Second Timothy is the last inspired letter written by Apostle Paul. It was written towards the end of Nero’s reign. This epistle is not formal like first Timothy but more personal in nature. It is a pastoral epistle as well as Paul’s farewell message to Timothy, his beloved son in faith.  Paul knew that his earthly journey was about to come to an end.  Paul is now imprisoned as a common prisoner in a dark, damp, dungeon cell.  He is physically weak. He is lonely and abandoned by all except Luke the beloved physician. In the shadow of his death, Paul most probably dictated this moving letter to Luke for Timothy.  Last words are always important. In spite of all difficulties, Paul was more concerned about Timothy and churches than himself 

(2 Corinthians 11:28). He exhorts Timothy to stand strong in the faith and be a man of God. The church was facing opposition from false teachers and apostates.  Timothy was instructed to flee ungodliness and pursue righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11).  As a man of God, he must be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). He must be courageous and faithful in his ministry. In Chapter one Paul exhorts Timothy that he should not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ Jesus and  his messenger. He should be willing to suffer for the Gospel in the power of God (1:8). In Chapter 2, Paul exhorts Timothy to be an example to others and seek God’s approval (2 Tim 2:15). In Chapter 3, Paul warns Timothy of the spiritual peril and instructs him to follow Paul's example and be guided by the Word of God.  Apostasy is departure from the once for all given faith.  By remaining faithful to the Word of God, we can overcome false teaching (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).  In chapter 4,  Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season. People will turn away from sound doctrines.  But Timothy should endure hardship and do the work of an evangelist. He was exhorted to carry out the ministry God has given him (2 Timothy 4:2, 5). Christian ministry must have an evangelistic purpose at all times.  Second Timothy is a call to remain faithful in a day of collective failure in the church (3:1). Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This epistle begins and ends with grace.