2 Timothy 2:8-13

Vs. 8 There is only one gospel and as the Apostle Paul reminds Timothy it begins with the Jesus Christ coming into the world according to the seed or lineage of David. Anyone who tries to divorce the Lord Jesus Christ from the nation of Israel and the kingly lineage begun through them for Him is preaching another Jesus (See 1 Cor. 11:3-4 NKJ). Similarly anyone who does not preach the resurrected Living Jesus Christ is not preaching the Jesus Christ of the gospel (1 Cor. 15). Jesus Christ crucified and risen from dead and by faith in and confession of Him there is remission not just for the Jewish person’s sins, but for any sinner’s sins, that is the gospel! (Rom. 10:9-10). “For whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

Vs. 9 Therefore it is for the gospel that brings everlasting life freely to all who believe in Jesus Christ the Lord that the Apostle Paul suffered trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains, but the Word of God is not chained. Just as it hasn’t been chained down through the centuries by whatever hostilities rise against it. The gospel always accomplishes God’s purposes for which He sends it out. It transcends all human and demonic activity and can even direct it into the will of God to accomplish His purposes (Acts 2:23). True believers then always dispense a fragrance of Christ wherever we go (2 Cor. 2:14-17). Even in death, since Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Consider the churches first martyr Stephen when dying cried out for his persecutors mercy, and it was a young Jewish zealot man then named Saul who was holding their garments who is now the Apostle writing to a young Timothy. (See Acts chapters 6:8-8:3 for the Biblical account and Acts 9:1-31 of the Apostle Paul’s salvation).

Vs. 10 “Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”

The Apostle Paul knew that in all his afflictions, trials and imprisonments God was working out a far greater good for the betterment of the elect. That is the ones whom God calls and who receive Him by faith in Jesus Christ His Son and thus receive the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. That is they receive remission of all their sins and everlasting life and thus share in Christ's eternal glory. Therefore we too as we endure whatever things appointed to us in this life will become a part of that process of God both saving and building up the church, which is Christ’s Body.

Vs. 11-13 Now the Apostle Paul recites a brief hymn to encourage and remind Timothy; and us all who believe in Jesus Christ of our place with Him and our responsibilities towards Him.

11 This is a faithful saying:

For if we died with Him,

We shall also live with Him.

12 If we endure,

We shall also reign with Him.

If we deny Him,

He also will deny us.

13 If we are faithless,

He remains faithful;

He cannot deny Himself.

Verse eleven:

“If we died with Christ…” the Apostle Paul is not talking about our literal death. We don’t get to live eternally with Christ because we are martyred. As if that is the price of salvation, our dying for Christ. Rather he is talking about Jesus Christ’s Substituionary death for us and what happens to us the moment we believe in Jesus Christ. That is our co-crucifixion death with Him (Rom. 6:6), which assures us of the promise of resurrection life with Christ. For only Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the purchase price of our salvation (John 3:16). Therefore since we died with Christ when we believed in Him, we shall also live with Him. For Jesus Christ’s death is the basis for everything else.

Verse twelve:

Having died with Jesus Christ we must then endure with Him, so that we might also reign with Him. Salvation comes in an instant but discipleship is a lifetime pilgrimage and endurance is the prerequisite to bearing fruit in it (Luke 8:15), as well as achieving the character transformation that God works in us by His Spirit as we continue on with Christ (Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:3-4). All then who truly believe in Jesus Christ endure with Him (Heb. 12:7) and will be rewarded accordingly (Rom. 2:7; James 1:12; Rev. 1:5-6; 3:10-13). That is why the Scriptures promises are given us, to assure us and strengthen us and build hope in us as we wait patiently for the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:23; 15:4-5). Now endurance or patient endurance is required not only of individual believers who seek to obey God (Heb. 3:5-6) but also when we are chastened by Him (Heb. 12:4-11). For as those who ran the race before us endured, so must we run our race with endurance, laying aside every weight and sin that so easily ensnares us (Heb. 12:1). “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Heb. 12:2-3 Therefore patient endurance is something believers not only pursue (1 Tim. 6:11) but is a trait of their genuine love (1 Cor. 13:4). For just as the Lord Jesus’ endured hostility from sinners so must we (Heb. 10:32-39; James 5:10-11). Learning to follow our Lord Jesus Christ’s example of enduring wrongs patiently. Those in leadership then must endure all things for the sake of the elect (2 Tim. 2:10) and encourage and pray for the same for those they oversee (1 Peter 1:3-9; Col. 1:9-23).

Verse thirteen:

“If we are faithless,

He remains faithful;

He cannot deny Himself.”

The Apostle began the chapter by telling us to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Here then Paul reaffirms Jesus Christ’s faithfulness towards us who believe in Him in spite of our weaknesses and and all to often failings. For God does not abandon us who have put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ; He chastens us; or He corrects and redirects our lives and efforts (Heb. 12:3-11). But He never abandons us (Heb. 13:5). Since Jesus Christ lives in us all who believe in Him (2 Cor. 6:16). Therefore He cannot deny Himself (Gal. 2:21). "Being confident of this that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Php 1:6

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 2:1-7

Vs. 1 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

The Apostle Paul’s emphasis on grace here is harkening back to what he said in verses nine and ten about God saving and calling us with a holy calling, not according to our works (as if we deserve it, or are somehow disqualified from His salvation and service based on our past sins or lifestyle) rather God saved us and called us with a holy calling according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. Therefore rather looking at ourselves we should steadfastly be looking at Christ and what He has done to both save and qualified and Spirit equipped us for His purposes. Being strong in grace allows one to do that to always see themselves and others in the light of the cross and what Jesus has done to justify us through it. For there will be distracters both outside and within who will seek to discourage you. Not to mention the Accuser of the brethren who so delights in finding fault and stirring up others to do likewise so as to undermine not only ones own sense of peace and security, but also the unity of Spirit in the bond of peace. Therefore be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and you will overcome him by the shed blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11).

Now regarding grace it is foundational to both the individual believers redemption as well as the churches well being. For there are two fundamental errors that every generation faces: dedication to the Law as if our righteousness comes through ourselves (Gal. 2:19-21). While the other extreme is the propagation or permitting of sin under the guise of living by grace (Rom. 6:1-14). Nonetheless God’s grace that is in Christ Jesus only saves us by Jesus' atoning work on the cross, and having saved us from our sins and the judgment to come we should walk in newness of life with Him (Rom. 6:4). A newness of life, which entails our putting to death by the Holy Spirit the sinful deeds of our flesh (Gal. 5:16-21). For nothing comes to us through Christ’s salvation because we deserve it (vs. 9) or have earned it (Rom. 4:4-5). All that we have and are comes to us only by the righteousness and grace of God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:21-26). Now as we grow in our understanding of God’s grace dealings with us, we will become more graceful in our dealings with others as well. Since it is only God’s grace that is given to us in Christ Jesus that makes us to stand and withstand all that we will have to overcome in this life. Therefore unless your foundation is justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone (Rom. 5:1); then obeying His commandments as an essential part of being His disciple, you'll be building on sand (Matt. 7:21-29).

