Paul’s “Why”

As these articles continue a study of 2 Timothy 2, we find a verse that I believe is pivotal within this section. This is Paul’s “why”.

Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

2 Timothy 2:10 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2ti.2.10.NIV

Philosophers, analysts, and strategists have sought for centuries to understand both their own and other people’s “why”.

Why does someone make the decisions a certain way?
Why does a person behave the way that they do?
Why did someone say that to me?

Sometimes, these investigators are successful in learning why someone is the way that they are. Unlike some philosophical questions, this is not an inherently impossible question to answer, especially when one learns more about human nature from our Creator.

As Paul has been teaching Timothy how to continue the eternally-important mission of sharing the truth about Jesus Christ, it’s important to understand Paul’s “why”.

Why does Paul keep teaching the truth about Jesus Christ when it results in suffering for him?
Why does Paul want Timothy to follow the same kind of path, enduring suffering for the truth?
Why must we remain actively faithful to the truth when it will cost us something?

If I could summarize Paul’s reasons, I might say that people who need to be saved are why Paul puts up with suffering and continues to teach and live out the truth. People who need to know about Jesus (and who need to choose to follow Him) are why Paul doesn’t give up.

Think about it: This is the total opposite of selfishness, in that Paul is not only yielding direction of his life to God (trusting that God knows better for Paul’s life than Paul does himself), but Paul is also choosing a life of suffering out of his love for others, so that they can enjoy salvation and glory.

Paul probably could have run away easily enough. He could have hid out in some corner of the Roman Empire and kept his faith to himself. I’m sure that he could have found someone to smuggle him far away and to help hide him from various parties who sought to harm him. Paul chose not to, though, because he was driven by something that was so much more important than his leisure, his convenience, his comfort, or even his very life.

Paul wasn’t just some sort of masochist, though. He didn’t ensure events in his life because he liked to suffer or because he wanted people to think that he’s a hero. No, I think that – as of the time of this letter to Timothy – he was enduring suffering because he loved God, he loved others, and he knew that following God’s plan is the best way – and maybe the only way – to show love to both God and others.

We may not make it out of this mortal life alive (although Jesus’ return soon could spare us), but the gospel will go on. [Ref. Moss, p.208] Since that will continue, regardless of our choices, what will our role be in sharing that good news?

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise: In the cosmic battle between good and evil, God will win. However, let’s make sure that we are doing our part in God’s plan – staying focused, following His direction, and working hard – as we participate in this battle.

In this war, though, remember that we’re not fighting over land or oil or power. Instead, we are fighting for something far more important: the souls of those who need Jesus. I hope that you – and I – will remember that today, and let that reminder drive us to do what needs to be done for the greatest good.

From Sunday School lesson prepared for March 23, 2025

References:

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.

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