I wrote this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:11–14 for a preaching class at Bob Jones University.
Introduction. Here in this last epistle of Paul, we find the words of a seasoned man of God to Timothy, his son in the faith. Most likely Paul writes this letter from a Roman prison cell. And he gives special instruction to the minister with regard to the gospel and his responsibility to defend, suffer for, continue in, and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. While this epistle has special application to all ministers of the gospel, it has a general application to all believers, who are also in a real sense ministers of the gospel. In this age of compromise and tolerance, there is a great need for the message of Paul to Timothy to be heard by all ministers of our day. The charge in this first chapter is threefold: the minister must communicate the gospel, suffer for the gospel, and guard the gospel.
I. Communicate the Gospel. (v. 11)
There must not be a neglect of preaching and teaching in the minister’s communication of the gospel. Acts 5:42 makes it clear that the habit of the apostles in the early church included both the teaching and the preaching of Jesus Christ, who is the gospel. According to Ephesians 4:11, the office of the minister of the gospel is both an office of pastor (or preacher) and teacher. The office of the minister includes both duties.
A. Preach the Gospel. (v. 11a)
The minister must proclaim the gospel in a forceful manner, calling people to respond and change. The preacher’s concern is chiefly with the heart of his listener. He is trying to cut through all the professions and intellectual facts down to the heart of the issue.
B. Teach the Gospel. (v. 11b)
The teacher’s concern is chiefly with the head of his listener, while most definitely not stopping at that point. The teaching is more the laying of the foundation and the presenting of the doctrines which comprise our faith, while the preaching goes straight to the heart. Every good sermon should contain both of these elements.
II. Suffer for the Gospel. (v. 12)
Anyone who will boldly teach and preach the pure gospel of grace through faith in Christ is bound to meet objections and suffer persecution. So Paul was preparing Timothy for what he would undoubtedly face, for all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. And this godly living includes a gospel-centered preaching. But the persecuted must suffer in the right way. He must not sulk and be ashamed of that for which he is suffering.
A. Suffer Unashamedly for the Gospel. (v. 12a)
The suffering minister has no reason to cringe back in shame for his bold stance taken for the gospel’s sake. Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes (Romans 1:16).
B. Suffer Confidently for the Gospel. (v. 12b)
The reason Paul and Timothy and every minister of the gospel should have this kind of unwavering confidence in the face of persecution is not because he thinks he is right, but because of his firm confidence in the One whom he is trusting.
III. Guard the Gospel. (vv. 13–14)
A. The Manner (v. 13)
In fighting for the gospel we must do so in the proper manner. What we do is very important, and why we do it is very important, but equally important is how we do it.
1. With faith toward God (v. 13a). The first important thing for the minister to realize is that he must fight to protect the gospel not through fleshly self-effort, but through faith in the promises of God. For without faith it is impossible to please Him, and whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
2. With love toward man (v. 13b). We as fundamentalists have often been accused of being unloving in our contending for the purity of the gospel—sometimes rightly so, because often our contending has not been for the gospel, and often our contending for the gospel has been exercised in the wrong way. Yes, we must contend for and guard the precious gospel, but we must do it in a loving manner.
B. The Means—the Indwelling Spirit (v. 14)
The power of obedience is always the Spirit of God. Any good that the believer does is produced by Him. All that He does not produce is fleshly and sinful.
Conclusion. The need of our day is clear. The charge to Timothy from Paul is just as applicable today as it was then, if not more so. In this day of compromise and tolerance we must preach the gospel in all its fullness; and, as a result, be willing to suffer whatever persecution comes; but most of all we must guard the gospel in the right way, namely, with faith toward God and love toward our fellow man, empowered by the Holy Spirit who indwells us. Let the people of God, and especially pastors, fulfill the duties of being faithful ministers of the gospel.