Vs. 2 "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

The Apostle Paul having commended Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus now commands him to commit the things that he has heard from him among many witnesses to faithful men who will be able to teach others. For just as the Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the Lord Jesus Christ’s testimony declaring the Lord’s life; death, resurrection and ascension in the presence of many others; so must Timothy unashamedly declare and commit Christ’s Testimony and Words to faithful men who can teach others as well. For there is an ever present danger in every generation of believers of drifting from the churches most important mission given us, which is to go and make disciples of all nations. The Lord Jesus Christ said: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matt. 28:18-20

Therefore though there are many just and worthy social causes in this world, the most pressing need of humanity is always to hear, believe and obey the gospel. For if that is addressed first, all other problems in the human sphere of sins, problems and conflicts can be peaceably and justly resolved.

Vs. 3 "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."


The Apostle Paul now commands Timothy that he must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Just as all of us who believe in and seek to faithfully follow Jesus Christ in discipleship will have to endure hardships. Not just life’s afflictions and hardships, but also hardships and sometimes evils and injustices specifically for Jesus Christ and gospel’s sake; for union with Christ assures us all as much (Phil. 3:10). Yet it is by these that our faith is being perfected (Col. 1:24). For every believer must share in Jesus Christ’s sufferings if they expect to share in His consolation and glories (John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom. 8:17-18; 2 Cor. 1:3-7; Col. 1:24; 1 Peter 4:12-13). Therefore “…if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved,

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God

commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:16-19

Now it is because of believers universally suffering troubles from the world, Satan (John 15:18-25; 1 Peter 5:8-9) and even from the children of Hagar i.e. "religious people" of works (Gal. 4:21-31) that the Body of Christ must take note of such and be the heart of God towards them and comfort them

when they do (Isaiah 40:1; 1 Cor. 12:18-26; Rom. 12:15; 1 Thess. 5:11).

Vs. 4 "No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."

The Apostle Paul then having exhorted Timothy (and us) to endure hardships as a good solider of Jesus Christ now warns us that: “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” The Apostle Paul’s exhortation here should not be misunderstood as disengagement or isolation from this life, it's problems and or our responsibilities in it (Consider 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Thess. 3:10 etc.). Conversely the word the Apostle Paul uses that is translated entangled means to "fill up". That is to have ones time filled up with the affairs of this life. Being busy with this life's affairs is not necessarily being fruitful for the Kingdom’s sake. The Lord Jesus’ parable of the Sower is a warning to us all about this (See Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23; Mark 4:1-9, 13-19). Therefore as believers we need to strike a balance in our lives and not become Christian "isolationists" as past generations of various denominational stripes have mistakenly done utterly removing themselves from greater society; neither than should we become so engaged and focused on this world's affairs as to forsake our true calling and purpose. Therefore engagement in all areas of life yes; entanglement in this life's affairs, no.

Vs. 5-7 "And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.  7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things."

To make his point about this the Apostle Paul gives a series of metaphors drawing an analogy of the believer following Jesus Christ in discipleship with that of a preserving solider who endures hardships to please the one who enlisted him (vs. 4); an athlete who competes according to the rules in order to be crowned (vs. 5); and a hard working farmer who is rewarded at the harvest by being first to partake of the crops (vs. 6). These three characteristics: Perseverance under trial (John 16:33); obedience and personal discipline in life (1 Cor. 9:27); and diligence in serving Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:11; Titus 2:14) are foundational to the Christian who desires to be fruitful in his endeavors for the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore like a solider duty bound to serve in his post so must we remain faithful in whatever calling Jesus Christ has called and equipped each of us to do if we hope to please our Commander and Chief. The Apostle Paul concludes by saying to Timothy to consider what he has said asking that the Lord give him understanding in all things. Just as He gives understanding to all who truly seek to know Him and obey Him. The Lord Jesus said: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matt. 7:7-8


Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 1:13-18

Devotional

The Apostle Paul's exhortation to hold fast the pattern of sound words given through him is not not just an exhortation to blindly adhere to sound doctrine as if one grows spiritually mature by merely publicly reciting it, or assenting to it. But rather Paul's exhortation is personal, and is commending us all to adhere to sound doctrine in faith and love. For without faith, the Word of God will not profit you (Heb. 4:2). And without love; doctrine (even sound doctrine) can quickly become a catalyst for making lifeless and loveless legalistic Pharisees (consider Luke 11:42). Therefore though sound doctrine is crucial, how it is presented, received, and applied is also crucial.

Now in regards to the Apostle's doctrine please consider that the Apostle Paul universally taught the same gospel and doctrine everywhere (1 Cor. 4:17). Sound words given him through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:3). Which we, like Timothy must hold fast to in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus if we hope to grow and mature, not only Spiritually, but also in every aspect of our person's and lives (1 Peter 2:2). For it is through sound doctrine and soundly adhering to it, that not only the church and believer individually grows, but we also avoid spiritual peril as well (2 Cor. 11:3-4; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 John 10; Rev. 18:3-4). That good thing committed to Timothy then is a reference to not only to the gospel (i.e. the Biblical Apostle's gospel; Rom. 2:16; 16:25; 2 Tim 2:8 etc.). But also all of Jesus Christ’s commandments given for us in the gospel, as well as His commandments through the Apostles writings in the N.T. all which are given for that expressed purpose (i.e. our sanctification). Therefore we must all strive to keep our doctrine and ourselves pure by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us all who believe. For grace and the pursuit of holiness are not mutually exclusive ideas.

Vs. 15-18 The Apostle Paul now reminds Timothy that all those in Asia (that is Ephesus) have turned away from him. In this two individuals are mentioned: Phygellus and Hermogenes. Were not told why they did, only that they did. And that is the real issue. For the Apostle Paul also mentions the household of Onesiphorus, and requests that they all be granted the Lord’s mercy since Onesiphorus often refreshed Paul and was not ashamed of his chain. That is of Paul being imprisoned for his faith In Jesus Christ. For when Onesiphorus arrived in Rome he was very zealous in seeking Paul until he found him. That is why the Apostle Paul requests that Onesiphorus be granted the Lord’s mercies in that Day. A reference to when Jesus will personally return to both gather all who believe to Himself with the rest of the saints (i.e. those who believe, but have already died and now gone on to be with the Lord, see 1 Thess. 4:13-18). But also Jesus will personally reward each person according to their own faithfulness to Himself, which is often demonstrated by our faithfulness to each other (consider Matt. 25:31-46). Therefore though this section (vs. 15-18) is brief, and thus may be overlooked by some. It is an important one, since it reminds us all of our responsibilities towards each other, not to abandon each other in our hour of need. The Apostle then closes by reminding Timothy that Onesiphorus even ministered to him at Ephesus as well. And so what will be the legacy that each of us leave here on earth towards our Christian brethren, when we go home to be forever with Jesus Christ? May God guide and direct our steps into His heart and love, so that it may be known to all.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 1:8-12

