12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced THAT HE IS ABLE TO GUARD what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 2 Timothy 1
Paul speaks of the Lord helping him GUARD what Paul has entrusted to Him (Or alternatively what’s been given to him). Then he tells Timothy to GUARD what’s been entrusted to him with the help of the Spirit. We don’t have to do it alone, God will help us when or if we ask.
13 Now follow the example of the correct teaching I gave you, and let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model. 14 You have been trusted with a wonderful treasure. GUARD IT WITH THE HELP of the Holy Spirit, who lives within us. 2 Timothy 1 CEV (Contemporary English Version)
Paul urged Timothy to, ‘Keep the pattern/model of sound teaching’ which was essential for the younger apostle. But TEACHING ALONE WASN’T ENOUGH, he needed the ‘Faith and Love in Christ Jesus’. The best of teachers still need the Faith and Love of God operating in their teaching and so do we for those God brings to us.
15 You know that everyone in Asia has turned against (Or deserted) me, especially Phygelus and Hermogenes. CEV
Paul may just have been stating fact, but I believe he was disappointed after all his hard work with the people and two in particular were named. The Holy Spirit did prevent Paul from entering Asia and directed him instead to Macedonia. Acts 16
In contrast, Paul then speaks of the man Onesiphorus (Means One bringing usefulness).
16 I pray that the Lord will be kind to the family of Onesiphorus. He often cheered me up and wasn’t ashamed of me when I was put in jail. 2 Timothy 1 CEV
16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 2 Timothy 1 NIV
Paul REMEMBERED HIS KINDNESS (Kindness is always remembered!) and spoke well of him. Paul suffered much abuse and ill treatment in his life, this man who showed him kindness stood out.
17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, HE SEARCHED HARD FOR ME UNTIL HE FOUND ME. (He didn’t give up looking for Paul until he found him) 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. 2 Timothy 1 NIV
Does the Lord have an Onesiphorus for some of us today? Is there someone whom we should be looking to contact and encourage? Paul was obviously alone, but then Onesiphorus appeared and blessed him. This man received the prayers and thanks of a great apostle of God, for his kindness. Sometimes sacrifice on behalf of another may result in great blessings. So has the Lord laid someone on our hearts, whom we can bless and encourage? This in turn may result in blessings for us and our families.
God bless and keep you today.