2nd Timothy 1-4

In 2nd Timothy 1 we are reminded of the gift God has given us. 6"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline...12b Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."(NIV)
We are to treasure the gift God has brought to us through the word and ministry of His people. It is so easy to forget that during trials and hardships. Satan will do everything in his power to convince us otherwise. Staying true to God will strengthen your faith and testimony.

In chapter 2 we are instructed to stay strong in two things: 1; Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and 2; Endure hardship together as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, competing by the rules (doing things God's way) and we will be rewarded. We are not to quarrel or pursue evil desires of our youth, but to "pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

Chapter 3 defines godlessness in the last days. 2"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." They are the ones who persecute the church, even though they may claim to be part of us. Our knowledge of scripture will give us wisdom. 16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

In chapter 4 we are given instruction on Preaching the word in and out of season. Many will not accept this and will reject sound doctrine (Godly truth). They will only accept what they want to hear. It is easier to do what we want than what God wants and that also takes us out of a position of power and puts God there. There is a crown of righteousness for those who persevere to the end. Be true to God and He will show you mighty things as He does them through you.