Goodbyes are not easy, but sometimes they are necessary. What we say in those moments often captures what’s most important to us in life—and what we think will most benefit the other person. For example, what do we say when we drop our children off at college, and we won’t be able to see them for several more months?
What do we say when we bid farewell to our children who depart for military service abroad, or move a long way away from home after they get married? Or what do we say to a loved one whose life is nearing its earthly end? At those times, everything seems to come into focus, and only important things are said—things of value, things of love, things of eternity, and things of God.
Second Timothy is Paul’s goodbye letter to his young apprentice, Timothy. Paul is going to be executed soon, and he knows it. What is on his mind at that moment? What claims his attention? What does he regard as most important for the sake of his dear son in the faith? The letter we call 2 Timothy tells us. And that’s why it has often been called, “Paul’s last will and testament to the church.” It’s his “swan song,” his final message, his parting words. Believers, then, do well to lean in and listen to what he has to say.
Part 1: My Dear Son (2 Timothy 1:1-2)
Part 2: You Got It (2 Timothy 1:1-7)
Part 3: Be Not Ashamed (2 Timothy 1:7-12)
Part 4: Take Care (2 Timothy 1:13-18)
Part 5: Endure Hardship (2 Timothy 2:1-7)
Part 6: Remember the Gospel (2 Timothy 2:8-13)
Part 7: Watch Out (2 Timothy 2:14-19)
Part 8: Be Useful to God (2 Timothy 2:20-26)
Part 9: Mark the Menace (2 Timothy 3:1-9)
Part 10: Navigate the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:10-17)