Second Timothy

Though it was not the last days of the church’s history when Paul wrote this letter, the Apostle is nevertheless permitted to see the failure of man in his responsibility to maintain the order of the House of God. In the first epistle some had turned aside; now we find all those of Asia turned away (2 Tim. 1:15). Christendom had become a great house; things were in disorder (2 Tim. 2:20). In this epistle, then, we have instruction for the godly in a day of ruin.
Chapter 1 gives us the encouragement we need in such a day. In the first epistle the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. In the second, the emphasis is on the individual and the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). “Have an outline of sound words, which [words] thou hast heard of me”, not merely as some doctrine, but “in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:13 JND). There is no suggestion of giving up the truth; rather, Paul’s doctrine is emphasized (such as, 2 Tim. 2:2 and 3:10). Clearly there is a cost—the Apostle was in prison (2 Tim. 2:9). “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).
In chapter 2 we have our path in a day of ruin, beginning with the right spiritual condition: “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 2:1). That path must involve separation from evil, which necessarily assumes spiritual discernment (2 Tim. 2:19-21). “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22).
Great indeed is the mystery of godliness. The mystery, or secret, of godliness lies in the knowledge of God manifested in and through the person of Christ (1 Tim. 3:16). In the second epistle, the word “godliness” is only to be found in the verse, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Tim. 3:5). When the person of Christ is denied, godliness is merely a form. Professing Christendom is rapidly sinking into the dark depths of paganism (see 2 Tim 3:1-5; Rom. 1:28-31). The Holy Scriptures are our sure resource (2 Tim. 3:14-17). In chapter 4 we have our service in the day of ruin. How beautiful to see Mark restored amidst such a general departure from the truth (2 Tim. 4:11).