Vs. 8 Therefore since God has given us all who believe in Jesus a spirit of power, love and sound mind (vs. 7) Timothy need not be ashamed of his faith in Jesus Christ. The same things apply also to us who likewise believe in Christ. For think about what you once were and what Jesus has done for you, setting you free from your sins and the judgment to come and giving you eternal life. Therefore do not ashamed of Him or the glorious gospel but always be thankful. As the Apostle Paul here encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, nor the Apostle Paul His prisoner, but rather to “…share with him in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.” vs. 8 For ultimately this is each and every believers destiny to suffer for Jesus Christ and the gospel's sake. For some it may mean rejection and ridicule by their friends and peers for their confession and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. For others it may mean that the closest of family members will turn against them for their faith in Christ (Matt. 10:34-39). Whatever the scenario each and every believer will suffer rejection, ridicule and persecution of whatever sorts from this lawless and evil world just as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did (John 15:18; 1 John 3:13-15). And just as Jesus had to endure temptations and trials from Satan, the god of this world, so must we (1 Peter 5:8-9; Rev. 12:17). Now don't be overwhelmed by all of this. For truly this is what each and every believer has gone though down through the centuries, and will continue to go through until the Lord's return and His Kingdom's establishment on earth. Nonetheless as Jesus has said He has not left us as orphans in this world until that Day. But has given us His Spirit until His return, and thus it is by the Power of God that we can likewise overcome. For it is God’s Spirit's Power working through us who not only preserves our souls (Eph. 4:30) but also makes us bold and fruitful in our witness for the Lord Jesus Christ (Consider Matt. 10:16-20; Luke 12:11-12; Acts 1:8). That is why the Apostle Paul can be so positive about this; even inviting Timothy (and us all) to share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the Power of God. For being In Christ means we are not only eternally secure (2 Cor. 1:21, 22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14), already having all our sins forgiven (Col. 2:13) but it means we are guaranteed the victory over this world and it's god, by our faith in Jesus (1 John 5:4). Therefore believers are never to be ashamed of the testimony; nor the Word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Mark 8:38; Rev. 21:8).



Vs. 9-10 Therefore since it is God who has both saved us and called us with a holy calling into Christ's Kingdom and service; not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began we should not be tacit about our faith in Jesus. 

Timothy then must not doubt the Apostle’s or his own calling, nor should he be shaken by Paul’s or his own sufferings for the gospel; since all believers are not only called to believe in Jesus Christ the Lord but again we are going to suffer for Him (John 15:19). Now when we are hated by the world we should not be discouraged but rather rejoice for being counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake. For Jesus has already said: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matt. 5:11-12

Therefore these things should not dampen our resolve to witness and serve Jesus Christ but rather affirm to us that our calling and purposes are unmistakably intertwined with His (See 1 Peter 3:13-18). The other point, which is equally important, is this did not come to us because of us. Being both called and saved by the grace of God begins with God (Rom. 9:11; 1 Peter 1:2). Therefore the individual who feels utterly unqualified then is amazingly qualified because of what God has done through Jesus to qualify us all (Rom. 3:19-28). For only those sinners who see their need for Jesus Christ will enter His Kingdom (Luke 18:9-14). Consider then the Apostle Paul’s self-renunciation of his own pedigree and personal achievements in regards to having any efficacy, both in regards to salvation and his standing as a believer (Phil 3:4-10). Therefore everyone who hopes to attain to everlasting life must first make a personal decision for Jesus Christ, resting their hope fully upon Him. For nobody comes into God’s family and Christ's Kingdom any other way (John 1:12; 3:3-5; 14:6; Rev. 3:20). Those then who grew up in the faith are no more deserving or qualified then those came to faith In Jesus Christ later in life, Jesus’ parable about the hired workers makes that abundantly clear (Matt. 20:1-16). Therefore the Apostle’s mentioning Timothy’s mothers and grandmother’s faith was not making faith in Jesus Christ a generational issue. It was to encourage Timothy that the true faith he saw in them, he also saw in Timothy as well. And since we all stumble, we will all need to be reaffirmed at various times in our lives with Christ (2 Cor. 2:5-11; Gal. 6:1-2). Now God does not call us all at the same time, or through the same types of life circumstances. But God does call us from, and often out of, a diversity of life’s experiences. So that our faith is not in ourselves, but in God who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through Jesus Christ’s gospel. For it wasn’t until Jesus Christ appeared resurrected from the dead that God’s abolishment of death for those who believe was fully revealed and ennacted (vs. 10). Therefore as each person in each generation comes to believe in the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ so God’s designs for them begin to unfold according to His own predetermined plans and purposes.

Vs. 11. Therefore the Apostle says after having been saved by the grace of God, he was also appointed by that same grace to be “…a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”

Three essential things that God has appointed and equiped the Apostle Paul to do: to preach; to lead; and to teach. And that is why you are Holy Spirit equipped the way you are; all which has nothing to do with your having done something to deserve salvation or whatever Spirit gifts you have. For as in salvation it has everything to do with God’s own purposes for us, given to us, in Christ Jesus before time began. For it is God out of His immeasurable love for us who has both saved us and called us “…with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” vs. 10

Vs. 12 Therefore it is for this reason that the Apostle Paul is suffering these things, that is persecution and imprisonment because he is being obedient to his calling as a preacher, an Apostle and a teacher of the gospel, and thus Paul's sufferings are not for sinful or evil acts, but for Christ's and the gospel’s sake. Just as the Apostle Peter commands us all “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” 1 Peter 4:15 Therefore the Apostle Paul though being imprisoned for the gospel knowing his own calling and purposes are In Christ declares: “nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” The Apostle Paul then was not discouraged by his trying circumstances, just as we should not to be by ours if we are obeying the Lord in whatever calling He has placed on our lives, though things may not be all that we think they should be. Since our standing with God does not change when these do.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982,

2 Timothy 1:3-7

The Apostle Paul having bestowed God's three-fold blessings on Timothy (and us all) now to encourage Timothy to live a life worthy of his calling, recalls his own faith heritage, a faith that is rooted in serving God with a pure conscience as his forefathers did (vs. 3). For those who have genuine faith in God always seek to purify their lives (1 John 3:2-3). God’s grace, mercy and peace does not annul that when He brings us into a relationship with Himself through faith in His Son (John 5:24). But grows our hunger for it. Yet this is not accomplished by works of the law (Rom. 9:30-33), which only leads to Phariseeism (Matt. 16:5-12; Luke 12:1-3) and or self righteousness (Luke 18:9-14), but by grace and truth which is exclusively found in Christ Jesus and His gospel and is exemplified by our living out the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives, rather then the old selfish and sinful nature (Gal. 5:16-23). Therefore the Apostle’s Paul’s exhortations here are not given as a cold and disconnected law removed from the realities of life, but are born out of a love and concern for Timothy. Just as a loving father admonishes his son so that his life might be all that it can be, so it is here. This is self evident for Paul says: “I thank God…” (for you) and “…without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” vs. 3-5
Even while writing bound in chains from a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul's heart and faith was not chained. Which is very important for us all to take note of because our faith and effectiveness for the Lord Jesus is never bound to our own life's circumstances, unless we let it be so. Therefore Paul's focus and concern was not on himself and his circumstances, rather Timothy's and the churches. Just as they are in all of the Apostle’s epistles (i.e. letters) being filled with a heart of love and concern for both (2 Cor. 11:28-29). For that is the true mark of Christ’s disciples, our love for each other (John 13:35). Therefore to emphasize one above the other is only to be out of balance. For both the Body and the individual believer are deeply loved by the Lord Jesus and thus should be by us all as well (Consider Matt. 18:12-14; Luke 15:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4). For the Apostle Paul’s own Holy Spirit guided and inspired teachings tell us that each and every member of Christ's Body is a loved, valued and needed member of the Body and thus nessecary for the Body to grow and function well as a whole (1 Cor. 12:12-27). There is then within Christ’s profound love for His bride the church, His profound love and concern for the individual believer (Matt. 25:31-46). That is the heart of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, that none of His children be forgotten (Isaiah 48:15), abandoned (Heb. 13:5), or made to stumble (Mark 9:42). And so Paul becasue of Christ's love within him remembers Timothy in his prayers. As well as Timothy's own tears drawing comfort from them (though they are separate for a time), knowing that his affections and concern for him are mutual. 

