2 Timothy 1:1-18

Paul wrote a second letter to Timothy in A.D. 66-67. He was once again imprisoned in Rome, this time by Emperor Nero. This was not the house arrest that Paul had previously suffered - he is now in a hole in the ground chained to two soldiers. This letter was written shortly before his martyrdom. Paul realized he would soon die. He writes to encourage Timothy to continue Paul's missionary work.

Paul encourages Timothy to stay strong in his mission to lead the church and preach the gospel. These men were chosen by God, not because of anything they had done, but because of the grace of God. Paul encourages Timothy to stand firm in his faith and to hold to the teaching of Christ.

Paul understands that he is suffering because of his commitment to the calling of the Lord. Does that seem wrong to you? Shouldn't God protect those He calls? Why do the faithful suffer? This question has plagued Christianity - why do bad things happen to good people? It's all about relationship and love. Love requires free will - it is a choice. God will not restrict the free will of anyone. If He did, where would He start? Where would He stop? Should He allow you to break the law because it's just a little sin, but stop someone else because it's a big sin? To God every sin is a big sin. Sin is sin, if He is going to stop it, then He will stop it all. If He stops you, forces you, or restricts you - then you are a robot incapable of choice. That is not a relationship. And so, out of love, God allows us to choose.

What does this have to do with Paul's suffering? Free will - people are able to choose God, or to choose themselves. Those that choose themselves hate to be reminded that there is a God that is bigger than they are. Out of guilt, selfishness, and denial - they destroy anything that threatens their choice. And so, God's chosen suffer. Does it seem right? No. But check out Paul's words, "Yet, I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." Paul understands a very important truth - it's all about God. Those that trust Him fully know that what happens in this life is temporary - their reward is coming quickly. Even in the dungeon, Paul finds confidence, peace, and joy because God is taking care of him. Not by human standards, which are flawed and superficial, but by God's standards, which are perfect. He will take care of you too if you simply trust Him.