Lesson text: ll Timothy 1:3-14
Lesson Background: Timothy was the Apostle Paul’s spiritual son in the gospel ministry. First and Second Timothy are known as the “pastoral epistles.” At the time of this lesson, Timothy was pastoring the Ephesus church. Second Timothy is considered a most-personal book of the Bible. It is said that the Apostle Paul had a warm spot in his heart for Timothy. This epistle is one of encouragement for Timothy. Paul tried very hard to encourage Timothy to build his life and ministry upon the rich Christian heritage that he had. The setting of the writing of this lesson is Rome. The Apostle Paul was writing as a Roman prisoner waiting to be executed by beheading.
A Reminder of Godly Heritage (ll Timothy 1:3-4).
Paul’s Prayer (ll Timothy 1:3-4). (vs. 3). “I thank God, whom I serve form my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.” Paul’s thanksgiving to God for Timothy’s faith and holiness: he thanks God that he remembered Timothy in his prayers.
Paul was much in prayer, he prayed night and day, in all his prayers he was mindful of his friends, he particularly prayed for good ministers; he prayed for Timothy, and had remembrance of him in his prayers night and day; he did it without ceasing. (vs. 4). “Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy.” Paul greatly desired to see Timothy, out of the affection he had for him, that he might have some conversation, being mindful of his tears at their parting. Therefore, Paul desired to see him again.
Timothy’s Faith (ll Timothy 1:5). “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is within thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; I am persuaded in thee also.” The entail of religion descended upon Timothy by the mother’s side; he had a good mother, and a good grandmother. They believed, though the father did not. Oftentimes, children imitate the faith and holiness of their godly parents, and walk in their steps.
A Reminder of God’s Gift (ll Timothy 1:6-7).
Timothy’s Spiritual Gift (ll Timothy 1:6). “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hand.”
Here is an exhortation and excitation of Timothy to his duty. Paul exhorts him to stir up the gift of God that was in him. Stir it up as fire under the embers. It is meant of all the gifts and graces that the Lord had given him, to qualify him for the work of an evangelist, the gifts of the Holy Ghost, and the extraordinary gifts that were conferred by the imposition of the apostle’s hands. These he must stir up; he must exercise the,, and so increase them, use gifts and have gifts. So, to encourage Timothy to exercise his gift, Paul said, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear.” The Lord only gives good and perfect gifts, which means that “fear” does not come from God. Instead of the “spirit of fear,” Paul said God gives us “(the spirit) of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” The words “a sound mind” refer to personal discipline and spiritual control; speaking the words of truth and soberness.
A Reminder To Be Steadfast Amid Suffering (ll Timothy 1:8-14). Paul exhorts him to count upon afflictions, and get ready for them: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of or Lord, nor of me his prisoner. Be not thou ashamed of the gospel, of the testimony thou has borne to it.” The gospel of Christ is what we have none to be ashamed of. We must not be ashamed of those who are suffering for the gospel of Christ.
References: 2022-2023 KJV International Sunday School Lessons Commentary, Matthew Henry Bible Commentary