March 29, 2026
Hebrews 12:3
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
What do you do when Christians let you down? Most of us know someone who has stepped back—or entirely away—from their faith because of hurt caused by the words or actions of another believer. Surprisingly, Paul’s second letter to Timothy shows us that this is not a contemporary issue, but one that goes back to the first generation of believers.
Paul opens his letter with an eye-catching statement that should cause us to pause and consider why he is writing it. After reassuring Timothy that he is praying for him, he includes in verse 4 that he is doing so while being “mindful of your tears…”
Timothy is struggling. Therefore, we need to keep this in mind as we read the entire letter. Paul knows that wounds caused by other people may leave scars, and he doesn’t want those scars to define Timothy’s faith or future.
To conclude this sentence in verse 5, Paul artfully builds up Timothy by reminding him of his family’s strong Christian legacy, saying, “…the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice…” Remembering that others who have passed through the fire of persecution and pain before us should give us strength to endure as we desire to honor that legacy.
What we experience in our faith is not only about us, what we feel, experience, or how we interpret the scripture. We must also consider the sacrifices of the believers who came before us, and most importantly, the sacrifice made by the One we bow the knee to; Jesus Christ.
In verse 8 of chapter 1, Paul continues to remove the focus from self, and reminds Timothy not to be ashamed. Ashamed of what? Doubt or lack of courage? Maybe of persecution or ridicule?
No, not any of these experiences of the flesh. Paul says, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…”
Paul backs up this claim and applies it to himself in verse 12, where he writes:
For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
When he writes “…I also suffer these things…,” he is telling Timothy that he suffers the same things that the young man is experiencing. Essentially, telling him to take heart because he is not alone in his experience, struggle, and doubt.
Paul solidifies his point by telling Timothy to keep by the Holy Spirit “That good thing which I have committed to you…” That “good thing” is the gospel of Jesus. Paul calls it “the pattern of sound words,” which must be kept “…in faith and love which are in Jesus Christ.”
We all experience struggle in the journey of faith, and knowing we aren’t alone in it is encouraging.
In the final verses of Chapter 1, Paul further reveals that his intention for this letter is to build Timothy up in his struggle by sharing his own story. He tells his protégé how he has been hurt and betrayed: to the point of dropping names. Paul states that everyone in Asia had abandoned him. He names Phygellus, Hermogenes, and the household of Onesiphorus, a man who “refreshed” Paul, and “ministered” to him at Ephesus.
Paul mentions others who have damaged the church, the gospel message, his work, and the faith of fellow Christians throughout the letter. In chapter 2 he points out Hymenaeus and Philetus, who were actively making false statements about “the truth.” And again, in chapter 4, he lists Demas as one who “has forsaken me, having loved this present world…,” and Alexander the coppersmith who “…did me much harm.”
Matthew 26:41
41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
2 Timothy 1
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus
Remember why you serve. It is not for the praise of men, but for the praise of God. All men and women will fall short of perfection and our expectations. If your faith and trust are in other men and women instead of Jesus alone, hurt and disappointment are not far behind.
Chris Long is a Christian author, songwriter, and speaker dedicated to spreading the Word through music, writing, and faith. He is the author of Guided by Wisdom and the creator of the Every Step Series.
Chris Long is a Christian author, songwriter, and speaker. He writes to encourage faith and spread the Word.
Gold Medal Award Winner — Finding Wisdom for Life in God’s Word.
7 Responses
Chris, I enjoyed reading your observations. God has gifted you in writing and encouragement. Praying for you right now.
Julie
Thanks for praying for me and for reading and writing. There is much depth in the Bible. God speaks into our lives through it. A priceless gift from Him.
Thank you for writing this. It is a great encouragement to me! Look forward to reading the next part
Hi Jenny,
Thank you for joining me on this journey. The good news about the post is that it is now a 3-part series. I will end it with a focus on Jesus, as we always should.
Good word. Been missing your input.
Hi Gloria,
I hope with the change of direction for my career and family that I will find more time to simply write. If you could, join me in praying that I find direction and focus for my blog.
I’m touching, agreeing and believing with you Chris.