All scriptures are from The Message
One of the characteristics that we all acquire is the urge to pass on the wisdom we feel that we have acquired from our life’s experiences. 2 Timothy is written in just that vein with an added sense of urgency, Paul wants Timothy to pick up the responsibilities he feels he will soon be unable to carry on. Even though there is considerable doubt that Paul was the author of this letter, it might contain some fragments from his other writings, it is instructive for us to read and reflect upon. The first thing we should understand as we read the letter to Timothy is Paul’s situation, he is in prison and:
2 Timothy 4:6-8 You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
• What emotions do you see in these words which might have reflected Paul’s feelings as he was imprisoned in Rome, contemplating his execution. What does he feel has been important in his life and what are the reasons?
The second thing we need to know is – Who is Timothy?
Acts 16:1-3 Paul came first to Derbe, then Lystra. He found a disciple there by the name of Timothy, son of a devout Jewish mother and Greek father. Friends in Lystra and Iconium all said what a fine young man he was. Paul wanted to recruit him for their mission, but first took him aside and circumcised him so he wouldn't offend the Jews who lived in those parts. They all knew that his father was Greek.
Timothy’s name becomes familiar to us as we read Acts and the epistles credited to Paul for it becomes clear that he plays a key role in the success of Paul’s mission.
• What must have drawn this young man to motivate him to leave his family and join Paul the traveling evangelist? What does it say about both him and Paul? What kind of person and mission would it take for you to leave everything behind and take on an uncertain future?
Let’s read the first part of our scripture for this week and look at the feelings Paul expresses for Timothy:
2 Timothy 1:1-2 I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God's plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus. I write this to you, Timothy, the son I love so much. All the best from our God and Christ be yours! To Be Bold with God's Gifts
3-4Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion.
5-7That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
• What does Paul include about himself in his words of greeting? What has motivated him in his work, what does he feel he is carrying out? Have you ever felt that in some small or large way you were doing something that the Spirit called you to do? What caused you to feel that you were being called and how did it effect your response?
• How does he refer to Timothy, what are the feelings he expresses for him? What does it say, Paul of course had no children, about their relationship? Do you have any non-family member that you in some measure feel this way about?
• Paul includes Timothy in his prayers, who do you regularly include in your prayers? Why are they included and what do you pray for? Does praying for them have any effect on you?
• Earlier we reflected on the reasons Timothy would have left everything and followed Paul. What do you see in verses 5-8 that were part of motivating him to make the decision he made? What were some things that energized the young man? As you look back on your faith journey what were some events or people who energized you?
• What did Paul point out to Timothy about the origins of his faith? Who do you feel passed the gift of faith to you – were they all relatives? How important is the act of passing on our faith to those we care about and what are some issues that might inhibit us?
The letter continues with advice and encouragement for Timothy as he carries on with Paul’s work:
2 Timothy 1:8-10 So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
11-12This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground—the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end.
13-14So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.
• What is Paul reminding Timothy he will face as he delivers the Message? Are there places in the world that this remains true today and are there those who in spite of it deliver the Message? Some things never change.
• What role does God play in the work Timothy is being charged with continuing? What is your reaction to Paul characterizing the work and the suffering that goes along with it a “gift”? Have you ever thought about sharing the gospel message, being an ambassador for Christ, in these terms?
• What does Paul see as that which he has “been set apart” for? What has sustained him throughout? As you look back on your faith life do you feel you might have been “set aside” at any time for some role or task? Was there any sense of God’s presence as you worked to fulfill your calling?
• How do you think that Timothy might have reacted as he read this letter and realized the magnitude of the responsibility that was being passed on to him? Have you ever experienced having some kind of significant responsibility (birth of a child, at work, etc.) given to you? What were your feelings and what sustained you in fulfilling your new role?
• We all should have a will for legal and family considerations. What would you like to pass on about your faith life? Write down some of the things you would include in this declaration?
Closing Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for all those whose faith and witness have enlightened us and brought us closer to you. Strengthen us by your Spirit that we may encourage the faith of others. We ask in the name of Jesus, our redeemer and guide. Amen
Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Sirach 15:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37
"death defeated, life vindicated"
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