The Secret to Faithfulness – Part 2

Second Timothy chapter number one.

Scripture Reference

Primary Text: 2 Timothy 1:6-14, 2:3 (selected verses for sermon focus)

Timothy, chapter number one. Second Timothy, chapter number one. I see that. Amen. Second Timothy, chapter number one. You can remain seated.

Introduction

We are in Second Timothy — Paul’s final written letter from a Roman prison, a dying man’s last words to a spiritual son. The letter is saturated with pastoral urgency: how to be faithful until the end. Dr. Terry LeQuieu has framed this series around “The Secret to Faithfulness.” This particular sermon, Part 2, unpacks the practical steps Paul gives Timothy in chapter one — simple, powerful measures that any believer can apply to remain faithful to Christ and to the calling God has given.

Quote from Preacher

We began our study Sunday night here in Second Timothy. And we are going to go five lessons in Second Timothy dealing with the theme of faithfulness and the secret to faithfulness here as we go through this book.

Outline

Renew the Gift
1. Scriptural basis: 2 Timothy 1:6 — “stir up the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”
2. Explanation: Every believer has been given gifts by God (see Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12). Paul urges Timothy to remember and rekindle that gift — not to let spiritual abilities lie dormant. Renewing the gift begins with personal devotion: daily time in the Word, regular prayer, and accountability that keeps the gift alive.
3. Practical steps: Identify your gift(s), join a ministry team that uses it, set a devotional schedule, and ask a fellow believer to hold you accountable for regular service.
Review the Resources
1. Scriptural basis: 2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2. Explanation: Paul lists three resources God supplies to the believer: power (dunamis — dynamic enabling from God), love (agape — divine love given to us so we can love others), and a sound mind (disciplined, godly thinking). These replace fear and timidity. Recognize these resources and use them rather than living under anxiety, media-driven panic, or worldly distraction.
3. Practical steps: Replace media-driven fear with Scripture reading, pray for boldness and love before gospel opportunities, and practice mental discipline by memorizing and meditating on truths that shape godly thinking.
Recognize Sufferings
1. Scriptural basis: 2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-13 referenced.
2. Explanation: Suffering is not a sign of God’s disfavor but often part of Christlike growth. Paul calls Timothy to be “partaker of the afflictions of the gospel.” Suffering refines faith and creates gospel opportunities. Knowing Christ has been through temptation and suffering gives us a pattern to follow.
3. Practical steps: Reframe trials as ministry opportunities, ask “Who can I reach or encourage because of this trial?” and use affliction to deepen reliance on Christ rather than withdraw in bitterness.
Remember the Calling
1. Scriptural basis: 2 Timothy 1:8-10 — called with a holy calling; saved, sanctified, and purposed by God.
2. Explanation: God’s calling defines our mission. We are saved and set apart not because of our merit but because of God’s purpose and grace. Remembering this prevents pride and discouragement: God chose you to fulfill a purpose only you can fulfill.
3. Practical steps: Write out your calling (family, workplace, church ministry), evaluate how your daily life aligns with that calling, and set long-term goals to honor that purpose.
Realize the Duty
1. Scriptural basis: 2 Timothy 1:11 — Paul: “a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”
2. Explanation: Understand the role God has given you. Timothy knew his responsibilities; likewise, each believer must accept and faithfully carry out their specific duties — whether teacher, encourager, giver, prayer warrior, or worker in another capacity.
3. Practical steps: Accept assignments faithfully and consistently; don’t quit because a role seems small. The small, faithful duties build lives and churches.
Rely on the Security
1. Scriptural basis: 2 Timothy 1:12 — “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him.”
2. Explanation: Faithfulness is rooted in assurance. Paul’s confidence was relational — “I know whom I have believed.” Our security is in Christ, not performance. That security frees us to suffer and serve unashamedly.
3. Practical steps: Cultivate assurance through personal relationship with Christ, recount salvation testimony, and commit daily concerns to the Lord in prayer.
Repeat the Doctrine
1. Scriptural basis: 2 Timothy 1:13-14 — “Hold fast the form of sound words… keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”
2. Explanation: Sound doctrine is foundational and must be remembered and rehearsed. Repetition makes the Word of God the working framework of our minds (Psalm 119:9-11). Doctrine shapes devotion, practice, and perseverance.
3. Practical steps: Engage regular Bible study, use Sunday school and home devotions as echo chambers of doctrine, memorize key verses, and teach others the truths you receive so they are reinforced in your heart.
Respectfully Choose Friends
1. Scriptural basis: 2 Timothy 1:15-18 — contrast of those who turned away and Onesiphorus who refreshed Paul.
2. Explanation: The company you keep matters. Some will desert you; others will refresh and strengthen you in trials. Onesiphorus sought Paul diligently, showed respect, and ministered to him. Faithfulness flourishes where loyal, spiritually-minded friendships exist.
3. Practical steps: Evaluate close relationships: are they encouraging godliness? Intentionally invest in and cultivate friendships that refresh you spiritually; minister to those who are suffering instead of criticizing them when they are down.

