II Timothy 1-4

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (3:12).  Paul wanted Timothy to be fully aware of the dangers of following Christ.  But he reminded Timothy that God had given him a spirit of “power, love and discipline” (1:7) – everything needed to stay faithful.  Timothy shouldn’t be surprised by opposition or wickedness (3:1); some of Paul’s friends had chosen “love of this present world” (1:15, 4:9) rather than bear the troubles of the present. 

Above all, we fight the good fight in hope of a better world (4:7-8), because God is faithful (2:13) and keeps His promises.