Be True To Your Christian Heritage

This is the second letter written to the young Timothy. From the Apostle Paul, during his time of incarceration. This is the second letter , and the second time Paul has be in jail. It doesn't say what happened, that made Paul feel the need to reiterate his teachings again. It could have possibly been the rise of Gnosticism, in Ephesus. Many preachers taught by Paul, had fallen away from the faith. False Prophets and teachings, may have began to wear on Timothy. Whatever the reason, Paul felt the need to offer Timothy encouragement. He was thankful and appreciative, of the relationship they shared. Paul considered Timothy like a son in the faith. He wanted to encourage Timothy to carry on the torch after he was gone. This gospel is something to pass on to others, like it was passed to you.

2 Timothy 1

3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
4Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

This is Paul expressing his love for Timothy, and that he misses him. He lets him know that he is aware of the hardship he has faced. In his efforts to preach life, to a dying world. Some time we need to know, that the way may not always be easy. To be persecuted on behalf, of the faith. We should count it all joy. Paul was letting Timothy know, he prays for him constantly.

2 Timothy 1

5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Here Paul is reminding Timothy, that he knows his faith is sincere. The same faith that was good enough for his grandmother, and for his mother as well. Will suffice for him too. I see the same perserverance in you, that was in them. Paul had been convinced over time, prior to him laying hands on Timothy. The same qualities we have been taught to look for, in our leaders in the church. Paul had witnessed in Timothy, in the time they had spent together. All power put in place, God has allowed. So don't be intimidated by those, who come against you. You have a flawless and proven plan. We don't have to fear anything, we can stand firm against all opposition. We have been given something complete, that will always serve our needs.

2 Timothy 1

8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Don't be ashamed, to share what has been shared with you. Be proud and consider yourself blessed, to know the person who enlightened you. Honor you father in the faith, or whoever gave you bread. When someone comes around with something that sounds better, don't abandon ship. Hold fast to the promises given to us by God. Even though you didn't deserve it, you were still given a chance. We were saved by the grace of God, through his son Jesus Christ. I think Jesus was a backup plan in the event man didn't work out. This is controversial interpretation. I base my thinking on this scripture:

Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

If it had not been for Jesus, where would we be now? If our life depended on our worthiness, we wouldn't make the cut. Jesus abolished death, and gave us eternal life with his dying on the cross.

2 Timothy 1

11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Paul's assignment in the kingdom, was to be spread the gospel to the Gentiles. Thus the title of apostle is appropriate. An apostle is one who starts something new. To boldly go where no man has gone before. Gentiles had been left out, before the ministry of Jesus Christ. Can you imagine the opposition Paul faced? Paul was both a Roman and a Jew. He had double reasons, working against him. He had to overcome several traditions to be a Christian. In spite of that, he wasn't being swayed. He would remain committed to his belief, until his day of judgment.

2 Timothy 1
13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Paul is telling Timothy to remember what he has taught him. The belief all members of the body of Christ share, is what will ultimately bring us through. Take as an example, those who have came before you. Just as the serve as proof to you. Be an example to those, that come after you. God is, and always has been good.

We as Christians should value the path, and relationships that brought us to the faith. When we reflect on the gospel, and the affect it has had, on the lives of others. We should be excited and want to carry it forth. Just like Paul exhorted to Timothy, in his second epistle. The ball is on our court as Christians. We should take it, and run with it.