Grace and Perseverance
Timothy is again told to be strong and...
Timothy is again told to be strong and to endure suffering along with Paul (2:1–7; see 1:8). Timothy’s obedience should be motivated by reflecting on the Good News and on Paul’s example (2:8–13).
1You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.
3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
In rapid-fire sequence, Paul quotes maxims about single-minded...
In rapid-fire sequence, Paul quotes maxims about single-minded struggling and laboring.
4A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. 5Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops. 7Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.
Paul’s suffering (1:12) reflects the suffering of Jesus...
Paul’s suffering (1:12) reflects the suffering of Jesus Christ and points to the cross and resurrection as the inner meaning of that Good News (see 1:8). Paul’s suffering, like Christ’s, was instrumental in bringing salvation to others. Christ gives his approval to those who suffer and endure with him.
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, 9for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! 10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11This is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with Him,we will also live with Him;12if we endure,we will also reign with Him;if we deny Him,He will also deny us;13if we are faithless,He remains faithful,for He cannot deny Himself.The Lord’s Approved Workman
Timothy must insist on the teaching of 2:8–13...
Timothy must insist on the teaching of 2:8–13 and steer clear of the teaching and conduct of the false teachers. The heresy was probably the same as in 1 Tim 6:20–21.
14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God† to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
15Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
16But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, 17and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.
19Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,”† and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
Building on 2:19, Paul uses imagery about the...
Building on 2:19, Paul uses imagery about the utensils in a wealthy home (see Rom 9:21). Within God’s household one should endeavor to be like a utensil that is cherished rather than one that is treated with contempt.
20A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. 21So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit,† he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.
22Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. 25He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. 26Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.