Now Timothy grew up with two Godly influences; a mother named Eunice and a grandmother named Lois who like the Apostle Paul were Jewish and thus worshipped the one true God according to what was prescribed for the nation of Israel at that time. They then taught Timothy the basic moral precepts that are universal to Jew and Christian alike having their origins in the Ten Commandments. And thus though faith is not generational i.e. you don't pass onto your children saving faith; you can most certainly model it, teach it, and thus lay a solid ground work for it to take root in their own lives as well. And that is what Timothy's mother and grandmother did for him. Yet they like the Apostle Paul having come to faith In Jesus Christ they didn't have their hope in their own obedience to law, as if they could save themselves through that or anything else. Rather on Jesus Christ who fulfills the law for us all and imputes His righteousness to us, whether Jew or Gentile, when we believe in Him (See 2 Cor. 5:21; 2 Peter 1:1). That is why the Apostle Paul can say of them and of Timothy. That the genuine faith he saw in them he also saw in Timothy as well, for they were a Godly family no doubt, but they were not living their lives independent of God's Righteousness (consider Rom. 3:19-28). Rather they were trusting in Him through His Son Jesus Christ for their salvation. Therefore their lives were reflecting the choice they had made to follow and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord.
The Apostle Paul then having reminded Timothy of his own faith legacy to strengthen his faith now exhorts Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him that came through the Apostle Paul by his laying his hands on Timothy (vs. 6). A gift, it appears, to assist Timothy in overcoming his timidity in his preaching for Jesus Christ and the gospel. As the Apostle Paul says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” vs. 7  Paul’s encouraging Timothy then was to help him see that through Christ we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13). For Timothy was not just a Pastor, rather he was called to do the specific work of evangelism (2 Tim. 4:5). Not because he was a gifted speaker; or well educated man; but because God called him to do so; that is why the Apostle Paul and other church elders laid their hands on him (1 Tim. 4:14). Therefore God had a plan and a purpose for Timothy and Timothy needed to be leaning on God for His Holy Spirit wisdom and power to be His witness. Just as we are when God calls us to overcome by His power and serve Him in whatever capacities He calls us to serve and witness for Christ in as well (Rev. 3:21). Which again so often has little or nothing to do with natural abilities, but rather Spirit giftedness. Now it is our privilege to not only believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thus be saved by the grace of God; but also to suffer for Him (Phil. 1:29). For suffering the reproach of Jesus Christ is every believer’s privilege and destiny (John 15:18-25).

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 1:1-2

Vs. 1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus” 

The Apostle Paul begins his epistle by introducing himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus. Now God’s promise of life is not just for Christ’s Apostle’s; nor is it stated just for Timothy to whom Paul is writing; God’s promise of life is for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ God's only begotten Son, (John 3:16). Now Paul’s declaration of his being an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God indicates God’s prerogatives in all such matters. For it is God by His Sovereign Will who not only elects us to salvation (John 1:13; Rom. 9:11), but also to His service (John 15:16). Therefore at salvation, at the moment we believe in Jesus Christ the Lord (Eph. 1:13-14), God sends the Holy Spirit into us who first effects our regeneration (Titus 3:4-7), or our being born again (John 3:3-5). But He also endows each believing individual with whatever Spirit gifts they are to have in the Body of Christ, (1 Cor. 12:4-11). Now this is in accord with God the Father having first established a priority for His Spirit given gifts and their execution in the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:28-31). For it is God who has set each member in the Body of Christ just as He pleased (1 Cor. 12:18). And so just as God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son appoints us to salvation (Acts 13:48). So it is that the Holy Spirit according to His will equips each one of us with whatever Spirit gifts we are to have (1 Cor. 12:11). And that is why each member of Christ's Body is a vital member and is nessecary to make the whole function well (1 Cor. 12:12-18). For no believer (and thus no gift) in the Body of Christ is either unnessecary or an independent entity of any other member. All members are necessary for the Christ's Body’s functioning well as a whole (1 Cor. 12:19-25).

Now if someone professes faith in Jesus Christ yet they cannot discern having any Spirit given gifts then they are disqualified from serving Jesus Christ and the church in any Spirit gifted roles. That is why the Apostle’s Paul’s initial declaration is being looked at here so deeply. For Paul was called by Jesus Christ and equipped by the Holy Spirit to be an Apostle. Paul didn’t just decide to be an Apostle after his conversion on the Damascus road. It was something God called him to be even before he was born, but was not revealed to him until then (Gal. 1:15-17). Therefore as the Scripture declares it is God, not man who decides whom God has chosen, and whom God has equipped, and how we are to serve Him. For man always looks at the outward appearance, i.e. degrees, diplomas, similar personal histories, or likes and dislikes etc. but it is God who always looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). And thus He chooses whom He chooses to bring glory to Himself (1 Cor. 1:26-31).

Now Paul’s Apostleship by the will of God is not an independent entity but is “…according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus.” Therefore before Paul became an Apostle of Jesus Christ He had to first enter into Christ's life by receiving His promise of life that is given to all who believe in Him. And thus far above and exceedingly more important than Paul’s Apostle status is the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. For this promise of life is offered to all and given to all who believe in the crucified and Risen Lord Jesus Christ. That is God’s promise of everlasting life that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself declares in John 3:16. And thus is brought to us by Jesus Christ’s crucifixion death, resurrection from grave and ascension back to heaven, by which the Holy Spirit’s outpouring came into the world and thus it is He who then indwells everyone who believes (John 7:38-39). And so it is the Holy Spirit of God who brings this promise of life to all who believe in Jesus Christ the Lord (Eph. 1:13-14). Therefore God’s promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus, is universal, excluding no one. But it is in no way universally applied. It demands a response from each of us to either repent and receive God’s gift of life through faith in Jesus Christ and be saved from our sins and the judgment to come (Acts 2:38-40). Or to remain spiritually dead in ones trespasses and sins separated from God and all the life that is in Christ Jesus the Lord (Eph. 2:1-10). That is the reality of us all apart from the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. Yet as we read further into Apostle Paul’s epistle we soon discover that this is not the will of God for anyone to be dead in their sins and transgressions, separated from Him, but rather that all should come to know Christ and thus experience His life within us.


