Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“But you, O man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patient endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I command you, in the sight of God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you observe the commandment without fault, irreproachable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will make known in his own time, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, the one who alone possesses immortality, who lives in unapproachable light, whom no human being has seen nor is able to see, to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:11-16)

Chapter four is further warnings against false teachers. The Holy Spirit has always warned the church that in the last days people would fall away from the church. Not just from trust in Jesus, but also in false teaching unfounded on the Word OR God’s moral character. Paul exhorts Timothy to not let his youth hold him back, but to preach the truth of all things to all believers in love. To remind them of the truth, giving proper attention to reading the Word and teaching the doctrine the Lord laid out for us all.

Chapter five is Paul’s thoughts toward various groups in the church and teaching that could be a help to them. He encouraged the helping and support of widows. The importance of godly elders. How vital it is to remain pure.

Chapter six are Paul’s guidelines on how to live a godly life and his final instructions to Timothy. The importance of being content with what you have – even if you’d like more/better – and NOT to chase riches and wealth for the sake of riches and wealth. True wealth begins with a relationship with God. This is what we need to lean into: our trust in Jesus. Every circumstance that follows will be navigable because of our trust in Jesus. Paul encourages Timothy to hold fast to what was committed to his trust, leading always with the truth.

“for which reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and love and self-discipline. Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor me his prisoner, but suffer along with me for the gospel, according to the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace that was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been disclosed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought to light life and immortality through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:6-10)

The second letter Paul wrote to Timothy was written about four years later in 67 AD when Paul was in prison in Rome (it could have been that the first letter was written in 61-62 AD and this second letter in 64-65 AD). It is a letter full of Paul’s final advice to Timothy – though he hoped to see Timothy before long. It is a great pastoral letter, a kind of sum-up of Paul’s experiences in ministry over the years.

Chapter one is Paul’s greeting and opening advice to Timothy: loyalty to the gospel. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It is the only thing to truly stand on. Though some will fall away and others persecute, it is TRUTH and worthy to be shared, preached, and taught.

Chapter two begins Paul’s great exhortation to persevere in difficult times. He encourages Timothy to endure all things and to make sure that his foundation is sure, so that he can do so. It is important to be a good soldier of Jesus. Faithful. Instructed. Connected to Him at all times (John 15:5). We need to pursue righteousness, peace, trust in Jesus, and love. This pursuit enables us to flee those things of our youth that were ungodly or interfering with our hearing God. We’re to avoid strife and arguments. They don’t build anyone up. We’re to operate in love with all those we interact with.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Paul

Key Verse(s): 1 Timothy 4:6-16; 5:1-8; 6:11-16; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:8-13