Ending 2 Timothy 1

The last few words from 2 Timothy 1:

13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

15You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

The last time I did my devotions I was reminded of why I am not ashamed of the gospel. I saw that like Paul I was called of by God. That all I need to do is cling to him because he'll handle all the rest.

Here I read that Paul is telling Timothy to follow what he has learned from him. He needs to do this with faith and love that are found in Christ. To use the Holy Spirit to guard what he knows (the good deposit entrusted to him). The Holy Spirit dwells within all believers, he acts as a guard, helping us to know what is truth from what is not truth.

Then Paul goes on to talk about some people that turned away...people such as Phygelus and Hermogenes.

He also talks about Onesiphorus, who often helped Paul. Onesiphorus sounds like a man with a heart to help others. He had to search for Paul in Rome, and when he did, he helped him, not being ashamed of Paul's chains, but refreshing him. He was also a help in Ephesus. Paul prays that God will grant him and his household mercy.

Now that's a good thought. To pray for mercy for those who are of help to their fellow believers. To not just thank God for them, but to pray that God will grant mercy to them. I like that.