Vs. 2 “To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy,and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Three blessings from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord the Apostle Paul now bestows on Timothy whom he calls his beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace. These salutations also appear in 1 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; and 2 John 3 and encompass what happens to us in our standing with God when we come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ the Lord. That is we become children of God no longer alienated from God, but become recipients of His grace, mercy and peace (John 14:26-27). That Paul calls Timothy a beloved son is not literal, rather Timothy was a young man whom Paul had discipled but who had no father in his life; though he had a Godly mother and grandmother (vs. 5). Now these blessings, grace, mercy and peace are again gifts of God’s ongoing love for us when we believe in Jesus Christ His Son. That is the sole condition for being eternally forgiven and entering the Kingdom of Heaven, and thus having them, ones trust in Jesus Christ the Son of God which then brings us into God's family and thus makes us receipients of His grace, mercy and peace. And so as God's children we should strive to be and live like people of grace, mercy and peace. So lets look at them.

First grace: Grace theologically as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is “the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.” Now God's grace is freely offered to everyone because of Jesus Christ’s having come into the world as a Man and suffered death on the cross for all our sins. That is why God's grace is now availible to us all. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be
saved." John 3:17-18
God’s grace then does not come to us because we deserve it, or have earned it (vs. 9). On the contrary God’s grace comes to us because of His love for us and His seeing that there was no other way for us to be saved from our sins and eternal damnation, but by Him. Therefore God’s grace must be received as a gift of His love for us by our personally believing in, then confessing the crucified and Risen Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; 13). For it is God’s Son Jesus Christ who took all our sins upon Himself and suffered sins penalty on the cross for us all, so that if anyone looks to His suffering death on the cross, trusting that as payment for all their sins, they will have forgiveness of them and everlasting life (John 3:15-21). Grace then is what distinguishes the New Covenant from the Old. “For the Law was given through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

The second blessing the Apostle Paul bestows on us is mercy. Mercy is why Jesus came into the world to be, and to bring, God’s mercy to everyone broken by their sins (Matt. 5:3; 9:9-13). Mercy then is foundational to the Lord Jesus’ Mission of Redemption, which is to redeem believing humanity from sin and death. Which involves not only His sinless obedience to the will of God so that His righteousness can be imputed to everyone who puts their trust in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). But it also required His death on the cross to pay for the sins that we all have committed (Rom. 3:23). For the Scripture says,“…without the shedding of blood there can be no remission.” Heb. 9:22
Therefore God's grace and mercy is inseparably linked to what He has first done in order to save us through the death and resurection of His Son Jesus Christ. Now God’s mercy requires our repentance towards God and our faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). That is how we receive it (Pr. 28:13; Jer. 36:3; Luke 18:9-14; Rom. 5:1). In this repentance is essentially a change of mind about oneself, ones sins, and quite possibly even God Himself God (Luke 15:11-32). Therefore God’s grace initiates salvation for us; “For in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8 But His everlasting mercy is given only to those who repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15).


The third blessing the Apostle Paul bestows on us is peace. Peace is what the angels heralded across the heavens at Jesus birth. “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 For with Jesus’ birth the fullness of God came to humanity to restore the Peace of God that was severed from creation when sin entered the world through Adam and Eve. And thus Jesus Christ came to end the horrible enmity that exists in creation, and that creation itself has towards God our Creator. Now in this there is a progression of restoration. First there is the restoring of sinful humanity to the life; love and peace of God, that is paramount. And that is why Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). For apart from the life, love and peace of God, both individuals and creation itself is like waves on the unsettled seas. And thus people strive with others, and within themselves, because their is no lasting peace apart from God. Even creation itself so clearly manifests the brutal cruelty and enmity that exists in this world because of its alienation from God. Therefore the first step in God's plan of Redemption is to restore as many as will believe in His Son Jesus Christ to Himself and thus too a state of peace. Jesus Christ then serves as the only Mediator between a Holy God and sinful humanity (Heb. 4:14-16). Then when that is fulfilled God Himself will remake all of creation with a new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells and thus a world and people and creation devoid of all enmity and sin and all of the effects thereof (Isaiah 65:17-25; 2 Peter 2:13; Rev. 21:1-8). Now that's something to sing praises to God about!

Experiencing peace with God then begins not by trying harder to please God (Rom. 4:4-5; Heb. 4:9-10). Rather by admitting that one is morally and spiritually bankrupt before God and thus incapable of making oneself acceptable in His sight. Then receiving the only solution for our sins which separate us from Him and His peace by believing in Jesus Christ crucified and Risen from the dead which then brings us into a personal relationship with God the Father and restores His peace in us (Titus 3:4-7). Therefore as a child of God, born again by the Spirit of God, fully under the grace of God we experience the peace of God in our lives, as Jesus’ promises for all who believe in Him (John 14:26). Not only by Divine impartation but also as we keep Christ’s commandments which His Spirit guides us to do, to resist the sinful desires of the flesh and rather live by the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). That is what it means to be a disciple or follower of Jesus Christ. You first receive Him unconditionally then you seek to follow Him in discipleship. For you’ll never experience peace with God as long as you shut Jesus Christ out of your heart and try to go it on your own. God’s peace is inseparably linked with ones relationship to Him through His Son (John 14:6). Again the first step of obedience towards God is to confess oneself a sinner and receive the only solution for our sins, which is to believe in Jesus Christ crucified and Risen from the grave which brings the Holy Spirit into ones life, who then brings us to life (Eph. 1:13-14). For this is the Scriptures testimony: “…God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11-12

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

1 Timothy 6:17-21 Commandments for the Rich

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

The Apostle Paul now commands those who are rich not to be haughty. That is for the rich not to think more highly of themselves, or those like them, than their poor brethren. For In Christ ones earthly stature, appearance; natural attributes or giftedness here and now means nothing in regards to ones usefulness for, and or standing in the Kingdom of heaven (consider 1 Cor. 1:26-31). Indeed the N.T. Scriptures do not cast a favorable light on those who are "rich" and wealthy now. Especially those who have an arrogant or indifferent attitude towards their fellow poor brethren (consider Jesus' Words in Luke 6:20-26; Matt. 25:31-46). Again the Scriptures warn of a generation whose eyes are haughty and whose eyes are lifted up; whose glances are ever disdainful towards others (Prov. 30:13 NKJ; NIV); who basically do not see themselves and their sins as they really are (Rev. 3:14-22). Or maybe they have forgotten how they were washed by the blood of Christ and cleared of all their sins by what He has done, not by what they are, do, or have done. In 1 Corinthians 4:7 the Apostle Paul explicitly asks in regards to salvation: “What makes you better than anyone else? “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it,why do you boast as if you had not received it?”

Again haughtiness seems quite particular to those who are rich now; whose wealth by nature empowers them, and or raises them up in a societal standing sense; but never in the eyes of God (consider Job 34:19; 1 Sam 2:3; 7). Thus arrogance more readily finds the rich or those who think by their own skills and wisdom they excel others (please consider Ecc. 9:11-12 and the antithesis of haughtiness Matt. 5:3). Now the the word the Apostle Paul uses in commanding the rich not to be haughty appears only here and in Rom. 11:20 . Being used there to warn all Gentile believers not to be haughty towards the Jews because some of them were broken off so that believing Gentiles could be grafted into God’s vine. For it is only by the grace of God that both poor and rich (whether Jew or Gentile) enter into the Kingdom of God. Therefore in Romans 12:16 we are exhorted: “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” The Apostle James also commanded: 9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. James 1:9-11

Therefore in light of the coming day of the Lord and the Lord Jesus’ own life's example of humility, as well as the current economic disparity that exits not only in church congregations, but around the world. It seems incredibly non Christ like for those whom God has financially blessed now to be haughty, especially in the presence of those who are poor (Consider Isaiah 2:11-12; Luke 6:20-26).

