Gospel committed to him as a deposit, and his own experience and convictions.

In this paragraph we have five main assertions, "I was appointed," "I suffered," "I am not ashamed," "I know Him," "I am persuaded." There is yet another, which is subsidiary in the sense of being resultant, "I have believed." Looking back, he wrote, "I was appointed." Thinking of the present, he declared, 'I suffered," ''I am not ashamed," "I know Him." Looking to the future, he said, "I am persuaded."

2 Timothy 2

In order to fulfil the ideal revealed in the instructions, Timothy was charged to "be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." The Apostle employed three figures of speech, the soldier, the athlete, and the husbandman, as revealing the methods by which Timothy might be strengthened in grace. The ultimate command is, "Remember Jesus Christ."

The Apostle next referred to his own experiences again. Briefly, but vividly, he said, "I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor." Paul was now in prison for the second time, and was ranked as one of the lowest criminals. Nevertheless, he was jubilant over the fact that "the Word of God is not bound." It is in fellowship with Christ that such experience is granted. "If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him." This declaration is followed by the solemn warning, "If we shall deny Him, He also will deny us." for God must be faithful to Himself.

The Apostle then turned to the subject of Timothy's responsibility as to the Church. This is revealed as threefold:

First, the exercise of power (2 Timothy 2:14-19) ; second, the exercise of love (2 Timothy 2:20-23); and, third, the exercise of discipline (2 Timothy 2:24-26). In the presence of difficulties created by a wrong teaching, Timothy must show himself a workman skilled in the specific calling of handling the Word of truth. The goal of ambition is "approved unto God." The method is, "Give diligence . . . a workman." The work, "rightly dividing the word of truth."

The duty of Timothy in the exercise of discipline, and the manifestation of love are then set forth. The Apostle grants the existence of mixture in the Church. Separation from fellowship with the unworthy is a condition of fitness for the highest forms of service. The Apostle urged this consecration in a threefold injunction, the key words of which are "flee," "follow," "refuse."

2 Timothy 3

Clearly seeing trouble coming from the teaching of those who were ''holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof," the Apostle referred to his own manner of life and service as affording an example of what Timothy's experience must necessarily be. He referred to his "teaching," his "conduct," his "purpose," and his "faith," his 'longsuffering," his 'love," and his "patience." The results of such life and service had been persecution and suffering. Out of all these things he had been delivered, for while the difficulties of the pathway had been great, the strength and faithfulness of the Lord had been greater.

Finally, in this connection the Apostle turned to Timothy's responsibility concerning the truth. The first word marking that responsibility is the word, "abide." The apostolic teaching at this point reveals Paul's estimate of the qualities which constitute the values of the, Scriptures. "Teaching" refers to the authoritative quality which constitutes the foundation on which the building is to go forward. "Reproof" is testing. "Correction" refers to bringing back into the true line. "Instruction" refers to training by discipline, toward consummation. The Scriptures, therefore, provide the foundation on which to build, a method for testing the building in course of erection, a force equal to correcting mistakes, and the supply for carrying out the enterprise to perfection.

The purpose throughout is to make complete the man of God, but this perfection of the instrument is not the ultimate goal. That is reached in the work which the complete man of God is to perform. The sequence is suggestive, and if we study it from the effect to the cause we see what was evidently in the mind of the apostle. The matter of supreme importance was the work committed to Timothy. In order to do this he must himself be complete. In order to reach this completeness his character must result from the power of the Holy Scriptures. In order to obtain this he must abide therein.

2 Timothy 4

As the result of these charges, the Apostle shows what Timothy's attitude must be toward those over whom he has oversight. There are four things which he must do. "Preach the Word," "reprove," "rebuke," "exhort." The qualities of the Word which are of value in building personal character are to be used in carrying out relative responsibility.

Then follow what are, in all probability, the last written words of Paul preserved to us. His position was that he was already "being offered." This was a reference to his consciousness that his life was drawing to a close. He referred to that coming experience as a "departure."

Looking back over the years of service, he had no lament, but triumphant thankfulness. Three phrases indicate his consciousness of that service, "I have fought," "I have finished," "I have kept." Looking to the future, he declared that a crown was laid up for him. He then referred to his associates. Demas had left him, having loved the present age. Crescens was away in Galatia, Titus in Dalmatia, both probably carrying out some mission. Luke was still by his side. Mark was absent, but Timothy was charged to bring him with him when he came. Tychicus was also absent in Ephesus. It is in some senses a sad picture, yet it glows with light. The final section is purely personal. Paul commissioned Timothy to bring a cloak, some books, and certain parchments.

It is impossible to read the close of this letter without seeing how remarkably the Apostle had been brought into active fellowship with his Lord. His last words were of the nature of a prayer of desire, expressive of all he felt that Timothy would need in the midst of the difficulties and dangers of his position in Ephesus, "The Lord be with thy spirit." If this desire were fulfilled, the faithfulness of Timothy would be assured.

The closing sentence, "Grace be with you," is such as would be expected from Paul. The one theme of all his preaching and teaching had been grace. The way of grace is the way of the Lord's fellowship; it is by grace that the Master abides with the spirit of His servant.