2 Timothy 1 DEVO: Unashamed

Introduction:
I love this letter! 2 Timothy is in my Top 5 Fave’s when it comes to books in the Bible! It wreaks with relationship, with discipleship and includes the final words of faithful servant Paul to one whom he is passing the baton of faith - Timothy!
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is much more personal as it was written near the end of his life. He knew his death was near (4:6-7) and because the Gospel was more important to Paul than even his life, he wanted to be sure Timothy would continue the message. He personally directs Timothy to maintain his spiritual passion (1:1-7) and to be a faithful partner of his suffering for the gospel (1:8-2:13). Paul warns again against false teachers (2:14-19) and urges Timothy to be a noble servant of Christ (2:20-26). Chapter 3:1-9 describes the conditions in the last days (we are in them). Then he gives Timothy his final charge (3:10-4:5). Paul was in prison and soon after this letter was written, he was beheaded for his faith. Paul knew Timothy would carry a heavy ministry responsibility in his absence and so he gives him these final words.

Chapter 1: Unashamed
If there is one word I would use to describe the apostle Paul it would be “unashamed.” From the moment he came to know Jesus (Acts 9) to his final recorded words, Paul clearly, boldly and proudly spoke of Jesus Christ his Savior. Timothy had the blessing to be around such a person as he traveled & ministered with Paul. There no other person whom Paul was closer to and whom he would rather hand off his ministry to. So he reminds Timothy of two things: His “sincere faith” and “to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” Faith and serving God are a calling that requires “a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” – and Timothy, you have what it takes! What encouraging words for Timothy to hear from his mentor!
He then tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel (8-12). Why repeat the Gospel to Timothy? Because it should never get old to any of us! We need always to remember, remember, remember what Jesus did for us!
Then, as mentor, Paul writes, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Stick to the truth you’ve learned form the scriptures Timmy, remember Jesus, be loving and let the Holy Spirit use you!
Finally, Paul reminds him there will be ups & downs in ministry: “everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me” and “show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me…….was not ashamed of my chains…………in many ways he helped me”
SO WHAT?!
*Do you have a sense of mission? Every great man or woman of God has had this. Not selfish ambition for success, but to do your part in contributing to God’s purposes. Is Jesus, the Gospel, more important to us than even our lives? Lord, make Acts 20:24 true, not only in my life as student pastor, but in the lives of all who read this!
*How are you involved in passing the baton of faith? 2 Timothy contrasts Paul’s strengths with Timothy’s struggles. This is a mature believer training a younger believer. Who is your Paul? Who is your Timothy? Each of us needs to be involved in passing the baton o faith to others. Are you? If not, ask your pastor or mentor their advice on how you can be!
*Ever been hurt in ministry? You stepped out to serve Jesus and got criticized or ridiculed or just plain ditched. Then you can relate to Paul……….oh, and to Jesus! Imagine where we’d be if the first time Jesus got criticized, He said I’m not doing this!~ Later in Chapter 3 Paul will write, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” Don’t let people or circumstances rob you of the joy in serving Jesus!