2 Timothy 1:13–2:2 | Resources
Intro
In 2 Timothy 1:13–2:2, Paul urges Timothy to hold tightly to the sound teaching he has received, guarding the truth of the gospel with the help of the Holy Spirit. Paul points to examples of those who abandoned him but also commends Onesiphorus for his faithful support. Moving into chapter 2, Paul challenges Timothy to be strong in God’s grace and to pass on what he has learned to trustworthy people who will, in turn, teach others. This passage highlights the importance of faithfully preserving and multiplying the gospel message through intentional discipleship.
Pray: Sanctify me by your Word, God. Let my life be a testimony to your power and goodness.
Passage: 2 Timothy 1:13–2:2
“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. You know that all those in the province of Asia have deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me. May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from him on that day. You know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.
You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Prayer
“Lord, help me to hold tightly to the truth of Your Word and not be swayed by fear, doubt, or pressure. Strengthen me by Your grace to live faithfully and boldly. Show me who I can invest in, someone I can encourage, teach, or disciple, so that the gospel continues to grow through my life. Help me be both a faithful follower and a faithful teacher of Your truth.”
Memory Verse
“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:1–2
Supplemental Reading
Colossians 2:6–8
Gospel Connection
In 2 Timothy 1:13–2:2, Paul shows that the gospel is a precious truth that must be guarded, held onto, and passed down. He urges Timothy to cling to the sound teaching he received; the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, and to protect it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds us that this gospel isn’t meant to stop with us but rather to be shared and entrusted to faithful people who will teach others. The gospel is not just personal; it’s meant to be multiplied through discipleship and faithful teaching from one generation to the next.
Discussion/Reflection Questions
1. Am I holding tightly to the truth of God’s Word, or have I allowed compromise or confusion to creep in?
2. What does it look like in my life to “guard the good deposit” of the gospel? How can I rely on the Holy Spirit to help me do that?
3. Who has passed the truth of the gospel on to me, and how have I responded to that investment?
4. Am I actively sharing what I’ve learned with others, or keeping it to myself? Who might God be calling me to disciple or encourage in their faith?
5. In what areas do I need to grow stronger in God’s grace so I can be a more faithful follower and teacher of the gospel?
Action Step: Identify one person in your life, whether a friend, younger believer, or family member, whom you can begin intentionally encouraging in their faith. This week, reach out to them with a Scripture, a prayer, or a simple conversation about spiritual things. Make it a goal to start entrusting the truth of the gospel to someone else, just as Paul instructed Timothy to do.