Most of us know somebody who has stepped back, or entirely away from, their faith because they experienced hurt by the words or actions of someone in the church. 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.

Let’s explore the Word and see how the Bible guides us through “Church Hurt.”

In this 2-Part series, we’ll cover 6 points:

• Strength in the sacrifices of those before us

• Encouragement knowing we are not alone in our current struggle

• Serve Jesus, not men

• Commit to God’s work

• God is in control

• A remnant waits for you

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.

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.

Think about Paul’s “great cloud of witnesses” from Hebrews 11, and this verse about our Savior from Hebrews 12:3.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Observation #1 – 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 brings Timothy back to the present. He continues to remove the focus from self, but reminds him not to be ashamed. The shame isn’t of his own doubt or lack of courage, or of the persecution and ridicule against him. Paul says, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…”

We get another glimpse of Paul’s concern for Timothy’s struggle in verse 12. After a quick review of the Gospel, Paul 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 does not conclude it with a list. He is telling Timothy that he suffers the same things as he 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 that Paul shared with Timothy. Paul calls it “the pattern of sound words,” which must be kept “…in faith and love which are in Jesus Christ.”

Observation #2 – We all experience struggle in the journey of faith. It should encourage us that we are not alone in this experience.

In the final verses of Chapter 1, Paul further reveals that his intention for this letter is to build Timothy up in his hurt 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, Hermognes, 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.”

Observation #3 – 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, you could be crushed by hurt and disappointment.