2 Timothy 1:1-2. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
This is the true apostolical succession,-one minister brings another to Christ, and then charges that other to train other preachers and teachers to carry on the blessed work of evangelization.
2 Timothy 1:3-4. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
The man who has given himself wholly to the service of Christ must not undertake any other business that would prevent his giving his whole strength to his Master's work.
2 Timothy 1:5-8. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to My gospel:
The resurrection of Christ is the corner-stone of the glorious temple of truth, the key-stone of the arch of revelation. Paul tells us, in that great chapter, 1 Corinthians 15:1, how hopeless our case would be if Christ was not «raised from the dead; «but he also proves most conclusively that he was raised «the third day, according to the Scriptures.»
2 Timothy 1:9. Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Thank God that it is not yet bound though many have tried to fetter it. When they think that they have manacled it, it breaks loose again, and so it always will. However low this heavenly fire may burn, it soon blazes up again, and so it shall to the world's end. Immortal as the Christ who is the sum and substance of it is the everlasting gospel of the blessed God.
2 Timothy 1:10-13. Therefore I endure all things from the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Blessed truth, God grant us the grace to mediate upon it until we also shall become faithful to him and to his truth!
This exposition consisted of readings from 2 Timothy 1:1; and 2 Timothy 2:1-13.