Christian Courageous!

1. Christian Courageous! 2 Timothy 1 By Warren W. Wiersbe Chapter9

2. Paul was a prisoner in Rome facing death (2 Timothy 4:6). His associates were gone except Luke (4:1). His concern was for Timothy and his ministry. In 1 Timothy, he encouraged Timothy to be faithful. Tychicus was sent to Ephesus to replace Timothy (4:9,12). Courageous Enthusiasm (1:1-7) • No place for a timid soul • Paul’s love (1-2) • “Timothy, my beloved son “ vs “Timothy, my own son in the faith” • “grace, mercy, and peace”

3. Paul’s prayer (3-4) • Not routine, but with compassion and concern • He served God with a pure conscience; his conscience helped give power to his prayers • Paul’s confidence in Timothy (5) • Timothy’s faith was genuine • On second trip, Paul enlisted Timothy into Christian service • Godly home

4. God’s gift to Timothy (6-7) • Laying hands on Timothy (4:14) • Holy Spirit enabling us to serve God; through Him we overcome fear and weakness • fear (1:7): timidity, cowardice • Holy Spirit gives power for witness and service (Acts 1:8) • Holy Spirit gives love for lost souls and God’s people • Selfishness leads to fear • The Spirit enables us to sacrifice for others and not be afraid

5. Holy Spirit gives self-control (a “sound mind”) • Sober; self-discipline • Amplified version: “calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control” • ”Stir up” and not need any new ingredients • Neglect not the gift that is in thee” (1 Timothy 4:14) • Stir up: stir into flame – the gift of God. • We can grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30) and quench the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19) • Shameless Suffering (1:8-12) • “not ashamed “: key idea

6. Be not ashamed of the Lord’s testimony (8-10) • Timothy’s timidity can cause him to avoid circumstances • Give us power (8) • “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me” (Luke 22:42) • Paul asked to remove thorn in his flesh three times (2 Cor. 12:7-8

7. Suffering is a part of Christian life • Phil. 3:10 • Col. 1:24 • 1 Peter 2:20, 3:17 • God has called us by His grace (9) • Suffering as a part of His plan • Grace • Christ has defeated death (10) • He abolished death by death and resurrection • Destroyer of death and Revealer of life and immortality

8. Immortality: incorruptibility • Glorified body and corruptible body • 1 Peter 1:4 • Be not ashamed of the Lord’s prisoner (11-12) • Paul was called by God (11) • Herald: an official messenger of the king or emperor • Apostle: one sent with a commission • Represented Jesus Christ

9. Teacher of the Gentiles • Gentiles put him in prison in Rome • Paul was confident in Christ (12) • Because Christ was faithful and would keep him • “I know whom I have believed” • Suffering in other ways than prison • Loss of friends, being bypassed for promotion, loss of customers, being scrubbed by people • Stand by God’s servants who are suffering

10. Spiritual Loyalty (1:13-18) • Be loyal to God’s Word (13-14) • Responsibility to hold fast (13) and guard (14) • The truth and pass along to others (2:2) • Form (13): a pattern; an architects sketch • Satan opposed God’s Word • God’s Word was attacked by people within the church

11. Be Loyal to God’s servant (15-18) • Dark hour • Phygelus and Hermogenes (15) opposed Paul • Demas forsaken him (4:15) • Others in distant places of ministry • Onesiphorus: Profit-bearing • Possibly a deacon in Ephesus [ministered 1:6] • Faithful Minister • They feel burdens and needs • Pray in difficult times • Be rewarded openly (18)

12. Traveled from Ephesus to Rome to minister to Paul’s needs • Persisted and risked his life • Not ashamed of Paul’s chain • Chained to soldier 24 hours • “He often refreshed me” Essentials for a successful ministry: courageous enthusiasm, shameless suffering and spiritual loyalty.