Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:14-19

False teachers has been a problem in the Church since the beginning. The Apostle Paul is instructing how to handles these false teachers within the assembly of the Church. Have you ever experienced a false teacher coming to a Church service, and then trying to sabotage it with their false arguments? This actually happens more often then you think, the important thing is we rightly divide the word, however we also don’t want to divide the congregation with confusion.

As The Lord Jesus said “Don’t throw pearls to the swine” (Matthew 7:6) When a demon comes into divide the Church waste your valuable time with them. Devote yourself to preaching the truth to the sheep of Christ. As the Apostle Paul warns us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “not to strive or quarrel about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. If your going to argue with these heretics, do it when your not surrounded by your own flock, as they can be confused and persuaded by false arguments that deceivers like to us. The main agenda of Satan is to divide the flock and destroy as many souls as possible, your job as a Shepherd of the Church is to guard the flock from wolves.

Another thing to remember is everything we do we are representing Christ and his Church. As the Apostle Paul says “Be diligent to present yourself approved by God, a worker that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” If we get into some heated argument with a blasphemer , how does that appear to yourself and Christ? Don’t allow the wolves to get under your skin, don’t allow Satan to tempt you to make a fool of the Church, handle yourself with grace of The Lord 

Notice this strong warning by the Apostle Paul “avoid and shun profane and idle babblings for they will increase to more ungodliness” Interesting advice here by Paul, the more we engage with these heretics the more they corrupt us. Paul then gives an example of a couple people Hymenaeus and Philetus, who tried to spread a false teaching within the Church that denied the bodily resurrection, unfortunately a false teaching that still exists today. Rebuke them for their false teachings will “spread like gangrene” as Paul also says “they destroy the faith of some”

Some within the Church will listen to false teachers and their heresies. Protect your flock, don’t allow these wolves to invade your Church, rightly divide the word, Amen!

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:8-10

One thing we need to remember is nobody will stop God’s plans! No matter what they tried to do to the Apostle Paul or they try to do to us, to prohibit the gospel from spreading, it can’t be stopped, “The Word of God is not bound or chained” We need to remember this everytime we preach The Word it is not in vain, the Word of God is powerful , a two edged sword that pierces the heart, its the supernatural Word of God and can’t be stopped (Hebrews 4:12)

The Apostle Paul is reminding them what is the gospel message, Jesus Christ, God incarnate, the fulfillment of the Messiah, David’s Throne, died on the cross for our sins. And then Christ rose again on the 3rd day defeating sin and death forever, giving us eternal life. I would like to address verse 8 as people who reject Paul will say “Paul is creating his own gospel” This is just awkward translating from the Greek to English, as you look at the other translations, Paul is saying “This is the gospel that I preach”, which is about Jesus Christ and not himself. 

Preaching the gospel will have a cost as Paul tells us “for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer” When you preach the Word of God, the world will tell you you are homophobic, you are transphobic, you are racist, you are every file thing in the world, because the world hates Jesus Christ of the Bible. Being a true disciple of Christ will have a cost!

But as the Apostle Paul states “But the Word of God is not bound or chained” Nobody can stop the gospel message, every since Christ rose from the dead, the world has been trying to cover up the resurrection, they have been trying to eliminate any knowledge of Christ, however the world was already defeated at the cross, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)

So preach the Word of God in and out of season, preach even when there are consequences, preach even when it seems nobody is listening, because the Word of God will never be made void, the gospel will never be chained, Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen Indeed, Amen!

And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 2 Timothy 2:5-7

Just recently I saw a Church is adding Thursday evening services to accommodate parents who have children involved with sports on the weekend. This is obviously a controversial issue, however the point I bring up is sports is a heavily involved activity. Nobody can really say “I’m going to dabble in sports” , probably because they wouldn’t be very good. It would also demonstrate they dont have any dedication or love for their team also. Athletes who are successful, typically train all year round, continue to work with their teammates to improve chemistry and readiness. So why am I rambling on about sports?

Well the Apostle Paul says this “if anyone competes in athletics , he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules”. Previously the Apostle Paul compared our calling in Christ to being a Soldier of Christ in The Lord’s Army. Today Paul is comparing our calling in Christ to being a successful athlete. So lets dive into what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach us with this analogy.

