My favorite book of the bible is 2 Timothy. Part of the reason is because I was named after this young pastor and colleague of the apostle Paul. The name Timothy means “beloved of God.” But the main reason that I love 2 Timothy is because it is Paul’s final message to his son in faith, a young man that Paul deeply loved. He writes to encourage Timothy, and one of the striking features of this letter is the many charges that Paul gives to Timothy to encourage him to remain faithful as a pastor and to persevere in faith.
I counted some 20 charges that Paul gives to Timothy in this letter. Let me share just a few of them that I believe can encourage you in your faith:
1. Fan into flame the gift God has given you (2 Tim. 1:6).
2. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel (2 Tim. 1:8).
3. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 2:1).
4. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3).
5. Flee youthful passions, pursue righteousness (2 Tim. 2:22).
6. Stay grounded in the word (2 Tim. 3:14-17).
I would encourage you to think carefully about each one of these “charges” and put them into practice. They have helped me stay focused on Christ and living faithfully for Him. They will have that same impact in your life as well!
For His glory,
Tim