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Childrens Book of 2 Timothy
Chapters 1 - 2

I have written this for children, based solely on the Word of God, but condensed for them... and used Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary for clarification of some words. My added comments are in italics, memory verses are included.

Chapter 1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dearly beloved son (in the faith): Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I thank God whom I serve, knowing that I pray for you night and day. I so greatly desire to see you, remembering your tears (perhaps when they separated, Timothy shed tears). I am filled with joy when I remember the faith that is in you, which was first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and in you also.

I want to you use the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands (Timothy was given a gift by God, as are all believers, each as God wills according to His plan for that person)  For God has not given us to be fearful, but to be filled with power, and love, and a sound mind (firm in the faith, not moved by what is going on around him)

Do not be ashamed of the gospel, nor of me, but bear the sufferings that will come upon you because of the gospel, according to the power of God (Paul is saying that Timothy will also suffering for preaching the gospel, but that God by His power, will carry Timothy through).

God has saved us, and called us, not for our works, but for his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now revealed by the appearing our our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has destroyed death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  And I (Paul) am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  Because of this I suffer these things, but I am not ashamed: for I know in whom I have believed (the Lord Jesus) and am certain that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.  (perhaps this means Paul's soul which is kept by the Lord Jesus because he is a believer.  Perhaps he is referring to those who have been saved because of his preaching of the gospel.)

Hold firm sound words (the doctrines of Christ) which you heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Keep that which was committed to you (the gospel) by (leaning on) the Holy Ghost which dwells in us.

(the rest of the chapter refers to other believers who helped Paul)

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us to be fearful, but to be filled with power, and love, and a sound mind."

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Chapter 2

Therefore my son (in the faith, Timothy) be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Preach the same things that I have taught you to men strong in (the) faith, so that they will be able to teach others also.  Endure sufferings (that will come) to you as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (see Ephesians chapter 6 for the armor of God)

No man that wars (fights the good fight of preaching the gospel in a world that is against the things of God) becomes involved with the things of this life (the Christian, through the grace of God sets his mind on heavenly things, not being full of worries about the things that are going on in the world), so that he may please him (God) who chose him to be a soldier (of the Christian faith)

If a man desires a reward, he must obey the rules.  The farmer that plants must be first to enjoy the fruit (of his own labor, the harvest)

Think about what I am saying, and (I pray) that the Lord will give you understanding of all things.

Remember that Jesus Christ....was raised from the dead according to my gospel (the gospel of Jesus Christ).  and I suffer because (people say that I am) doing evil, even to being in bonds (chains) but the word of God is not bound (no matter what happens to those that preach, the word of God will be preached through all time until the return of the Lord Jesus)

Therefore I suffer for the sake of the elect (those whom God has chosen) so that they also may obtain salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (when the Lord Jesus returns for his own, they will be eternally with him in glory)

It is a faithful saying: For if we are dead with him (when we are saved, our former life is passed away, we have a new life in Christ) we shall also live with him (we will be eternally with him, when Jesus comes for his own).

If we suffer (for the faith) we will also reign with him, if we deny him, he also will deny us (since this chapter is speaking of believers, this must mean that if we deny him, we will lose rewards at the judgment seat.. see 1 Corinthians 3:13-15).  If we believe not, he is faithful, he cannot deny himself..  (this can have two meanings.. for the true believer it would mean that even if our faith waivers, Christ has promised those who believe in him for salvation eternal life, and he cannot deny that promise, so he is faithful to keep us to the day of his return..  for the unbeliever this would mean that if we do not believe the gospel, then Christ is faithful to his promise that those who reject the gospel are condemned.)

Study to show yourself approved to God, as one who does not need to be ashamed, properly interpreting the scriptures which are the truth.  Keep away from teachings that are useless and evil, because they lead to ungodliness.  Some have been in error concerning the truth (of the gospel) saying that the resurrection is already past, and they destroy the faith of some.

Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: The Lord knows those that are his.  Let every one that names the name of Christ have nothing to do with unrighteousness........if a man keeps himself from unrighteous things, he will be prepared for the Lord's use, for every good work (that the Spirit leads him to)

Flee earthy pleasures, follow righteousness (the things of the Lord), faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart (fellow believers)

Avoid foolish questions, knowing that they cause problems. 

The servant of the Lord must not be argumentative, but gentle to all men, able to teach, patient, instructing those that do not bow to the truth of the word of God; that perhaps God will bring them to repentance that they may know the truth, and that they might be saved.

Memory Verse:  2 Timothy 2:7 "Think about what I say, and I pray that the Lord will give you understanding in all things."

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V. Gross/Jan'07