2 Timothy 2:1–13 “The Reason We Endure Suffering”

2 Timothy 2:1-13 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Take My Life and Let It Be – Chris Tomlin
• In Christ Alone – Keith & Kristyn Getty, CityAlight
• Scandal of Grace – Hillsong UNITED

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Should You Talk About Jesus to Others? | Animated Bible Stories for Kids – Lesson for Kids
• Never Let Go Of Me | Shipwrecked VBS | Outback Rock VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I’m Trusting You | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Whole Lotta Change | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After rekindling Timothy’s zeal, which had been weakened by fear and shame, the Apostle encourages him: “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 1). The strength Timothy needs can only be found when he remains in Christ Jesus. In that strength, he can pass on the gospel to others, who in turn will pass it on to still others (v. 2). The “faithful people” are those, like Timothy, who do not abandon the gospel even in the midst of suffering.

For the gospel to be handed down from one generation to the next, special devotion is required of believers. Here, the Apostle uses three illustrations. First, a good soldier does not get entangled in civilian affairs but remains fully devoted to his commanding officer and endures every hardship (vv. 3–4). Second, an athlete must compete according to the rules. Otherwise, even if he wins, he cannot receive the crown (v. 5). Keeping the rules requires discipline and self-control. Third, the farmer must endure much hardship until the harvest, but when the crop is gathered, it belongs to him (v. 6).

The Apostle urges Timothy to reflect on the meaning of these three illustrations (v. 7). The point is that while spreading the gospel can bring many hardships, it can also bring great reward to those who proclaim it.

At this point, the Apostle says to Timothy: “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David” (v. 8). The Greek verb translated as “remember” means “to hold firmly in mind” or “to reflect deeply and imprint its meaning.” If one truly understands who Jesus Christ is, then one can endure suffering. That is why Paul himself has risked suffering in order to proclaim the gospel. He reminds Timothy that although he himself is imprisoned, the Word of God is not bound (v. 9). Another reason Paul endures suffering is “for the sake of the elect” (v. 10). There are people whom God has chosen to receive salvation through his ministry.

The Apostle then presents four trustworthy sayings. First: “If we died with Him, we will also live with Him” (v. 11). Paul explains this more fully in Romans 6:8–11. Second: “If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (v. 12). The ultimate hope of Christians is to reign with Christ forever in the new heaven and new earth. Third: “If we disown Him, He will also disown us” (v. 12). Jesus said that those who deny Him will be denied by Him at the final judgment (Matt. 10:33; Luke 12:9). Fourth: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful” (v. 13). “He cannot disown Himself” means that He always acts according to His nature. Because Paul trusted in such a Lord, he had no hesitation in laying down his life for Him.

Meditation:

Although the Apostle Paul encountered the risen Jesus Christ and was converted, he still identified himself as a second-generation believer. That is why, when passing on the gospel of Jesus Christ, he said, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance” (1 Cor. 15:3). From this perspective, Timothy could be considered a third-generation believer, and those who received the gospel from Timothy became fourth-generation believers. Those fourth-generation believers then passed on the gospel to the next generation, and through this chain it has reached us today.

During this long “chain of the gospel,” countless people have endured tribulation, persecution, and even martyrdom. Because there were people who risked their very lives to proclaim the gospel, it has come all the way to us. Paul presents two reasons—drawn from his own experience—for why they could risk their lives to proclaim the gospel.

First, they reflected deeply on who Jesus Christ is, what He has done, what has happened to Him, and what will yet take place in Him. To know Him rightly is to be able to entrust one’s entire being to Him. If we die with Him, we believe we will also live with Him. If we endure in Him, we believe we will also reign with Him. Even when we wander off course, He remains faithful. Because eternal life is in Him, one can lay down one’s life for Him.

Second, they had hoped that through their suffering, even one more person might be saved. Those who have experienced salvation in Jesus Christ are moved with compassion toward people who live as though this world were all there is. It is heartbreaking to see loved ones live without knowing eternal life. Thus, believers long for others to receive the eternal life they themselves have found—even if it costs hardship and suffering to proclaim it.

The gospel of life and salvation has been handed down to us through the sacrifice and suffering of countless others. Therefore, we must not allow this chain to be broken in our generation. “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 1) and do your best to pass on the gospel you have received to the next generation.

Prayer:

Lord, we realize that the gospel we have received is filled with the blood of countless faithful believers who came before us. Do not let this precious gospel stagnate and spoil within us but give us courage and passion as well. Help us to remember who the One we believe in truly is and remind us how precious even a single soul is that may be gained through our devotion. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: The gospel we have today came through the courage, sacrifice, and faithfulness of many believers before us. We are called to remember Jesus, stay strong in His grace, and continue the “chain of the gospel” by passing it on to the next generation—even if it means facing hardship.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Who told you about Jesus? (Parents, teachers, pastor, friends?)
  • Why do you think it’s important to tell others about Jesus?
  • What is one way you can show Jesus’ love at school or at home this week?
    
• Youth
  • Paul and other Christians endured suffering so the gospel could reach us. What does that make you feel about your own faith?
  • Who in your life needs to hear or see the love of Christ through you?
  • What might it look like to stay strong “in the grace of Christ Jesus” when life feels stressful or hard?