Introduction:     The period in history in which this epistle was written, was known as "the carnival of blood". A time when being a Christian was not only unpopular and difficult, but was also dangerous. The key words or theme of this epistle is found in verse (2 Tim 1:13) "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." Tough steps require tough measures and convictions. Paul admonished young Timothy to:

·        Know the Captain of our Salvation (1:9)

·        Know the Content of our Salvation (1:13)

·        Know the Continuance of our Salvation (2:2)

·        Know the Command of our Salvation (4:2)

It is fundamentally impossible to have "the courage of your convictions, without knowing the "content of your convictions". This truth carries us into this first message, "Fundamental Steps that blueprint us"

I.          THE CALLING OF THE APOSTLE (vs. 1)

Paul reminded Timothy of his spiritual roots. There are two words never found in Paul's vocabulary. They are compromise and quit. These truths were fundamental steps to the success of young Timothy.

            A.        Paul's Past

·        Persecutor of the Church

He sanctioned the death of the church's first martyr, Stephen He arrested and imprisoned Christians (Acts 8:3) he used violence and intimidation to force others to blaspheme (Acts 26:11) 2)

·        Promoter of the Church

It was by the Work of God (Damascus Road) It was by the Word of God (went right to "straight street") It was by the Wonder of God ("sinners, of whom I am chief")

            B.         Paul's Position (apostle)

The word "apostle" is similar to the word "missionary". However, there is one distinct difference. Each apostle had to hand picked by Christ, and had an eyewitness account of Christ after resurrection. This is why there are no apostles today. Paul's position of apostleship was a result of:

·        A Divine Confrontation (with the light of Christ on the Damascus Road

·        A Divine Calling ("Lord, what wilt thou have me to do")

·        A Divine Control ("for me to live is Christ, but to die is gain")

II.         THE CONTINUANCE OF THE APPRENTICE (V. 2a)

Paul's instructions to Timothy were those of a father to a son. There was no doubt; Paul wanted Timothy to be successful in the ministry. He instructed Timothy to:

            A.        Discover His God Given Purpose (v. 5)

·        Salvation ('the faith that is in thee")

·        Strength ("which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois")

·        Service ("I am persuaded that in thee also"

B.         Develop His God Given Potential (v. 6) (stir up the gift of God, which is in thee) This command could be carried out in three avenues: 1) Preaching the Word 2) Partaking of the Word 3) Practicing the Word.

III.       THE CONTENT OF THE ANNOUNCEMENTS (V. 2b)

Saul expresses the thoughts of his heart in two ways:  

            A.        His Moving Greeting

·        The Attraction Of Grace

·        The Affection Of Mercy

·        The Awareness Of Peace

B.         His Motivating Gratitude

·        Toward Terrible Circumstances

Paul was in prison and facing death, but still had the joy in his heart.

·        Toward Timothy

This gratitude toward Timothy is one that we should develop and cherish. The only way we can send ahead into the next generation, those things that are dear to us, is to disciple some child of God, such as Paul discipled Timothy.

Conclusion:       It is fundamentally impossible to have "the courage of your convictions, without knowing the "content of your convictions".