INTRODUCTION TO 2 TIMOTHY
Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome for a second time when he wrote this letter to Timothy. Paul's circumstances were bleak and he was cold and lonely. Many of his coworkers had deserted him while others were off in the mission field. Paul knew that the end of his life was near. He was not ashamed of his chains, though, for his suffering had been for the sake of the gospel. He had faithfully served the gospel of Jesus Christ with all of his heart and soul. Paul could honestly say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Paul's thoughts and prayers were not focused on his own situation, but on Timothy. Paul referred to him as "my dear son" and urged him to come as quickly as he could so Paul could see him one last time. Soon, Timothy would lead the ministry and Paul wished to encourage him in person.
Given this context, we are not surprised to find that this wonderful and personal letter is filled with love, encouragement, and important charges for Timothy. Paul's commands range from "Guard the good deposit" to "Preach the word". He appeals to Timothy to be strong in grace and join him in his sufferings in Christ. Paul sought to give him the strength to overcome the challenges brought by false teachers and other godless people.
The bold appeals Paul made to Timothy are for our benefit as well. May God bless you as you meditate on this book! May your gifts for the ministry be fanned to flame like Timothy's as you guard the good deposit the Lord has placed in you.


A wealth of wonderful, godly treasures had been entrusted to Timothy. He possessed a sincere faith like his mother and grandmother. His relationship with Paul was deep and tender as Paul referred to him as his dear son and prayed for him night and day. Timothy possessed gifts for ministry and was indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He was saved and called by God himself and received life and immortality through faith Christ Jesus. In fact, his salvation and ministry had been ordained by God before the beginning of creation. These are samples of how the gospel had been deposited in his life and entrusted to him. We have been entrusted with this wonderful deposit as well.

Fear and shame rob the gospel of its power in our lives and hinder our ministry. This shouldn't be the case with us. The Holy Spirit gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline that overcomes our fear and gives us the strength to suffer for the gospel. Many had deserted Paul, and Timothy could have been ashamed over his mentor being in chains. However, there was no reason to be ashamed of the gospel or God's servant. Paul had obeyed God's calling to be a herald, apostle, and teacher. Timothy was to guard the good deposit by obeying the Lord's calling in his own life.


Application: Father, grant us your Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel without any fear or shame.
One Word: Guard the deposit God has given you