Again as I said previously, a successful athlete will train continually, will spend alot of time practicing and preparing for the big game. They will spend alot of time with their coaches , taking advice and getting mentored. Their coaches will analyze the players’ performances and advise ways they can continue to improve to get better. This should reflect our calling with Jesus! 

We shouldn’t take our calling as a Christian as casual or just something to do on the weekends, this is a higher calling that we are continually trying to improve upon to gain our crown of glory. Now I can hear the lukewarm people, “this is legalism” , no this is the Word of God here by the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “He is not crowned unless he competes”

The Apostle Paul also compares our calling to a farmer, who is continually working on the fields expecting a harvest crop to come, this again should reflect our calling as Christians. We should be continually working the fields (evangelism) planting seeds (the Word of God) and waiting for a harvest to come (new converts) Of course the Holy Spirit transforms people, but we need to labor for Christ, we are called to be the salt and light (Matthew 5) as the body of Christ.  A farmer who is lazy will produce no crops and no harvest, if we want to see God working in our ministry, we must work for God!

I understand these are spiritual applications, but as the Apostle Paul says here “The Lord will give you understanding of these things” Don’t take your calling in Christ lightly, consider the cost, run the race, plant the spiritual seeds of the Kingdom, Amen!

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. 2 Timothy 1:13-18

To get some context of the scriptures we are reading today, the Apostle Paul is imprisoned again here in his second letter to Timothy. However this time, Paul knows and doesn’t expect to make it out alive this time. The Apostle Paul knows his time here on Earth is coming to an end, therefor he’s trying to warn his fellow brothers and sisters of the persecution coming, but also he wants to make sure they hold to the faith in Jesus Christ, that he taught them.

So understanding the urgency, it brings to life the words here from the Apostle Paul “hold fast the form or pattern of sounds words of words you heard from me or sound teaching” Meaning don’t abandon your faith when the persecution comes. Keep or hold on to the true teachings of Christ given by the Apostle under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Don’t abandon your faith when hard times come, because they are coming! We see this alot in todays Churches, many people have abandoned the true gospel of Christ to conform to the ways of the world. Many people have abandoned the Word of God so they can adhere to the agendas of this world, because they never truly had faith to begin with

You might say, I’m not able to endure persecution or the harsh treatment of this world. Remember what the Apostle Paul says here “that good thing that was entrusted to you or guard the treasure entrusted into you” Notice how precious the Word of God is, and it was entrusted to you. Most of the world hates the Word of God because it brings life, hold on to these promises and revelations like precious gold. Just as if you would protect your money and valuables, you should protect and secure the Word of God that was given to you. 

“Keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, this is why you can endure the persecution, this is why you can comprehend the Word of God, because the Living God is living inside of You! The same Holy Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead is living inside of you (Romans 8:11) You are not alone or defeated, you are equipped to endure your calling in Christ 

But many people have abandoned the Apostle Paul in his times of need, just as many people will abandon us, however hold fast to the gospel, hold fast to the Holy Spirit living inside of you, hold fast to our Lord Jesus Christ who will never leave or forsake us, hold fast to our Heavenly Father who has called you by name before the foundations of the world, Amen

But 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: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For 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. 2 Timothy 1:10-12

God became Flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14) This is one of the great mysteries that is hard for our minds to grasp, how can Christ be fully God and fully Man at the same time. (Philippians 2) But maybe the greater mystery is why would Jesus Christ do this? Why would the Son of God , take on human flesh, suffer and die for our sins on the cross? Simply because God loves us this much, that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16) Can you grasp what God has done for you? 

The Apostle Paul says here “is now made manifest by the appearing our our Savior Jesus Christ” The gospel message is manifested into human flesh, The Lord Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins. “Who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” When Christ was crucified on the cross, Satan and the demons thought they have won a victory, however the death of Christ was their defeat! As Jesus said “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:18)

Jesus Christ defeated sin and death by becoming flesh and dying for our sins on the cross, and rising again on the 3rd day , this is the gospel message! This is how Christ brought life to immortality, this is the light of the gospel, this is what needs to be preached every day continually until the end of the age. 

Now to just give some context to this epistle, the Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this, and this time he was presuming he was going to be executed for his faith. But the Apostle Paul accepted his higher calling as a Apostle, Preacher and Teacher, this is why he was suffering and being persecuted. Understand when you submit to Jesus as your Lord and accept your higher calling by him, there will be a price to pay. But Christ already paid the ultimate price for your soul, if you truly love The Lord live for him!

