II Timothy

This is the second letter that we know of that Paul wrote to Timothy, his "dear son." As we said when we read Paul's first letter to Timothy, we noted that Paul has great affection for Timothy. We see this again here when Paul refers to the fact that he constantly remembers Timothy in his prayers -- both night and day. He longs to see him again and reminds Timothy of his genuine faith, the faith he shares with Timothy's grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. We would all do well to stand on verses 6 and 7 of the first chapter: "This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of prayer, love, and self-discipline."

Paul also tells Timothy and us that he is not ashamed of the gospel, because he knows in whom he trusts and is certain that he is able to guard what he has entrusted to him until the day of his return.

He tells Timothy to be strong through the grace God gives him in Christ and to teach the truths to other trustworthy people who will pass it on to others. He tells him to endure suffering as a good soldier of Christ. After all, Jesus was raised from the dead -- and this is the Good News Paul is preaching.

He wants Timothy to work hard so he can present himself to God and receive God's approval and not to get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

He also talks about the last days and the very difficult times there will be, where people will only love themselves and their money. He then describes modern man to a T.

He speaks about how Timothy learned the Scriptures as a child and that "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

Note all of the references to people Timothy and Paul both know -- such a personal letter to Timothy.

Tomorrow, we'll read II Peter and Jude.

Until next time…