by Pastor Rich Carlson

Second Timothy is Paul’s last letter. Though the historical setting of this letter is not absolutely clear, it appears that Paul was again under arrest in Rome. And this time, as we now know, death is eminent. Nero is trying to distract attention from himself by persecuting Christians. What would I write in my last letter—from prison—facing death—for nothing except the fact that I had remained faithful to God?

I had the opportunity to visit the Mammertine Prison in Rome and to see the place that is thought to have been Paul’s prison cell. It’s really just a big hole cut from rock with a hole on top where prisoners can be dropped down into this prison "well" of sorts.

So what does a person say who anticipates being killed for his faith? This seems like a good time for a miracle of deliverance for Paul to prove to those "heathens" who the real God is! Or at least a little pity party so everyone would feel sorry for him. But instead, here is what he wrote:

"I thank God, whom I serve,…as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers" (2 Tim 1:3). Paul’s thoughts were not directed toward himself and his plight, they were directed toward others—to Timothy, his good friend.

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith" (1:5). What gave him strength appears to be recalling the positive spiritual lives of those he has served.

"I remind you to fan into flames the gift of God" (1:6). Still a pastor, Paul continues encouraging others. The phrase "fan into flames" caught my attention. To have to fan the flame into existence seems to imply that the flame was going out. When he could have been asking for prayers for himself, Paul was encouraging the believers not to let God’s gift to them go out. Flames usually go out when they are unattended or neglected. He says, "Don’t let that happen! Fan them back into flames. Whatever it might be that is causing your flame to go out, don’t let it happen. Do whatever it takes to keep that spark alive and to bring it back to a flame."

Paul reminded Timothy that "God did not give us a spirit of timidity" (1:7). Maybe the neglect that caused the flame to dwindle is timidity—the lack of confidence in God’s word and God’s power to work in the lives of each believer. Paul’s "fanning" process included three things: power from God, love for God, and self-discipline, even in the hard times.

Paul also reminded Timothy that God has saved us "not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace" (1:9). That is why I love him and will hang in there with Him when things get tough. My end is sure, and it is in fact no end at all, but a glorious eternal beginning!

Paul said that he is "not ashamed" for the following reasons found in verse 12:
• "I know." My confidence is built on a careful look at God’s word and it’s promises.
• "Whom I have believed." It’s not so much what I believe as in whom I believe.
• "And am convinced that he is able." I have seen from my life what He is able to do for me. Look up the phrase "IS ABLE" some time and look at all the things God’s word says He is able to do. I’ll get you started—Daniel 6:20; Matthew 3:9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 7:25; Jude 24.
• "To guard what I have entrusted to him." Here’s the catch: I have to make a decision every day to give myself to Him so He can do what He wants to do for me. That’s why, I believe, that the Psalmist says to "commit your ways to the Lord" and Solomon in Proverbs says, "Commit your work to the Lord." A more recent Christian writer has put it this way: "commit yourself to God in the morning—make this your very first work. Let your prayer be take me oh God as wholly Thine, I lay all my plans at your feet to be given up or carried out as Your will indicates."

Paul appears to have made that commitment and it resulted in a confidence that brought him through to the end. Second Timothy 1:12 is my favorite verse in the Bible! I pray it will become your theme of confidence and commitment too.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.