What types of problems was Paul facing as he wrote his final letter?
Read 2 Timothy 1: 1-7
Paul was set in a Roman prison awaiting martyrdom for his faith. He is writing for the last time to his son in the faith, Timothy. False teachers are wrecking the faith for believers and themselves. The other Apostles have left Paul high and dry. Paul was alone in his final days on earth. Paul was discouraged.
Have you faced times, such as Paul and Timothy did when you needed to encourage yourself? Jesus and the apostles did warn that all believers will face a time of suffering, trials, and tribulations. Lawlessness will increase in the last days and fall away. Victory is as inevitable as suffering for those who remain steadfast in the faith.
We receive encouragement and strength from other believers. However, sometimes we need to encourage ourselves. We need to look behind and around; encourage ourselves through our relationships with others – spiritual ancestors, mentors, teachers, family members, and friends.
When we are in discouragement, it is a time of loneliness. It can be hard to find encouragement. Paul encouraged himself by remembering his spiritual forefathers – his spiritual ancestors. How can we encourage ourselves when we feel alone and sorrowful? We encourage ourselves in the Lord by thinking about our spiritual ancestors. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we become a part of a vast family. Our spiritual forefathers are Abraham, Moses, Noah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. We read our bible, and we can find encouragement through them. Paul remembered Timothy crying as they separated. Paul remembers the past and the future. He looked forward to being reunited with Timothy.
We need to lookup. Encourage yourself through your relationship with God our Father. Timothy was not as bold as Paul. Timothy was timid and tame. False teachers were bold, forward, and loud. The Roman government was flexing its muscle. Emperor Nero had soldiers seize Paul and put him in prison. Days of great tribulation and suffering were at hand. Paul was seeking to leave behind encouragement to Timothy.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that we will find ways to find encouragement when we are faced with trials, tribulations, and suffering.
In Jesus Name
Amen
