2 Timothy 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
In this flesh we have peace of mind through The Word, we that follow The Word will have that "promise of life" = "eternal life" to come.
2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Timothy's mother and grandmother trained him well in The Word and teachings of Christ. Timothy was Paul's spiritual son converted through instruction. Timothy had the seeds planted were Paul had helped them grow with the full work of God in both.
3 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;
Timothy was in Paul's prayers.
4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
Paul remembers when Timothy was called and it brought joy.
5 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.
Timothy's mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were helpers in The Word when Paul was with them. Their minds were set in The Word of God and they could teach it.
6 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.
This "putting on of hands" is to Timothy, bringing up his remembrance of his gift God has given him to teach The Truth.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Do you know how to tell the difference between a real pastor and a fake? They won't be sugar but salt! They will stand not sit! They will speak The Truth no matter who it may hurt. It's better to do so now then not having a tomorrow for them to hear it.
9 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,
God had a purpose. It isn't our way but His. There is ONLY His and those that don't like it don't have to follow it. The favor = "grace" given is for all, but few want it. We have been given free will for this test and with that is love. True loved can't be forced. Heaven is called such because evil WON'T be there.
10 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:
His death was The last sacrifice for all time. Through His sacrifice we may live that chose Him. 1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, were is thy sting, O grave, where is thy victory? Christ defeated death, that is to say satan. If we chose, he has no power over us because of who we have become.
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, "Go thy way: for he [Paul] is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
12 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.
Paul was in prison for preaching Gods Word and it just doesn't matter what they do to us. If you're a REAL Christian in this world today, many will come after you. Paul knew that God would protect him and you better believe the same if you call yourself a "Christian".
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
These "sound words" = The Word of God. If your making things up as you go along, it's of self. If you use His Word, you have a manual for this life and the one to come. His Word has given us the answers to all our questions of how to do things the right way. If you follow it, things will not seem as bad without Him. Life will be bumpy in this flesh, but nowhere near as bad without Him. Tribulations helps us grow. When learning, you will not repeat mistakes over and over and the really smart ones won't do them to begin with.
14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us.
Paul is letting Timothy know why he was given The Truth. Keep passing it on regardless of what others think or do to you. The Truth is True Love!
15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
These two Paul speak of turned from God when things got hard for them. Those that teach God's Word will always have those that refuse or turn from The Truth. Believe me! As a pastor, I have this happen all the time. It saddens me greatly, especially when I have know them for a long time. I have thought about stopping. God always sends a message to me, through Word or others question or actions. I see what He wants me to do. Fight the good fight!
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Onesiphorus showed no fear. All the while Paul was in prison, Onesiphorus continued preaching The Word. For Paul, it was great to hear.
17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
Onesiphorus had some trouble finding Paul, but he found him while Paul was still in prison.
18 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.
The LORD always sends help when we truly need it and a way to get things done.