“For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15

Now the next part of the Apostle Paul’s exhortation is that the rich are not to trust in their riches, but in the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Having wealth then is not sinful. Rather as the Lord Jesus warns it is the place riches have in ones heart. For when mammon supplants God, or ones fellow person's well being, than that is a grave sin (Matt. 6:19-24; Luke 12:16-21; 16:14-15; 19-31; Col. 3:5). Therefore the Scriptures throughout warn about in trusting riches, and the effects thereof; for riches are transient, but God is eternal (Deut. 8:11-20; Ps. 49:1-20; 52:1-9; Prov. 11:4, 23:4-5; Ecc. 5:13-15; James 1:9-11 antithesis Psalm 32:10).

“He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like foliage.” Prov. 11:28

Now in saying that, those who have riches and who keep their trust in God, should richly enjoy all things that God gives us to enjoy. Just as the Scriptures declare:

“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.” Prov. 10:22

Now it is fitting that the Apostle Paul though stating that God gives us richly all things to enjoy, also enjoin those who are rich to be “…rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” vs. 18-19 

Not as a means to salvation but that they lay up for themselves ( ejpilambavnomai) a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life (vs. 19). Investing in the Kingdom of heaven (in all of its diverse activities) as the Lord Jesus said is the wisest use of one’s resources here and now. Consider Jesus’ parable of the rich fool who laid up treasures for himself but forgot about God (Luke 12:12-21); or the rich man and Lazarus, where the rich man lived his life in luxury while ignoring the impoverished man who was literally right outside his door (Luke 16:19-31); or as a contrast the wise Stewart, who used his master’s possessions to bless others and thus endeared himself to many friends, who would receive him for eternity (Luke 16:1-13). Therefore the Apostle’s command here is to direct those are rich into good and generous works rather than just living a life of self indulgence. For a greedy follower of the Lord Jesus Christ is an oxymoron (Prov. 13:7; Luke 16:14-15; James 2:14-18; 1 John 3:17).

Vs. 20-21 The Apostle Paul concludes his letter to Timothy by urging Timothy to guard the Spiritual truth’s that have been committed to his trust by avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge “by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.”  

The warning being not just for Timothy and his congregations but for us all who believe in Jesus and receive the Word of God by faith. For there are many false and misleading teachings out there that though appearing spiritual or use spiritual language have nothing to do with the Spirit of God, or the Word of God. Therefore be discerning and beware, for if it contravenes the Scriptures or rips them them out of their contexts to support or justify someones sins or sinful desires than there not from God.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville:Thomas Nelson, 1982

1 Timothy 6:11-15 Pursue These

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

Vs. 11 The Apostle Paul having given a command for us to flee from Godless greed and those who expound it. Now gives us six things that we as believers should covet and pursue. For ppracticing Christian disciplines in our lives is the only way to bear the fruit of them. The first the Apostle commends to us is:
Righteousness That is pursuing what God says in His Word is morally an ethically righteous; not what ones culture says this is. For though there maybe overlap with ones societal values these will inevitably change as people embrace or reject God's moral will for them. Nonetheless God's Word does not change and it is He to whom we are all accountable too. Therefore there should be no doubt in anybodies mind that God's moral standards have not been altered or amended with the coming of Jesus Christ His Son as Savior of the world (John 12:48; Heb. 13:8). For they are a reflection of His unchanging Person and Character and thus humanity (and most certainly believers) are to bear His moral image. That is one sure way the we honor God and Christ. The problem in doing so is sin. Sin is the plague and scourge that makes bearing God's image quite problematic. For it is sin that uses God's commandment (which is good) to arouse all manner of evil desires within all who wish to live righteous lives (Rom. 7:9-11). That is the dilemma of Law given without changing the heart and soul of the person first. Therefore regeneration of ones person (which only comes by a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord) must take place before one can experience the empowering of God to live the righteous lives that He requires of us all. And that is why the gospel is Good News for all who believe, for it deals with sin completely (John 8:34-36). Both the wrath of God against it, and or our bondage to it, by Jesus' Crucifixion death; Resurrection from the dead; and ascension back to heaven by which we are brought by the Holy Spirit to life and into Christ when we believe in Him. (For greater detail on this spiritual new life and reality see John 3:1-21 and Romans 3:19-8:36). That's straight forward; Christians as a manner of life should live and strive to live righteous lives, and not seek to lessen God's moral requirements, but rather through the gospel increase grace for doing so. Making distinctions between those who are struggling, and those who are willingly living disobedient lives (Gal. 6:1-2; Jude 20-23 contrast 1 Cor. 5:9-13).

Therefore there is also a two-fold aspect to righteousness. The first is the righteousness of God imputed to us by our faith in Jesus Christ by which we are justified or declared righteous in the sight of God (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 5:1). That is the righteousness of God which brings us into a personal relationship with Christ when we repent and believe in Him. Therefore it is the Lord Jesus Christ whom everyone must have their faith or trust in, and not their own righteousness (Luke 18:9-14; Rom. 3:19-28; Gal. 2:21). That said, as those redeemed by the grace of God we must pursue the righteousness that Jesus Christ commands of us all (Matt. 5:19-20). That is what the Apostle Paul is emphasizing here, just as the Apostle John does in his epistles, emphasizing both righteousness and love. For “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.” ^{1 John 2:29} So then it is incumbent upon everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus to put to death the sinful deeds of their flesh and pursue righteousness (Rom. 6; 13:12-14). For that is in accord with our new nature and standing In Christ. For we having died to sin and been raised to righteousness with Him are free from the Law of sin and death. And thus we can now bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit, against such there is no law (Gal. 5:16-23). Now in pursuing righteousness i.e. that which is Biblically morally and ethically right and sound and required of us all as Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, there will be both victories and set backs as we strive against the old sinful nature. As well there will be opposition both outside and within to our doing so. Especially if coming out of previously sinful lifestyles, or family backgrounds that had no previous knowledge of, or adherence to God and His ways, and continue on that path. As the Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles Paul and Peter warn us about (Matt. 10:34-39; 1 Peter 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:12). Nonetheless Jesus promises His blessing and future joy on everyone who suffers for righteousness' sake here and now (Matt. 5:10). For truly "Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart." Ps. 97:11
Therefore we must strike a balance between the righteous lives that the Lord Jesus wants us to live. While not forsaking the grace of God which reconciles and makes right in the sight of God every sinner who repents and believes (Mark 1:15; Luke 15:11-32; John 3:16; 1 John 1:9; 2:1; Heb. 4:14-16). Now this we do when we are led by the Spirit of God, and not the letter of the Law (Rom. 7:6; 2 Cor. 3:6). For Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is our exemplary role model demonstrating for us all what it means to live righteously in the sight of God, while extending the grace of God to everyone who repents and believes. Pursuing righteousness then is the pursuit of moral excellence that God has always commanded of His people, whether in the law or the gospel.

