David R. Helm
RESOURCES
Commentaries and Other Reading [pdf, 367kb]
Suggested Preaching Series Schedules [pdf, 65kb]
Rhetorical Structure [pdf, 86kb]
Evidently, this letter was written at the close of the Apostle Paul’s life. The end of the letter reveals that to us. Chapter 4, verse 6 reads:
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”
Two metaphors are used—a drink offering and the time of his departure. The first has its roots in the Hebrew Scriptures, where wine was poured over the altar at the time of sacrifice. Paul views his impending martyrdom—his death—as a drink offering, an act done in a way that would please God.
The second metaphor refers to departure. The word is used elsewhere to describe the ropes of a ship being loosed so it can set sail, or a soldier pulling up tent pegs. Paul is clearly at the close of his life. You might say this letter is Paul’s final words for gospel workers.
It is not written in response to a local crisis Timothy faced, but out of Paul’s personal relationship with him. The opening of the letter makes this intimacy plain. Paul says:
“I thank God, whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith—a faith that first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”
Paul remembers Timothy, recalls his faith, and longs to see him. The letter flows out of deep relationship and the awareness of approaching death. That context helps us ask: What was on Paul’s mind at the end?
Paul wastes no time in letting Timothy know what matters most. He moves quickly from remembrance to a strong reminder. In an unusually bold and direct opening, Paul writes:
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (1:6)
This is the structural marker of the letter. From 1 Timothy 4 we know this gift relates to Timothy’s public proclamation of God’s Word. In other words, as Paul’s own candle flickers out, Timothy’s gift is to be fanned into flame.
That will require two things:
Do not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord or of Paul his prisoner (1:8).
Be willing to share in suffering for the gospel.
The body of the letter begins here—with a call to give himself to the Word of life and a way of life.
Interestingly, the closing unit of the body of the letter returns to these very themes. In chapter 4, verses 1–8, Paul again groups imperatives around:
Preaching the Word (4:2)
Enduring suffering (4:5)
So the letter opens and closes with the same charge: fan into flame the gift… fulfill your ministry.
Within this framework, Paul gives Timothy grouped instructions that shape the body of the letter.
Chapter 1:13–14
“Follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me.”
“Guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”
Timothy is to command the fullness of God’s Word and protect it as a precious treasure.
Chapter 2:2–3
“What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
Word ministry and endurance go hand in hand.
Chapter 2:8–14, 22
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.”
“Remind them of these things.”
“Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness.”
Timothy’s handling of the Word and his character both matter greatly.
Chapter 3:14
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed.”
Paul warns of difficult days ahead but exhorts Timothy to persevere in the Word.
Chapter 4:2, 5
“Preach the Word.”
“Endure suffering… fulfill your ministry.”
Together these groupings frame the whole letter: Word and life, proclamation and perseverance.
From my own experience preaching this letter and working with pastors preparing to do so, I see at least three challenges.
The letter is saturated with urgency about that day—the appearing of Christ and final judgment. Paul charges Timothy:
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word.” (4:1–2)
The certainty of Christ’s return shapes the entire letter. Without that urgency in our hearts, we cannot preach 2 Timothy well.
Paul’s ministry was driven not only by Christ’s appearing but also by a deep desire for others to obtain salvation.
“I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2:10)
Even in prison, Paul longs for the gospel to be proclaimed to all nations (4:17). That evangelistic heartbeat must mark our preaching.
Though written to Timothy, the letter was intended for the whole church (the final benediction, “Grace be with you,” is plural). If we only speak to future pastors and interns, we fail.
Look for ways to engage everyone—businesspeople, parents, children—through application. One tool is to notice the characters in the letter. For example, in chapter 1 we meet Phygelus and Hermogenes (who turned away) alongside Onesiphorus (who refreshed Paul, was unashamed, and served faithfully). These figures model both warning and encouragement for every believer.
One final word: how do we preach the gospel from this letter?
It is easy to preach only the imperatives—don’t be ashamed, share in suffering, guard the deposit. But Paul embeds the gospel indicatives right in the middle.
Chapter 1:9–10
“…who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace… now manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
Chapter 2:8
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel.”
The gospel is not just background—it is the power that sustains, motivates, and enables ministry.
So as we preach 2 Timothy, remember:
Paul writes with eschatological urgency.
He beats with evangelistic desire.
He calls all God’s people—not just gospel workers—to live faithfully.
And he centers everything on the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thanks for joining us for this session of Getting Started. I hope you’ll benefit greatly as you teach this wonderful letter.