Each chapter of Paul’s second letter to Timothy presents a focused theme. The theme provides the structure for Paul’s “last words” to Timothy. Here are the things that are important to Paul, the things that Paul wants Timothy to remember. In many ways, he is offering Timothy a “second helping” of his teachings, for he has taught him and written him in the past. The first chapter focuses on giving Timothy a second helping of hope. Here is our key verse.
I write this to you, Timothy, the son I love so much (2 Timothy 1:2 MESSAGE)
NIV 2 Timothy 1:2 NIV
NLT 2 Timothy 1:2 NLT
NASB 2 Timothy 1:2 NASB
NCV 2 Timothy 1:2 NCV
ESV 2 Timothy 1:2 ESV
NKJV 2 Timothy 1:2 NKJV
Understand the original Greek? See 2 Timothy 1:2 in the Nestle – Aland Greek text.
“The Pointe” is the focused point that stands out from the rest. This is the main purpose of this lesson.
Even in helpless times, the Christian can possess a second helping of hope.
In this study, we will find four concepts that Paul wants to re-emphasize to Timothy. Understanding these words may be Paul’s last chance to teach his protégé, we are privileged to eavesdrop on a touching and meaningful conversation. Today’s theme challenges Timothy to embrace and embellish his faith by having a second helping of hope that he has in Christ.
The Christian faith speaks on a practical level of a life well-lived. Within its pages, Christianity teaches ways that an individual can understand the world, sense personal satisfaction, and properly relate to others.
Faith in Hopeless Times
But the heart of Christianity speaks to the future. Our faith sees that Jesus overcame the greatest enemy of all humanity – death – in a victorious manner. Christian doctrine affirms the same thing will happen to those whose belief and trust is in Jesus as the Messiah.
But Paul’s situation is hopeless. Emperor Nero is blaming the burning of Rome, which history later reveals was his own doing, upon Christians. Paul is now behind bars not for teaching beliefs contrary to accepted Jewish principles, but as the leader of a movement that was being blamed for the loss of countless lives and property.
Understand Paul’s circumstance in a modern setting. In the remaining days of September of 2011, imagine if Osama bin Laden and high officials in al-Qaeda had been found in New York City and put in prison. The country and our government would have insisted upon justice and punishment.
Is it possible that Paul has abandoned his faith? Is he being supported in a way to encourage and challenge him to continue? Timothy’s own faith might have been shaken depending on the words and tenor of this letter.
Had Paul given up hope? Timothy must have been anxious to hear from his friend.
A Second Helping of Hope for the Christian
Paul presents Christianity as standing on the three grand pillars – faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). The non-believer sees faith and love at work around them, but hope gave Christianity a unique flair. We live in a world laced with hopelessness.
Ironically, Paul had earlier written to the Romans, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Now Paul, in Rome, faces the end of his life because of his faith. Is there still reason for his hope? He begins to write to Timothy to offer him a second helping of hope.
Hope of Eternal Life
Only Christianity offers the promise of a glorious life beyond the grave. While other religions hint at a cycle of life, there is no other understanding of the continuance and continuity of personality and relationships. Paul spoke of the “hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” (Titus 1:2).
Eternal life is not about time, though we tend to measure everything through time. Eternal life is life that exceeds our expectations and understanding. There is a hope within us that the next life will be better than this one. Eternal life is the realization of that desire. We will always be close to God, fulfilled abundantly, gloriously happy and at peace.
The Psalmist expressed it in these words, “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).
Hope for Christ’s Return
Early Christians believed that Christ would return at any time. Look at what he tells the Thessalonians. They thought Jesus would return with all of His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13). Christians expected the return of Jesus to be accompanied with all those who had died believing in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:14). The belief stated that Christians would appear with Jesus in glory (Colossians 3:4) and they would receive a crown of glory when He appeared (1 Peter 5:4).
Hope of a Resurrection of the Body
The Greek philosophers of Paul’s day saw the body as sinful and evil. When Paul preached in Athens (Acts 17:32) many of the scholars ridiculed and scorned his position for that very reason. Christianity through Jesus’ own resurrection brought the reality and hope of a resurrected body to life.
In this epistle, Paul challenges Timothy to reflect upon “the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10).
Hope of a Glorious Heritage
Paul had also told the Thessalonians, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). Believers will receive the riches of heaven the way that a child inherits the wealth of the family. Perhaps that is why the psalmist wrote, “You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name” (Psalm 61:5).
Paul’s Second Helping of Hope to Encourage Timothy
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is a touching, personal expression of his faith to his close companion. Tender but strong, the letter is far from sentimental or contemplative. Timothy may have read each line with tear-blurred eyes, but every word bolstered him to valiantly continue the faith.
The letter accomplished its purpose. After Paul’s death, Timothy labored in the churches in Asia Minor (the ones mentioned in the beginning of Revelation), particularly around Ephesus. The apostle John worked around Ephesus during the latter days of his life – often exiled on an island near the area. John does not mention Timothy in his epistles or the book of Revelation.
Timothy’s death is not mentioned in the Bible. Tradition has Timothy ministering in Ephesus at the time of his death. Stories were passed that Timothy died when he rushed into the porch area of a pagan temple to stop activities of lewd dances and immoral acts were on display to “honor” their gods. Outraged, the pagans beat Timothy to death.
Most traditions have Timothy’s death occurring around 97. Since John, who wrote in the early 90’s, did not mention Timothy, a more plausible date should be about ten years’ earlier.
Roman, Anglican, and Lutheran churches use January 26th to commemorate Timothy and Titus, the faithful companions of Paul.
Notice the handful of things that Timothy would have found encouraging and hopeful.