Godliness: Is next in the series of transforming character traits given by the Apostle Paul for us to pursue. Now the word Paul uses here is the same word that the Apostle Peter also makes use of in his second epistle to both affirm the mystery of Godliness (compare 1 Tim. 3:16 with 2 Peter 1:3) and to encourage a believer’s pursuit of it (2 Peter 1:6, 7). In the main it is to be devoted to God, piety and or the Scriptural admonishment of the "fear of the Lord "(See Psalms and Proverbs where this phrase is most prevalent). Thus it is reverence and holiness towards God by our obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Biblical Apostle commandments; regarding our conduct both inside and outside of the house of faith. And is spoken of both here and in the Apostle Peters second epistle as an admonition in expectation of the Day of the Lord (1 Tim. 6:14-16; 2 Peter 3:10-14). Godliness then is a virtue that all who follow Jesus Christ must embrace.

Faith: The third in the series is faith. Now the pursuit of faith can be thought of in several ways:

• First faith is foundational to ones redemption (Heb. 11:6). That is ones absolute trust in the Word of God and the Person to whom it attests; that is God Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ. The Bible has a purpose beyond teaching moral absolutes or prophecy to revealing the Son of Man so that mankind might be saved from their sins by their absolute trust or faith in Him. Thus the Biblical pursuit of faith starts with the pursuit of the Biblical God Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ the Lord.
• Second the pursuit of faith is the living out the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ, revealed both in the gospel and Biblical Apostle’s writings. That is what discipleship is. The Lord Jesus said: “He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. ^{John 14:24}
• Third the pursuit of faith is sharing or proclamation of the gospel and God’s love and redemption of all people through it. The Lord Jesus said: “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19 The pursuit of faith then is sharing the Biblical truth’s our faith attests too and are believed by us. The Apostle Paul simply said: “I believed and therefore I spoke.” 2 Cor. 4:13 Therefore genuine faith In Jesus Christ always results in genuine witness of Him (Acts 1:8).
• Fourth the pursuit of faith is not only believing the gospel; but also doing good works and deeds of kindness that are born out of the gospel. Just as Jesus did and commands, and the New Testament declares as coming out of a Spirit filled person's life and faith (Matt. 5:16; John 10:32; Acts 9:36; Eph. 2:10; Col. 1:10; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 5:9-10; 5:25; 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:20-21; 3:17; Titus 2:7-8 antithesis Titus 1:16). Therefore the Apostle Paul does not differ from the Apostle James in his outlook about believers doing good works (Acts 26:20). Rather in light of peoples wrong beliefs of self-redemption. The Apostle Paul sets out to shatter all such delusions in his Epistle to the Romans. There he emphasizes the sole agency of salvation is God’s Work through Jesus Christ and an individuals faith in Him apart from their own works or righteousness (Rom. 3:19-28; 4:4-5, 11:6). Whereas the Apostle James has a different problem to address. Profession of faith In Jesus Christ without any good works that attest to it (James 2:14-26). The pursuit of faith then is doing good works as both the Apostle James and the Apostle Paul asserts we are to do (Titus 2:14; 3:8; 3:14). “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” ^{Gal. 6:10}
• Fifth the pursuit of faith is belief in the absolute Power and Authority of the Lord Jesus Christ both for salvation and for judgment (Matt. 28:18; John 3:16-21, 5:21-23; Rev. 1:8; 21:6-8; 22:12-17). Therefore those who deny Christ's Sovereign Lordship or the power of His gospel that brings salvation to all who believe (Rom. 1:16-17; Eph. 1:13-14), and or the eternal judgment on those who don’t, we are to turn away from (2 Tim. 3:5). For as in the Old Covenant to deny the Sovereign Authority and Power of Yahweh, either for redemption or judgment, was considered blaspheme (Num. 14:11, 23). For there is only Mediator between God and mankind that is the Man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5-6). "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other Name under heaven by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
• Six the pursuit of faith is to live by faith, for “we walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7 Therefore a believer’s faith (what we believe about Jesus Christ and ourselves, and what we do as a result of it) is both a current transforming reality; as the Holy Spirit progressively transforms us into Christ likeness. And a future hope yet to be revealed with the return of Jesus Christ for us and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. That is why the Bible says: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:6 Therefore believers must remember that no one is perfected at the point of salvation (Phil. 3:12-14), thus no one is sinless or attains to sinlessness in this life (1 John 1:8-10). Believers will have to struggle against their sin natures and in this there will times of great victory and times of setback. So don’t get discouraged when you’re not all that you aspire to be, or you are chastened by God (Rom. 7; Heb. 12:4-11). The pursuit of faith then is a life lived in faith, hope and love. Lived not in the letter (Rom. 2:29; 2 Cor. 3:5-6, 9, 17) but in the Spirit, being led by the Spirit and in the Power of the Spirit (Gal. 3:2-3; 5:16-26; Rom. 8; Phil. 3:3; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:10 etc.) in anticipation of Jesus Christ’s return and the redemption of our bodies (Rom 8:23-25).  Therefore living in the Spirit with such anticipation is not idle, but active (Heb. 10:24). Consider the Apostle Paul’s encouraging words to the Thessalonians in his first epistle to them: “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” 1 Thess 1:3 Again believers live purposeful lives, (not perfect lives) knowing that all things in this life ultimately bring us closer to our finial destiny. 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:12-14
• Seven the pursuit of faith is keeping the ordinances the Lord Jesus Christ instituted in the New Covenant which all Believers are to follow; the Lord’s Table and Baptism. Or if one broadens that scope this includes the Apostle’s doctrine (Acts 15:22-29; 1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 2:15). Which is not keeping the doctrines, commandments or traditions of men (Matt. 15:1-9; Gal. 4:9-11; 21-31; Col. 2:8-10; 20-22) which invariably alienate believers from one another and or mankind in general from the grace of God.The pursuit of faith in this sense then is growing in the grace of God (Rom. 5:20), of being led by the Spirit of God and not the letter of the law (2 Cor. 3:6). For having been set free from both sin and the law (Rom. 6:14; Gal. 4:21-31) there is an immeasurable amount of liberty and freedom that God affords His children to do good in the Name and Power of His Son our Savior Jesus Christ the Lord (Titus 2:11-15).
• Eight The pursuit of faith is a pursuit of faithfulness towards God through Jesus Christ and the Spiritual truths He teaches us. Thus constancy in profession and application. Since it is through these that our faith is made known and God is glorified (Matt. 5:16).
• Nine: the pursuit of faith is interceding for sinners that mercy might be shown. For that is what Jesus Christ does (Heb. 4:14-14; 1 John 2:1).
• Ten: the pursuit of faith is living life richly and fully in both the Power of the Spirit and the grace of God; thus liberty of life and person (2 Cor. 3:17). For being in Jesus Christ means you are complete in Him. Therefore: 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Col. 2:8-10 

