Enduring in Ministry

The passage calls us to strengthen our souls for difficult times that come to every Christian while living in this world. Paul is looking at Timothy, his child in the faith, his son in the Lord, one he has mentored in the faith. Paul knows all that is before Timothy. Paul has faced desertions, opposition from false teachers, and now physical imprisonment and coming death. This is deeply challenging to Timothy. And so he wants to impart pastoral advice to this young and timid leader. He has called him to guard the good deposit and now tells him how to do this. Like a commissioning service, Paul calls Timothy to ‘be strong in the grace that is in Jesus’ and to pass on what he has learned and to endure hardship. Endurance is the key for him and for each of us.