The Encouragement of Paul’s Faith
Timothy would have been encouraged to hear that Paul had not abandoned his faith even in the face of persecution. Paul begins the epistle as he did his letters to churches by affirming his apostleship. He continues to say that this is God’s will and that it keeps in line with the promises of life that are found in Christ Jesus.
As Paul faces the reality of death, he wants Timothy to know that he understands the reality of life – life that continues beyond the grave.
The Encouragement of Paul’s Love
“Timothy, my dearly beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2) is much stronger than “Timothy, my own son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul’s love for Timothy probably had not changed, but as he approached death, he expresses it more. Paul offers Timothy “grace, mercy, and peace” (2 Timothy 1:2).
It is interesting that in Paul’s greetings, he adds the word “mercy” to grace and peace, his normal greeting, to Titus and Timothy (Titus 1:4, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2). Paul knew that pastors needed mercy.
The Encouragement of Paul’s Prayers
It had to encourage Timothy to understand how the apostle prayed for him. Paul claims that he thanks God night and day for Timothy. He longs to see Timothy – recalls the tears in Timothy’s eyes – and wants Timothy to join him in Rome.
The source of Timothy’s tears is unknown. Perhaps tears were shed at a time when Paul left Timothy behind at a church as he was continuing his journey. Others speculate that Timothy was present when Paul was arrested, and tears were shed. Regardless, Paul remembers the moment with tenderness.
The Encouragement of Paul’s Support
Paul has supported Timothy from the beginning. He reminds Timothy of his heritage – of the faith of his mother and grandmother. Paul also speaks of encouraging Timothy in the past and of imparting a gift to Timothy through the laying on of hands.
Paul asks for Timothy’s support as well. Paul encourages Timothy to no be ashamed to give testimony about the Lord. Also, Timothy should not be ashamed of Paul as a prisoner. This may come from others who are trying to distance themselves from the apostle. Timothy may have simply been ashamed because of the circumstances of Paul’s imprisonment.
A visit to Rome reveals a location where tradition has Paul was kept in prison. The cell seems to be nothing more than an underground dungeon. The domed ceiling has a small hole, letting in a small beam of light and breaths of air.
The Encouragement of Paul’s Commission
Throughout the story of Timothy’s family and background, Paul calls to Timothy’s mind how God had called him into service and how a local church had ordained him. Paul speaks of laying his own hands upon Timothy and blessing him with a spiritual gift. Laying on hands was a common practice of the day (Acts 6:6, Acts 13:3).
What is So Important About Hope?
Christians define hope differently than its common usage. The word “hope” in English normally connotes a departure from certainty. “I hope we get tickets to the big game.” For the Christian, hope is not wishful thinking.
Peter says, “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). This does not mean that we don’t know if it is going to happen, but my wish is for it to happen.
Christian hope occurs when God has promised that something is going to happen. The Christian puts faith and trust in the promise. Christian hope, then, becomes confident assurance that an event will happen because God has promised it. Within it is woven the desire and passion to see the time when the promise comes true.
KBS2022_006 | Second Helpings | Lesson One
2 Timothy 1
Scripture
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
3-4 Every 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.
5-7 That 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.
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.
11-12 This 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.
13-14 So 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.
15-18 I’m sure you know by now that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, even Phygelus and Hermogenes. But God bless Onesiphorus and his family! Many’s the time I’ve been refreshed in that house. And he wasn’t embarrassed a bit that I was in jail. The first thing he did when he got to Rome was look me up. May God on the Last Day treat him as well as he treated me. And then there was all the help he provided in Ephesus—but you know that better than I.
The Message (MSG, MESSAGE) Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson
Discussion Starters
Use these “Starters” to introduce the concept of the lesson and to prompt discussion among your group. Generally these questions do not have a “right or wrong” answer, so even those newer to a faith experience will not feel intimidated to speak.
- What food causes you to want a “second helping?” What prompts the desire?
- What things do you hope for?
- What makes you feel hopeless?
Pointes to Ponder
“Pointes to Ponder” looks at the main pointe of the lesson through specific portions and concepts in the passage of Scripture. Take this opportunity to understand the context of the Scripture and how it can apply to your life.
2 Timothy chronicles Paul’s last words to Timothy. Irrespective of his circumstances, Paul’s first chapter positively emphasizes Timothy’s reasons for hope. Even Paul stands in a hopeful position. What makes the difference in someone who is positive and hopeful compared to the negative and pessimistic individual?
Read the first chapter of 2 Timothy. What phrases from the Apostle give reasons for the Christian to have hope?
Paul talks about Timothy’s heritage of faith – nurtured by his parents and built to a flame by Paul and the experiences Timothy gained on the missionary journeys. What is your faith heritage? What are the incidents and who are the people who have helped bring you to this point in your experience of faith?
Cafeteria of Commitment
The “Cafeteria of Commitment” section gives you a smorgasbord of choices of activities that you can do that will help you apply the pointe of the lesson. Choose a commitment that fits your schedule and your personality.
- Find ten verses of Scripture that describe the Christian’s hope.
- Memorize one of these three verses about hope: 1 Peter 1:13, Colossians 1:27, or Jeremiah 17:7.
- How would you explain to a friend “the reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15)?
Important Resources
A Second Helping of Hope for You
As the lesson on hope concludes, let’s conclude our thoughts with a prayer.
Heavenly Father, Like Paul, there are times when the world around us makes it seem as if we are helpless, if not hopeless. May we return to you for a second helping of hope. Strengthen and focus our faith so that we might maintain the hope we have been given because of our experience with your Words and your Son, in whose name we pray. Amen.