2 Timothy 1. Welcome to round two of the Apostle Paul writing letters to Pastor Timothy as he struggles with the church in Ephesus. Following the letter called 1 Timothy, some of the false teachers were removed from their positions of influence in the church. As you might imagine, this caused a great deal of conflict!

Paul reminds Timothy what you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Jesus Christ. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you, guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us (1:13-14). The struggle Timothy faced was very real. Paul had other Christians he had worked with desert him. And Paul claims that this is the reason I am suffering as I am (1:12).

Sometimes ministry goes wonderfully, and church communities are united and very healthy. Sometimes they are not, and the environment may become quite difficult. When difficulties arise, we are not to be discouraged; but instead continue in faithfulness and with hope in what the Lord has promised.

This chapter has a verse that is also one of my favorite hymn lyrics: I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have entrusted to him until that day (1:12). Paul reminds Timothy to keep the faith and entrust himself and the church to God, who is able to work all things together for good.

Paul also encouraged Timothy to be bold. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline (1:7). Just because things are not going as planned does not mean that the young pastor should shrink away. Instead, he should stand strong, in love and certainty!

What encouragement do you take from this chapter? Is there something you need to entrust to the Lord and let go of worrying about it, or trying to make it into something it is not? Do you need to be reminded to be bold in love?