Passage: 2 Timothy 1:1-2:13
Second Timothy is very personal letter, as would be expected in a final letter to a close friend. Paul exhorts Timothy to continue in faithfulness and points to his own life as an example for Timothy to follow. What he calls on Timothy to do, he himself has done already. In this letter, Paul’s charge to Timothy—the last word from a spiritual father—was for Timothy to spend the rest of his life in ministry. He said, “Be strong...suffer hardship...remember Jesus Christ.” Those were the words of counsel to Timothy as he lived and served in a fallen world, in an imperfect church, facing many persecutions, and many dangers. It takes courage to lead and courage to follow. These God-inspired words are were suitable for everyone in the Ephesian church, and they are suitable words for us today, as we multiply courageous ministry.
