This week we begin our discussion of 2 Timothy. Please read 2 Timothy 1. This is a very different type of letter than 1 Timothy. The first letter is that of an older church leader giving advice to a younger leader on how to manage a congregation. As we have looked at over the past six weeks, Paul gives Timothy very practical advice on handling the different issues that arise in overseeing a church. The second letter, however, is one of exhortation, encouragement, and counsel from an experienced pastor to a suffering pastor.
Think about the issues addressed in the first letter to Timothy: false teachers, appropriate worship, problems of administration, congregational politics, and money. In the second letter, we see the toll that these issues have taken on Timothy. In this letter Paul tries to lift Timothy up by reminding him of his faith, encouraging him to rekindle his spiritual gifts, and to remember Jesus’ victory over death.
From our perspective, 1 Timothy is written to a vestry member or any church leader. 2 Timothy is written to someone whose faith has lagged, who is burned out on church and God, and who is spiritually tired. 2 Timothy is written for most every one of us.
If you need spiritual renewal, come join us on Tuesday. Dinner is at 6. The menu is chicken salad croissants. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here. Please bring a friend.
I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you, for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:6