Once you've watched the featured video, take time to reflect on these questions.
Paul writes to Timothy under Roman guard, requesting that he come to visit. Paul’s repeated imprisonments for preaching the Gospel have earned him a bad reputation. Many have already distanced themselves from the negative stigma of being his friend, so Paul knows that asking Timothy to visit comes with a cost. Timothy will need great courage to be associated with Jesus and Paul’s sufferings, so Paul assures him that the risk is worth the cost. While others may reject and abandon Timothy, Jesus will always be faithful. Jesus knows what it is like to be abandoned, so his comforting presence is even more tangible in times of suffering. And even more than that, Timothy can be encouraged because hardships have an expiration date. Jesus’ resurrection proves that suffering will end and that resurrection for his followers is coming too. One day, all things will be made new. What can we learn from Paul’s encouragement to Timothy? In our culture today, what are the risks of following Jesus and supporting those who suffer with him? And why is following Jesus worth the risk?
Read: 2 Timothy 1:1-18, 2 Timothy 2:1-13
The letter also reminds Timothy to maintain faith and hope in Jesus' resurrection and raise up faithful leaders who will teach the good news about Jesus. They must focus on the Scriptures' unified storyline that leads to salvation in Jesus.
While following Jesus, believers will experience challenges, suffering, risk, tension, discomforts, and struggles. In those dark and difficult moments, Jesus' presence can become tangible, something Paul has experienced firsthand through his imprisonment.
In Paul's final and most personal letter, he encourages Timothy to accept his calling and deal with corrupt teachers in the Jesus movement.
