3rd Week of March 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson

2 Timothy Chapter 1

The chapter starts out with a familiar Paul greeting acknowledging God and his son Jesus Christ first, then a statement and reminder of his often and daily prayers for Timothy and in other books the churches under his care and watch. He states his true feelings that he longs to be with Timothy so that they may share in joys and godly sorrows together.

In the fifth verse we hear about Timothy's mother and grandmother. How that they had an unfeigned faith that was passed on to Timothy. Does God work like this? Can spiritual gifts be inherited? We see evidence of this not only in God's word, with the sons of Thunder, Jesus and James and also many other illustrations that some people are more apt to enjoy certain spiritual gifts. Does this mean that certain spiritual gifts are then not open to some because it was never in their family? No, it is very similar to salvation in this way. If a family is raised to know Jesus and the Gospel, that family is very often all or many of them saved. Can others be introduced to salvation when no one else in their family is saved? Of course, we see this example often as well.

1 Corinthians 14:12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 


He goes on then to encourage Timothy that he would stir up, or bring to life that gift that was in him to the edifying of the Gospel. This gift is one of boldness through Christ Jesus.

Now listen to the ninth verse about this 'holy calling'. This is a calling from the God of the universe. It is a greater calling than we will ever receive about anything in our life. Our love for Christ and our calling for his will should take the 1st place above all else in our life. It is above spouse, children and occupation. It is our calling, and if we follow it with all our might, then God will provide for the spouse, family and occupation. That is why Paul says that it is not a spirit of fear, but of love and sound mind.

There is a reminder in here that if we suffer persecution, trials or worse, that is is not for nothing. We are not without a comforter nor are we without joy in our journey. There is a purpose and it is not all for naught.

Only through the 'holding fast' to the Gospel we are taught will we prove the words and example that are set before us. James 1:8 says that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. God wants us to try him, and to do that, we'll have to stick around long enough for him to show his power and glory. He answers prayers.

So through and by the Holy Ghost that dwells within us, we are able to keep the faith and more forward for the Lord. It is not by accident, or happenstance, but through an indwelling of the trinity.

Paul finishes the chapter by mentioning one who was by his side through his struggles, one named Onesiphorus. We ought to treasure and pray for those that struggle with us for the good of the Gospel.