In Judges we saw individuals who were faithful to God in a time when almost everyone was disobeying God. In 2 Timothy we will see the same. God had allowed evils to come in among the believers in Timothy’s day, in order that the Bible could tell all succeeding generations of believers how to act when things would be difficult and dark. Remember this when you read 2nd Timothy. It is Paul’s last written Epistle. He was just about to lose his life at the court of the Roman Emperor, Nero. It is a book of encouragement to all who wish to go on for the Lord in spite of the increasing darkness and difficulties from many believers turning away from the truth. By the time the Apostle Paul writes this second letter to Timothy, he had already seen unfaithfulness among God’s people, and failure and weakness in the assembly. May we be sensitive to its message, and learn from it. This book is intensely individual. Take it personally. We are living in the days just before the Lord comes for us — individual faithfulness is essential.
V.5 He thankfully reminds himself of the faith he had seen in Timothy. He had also seen that faith in Timothy’s mother and grandmother. What an encouragement for mothers and grandmothers today! Live what you have learned about Christ. If you teach truth to your children, then there is something even more important — let them see it lived in your life!
V.6 Paul encourages Timothy to make use of the abilities he had received from God. Paul had shown his fellowship with Timothy in using that gift, by putting his hands on him. Showing his oneness with him.
V.8 Though things were weak, yet there was no need to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. Are you prepared to stand for the truth? Many believers are afraid because of what relatives would say about them. But is that putting the Lord first? Our opportunity to be faithful to His Word will soon be gone.
V.10 “Brought ... to light through the gospel.” Means that the coming to this world of the Savior has been the complete revelation of God’s love and grace to a lost world. The gospel tells us the wonderful story of this truth.
V.12 Notice the glad confidence of Paul. In spite of his seeing the testimony breaking up, he was not ashamed but committed all to the Lord. We will never be ashamed of having stood firmly in the truth we have learned.
V.13 “Hold fast.” Today is a day of giving up, we know that. All the more reason why we should hold fast the truth that God has given in His Word.