2 Timothy

Chapter 1

Fearing man shows lack of faith in God's power to deliver his people.  “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7) See also Matthew 10:28.

We are not saved through works.  “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” (2 Tim 1:9)

You know the hymn ‘I know whom I have believed?’ This is the verse it came from!  “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Tim 1:12)

Chapter 2

A good soldier of Jesus Christ. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Tim 2:3)

Even if we don’t believe, He is still who He says He is. “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” (2 Tim 2:13)

Good advice to follow. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2 Tim 2:15-16)

Chapter 3

The scriptures are God’s truth and we should use them to instruct us in our lives every step of the way.  “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Tim 3:15-16)

The whole chapter is wonderful.

Chapter 4

Be ready to preach the word while people are still listening!  “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Tim 4:1-5)

Don’t you hope you will be able to say this when you are about to die?  “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Tim 4:7-8)