Episode 17: 2 Timothy. Suffering, and Struggling for God’s Message of Good News. Bible overview Part 15.

Christians must be willing to suffer, and struggle for God’s message of Good News.

Timothy’s faith in God was genuine. He learned this Christian faith from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Timothy also learned from Paul and was a great supporter and helper of Paul in his ministry. Yet Timothy needed Paul’s instruction and encouragement. Paul urged Timothy to work hard in his Christian service to God. Paul had laid his hands on Timothy to convey the gifts that Timothy used in serving God. Paul knew and reminded Timothy that those who desire to live godly in Christ will suffer persecution. For Timothy to have the courage to serve God while being persecuted and opposed it was necessary for Timothy to rely on God’s Spirit for power, love, and a sound mind.  Paul told Timothy to be diligent to present himself approved to God. Timothy was to shun false doctrines, and rightly interpret God’s Word.  Timothy was to give diligence to teaching others God’s truth from God’s Word. 

 Teaching correct doctrine was very important because a time would come that people who resists the truth and surround themselves with teachers that would teach them what they wanted to hear. 

 Paul did not view the Christian life as being easy. Paul endured much hardship as he worked diligently to preach the Good News to the Gentiles. He viewed the Christian life as a fight and struggle, and as a racecourse to be run according to God’s rules, and with full effort. At the end of his life, he was able to say, that he fought the good fight, that he finished the race and that he kept the faith.

 How sad it is when one comes to the end of their life and regret, they did not do more to serve and please God. Paul did not have that problem. All his sufferings and afflictions were worth it.

 Christians must count the cost to follow Christ. We are saved by grace and not by works but to be approved to God we must join the struggle to share God’s word with others despite opposition. We must insist on sharing God’s truth even though others do not want to hear it.Christians must be willing to undergo affliction and persecution because of their belief in God. This is part of the message of 2 Timothy.