Love: The Apostle Paul now commends the pursuit of love to us all who believe in Jesus Christ. Love is the essence of knowing God and believing in Jesus (1 John 4:8, 16). Divorce the Christian life from love and all you’ve got is "religion". Now Jesus linked having the love of God inside us to our having faith in Him (John 5:42-43). Therefore we cannot love God until we first believe in His love for us (John 3:16). God’s love then is brought to us through Jesus Christ and His death on a cross and kept in us by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14). God’s love then bought us back from sin and death. Therefore the Bible declares we love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:7-13). Now all believers are not only inseparably linked to the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39) but are commanded to walk in love (Eph. 5:2) which is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). That said the Lord Jesus linked loving Him with both keeping His commands and loving one another (John 13:35); for in doing so we abide In His love (John 15:9-12). The proof of discipleship then is both obedience to Christ’s commands (1 John 5:3) and loving fellow believers (1 John 4:7-8). For love does no harm to ones neighbor and thus fulfills the law (Rom. 13:10). Love then excels knowledge (1 Cor. 8:1); Spirit gifts, great personal sacrifices or even accomplishing mighty works as the primary goal of our sanctification (1 Cor. 13). Yet love is not without the pursuit of Spirit gifts (1 Cor. 14:1), wisdom (Pr. 8:1-36), knowledge (Col. 1:10; 2 Peter 1:6), good works (Eph. 2:10), justice (Luke 11:42) or discernment (Phil. 1:9). But these are to be governed by non-hypocritical love (Rom. 12:9; 1 Cor. 16:14; 1 Tim. 1:5). Love then finds its expression not only in affectionate displays and feelings (1 Peter 5:14) but also in obedience (Prov. 9:10; 1 John 5:2-3; 2 John 6) service (Gal. 5:13; Heb. 10:24), benevolence (1 John 3:17), mercy (2 Cor. 2:6-11) and kindness (1 Cor. 13:4). Love is the culmination of a Godly life (2 Peter 1:5-7). Therefore all believers are charged to keep themselves in the love of God (Jude 21). For love is above all else the bond of perfection (Col. 3:12-14).

Patience: Given the nature of Jesus’ mission that will bring hostility towards all who believe in Him, not only from the world (John 15:19) but potentially even from those closest to us (Matt. 10:34-39). Each of us will need patience to endure, as we through many tribulations enter the Kingdom (Acts 14:22); especially as the end draws near (Matt. 24:9-26; Luke 21:19; Mark 13:13). Therefore Jesus gave warnings about the cost of discipleship (Mark 8:36-39) and of not finishing the salvation course that we start on (Luke 14:25-33). Therefore as believers we all have need of endurance to inherit the promises of God (Heb. 12:35-39). Patience then is a thread that must be knit through all the other attributes that we are to pursue; for without patience our desire to puruse these can wane. The Apostle Paul exhorts that God will render to each person according to their deeds: "eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God. Rom. 2:7-11

On the other hand it is through our trials that our patience is developed; our character grows; and our hope is assured (Rom. 5:3-5; 8:25; 15:4-5). Therefore in every difficult trial our Sovereign God and our Saviour Jesus Christ has a purpose, and His designs for us are always intended for our good in the end (James 5:10-11). We are wise when we do not get discouraged by the process, but rather focus on the intended results. The Apostle James understood this when he declared: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 Now whatever God permits in our lives He always bountifully repays at the other end as Job's suffering reveals. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb. 6:10-12

Finally the Apostle James declares blessed are those who endure temptation, “…for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 For it is through patient endurance that not only our character is formed (just as a black smith forges a metals properties conforming both its shape and its qualities) so we bear the fruit of the Word of God; by patiently continuing in it (Luke 8:15). Therefore the Apostle Paul’s exhortation here to pursue patience is that of both a needed virtue (2 Peter 1:6), and needed endurance which is necessary to maintain a sound perspective in difficult times (2 Tim. 3:10-13); effectively lead in the church (Titus 2:2); encourage others in their own faith journeys (2 Cor. 1:6; Heb. 12:1-11) and or continue on in the work Jesus Christ has called us to do (1 Thess. 1:3-4). “Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” ^{2 Thess. 3:5}

Gentleness: is one of the key attributes that defines Jesus Christ’s Person; Lordship and Salvation (Matt. 11:28-30). Therefore it must also define His followers (2 Cor. 10:1; Eph. 4:2). Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines the word used here as: “kindness, consideration, a spirit of fairness and compassion...” Therefore gentleness must denote not only ones demeanor but more importantly ones conduct. Gentleness is an attribute of the wise (James 3:13-17); who maintain their composure even when circumstances or feelings might seemingly warrant a more emphatic response (1 Peter 3:15-16). Thus it is to be an expression of Christian love (Col. 3:12), being a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:23). Τhat believers are to manifest not only towards each other but to everyone (Phil. 4:5; Titus 3:2). Now in terms of Pastoral leadership gentleness is a perquisite (1 Tim. 3:3) as well as a requirement when restoring believers who fall into sin (Gal. 6:1), or when correcting those in opposition, who are outside the household of faith (2 Tim. 2:25). The Apostle Paul once asked the Corinthians whom he discipled: “What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” 1 Cor. 4:12 Thus the Godly manner in which we are to regulate all the other virtues is in a spirit of gentleness.

Vs. 12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

The Apostle Paul’s exhortation here to “Fight the good fight of faith...” is a colorful metaphor in light of what he previously wrote telling us how to flesh that out. Hence Paul is not saying fight and argue with those outside the household of faith, rather contend for the faith and the doctrines that are true to it (Jude 3), lay hold on eternal life, which Jesus Christ has given us all who believe by the grace of God. Thus we are called by Jesus Christ not just to believe in Him through the gospel, but also to declare the gospel. Now in this there will be spiritual opposition both to the truth of the gospel as well as the doctrines within it; even inside the house of faith, there will be adversaries’ who will oppose segments of it or the apostolic doctrine given by the Spirit of God found only in the New Testament, as the Apostle Paul already warned: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 10:3-5 Thus the Apostle Paul wants Timothy (and us all) to succeed in our lives and live up to our confessions of faith In Jesus Christ by holding fast to the truth. That is what fighting the good fight of faith is; believing, obeying and declaring Jesus Christ the Lord in the face of all mortal and spiritual opposition to God and the truth.

Vs. 13-16 To conclude the Apostle Paul strongly appeals to Timothy to heed and obey the things he has written him. Declaring his exhortation as coming in the sight of God who gives life to all things, who brought Timothy to life through the gospel, by faith in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ; whom Paul cites as also having witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate (vs. 13). Timothy then must strive to keep all that the Apostle has written him, both as an individual believer as well as a church Pastor, keeping this commandment without spot, blameless until the Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time. Therefore Timothy is not to be dissuaded by false teachers or ungodly scoffers in pursuing the things that make for having a true faith In Christ. Rather he is to hold fast to Jesus Christ in anticipation of His return. Consider than how the Apostle Paul began his epistle with an exhortation saying to Timothy; “that you teach no other doctrine” 1 Tim 1:3 then at different points continued to admonish him to do so: “These things command and teach” 1 Tim. 4:11 “…Teach and exhort these things.” 1 Tim. 6:2 For if Timothy's congregation or any church body is going survive; obedience to, and confession of the gospel of Jesus Christ is paramount. For it is the Lord Jesus Christ alone who is “…the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.” Vs. 14-16 Therefore since it is Jesus Christ alone whom we must give an accounting too, let us submit too and hallow the Fullness of His Person, Sovereignty; Divinity; Immortality, Eternal Glory, Honor and Power. Amen

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982