Don’t Be Afraid—God Is With You (2 Timothy 1:1–18)
Have you ever felt afraid to speak up about your faith? Or worried you’re not strong enough for the challenges ahead? In 2 Timothy 1, the Apostle Paul writes a heartfelt letter to his friend and younger co-worker, Timothy, with words that are just as encouraging for us today.
Let’s look at what Paul says and how it helps us live boldly and faithfully.
A Personal Letter Full of Love
Paul opens the letter by reminding Timothy that he’s writing as a servant of God, chosen to share the good news about Jesus. He calls Timothy his “dear son” in the faith—someone he truly loves.
Even though Paul is in prison and facing tough times, he says:
“I thank God… as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” (v.3)
Paul remembers Timothy’s sincere faith, which was passed down from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. This is a beautiful reminder that faith can grow through family and be passed from one generation to the next.
Fan Into Flame the Gift God Gave You
Paul encourages Timothy to stir up the gift that God gave him—to not let it fade out. We all have gifts from God, but they need to be used, developed, and strengthened.
Paul says:
“God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (v.7)
That means we don’t have to be afraid to live out our faith or speak about Jesus. God gives us strength, loving hearts, and the ability to stay calm and focused. When we feel nervous or weak, we can lean on the Spirit He has placed inside us.
Don’t Be Ashamed of the Gospel
Paul challenges Timothy (and us) not to be ashamed of sharing the message of Jesus—even when it’s unpopular or risky.
“Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” (v.8)
Paul reminds us that Jesus has already defeated death and given us eternal life. Even though Paul is suffering in prison, he isn’t discouraged. Why?
“I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him.” (v.12)
Paul is saying: I trust Jesus with my whole life—even when things are hard. He won’t let me down.
Hold On to the Truth
Paul tells Timothy to hold tightly to the sound teaching he received and to guard the truth with the help of the Holy Spirit. In a world full of false teachings, distractions, and pressure, we must stay rooted in God’s Word.
Encouragement from Friends
Paul mentions that some people abandoned him when things got difficult. But he also highlights a faithful friend, Onesiphorus, who stood by him, helped him, and was not ashamed to visit him in prison.
“He often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.” (v.16)
It’s a reminder of the importance of encouraging one another—especially when life is hard.
Final Thoughts
2 Timothy 1:1–18 is a powerful reminder to live boldly for God, even when things feel scary or uncertain. Here’s what we can take from Paul’s words:
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Thank God for the people who helped grow your faith
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Use your gifts—don’t let fear stop you
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God gives you power, love, and self-control
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Don’t be ashamed of Jesus—stand strong in your faith
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Hold tightly to the truth and lean on the Holy Spirit
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Encourage others who are hurting or standing alone
No matter your age, background, or situation, God has a purpose for your life. You don’t need to be afraid—because He is with you, and He is strong in you.
So fan your flame, speak your faith, and trust your Savior.
2 Timothy 1:1-18 (WEB)
1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day 4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, in you also.6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 8 Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News. 11 For this I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this cause I also suffer these things.Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.15 This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me, of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, 17 but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently and found me 18 (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.