LOYALTY IN SUFFERING
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Intro: This second epistle Paul wrote to Timothy from a prison cell in Rome. I was privileged to go to Rome in 1990 and I visited the remains of the prison where Paul was kept. What a heart stirring experience that was. This was the last letter Paul would write. In second Corinthians 11 Paul tells of many things he suffered, but he stayed loyal to God. Whether he was in the great synagogues of his day, in a town house or the county jail with or without friends he was loyal. As we look at chapter one notice Paul’s:
1. Communion with God vs. 1-2 Paul a Surrendered Man
Chosen by the Lord (v1a) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ
Paul was called of God. He was not appointed by a committee or a click he was God’s chosen vessel.
Controlled by His Will (v. 1b) by the will of God,
Paul lived in obedience to the will of God. The decisions he made, the things he did were in accordance to the will of God. Most decisions are made today based on comfort or convenience. We see some advertise “come as you are”, I guess for convenience. Let me say to our young people and old as well in every aspect of your life your dress, deportment, devotion and every thing else let it be done in awe, reverence and respect for our “Righteous God”
Cheered by Promise (v. 1c) according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. Though things might not be great around us ‘they weren’t for Paul’, We can rejoice and be happy in His precious promises.
Conscious of Resources (v.2) To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2. Concern for His Son vs.3-4 Paul a Sympathetic Man
Thankful Prayer (v.3a) I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, Paul practiced what he preached he tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to in everything give thanks
Faithful Prayer (v.3b) that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
Mindful Prayer (v.4a) 2 Timothy 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears,;
Joyful Prayer (v.4b) that I may be filled with joy
3. Courage in Service vs.5-7 Paul a Spiritual Man
Remember your mother's example (v.5) When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Remember your master's endorsement (v.6) Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Remember your Maker's endowment (v.7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
4. Confidence in the Gospel vs.8-12 Paul a Satisfied Man
The Testimony of the Gospel (v.8a) Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner
Truths of the Gospel (v.9) Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, We are what we are “saved” who we are and where we are because of the calling of God.
The Triumph of the Gospel (v.10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
The Transmission of the Gospel (v.11) Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
The Trust and Thrill of the Gospel (v.12) For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
5. Continuance in Truth vs.13-14 Paul a Sure Man
Hold to the pattern of strength giving words (v.13) Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Hold the precious deposit (v.14) That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
6. Constancy to Duty vs.15-18 Paul a Slighted but a Sustained Man
Unreliable Friends (v.15) This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. I think all of us have those we have considered friends who have turned away from us. It hurts and is near easy to take. But God is still on the throne and we still the fellowship of those who have not turned away
Unbroken Fellowship (v. 16) The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Unforgettable Ministry (v. 17) But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
"BE A LOYAL SUFFERER FOR THE GOSPEL"
Pastor Bobby Helton