Remember that Paul considered Timothy his son in the faith. It was he that brought the Gospel to Timothy and introduced him to Jesus. And now, as Paul is in prison and unsure of his future, he has some final words of advice.

Since he is in prison because of his faith, foremost in his mind is to encourage Timothy to be unashamed of the Lord. Don’t be afraid to stand up and defend the Gospel. It is, after all, the only truth that can set men free. The only truth that can reconcile sinful man with a holy God.

My friends, we are very quickly coming to the day when we will have to decide between standing for Jesus and being accepted by society. What will you decide?

Will you stand with Paul, who said, “But I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me…”?

Remember Paul’s words, “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, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.”

He had so many good and encouraging words for Timothy that are applicable today. It would be good to commit this little four-chapter book to memory. Bottom line: Stand strong in the faith, no matter the cost.