“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” 2 Timothy 2:2

More than any other verse, 2 Timothy 2:2 captures the secret behind Paul’s effectiveness as a planter of churches, pastor, and disciplemaker. He wanted spiritual multiplication, not just the addition of converts.

He invested all he knew in those who responded to his message, especially those like Timothy and Titus who were known as Paul’s spiritual sons.

If you look closely at this 2 Timothy 2:2, you will see how the gospel travels through at least four spiritual generations—Paul told the good news to Timothy and encouraged him to share it with other reliable people. Then Timothy’s converts went and taught still others.

When believers do what Paul told Timothy to do, the gospel spreads like wildfire!

Soldiers, Athletes, and Farmers

Paul used some familiar metaphors to describe some of the qualities needed for spiritual reproduction.

• He called for faithful men and women who display the level of discipline expected of those serving in a military unit. Good soldiers of Jesus Christ live to please their commanding officer.
• These men and women disciples practiced the disciplines of a healthy spiritual life as rigorously as an Olympic athlete preparing for the games.
• They cultivated the patience and diligence of a hardworking farmer who works the soil, plants good seed, and tends the fruit of his labors.

“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:7

Personal Testimony and Paul’s Theology

It isn’t always possible to separate Paul’s autobiographical details from his brilliant theological insights, so we need to look for both as we read along. In part of this section he quotes what may have been a hymn sung during first century baptismal services.

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

“Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him, we will also live with him;

If we endure, we will also reign with him.

If we disown him, he will also disown us;

If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 2 Timothy 2:8-13

Christian Life Basics

Paul may have a theological mindset, but he balances it with practical, down-to-earth Christian basics. He keeps his teachings simple and eminently pass-on-able:

• “Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.” 2 Timothy 2:14
• “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Paul constantly sounds alarms when coaching his protégés. Young pastors must especially avoid godless chatter–which leads to ungodliness. Festering like gangrene, such behavior even provokes unbelief by teaching the opposite of gospel truth, denying the resurrection, and destroying the faith of those foolish enough to follow such ungodly teachers. The Lord’s people must turn away from them.

“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’”2 Timothy 2:19

A Life Ready for God’s Use

Paul now gives his man Timothy a master class in the school of spiritual leadership:

“If a man keeps himself clean from the contaminations of evil he will be a vessel used for honorable purposes, clean and serviceable for the use of the master of the household, all ready, in fact for any good purpose.

“Turn your back on the turbulent desires of youth and give your positive attention to goodness, faith, love and peace in company with all those who approach God in sincerity.

“But have nothing to do with silly and ill-informed controversies which lead inevitably, as you know, to strife. And the Lord’s servant must not be a man of strife: he must be kind to all, ready and able to teach: he must have patience and the ability gently to correct those who oppose his message.

“He must always bear in mind the possibility that God will give them a different outlook, and that they may come to know the truth. They may come to their senses and be rescued from the snare of the devil by the servant of the Lord and set to work for God’s purposes.” 2 Timothy 2:21—26 J.B. Phillips

The Last Days

After focusing on instructing the pastor, Paul surveys the environment in which the church exists. The reference to the Last Days refers to all the days preceding the second coming of Christ. According to Peter’s sermon, the last days began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:17), so what Paul says here applies not only to his and Timothy’s time, but to every succeeding period in Church history. It applies to the time we are living in now.

“There will be terrible times in the last days, people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1—5

Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who manipulate their followers and abandon the true faith. They will be exposed as those who are grounded in the knowledge of true Christianity see their efforts as fake spirituality.

Transformative Leadership

Unlike the false teachers, Paul’s personal life exemplified everything he hoped for from his fellow pastors. As he told Timothy:

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” 2 Timothy 3:10—11

The persecutions Paul endured are a proof of the authenticity of his ministry since fake teachers rarely face such persecution. Paul hides nothing from Timothy; he shares what must be some of the most unpopular words in the Bible:

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” 2 Timothy 3:12

But Paul believes the threat of persecution won’t put Timothy off and he encourages him to stay the course.

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15.

The Inspired Word

Writing under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul pens a single verse that stands out like a lighthouse on a dark night. Whatever he faces, Timothy can trust the Scriptures; they will show him the way.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Therefore, Paul charges Timothy to make preaching the infallible Word of God his life’s work.

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:1—2

Even though many will no longer want sound doctrine and turn instead to myths, Timothy must stand his ground.

“Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5

Paul’s Farewell

Lonely, cold, discouraged, and longing to see Timothy face to face, Paul had been deserted and left with only Doctor Luke as his faithful companion. So he writes a number of personal greetings, and asks Timothy to bring a cloak he left in Troas, along with his scrolls and parchments.

Yet despite the emotions that weighed upon him as he reviewed his ministry, travels, churches, and friendships, Paul remained an overcomer:

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” 2 Timothy 4:6-8

A drink offering was the most perishable of offerings. It left no trace – not even a pile of ashes. Paul wanted to be used up for the Lord. He couldn’t have known that he was contributing to the Scriptures with his letters, and He didn’t care whether he was remembered on earth. He hoped Timothy would carry on the mission of the gospel, but he was ready for heaven and it wasn’t long before he would be with the Lord and receive his crown of righteousness.

The Crown of Righteousness

The crown of righteousness was not a reward for Paul’s good works. This crown was the righteousness of Christ imputed to Paul the sinner. Jesus bestowed salvation on Paul and Paul wore it like a crown into the courts of heaven where God the Father welcomed him as his son.

I pray that Paul inspires us to serve the Lord the way he did — until we are all used up. And may we look forward to wearing that crown of righteousness that awaits us when we get home to heaven.