Summary

Paul gives Timothy — and us — a practical, spiritual formula for remaining faithful: renew the gift God placed in you, review and use the resources God supplies (power, love, a sound mind), recognize that suffering is a part of gospel life, remember your God-given calling, realize your duty, rely on the security of Christ, repeat sound doctrine, and respectfully choose friends who will refresh and support you. Together these form a disciplined, repeatable way to finish the race with joy and integrity.

It’s not always easy, but we got to renew the gift God’s given us. We’ve got to review our resources. God doesn’t want you to live in fear. He wants you to live in power, love, and a sound mind.

Application for the Week

Take these practical steps over the coming seven days to put Paul’s counsel into action. These are simple, measurable, and directed toward heart-change and consistent faithfulness.

Daily Renew: Five Minutes to Stir
1. Each morning for five minutes, name the spiritual gift(s) God has given you and ask the Lord to help you “stir up” and use that gift today. Record one concrete action you will take to exercise that gift (e.g., invite a coworker to church, teach a Bible story to a child, volunteer to help in a ministry).
Review Resources: Scripture against Fear
1. Memorize 2 Timothy 1:7 this week. When anxiety or fear arises, quote it aloud and pray for boldness and God’s love to be poured through you in that situation.
Recognize Suffering: Reframe and Reach
1. If you are facing hardship, write one sentence on how God might use this trial to reach others (who could you encourage or witness to because of what you’re going through?). Then take one concrete step to reach that person.
Remember Calling: Short Written Statement
1. Write a one-sentence summary of your calling this week (examples: “I am called to be a faithful mother who points my children to Christ,” “I am called to be a witness at my workplace,” “I am called to teach children in Sunday School”). Keep it where you will see it daily.
Realize Duty: Serve Consistently
1. Commit to one consistent act of service for the next month (show up on time and prepared). Small consistency matters more than sporadic zeal.
Rely on Security: Recount Salvation
1. Spend five minutes this week recounting your salvation testimony and pray aloud: “Lord, I know whom I believed.” Let that truth calm worry and embolden your witness.
Repeat Doctrine: Family Echo
1. Choose one doctrinal verse or simple truth and repeat it at meals or family/devotional times. If single, repeat it during your commute or morning routine until it becomes part of your automatic response to trials.
Respectful Friendship: Refresh Someone
1. Contact one believer this week who has stood with you (a minister, mentor, or friend) and tell them you appreciate their faithfulness. Pray for someone who is down and, if possible, take a tangible step to refresh them (a visit, a meal, a supportive note).

Apply these steps in prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit. Faithfulness is not mere duty — it is the work of grace in a life yielded to Christ. Keep the Word central, keep doctrine repeated, and keep your eyes fixed on the One who has called and preserved you.