LEAVING A LEGACY

While imprisoned in Rome, the apostle Paul deals with loneliness and abandonment. But he does not seem preoccupied with himself. As he faces his likely execution, he is concerned about the next generation of the church and especially about his protégé Timothy, who is a godly and gifted minister but is perhaps fainthearted.

In what is believed to be the last of his letters, Paul encourages, reassures, and challenges Timothy to step up and fulfill his calling, investing in and helping to establish the next generation of the church and its leaders. He invites Timothy to embrace suffering for the sake of the gospel and to rely on the power of God to faithfully endure. Other key themes that may help to shape our worship/response:  

  • The key role of the scriptures  
  • Expecting difficult times 
  • Pursuing God and his heart 
  • Avoiding distraction