The calling of Apostle: (1:11-12):
Paul knew that he was in prison for the sake of the Gospel. He also knew that he was appointed as a herald of the Gospel. Paul had been appointed to serve as a herald and an apostle and a teacher of this message. The 3-pronged roles which represent different facets of the stewardship entrusted to him). Carrying out the 3-roles had brought Paul much suffering, including his present imprisonment. Although he was being treated as a criminal, he understood that it was a honour than being ashamed. He was trusting his own destiny to the same One who had entrusted him the responsibilities. He remembers his own sermons and though he preached wonderful messages, it cost him dearly. His suffering in prison was because of his heavenly appointment. He knows whom he has believed and he was confident of God’s complete vindication in the end.
We must know that our God is mighty. When we understand his greatness and His glory becomes the great fact of our lives, then we have the real boldness and courage. That’s why Paul says: “I know whom I have believed.” Paul knew that he trusted the great God.
Know thyself,’ said the heathen philosopher; that is well, but that knowledge may only lead a man to hell. ‘Know Christ,’ says the Christian philosopher, ‘know him, and then you shall know yourself,’ and this shall certainly lead you to heaven, for the knowledge of Christ Jesus is saving knowledge.” (Spurgeon)
Paul and Timothy were waiting for that Day when they see Jesus. They both lived in such awareness of that Day. That day was so precious to Paul because he had committed everything to Jesus.
“To the degree we commit our life, to the same degree that Day will be precious to us.” It was not only his life that Paul had committed to God, but he committed everything, his character, his reputation, his life’s work and everything that was precious because knew that only God can keep his life. Throughout, of course, Paul was using his own example to bolster Timothy’s perhaps flagging courage.
Faithfulness matters: (1:13-14):
Timothy was still learning from Paul. Soon he would be on his leadership responsibilities. Paul urges him to keep Paul’s pattern as an example with increasing faith and love. Yes Timothy was not without help. He had every tool he needed to face the future. He needs to hold on to God’s resources. He had received some gifts which he should put into use. Timothy can look back the association and experiences with Paul and face difficult situations of ministry. He had received Christian foundational teaching with Christ as the solid rock. Timothy must build upon it. Similarly, God has entrusted us specific responsibilities in the ministry and we must guard them through our faith and commitment for the ministry. Timothy need not be ashamed of Paul’s chains or imprisonment. Paul uses some specific terms which we must practice it.
- Keep the pattern of sound teaching: Timothy must keep it faithfully otherwise he may lose it. It needs a special exercise and quality to keep faithfully what has been entrusted to them. Satan is out to derail us from the true Gospel. The sound teaching is the Gospel given in truth and right spirit. It is the true preaching according to God’s truth, a pattern that can be detected by the discerning heart. God used Paul to communicate the pattern of sound teaching and Timothy was faithful to that pattern. Similarly God uses other men and women to communicate that truth today.
- Show faith and love in Christ Jesus: We must believe, practice and live in it and love it. Some people think that God’s Word is an intellectual matter and leave out faith and love. In fact, God’s Word is understood by the most simple person of this world, the illiterate disciples believed took it to their heart with love in Christ Jesus. If some one thinks that he is faithful and does not show faith and love in the congregation or to the fellow believer, he is arrogant and nothing but a Pharisee. He has no fruit of faith and love.