2 Timothy 1:6-14

Introduction:

1. Staring death in the face, Paul sought to secure young Timothy’s heart and encourage him to preach on no matter the earthly outcome.

2. After expressing his thanks to God for Timothy’s faithfulness, he urged him to stir the gift Paul imparted and embrace the spirit of power God gave.

3. The meat of this passage tells how we may develop the hearts of conquerors.

Discussion:

I. The Call to Boldness (1:6-8)

A. The news of Paul’s impending death would pose a risk to Timothy’s faith.

B. For this, Paul urged him to keep on stirring the gift he received to avoid becoming “ashamed” of Paul or the gospel that landed him in prison.

C. The spirit of power God has given must be exercised perpetually if we would stay grounded in times of distress (1:7; 1 John 4:4).

II. The Cause for Boldness (1:8-12)

A. God always gives good reason to follow His will no matter the cost.

B. Paul named several things he knew that empowered him to put his life on the line for the gospel.

1. The power to live this boldness is of God (1:8).

2. He saved us by His grace as He purposed from eternity (1:9).

3. Jesus’ victory over death is the reason the gospel is worth living and dying for (1:10; John 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 54-55; Hebrews 2:14-15).

4. Paul’s confidence came from knowing He would guard his soul and usher him into eternal safety (1:12; 4:7-8, 18).

C. Paul did not simply know facts about Jesus; he knew Jesus through faith.

III. The Outworking of Boldness (1:13-14)

A. The reason Paul was about to die was his proclamation and defense of the gospel of Christ, here called the “pattern of sound words” (1:13).

B. Timothy, considering the truths named above, was to hold fast to this pattern despite the pressures from the world around him.

C. As Christ guards the souls of the faithful, so the faithful are to guard “that good thing” (i.e., the gospel named above) by the Spirit given to us (1:14).

Conclusion:

1. Every person who ever lives commits his/her soul to someone or something.

2. Some commit it to creature comforts of various kinds, pleasures, power, etc.

3. The only safe place to deposit our souls is in the hands of the One who died for us, abolished death, and brought life and immortality.

4. May we echo Paul in knowing Him in whom we have believed.