Under Gods Command
2nd Timothy: Paul was facing death. He was not dying of a disease in a sterile hospital with loved ones gathered nearby. He was very much alive, but his condition was terminal. Convicted as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, Paul sat in a cold Roman prison cut off from the world, with just a visitor or two and his writing materials. Paul knew that soon he would be executed, so he wrote his final thoughts to his “son” Timothy, passing to him the torch of leadership, reminding him of what was truly important, and encouraging him in the faith.
MEGATHEMES
Boldness
EXPLANATION: In the face of opposition and persecution, Timothy was to carry out his ministry without fear or shame. Paul urged him to utilize boldly the gifts of preaching and teaching that the Holy Spirit had given him.
IMPORTANCE: The Holy Spirit helps us to be wise and strong. God honors our confident testimony even when we suffer. To get over our fear of what people might say or do, we must take our eyes off of people and look only to God.
Faithfulness
EXPLANATION: Christ was faithful to all of us in dying for our sin. Paul was a faithful minister even when he was in prison. Paul urged Timothy to maintain not only sound doctrine but also loyalty, diligence, and endurance.
IMPORTANCE: We can count on opposition, suffering, and hardship as we serve Christ. But this shows that our faithfulness is having an effect on others. As we trust Christ, he counts us worthy to suffer, and he will give us the strength we need to be steadfast.
Preaching and Teaching
EXPLANATION: Paul and Timothy were active in preaching and teaching the Good News about Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy not only to carry the torch of truth but also to train others, passing on to them sound doctrine and enthusiasm for Christ’s mission.
IMPORTANCE: We must prepare people to transmit God’s Word to others so that they in turn might pass it on. Does your church carefully train others to teach?
Error
EXPLANATION: In the final days before Christ returns, there will be false teachers, spiritual dropouts, and heretics. The remedy for error is to have a solid program for teaching Christians.
IMPORTANCE: Because of deception and false teaching, we must be disciplined and ready to reject error. Know the Word of God as your sure defense against error and confusion.
Under Gods command 