King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Chapters: The Book of II Timothy
Message: II Timothy: A Servant of The Lord
Hello My Friend,
Merry Christmas Eve! I am feeling a little more emotional today as I read the chapters for today, not only it being the first year that my mother is not here, but I have absolutely nothing to give anyone for Christmas this year. On top of that I have been spending all week in a nursing home, which just added to the pain. However, we cannot forget that what this holy day is all about, the birth of our Saviour.
[Luke 1:30-32,34-35 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.]
Thank God that we have a Christmas and even reason to celebrate death for those who put their faith and trust in Christ. Because even we took our last breath here we will be in the presence of our Saviour. Suffering in this stage of life is something that everyone must face and as long as Satan exists so does the evils of this world. However, suffering does not define who we are and it does not have to control us. As we read through II Timothy we learn that all who are faithful to Christ will suffer persecution, yet we are also called to remain steady, grounded in truth, and committed to living in a way that reflects Christ even in the midst of persecution.
[2 Timothy 2:15-16,23-26 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.]
The Book of II Timothy is the sixteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-fifth book of the Bible, and contains four chapters. The author of this letter is Paul and it was written to Timothy in approximately 64AD, which he wrote from prison fearing he would soon be executed. The purpose of the letter was to encourage Timothy to assume the responsibility of the ministry which the apostle was handing over to him while facing persecution. What we are to learn from the book is that each person who lives for Christ will suffer persecution, but Christ gives them the power to endure and be a witness to others, [2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.]
Paul, wrote this letter to Timothy about a year after he had given them instructions on how to set the church at Ephesus in order. Timothy had been struggling with some persecution and apparently been a little fearful. Paul, begins the letter by reminding him of his faith as well as that of his mother and grandmother.
[2 Timothy 1:1-6 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.]
In other words, it is time to utilize all the spiritual gifts, which the grace of God has given him. Paul had mentioned this before, [1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.]
Next to guilt, fear is one of Satan’s most effective tactics to hinder God’s people. Fear does not have to be loud to be destructive; it only has to be convincing. It causes hesitation where God has spoken clarity. It creates doubt where God has given promise. It magnifies our weakness while shrinking our view of God’s strength. And if left unchallenged, fear can paralyze a believer who was meant to walk boldly in obedience. Paul reminds Timothy that next to the spiritual gifts that God gives is the power of His Spirit to be able to do the work.
[2 Timothy 1:7-10 For God hath not given us the Spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:]
Gifts reveal what God has placed within us; His Spirit supplies the strength to use them. Without the Spirit, gifts become dormant. With the Spirit, they become effective, fruitful, and aligned with God’s purpose. God does not just equip, He empowers. The same Spirit who called Timothy is the Spirit who would sustain him, embolden him, and make his ministry fruitful. Paul also reminds Timothy that he himself is writing from prison, yet refuses to be ashamed of his chains. His suffering is not a mark of failure but a mark of faithfulness. There is not one Christian who has not suffered. In fact, Jesus said it this way, [John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.]
Suffering is not a sign that God is angry or has abandoned us, it is often the evidence that we are walking in the very calling He has given us. The Spirit who empowers our gifts is the same Spirit who strengthens us in hardship, steadies our fear, and keeps us faithful when obedience becomes costly. Paul, goes on to elaborate.
[2 Timothy 1:12-14 For the which cause 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 that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.]
There is special kind of persecution that we face as true Christians that no one else will receive and it really is not for us to feel ashamed, fear, or offended because if they persecuted Jesus they will persecute us too. Do you realize that this is the worse that it will ever get for us? The eternal life that we will receive once we leave this earth will be all worth the pain we endured here. We are literally chosen to become soldiers who are training for combat.
[2 Timothy 2:1-6 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 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. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 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. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.]
It is so easy to get so caught up in the trials we face as a Christian that we lose sight of God’s grace that is freely given to all who belong to Him. These afflictions that we face through Christ are the driving point to our faith, not to mention the lost. Do you know how many people are walking around in fear, and scared our of their minds because they do not know what tomorrow brings? We are actually their hope, at least, for the ones who have some kind of faith in God.
[2 Timothy 2:8-14 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.]
Suffering does not come without merit for the saved, born again Christian who endures it through Christ. In fact, we will receive a crown for not only standing firm on our faith, but our labor as well. Do you remember years ago when men would be drafted into the army when they turned eighteen? This is what happened to every saved, born again Christian, we are drafted into Christ’s army as soon as we become a Christian. Do you think that Jesus would not equip us with the weapons we need to fight in this battle? We are soldiers, standing at the command of Christ to go out and preach the Gospel to every lost soul that He lays upon our heart. We are also commanded by Christ to preach the truth because deception is everywhere.
[2 Timothy 2:18-21 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.]
We are to take the good with the bad because we serve a risen Saviour. Because He Lives, we can face tomorrow, but the lost cannot, and unless we are out there, they have no chance of being found. We are soldiers, standing at the command of Christ Himself, to go out and preach the Gospel to every lost soul that He lays upon our heart. We are also commanded by Christ Himself to preach the truth because troublesome times are coming really fast.
[2 Timothy 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.]
Oh, they appear all righteous and sweet, they are for equality, diversity, unity, that is unless you are a faithful Christian, or someone who does not agree with what they see as right. It all comes down to this, fools professing themselves to be wise, disregarding the truth and believing the lies, [Romans 1:22-25 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.]
Let me tell you, being a good soldier for Christ is truly a labor of love, but our efforts to follow God’s will, do not go unnoticed with God, especially if we do it under trials and tribulation. And if you endured something, realizing it was God who got you through it, you will find that your labor of love does nor return void.
[2 Timothy 3:10-14,16-17 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.]
The second you believed in Christ, you understood from the Scriptures that Christ died for you, and that alone made you His child. We are given a new birth the second we receive Christ as our Saviour, and that birth is to our soul, that makes us His children. We cannot learn the Scriptures unless we become a child of God, and that is only possible through our faith in Christ, [Romans 10:10-12,17 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.]
I am not being a pessimist here, but we are definitely in perilous times and all need to wake up to the realization that our nations are losing the very foundation that has kept them from crumbling since we became the United States of America, and that is God. If Paul saw this way back in his day, can you imagine how close we are of Christ returning.
[2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.]
Something else comes to mind as I read this, since there are so many “versions” of the Bible, it is really going to be hard for people to know the truth. In fact, I foresee, and this is happening in other countries right now, the burning of God’s Word, replacing it with these garbage translations that have nothing to do with redemption, and even encourage sin. However, we who are faithful need to stand with Paul on this and keep fighting until God brings us home.
[2 Timothy 4:7-9,11,17-18 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.]
And this is why we stay faithful, we are not always going to do everything right and to be honest many soldiers are going to go AWOL, but just as Jesus said, those who endure until the end will be with Him, [Matthew 10:19-22 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.]
Today’s Prayer: God, We do not have to be a Christian to know that we are in perilous times. Not only are we subject to the constant immorality and false religion, we are also forced to forsake You or face persecution. I for one, am tired of people telling me not to talk about You or to bow down to their god, I want to be free to worship You, and live the way You want me to live. I know I am going to face persecution for committing to You, but I rather be hurt living by my faith rather than face judgment by You for having never accepted You. God, put Your hedge of protection around me, and give me Your power and strength to be the soldier You need me to be. Let me not live in fear, but boldly declare Your Son at all times, and speak up whenever You tell me to. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/ready-to-follow-jesus/
Read Previous Devotions: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Read The Bible: http://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/welcome/
Like I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2025 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.