Genuine Faith (2 Timothy 1)

Is the faith within us the same as in past generations? Has God saved us too by undeserved grace? Should we also hold the pattern of sound Gospel words in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus? Will we guard through the Holy Spirit that good thing which was committed to us? Let’s find out in 2 Timothy 1.

Who is this letter from? Who is it to?

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV)

Was there a joyful bond between the two?

I constantly thank my God—whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you in my prayers night and day, recalling your tears and longing to see you so that I can be filled with joy. (2 Timothy 2:3-4 ISV)

Did Timothy have genuine faith? Did he learn that from his mother and grandmother? What Spirit does God give us?

being reminded of the unhypocritical faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it is in you as well. For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:5-7 LSB)

What should the Holy Spirit’s power do? Are we ashamed to suffer or do we water down the Gospel so we won’t suffer?

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, (2 Timothy 1:8 NASB)

Did we earn salvation? Who revealed this grace?

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:9-10 NIV)

Why did God choose Paul? Was Paul ashamed of what might happen to him in prison?

And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. (2 Timothy 1:11-12 NLT)

What should they and we hold and guard?

Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. (2 Timothy 1:13-14 WEB)

Asia was then a Roman province in modern southwestern Turkey. What happened there? How supportive was Onesiphorus?

You know that everyone in Asia has turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show mercy to Onesiphorus’ household, because he supported me many times and he wasn’t ashamed of my imprisonment. After I arrived in Rome, he quickly looked for me and found me. May the Lord allow him to find his mercy on that day (and you know very well how much he served me in Ephesus). (2 Timothy 1:15-18 CEB)

Is the faith within us the same as in past generations? Has God saved us too by undeserved grace? Should we also hold the pattern of sound Gospel words in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus? Will we guard through the Holy Spirit that good thing which was committed to us? You decide!