But despite the persecution Paul sufferred he was unashamed of his Lord Jesus Christ, and he believed and entrusted that whatever happened, Gods will would be done for his life. Again Satan believed he had Paul defeated also, chained in prison and eventually beheaded for his faith in Christ. But The Lord still allowed Paul to finish his race, the gospel was still preached, the body of Christ still continued to grow, even today we are reading the words of the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, what God ordained, the devil can never stop! Christ died, Christ is Risen, and Christ will come again, Amen!

Be 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; Who 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,  2 Timothy 1:8-9

Are you ashamed of your Lord Jesus Christ? There are many people who profess to be Christians, yet they are ashamed of our Lord Jesus. Do you share the gospel with other people? Do you share your testimony of when you became Born Again with other people? They would say, No I’m embarrassed or backwards, or some other excuse, the reality is they are ashamed of their faith in Christ. If you truly believe in the gospel message, then you would be living the gospel message, because this is the power to give life!

As the Apostle Paul also said “I am not ashamed of the gospel because its the power of God for salvation to everyone” (Romans 1:16) Do you truly believe this? Do you understand that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation (John 14:6) and all other ways lead to the road of Hell? This idea that we should have a “personal faith”, that we should keep our beliefs to ourselves is not Biblical. In fact Jesus commanded us “Go into all the world  and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15)

Jesus also said “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words , in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes” (Mark 8:38) Our Lord became flesh and died on the cross for your sins, to bring you salvation, and yet your are too ashamed of him to share the gospel with someone? You are too proud to go to Church and serve? You are too politically correct to tell everyone that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation?

As the Apostle Paul instructs us here under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” Do you have boldness for our Lord Jesus Christ? Do you love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, and soul? Do you actually love your neighbor? If you did you would tell them about Jesus, and tell them the truth, that without Christ the entire world is perishing! 

“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling” When you become saved in Christ, that’s just the beginning of your walk with Christ. It’s not about getting a golden ticket to Heaven, its about becoming Born Again and living for Christ, you are a new creation in Christ . As the Apostle Paul describes is, “he became a prisoner of Christ” meaning his whole life belonged to Jesus. 

So I ask you, are you ashamed of your Lord Jesus Christ? The Lord died for you, can you live for him? Share the gospel to the entire world before its too late, Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation! Amen

I 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; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When 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. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:3-6

The Second Epistle to Paul’s spiritual son Timothy once again begins in a prison. However things are different with this letter, as the Apostle Paul would not make it out of prison this time, and he understands the urgency and that time is running out for him with his earthly ministry. So the Apostle Paul is trying to make sure, Timothy is spiritually ready and prepared to lead the Church with a strong faith and uncompromising doctrine

The first thing to notice the Apostle Paul says “I remember you in my prayers night and day” Even though the Apostle Paul was in prison, he spent alot of his time praying for his brothers and sisters in Christ. Are we doing the same? Are we praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ without ceasing? And notice Paul “greatly desired to see you (Timothy)” Fellowship with the body of Christ is very important, this is why we should gather in person with other Christians, community is important. But also its clear Paul understands his time is near, he wants to see Timothy one last time to encourage him, to lead the Church

It’s very interesting here, that Paul then mentions Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, its clear Paul knows Timothy’s family, in fact he might have brought them to Christ by his preaching. It’s probable that Paul knew Timothy since he was a young boy and has been mentoring him most of his life. This is the strong community connection of the Church. Also Paul mentions to Timothy “the genuine faith that is in you” His family were true Born Again believers, they were not false converts, they were filled and led by the Holy Spirit

The Apostle Paul then acknowledges the gift of the Holy Spirit that is in Timothy “therefor I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you” Timothy was chosen to lead the Church because the Holy Spirit chose him. Paul recognized the gift of the Holy Spirit was in him, thereofor Paul is being obedient to God by training Timothy. 

One thing that is mention here is Paul says “by the laying on my hands” This was a practice by the early Church when someone was a new convert the Church would lay hands on that person to receive the Holy Spirit. Another practice that can’t be performed over a Zoom call, this demonstrates the closeness of community and faith in Christ as the body of Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, Amen!