As the apostle Paul penned his second epistle to the evangelist Timothy, he faced an uncertain future. Even as the epistle began, the issues of life and death occupied the mind of this preeminent servant (2 Tim. 1:1) who probably gave his life for the cause of Christ soon after writing to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:6). In what was, seemingly, Paul’s last inspired communication to his beloved Timothy (2 Tim. 1:2), Paul emphasized truths not only dear unto himself but as well placed an emphasis upon those things which must be done after his departure in order to secure the church in succeeding generations. Paul, as a spiritual father to Timothy, looked longingly to the immediate and distant future with a protective eye. He would not leave Timothy without direction as Timothy faced the challenges of the day without the wisdom and guidance of the great apostle. In this most intriguing context, the beloved apostle admonishes the young evangelist concerning several things, including his teaching responsibility. Paul did not leave this world before he laid foundational stones which support the church very well to this very day.
In a review of 2 Timothy, we note the consistency flowing from the pen of Paul as he continually entreated Timothy to focus on his primary objective, the teaching of the Word of God. A quick reading of the text evidences this observation: Paul admonished Timothy to:
(a)Stir up the gift of God in him. 1:6
(b)Not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. 1:8
(c)Hold fast the form of sound words. 1:13
(d)Put them in remembrance. 2:14
(e)Rightly divide the Word. 2:15
(f)Be apt to teach. 2:24
(g)Instruct those who oppose themselves. 2:25
(h)Preach the Word. 4:2a
(i)Do the work of an evangelist. 4:5
Additionally, Paul presented himself as both a preacher and a teacher (1:11) in whom the Word would not be bound (2:9). In the spirit of 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul leaves himself as an example after which Timothy may pattern himself after Paul’s departure.
Perhaps one of the most compelling admonitions of the entire epistle was gracefully presented in 2 Tim. 2:2. With a protective eye on the future of the church and a genuine interest in the souls of men, the apostle Paul looked beyond the immediate and personal labors of Timothy and focused on the potentially broad impact that he may have in his own generation and in generations yet to come. The apostle vividly saw the value of preparing others to spread the Word along side men such as Timothy as well as after such passes the scene. Here the apostle Paul said, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2:2; NASB).
Our congregation faces the same challenges today that were faced so courageously by first century Christians. Our present need of teachers is as important for our congregation as it was for the area where Timothy labored so long ago. If the membership of a congregation fails to meet the challenge of teaching those under its care and guidance, they will surely answer to the Lord. May we as members conscientiously review and tap into our genuine potential and seriously consider making a firm commitment to be a part of the teaching of God’s Word to those that will come after us.
