Summary: Verse 2 of this study really tells it all. Paul knew Timothy would be dealing with very difficult days, so in his last letter, he sends a message filled with hope in mercy and peace.

Mercy and Peace in Discouraging Times

2 Timothy 1:1-18

I. For Times of Tears (v. 3-7)

a. Found through Godly heritage (v. 5; 2 Timothy 3:15; Proverbs 22:6)

b. Found through Godly gifts (v. 6-7)

i. Power (Acts 1:8)

ii. Love (Galatians 5:22)

iii. Discipline (Hebrews 12:8)

II. For Times of Fears (v. 8-14; 1 John 4:18)

a. Found through the Scriptures (v. 8-11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

b. Found through faith (v. 12; Hebrews 11:1)

c. Found through doctrinal purity (v. 13-14; 1 Timothy 4:6)

III. For Times of Loneliness (v. 15-18)

a. Found despite isolation (v. 15; Elijah)

b. Found because of companionship (v. 16-18)

REFERENCE NOTES

2 Timothy 3:15—

15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 22:6—

6Train up a child in the way he should go,

Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Acts 1:8—

8but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

Galatians 5:22—

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Hebrews 12:8—

8But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

1 John 4:18—

18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4—3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Hebrews 11:1— 1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

1 Timothy 4:6—

6In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.