FRIDAY May 23, 2025

A Beloved Son in the Faith

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:1-2

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul established once more that, by the will of God, he was called to be an Apostle. He believed in the promise of God––the promise of eternal life. This was important, because in his second letter to Timothy, Paul was just about to come to the close of about 30 years in ministry.

The aged Apostle had been arrested and brought to a prison in Rome. Caesar Nero had him behind bars, and Paul knew that a death sentence would be given to him. Timothy was still the pastor of the church of Ephesus, and he was about 33 years old.

In this season of his life, Timothy had become discouraged. He was dealing with false teachers that had crept into the church. Gnostics and Judaizers had caused havoc. Satan and his adversaries came against the work of God by causing these divisions. Paul wrote to encourage him.

Even though ministry was hard at times, Timothy was to remain steadfast in his call to preach and teach God’s Word. Ministry can be a lonely place where you do not have too many trusted friends. Timothy relied on God’s grace, mercy and peace that were extended to him in Paul’s greeting.

I love what Paul said in Romans 16:17-20. For those serving in the ministry, they will find wise instruction and great encouragement:

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all ...but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

What has been given to you? The wonderful, amazing grace of God.

Between here and heaven, every minute that the Christian lives will be a minute of grace.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!