Onesiphorus, A Brother Born for Adversity

 As believers, we should be good to people. 

Onesiphorus - great example of what to be and what to be as a believer and a friend.

Paul was a great friend and had great friends:  can see this from groups, fellowship tender words, was ripped away when had to leave them, was gifted.  

Examples:  Onesimus, Epaphroditus, Priscilla, Aquila, Thychicus (a beloved brother), Tertius, Ampliatus (my beloved in the Lord), Luke (with him during his imprisonment), Timothy, and of course, Onesiphorus.

Paul = writing to Timothy from an awful prison to encourage and instruct.  Probably = last words.  He was lonely, and knows his time is coming to an end.

2 Tim. 1:13-15 - Guard and Practice because:

1)  People will abandon the faith.  Example:  Matt. 13:20-21 - Parable of the sower.  When hard times come, is a time for growth, the real believers stay firm. 
     So, build and train - is good to know the 'why' we believe.

2)  Serving the Lord can FEEL lonely   But, are never alone if really in the faith.  Psm. 94:14, Matt. 28:20, Heb. 13:5-6, Rom. 8:31-35
     Temptation.  

Lessons from Onesiphorus.    2 Tim. 1:16-18

A.  Be a real bro.  Prov. 17:17    How?

B.  Be present - ministry of presence is fairly easy now.  Was a lot harder in Paul's time.

C.  Make an effort - Matt. 25:37-40  traveled a long distance to go to Paul.  searched earnestly, at great risk, had a history of service

D.  Have your brother's back.  He was not ashamed of Paul.  Was a friend all the time.  Gal. 6:2, Heb. 13:1-3, John 13:34-35, John 15:13 - greater love hath no man....  Brothers should defend, care for each other.  We should have a special love for other Christians

E  Inspire others to be better believers.  We can be inspired by others to do better. 
    Heb. 11, Heb. 12:1-2, 1 Cor. 11:1 - Imitate me as I imitate Christ --- let that be a goal in our lives.

How can we stir up love and good works   Heb. 10:24 - one of the chief jobs of Christians

Challenge:  think am I refreshing the saints?  Am I loyal to God and his people?  Am I pulling people to or pushing them away?  Can't love the Lord and hate His people.

Closing Scripture:  Eph. 4:29-5:2

2 Timothy 1:8-14

 In the New Testament, we have Pastoral Epistles  (1 & 2 Tim, Titus)
                                            and Prison Epistles  (Ephesians, Philipians, Colossians, Philemon)

2nd. Timothy = Both!!  in other words - TO Timothy FROM prison.

Closed Acts with Paul in Rome under house arrest!  Evidence suggests were 2 Roman imprisonments.
So NOW (2nd. Tim) Paul IN prison awaiting execution.  (is pretty confident that he will be executed)

So.... pens "last words" to Timothy  (at Ephesus)
Hence, there is much advice, instruction, encouragement - MOST of which applies to ANY and ALL Christians!
Note:  Timothy is in charge of all the churches in the area.

(Josh did 2 Tim. 1:1-7 last time)   Today = 2 Tim. 1:8-14

BUT, ... vs. 8 begins with "therefore", So leading up to this? 
              vs. 3 .... I thank God as I remember you"
              vs. 5 .... I'm reminded of your sincere faith"
              vs. 6.... fan into flame ... the gift within you"

In other words, "because of who you are and what you are called to do (the task before you) ... additional advice!

2 Tim. 1:8-14 - Watch  for specific charges that apply to Timothy AND to you!

4 Specific Charges:

I)  Don't be ashamed (of the Gospel)

II)  Join me in suffering (for the Gospel)

III)  Follow the pattern (you've been shown)

IV)  Guard the good deposit (you've been given)

I)  Don't be ashamed  (of the Gospel, of me)  - Vs. 8
      Why 'ashamed?? 
(A)  THEN  - Example:  Alexamenos = weakness!  Worshiping a God who was crucified and hung naked on a cross.  Showed sign of weakness to Romans.  Ridicule in Rome still found today.  Christians saw this as a great victory over death.  Mockery still true today.

(B)  NOW = foolish!!  ie:  direct your life based on myths, legends, antiquated morals?"  (still a mockery)

Paul's answer ... #1)  2 Tim. 1:12 - "I know WHOM I have believed" 
Christianity is more than a belief system.  It = a personal interaction with a risen Christ!

                         #2)  Rom. 1:16-17 - "it is the Power of God... to salvation"
In other words, it works!!!  John 14:6,  Acts 4:12

II)  Join me in suffering  (share in)  Vs. 8b

     A)  suffering for the gospel - in other words, when presenting, promoting the Gospel entails a degree of suffering .... DON'T SHY AWAY!
     B)  suffering by the Power of God - ie:  with the Presence and assistance of God.  When are suffering for the Gospel, are NEVER alone!  

Note:  vs. "His prisoner" - (Christ's)
implied:
     C)  Suffer well  (properly - in an exemplary manner)
ie:  when suffering is not immediately, directly tied to the Gospel ... Nevertheless.. Christians should suffer in a manner that shows Faith and Confidence in God - 2 Tim. 2:3,  1 Pet. 2:21  (context = slavery)

III)  Keep to the Pattern  (vs. 13)  in other words, what you've been taught (the truth), is true... DON'T DEVIATE FROM IT!!!
early on.... many received the Gospel But wanted to "adjust, correct, improve on it" 
example:  Gnostics
Today? = Same!!!  example:  Progressive Christianity 
Titus 1:9 - applies to more than "elders".  Should be true of all Christians. "If it's new, it's probably not TRUE!" 

Closely related...
IV)  Guard the good deposit - Vs. 14
"you've been ENTRUSTED with something valuable & precious..."GUARD IT!!"  watch over, protect, keep safe, be diligent, alert, attentive.
Which = (1) protect it from corruption - on one hand, can't keep others from corrupting, BUT can keep self from corrupting it!
              (2)  put it to use Example:  Parable of the Talents - "wicked, lazy servant"
Don't SIT on your salvation!
Note:  closing of 1 Tim. 6:20 - with help of Holy Spirit

Add: 
V)  Entrust this deposit to others 2 Tim. 2:2
     ie:  evangelism, discipleship, teaching, training, equipping, etc.
Which = Pass it on and multiply the effects!

2nd. Timothy is full of direct, explicit charges ... to Timothy, to US... to you! 
So... (1)  give serious consideration to these charges
and  (2)  measure your faith according to them.!

Closing scripture:  2 Tim. 4:1-5