2 Timothy 1:1-7 APPRECIATION The last words of those we appreciate and love are not quickly forgotten. They are often a blessing to us with wisdom, advice, and encouragement that remains in our minds and hearts for a long time. When a servant of the Lord knows their course on earth is over, and others will take the torch of faith in the work of the Lord, they have an opportunity to open their own heart and say what they haven't been able to before. 2nd Timothy is that kind of final appeal from Paul to Timothy. With kindness and appreciation, he charges Timothy to be loyal to the Lord and His truth, especially in view of the persecution from the world and the inroads of apostasy from professing Christians. Paul was in prison and was soon to die as a result of an edict of Nero, who accused Christians of burning Rome. Life - and death - becomes more clarified to us when death is imminent. Eternity becomes more real and makes us take time to consider what is important now. Our occupation, our finances, our pleasures - even our family are seen as temporary things that soon will be gone from us.
There are a number of "last words" scenes recorded in the scriptures. Jacob's last words gave insight into the future of his family. Joseph's last words were an assurance that what God promises will happen. Moses' last words were a review of God's ways with His people. David's last words involved a reminder of the inspiration of the scriptures by the Holy Spirit through him; the coming of the Messiah; his own experiences and desire, and the doom of the wicked [2Sam.23]. Peter's last words were similar to those of Paul. They emphasize the truth of God in the scriptures; the evil times coming; the coming of Christ as King, and his own personal experience. 2nd Timothy is a personal letter to Timothy from Paul dealing with his life, testimony, and service as a man of God living in hard times. 1st Timothy and Titus are letters mainly related to the activities of assembly life and the worker's responsibility to the saints.
The will of God, to many, seems to be an evasive part of our lives. We want the assurance that what we are doing is the will of God. There are certainly many principles that can be applied to finding out the will of God. Probably, Psalm 139 is one of the best places in the Bible to read to find this out. However, it seems to me that the most definite way to find the will of God is to take the next step in faith. Even when we don’t know what is down the road and out of sight, we can almost always determine the next step. By stepping ahead in confidence, we can see the immediate path before us. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Paul knew He was an apostle because he saw the Lord [1Co.9:1-2]. From there, the Lord opened the way before him. The same is true of us. When we know we are where God wants us, then we can assuredly move ahead following Him.
“Father, who in grace guides us by the pressuring hand of Thine own will: It isn’t always easy to understand what you want. Not because of you, I want to make clear, but because I have got these other “wills” wanting to push me around. There is the will of the enemy who tried to stop me from even coming to Thee in the first place. And Father, he hasn’t stopped pushing even now. Thanks so much for reminding me from time to time that he hasn’t got the power here, I have through Thy power and by resisting in the Spirit, he flees. But this “inner willy”; this self-will; this Gaius-will, bugs me constantly. I am thankful that he is crucified with Christ, but whether it’s death throes or rigor mortis acting up, he sure has an impact from time to time. I need a lot of help in the “reckoning department. I am so grateful that I am alive unto Thee. Amen.”
Difficulties in life are to be expected, so we need to be confident that what we are doing is what God wants us to be involved in. We are expected to be loyal to our Lord in spite of the suffering that comes because of our service for Him. Issues we face in life, from our conversion to being taken home to heaven, are addressed in this book. Paul loved Timothy as a son and was consistent in this interest by praying for him. Even when we are separated physically from those for whom we have concern, we can unite in prayer and are able to encourage each other by communicating our commitment to them by telling them we are praying for them. Paul's love and prayers for Timothy, and his confidence in him, prompted him to remember God's gift to him. It would promote a loyal and courageous enthusiasm to know he was entrusted with such a work.
The relationship of Paul and Timothy was very similar to that of Moses and Joshua. Moses led the nation into new territory, and Joshua assisted him. Paul led Christians into the understanding of the New Testament church, and Timothy was to participate in this same work. The words Paul used: "Stir up the gift," "Be not ashamed;" Endure hardness," "Hold fast," "Rightly divide the word," "All scripture;" Preach the word," "Be strong and of good courage," "Study the word," "Charge" - all give responsibility and guidance to Timothy. Those involved in labor for the Lord need to be aware of our support. When those who are under pressure know we really care for them, even to showing emotion in tears, then it is a real comfort to know they are not alone in their suffering.
The will of God always has a divine reason behind it. To seek to know it and do it is of great importance to every child of God. We all have different roles to fill. Paul knew he was to take the Gospel to the Gentiles and preach to the children of Israel also. The will of God includes teaching those who believe and are baptized to "observe all things." There is a unique connection between one who has been led to faith in Christ by a faithful servant who truly loves that person in Christ. Grace is a continual source of blessing to meet every situation we will be called upon to face when we are engaged in faithful service for our Lord. There is grace given when grace is needed. That assurance should encourage us to take responsibility for our commission to preach the Gospel.